Portrait and biographical record of western Oregon, containing original sketches of many well known citizens of the past and present.., Part 124

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 124

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After giving up his blacksmith shop in York- ville Mr. Gallier lived on a farm for a couple of years, and January 2, 1871, arrived in the Marble valley, Cal., where he engaged at his trade for a year and nine months. He then moved to Phoenix, Ore., and September 4, 1873, brought his family to Curry county, and lived on a homestead on the Sixes river for five years. In the meantime one of his sons had taken up a farm in the county, and Mr. Gallier also took property which was located twenty miles from Myrtle Point, in the moun- tains on Sixes river. Making this mountain retreat his home for nine years, he came to Coquille in 1887 and worked at his trade of blacksmith until 1893, and then transferred his business to Bandon, remaining there until dis- posing of his shop in 1897. In 1900 he started a hardware, graniteware and crockery store in Coquille, and in 1903 brought his stock to Ban- don, where he had previously invested in prop- erty, and where he now owns four lots. He has a neat and well equipped store, and his

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stock is well selected and calculated to meet popular demands. Mr. Gallier cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln, but he now votes with the Socialist party. Of his two sons, Stephen, and Edmund M., born Oc- tober 5, 1861, the former is represented in this work, and Mary, the only daughter in the family, died in infancy. Mr. Gallier is a large- hearted and genial man, inclined to look on the bright side of life, and to extend a helping hand to those whose energies have been less wisely directed than his own.

THOMAS F. FISHER. Conspicuous among the native sons of western Oregon is the subject of this narrative, who was born upon the place which is still his home. He is ably prosecuting the many duties which fall to the lot of the modern tiller of the soil who wishes to make a success of his business. Mr. Fisher is one of thirteen children born to John and Sarah (Omstead) Fisher, who were pio- neer settlers in Oregon.

John Fisher was born in Illinois, May 27, 1830, and during the gold fever of 1849 he went to California, traveling behind a team of oxen, and for a year or two, he prospected in the mines of that state, meeting with fair success. In the early '50s he located in Douglas county, Ore., upon the land which is now the home of his son, Thomas F. Mr. Fisher built a rude log hut for temporary shelter until he could improve upon it, and began clearing and farm- ing his land. During the Indian war of 1855-6, known as the Rogue River war, his home and outbuildings were burned to the ground, but, fortunately, the family escaped to the fort two miles away. The Indians, however, killed and took seven fat hogs. Their outrages caused the settlers to arm themselves and form com- panies for protection against the Indians, and Mr. Fisher enlisted in the First Oregon Cav- alry, and assisted in subduing them. After the war, he repaired to his ranch and began over again. Building a more substantial house, he tilled the soil and raised stock, continuing this occupation until cut off from this life by death in 1897. He was prominent and influential throughout Douglas county, and was one of the few who entertained ideas that were both practical and progressive. He assisted in or- ganizing the Grange in his section and was treasurer for several years. Nine of his chil- dren are still living and are good and useful members of society.

Thomas F. Fisher was born January II, 1862, and spent his younger days in school, after the manner of American youths, and after leaving school began his career as a farmer,

assisting his father until his marriage. That happy event occurred in September, 1890, when he was united with Amelia Tompkins. Immediately after marriage Mr. Fisher pur- chased the homestead farm from his father, and this has always been his home. Five chil- dren were born to him and his wife. They are Oliver, Myrtle, Nellie, William A. and Vina.

Mr. Fisher owns two hundred and twenty- two acres of as fine land as can be found in the Olalla valley. He raises stock and is also engaged in general farming. His land is in a state of high cultivation and is well improved. Aside from his own personal affairs, he is deeply interested in county and state affairs, and wields a great amount of influence among his friends. In political views, he is a Repub- lican and has held various offices, among them road supervisor and school director. As to re- ligious inclinations, he has always been liberal and fair-minded, and in social circles, he holds membership with the Ancient Order United Workmen of Roseburg, a beneficiary organiza- tion.

