Portrait and biographical record of western Oregon, containing original sketches of many well known citizens of the past and present.., Part 128

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 128

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Captain Reed married, in Astoria, Rozetta Nowlen, who was born in Peoria, Ill., and came across the plains to Oregon with her parents in 1851, being then a child of two years. Five chil- dren have been born of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Reed, namely: Edward G., a plumber in Astoria; Jennie May, who died at the age of eight years; Nancy Gertrude, stamp clerk in the Astoria postoffice: William Randall, a clerk in Astoria: and Elizabeth Bowman. Politically Captain Reed is a stanch Republican, and for three years served as councilman. Fraternally he is

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a member, and past noble grand, of the Independ- ent Order of Odd Fellows, and was a member of the Encampment until its charter was surren- dered. For many years he was an active mem- ber, and the presiding officer, of the Masters' and Pilots' Association.

WILLIAM C. A. POHL. It is the aim of each state and county to elect to her public offices men of ability, who are in every way trustworthy, from the highest down to the lowest of public offices. For many years, Clatsop county, Ore., has been exceedingly fortunate in her selection of county coroner, and the above-named gentleman is now filling his twelfth year in that capacity. In connection with this office, he conducts a fine undertaking establishment which is the only one in Astoria. Mr. Pohl is an expert embalmer, having graduated from three different schools. He is a native of Elmshorn, Holstein, Germany, and is a son of Frederick W. and Fredericka (Bochan) Pohl. His great-grandfather on the paternal side was an Austrian, but located per- manently in Copenhagen, where William's father was born. The father was a marine engineer and machinist in Denmark for many years, also serving in both the navy and merchant marine. In 1872 he went to San Francisco, where he was afterward joined by his family. He continued to follow engineering, and two years later he moved to Astoria and served as chief engineer until cut off by death in 1879. He is still survived by his widow, who is a resident of Shoalwater Bay, Wash. She is the daughter of a prominent busi- ness man of Elmshorn, Germany, the city of her nativity, and her father departed this life in 1871. Six children were born to her and her husband. Of these, three daughters and two sons are still living. One son, Max Pohl, is in the employ of his brother, William C. A. Pohl.

The latter was born December 25. 1863, being the eldest child in the family now living. His early boyhood days were passed in Elmshorn, Germany, and Copenhagen, Denmark, and in 1874 the family emigrated to America. They first landed at New York and later pursued their way to San Francisco, where they were joined by the father, and in August. 1874, located in Astoria, Ore. Mr. Pohl attended the public schools -until he was fourteen years old. He began his career when about eighteen years of age, as a clerk in the postoffice, and remained there six years, dur- ing which time hie rose from clerk to assistant postmaster, under Wm. Chance and John C. Bell. He subsequently resigned and accepted a position at Portland in the undertaking establishment of George River, who was then county coroner of Multnomah county. After mastering all the de- tails of that business he returned to Astoria and

bought out Frank H. Surprenant, undertaker of that city, and continued the business with success for some time at the same location. He after- ward moved to more modern quarters on the cor- ner of Eleventh and Duane streets, his present location. There he has fine undertaking parlors 30x100 feet, which are fitted with all the modern improvements found in an up-to-date undertaking establishment.

Mr. Pohl was joined in marriage with Ida M. Washburn, whose parents were among the most noted pioneers of Union, Ore. Their marriage took place in Astoria, and four children bless their home. They are Flora, May, William B. and Bismark A. In social circles, Mr. Pohl is allied with the Ancient Order of United Workmen, of which he is past master workman; Knights of the Maccabees; the Foresters, and the Knights of Pythias, being past officer of each. He is also a prominent member of the Redmen, being now representative to the great council of the United States, and is a past great sachem of the order. Mr. Pohl first came prominently before the public as a candidate for county coroner of Clatsop county in 1892. His election followed as a matter of course, and he was re-elected to the same responsible office in 1894, 1896, 1898, 1900 and 1902-the last time without opposition. His re-election for so many successive terms be- speaks the highest praise for his integrity and his qualifications for the place.

FREDERICK OLSON. The subject of this biography, who is a successful merchant, post- master, hotel-keeper and resident farmer of Olney, in Clatsop county, Ore., is a fair type of the man who improves every opportunity. By so doing he has made himself what he is today, one of the substantial men of his section. Al- though a young man he has accumulated consid- erable wealth and is in a fair way to possess greater riches, as he is one of the few men who can take $1, invest it securely and soon receive $2 instead.

