Portrait and biographical record of western Oregon, containing original sketches of many well known citizens of the past and present.., Part 68

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 68

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The connection of Judge Booth with Masonry began when he was initiated in Oakland Lodge No. 16, A. F. & A. M., and he is now identified with Grants Pass Lodge No. 84, at Grants Pass. At one time he was a member of Laurel Chapter, R. A. M., at Roseburg, but later transferred his membership to Reames Chapter No. 28, R. A. M., at Grants Pass. His connection with the fraternity includes membership in Oregon Con- sistory No. I, of Portland and Al Kader Temple, N. M. S., of Portland. Another society with which he is associated is Roseburg Lodge No. 326, B. P. O. E. His connection with the early history of Oregon is borne in mind through oc- casional attendance upon the gatherings of the State Pioneer Association and other meetings of old settlers, where tales are told of the early days with their struggles, hardships and excite- ments. As might be expected of one whose father and mother were earnest, devoted Metho- dists, Judge Booth has for years been a leading worker in his denomination. As a member of the official board and as Sunday-school superin- tendent, he has actively promoted the work, and has rendered effective service as lay representative to the general conference held in New York city and Omaha.

Few men in Grants Pass have been more active in politics than Judge Booth. As a leading worker in the Democratic party, his counsel is often sought. For years he has been a member of the state central committee. In 1898 the Democrats nominated him for state treasurer, but he was defeated with the rest of the ticket. although it is worthy of note that in his home

county he received twice as many votes as his opponent and had the satisfaction of running four thousand votes ahead of the ticket. In 1902 he was urged to accept the nomination for secretary of state, and that for joint senator, but both of these he declined. In 1902 he was elected county judge on the Democratic ticket, in a county that usually gives a large Republican majority, and these facts speak volumes for his popularity with the people of his community. As judge his ser- vice has been intelligent and acceptable and he has labored faithfully to reduce the debt of the county. Through all of southern Oregon he is well known and has a host of friends and well- wishers whose confidence he has won and re- taincd by his high sense of honor and unswerv- ing integrity.

JUDGE CHARLES M. BROWN. A man of influence and recognized worth as a citizen, Judge Charles M. Brown, during the compara- tively short time that he has resided in Toledo, Ore., has acquired an honored position among the leading men of the place. Educated for the ministry, he did excellent pastoral work the first two years after coming to Toledo, and since his election to his present office of county judge has been a wise and impartial dispenser of justice, winning a favorable reputation throughout the county for his honest and upright measures. He was born November 12, 1867, in Crawford coun- ty, Ind., which was also the birthplace of his father, the late John Brown.

John Brown received excellent educational ad- vantages, and as a young man taught school a number of terms. He was subsequently engaged to some extent in agricultural pursuits, settling in Martin county, Ind., where he also preached. having charge of the Baptist pulpit until his death, at the early age of forty-nine years. His wife, whose maiden name was Susanna Overley, was born in Crawford county, Ind., and died in Indiana, in 1879, at the age of fifty-two years. She bore her husband two children, both boys, Charles M., the special subject of this sketch, being the youngest.

Acquiring a practical education in the common schools, Charles M. Brown left home at the age of sixteen years, going to Texas in search of fame and fortune. His first occupation was that of a cowboy on a ranch in McLennan county, after- ward being employed in different localities in that state. Entering the Southwestern University, at Georgetown, Tex., in 1893, he continued his studies there two years. Beginning his minis- terial work in the Methodist Episcopal Church South, he was ordained deacon at Ardmore, Ind. T. Changing to the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1896, Mr. Brown went to Colorado in that year, assuming charge of a church in Pueblo.

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Returning to Indian Territory in 1897, he was admitted to the bar, at once beginning the prac- tice of his profession in that city, being both a minister and a lawyer. Coming to Oregon in 1899, he accepted a position as pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church, for two years there- after most acceptably filling the pulpit. In June, 1902, he was elected county judge of Lincoln county, and in that capacity has since served with credit to himself, and to the satisfaction of the people. Judge Brown has also other interests, as a real estate agent dealing extensively in town and country property, and being the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of good timber land on Siletz river.

