Portrait and biographical record of western Oregon, containing original sketches of many well known citizens of the past and present.., Part 145

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 145

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Mr. Britt was born in Glarus, Switzerland, March 19, 1819. his ancestors having settled in the Alps country many hundreds of years ago, emigrating from their home in England. Jacob Britt, the father of Peter, was born near Glarus, and married Dorothy Britt, a native of the same locality, and daughter of Kasper Britt. Jacob

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

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Britt brought his family, consisting of two sons, his wife having died some years before, to Amer- ica in 1845, locating in Highland, Ill., where he lived to be seventy-three years old. In his na- tive land, and also in the country of his adoption, he engaged in the wood business, importing the finest of woods for cabinet and other ornamental work.

Peter Britt was twenty-six years old when he came to America with his father in 1845, bring- ing with him a practical common-school educa- tion and a mastery of portrait painting. Seven years later, in 1852, he joined a party of three in a trip across the plains, having one wagon and six yoke of sturdy oxen. They . were eight months on the way, and though they had much to do with the Indians, invariably received kind treatment from the denizens of the plains. It is one of the pleasantest recollections of Mr. Britt that they were always thoughtful and con- siderate of the red men, and that they often gave them food and otherwise purchased their good- will. Locating in Jacksonville, he plied his art, which he had perfected in Illinois and St. Louis, Mo., in which latter city he had also taken up daguerreotyping, as possibly better understood and appreciated in this country. At the same time he took up a half section of land adjoining the town of Jacksonville, to which he later added eighty acres, combining its management with portrait painting and daguerreotyping. In the spring of 1853 he started a pack-train to Cres- cent City, a distance of one hundred miles, and continued the freighting business until 1856. He then sold out his train and went to San Fran- cisco, where he purchased a larger and more complete photographic outfit, and soon afterward took the first photograph before referred to. His life in the meantime has been a busy one, and here he married Amelia Grob, who for years watched his growing success, but died in 1871. Two children were born of the union, Emile and Amalia D. Aside from his beautiful home, Mr. Britt owns several farms in the Rogue River valley, upon one of which is a vineyard yielding delicious grapes and fruit for wine production. The balance of the land is in orchard and pas- ture. Formerly Mr. Britt voted the Democratic ticket, but owing to the currency attitude of his party he has espoused the cause of Republican- ism. Too much cannot be said in eulogy of the life and work of this disciple of nature. In a groove in which comparatively few excel, he has tenaciously maintained a high standard, and at the same time has made a practical success of his life-work. It is the unusual artist who has the financial part of his make-up well devel- oped, and especially one who has not sacrificed the dignity or simplicity of his calling.

WILLIAM B. MILLION is no stranger to most of our readers, for his whole life has been spent in Jackson county, Ore., he having been born March 3, 1861, on the old Million donation claim, in the vicinity of Ashland, a son of Ben- nett and Armilda (Beam) Million, and a grand- son of Benjamin Million, an early settler of Wis- consin, where his death occurred. Bennett Mill- ion, the father, who was born in the year 1812 in Kentucky, was among the early settlers of Mineral Point, Wis., where he engaged in lead mining. During the Black Hawk War, he served with distinction. After entering a homestead claim in Wisconsin, he followed farming, clearing and improving his farm until the gold fever of 1849 struck the country. That year he crossed the great plains and fol- lowed mining in California until 1852, when he returned to Wisconsin by way of the Isthmus of Panama and up the Mississippi river. Upon reaching his home he sold his farm and pre- pared to transfer his belongings across the plains. In company with his wife and six chil- dren he started on his long and tedious journey with a large outfit drawn by ox-teams. His intention was to return to California, but on the way he was persuaded to turn his steps toward Oregon instead, and in the fall of 1854 arrived in Jackson county. At once he took up donation claims of three hundred and twenty acres on the present site of Ashland, and by improving his farm little by little he was soon enabled to engage in both the grain and cattle business. He laid out a part of his land into city lots and by this means accumulated money rapidly. A tract of one hun- dred and forty-three acres of the original land is still in the possession of the family and is operated by two of Mr. Million's sons as a dairy farm. For the past twenty years the father has lived retired. He is very infirm and feeble, having passed his ninety-first birthday.

