Portrait and biographical record of western Oregon, containing original sketches of many well known citizens of the past and present.., Part 63

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 63

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

468

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

DAVID JOHN LOWE. Unflinching deter- mination, a northern trait, has been one of the chief factors of success in the life of David John Lowe, a southerner, formerly a soldier in the Mexican war, and later a miner, merchant, and agriculturist. At present living a retired life in Bandon, Ore., to which he removed from his farm in November, 1898, he enjoys the advan- tage of a liberal income, universal confidence, and the society of many friends. Distinguished connections on both sides of his family have es- tablished a standard which it has been a pleasure for Mr. Lowe to maintain. He was born in Baltimore county, Md., November 10, 1823, of English ancestry, his paternal great-grandfather, John Lowe, having established the name in Vir- ginia, after his arrival from England with Lord Calvert, afterward Lord Baltimore. John Lowe removed from Virginia to Maryland, where he spent his last days on a farm, and died at an advanced age. His son, John Lowe, the next in line of descent, was born in either Virginia or Maryland, and lived on the government land grant in Maryland upon which the third John Lowe, the father of David, was born. The latter also devoted his life to farming, spending his entire life in the state in which is centered so much of the aristocracy of the south. He ex- perienced a brief service in the war of 1812, having assisted in the erection of the earthworks at North Point, Baltimore county, Md. Through his marriage with Ann Gosnell, a native daugh- ter of Maryland, Mr. Lowe became identified with a Revolutionary family which espoused the cause of the colonists. Greenburg Gosnell, the father of Mrs. Lowe, enlisted under the banner of Washington at the age of nineteen, and with the great warrior crossed the Delaware in the winter, and otherwise participated in the events which brought about the independence of the states. The five sons born to John and Ann Lowe are all living, and of these, Jesse M. is a resident of San Francisco, Cal .; David is living retired in Bandon; Yelverton M. and Robert are also residents of this town, and Thomas lives in Coos county. Ann Eliza, the third child in the family, is deceased.

Prior to enlisting in the Mexican war the youth of David Lowe was uneventfully passed on his father's farm, and after completing his education in the district school he used to ride horseback to Deer Park Academy. In 1846 the war presented an outlet for youthful ambition, and he enlisted in Washington city in Company C, Mounted Rifles, a branch company of the Texas Rangers, under command of Capt. Samuel H. Walker. By special request of Captain Wal- ker the company wore a separate uniform, and after being detailed to skirmish duty had its head-

quarters at Perote, Mexico. It was sent to meet General Lane at La Haya Pass, and there en- countered a fierce skirmish, although succeeding in the mission of escorting the general. This brave body of men, however, was destined for the fate of many another noble and fearless band, and their Waterloo was at Guamantla, into which they dashed only seventy strong, against the fearful odds of twenty-five hundred. The roll call afterward was responded to by seven- teen soldiers, a saddened and disheartened group, who bemoaned the death of their gallant Captain Walker, and the comrades who, like themselves, were so far from their homes. Mr. Lowe was spared further danger by illness, which necessi- tated his parole in December, 1847, after which he returned to his home in Maryland, and after recuperating, worked on his father's farm.