Mr. Olson is a native of Finland and was born November 3. 1861. His father's name was Simon John Olilla, but Frederick had his name changed upon coming to America. His father died in his native land-Finland-April 11, 1881, aged sixty-seven years. He was a country merchant and stock-raiser, and was a good, successful man. He held public offices and was a member of the Lutheran Church. The mother of Mr. Olson, whose maiden name was Matilla Sarah Ultrika, died in Finland in 1900, aged seventy-six years. Nine children were born to these parents, five being still living. Of these, Ultrick lives in the fatherland; John, in Michigan; Ida, Mrs. John

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Gustafson, in Astoria; and Gustava Olilla, in Finland.

Mr. Olson was educated in his native land in the common schools, and in 1883 he took passage for America. He landed at New York city and proceeded by rail to San Francisco, and a little later he went on to Astoria, where he located for a time. He followed fishing on the Columbia river for three years, and then spent about eight years mining and prospecting, being quite suc- cessful. In 1894 he went to Clatsop county, Ore., and located at the town of Olney, nine miles south of Astoria. Two years later he disposed of his interests in the mines, and lias given his entire time to his store and hotel business at Olney. He carries a $10,000 stock and is well patronized. He has eiglity acres of land, a part of which he laid out into town lots, one hundred and thirty-six in all. The balance is devoted to stock-raising and farming. The steamboat "May- flower" makes regular trips from his place to As- toria, fourteen miles away, and his store building is a fine, large, well improved building. Mr. Olson purchased his present place from S. El- more, of Astoria, and is well pleased with his investment.

In 1891 he was united in marriage with Jo- sephine Johnson, a Michigan lady, who was born July 11, 1873. They have five children, namely : Harold Frederick, Florence Josephine, Hazel Hilma, Violet Eva May and Milton Olney. Both parents are members of the Lutheran Church and Mr. Olson is a Republican in politics. He was appointed postmaster at Olney, July 2, 1895, and has served eight years. He possesses many mod- ern, up-to-date ideas, and his friends predict for him a bright future.

THOMAS NELSON. To this gentleman, who is secretary of the Fishermen's Co-operative Packing Company of Astoria, Ore., belongs the unique distinction of having assisted in building the first patent fishtraps used on the Columbia river, and although he has followed various oc- cupations at different periods, he has been iden- tified with the fishing industry in that section since 1885. In the spring of that year he went to Brookfield and for two years worked in the ca- pacity of a boat-puller, but in 1887 he engaged in fishing on his own behalf on the lower Columbia, with headquarters at Point Elice. By the intelli- gent use of the gill-nets quite a successful busi- ness was carried on during the summer months until 1897, the winters being profitably spent in Portland. Transferring his headquarters to As- toria in 1897. Mr. Nelson assisted in organizing the Union Fishermen's Co-operative Packing Company, and the following year was spent in

fishing for that company. He then became di- rector, and continued fishing until the fall of 1901, and as his election as secretary at that time demanded the whole of his attention, he discon- tinned fishing and since then has given his entire time to the duties of the packing-house. This cannery is the second largest establishment of its kind in Astoria, with a capacity of eighteen hun- dred cases per day, and an average of thirty thousand cases of canned salmon and six hun- dred tierces of pickled salmon are put out each season, the individual efforts of Mr. Nelson being an important factor in the successful manage- ment of the business, owing to his familiarity with each and every detail, as well as to his ex- ecutive ability and good judgment.

A Norwegian by birth, he began this life August 30, 1863, in Bergen, where also were born his parents, Nelson and Meta (Mickelson) Nelson, the former having long since passed to his final rest, but the latter, although in advanced years, still living. The eldest in a family of five, and reared as he was in his native city, young Thomas attended school until he attained the age of twelve and then became an office-boy in the same city. At fifteen he went to sea and spent the following three years on the high seas, prin- cipally the Atlantic. About 1880, as a sailor on the "Palmyra," he made his first memorable voy- age from New York around Cape Horn to Asto- ria, being one hundred and fifty days on the water. Eight additional days were spent in going to Portland, and Mr. Nelson was so well pleased with the country that he decided to remain. His first manual labor in this section was as laborer in the construction department of the Oregon River & Navigation Company, and after a couple of months he was similarly employed for the Northern Pacific Company and with headquar- ters at Lake Pend d'Oreille, he continued in their employ until the spring of 1883. Returning to Portland, he assisted in building the first patent fishtrap used on the Columbia river. The spring of 1884 found him busily employed in building bridges in the vicinity of Ainsworth, Wash., on the Snake river, and later he did similar work at Belknap, Mont. His subsequent return to Port- land and to Benton followed and he assisted in the construction of the Oregon Pacific Railway until its completion in the spring of 1885, when he discontinued railroad work and engaged in the fishing business.