While in Indian Territory, Judge Brown mar- ried Leona Montgomery, who was born in Mis- souri, a daughter of Dr. W. H. Montgomery. A native of Kentucky, Dr. Montgomery settled as a physician in Missouri, going from there, via Arkansas, to Comanche, Ind. T., and thence to Portales, N. M., where he is still engaged in the practice of his profession. The judge and Mrs. Brown are the parents of five children, namely : Alvin, Marvin, Roy, Eulah and Nellie. Politically Judge Brown is identified with the Republican party. Fraternally he is an Odd Fellow, belonging also to the Rebekahs, and is a member of Newport Lodge No. 85, A. F. & A. M. He is very active in the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he is still a local preacher, and is a very effective and pleasant speaker, both in the pulpit and on the bench.

PETER BRANT. A well-known resident of Tillamook, and a worthy representative of its farming community, Peter Brant has been active- ly identified with the agricultural industries of this part of Tillamook county for many years, and in the prosecution of his independent calling has met with a large measure of success. His early home, like that of many other of Oregon's respected citizens, was on the further side of the Atlantic, his birth having occurred in Smaland, Sweden, October 23, 1833. His father, John Brant, was a native of the same town, and a prosperous member of the agricultural com- munity. In 1870, at the age of sixty years, he came to the United States, and settled at Marine Mills, Minn., where he afterwards lived retired until his death, in 1882. He married Cassie John- son, who was born in Smaland, Sweden, and died in Minnesota, in 1902, at the venerable age of ninety-six years.

The only son in a family of four children, Peter Brant was reared on the home farm, ob- taining his education in the common schools of his native country. His youthful ambition was to come to the United States, a plan that was at

first strongly opposed by his parents. Finally, through the influence of a neighboring farmer who was about to immigrate to this country, the parents relented, and Peter, in 1857, found him- self in Minnesota. The ensuing three years he lived near Stillwater, working by the day at farming and logging. In 1860 he made a trip to Arkansas, working his way down to Gales Landing. Not at all contented there, Mr. Brant started for Minnesota in March, 1861, and while on the way spent two and one-half years at Grand Rapids, Mich. Arriving in Minnesota in 1863, he married, and soon after enlisted in Company C, Seventh Minnesota Volunteer In- fantry, which was assigned to the Western Divi- sion, commanded by General Thomas. With his regiment Mr. Brant took part in the battles at Tupelo, Tallahassa, Holly Springs, Nashville, Spanish Fort, Mobile and Fort Blakely, and also was one of the pursuing party that followed Price through Missouri. August 16, 1865, at Fort Snelling, Minn., Mr. Brant was honorably discharged from service, with an excellent war record.

In 1866 Mr. Brant came by way of the Isth- inus of Panama to Oregon, and after looking about in search of a favorable location took up one hundred and sixty acres of land lying about five miles northeast of the city of Tillamook, where he resided twenty-two years. Renting that place, he then purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land lying about four miles from the city limits, and there continued his agricul- tural labors, paying especial attention to dairying, in which he has been eminently successful. He has other landed and financial interests, being a stockholder, and secretary, of the Yellow Fir Lumber Company, whose lands and mills are located about eleven miles south of Tillamook. He is likewise interested in the Tillamook Dairy Association, of which he was president three years, resigning the position on account of ill health.

Mr. Brant married first, in 1863, in Minnesota, Annie Sund, who was born in Sweden, and came to this country with her parents. She died in Tillamook, leaving four children, the eldest of whom was but six years old at the time of her death, namely: Mrs. Mary Swanson, of Klickitat county, Wash .: John, living at home ; Charles, deceased ; and Alice, living in Portland, Ore. Mr. Brant was again married, Amy Jane Bodyfelt becoming his wife. She was born in Darke county, Ohio, October 30, 1825, and came from Indiana to Yamhill county, Ore., in 1862. In 1865 Mrs. Brant came with her first husband. Danicl Bodyfelt, to Tillamook, where she has since resided. Politically Mr. Brant is a stanch Republican, and a strict temperance man. Al- though not an aspirant for public office, he has

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served as school director and school clerk. Fra- ternally he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and of Corinth Post No. 35, G. A. R. Religiously he belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is one of its trustees.

