Portrait and biographical record of western Oregon, containing original sketches of many well known citizens of the past and present.., Part 107

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 107

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A native son of the golden west, Mr. Leathers was born in Redwood City, Cal., September 8, 1857, and is the oldest of the seven children born to Peter and Ellen (Sullivan) Leathers, natives of Vermont and Ireland, respectively. Peter Leathers was reared in Lynn, Mass., and there learned the shoemaker's trade, which he followed until 1851. In the spring of that year he came to California by way of Panama, and in Red- wood City engaged in the warehouse business, supplying hay and wheat to the San Francisco market until a short time before his death, in 1893. His wife also died in California, as did also two of his children.

From a boy Richard Leathers assisted his father in the warehouse, and when fifteen years of age gave up school entirely and devoted all of his time to the business. At the age of eighteen he apprenticed to John Reid, boat-builder of San Francisco, for three years and a half, and during this time proved one of the most adept and con- scientious pupils ever trained by this veteran builder. His time up, he was sent by Mr. Reid to Alaska, in charge of the construction of three knock-down boats at St. Michaels, to be used by the Alaska Commercial Company on the Yukon river, for trading purposes. At the end of three and a half months he returned to Mr. Reid's shop in San Francisco, and was afterward sent by his

superior to San Benito, Mexico, to repair boats used by the coffee plantation owners. At the end of four months he was taken with fever and was obliged to return to San Francisco, after which he continued in the employ of Mr. Reid and other boat-builders until 1881. Mr. Leathers then came to Astoria and began building fishing-boats by the piece, and in the summer of 1882 went to Brit- ish Columbia and at New Westminster assisted Mr. Howe to build the first ten fishing-boats used on the Fraser river. His next venture was in As- toria, where he opened a boatshop at the foot of Eighth street with his brother, Joseph, and began to turn out fishing and other small boats under the firm name of Leathers Brothers. Later on the brothers dissolved partnership and Mr. Leathers continued alone until starting the yard on the Hume dock, which he operated for three years. Next he built his present shop, and thinks that he has about the finest location possible. Mr. Leathers is a Republican in politics, and is fra- ternally identified with Temple Lodge No. 7, A. F. & A. M., and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks.

CHARLES J. SWINGLE. Descended as he has from sturdy pioneers who assisted in trans- forming the wilderness into a habitable place, Mr. Swingle from his earliest recollection has been identified with the agricultural interests of Ore- gon, particularly with Langells valley, in Kla- math county. Other men not so well fitted as he have left the ancestral home, gone to large cities and built up fortunes in various business ventures. But not so with Mr. Swingle, who has chosen to remain on the land which came to him as a legacy from his father, and the splendid manner in which he conducts his fine six hundred acre ranch bespeaks not only the continued pros- perity of its owner, but shows that his preference for farm life is a wise choice. By his careful and methodical habits he has proved his ability not only to retain possession of his inheritance, but to increase the output of the ranch by adopt- ing progressive and up-to-date methods far be- vond the most vivid imagination of the early set- tlers.

On the paternal side Mr. Swingle is of German descent. his great-grandfather coming to Amer- ica from Germany. The father, Joseph Swingle, was born August 1, 1819, in Scranton, Pa., and while a resident of the east was a brick-maker by trade. He was united in marriage with Miss Ida A. Tucker, born in Ontario, Canada, Febru- ary 17, 1821, but the ceremony which united them took place in Illinois. Shortly after mar- riage the young people went to Wisconsin, where Mr. Swingle had lived for some time previous to his marriage, and in the spring of 1852 he left his

Wir Vaughn Mrs Ha, Voucher

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family among friends in that state and embarked upon the uncertainties of the then little-known west. The hardships of the long journey were cheerfully borne and upon his arrival in Califor- nia he saw brighter chances for individual suc- cess, and located at once upon the land where Oakland now stands. Selling his land for $6 per acre, the following year he returned to Wis- consin, via the Isthmus, for his family.

Upon his return to the west he went at once to Jackson county, Ore., took up a claim on An- telope creek, and with ambitions fully astir he resolved to make the best of his opportunities and began improving and cultivating his land in connection with stock-raising. He found the latter to be a more profitable business than any- thing else offered in that section, and in 1870 he moved into Klamath county with his cattle, as forage was more abundant there. Two years later the family removed into Ashland, in order that the children might enjoy better educational privileges, and in 1878 they returned to the farm. The beloved mother had departed this life April 20, 1870, and was survived a quarter of a century by her husband, who continued to prosper and was recognized as one of the best stockmen and substantial citizens in his locality. In politics he was a Democrat and upon his death in 1895, his large ranch was divided equally among his chil- dren. His loyalty to his country was unques- tioned, and twice he took up arms against the hostile Indian, as a volunteer in the Rogue River war, serving under Colonel Ross, and as captain of a company in the Modoc war in 1873.