In Portland, Ore., Mr. Nelson was joined 111 matrimony with Miss Annie Meyers, born near Bremen, Germany. and they have three children living. They are Martin, Laura and Annie. In politics Mr. Nelson is allied with the Socialist party and he affiliates with the Fishermen's Union. Stevedore & Longshoremen's Union No. I, of Portland, of which he is ex-president; and

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the Foresters. He is highly esteemed in his

faithful attendance he obtained the rudiments of adopted home, and his popularity as a citizen is an education in the common schools of Finland, exceeded only by his enterprise as a business man. and while still a boy he commenced to learn the carpenter's trade, which he completed in his uncle's shop when but seventeen years old. At that age he left home to seek his fortune in America, of which he had heard so much, and soon after landing in San Francisco he was in- duced to proceed to Astoria, whose interests have since been identified with his own. A stranger in a strange land, he looked about him for work, and in a few days he secured a good job at chop- ping wood, and during the two months following he and a partner cut five cords of wood per day, and, having cleared $80, returned to Astoria. He experienced no difficulty in obtaining work and very soon afterward he assisted in building the gas-works, and after working a couple of months at $2.25 per day, his wages were increased to $2.50, and for several years he was employed by different contractors, but finally embarked in business on his own behalf with the aforesaid result. He received his appointment as secretary of the board of pilot commissioners in May, 1903.

LEANDER LEBECK. Among those who have achieved success and developed a talent for practical affairs, Mr. Lebeck, the efficient secre- tary of the board of pilot commissioners of Ore- gon, and a successful contractor and builder of Astoria, furnishes a fine example, as he has mas- tered the details and intricacies of his useful pro- fession solely by his industry and close applica- tion to business. After thoroughly learning his trade he began contracting and building in 1887, having only one helper, but the second week he purchased more tools and put on a force of seven inen and from time to time, as his business in- creased, more men were added until at the pres- ent time thirty men find employment under him. Having two huge pile-drivers, he has made a specialty of building wharves and warehouses, and has won a reputation for excellence in this line of work. The warehouses of the O. R. N. and C. & A., including sidetracks, etc., and many other warehouses and wharves in that vicinity, are monuments to his skill and workmanship, and in addition he has built all the leading can- neries along the Columbia river, including the Elmore, which was the first cannery built along that river. Many of the streets of Astoria are products of his hand and he also built the wharf for the quarantine station.

The Lebeck family originally lived in Sweden, but left that land in later years and located in Finland, and in tracing the ancestry of Mr. Le- beck, we find the grandfather, Mat Lebeck, to have been a native of Sweden, but later became a farmer in Finland, settling near Kroneby, Was- alau, which was the birthplace of Mr. Lebeck and also his parents, John and Annie (Hester) Lebeck. The beloved mother was a daughter of Gustav Hester, an old sea-captain, who for years was in the employ of the Russian government as inspector of the city of Warsaw. The father possessed a great deal of natural talent and in- genuity, and for many years was a successful contractor and builder in his native land, but in after years was induced to join his son in As- toria, and at this writing he is an esteemed resi- dent of that city. He and his wife had eight children, but only three are now living, one son and two daughters, all of whom reside in America.

The seventh child in the family, born October 15, 1864, Mr. Lebeck was hut eleven years old when his mother died, and he was reared on his father's farm, which was one of the largest and best improved in that part of the country. By

In his political affiliations, Mr. Lebeck is an unswerving Democrat, and is a member of the Astoria city council. He affiliates with a number of fraternal orders, among them the Ancient Order of United Workmen; the Knights of Pythias; the D. O. K. K .; Red Men; and Fin- nish Brotherhood. He ranks among the most prominent and successful business men of As- toria and is an acknowledged leader among his countrymen, and as an active member of the Fin- nish Lutheran Church, his influence is far-reach- ing. The marriage of Mr. Lebeck in Astoria some years ago united him with Millie Wilson, a native of Gamla Karleby, Finland, and a sister of Charles Wilson, whose biography is published elsewhere in this history. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Lebeck, and they are called Arthur, Ano, and Hilfred. One child, also named Hilfred, died at the age of eight years.