In the spring of 1848 Mr. Lowe went to Wash- ington and witnessed the laying of the corner stone of the Washington monument, July 4, and on New Year's day, 1849, he started across the plains to California. However, he had not yet fully recovered from the exposure of his war service, and in Baltimore was taken ill and obliged to wait until March, of the same year. This time he was more successful, and by steamer succeeded in reaching St. Joseph, on the Mis- souri river, May 9. The travelers arrived at the present site of Sacramento, September 10, 1849, and Mr. Lowe at once engaged in mining in El- dorado county. During the winter of 1852 he kept a general store at Mud Springs. July 8, 1856, he crossed the mountains to Oregon. Lo- cating on the Coquille river, near Myrtle Point, he took up three hundred and seventeen and a half acres of government land, and so erected his house that the future survey sent the section line through its center. The farm was timbered, marshy and wild, and many years of effort were required before it was developed into a paying investment. Mr. Lowe made it his home until coming to Bandon, since which time he has lived retired. At Folsom, Cal., September 13, 1857, Mr. Lowe was united in marriage with Eurilla Slayback, a native of Montgomery county, Ill., born April 9, 1834. David Slayback, the father of Mrs. Lowe, was born in Kentucky, and as a young man removed to a farm in the vicinity of Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1832 he settled on a farm in Montgomery county, Ill., near Hillsboro, and died there at the age of sixty-four years. His wife died when their daughter was three years old, and she was reared by a step-sister, coming to California with her brother-in-law, Allen T. Gray, in 1854. Prior to her marriage she lived with her relatives in Eldorado county, Cal. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Lowe, of whom the oldest daughter, Annie, is the wife

469

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

of A. D. Wolcott of Marshfield; Alice A., Mary Lee, and Maggie are deceased; Frank L. makes his home in Marshfield; and David John is a resident of Coquille, Coos county.

As a Democrat Mr. Lowe has held many im- portant offices in this county, and was a member of the school board at Parkersburg for twenty- one years. He has served as county commis- sioner three terms, as justice of the peace for a number of years, as recorder of Ban- don for one term, and as county judge from 1870 until 1874. While living in Baltimore, Md., in 1846, he became identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, affiliating with Franklin Lodge No. 2, the second lodge to be organized in the United States, from which lodge he took a card of dismissal, but lost it before he had a chance to deposit it in a lodge in the west. Had he remained an active member of the order he would now have been the oldest Odd Fellow in the state of Oregon.

THOMAS JEFFERSON THRIFT. Prom- inent among the leading public officials of Coos county is Thomas Jefferson Thrift, a man of ability and integrity, favorably known through- out a large territory as the county assessor .. A native of Oregon, he is a worthy descendant of one of those courageous and fearless pioneers, who came here at an early day, and assisted in clearing a pathway for the march of civilization, uncomplainingly braving hardships and dangers that the generations yet to come might live in ease and prosperity. A son of A. H. Thrift, he was born September 14, 1861, in Carbyville, Josephine county, Ore. He comes of old Vir- ginian stock, his paternal grandfather, Absalom Thrift, having been born and brought up in Vir- ginia. Subsequently removing to Ohio, he be- came a pioneer of Knox county, settling as a merchant in Fredericksburg, where he carried on a substantial business until his death, and also served a number of terms as sheriff of the county.

Born in Knox county, Ohio, September 7, 1839, A. H. Thrift came across the plains with horse-teams in 1852, being six months on the journey, during which time many of the company died from cholera. Locating in Coos county, he was one of the original settlers of Empire. At once embarking in mining pursuits, he met with more encouraging success than many of the pio- neer miners, and continued thus employed until 1899, when he removed to San Jose, Cal., where he is now living, retired from active business cares. He married Mary Jane Goodman, a na- tive of Missouri, and they became the parents of five sons and six daughters, Thomas J., being the second child.

After completing his studies in the common schools, Thomas J. Thrift worked with his father in Curry county, where the family lo- cated in 1869, remaining at home until his mar- riage. Settling then in Bandon, he built up an extensive and lucrative business as a carpenter, builder and contractor, continuing his operations until 1899. Being appointed deputy county as- sessor in that year he served a full term of four years, in that capacity giving eminent satisfac- tion to all concerned. In 1902 Mr. Thrift was elected to his present position as county assessor, and June 30, 1902, removed to Coquille, where he has since resided.