Born in Jackson county, Ore., May 22, 1866, Charles J. Swingle was but five years old when the family moved into Klamath county, and before he attained the age of thirteen he had received a good educational foundation in the schools of Ashland. Having a natural desire for knowledge, he built upon this by his own efforts, and in time acquired a good practical education. Joining his father on the ranch in 1878, at that early age he became interested in the stock business, to which his life has since been devoted. He now has six hundred acres all in one ranch in Langells valley, ten miles southeast of Bonanza. Over two hun- dred head of high-grade cattle range on his pas- tures, mostly Durham and Hereford breeds, and he also raises mules and horses to some extent.

Republican in politics, he has served six years as justice of the peace and a number of times as school director. He has never joined but one society and that solely for the protection of his family should misfortune befall him. He holds a membership in Lodge No. 110, A. O. U. W., of Klamath Falls, a beneficiary organization. He unites with his family in worshiping at the Con- gregational Church of Lorella, and both he and his wife are among its most influential members,

Mr. Swingle officiating as deacon. September 18, 1890, marks the date of his happy union with Orpah Fryer, a native of Yamhill county, Ore., the ceremony taking place in North Yamhill. They have one bright child whom they call Oka Maysia. Mrs. Swingle's father, who is also an Indian war veteran, is a wealthy farmer in the Willamette valley.

WARREN N. VAUGHN. Without doubt the only man in Tillamook county who is now living on his original donation claim is Warren N. Vaughn, one of the very earliest settlers of the county, and probably the widest known. Coming here more than a half a century ago, he has improved a good homestead property ly- ing about four and one-half miles northwest of the city of Tillamook, and is now living some- what retired from active pursuits, bearing with ease and dignity his burden of four score years. A man of thrift and ability, he has been an active factor in developing this part of the country, and in advancing its material welfare and pros- perity, generously supporting all beneficial en- terprises by encouragement, time and money. He was born June 9, 1823, in Steuben county, N. Y., a son of Constant Vaughn.

The descendant of one of the early Holland families to emigrate to the United States, Con- stant Vaughn was born, about 1790, in Wick- ford county, R. I., and died in St. Joseph coun- ty, Mich., in 1860. Soon after attaining his majority, he removed to New York state, where he was engaged as a tiller of the soil for many years. In 1836 he started westward with his family, journeying to the wilds of Michigan. Locating in St. Joseph county, which was then but sparsely populated, the Indians far outnum- bering the whites, he cleared and improved a good homestead, on which he and his estimable wife passed their remaining years. Before leav- ing Rhode Island he married Mercy Bentley, a native of Newport, R. I., of Scotch ancestry, and she removed with him first into Steuben county, N. Y., as a pioneer, and then to St. Joseph county, Mich., where her death occurred January 1, 1840. They became the parents of eight children, two sons and six daughters, War- ren N. being the seventh child in order of birth.

Warren N. Vaughn received his early educa- tion in the district school, his first temple of learning being a rude log house, in which he was well drilled in the three R's. Removing with his parents to Michigan when about fourteen years of age, he assisted in the pioneer labor of clear- ing and improving a farm from the wilderness, remaining beneath the parental roof until eight- een years old. Subsequently serving a year's ap-

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prenticeship at the cooper's trade, he worked as a journeyman cooper until 1846, when he re- turned to his early home in New York state, where he remained a year. The ensuing two years he spent in Michigan, being employed at his trade in Marshall for about eighteen months, afterwards living in St. Joseph county for a short time. Then, joining the joint-stock company commanded by Frank Brown, he started for the gold regions of California, March 4, 1849. This band of twenty-one men, with their five yoke of oxen, were six months in crossing the plains, arriving in Oregon City, Ore., October 4, 1849. At Fosters, Ore., the entire outfit, teams and all, were sold for $500, which was paid in francs. The company then took passage on the Huntress of New York, and after a sea voyage of twenty- seven days landed at San Francisco, Cal.

