Portrait and biographical record of western Oregon, containing original sketches of many well known citizens of the past and present.., Part 101

Author: Chapman Publishing Company, Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1904
Publisher: Chicago, Chapman publishing company
Number of Pages: 1064

USA > Oregon > Portrait and biographical record of western Oregon, containing original sketches of many well known citizens of the past and present.. > Part 101

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

728

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

forty acres of orchard, including peaches, prunes, apples and pears, and they found a ready market for their fruit, which was the best possible to be found in this state. In 1897 a new orchard of one hundred acres was set out, but by this time Alfred Weeks had succeeded to the principal management of the orchards, for in 1890 his brother and brother-in-law had opened a furni- ture-factory in Phoenix, and devoted much of their attention to the mercantile venture. In 1901 Mr. Lewis purchased the interest of the brother and brother-in-law, since which time Al- fred Weeks has been sole manager of the orchards. Mr. Orr died in August, 1901, but the furniture business, conducted under the firm name of Weeks Brothers, is still catering to a flourishing trade.

· Alfred Weeks is a Republican in politics, and is fraternally connected with the Knights of Pythias. He has done much to elevate the stand- ard of fruit-growing in this county, and has given the subject that absorbing study into which all true agricultural enthusiasts are irresistibly led. He is a man of honor, intelligence and broad mindedness, and commands the respect of all who are fortunate enough to know him.

CLELAND WEAVER is among the most ex- tensive fruit growers in the South Umpqua val- ley, as well as one of the largest land owners in Douglas county, Ore. In that region, the name of Weaver is synonymous with prosperity and Cleland Weaver is no exception to the rule. He was born on the farm which is now his home, September 2, 1866, and he is one of twelve chil- dren born to Hans and Harriet (Bigham) Weaver. Hans Weaver was at one time the larg- est land owner in Douglas county. He owned three thousand eight hundred acres in one tract and was engaged in stock-raising on a large scale. He was a native of Dublin, Ireland, and when he was three years old his parents sought a home in America, settling in Guernsey county, Ohio. There young Hans Weaver grew to man-

hood, was educated and learned the carpenter's trade. There, also, his marriage took place, in 1822, his wife being a native of Ohio. The young couple afterward removed to Washington county, Ill., where they lived until the spring of 1853. when they crossed overland to Oregon and settled in Douglas county. He was promi- nently identified with every movement of import- ance and consequence in his section, during his long and useful life. Both he and his wife reached an advanced age, and a more complete biography of them is published in another part of this history.

Cleland Weaver was educated in the district schools of Douglas county, and remained at

home, assisting his father until his marriage on March 7, 1897, with Rosella Beasley, who is also a native of Douglas county. Soon after marriage, the young people went to housekeep- ing on a part of the homestead farm which was set apart for their use. They built a house and have made all the improvements on the place. The farm upon which they reside contains four hundred and eighty-nine acres, and is two and a half miles southwest of Myrtle Creek. It is a part of the original James Weaver donation claim and is owned by J. R. Weaver of Montana. Cleland Weaver is the manager of the ranch and conducts affairs in a business-like and satisfac- tory way. He has twenty acres of prunes and five acres of apples ; carries on general farming and stock-raising, raising principally the red Dur- ham shorthorn, but most of the ranch is under cultivation. In addition to the ranch which he manages, Mr. Weaver owns two hundred and forty-three acres, mostly in bottom lands, along the Umpqua river, and has forty-five acres in corn, has nine hundred pear trees, besides an extensive orchard of other varieties. He and his wife have two children, Leah and Alvin William. In his poliitcal beliefs he upholds the principles of the Republican party, but is not active in pol- itics.

Mr. Weaver is enterprising and progressive, is a shareholder in the Myrtle Creek Fruit Growers' Association, and is respected throughout the community of which he is so valuable a member.