In Dairyville, Ore., Mr. Thrift married Sarah Hawkins, who was born in Humboldt county, Cal. Her father, J. E. Hawkins, removed from Missouri, his native state, to California in 1856, locating in Sonoma county, where he was en- gaged in business for many years. Migrating with his family to Curry county, Ore., in 1884, lie has since continued in the same employment, being quite successful. Mr. and Mrs. Thrift are the parents of three children, namely: Theresa, Frank and James. A stanch and true Democrat in his political views, Mr. Thrift is active among the party workers, and while a resident of Ban- don served one term as councilman, and for three years was a member of the school board. A member of several secret organizations, Mr. Thrift has served officially in many of the so- cieties, taking a high degree. He is a prominent Odd Fellow, belonging to both lodge and en- campment ; is a member, and past master, of Bandon Lodge No. 115, A. F. & A. M .; of the Eastern Star Chapter: is a Knight of Pythias, belonging to Delphi Lodge No. 64, of which he is past chancellor; and is a member of the F. A. A.

WILLARD N. SMITH. Next to the oldest- established plumber and tinner in Astoria, W. N. Smith has, by his own energy, foresight and sound judgment, built up a large and lucrative business, and is recognized as one of the most prosperous of citizens. A man of ability, enter- prise and integrity, he is held in high estima- tion throughout the community, and enjoys in a large measure the confidence and good will of his many friends and acquaintances. The descend- ant of an old honored family of New England, lie was born November 1, 1857, in Granby, Mass. His father, Nelson Smith, was a life-long resident of Hampshire county, Mass., his birth occurring in South Hadley, and his death in Granby. He was a farmer by occupation, and was highly respected by all who knew him. He married Selina Burnett, who spent the greater part of her life in Granby, Mass. Of the chil-

470

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

dren born to their union, five sons and two daughters are living, Willard N., who is next to the youngest child, being the only resident on the Pacific coast.

Brought up on the home farm, W. N. Smith was educated in the district schools of Granby, and in the South Hadley high school. At the age of eighteen ycars he began learning the trade of a tinsmith, at which he served an ap- prenticeship of three years in South Hadley Falls. He subsequently worked as a journeyman in different places in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut. Migrating to Kansas in 1880, he followed his trade in Kansas City for a short time, and was afterward engaged in business in Fort Scott. Removing to Idaho in 1882, he re- mained there two years, being first located in the Wood River country, then in Boise, and after- ward in Caldwell. Coming to Oregon in 1884, he spent a year in Portland, from there coming to Astoria in the spring of 1885. Securing a po- sition with Mr. Hawes, he was made superin- tendent of the plumbing and tinning department of his shop. Subsequently removing to the Lewis & Clark River valley, Mr. Smith pur- chased land, on which he resided about one year. Returning then to Astoria he was appointed by the water commissioners superintendent of the Astoria Water Works, which were then being greatly enlarged and the system extended, and served most efficiently and satisfactorily for three and one-half years. Wishing then to start in business on his own account, in 1896 Mr. Smith opened a plumbing shop on Exchange street, where, as junior member of the firm of Gribble & Smith, he was located for four years. Buying out the interest of his partner in 1900, Mr. Smith removed to his present location, No. 615 Commercial street, where he is carrying on an extensive and profitable business. He makes a specialty of house plumbing, heating, gas-fit- ting and tinning, and is recognized as a superior workman. He has furnished the plumbing for many of the finest residences and public buildings of Astoria, including the Flavel Hotel, at Ham- mond, one of the finest in the state.

In Astoria, Mr. Smith married Jennie Had- dam, who was born in Chanute, Kans., and they have one child, a daughter named Lena. Polit- ically Mr. Smith is a steadfast Republican, but is not an aspirant for official honors. He is a member of the Artisans, and helongs to the Astoria Chamber of Commerce.