Mr. Million was a member of the party that discovered the two dead Indians in 1856, in what is now known as the Dead Indian Country. In his younger days he was a man of great promi- nence, whose influence was felt throughout his section, and he took an active interest in the Rogue River War. In politics he is a Democrat, and has served as justice of the peace. Prior to removing to Oregon, he was twice elected sheriff in Wisconsin, and also served as tax collector for three terms. He was united in marriage with Armilda Beam, who was born in Indiana, a daughter of John Beam, a pioneer settler and farmer in Wisconsin, who accompanied the Mil- lions to Oregon and died many years ago. Mrs. Armilda Million is still living, and she and her husband reared twelve children, all of whom are still living, the greater part of them residing in Ashland. They are as follows: John B., a car-

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penter ; Eliza Ellen, now Mrs. Gedding; Sarah, Mrs. Kentnor; Laura J., Mrs. Woodson; Martha, Mrs. Morgan; Kizzie; Alice, Mrs. Bal- don, of Klamath Falls; Jackson H., who resides in Humboldt county, Cal .; Esther, Mrs. 'Lytle- ton, of Siskiyou county, Cal. ; William B .; Joseph T .; and Charles. The latter is a partner with William B. in conducting the dairy ranch.

William B. Million grew to manhood in Jack- son county and his training in the public school of Ashland was supplemented by a scientific course in the Ashland Academy. On account of his father's advanced years he took charge of the farm when seventeen years old, and his un- tiring efforts have been invariably crowned with success. The brothers are profitably engaged in raising hay, having one hundred acres of irrigated land, which is devoted solely to raising alfalfa. They cut three crops per year, and raise from three to four tons to the acre. In addition, the brothers have twenty head of high-grade cattle and do quite an extensive dairy business, selling both milk and butter to the nearby market of Ashland.

Mr. Million was joined in marriage with Cora Handgen, an Ohioan by birth. Mrs. Million came to Oregon ten years ago, and they have one child, Mildred E. They worship at the Presby- terian Church, of which Mrs. Million is a mem- ber. In his political convictions Mr. Million is a stanch Republican, and although not an office seeker, he has served as councilman of the first ward. Fraternally he is allied with the Knights of the Maccabees and Knights of Pythias, being ex-representative and past chancellor of the lat- ter. Mr. Million is to-day an example of what an honorable and upright man should be, and he has seen the land chosen by his father de- velop and grow in value.

JAMES H. ROSS, the sheriff of Lincoln county, is a man of extended experience in deal- ing with human nature, also a broad minded student of affairs in his adopted state, to which he came in 1881. He was born in Lee county, Iowa, September 17, 1850, a son of David and Melinda (Casey) Ross, natives of Holmes coun- ty, Ohio. The father was an early settler of Lee county. Iowa, which he found a wilder- ness, and where he improved a farm from a state of uselessness and disorder. He was a plucky and resourceful man, and it required no effort on his part to dispose of a well established home and brave the dangers of the overland trail in 1852. Landing at San Jose, Cal., he settled down to farming and fruit raising. Subsequently he lived in different parts of the state, and finally died, with expectations fairly realized, in 1898. at the age of eighty-one. He was a strong and

uncompromising Republican, and during the war was an equally forceful Abolitionist. His wife had preceded him to the other country many years before, her death occurring in 1867, at the age of fifty-seven years.

After a limited education in the public schools James H. Ross, the fourth of the three sons and two daughters in the parental family, began to Icarn the blacksmith's trade at the age of eighteen and thereafter followed the same in San Jose for twelve years. From 1881 until 1882 he worked at his trade in Salem, Ore., and during the latter year was appointed to the police de- partment, serving two years. In 1886 he was

elected marshal of Salem, and in 1890 went east to Chicago, Ill., where he was variously em- ployed until the opening of the World's Fair in 1893. During the exposition he was a mem- ber of the secret service for six months, and after completing the service made a tour of the southern states and Mexico. Returning to Salem in July, 1894, he removed the following year to Lincoln county, and at Toledo ran a mail route to Siletz, Ore. In 1896 he served as dep- uty sheriff for two years, and in 1898 was elected to the office by a large Republican majority. His popularity and ability are best attested by the fact that he is now serving his third term, and that his administration has received most favor- able mention from all who desire a law abiding and peaceful community.

