Portrait and biographical record of the Willamette valley, Oregon, containing original sketches of many well known citizens of the past and present, Part 82

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 82

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FRANK SULLY. Though his ancestry is traced back to a little island country where great farms are not the possessions of the many, Frank Sully has shown by his success in the farming line that nature would have been disappointed had he not turned his attention to agricultural lines. Born in Nottingham, England, January II, 1806, James Sully, the father, spent thirty-

four years of his life among English sights and sounds, engaged for some time in the hosiery business, to which he had been apprenticed in his youth. Some years after his marriage with Miss Ann Moss, who was born in Derbyshire, Eng- land, December 31, 1814, he gave up the old life that was necessarily very dear to him, and for the sake of his family he emigrated to the United States, landing in New York city, where he made his home for some time, his first move in the new country being to Elizabethtown, N. J. Here he secured employment as a bookkeeper, caring for his little family in the generous way to which they were accustomed. In 1846 the family re- moved to Canton, Ill., and here Frank Sully was born August 12 of the same year. In that city his father remained for nine years, entering suc- cessfully the mercantile life, but in 1855 going to the city of Minneapolis, Minn., engaging again as a bookkeeper, in which work he was more than ordinarily successful. In that city he passed the remainder of his life, gaining a prominent place among the citizens of the city, through his in- terest and activity in public affairs. For eight years he had charge of the Board of County Com- missioners as chairman, discharging his duties intelligently and ably, and when he at last retired from active life he was missed in the circles where his associates had been wont to call upon him, sure of his support. He died in 1877, his wife outliving him by seventeen years. Eight children were born to them: James, deceased ; Ellen M., wife of Lucius Babcock; Annie, Mrs. Fillmore ; Sophia, deceased; Frank; Mary, de- ceased ; Elizabeth, who died in infancy ; and Hat- tie, Mrs. Crafts.

Though his earliest recollections of his father are those connected with his mercantile life, and every year of his youth being spent in a city, all combined could not take from Frank his intense love of broad fields and deep, green forests, and when he started out in the world for himself he instinctively turned his footsteps toward the. country lands. His early education had been re- ceived in the common schools of Minnesota, and with his quick, bright intellect he could soon have earned a high place in the city where he was reared, but preferred, instead, to win it through the medium of the farming ways. At fifteen ycars he was almost entirely self-supporting, working at lumbering along the Mississippi and St. Croix rivers. In 1869 he was able to pur- chase land, with a view to farming for himself, and he settled upon a farm near Glencoe, McLcod county, Minn., where he remained for twelve years. At the close of this period he was at- tracted by the glowing tales of the west to go to Oregon, settling in Yamhill county, where he engaged in teaming in McMinnville. After one year of this business he went back to the country,

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renting a farm two miles east of McMinnville, living there for two years, and going from there into Polk county, where he spent another two years on rented property ncar the town of McCoy. Returning to Yamhill county he located four miles east of McMinnville, having seen enough of Oregon to know the wisdom of his choice of a location for a permanent home.

Mr. Sully now owns two hundred and fifteen acres of finely improved property just out of McMinnville, in which town he has built a beau- tiful residence, where he makes his home, super- intending the farm, enjoying thereby the joys of country life and the conveniences of the city.

November 19, 1867, occurred his marriage with Fidelia Peck, who was born near Jackson, Mich., March 13, 1849, and of this union four children were born, two sons and two daughters, three of whom are living: Marian, wife of H. C. Patty ; James, deceased ; Guy L., and Hope. A Repub- lican in politics, Mr. Sully does not aspire to po- litical honors, though he does his duty as a citi- zen, having served as road supervisor and in va- rious school offices, and with his wide thought and the deep spirit of patriotism that controls his action, he is a much-valued member of the com- munity.

W. S. HOUCK, who is controlling an exten- sive and profitable warehouse business, and is also engaged in shipping grain and potatoes, came to the northwest from the Mississippi val- ley, his birth having occurred in Buckley, Iro- quois county, Ill., June 19, 1873. His father, Wesley Houck, is a native of Ohio, and the grandfather, John Houck, was born in that state, whence he removed to Illinois, where he spent his last days. The father engaged in farming in Iroquois county until 1875, when he came to Ore- gon, settling in McMinnville. He now has a farm one mile east of the city, where he is suc- cessfully engaged in carrying on agricultural pur- suits. He is a member of the board of trustees of the Oregon Fire Relief Association. His wife. who bore the maiden name of Ella Snapp, was born in Iroquois county, Ill., and at a very early age was left an orphan. By her marriage she became the mother of five children, and the fam- ily circle still remains unbroken by the hand of death.