SAMUEL SMITH. That satisfaction which comes from doing well whatever one has to do in the world must necessarily be the portion of Sam- uel Smith, owner of a farm of eighty acres near Coquille, and a painstaking, conscientious fol-

lower of agriculture. Mr. Smith spent his youth in Richland county, Ohio, where his birth oc- curred July 26, 1832, and where his father, a native of Pennsylvania, owned a farm and en- gaged in general farming and stock-raising. The elder Sınith married a native daughter of Penn- sylvania, and became one of the very early set- tlers of Richland county, which he left in 1839 and located on a farm in Illinois. A hard-work- ing and exceedingly industrious man, he yet enjoyed his work and made the best of it, his vigorous constitution and plain living permitting him to attain to the age of seventy-seven years, his wife also living to an advanced age.

Samuel Smith was twenty-one years old when he canic to Oregon with the Hubbard brothers, personal friends of his family. He was on the way about five months. He was not obliged to outfit on his own responsibility, but worked his way across by tending stock and taking his turn at driving ox and horse-teams. He does not recall any serious trouble with the Indians, and the party arrived at their destination in good health and spirits. Mr. Smith lived for a short time in both Clackamas and Linn counties, and then went to Lane county, where he had three brothers living on Long Tom creek. At this time he was more interested in the quick road to wealth through the mines in the state than through the more modest means of farming, and he therefore went to Jackson county, which of- fered superior inducements in his chosen calling. While there he encountered serious trouble with the red men, and the Rogue River war being at its height he enlisted in Company A, First Ore- gon Volunteers, under Captain Smiley, and served forty-seven days on the frontier guarding the life and property of the settlers. The war at an end, he mined again, and June 10, 1866, married in Josephine county, Mary Connor, who was born in Iowa in 1850, and crossed the plains with her parents in 1852. The Connors settled in the Willamette valley, but soon after removed to Josephine county, locating on a large stock farm. The fall after his marriage Mr. Smith brought his wife to Coos county, having found mining not particularly profitable, and having gained additional respect for the occupation of his farming ancestors. Locating on a farm of one hundred and fifty-eight acres, two miles above Coquille, on the river of that name, he settled down to make a home in a wild and un- settled region, and with neighbors miles away. Not long after, however, he selected the adjoin- ing farm as being better calculated to suit his purpose, and here he lived seven or eight years, coming then to his present home just in the rear of the last. Between then and the present time he has spent eight years on a stock ranch in the mountains, but, this experience over, he re-

J. W. Roberts

473

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

turned to the home since finely improved, and where he is carrying on general farming and stock-raising. His dairy is neat and attractive but not large, as at present he is milking but nine cows. Thirty-five acres of his farm are bottom land, rich and fertile, and the balance is devoted to pasture for his stock.

Politics has never appealed to Mr. Smith as a desirable means of livelihood, and he has there- fore rarely been induced to accept honors at the hands of his fellow-townsmen. What local of- fices he has filled have evidenced his fair-minded- ness and regard for the best welfare of his con- munity, and his well known integrity has been noticeable here as elsewhere. With his family he is a member of the German Baptist or Dunk- ard Church.

JOHN NATHAN ROBERTS. One of the enterprises that holds an important position among the industries of Myrtle Point is the fur- niture factory operated by the Roberts & Leep Furniture Company. It had its origin in a small wood-working shop started by Mr. Roberts, who in the fall of 1902 associated himself with C. C. Carter and embarked in the manufacture of fur- niture. At first the plant was operated by foot power, but later a small steam engine was pur- chased. A specialty is made of bedsteads, tables, sideboards and all kinds of fancy bar work, ex- cept carvings. The lumber most frequently used is myrtle wood, which is exceedingly attractive in appearance but very rare and expensive. Be- ing native to this locality, the wood is within easy means of access for the firm and has proved their most profitable material, although bird's-eye maple is also used to a considerable extent. Five inen are furnished employment. A new factory is now in process of erection, which will give the company modern equipments and improved facilities for work. Shipments are made to San Francisco and Portland, as well as other places along the Pacific coast.