In Humboldt county, Cal., Mr. Ross married Ethel Cooper, a native daughter of San Fran- cisco, and of this union there have been born ten children, the order of their birth being as follows: Fred, Edith. Ether (the two latter twins), Vern, Grace, Lynn, Mollie, James and two deceased in infancy. Mr. Ross' spirit of comradeship and sociability finds an outlet in various fraternal organizations, principally the Blue Lodge No. 50, F. & A. M., of Salem; and Lodge No. 359, B. P. O. E., of Albany, Ore. Mr. Ross is possessed of the firmness of char- acter, decision and courage necessary for the successful conduct of his important responsi- bility, and in the estimation of competent judges is one of the most competent sheriffs in the his- tory of Lincoln county.

CHARLES ADAMS. An example of the opportunities which the towns of Oregon offer to men of persevering industry is afforded by the life of Charles Adams. When he came to Myrtle Point in 1890 his entire wordly posses- sions were represented by the $5 bill in his pocket. Naturally, with a capital so limited, he started here on a very small scale. How- ever, he was a skillful blacksmith and had no difficulty in securing plenty of work to keep

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him busy. By degrees he became interested in other lines of activity. In connection with his blacksmithi's forge he had a machine shop and did accurate work in the line of cabinet-making. At this writing he also handles farm imple- ments, wagons and carriages. A portion of his savings has been invested in town property. He is now the owner of three cottages which he rents, a business building on Spruce street and Adams Hall, which is used as the meeting place of various seeret societies.

Charles Adams was born in Boone county, Iowa, September 24. 1862, and is a son of William and Judith (Stanley) Adams, natives of North Carolina. After their marriage his parents removed from North Carolina to Iowa in 1860 and settled on a farm in Boone county. From there in 1878 they came to Oregon and established their home in Baker county, but two vears later removed to a ranch near Boise City, Idaho, where they have since resided. In their family of six sons and six daughters Charles was the sixth in order of birth. While a boy on the home farm he became an accurate judge of horse flesh and a successful trainer, so that when only sixteen he was employed much of his time in breaking colts. This occupation he followed after the family settled in Baker coun- tv, Ore .. his work taking him all through east- ern Oregon and into Idaho and California. How- ever, the business did not prove profitable, and after spending the winter of 1889-90 in San Fran- cisco he decided to seek a means of livelihood more remunerative and from which he might hope to realize a competenev. Thereupon he came to Myrtle Point, where he has since worked constantly at his chosen occupation.

The marriage of Mr. Adams united him with- Miss Rebecca Thomas, at that time a resident of Coos county. Ore .. but a native of California. Her father. Lewis Thomas, who was a south- erner by birth, settled in California during pio- neer davs and in 1887 removed to Coos county, Ore .. but at this writing makes his home in Washington. The three children of Mr. and Mrs. Adams are Mabel, Harold and Chester. In his political views Mr. Adams is a thorough- going, pronounced Republican. Though not ear- ing for official honors, he consented to serve as a member of the city council, in which body he has rendered efficient service for six terms. His fraternal relations are numerous and im- portant, included among them being his member- shin in the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Degree of Honor, the Woodmen of the World, the lodge and encampment, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Order of Rebekahs, Blue Lodge No. 78, A. F. & A. M., Argo Chap-

ter, R. A. M., and the Order of the Eastern Star at Marshfield, in various of which organizations he has filled important offices.

AARON ROSE. The beautiful city of Rose- burg, Douglas county, stands as a living monu- mient to the name of Rose, that of the man who was the first settler of this locality, and as such endured the hardships and dangers of his pioneer life. The name of Aaron Rose has been long known throughout this county and not alone that he was the founder of one of Oregon's most beautiful citics, but rather for the high moral principle, the earnest integrity, that distinguished the character of one of her early citizens. He lived to see the wilderness blossom with the seeds of civilization, cities and towns spring up in the midst of valley and forest, the fields re- sponding to the touch of energy and ambition ; he lived to win the regard of all who came to know him well,-the highest tribute that can be paid to man. Dying, he left but the memory of one of the early pioneers, whose deeds are a part of the history of the state.