W. S. Houck, the second in order of birth and the only son, was but two years of age when the family came to Oregon, and here he was reared, beginning his education at the usual age of six years, and completing it by a high school course, being graduated in the class of 1890. His school days ended, he then entered business life as an employe in the warehouse of M. B. Hendricks. He worked at the humble duty of sewing sacks,

but gradually he was advanced until he became the bookkeeper. He remained with that house until June, 1899, when he started in the ware- house business for himself, becoming a member of the firm of Christenson & Houck. They pur- chased the old Grange warehouse and engaged in the grain and commission business, dealing in grain and also in hay, potatoes and wool. The partnership was maintained until 1900, when Mr. Houck purchased Mr. Christenson's interest and continued alone until the following year, when he admitted A. J. Houck to a partnership under the firin style of Houck & Houck. They have one large building, 100x80 feet, on the line of the Southern Pacific railroad, and a river warehouse, 40x60 feet. They also rent the old Hendricks warehouse, which is 60x80 feet, and is completely filled with hay. They likewise utilize the old Methodist Episcopal Church, which has been con- verted into a warehouse, and is 20x40 feet. The firm buys and ships wheat, oats, hay and pota- toes on an extensive scale, the last-named product being largely sent to the south. In 1901 their shipment to El Paso, Tex., amounted to thirty- seven carloads, while seventeen carloads were sent to Phoenix, Ariz., and large shipments to other places. They buy all over their state, and their business furnishes an excellent market to the producers. They also do a large and profit- able business in the shipment of hay and straw, and annually make extensive purchases of wool, which they ship to Portland. Thus the business has constantly grown until it has taken a place in the front rank of similar enterprises in this por- tion of the country.

In McMinnville, in 1893, Mr. Houck was united in marriage to Miss Sophia Okerson, a native of Michigan, and they now have one child, Elvin. Mrs. Houck is a most estimable lady, and holds membership with the Baptist Church. Fraternally, Mr. Houck is a representative of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, has held all of the offices of the local lodge, and has been sent as a delegate to the Grand Lodge. His political support is given to the Republican party, and as every true American citizen should do, he keeps well informed on the issues of the day, but has never sought office as a reward for party fealty, his attention being given to his commercial in- terests. Although yet a young man, he has at- tained success that many an older man might well envy, and in the control of his affairs has mani- fested keen discrimination, sound judgment and unfaltering diligence.

SAMUEL ROBERTS. Five hundred and eighty acres of the most desirable farming land in Yamhill county is owned and managed by Samuel Roberts, upon whose meadows graze in

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contentment all manner of fine stock. Six acres are devoted to hops, and besides many marketable commodities are raised in large amounts. Two hundred acres are under cultivation, and the gen- eral aspect of things around the farm indicates a continuous effort for the best in agricultural ad- vancement. Mr. Roberts was born in Tippecanoe county, Ind., February 16, 1837, and is a son of Henry and Diana ( De Hart) Roberts, who had also the following children: Vincent, a miner in the state of Washington ; Jacob, a farmer of The Dalles ; Phoebe, the wife of William Laughlin, of North Yamhill; Christopher, a farmer of Idaho; Erastus, deceased, and Albert. Through a for- mer marriage with a Miss Harrison, Henry Rob- erts had two children, of whom Abraham is de- ceased, and William lives near North Yamhill. Mr. Roberts eame to Oregon in the train of Capt. Joe Watts in 1848, and the following year went down into California to work in the mines. After a year's rather unsuccessful effort he determined to go back to farming, and thereupon took up the donation claim upon which his son is now con- dueting large operations. Here the balance of his life was spent, and he had the satisfaction of real- izing that his adopted state had yielded him fair returns for industry and sober business judg- ment.