DANIEL WALKER. Yet another of the pioneers of Jackson county who have spent the best years of their lives in developing its resources is Daniel Walker, formerly owner of four hun- dred acres of land six miles from Ashland, and who is one of the substantial and highly honored agriculturists and stock-raisers of his neighbor- hood. Mr. Walker has always lived in the country, as did his forefathers, and he acknowl- edges special liking for an existence far from the rush and turmoil of cities. Everything about his farm suggests thrift and progressiveness, and it is apparent to his many friends that farming to him represents a pleasure as well as a means of livelihood. This earnest and large-hearted agriculturist was born on a farm near Indian- apolis, Ind., February 12, 1834, and his educa- tion was acquired during the winter months in the common schools of Indiana and Iowa, to which latter state his parents removed when he was fourteen years old. After his marriage with Frances McGahey, of Iowa, he farmed independ- ently in that state, and in 1864 sold his farm and bought the necessary outfit for transporting his family across the plains. The old-time ox-teams were substituted by the more rugged and tire-

729

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

less mule teams, and the party arrived in Polk county, Ore., after a comparatively speedy jour- ney. In 1867 they removed to Jackson county and bought two hundred and sixty-one acres of land, Mr. Walker also entering another one hun- dred and sixty acres, the same summer purchas- ing the ranch upon which he has since made his home. He is an expert in judging of fine stock, and for many years has devoted himself to buy- ing, selling and raising the higher grades in demand by practical and progressive stock men. His house and barns are modern, commodious and convenient, and it is noticed that each year is marked by some addition in the way of im- plements or general improvements. Mr. Walker studies the advance in general farming in older and more settled communities, and profits there- by as his means and inclination dictate.

The children born of Mr. Walker's first mar- riage are as follows: W. A., a resident of Kla- math county, on a fifteen hundred acre ranch in which Mr. Walker is half owner; Mary, the wife of J. A. Parker, of Klamath county ; James G., living near Ashland; and D. G., living on his father's home place. In 1886 Mr. Walker married his present wife, who came of one of the pioneer families of the state, and was former- ly Sarah Grubb, a native of Iowa. Samuel Grubb, who attained to prominence in the early affairs of this county, was born in 1815, and crossed the plains with his family in 1852. The first winter he spent in Jacksonville, and in the spring of 1853 took up a donation claim a mile from Ashland, where he encountered many ob- stacles in clearing his land and establishing a home. He was a carpenter and builder by oc- cupation, and after coming to the west put up many houses and barns for the settlers. He as- sisted in laying out all of the roads of this part of the state, and helped to organize the first school- house in this vicinity. This was a small frame structure, and the pupils were in danger of being attacked by the Indians at any time. In fact the Indians were so troublesome that the settlers were obliged to erect a fort in which to protect them- selves and their children. It is recalled that four of the settlers were killed about this time, and the stock was either killed or appropriated to the use of the red men. When times became quieter Mr. Grubb prospered and at the time of his death in 1883. left a competence to his heirs.

Mr. Walker is a Democrat in political affilia- tion. but has never been willing to accept office. Industriously he has carved his fortune out of the crude resources of Jackson county, his influence increasing every year, and his name being asso- ciated with all that is progressive and of good report. Losing his father at the age of three years, his youth knew little save hard work and constant striving, and he therefore stands

for the noble body of men which this country de- lights to honor, and who have depended solely upon their own efforts for advancement.

DAVID EGBERT PEASE. For twenty-two years David Egbert Pease was one of the fore- most business men of Skipanon, and during that time gained an enviable reputation as a liveryman and hotel-keeper. His retirement from business was felt in many departments of town activity, and his death, in the house now occupied by his widow, June 5, 1896, was felt to be a blow not only to his family, but to the hosts of friends wont and retained by his many admirable personal characteristics. Born in Orange county, N. Y., March 29, 1820, Mr. Pease was a son of Eben- ezer Pease, also a native of New York state, and of English descent. His wife, who bore him seven children, was of Irish descent, and she ac- companied him to Illinois while David was still a child.

Reared on the Illinois farm, Mr. Pease received a fair education, and as he was fond of books he continually added to his knowledge as years passed and opportunities came to him. In March, 1845, in Jersey county, Ill., he was united in marriage with Hannah P. Pegg, who was born in England, September 25, 1825, a danghter of William and Mary (Turner) Pegg, also born in England. When four years of age Mrs. Pease came to America with her parents, locating in Jersey City, N. J., where the father engaged in a starch manufactory for four years. He then moved to Jersey county, Ill., of which locality he was one of the very early settlers, and which the family found lonely and desolate and wild. The farm, however, developed into a paying prop- osition, and here Mr. Pease met and married his wife, to whom he was to owe so much of his suc- cess in life. The young people went to housekeep- ing on a farm in Jersey county, and in the spring of 1849 followed a plan which had matured dur- ing the winter, and which promised a more gener- ous livelihood on the far western coast. The train met with many experiences of a trying nature, but finally landed in Clackamas county, Septem- ber 2, 1849.