Aaron Rose was born in Ulster county, N. Y., June 20, 1813, and with his parents emigrated at the age of twenty-four years to the state of Michigan, where he farmed until 1850. With his family he crossed the plains from Coldwater, Mich., to Oregon, in 1851. the journey occupy- ing about six months. Upon his arrival in the northwest he took up a donation claim of six hundred and forty acres, September 23, 1851. upon the present site of Roseburg, his home con- tinuing in this vicinity throughout the remainder of his life. To accommodate the guests who visited this part of the country Mr. Rose opened a hotel, which was the first in the place. Later he conducted a butcher shop, bought and sold horses and also conducted a store, at the same time carrying on farming operations.

In 1854 the county seat of Douglas county was removed, by a vote of the people, from Win- chester to Mr. Rose's farm, where a town was surveyed, which was named Roseburg by its settlers. The growth of Roseburg was in 110 small measure due to the business enterprise and spirit of progression which animated Mr. Rose, for he allowed no obstacles to deter him in his efforts to advance the interests of the city which he had founded, through discouragements and trials pressing his way steadily toward a successful completion of his work. That he at- tained his object is evident to all in the light of results.

In 1855-56 Mr. Rose was a member of the territorial legislature where he gave efficient service, and lie also ably assisted in the build- ing of the wagon road from Roseburg to Coos

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bay. It is truthfully said of Mr. Rose that no movement which had for its end the promotion of the interests of the community ever lacked his most earnest and hearty support, being miost liberal in the donation of lands or money toward the fulfillment of any worthy project.

JAMES ALEXANDER LYONS. While the period of his residence in Coos county did not cover many years, as we count time, yet Mr. Lyons left the stamp of his individuality indelibly impressed upon his home town and county. Em- bodied in his character and conduct might be found the honorable traits that came to him as his heritage from a long line of industrious and intelligent ancestors, and these qualities aided him in attaining a place among the foremost men of Coquille. He was a member of an old Cana- dian family. His father, William, was a native of Ontario and for some years conducted a general mercantile business at Simcoe, Nor- folk county, but in 1879 came to the Pacific coast and settled at Oakland, Cal. Five years later he established his headquarters in Coquille, Ore., where he followed merchandising and saw- milling on an extensive scale. In 1886 he re- turned to Oakland, Cal., where his last days were passed in retirement, in the enjoyment of the ample means which his sagacious business methods had rendered possible. At the time of his death he was eighty-five years of age.

The birth of James Alexander Lyons occurred in Monroe, Mich., January 22, 1844. Primarily educated in the common schools of Simcoe, On- tario, he was later given the privilege of at- tending the Commercial College of Detroit. On coming to California in 1880 he was prepared for a successful career by his long connection with his father's mercantile business, where he had gained accurate business ideas and a thor- ough commercial training. For a time he held a position in the custom house and in 1883 ac- cepted a position as city salesman for the Co- quille mills. For the purpose of taking charge of the mills he came to Coquille in 1886, and at once threw himself into the work with such energy and acumen that increased financial gains attended the enterprise. A degree of success was attained that was highly gratifying, yet he liad still larger plans for the future, and it is safe to say that, had death not intervened, the successes already gained would have been eclipsed by his later efforts. While still in the prime of life (at fifty-three years of age) in 1897 his earth life ended suddenly and unex- pectedly. So completely had his attention been given to private business affairs that he was never able to identify himself with politics, al- though he was a Republican in his views and

always voted with his party. Before coming to the Pacific coast he had been a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen in Ontario. Those most closely associated with him, and to whom he unbent from the reserve that was habit- ual to him in his intercourse with strangers and casual acquaintances, found in him a stanch friend, genial companion and honorable asso- ciate, and among the residents of Coquille his standing was the highest.

The home place in Coquille is occupied by the widow of Mr. Lyons, Emma Maria Lyons, who was born in Simcoe, Ontario, September 5, 1849, and accompanied her husband to Oregon in 1886. Her parents, Hiram and Amelia (Cul- ver) Bowlby, were Canadians by birth. The father died on his homestead there when about sixty-three years of age, and the mother is still occupying the home place. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Lyons there were seven children, but one of these died in infancy and Alexander is also deceased. Those now living are as fol- lows: Aggie; Lillie, wife of Frederick Kronen- burg, of San Francisco; William H., who is at present engaged in settling his father's es- tate; Stewart, who for some time operated the mill, but more recently purchased the Pacific Flour & Lumber Company at Coquille; and Josie, who resides with her mother.