Going direct to Placerville, Mr. Vaughn was engaged in mining on the American river for a month, but not being successful in finding the · golden ore, he embarked in trade in Sacramento, remaining there until July, 1850. Thinking that more money could be made in Oregon than in California, he then proceeded by boat to Port- land, thence to Dayton, Yamhill county, where he located on government land and resided for near- ly two years .. Searching for a favorable place to permanently locate, he left Dayton in 1852, and came by way of Astoria to Tillamook coun- ty, walking the entire distance from Astoria and reaching Tillamook December 10, 1852. About four and one-half miles from the village he took up a donation claim of three hundred and twen- ty acres, and has since made this his home, hav- ing now a well-improved and well-managed farm of three hundred acres. Clearing a space, Mr. Vaughn built a cabin, returned to Yamhill coun- ty for supplies for his house and larder, and then began the pioneer labor of improving a farm. That he was eminently successful in his work his estate, with its comfortable resi- dence, good barn and outbuildings, gives visible evidence, the whole having an air of neatness and prosperity that never fails to attract the attention of the passing traveler. He carried on an extensive business in farming, stock-raising and dairying for many years, and was also en- gaged to some extent in cooperage and was ex- ceedingly prosperous in all of his undertakings. He made the first fish barrels, butter firkins, pork barrels, etc., used in Tillamook county

October 13, 1858, Mr. Vaughn married Har- riet Trask, who was born on the Clatsop plains, Clatsop county, December 22, 1843, being the first child born of white parents in that locality. Her father, Elbridge Trask, was born in Maine, and came to the coast with the American Fur Company about 1840. He subsequently settled in Tillamook county, spending his last years here.

He was a man of prominence, and the Trask river was named in his honor. Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Vaughn fifteen children, five sons and ten daughters, were born, twelve of whom are living, namely: Ida Mercy, wife of Edward Walker, of Tillamook; Amos N .; Lydia, wife of William Hoskins, of Foley, Ore .; Alice, wife of James Woodward, of Tillamook; Nora, at home; Anna, wife of Edward Jacoby, of Bay City, Ore .; Clara, wife of Edward Cary, of Yamhill county, Ore .; Warren B., of Tillamook ; Guy, of Tillamook; George, Lena, and Myrtle, the three latter at home. A brief sketch of one of his sons, Amos N. Vaughn, appears elsewhere in this volume. Mr. Vaughn has been very prominent in county affairs, having in an official capacity helped build the court house, and all the county roads and bridges. In 1854, 1855 and 1856 he was treasurer of Tillamook county; for two years was county commissioner; for three years county sheriff ; was county assessor eight years; and was again county commissioner, the last time serving four consecutive years. These offices he accepted, not because he aspired to public honors, but that he might be of service to his fellow-townsmen; and in each of these posi- tions he proved himself a man of ability, tact and discrimination. Mr. Vaughn cast his first presi- dential ballot in favor of the Whig candidate, Gen. Zachary Taylor, and since the formation of the Republican party has been one of its most zealous supporters. Socially he is a Patron of Husbandry, belonging to the Fairview Grange.

WILLIAM AUGUSTUS BORDER. Occu- pying a fine location on the highest rise of ground within the town site of Myrtle Point stands a three-story modern residence, which Mr. Border erected in 1887 and in which he has since made his home. In addition to this property he pur- chased in 1885 one hundred and sixty acres ad- joining the city limits on the east. Out of this he platted the Border & Bender Addition to Myrtle Point, first laying off six blocks with eight lots a block, then later platting about six acres.

In Bedford county, Pa., William A. Border was born June 3, 1825, a son of David and Catherine (Kegg) Border, natives respectively of Carroll county, Md., and Bedford county, Pa. His father was born in 1790 and on growing to man- hood cultivated a plantation with the aid of his slaves. However, slavery was in opposition to his views of human freedom, and he could not consist- ently retain the negroes as his property. There- fore he gave them their papers of freedom, but this course made him unpopular in his commun- ity and he then decided to settle further north. On settling in Bedford county, Pa., he took up farm pursuits. In recognition of his loyal serv-

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ice in the war of 1812, he was given soldier's warrants entitling him to land, and in this way acquired the ownership of about seven hundred acres. The care of this large farm consumed his entire time, and he continued to make it his home until he died, at the age of ninety-four years and eleven months. In politics he was a Whig and in religion a devoted member of the Lutheran Church. His wife also died on their home place in Bedford county.