The same fall, the Pease family came to the Columbia river, and remained there while Mr. Pease constructed a saw-mill on the Lewis and Clark river. Soon after he bought a residence in Skipanon and opened his hotel and livery bus- iness, so successfully conducted for two-score- and-two years. He was a prominent politician in the height of his prosperity, and filled the diffi- cilt office of sheriff of Clatsop county in the border days of 1850. He was postmaster of Skipanon for a number of years, and was also justice of the peace and school director for many

730

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

years. He was a stanch Republican since the Civil war, but was broad and liberal when it came to office-holders. For years he was a de- voted member of the Baptist Church, which both himself and wife joined in Illinois. Mr. Pease was gracious and dignified in manner, kind and thoughtful in his family, and a prominent and important factor in the early upbuilding of Clat- sop county.

THOMAS R. BROWN. With other earnest and conscientious business men, Thomas R. Brown's name is enrolled among the upbuilders of the west, many sections of which benefited by his superior ability and admirable citizenship. AAlthough he came to Ashland as recently as 1896, and died here a year later, on February 2, 1897, he was well established on a farm of two hundred and forty acres just outside the town limits, and was regarded as a factor of growth and influence in this locality. Mr. Brown was a native of Perryville, Ind., and was born March 25, 1845. When nine years old he removed to Danville. Ill., and while still there the Civil war broke out and inspired with patriotic fervor the youth of the prosperous town. Enlisting as a drummer boy at Lincoln's second call for volun- teers, he later on served as a private in Com- pany K, Thirty-seventh Illinois Volunteer In- fantry, participating in such important battles as Pea Ridge, Vicksburg and others of minor account, and in fact serving throughout the en- tire campaign. That he was brave and capable as a soldier was proved by his advancement to the rank of second lieutenant, and thus the hum- ble drummer boy had his war dreams realized in part at least. .

After the war Mr. Brown returned to Illinois and clerked in a general store in the county, and afterward engaged in a hardware business in Danville until 1870. After removing to Cali- fornia in the fall of that year he clerked in a mercantile establishment for a couple of years, and in 1872 accepted a similar position in Mar- ion, Ore .. and in 1877 removed to Salem. In October, 1872, he married Della J. Pickard, who was born in Marion county, a daughter of Oliver and Ruhama (Shrum) Brown, the latter a daughter of Nicholas Shrum, who crossed the plains in 1846. In 1878 Mr. Brown purchased an interest in a hardware and implement busi- ness in Salem. Marion county, and in 1881 re- moved to Tacoma, Wash., where he became identified with" freight and passenger boats run- ning on the sound, which business he main- tained with success until 1890. While in Wash- ington he was appointed United States marshal, and served four years, and soon after was ap- pointed receiver for the Lake Shore and Eastern

Railroad, now known as the International Rail- road. He was prominent and influential in a section of country which had need of energy and practical judgment, and at the time of his removal to Ashland in 1896 left behind him many regrets and a host of devoted friends.

Unquestionably Mr. Brown anticipated many years of peace and happiness and success in the rural life permitted by his large land purchase in the outlying districts of the town; and it was intensely regretted that his aspirations should be so far from realized. He had lived honorably and well, however, and had reflected credit and distinction upon the various occupations to which he had been called. Mr. Brown was a Republican in political affiliations, and was connected with the Grand Army of the Republic. He was the father of four children, of whom Oliver W. died at the age of ten years; Ruhama is the wife of Joseph Wertz, of Portland ; Clara M. is the wife of John McIntosh, an architect, of Ashland ; and Thomas R. is living on the home farm. Mrs. Brown has proved an excellent manager since her husband's death, and her home is one of the comfortable and hospitable and delightful ones of the neighborhood.

CHARLES G. PALMBERG. As a promi- nent member of the Chamber of Commerce and Commercial Club of Astoria, Ore., Mr. Palm- berg is one of the leading contractors and build- ers of that city, where he located in 1891. Born in Linkoping, Sweden, June 14, 1867, and the eldest of a family of eight children born to An- drew John and Malin Peterson, Mr. Palmberg is one of the four now living, all being residents of America, two of the brothers being residents of Astoria. The beloved parents are also living, having emigrated to America with their family in 1878, settling at that time in a town near Du- luth, Minn., and their home has been there ever since ; they are now well along in years, the father having passed his sixtieth milestone.