JAMES JEFFERSON GAITHER. Few names in Toledo, Ore., are more closely asso- ciated with Indian agency work than that of Gaither, father and son, both of whom have rendered invaluable aid toward the mainte- nance of system and order, and to satisfaction among the red men of this district. At the present time well managed farms have taken the place of other interests for these govern- ment officials, and the same conscientious zeal noticeable in former work is being applied to agriculture and stock-raising. James J. Gai- ther, of whom this review makes special men- tion, was born in the northwestern part of Car- roll county, Ark., July 21, 1861. His father, Beal Gaither, was born in the state of Ten- nessee, his mother, Adelaide (Clark) Gaither, being a native of the same state. Beal Gaither removed to Arkansas while that state was yet wild and sparsely settled, and there reared his family of three sons and one daughter, of whom James J. is the oldest. The father brought the family to Oregon in the spring of 1887, and soon afterward became clerk at the Siletz Agency, several years later being ad- vanced to the position of agent, filling the lat- ter position five years, or until November 19, 1893. In 1897 he purchased a farm near the town of Toledo, and has since devoted his en- ergies to its improvement, his industry evolv- ing a pleasant home and profitable business therefrom.

Educated in the public schools of Arkansas and Oregon, James J. Gaither was twenty-

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seven years of age when he left the farm and engaged in an independent merchandise busi- ness at Toledo. In the latter part of 1890 he disposed of his store and moved to Independ- ence, and in 1903 returned to Toledo and as- sumed the position of clerk with the Siletz Agency. In May, 1898, he was transferred to the Yakima Agency in Washington, remaining there until May 15, 1902, when he terminated an almost ten years' service with the Indian agencies of the west. In Toledo Mr. Gaither resumed his former occupation of merchandis- ing, with E. W. Gaither, but disposed of his stock November last and has since been ranch- ing and dealing in stock. He has a farm of two hundred and eighty acres near the town, which is well improved and equipped, and which promises to yield a comfortable income.

In Corvallis, Ore., Mr. Gaither married into one of the pioneer families of the state, and one intimately connected with the early gov- ernment of Benton county. Mrs. Gaither was formerly Nellie Mackay, born in Toledo, and daughter of William Mackay, a native of Can- ada. Mr. Mackay brought his family to the United States at an early day, and located in Oregon when there was need of men of fine moral calibre. Taking up a homestead across the bay from Toledo, he farmed a large prop- erty most successfully, and at the same time held numerous important political offices in Benton county, among others that of sheriff of the county for six years. During his in- cumbency of the latter office he maintained re- markable order in the county, and his services were satisfactory alike to both political par- ties. In 1900 he went to Cape Nome, Alaska, was fairly successful as a miner, and has been well paid for the discomforts experienced in the frozen north. Mr. and Mrs. Gaither are the parents of three children, Aileen, Beal and Terrence. Mr. Gaither has been active for many years in Democratic politics, and among other local offices has served one term on the city council. He is fraternally connected with the Woodmen of the World and the Circle.

S. ADOLPHUS CARLTON. From his early manhood, the name of Mr. Carlton has been identified with the history of Oregon, and the many years of his residence in this state have been devoted to agricultural pursuits and the stock industry in Linn, Grant and Jack- son counties. An Ohioan by birth, with Geauga county the place of his nativity and October 26, 1844, the date of birth, he accom- panied his parents to Wapello county, Iowa, at the early age of six years, and it was here that his youth and early manhood were spent.

During the early days of the strife between the north and south, his father took up the cause of the Union by enlisting in 1863, in an Iowa reigment, and died during the service. The year following the father's enlistment (1864), S. Adolphus Carlton also responded to our country's call for men, and in February he became a private in Company K, Third Iowa cavalry. For a period of two years he ren- dered valiant service under the command of General Wilson, in the vicinity of Louisville, Ky., and Eastport, Tenn. He received his honorable discharge from the service after the successful termination of the war. Returning to his home in Iowa he followed farm pursuits for a brief period, and in 1867 conceived the idea of bettering his fortunes by seeking a home in the far west; so, with that intent and purpose he crossed the vast stretch of interven- ing country behind mule-teams, settling for a time in Linn county, Ore., in the vicinity of Albany. A year or two afterward he found a more favorable location in Jackson county and, after taking up a homestead claim on the shore of Lake creek, the following five years were devoted to the improvement and cultivation of this place. Having proved up on his claim, he disposed of his interests in Jackson county and in 1880 invested in stock, and for three years thereafter was engaged in the stock busi- ness in Grant county in eastern Oregon. In this venture he was fairly successful, but not desiring to continue in that business perma- nently there, he again sold out and returned to Jackson county. Purchasing a ranch of four hundred and forty acres along Antelope creek, fourteen miles northeast of Medford, he re- engaged in the stock business in this location, in connection with which he has carried on general farm pursuits up to the present time.