In a family of four sons and two daughters William A. Border was fourth in order of birth. When he was a boy a teacher was engaged by his father to come to the house and instruct the children, and neighbors' children were allowed the privilege of attending this little private school. Later he took a course in the Bedford high school and was graduated in a business course in 1847, when twenty-two years of age. At the same time he engaged as a contractor on a rail- road. In 1848 he entered the coal and iron mines at Lonaconing, Md., where he had charge of outside work for twenty-seven years. While there he met and married Maria A. Hopkins, who was born in Wales. The two children born of their union are Eva A., wife of W. L. Traver, a cattle dealer at Myrtle Point ; and Alonzo David, who is a clerk at Marshfield, Ore. The father of Mrs. Border, David Hopkins, who had the distinction of being the first successful iron work- er in the United States, was born in England and followed the iron business in Wales, but a desire to secure the successful working of American orc led him to seek a new home across the ocean. During the subsequent years of his life he held a position of responsibility with a company at Lonaconing. His title to distinction in the history of iron manufacture rests upon the fact that he was the first man to produce iron by the aid of coke.

The Republican party has always received the stanch allegiance of Mr. Border, who is a firm believer in the wisdom of its principles as ap- plied to the government of the nation. In re- ligion he is identified with the Episcopal Church. Local matters have engaged his attention to a large degree, and although not desirous of office he has frequently consented to accept positions of local trust and importance. Among such offices is that of city councilman, which he held for four terms ; another position was that of school director, which he filled for two terms.

Mr. Border dates his residence in Oregon from 1875 and his arrival at Myrtle Point occurred during the same year. For two years he devoted much of his time to travel, thus acquiring a thorough knowledge of the state and at the same time being impressed with the magnitude of its resources. Beginning in 1877, he was for ten years engaged in the hotel business, but with that

exception he has given his time largely to the care and development of his large farm adjoining town. While laboring for his personal success, he has always been ready to lend a helping hand to others, and more than one owes his start in life to encouragement received from William A. Border.

JAMES KELSEY VAN SANT. In the bus- iness annals of Jackson county no name stands higher in regard to financial ability and integrity than that of James K. Van Sant, who is now living retired from active pursuits in Ashland, en- joying a well-earned leisure. Of an enterprising temperament, keen-witted and capable, endowed with sterling common sense and practical judg- ment, he has achieved a remarkable degree of success in the mercantile world, and through his own efforts has made rapid advances along the pathway of prosperity. A native of Indiana, he was born near South Bend, January 18, 1839, of Holland ancestry, being the descendant of an early and honored family of Philadelphia, Pa., the birthplace of his father, Alonzo Van Sant.

Learning the trade of a carpenter and builder, Alonzo Van Sant removed to Indiana, settling near South Bend, where he followed his trade for a year. Going thence to Iowa, he improved a farm in Cedar county, and was afterwards en- gaged in agricultural pursuits in Jones county, clearing and improving a homestead near Monti- cello. In 1874 he removed with his family to Solano county, Cal., locating in Dixon, where he lived retired until his death. He married Effie Woodington, who was born in Philadelphia, Pa., of English ancestry, and died in Dixon, Cal. Of the six children, two daughters and four sons, born of their union, one daughter and three sons are living, James K., the special subject of this sketch, being the third child.

After completing his studies in the public schools of Iowa, James K. Van Sant attended a United Brethren College in Iowa for a year. At the age of twenty-one years he began his active career as clerk in a store in Monticello, after- wards running a peddling wagon in Iowa. In 1872, on account of ill health, he came to the Pa- cific coast. Locating in Dixon, Cal., with $125 in his pockets, he bought a lot, and built a home, running in debt for the same. Being offered a salary of $80 per month to run a grocery and vegetable wagon, he accepted it, and the follow- ing spring his wages were raised to $85 per month. Resigning his position in 1874, Mr. Van Sant, with the $500 he had accumulated, started in the grocery and vegetable trade on his own ac- count. Having previously formed the acquaint- ance of the majority of the people within a radius of twelve miles from Dixon, he found no trouble in soon building up a very large and successful

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business, which he conducted about nine years. Selling out in 1883, he carried on a flourishing mercantile business in Redbluff, Cal., for about five years dealing in general merchandise. In 1888 Mr. Van Sant disposed of his interests in that locality and settled in Ashland, Ore. Buy- ing a building, he soon opened a grocery store, which he conducted successfully many years, building up an extensive and very satisfactory trade. Selling out his store and stock in 1900, he has since lived retired from business activities.