A year after starting out on his own respon- sibility, at the age of eighteen, Samuel Roberts enlisted in the Cayuse war as a private, and served with credit and courage during this mo- mentous conflict. After the war he worked for three months as a teamster, and thereafter was variously employed until settling, at the age of twenty-four, on the claim formerly owned by his father. The farm was not a gift, but was bought from his sire, and to the improvement of it he has devoted all the intervening years. In 1858 Mr. Roberts married Sarah Griffin, and of this union there have been born three children: Cyrenus, living near his father; Pierce, living at home ; and H. W., also at home. Mr. Roberts is a Dem- oerat in politics, and has served as road super- visor for one term, and as school director for a number of years. He is one of the intelligently progressive and substantial farmers of Yamhill county, and his personal characteristics have won the respect and confidence of all who know him.

GEORGE R. JOHNSON. The family of which George R. Johnson is a worthy representa- tive is enrolled among the pioneer arrivals of 1852, that terrible year made memorable by the cholera scourge which devastated the plains, and laid low the hopes and ambitions of many a hardy traveler. In the success with which he is con- ducting his agricultural and stock-raising enter- prise in Yamhill county, Mr. Johnson emulates

the example of his emigrating father, William R. Johnson, familiarly known as Black Hawk John- son.

. William R. Johnson was born in Ohio, April 2, 1824, his father, Richard Johnson, of Irish par- entage, having been born on the ocean while his parents were emigrating to America. Richard Johnson was reared in Ohio, and through his marriage with Milbrey Graves, a native of North Carolina, reared seven children, five of whom are living, and of whom William R. was the third oldest. This son was reared in the wilds of In- diana, to which his parents removed at an early day, and after his removal to Arkansas married Delphine D. Steward, daughter of John Steward, an old-time resident of the Hoosier state. They had ten children, five of whom are now living : Mrs. Alice G. Stallcop, Mrs. L. H. Messinger, Agnes, George R., and Katherine. March 24. 1852, Mr. Johnson, with his family and mother, started across the plains with the usual equip- ment of ox teams and wagons, and though trav- eling most of the way alone with his family. escaped much of the deprivation and disaster which overtook many searchers after western advantages. Arriving in Yamhill county after a comparatively pleasant journey, in which hunt- ing and fishing furnished the principal diversions, Mr. Johnson settled on a claim of three hundred and twenty aeres near Carlton, a portion of which is now owned by his son, George R. There was no village of MeMinnville at that time, but there were a few ambitious settlers, among them Dr. McBride, W. L. Adams, James McGinnis, Dr. Sitton, and Zebediah Shelton. Having no money with which to start in the west, he borrowed money at three per cent, and by industry and close application to business was soon able to clear any indebtedness encountered in the early days. At first the family kept house in a small log cabin, but this was eventually replaced by one of the best houses in the county. In time Mr. Johnson became one of the very large land own- ers in Yamhill county, his home farm compris- ing seven hundred acres of the best land any- where around, besides several large tracts in dif- ferent parts of the state.

On a portion of the claim of Mr. Johnson was erected the first school-house in this section, around which clustered many memories of the old days, and which at present presents a patri- archal and solemn appearance. Where now the nocturnal owl rears his young and mournfully salutes the night, some of the most prominent up- builders of the county met daily after long jour- neys from their respective homes, to devour such knowledge as was dispensed in the rudely con- strueted school. Mr. Johnson and his neighbors met in the early part of 1861 and hewed and split the logs for the school-house, and the first teacher

games Inchay

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was Judge Lawson, afterward a practicing law- yer at Salem. Among the pupils about this time were David and Franklin Stout, John Bunn, the McCulloghs, former United States Senator Mc- Bride, Judge Thomas McBride, Jason Peters, the Johnsons, the Sittons, the three oldest daugh- ters of O. H. Adams, and enough more to make up an assemblage of sixty-five pupils. In the course of time the old building became inadequate for its needs and a new school was constructed half a mile to the north. No longer an educa- tional institution, the log house became a shelter for several families, among them Nathaniel Win- dom, who lived there with his wife and four children. The wife falling ill unto death, the husband became discouraged and lost his mind, and, imagining that all sorts of danger hung over him, committed suicide by hanging himself in the oak grove nearby. Investigation proved that insanity ran in his family, his brother and mother having been committed for mental derangement. Thus the peaceful old school-house was the scene of a tragedy, with which its history will ever be connected.