Mr. Carlton has always taken an active in- terest in the progress of the state, and his present good standing is due not only to his energetic and industrious habits, but also to his progressive ideas and practical business meth- ods. Apart from his own business interests, he has devoted time and energy to furthering the interests of his section, as his service as county commissioner, from 1891 to 1893, in- clusive, will testify. His deep interest in the educational development of his locality is evinced by his long and faithful service as di- rector and clerk of the school board in his home district, which covers a period of twenty years. It is well known that he unites with the Republicans in his political belief and the G. A. R. organization of Medford claims him as one of its most valued members. The mar- riage of Mr. Carlton was celebrated in 1871, with Miss Ella Nichols, and their union has

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been blessed with six children whose names are as follows: Harry J., Myrtle, Louisa, Thomas, Herbert and Lyle; all are at home except the second child, who fell a victim to disease and was removed by death from the family circle.

BARTLETT OBENCHAIN. During the forty-one years of its existence in Jackson county, the family to which Bartlett Obenchain belongs has been the only unbroken one be- tween Gold Hill and Jacksonville. Its members have uniformly cherished high ideals, and have been exceptionally worthy from the standpoint of character and ability. Painstaking and con- servative, and never wasting their energies in useless directions, they have built up a strong wall of popular esteem, and are valued as ex- emplary and notable acquisitions to a prosperous and promising community.

Bartlett Obenchain, representing the second generation in the west, was born in Botetourt county, Va., September 22, 1827, the son of John and Margaret (Obenchain) Obenchain, natives of Virginia and of German descent. The year after the birth of Bartlett the family re- moved to Indiana, remaining there until settling in Illinois in 1842. Two years later they made their way to Iowa, and in 1861 crossed the plains with horse and mule-teams, being on the road about six months. Six months in the mines of California sufficed as an experiment of more or less doubtful character, and the family then came to Oregon, settling first near Central Point, Jackson county. Soon after they moved to Butte creek, where the father farmed and raised stock for the balance of his life, and died in 1884 aged eighty-four years, and where his wife also died four years later at the age of eighty-eight years. Besides Bartlett, the oldest of the ten children, those living are John, of Butte creek ; and Washington, of Klamath county.

Educated in the public schools, Bartlett Oben- chain had the advantage of the schools of Indi- ana, Illinois and Iowa, and passed his youth in toil on the home farm, leaving it only upon the occasion of his marriage, June 23, 1850, with Nancy Morse, who was born in Erie county, Pa., February 16, 1836, a daughter of Samuel L. Morse, own cousin of Professor Morse, in- ventor of the telegraph. Mrs. Obenchain's brother, Amasa Morse, met a tragic death at the hands of the Indians during the Rogue River war, November 20, 1855. At the time he was an enlisted soldier in Company B, First Oregon Volunteers, under command of Capt. R. L. Will- iams. Amasa Morse was born in Ontario, Can- ada, in 1828, in time removing with his family to Iowa, from which state he crossed the plains

in 1853, settling in Josephine county, where he mined on Althouse creek until the outbreak of the Rogue river war.

After his marriage Mr. Obenchain went to housekeeping in Buchanan county, Iowa, after- ward living in several counties in the state until coming to the west in the spring of 1861. Start- ing April 28, he crossed the plains with horse- teams, being five months on the way, and en- countering no serious trouble with the Indians. He first located in Marysville, Cal., and after following teaming for nine months came to Ore- gon, reaching his present farm June 18, 1862. This farm consists of one hundred and forty- nine acres of land, and is located one mile west of Central Point, its points of vantage being manifold, and its improvements of the highest order. Mr. Obenchain has never been content to follow the example of others in the manage- ment of his farm, but has continually sought broader methods, welcoming any advance based upon utility and practical common sense. Twelve children have been born to himself and wife, of whom Alice A. is the wife of James Lindsley of Klamath county; Maldoren lives at Gold Hill; Jennie is the wife of J. Wilson of Klamath county ; Silas is a farmer of Klamath county ; Sarah M. is the wife of O. R. Pankey of Cen- tral Point; Nannie is the wife of William H. Pankey of Klamath county; Minnie is the wife of Fred Penninger of Gold Hill; and George is a farmer and stock-raiser of Klamath county. Mr. Obenchain is a Republican in politics, as have been his father and grandfather, his sons adhering to the same political principles. Mrs. Obenchain has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church since her fourteenth year.