Since coming to this city Mr. Van Sant has been identified with its highest interests, and has done much towards promoting its prosperity. He has erected several substantial dwelling houses, and is the owner of a large store building and a fine warehouse at the corner of Main and Hell- man streets, some of the most attractive and valu- able business and residential property of Ashland being in his possession. He was also one of the organizers of the First National Bank of Ash- land, of which he is vice-president, and a director, and is a member of the Ashland Board of Trade.

Mr. Van Sant has been three times married. His first wife lived but a year after their mar- riage. For his second wife he married Miss Lizzie Sheets, of Iowa, by whom he had four children, namely : John, of Sacramento City, Cal .; Charles, of Healdsburg, Cal .; Jessie May, wife of John Coleman, of Dixon, Cal .; Harry, a mid- shipman in the United States navy. Mr. Van Sant's present wife was Mrs. Elizabeth J. Hol- burg, a native of Jackson county, and daughter of Hon. Patrick and Mary M. (Hill) Dunn, a sketch of whose lives may be found elsewhere in this work. Mr. Van Sant occupies a place of im- portance in the leading fraternal organizations of this locality, being a member of Ashland Lodge No. 23, A. F. & A. M .; of Ashland Chapter R. A. M .; of Malta Commandery No. 4, K. T .; of the Al Kader, N. M. S .; and both he and Mrs. Van Sant are members of the Ashland Chapter, O. E. S. At the age of twenty-one years, in Iowa, Mr. Van Sant was made an Odd Fellow, and is now a member of the Odd Fellows lodge of Dixon, Cal., of which he is past noble grand, and a member, and past chief patriarch, of Ash- land Encampment. He is likewise a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. Polit- ically he is a Republican, and religiously he be- longs to the Baptist Church, of which he is one of the trustees. Mrs. Van Sant is a member of the Presbyterian Church.

JAMES WILLIAM ROOKE. Among the veteran agriculturists of Coos county is James W. Rooke, Sr., now living retired from active pursuits at his home in Marshfield. From his earliest youth he was inured to hardships and

dangers, the record of his life being filled with thrilling incidents, telling of perils on land and sea, and of narrow escapes from death and dis- aster. A native of Ireland, he was born March II, 1835, in Dublin. His father, Robert Rooke, was a life-long resident of Dublin. A talented artist, he was a painter of considerable note, having, prior to his death, which occurred when he was quite young, acquired great reputation for his skill with pencil and brush. He married Eliza Adams, who was born in Dublin, Ireland, and died in Manchester, England, at the home of her brother, leaving four children, namely : Henry, Thomas, James W., the subject of this sketch, and Robert.

Left fatherless when a small lad, James W. Rooke, Sr., was sent, at the age of eight years, to the Blue-coat school, or Christ's Hospital, in Dublin, a noted educational institution. After studying there for two years he ran away, at the age of ten years shipping as a cabin boy on the steamer Vestal, of Dublin, afterwards sail- ing in the same capacity on the brig Warrior, from Newport, Wales. Subsequently, while cabin boy on a sailing boat, he lighted a lantern, while the vessel was anchored at Gibraltar, and hung it on the mast, that having always been one of his especial duties. For so doing, the captain struck him on the head with his fist, knocking him down, and so injuring him that he has since been hard of hearing. The cap- tain then ordered him to put out the light, which was against all orders. Arriving in New York harbor in 1851, Mr. Rooke left the vessel de- termining to make his home in American from that time. Soon afterward he started around Cape Horn on the vessel Vesuvius, of Baltimore, Md., but not liking his surroundings he made his escape, but was recaptured and punished. Running away a second time, he was again caught, and made to stay on board. During the trip to Oregon, the crew, all of whom, with the exception of the captain, the first and second mates, and Mr. Rooke, were negroes, were in a state of mutiny for three weeks before reaching Valparaiso. On reaching that city the captain of the vessel placed the negroes on board a United States man-of-war and shipped another crew. On reaching the harbor at Astoria, Ore., the new crew mutinied, and Mr. Rooke in the melee received a terrible slashing. On his ar- rival in Portland, Ore., he left the vessel, and turned his hand at any honorable employment he could find, thinking that any kind of work on land was preferable to life on the waves.

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Portrait and biographical record of western Oregon, containing original sketches of many well known citizens of the past and present.., Part 107

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