The first wife of Mr. Johnson died in 1869, and in 1882 he was united in marriage with Mary Shumway, a native of Wasco county, Ore., and daughter of Aurora Shumway, a highly re- spected Oregon pioneer. By this union two daughters, Lulu and Willie, were born. Mr. Johnson was a Republican in politics, but aside from the formality of casting his vote, took no particular interest in politics. He took a keen interest in the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows, of which he was a member in good stand- ing for many years. He died on the old home- stead September 10, 1901.

George R. Johnson is a native son of Yamhill county, and was born on the paternal claim May 6, 1865, the second youngest of the children of his father's first marriage. At the age of twenty- one he started out to farm on his own responsi- bility, and in 1893 went to Jackson county, Ore., where he became interested in mining and pros- pecting. At the expiration of four years, during which time he became the possessor of large min- ing interests, he returned to Yamhill county, and in 1898 availed himself of the mining chances in Alaska, near White Horse Rapids. He took a few claims in this region, but soon after sold them, and while in the far north worked as a driver on a tramway, and also broke in horses for the tramway company. Returning to Yamhill county in 1898, somewhat disenchanted with the north, he located on the home place, and has since made this his home. He owns fifty acres of the original donation claim, and makes his home in the old house. Twenty-five acres are under cul- tivation, and general farming and stock-raising are engaged in. Mr. Johnson is variously inter-

ested in affairs in the county, and like his father, is a Republican in politics, although he is inter- ested only so far as securing the election of good men is concerned. Formerly he was associated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, but has been demitted. He is one of the substantial and reliable Oregonians who may be depended on to further the best interests of their community, and a continuation of his present success is be- yond the question of doubt.

JAMES McKAY. Though the old pioneers are surely passing away from the scenes of their early labors in Oregon, their memory is one that will outlast the passage of time. Deeds, not words, was the heritage which they left to the present generation, the evidence of their earnest, self-sacrificing lives scattered through- out the length and breadth of the state and in- suring them a place in the hearts of those who live and profit by the success of their efforts. James McKay, a man to be named among the first pioneers of the state, is remembered as one who came to the west with earnest purpose and realized his object of making a personal success and as well gave his best efforts toward the up- building of a commonwealth. Morally strong, honest, energetic and persevering, his was an influence which made a deep impression in all communities where he made his home, and to him and others of like calibre is owed a debt incalculable, since it affects the moral worth as well as financial and commercial interest of the country.

James McKay was of Irish extraction, having been born near Belfast, April 15, 1818, the youngest of three children born to his parents, John Niel and Catherine ( McKusker ) McKay, both of whom were also natives of Ireland. The death of each occurred in the old home there. Of the children, John, Elizabeth and James, the last named was the only one who sought a home in America. He was educated in the national schools of Glasgow, Scotland, whence his parents removed shortly after his birth, and on attaining sufficient age he learned the trades of carpenter and miller. While in Dundee, working at his trade of ship carpenter, he was married in 1840 to Cecelia Lawson, a native of that place, born November 9, 1822. She was a daughter of William Lawson, a prominent manufacturer of Dundee, and the representative of one of the old families of the country. Shortly after their mar- riage Mr. Mckay brought his wife to America, locating first in Albany, N. Y., where he con- tinned to work at his trade of ship carpenter. Becoming interested in the pioneer possibilities of the middle west he became a resident of Illi- nois, and locating in Joliet was soon employed

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on the canal. While in their Illinois home two sons, William and James, were born to Mr. and Mrs. McKay. Early in 1847 Mr. Mckay de- cided to cast in his lot with the vanguard of civilization in the northwest, and accordingly outfitted with ox-teams and various necessities for the long journey across the plains. While coming down the Columbia river from The Dalles the two children were taken ill with measles and died.