CHARLES A. DICKISON. As one who is versed in farming pursuits and the needs and qualifications of a prosperous agriculturist Mr. Dickison needs no introduction to the residents of Jackson county, the farm which he man- ages near Table Rock being one of the model estates of the county. He was born near Zanesville, Ohio, October 3, 1868, the son of William R. and Martha A. (Morrison) Dick- ison. The mother passed away in 1899, but the father is still living and makes his home with his son. When he was still a small child William R. Dickison was deprived of the love and care of his mother, a boy's best friend, and when eight years old was cast upon his own resources. His early struggles were not in vain, however, and today he is enjoying the peace and rest that is the just reward of a well spent life.

Charles A. Dickison obtained a fair educa- tion in the district schools of Muskingum

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county, and afterward took a more extended course of instruction in the public schools of Kenton, Hardin county. When the family fortunes were shifted to the west in 1887 Charles A. accompanied his parents, and for the first two years resided near Ashland. The next year he followed farming near Jackson- ville, and subsequently, for one year, was fore- man of the Hammond nursery at Niles Junc- tion, Cal. Returning to Oregon, Mr. Dickison again engaged in farming, this time in the vicinity of Table Rock, where he still resides. Until quite recently he gave considerable at- tention to horticulture, having planted an orchard of forty acres, but since retiring from the fruit business he has turned his attention to the raising of alfalfa, which is grown with considerable profit in this locality.

Politically Mr. Dickison is an unswerving Republican, and he has contributed much to- ward the success of his favorite party in his community. As a public-spirited citizen he is one of the valued residents of his section, where he is highly esteemed for his many ex- cellent traits of character. In Masonic circles he stands high, and is identified with the lodge at Medford and with the Royal Arch Lodge at Jacksonville. September 2, 1890, Mr. Dick- ison was united in marriage with Miss Ida Bashford, and to them has been born one child, Grace M., in whom all their hopes are centered.

MADISON OBENCHAIN. During many years of active life in Jackson county Madison Obenchain was known as an industrious and worthy citizen and one who was always ready to lend a helping hand to those less fortunate than himself. The patience with which he bore a long and trying illness, which terminated in his death December 29, 1896, was indicative of the ulselfish nature of his character, which in- variably evidenced greater thought for others than for himself. As a youth of eighteen he came to Oregon in 1862 from Buchanan county, Iowa, where he was born January 29, 1846, and where his father owned a large farm. The family located on Butte creek, Jackson county, Ore., in the spring of 1863, and here Madison lived and worked until about twenty-five years of age. He then came to Jacksonville and en- gaged in a butchering business for a short time, and in 1880 removed to Klamath county, where he took up four hundred acres of land and en- gaged in cattle-raising on a large scale. He cleared a large portion of his farm, made many fine improvements, and prospered greatly until stricken with illness, during which time he was

in Jacksonville, surrounded by his friends, and cared for by his faithful and devoted wife.

Near Jacksonville Mr. Obenchain married Minnie Krach, who was born in Germany, a daughter of Simon Krach, a native of the same portion of the Fatherland. Mrs. Obenchain's mother, Dora (Topper) Krach, after being left a widow in the country across the sea, brought her daughter Minnie to America, and settled on a farm near Jacksonville. Subsequently she lived with her daughter until her death in 1888, at the age of sixty-nine years. Franklin, the only child born to Mr. and Mrs. Obenchain, is one of the wide-awake and successful farmers of Klamath county, and at present is living on and managing his late father's property in that county. Mr. Obenchain added to his land from time to time, and at his death owned four hun- dred acres which has since been added to and is owned by his wife and managed by his son. It is one of the finest farms in that section, and the progressive son is continually adding to the improvements made by his father. It is located near Bly, between Lake View and Klamath Falls. Mrs. Obenchain also owns town property, in- cluding her pleasant home. Her motherly and domestic spirit is shown in the air of comfort which pervades the interior, and the love of na- ture which is manifest in the pretty arrange- ment of flowers and shrubs on the surrounding grounds. Mrs. Obenchain can only think of her husband as the personification of kindness and consideration in his family. While an ardent Republican, he never cared for office or the tur- moil of political agitations. For many years of his life he was identified with the Masonic fra- ternity and was prominent in the lodge of Jack- son county.