In Muskingum county, Ohio, John Nathan Roberts was born September 8, 1865, a son of Charles and Catherine (Jenkins) Roberts, also natives of that county. His father, who was born June 5. 1835, removed to Illinois in 1869 and operated a farm in Coles county. First com- ing to Oregon ou a prospecting tour, he remained here from 1880 to 1882, when he returned to Illinois. On coming the second time, in 1887, he took up a homestead near Norway, but did not file the claim. During 1888 he came to Myrtle Point, where he worked in a sawmill for three years. The next two years were spent in Willow county in eastern Oregon. On his return to Myrtle Point in 1893 he resumed sawmilling, but in 1895 turned his attention to the manage-

ment of a restaurant and confectionery business. At this writing he is conducting a grocery and bakery business in Myrtle Point. Although now sixty-seven years of age, he is active, vigorous and physically and mentally alert.

In a family of four daughters and one son John Nathan Roberts was next to the youngest. He received his education in Illinois public schools and, upon starting out for himself, followed car- pentering and railroad work in his home state. In 1884 he came to Oregon and settled at Myrtle Point, where his first employment was that of clerk in a store. At the same time he followed carpentering to some extent, having a natural me- chanical ability. His next venture was the es- tablishment of the cabinet shop from which has been evolved the present furniture factory. The growth of this plant may be attributed largely to his indomitable perseverance and tireless ener- gy. To place it upon a firm financial basis has been his chief ambition and all other interests have been subservient thereto. Aside from vot- ing the Republican ticket, he has taken no part in politics nor been a participant in public affairs of his town, yet he is a public-spirited citizen and doubtless, in days to come, will become an influential factor in the civic progress of the place. He makes his home with his parents and with them is an adherent of the German Baptist Church.

JAY TUTTLE, M. D. Prominent among the leading physicians and surgeons of Clatsop coun- ty is Jay Tuttle, M. D., who is especially note- worthy for his professional knowledge and skill. His ability in dealing with difficult cases con- signed to his care has gained for him the con- fidence of the community, and his patronage has steadily increased from year to ycar. Success- ful from the time of taking his degree, he is well deserving of credit for the position he has won, not only as a practitioner, but as one of the most popular and esteemed citizens of Astoria. A son of Daniel Tuttle, Esq., he was born De- cember 21. 1841, in Nottingham, N. H. He comes of English ancestry, being a descendant in the eighth generation of John Tuttle, the immi- grant ancestor, his lineage being John ( 1), Judge John (2), Ensign John (3). Lieut. Nicholas (4). Ensign Stoughton (5), Joseph (6), Daniel (7). Jay (8).

Jolın Tuttle (1), a native of Hertford county, England, emigrated to America with Capt. Thomas Wiggin and his company in 1633, and settled at Dover Neck, N. H .. his lot being on the east side of High street, near the present site of the schoolhouse. He acquired considerable real estate, receiving several land grants. He was familiarly known as "Captain," and his

474

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

original home lot is still called Captain's Hill. He died in Dover, N. H., in 1633. Of the children born to him and his wife, Dorothy, John was the next in line of descent.

Judge John Tuttle (2), a life-long resident of Dover, N. H., died in 1720. He became a large land-owner and a citizen of prominence. He re- sided on High street, nearly opposite his father's home. He was for many years town clerk and town treasurer; representative in the convention that met in 1689 to organize the New Hampshire provincial government, independent of Massa- chusetts ; a representative in the general court from 1698 until 1707; and was judge of the court of common pleas from 1695 until his death. For several years he was captain of a company of militia. He owned several mill privileges and mills, and carried on a very extensive and lucra- tive business, manufacturing lumber, and ex- porting it to England and the West Indies. His wife's name was Mary.