GEORGE BETHERS. Among the native- born citizens of Oregon, and a man of prominence in the educational world, is George Bethers, of Toledo, the present superintendent of the schools of Lincoln county. The possessor of superior talents and scholarly attainments, he is eminently qualified for the important work in which he is now engaged. He is actively identified with the educational progress of Oregon, which has an excellent school system, special attention being given to the instruction of the young, irrespective of sex, throughout its length and breadth. Each county affords good facilities for the acquirement of knowledge in all grades, from the kindergarten for the child of tender years to the higher insti- tutions of learning for more mature minds. George Bethers, who presides over the schools of one of these counties, was born in Benton county, near Corvallis, July 6, 1861, a son of G. W. Bethers.

A native of Ohio, G. W. Bethers was born August 12, 1821. In early manhood, filled with a desire to try the "hazard of new fortunes," he migrated to the extreme western frontier, com- ing across the plains with ox-teams to Oregon in 1848. Locating in Benton county, he took up land near Bellfountain, but not liking the situa- tion he gave that up, and secured claim to a tract of six hundred and forty acres lying near Corvallis, being but two and one-half miles southwest of the city limits. Improving a fine homestead he was there engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death, on June 10, 1878. A man of undoubted integrity and sterling worth, he had the respect of the community in which he lived for so many years. In politics he was a Republican, and in religion was a member of the United Brethren Church, and one of its trus- tees. He married Kezia Newton, who was born in Kentucky, and came with her father, Abiathar Newton, to Oregon in 1848, crossing the plains in the same train that Mr. Bethers did, and locat- ing in Benton county. She survived her hus- band, afterward married Mr. Rayburn, and now resides in Philomath.

The eighth child in order of birth in a family of ten children, of whom five sons and four daughters are living. George Bethers acquired his rudimentary education in the common schools. For nine years thereafter, he was en- gaged alternately in teaching and in attending Philomath College, from the commercial depart- ment of which he was graduated in 1887. In

1888 he taught school in Benton county. Coming to Toledo in 1889, Mr. Bethers was here principal of the public school for five years, resigning the position to accept the superintendency of the schools of Lincoln county, serving one term of two years. The following two and one-half years, from July 12, 1897, until January, 1900, he was principal of the Newport public school, being a most thorough and popular instructor. Again elected superintendent of the schools in Lincoln county, he has since served in this capac- ity, meeting with emment success, and winning a more than local reputation for his practical methods.

Near Philomath, Benton county, at the home of the bride, Mr. Bethers married Mabel Agnes Gray, who was born in Benton county, a daughter of J. M. Gray, a pioneer farmer of that part of the state, and a highly respected citizen. Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Bethers, two children have been born, namely: Cecil Effie, deceased ; and Agnes Eudelle. Politically Mr. Bethers is a strong advocate of the principles of the Repub- lican party, and fraternally he belongs to the Woodmen of the World and Ancient Order United Workmen. He is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he is one of the trustees, and for nine years and more he has been superintendent of the Sunday-school.

WILLIAM H. FALLIN. The county as- sessor of Josephine county, who has been a resi- dent of Grants Pass since 1888, was born in Vandalia, Ill., March 21, 1863, and was one of ten children and the eldest of the four now living. On the paternal side he traces his an- cestry to David Fallin, an Englishman, who be- came a merchant in Baltimore, Md., and con- tinued in that city until death. David's son, Henry, was born in Maryland, and settled on a farm in Kentucky, but from there removed to a farm in Coles county, Ill., finally going to Kansas City, where he died. Benjamin F., son of Henry, was born in Bracken county, Ky., and graduated from the Eclectic Medical College of Cincinnati, Ohio, after which he carried on a general practice at Vandalia, Ill. At the open- ing of the Civil war he raised a company that was assigned to an Illinois regiment and was commissioned captain by Governor Yates; later he was appointed surgeon of the regiment. From Illinois he removed to Kinsley, Kans., where he spent two years, and in 1888 settled at Myrtle Creck, Ore., where he died October 6, 1903, aged sixty-nine years. His wife, Sarah, was born near Vandalia, Ill., a daughter of William DeVore, a Pennsylvanian, of French descent, and a pioncer farmer of Illinois.

Mrs. G. H. Guerin.