CHARLES WESLEY KAHLER. A sound and able lawyer, having the confidence and es- teem of his fellow-nien, Charles Wesley Kahler has been for many years an honored member of the legal fraternity of Jackson county. From 1868 to 1903 he was actively engaged in the prac- tice of his profession in Jacksonville, and was justly considered one of the foremost attorneys in the city. January 26, 1903, he suffered a stroke of paralysis, and has since been suffering from locomotor ataxia, a most trying disease. A son of William Kahler, he was born Novem- ber 4, 1840, near McConnelsville, Morgan county, Ohio. His grandfather, Jacob Kahler, was born and bred in Pennsylvania, but removed to Vir- ginia, and from there migrated to Ohio, where he spent his declining years.

A native of Loudoun county, Va., William Kahler removed with his parents to Morgan county, Ohio, where he cleared and improved a

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farm. In 1852 he came across the plains to Oregon, bringing his family and household goods in ox-wagons. Locating immediately in Jacksonville, he followed mining and carpenter- ing for two years. In 1854 he took up one hun- dred and sixty acres of wild land near Table Rock, and was there engaged in agricultural pursuits for several years. Selling his ranch in 1880, he removed to Jacksonville, where he lived retired from active business until his death, in 1895, at the age of seventy-eight years. He was a strong Republican in his political affiliations, and served one term, about 1878, in the state legislature. In an early period of his settlement here, he was a member of the county association. He married in Morgan county, Ohio, Georgianna Jolinson, who was born in London, England, in 1817, emigrated with her father to Morgan county, Ohio, and died in Jacksonville, Ore., in 1890, aged seventy-two years. Of their fam- ily of six children, four sons and two daugh- ters, one son and one daughter are dead. Those living are Rebecca N. McDonough; Charles W .; Dr. George, of Tacoma, Wash .; Andrew, of Centralia, Wash .; Thomas P. and William E., of Sumpter, Ore.

The second child in order of birth of his parents, Charles W. Kahler laid a substantial foundation for his future education in the com- mon schools of Jackson county. Subsequently entering Willamette University he completed the English course, and was graduated in 1865 with the degree of B. S. Mr. Kahler afterwards studied law with Orange Jacobs of Jacksonville, and was admitted to the bar in 1868. Immedi- ately beginning the practice of his profession in that city, he built up a large and remunerative practice, which he carried on with eminent suc- cess until his recent illness, as mentioned above. In 1869 lie was appointed district attorney to suc- ceed W. G. T'Vault, who died while in office, receiving his appointment from Governor Wood. He has been a candidate for both county judge and circuit judge, but has always been in the minority. In politics Mr. Kahler is a stanch Republican, and has always been ready to further the interests of his party. In the pursuit of his profession, he has accumulated a considerable property, owning valuable farming lands, and some mining property. He has never married.

Mrs. Rebecca N. (Kahler) McDonough, Mr. Kahler's sister, was born in Morgan county, Ohio, and came to Jackson county with her parents. She married James McDonough, who was born near Pittsburg, Pa., in 1826 and came to Oregon by way of the Isthmus in 1851, and settled in Jacksonville. He was first employed as a carpenter, but later bought land, and was most successfully engaged in agricultural pur- suits, being noted throughout southern Oregon

as a breeder of fine horses, including some which made good records on the turf. He died on his farm near Tolo June 8, 1901, at the age of sev- enty-five years. He was a man of strict integrity and sterling worth, liberal and hospitable, and was held in high esteem throughout the con- munity. In politics, Mr. McDonough was a sound Democrat. Unto Mr. and Mrs. McDonough were born six children: Carlos, a rancher in Wash- ington; Helen, widow of I. M. Rowe; Harriet, widow of George D. Ridinger; John W., a rancher in Idaho; Martin C., on the old home- stead; George C., a lumberman of Ashland.

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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 124

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