Ensign John Tuttle (3) was born in Dover, N. H., in 1671, and died there May 17, 1712. Com- ing into possession of lot No. 7, which was given to his grandfather by the town in 1642, he re- sided there after his marriage to Judith Otis. A part of his estate is now owned by one of his lincal descendants, Richard Tuttle, the property having passed from father to son by will, and the house which he erected, and in which he lived, still stands on the original farm. He held several town offices, and was ensign of a company during one of the early Indian wars. He was engaged in the lumber business with his father, and was killed by the Indians while at his mill in Tole End, which is about a mile above the site of the present Cocheco Cotton Mills. The savages, alarmed by the coming of English troops, did not take his scalp, although they scalped several of the mill men killed at the same time.

Lieut. Nicholas Tuttle (4) was born in Dover, N. H., July 27, 1708, married Deborah Hunt, settled subsequently in Lec, N. H., and was afterward engaged in the lumber business at Nottingham, N. H., where he was a pioneer set- tler, and afterwards a resident until his death, in 1793. He took an active part in the old French and Indian war, serving as lieutenant of his com- pany.

Ensign Stoughton Tuttle (5), born in Lee, N. H., September 30, 1739. married, in 1760, Lydia Stevens, and soon afterward removed to Nottingham, N. H., living there until his death, in August, 1812. When but sixteen years old he enlisted in the Provincial army, and served for five years in the French and Indian war, being commissioned ensign of his company. He was with General Wolfe at Quebec, and was one of the brave soldiers that scaled the Heights of

Abraham, taking the French by surprise. He was a farmer by occupation, and for many years served as selectman in Nottingham, in that capac- ity furnishing the Continental army with supplies and men during the Revolutionary war.

Joseph Tuttle (6), who spent his entire life in Nottingham, N. H., was born July 26, 1766, and died February 28, 1843. 'A prominent busi- ness man, and one of the leading citizens of the place, he was active in public affairs, serving as selectman twelve years ; as representative a num- ber of terms; and was justice of the peace thirty- nine consecutive years, being known as "Esquire" Tuttle. He was an extensive farmer, an expert land surveyor, and had a good knowledge of the mason's trade.

Daniel Tuttle (7), also a life-long resident of Nottingham, N. H., was born September 26, 1801, and died October 26, 1874. He was a man of good education, especially in mathe- matics ; he taught school eleven winters in his early life; he was one of the selectmen of Not- tingham 1835-36, 1848-49, 1862-3-4, and town treasurer during the latter three years; recruiting officer during the Civil war; he was appointed justice of the peace in 1835; justice of the peace and quorum 1845; coroner in 1846; justice of the peace and quorum throughout the state in 1852, which office he continued to hold until his death. He represented his town in the legisla- ture in 1851-52; he was a land surveyor and civil engineer fifty years, always noted for the accuracy of his work: he was also a farmer and operative mason, doing much work in his own and neighboring towns. On October 16, 1828, he married Nancy Scales, who was born in Not- tingham, N. H., of excellent English ancestry. She was a descendant of one Hugh Scales, who went from Normandy to England with William the Conqueror, and was afterward knighted, and given large grants of land. The immigrant an- cestor was William Scales (1), the line being con- tinued through his son, James Scales (2). Capt. Matthew Scales (3), the next in line of descent, was born in Rowley, Mass, hut afterward set- tled in North Yarmouth, Me., where he was killed by the Indians, at his home, in April, 1725. His son Abraham Scales (4), born in Falmouth, Me., married Sarah Thompson, daughter of John and Sarah (Woodman) Thompson, and granddaughter of Capt. John Woodman, whose father, John Woodman, emigrated from England to New England in 1635. Their son, Samuel Scales (5), was a life-long resident of Notting- ham, N. H., and through him the line of descent was continued. Samuel Scales (6), the father of Nancy Scales, married Hannah Dame, a de- scendant in the fifth generation of Sergeant John Dame (1), the line being as follows: John (1), John (2), John (3), Moses (4), Hannah

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

Portrait and biographical record of western Oregon, containing original sketches of many well known citizens of the past and present.., Part 63

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