OLE EVENSON, of Marshfield, is a native of Norway, born January 1, 1850, the oldest in a family of five sons and two daughters. He lived twenty-two years in his native land, long enough to build up a strong constitution and set into activity the industrious and honorable traits of character which have made him a success as a builder, contractor and furniture dealer. His mother died when about forty years of age, while Ole was a mere lad, and he later learned the carpenter's trade of his father, Even, a very successful mechanic and millwright, who lived to be seventy years old. Mr. Evenson landed in New York City in the summer of 1872, and made his way to Chicago, Ill., then recovering from the throes of the terrible fire of '71. He found employment in a furniture shop until the fall of 1873, and then came to Oregon, locating on a small farm in the vicinity of Marshfield, on Coos bay. In 1875 he moved into Marshfield and began to work in a furniture shop, and found the outlook so promising that in 1877 he started up a furniture manufacturing business on his own responsibility. In 1886 the business was disposed of to Christienson & John- son. In the meantime, in 1884, Mr. Evenson lost his health, probably from the close con- finement incident to his work, and in order to regain the same took a trip back to Norway,

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remaining for about six months. Upon return- ing to America he visited Minnesota and other northern states, reaching Marshfield in about eleven months from the time he started.

In 1888 Mr. Evenson started a furniture manu- facturing shop in Empire, and in connection therewith had a general furniture store. His business increased to such proportions that he finally took in a partner to help him manage it, said partner being J. O. Gilbert, whom he bought out in 1890, and conducted the business alone for two more years. Returning to Marshfield in 1892, he engaged in carpentering and con- traeting, and at the present time does a large share of the fine woodwork of the town. This enterprising citizen is a bachelor, and his ready mind and fondness for study have devised vari- ous ways of improvement and diversion. He is the happy possessor of an unusually interesting collection of curios, gathered from all parts of the world, and embracing Indian relics, petrified bones, rocks, shells, rare woods, and ores. Mr. Evenson is a Republican in politics, and is a member of the Lutheran Church, the state church of Norway. He is pleasant and broad minded, courteous to his many patrons, and a distinct credit to his progressive community.

WILLIAM THOMAS MERCHANT. A native son of Oregon, his birth having occurred May 5, 1868, at North Bend, Coos county, Will- iam T. Merchant is a representative of the younger generation of business men of Marsh- field. Recognized as a man of ability and force, he is actively identified with one of the fore- most industrial enterprises of this part of the state as manager of the extensive business of the Dean Lumber Company. He comes of hon- ored pioneer ancestry, being a son of Charles H. Merchant, of whom a biographical sketch mav be found elsewhere in this work.

The oldest son and fifth child in a family com- posed of eight sons and three daughters, William Thomas Merchant acquired the rudiments of his education in the district schools of Marshfield. Entering the University of Oregon, at Eugene, in 1885, he studied there for a year, in 1886 being graduated from Hill's Business College. On leaving school he was variously engaged until May, 1903, when he accepted his present responsible position as business manager of the Dean Lumber Company, which manufactures lumber of all kinds and has extensive interests in timber and coal lands. Mr. Merchant's father was one of the organizers of this company, and an active partner in the concern for a number of years, selling out in 1892. In order, low- ever, to secure himself, he was afterwards forced to take charge of the business, which he super-

intended until May, 1903, when he was suc- ceeded by his son, William.

In Marshfield, Mr. Merchant married Eliza- beth Pruce, who was born in Germany, and came to New York City with her widowed mother when but one year old. Her father, John Pruce, a life-long resident of Germany, was passenger agent of a railway company. Two children liave blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Merchant, namely : Charles Henry and John William. Po- litically Mr. Merchant supports the principles of the Republican party, but is not an aspirant for political favors. Fraternally he is a mem- ber of Aurora Lodge, No. 59, A. F. & A. M., of Gardiner, Ore .; and of Arago Chapter, No. 28, R. A. M.

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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 145

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