On reaching Portland Mr. Mckay and his wife remained a few days, when he went up the valley to St. Paul and purchased mill property known as the Old Mission Mill, agreeing to pay $8,000, a sum of money he had yet to make in his new home. He also became the owner of a section of land, a timbered tract, which fur- nished him with material for his saw-mill, which he conducted in conjunction with a flour-mill. The same year he went to California at the height of the gold excitement, and conducted a tavern at Sacramento until December, when he returned to the northwest and paid for his Ore- gon property with the result of his successful summer's work. He then entered upon an in- dustrious prosecution of his milling interests, in which occupation he remained for many years. While so occupied he also became interested in other lines, investing his surplus means prin- cipally in real estate, in Portland erecting the Mckay Building, one of the modern structures of the city. He also owned residence properties, and at one time had in his possession the south- west corner of Yamhill and Fourth streets. That Mr. Mckay was successful in the accom- plishment of his personal object is shown in the quantity and quality of the property which he accumulated. He owned at the time of his death three farms, business and residence prop- erty in Portland, and business property at The Dalles, the whole being the result of his own earnest application and persevering efforts.

After becoming residents of Oregon eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. McKay, of whom two, twins in birth, died in early in- fancy, unnamed. Those remaining are as fol- lows: William R., now living near St. Paul; Mary, who resides in Portland; John N., who owns the old home at St. Paul; Kate, wife of John McCormick, living near Woodburn; James, who died in early childhood; and Cecelia, wife of John Kirk, of St. Paul, Ore. The wife of Mr. McKay died upon the old home place, June 13, 1870. As a Christian mother, wife and friend she possessed in a remarkable degree those at- tributes which endeared her to all who knew her and made her an honor and an ornament to society. Mr. McKay remained there until 1886, when he gave up his lifework in St. Paul

and removed to Portland, where his death oc- curred August 29, 1898.

With the passing away of Mr. Mckay was lost to Oregon a man of unusual worth. Though of a retiring disposition and always inclined to spend his leisure at home, he was still a broad- minded citizen, interested in the welfare of city and state. He gave his vote and support to the Democratic party, though he was never active in political affairs. In religion he was a mem- ber of the Roman Catholic Church, and was al- ways a liberal contributor to church and all charitable enterprises, as well as giving a hearty support to the schools of the country. Upright and honorable, with a clean record, it is just that his memory should live to those for whom he helped to form the commonwealth of Oregon.

LEWIS S. HUTT, living on a farm one and a half miles east of North Yamhill, is a native son of this county, was was born November 2, 1865. His father, Thomas B. Hutt, was born in Pike county, Mo., September 12, 1821, his mother, Rachel (Laughlin) Hutt, being also a native of Pike county, and born December 26, 1826. The parents were married in Missouri, and soon after, in 1847, started over the plains with ox teams, and by a mere providential chance escaped being members of the ill-fated Whitman party. With- out particular incident they accomplished the long and tedious journey, and in 1848 the father took up a donation claim of six hundred and forty acres of land, where he farmed and raised stock for the remainder of his life, his death occurring on the home place, July 13, 1876. His wife, who died in Walla Walla, Wash., July 12, 1901, having in the meantime married H. Bar- ney, was the mother of ten children, three of whom are living. Of these, Jane is the wife of Frank M. Bridgefarmer, a farmer of Idaho; and Sarah, Mrs. Flett, resides in Wapato. Thomas B. Hutt was a very successful man, and among the pioneer troubles with which he had to con- tend were the Indian wars, in which he par- ticipated in a most creditable manner as lieuten- ant. Under Captain Hembree, later killed by the Indians, and supplanted by Captain Lee, he served throughout the war of 1855-56.

At the age of eighteen Lewis S. Hutt removed from the paternal farm near Yamhill to Walla Walla, Wash., his mother and step-father accom- panying him. In North Yamhill, November 4. 1891, he married Frances Blackburn, a native of Marion county, whose father, A. Blackburn, was born in England. Mr. Hutt continued to live near Walla Walla until 1897, and then returned to the home taken up by his father, which has since been his special charge. He owns three hundred and twenty acres near Walla Walla,

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Wash., and one hundred acres in North Yamhill, where he engages in general farming, raising stock to some extent, and carries on dairying on a small scale. The old home occupied by his parents in the long ago still shelters his interest- ing little family, comprising his wife and four children, Lester T., Verle R., Sylvia P., and Le- land L. Mr. Hutt is interested in educational and other means of progress, and as a school director has contributed his share towards im- proving the prevailing school conditions. Ever since his first voting days he has affiliated with the Republican party, but the honors of office have never justified him in neglecting his home interests, or striving for their conference on him- self.

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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 82

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