The educational training of Mr. Palmberg was obtained by faithful attendance in the common schools of his native place, and at fourteen he became apprenticed to learn the cabinet-maker's trade in the same city. He served a four-years' apprenticeship and completely mastered that use- ful trade, and about 1884 he left his home to try his fortune in America. At Duluth, Minn., he followed carpenter work until 1891, when he was induced to locate in Astoria. After following his chosen occupation as a journeyman there for about two years, in the employ of J. W. Super- nant, in 1893 he embarked in business on his own behalf as contractor and builder of residences, etc. Several years afterward he began doing general contracting and building, and many of the prom-

731

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

inent buildings in that city and in other coast towns in that section were built by him. He erected the Hotel Flavel, the A. & C. warehouse and trestle, the Spexorth building, the Gilbert residence, and others equally important, employ- ing during the busy season from forty to fifty assistants. Mr. Palmberg has been quite success- ful, and has been accumulating a good deal of valuable real estate in Clatsop county. He fias built several fine residences not only in Astoria but in Warrenton, which he still owns, and has done considerable to build up both cities. His commodious shop and fine office are both located on Twelfth street, and he occupies a high position socially, and is claimed in the ranks of the Re- publicans. He owns extensive mining interests in Washington.

EBENEZER C. HOLDEN. A residence of thirty years in Astoria has rendered Ebenezer C. Holden familiar to the majority of the people. A man of sterling character and hon- est worth, he is held in the highest respect and esteem. Coming here when the popula- tion of the place scarce numbered a thousand souls, he became actively identified with local affairs, and proved himself an important factor in aiding the growth and progress of the city. For twenty-two years he served with efficiency and fidelity as secretary of the Chamber of Commerce, resigning the position in Decem- ber, 1902, on account of his advanced age. He was born September 17, 1824, in Slinfold, Sussex county, England, which was likewise the birthplace of his father, David Holden, Jr., and of his grandfather, David Holden, Sr. Both were active business men, engaged in the ironmonger's trade. His parents, David and Sarah Holden, were the parents of seven- teen children, twelve of whom grew to years of maturity, and six came to America, three sons and two daughters settling in New York state, and one son, E. C., coming to Oregon.

The ninth child in order of birth, E. C. Holden was sent at the age of eight years to Christ's Hospital, better known as the Blue- coat School, in London, where he studied over six years. Being then apprenticed to Simpkin, Marshall & Co., booksellers and publishers, London, he remained with that firm until 1844. after which he taught school nearly three years in Staffordshire, England. Coming to America in 1847, he first secured employment as a clerk in Cincinnati, Ohio, and was afterward in Buffalo, N. Y., for awhile. There joining a company bound for the Pacific coast, he went with his companions to western Missouri, where an ox and mule-train was fitted out for the long journey across the plains. Starting

in May, 1849, the company, which was strong and well armed, came through with the loss of but one man, a guide being killed by the In- dians. At Walla Walla the teams gave out, and the party walked the last three hundred miles of the distance, arriving at Oregon City in September. Remaining in that place until March, 1850, Mr. Holden then went to Cali- fornia by water, and for two years engaged in mining, first on the Yuba river, and then in Downeyville. Going as a shipping clerk to Hong Kong, China, in 1852, he remained abroad until 1853, when he returned to Cali- fornia and resumed mining, until 1859. Lo- cating in San Francisco, he conducted a hotel in that city for three years, when, on account of ill health, he went to Victoria Island, in 1862, and was there engaged in the hotel busi- ness until 1868. Disposing of his hotel in that year, Mr. Holden came to Oregon, and was engaged in the logging and lumber busi- ness for four years, his headquarters being in Portland. Removing to Oregon City in 1872, he ran a hotel for a year. In 1873 he came to Astoria, opening a restaurant and confection- ery store, which he managed for three years. Subsequently establishing himself in the auc- tion and commission business, he became suc- cessful in that line, and also made money by dealing in furs and realty, being for a long time almost the only real estate agent in this locality. From these industries he retired in 1888, having accumulated a competency. In 1883 he built the Holden House, of which he has since been proprietor and manager.