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At the age of fifteen years William H. Fallin began to earn his own livelihood by clerking in a store, which occupation he followed not only in his native city, but also in Kansas City from 1885 to 1888, when he came to Grants Pass. Here he started out as a clerk for Campbell & Tuffs, general merchants. When their partner- ship was dissolved he began to clerk in a hard- ware store with James T. Tuffs, with whom he continued for some time. From 1894 to 1898 he acted under appointment as deputy sheriff for J. G. Hiatt. On the Republican ticket, in 1902 he was elected county assessor by a major- ity of two hundred and ninety-five, which was the largest majority given any candidate on that ticket. In January of the following year he took the oath of office and assumed its duties, which he has since discharged with fidelity. His Masonic relations date from his admission into Grants Pass Lodge No. 84, A. F. & A. M. He was initiated into the Royal Arch degree at Jacksonville and is now a member of Reames Chapter No. 28, R. A. M. Another order with which he is identified is the Woodmen of the World. In politics he always votes with the Republicans and in religious views he is in sym- pathy with all worthy movements, but an especial contributor to the Methodist Episcopal Church, with which his wife is identified. His marriage was solemnized in Grants Pass and united him with Miss Ora Wimer, who was born in Jackson county, Ore., and is a daughter of W. J. Wimer, one of Oregon's pioneers. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Fallin are the following-named chil- dren : Bernice, Alice, Marie, John D., Howard A. and Ruth.

GEORGE H. GUERIN. An important fac- tor in the agricultural and business life of Curry county for the past twenty-seven years has been George H. Guerin, whose expectations in the west would seem to be fully realized, at least from the standpoint of financial advancement. At present engaged in the hotel business in Myr- tle Point, the occupation represents relaxation from many years of ceaseless activity on one of the finest and largest farms in this part of Ore- gon, each acre of which was purchased and worked for by as zealous an advocate of in- dustry and sobriety as one would meet in a year's travel. At his pleasure Mr. Guerin can leave liis hotel in other hands and drive into the fertile farming regions of Curry county, twenty-five miles east of Myrtle Point, and sur- vey the farm of twelve hundred acres purchased by him and his sons at various periods since 1876, and his home until removing to Myrtle

Point in 1897. Here Mr. Guerin spent by far the most satisfactory years of his life, and dur- ing that time experienced all of the trials and deprivations which characterized the life of the pioneers. Many improvements had been made by the former owner, but they belonged to pio- neer days, and the new owner found them alto- gether inadequate for his more enlightened needs. Each year witnessed the clearing of more unbroken land, and the better cultivation of that which had already been upturned by the plow. Produce of all kinds, grains and fruits, as well as high-grade Shorthorn cattle supplied the principal revenue during Mr. Guerin's oc- cupancy of his rauch for twenty-two years, and now that the city has become his home, his practical and progressive policy is being main- tained by his capable and resourceful son, Harry A.

The ancestors of Mr. Guerin have been both farmers and trades people, and prior to the es- tablishment of the family in America, lived in France. William Guerin, the father of George H., was born in New Jersey September 15, 1815, and all his life cherished just pride in his Huguenot forefathers, exiled because of their intolerant mother country. Mr. Guerin was an expert carpenter, cabinet-maker and wood- worker, and when well established in business in Newark, N. J., married, in 1840, Charlotte N. Tichenor, born in Newark in 1818, and daughter of a shoe manufacturer. In 1841 Mr. Guerin moved with his family to Mobile, Ala., where his son, George H., was born September 23, 1842, and where he made his home until re- turning to Newark in 1847. In this, his favorite city, his death occurred in September, 1852. George H. and his mother preceded the father upon the return to Newark, and after the death of the latter the mother removed to the old home- stead and lived there until going to Philadelphia, Pa., in 1857. This continued to be her home until 1872, when she went to Waverly, N. Y., but since coming to Oregon in 1876 she has made her home with her son.

After the removal to Philadelphia George H. entered Saunder's Military Academy, one of the finest institutions of the kind in the United States. To the training thus received he attributes a large share of the mental and physical development which has so materially contributed to his suc- cess. In 1862 he entered upon an independent career in Newark, as manager of a coal yard, and a year later he went to Jeddo, Pa., and was em- ployed in a general merchandise store. March 20, 1866, he was united in marriage with Pris- cilla Dobinson, a native of England, born Jan- uary 16, 1848, and for the following nine months traveled extensively in Kansas and Nebraska with a surveying company. Returning to Penn-

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sylvania in the fall of 1867 he entered the employ of the Lehigh Valley Railroad Company, re- maining with the company in various capacities until 1875. During this time he made his home in Waverly, N. Y., and afterward moved to Buf- falo, N. Y., and was given entire charge of the docks of C. A. Blake & Company in that city.