GEORGE FRANCIS MERRIMAN. In tracing the source of the importance of Medford, mention is due George Francis Merriman, who, from obscurity and financial limitations, has risen to business, educational, and political prominence. Mr. Merriman's ladder of success has been made up of a useful blacksmith trade, fine personal honor, and exceptional executive and general ability, all of which may be acquired by persist- ent effort, a truth which furnishes vast encour- agement to the industrious and ambitious. His family is one of the well known ones of the state, for his parents, William H. and Artineca

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(Riddle) Merriman, reared a family of fifteen children, five sons and ten daughters, of whom three sons and eight daughters respond to the roll call of residents of this prosperous state, and are established in homes of their own. Mr. Mer- riman is the second of these children, and was born in Douglas county, Ore., September 16, 1855, his father and grandfather, both named William H., being natives of the 'state of Illinois, born near Springfield. The younger William H. was a farmer, blacksmith and wagon-maker, and in 1852 crossed the plains to Oregon, locating near Riddles, Douglas county. In 1856 he re- moved to Jackson county and located two miles north of Medford, purchasing one hundred and twenty acres of land from Jesse Robinson, upon which he farmed until his death in 1877, at the age of fifty-two years. He was an active Repub- lican, and in religion was a member of the Bap- tist Church. His wife's family is perpetuated in Oregon in the town of Riddles, and her brothers, J. B., George W. and Stilley Riddle, are hon- ored residents of this vicinity. Mrs. Merriman was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and in Illinois mar- ried John W. Chapman, who died in Illinois, after which his wife crossed the plains in the same train with her future husband, Mr. Merri- man.

George Francis Merriman's zeal in promoting the cause of education is quite remarkable, con- sidering the difficulties which hedged in his own opportunities in this direction. From earliest youth his ears became accustomed to the sound of industry emanating from his father's busy blacksmith shop, and he was put to work at an age when most boys are considering ways and means by which to keep away from school. Not so this youth, however, for while his days were filled with serving an apprenticeship, begun in his fourteenth year, his evenings were spent in poring over books, and acquiring the knowledge denied him in the schools. After completing his three years of compulsory service he continued a year more with his employer, and in 1874 went to eastern Oregon, and for two years worked in a blacksmith shop at Canyon City. For the fol- lowing two years he ran a shop at Central Point, in the Rogue River valley, and in 1878 was em- ployed as blacksmith by the Oregon & California Stage Company. In 1880 he began a four-years business in Oakland, and in 1884 located in Med- ford, where he has since continuously worked at his trade, with the exception of two and a half years. He does many kinds of wood work, wagon manufacturing and horse-shoeing, and so large is his trade that four men are required in the shop.

Mr. Merriman's services as a stanch Repub- lican official have been of a high order, and dem- onstrate his breadth of mind and knowledge of

municipal affairs. While not seeking recogni- tion himself he has earnestly helped his deserv- ing friends, and by no means confined himself to any one party in offering help. He has been a member of the city council one term, and was nominated for county sheriff in 1892, escaping election by only one hundred and eighty-seven votes in a county claiming five hundred Demo- cratic majority. He was appointed postmaster of Medford January 17, 1900, and still holds the office, which is of the third class. Mr. Merriman finds recreation and friends in various fraternal organizations, among them Medford Lodge No. 103, A. F. & A. M .; Oregon Chapter No. 4, R. A. M., of Jacksonville; Independent Order of Odd Fellows; Knights of Pythias; Ancient Order United Workmen ; and Woodmen of the World. He is also identified with P. P. Prim Cabin Native Sons of Oregon, and Roseburg Lodge No. 326, B. P. O. E. In all possible ways he has forwarded the best interests of education, has been a member of the school board for many years, and is one of the promoters and directors of the Medford Business College, having suc- ceeded in raising a large fund for its erection. Two miles east of Medford Mr. Merriman mar- ried Mary Murry, who was born in Illinois, and whose father. William Murry, emigrated from Scotland to Illinois, and from there to Oregon in 1874. locating on a farm near Medford. Eight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Merri- man, of whom William H. is deceased; Thomas is working in his father's shop; May is the as- sistant postmistress of Medford: George also is in his father's shop; and Blanch, Mollie, Vera, and Sherron C. are living at home.