In Sierra City. Cal .. Mr. Holden married Emma Rudd, who was born in Devonshire, England, and came to California in 1853. Mr. and Mrs. Holden became the parents of six children, namely: Charles David, who died in 1862, in Victoria : Mrs. Mary Esther Strong, of Carlton, Ore .; Edmund C., who died in Victoria ; Emma M., wife of A. W. Mackenzie. of Portland ; Pearl B., wife of .C. H. Callender, of Knappton, Wash .: and Frances G., wife of C. M. Brink, of Oakland, Cal. For twenty- four years Mr. Holden has served as an elder in the Astoria Presbyterian Church, and in 1887 was a delegate to the general Presby- terian assembly, held in Omaha, Neb. When the session was through, Mr. Holden went to England, visiting his old home for the first time in forty years, being absent five months. He has always been prominent in church work, and for many years was superintendent of the Sunday-school. Politically he has been a strong Republican since the bombardment of Fort Sumter. Fraternally Mr. Holden was made a Mason in Vancouver Lodge, A. F. & A. M. of Victoria, in 1864; during the same

732

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

year lie became a member of Victoria Lodge No. I, I. O. O. F., of which he is still a mem- ber, and is past noble grand; he now belongs to Temple Lodge No. 7, A. F. & A. M., of Astoria, of which he has been secretary dur- ing the last twenty-three years; and is a mem- ber, and secretary, of St. John's Chapter No. 14, R. A. M. He belongs to the Astoria Pio- neer Association, and to the State Pioneer Association.

ASA CONNOR HOUGH. The record of the Hough family is traced back to Edward Hough, of Westchester, England, whose son, William, crossed the ocean on the ship that fol- lowed the historic Mayflower. He founded the family on the west coast of the Atlantic at Gloucester, Mass. Next in line of descent was John, known as Captain Hough, a native of New London, Conn., born October 17. 1655. By his marriage he became connected with an old and honored family. His wife, Hannah Dennison, was a granddaughter of David and Grace ( Brew- ster) Wetherell, the latter a great-granddaughter of William Brewster, who came over in the May- flower and served as the head of the Plymouth colony. Capt. John Hough's son, David, a native of New London, Conn., was the father of Daniel Hough, who was born at Norwich, Conn. Each ancestor of the four generations last named was an attorney at law and a man of influence. Dur- ing the Revolutionary war several of the name fought for the liberty of the colonies.

Asa Edgerton Hough, son of Daniel, was born near Richmond, Va., and followed the example set by his ancestors in taking up the law as his chosen profession, but, during much of his life he was interested in commercial pursuits. In 1828 he ran the steamer Rover to Fort Snelling. During 1833 he settled as a pioncer in Potosi, Wis. At the time of the Black Hawk war he was a captain of a company that went out against the Indians. His son, Judge George C. Hough, was born at Fairfax Courthouse, Va., September 27. 1822, and was educated in the University of Missouri at St. Louis. It was natural that he should adopt a profession in which others of the name had gained distinction and honor. From an early age the bent of his mind was toward the law. He was admitted to the bar in Wiscon- sin and there engaged in practice. During 1851 he went to California via Panama and at first engaged in mining and prospecting, but later practiced Jaw at Downeyville with James A. Johnson, subsequently lientenant-governor of ('alifornia. From there he went to Portland. where he aided in clecting Edward L. Baker, of California, as United States senator from Ore- gon. At the time of the gold excitement in

Idaho he went to Boise City and upon the forma- tion of the territorial government was appointed attorney-general of the territory of Idaho. Re- turning to Wisconsin in 1869, he resumed prac- tice there and also acted as general attorney for the North Wisconsin and West Wisconsin Rail- roads for many years. For a time the company's offices were at Hudson, on the St. Croix river, after which they were moved to St. Paul. Since 1872 he has made his home at New Richmond, where he now lives in retirement. For a time, during his younger years, he was judge of the circuit court of Wisconsin. In the many posi- tions of trust and honor to which he was called he served tactfully and acceptably. Inheriting from his ancestors keen logical faculties, these he developed by contact with the world and expe- rience of life in its many phases, and thus came to possess a knowledge of the law as broad as it was thorough.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Portrait and biographical record of western Oregon, containing original sketches of many well known citizens of the past and present.., Part 101

Author: Chapman Publishing Company, Chicago, pub Publication date: 1904 Publisher: Chicago, Chapman publishing company Number of Pages: 1064

Author: Chapman Publishing Company, Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1904
Publisher: Chicago, Chapman publishing company
Number of Pages: 1064