HENRY LOUIS HENDERSON, M. D. One of the active physicians and surgeons of Clatsop county is Henry Louis Henderson, M. D., of As- toria, who occupies a place of influence and honor in medical circles. He is especially adapted for his chosen lifework, his quick observation and conception of disease in its numerous phases, his promptness and success in the treatment of the different cases placed in his care, eminently fit- ting him for his professional career. A son of James A. Henderson, he was born November 15, 1859, in Clay county, Mo. His grandfather, Silas Henderson, was born in Kentucky, about 1813, of Virginian ancestry. In 1844 he re- moved from Irvine county, Ky., to Clay county, Mo., where he took up land, and resumed his oc- cupation of a farmer, living there until his death, in 1900, at the advanced age of eighty-seven years.

Born in Irvine county, Ky., James A. Hender- son removed with his parents to Missouri, set- tling in Clay county, where he was engaged in

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agricultural pursuits during his earlier life. He is now a resident of Edmond, Okla., and one of the prosperous farmers of his community. He married Anna M. Mooney, who was born in Vir- ginia, a daughter of Alexander Mooney, a na- tive of Virginia, but subsequently he removed to Clinton county, Mo., where he engaged in gen- eral farming during his years of activity, after- wards living there retired until his death, in 1897, at the age of ninety years.

The eldest of a family of three children, Henry L. Henderson was brought up on a farm in Clay county, Mo., acquiring his rudimentary educa- tion in the district schools. In 1875 he entered the University of Missouri, at Columbia, intend- ing to complete the course, but left at the close of the junior year, and taught school one term. Going to St. Louis, Mo., in 1879, he entered the American Medical College, an eclectic school, and studied a year in that institution. In 1882 he was graduated from the Eclectic Medical In- stitute of Cincinnati, Ohio, with the degree of M. D. Beginning the practice of his profession in Plattsburg, Mo., Dr. Henderson remained there until 1887. Locating then in St. Louis, he took a post-graduate course at the American Medical College, which conferred upon him the degree of M. D., and appointed him to the chair of theory and practice in the college. In addi- tion to teaching, the doctor also gave clinical demonstrations at the St. Louis City Hospital. Resigning his position, Dr. Henderson came to Oregon in 1896, and the following year practiced medicine at LaGrande, Union county. Locating in Astoria in 1897, the doctor has here built up a large and lucrative practice as physician and surgeon, becoming one of the leading men of his profession. In 1900 and 1901 he was city physi- cian of Astoria, and on March I, 1903, was ap- pointed by Gov. George E. Chamberlain state health officer for the port of Astoria, a position that he is ably and faithfully filling.

While residing in Clay county, Mo., Dr. Hen- derson married Loula J. Morgan, who was born and reared in Clinton county, Mo., a daughter of John K. Morgan, a prominent lumber and grist manufacturer. The doctor is a prominent Mason, and is actively identified with other fraternal and social organizations. He was made a Mason in Haynesville Lodge, No. 49, at Holt, Mo., and was afterward affiliated with Missouri Lodge No. I, A. F. & A. M., of St. Louis, of which he is past master; in 1893 he was deputy grand lecturer, and in 1894 was deputy grand master ; he united with Lathrop Chapter No. 107, R. A. M., at Lathrop, Mo., became affiliated with St. Louis Chapter No. 8, R. A. M., and served as high priest in 1893. He became a Knight Templar in 1886 in Kadoch Commandery No. 21, at Came- ron, Mo., and in 1887 was transferred to St. Al-

damar Commandery No. 18 of St. Louis, Mo., of which he is still a member. He joined Hiram Council, R. S. M., in 1888 and was its thrice il- lustrious master in 1894. He became a member of Moolah Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, in 1890, at St. Louis, and transferred to Al Kader Temple of Portland in 1900, and is a member of Oregon Consistory No. I, A. A. S. R., of Portland, Ore. The doctor is also a mem- ber of Astoria Lodge No. 180, B. P. O. E., of which he is past exalted ruler; and of Concomly Tribe No. 7, I. O. R. M., of which he is past sachem, and is now great senior sagamore of Oregon. He is a member of the National Eclec- tic Medical Association ; a member and ex-presi- dent of the Missouri State Eclectic Medical As- sociation ; and a member and ex-president of the Oregon State Eclectic Medical Association. The American Medical Association, the Clatsop County Medical Society and the Oregon Medical Association number him as a member. Politic- ally the doctor is a steadfast Democrat.

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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 128

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