Starting for Oregon in 1876, Mr. Guerin had a pleasant trip by rail, and at once took up his residence on his present farm. For about fif- teen years he engaged in mining and prospecting in Oregon, with his farm as headquarters, but in his mining venture he met with only average suc- cess. Besides being the owner of valuable. prop- erty in Port Orford he also owns houses and lots in Myrtle Point. He was instrumental in building the wagon road into Curry county, and he has been public spirited in all things that have built up Curry and Coos counties. From time to time he has taken active interest in poli- tics, although he owes allegiance to no particu- lar party. For fourteen years he was justice of the peace in Curry county, and has held many of the local offices. Mr. Guerin is social in his inclinations, and enjoys a good story, and pleas- ant evening with friends. He is a member of Myrtle Lodge No. 78, A. F. & A. M., Arago Chapter, R. A. M., St. Omar Commandery of Elmira, N. Y., and with his wife is a member of the Eastern Star.

Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Guerin, of whom William, the oldest son, is deceased ; Harry A. is managing the home place ; Thomas D. is engaged in the hotel business with his father; George H. Jr. is in Alaska; James T. is engaged in farming and stock-raising in the vicinity of Myrtle Point; Waterman C. is living in Myrtle Point and is engaged in mercantile business ; Charles V. is also in Myrtle Point in the government employ; Anna R. is the wife of Warren W. Deyoe, of Myrtle Point; Eckley C. lives at home; and John died in infancy. Mr. Guerin is justly proud of his capable and well- established sons, and has found them of great help in carrying on his farm and business. He engaged in the hotel business upon locating per- manently in Myrtle Point, and was so successful that in 1901 hc erected his present hotel, a three story modern structure, containing twenty-seven well-lighted, well-ventilated and well-furnished rooms. He caters to the best of the traveling public and rightly regards his culinary depart- micnt as of prime importance in maintaining an excellent standard. Mr. Guerin is a practical and straightforward business man, honorable in all of his transactions. In all his affairs Mr. Guerin has had the assistance and counsel of his wife, and to her he owes his success in business ventures and the training of their family.

OSCAR O. GANIARD. The name of Gan- iard, well known throughout Jackson and Joseph- ine counties, belongs to a family which was established in America by a French ancestor, Peter Ganiard, born in the city of St. Fleche, France, July 22, 1734. He was the son of wealthy parents, and with his elder brother James, fitted up vessels and sailed to the West Indies, locating on the island of Hispaniola (now Hayti), when they established a thriving trade with the colonies. Peter Ganiard was in- duced by his brother to go to New London, Conn., and learn the English language, in order that they might better carry on commercial re- lations between the American colonies and the West Indies. On becoming familiar with Eng- lish customs the young French lad ceased to be interested in the business and brother in the south, and he married Esther Marriett, who was born in Killingworth, Conn., her ancestors being English who had settled in Connecticut early in the seventeenth century. After a time James Ganiard became governor of Hispaniola, but he never ceased to search for his truant brother who had long since dropped his correspondence, and after a lapse of fourteen years Peter's identity was discovered by a captain of one of the many vessels belonging to James, and through him was induced to return to the islands with his family, which consisted of a wife and five chil- dren. Shortly afterward religious differences caused their second separation, Peter again locat- ing at Killingworth, where he remained until the breaking out of the Revolutionary war. Upon hearing of his brother's death and that a portion of his estate had been left to himself, he visited Hispaniola, but was not able to secure more than $3,000 in gold and his brother's wearing apparel, parts of which are supposed to still be in the possession of some of his descendants.

The representative of the Ganiard family in Oregon was the late Oscar O. Ganiard and his wife, she being also a lineal descendant of Peter Ganiard. Oscar O. was born in Bristol, N. Y., January 28, 1832, a son of Peter Ganiard, also a native of that state, who married Ruth Beldon, a native of Massachusetts and of English ex- traction. The parents removed to Ohio and later settled in Jonesville, Mich., where Oscar O. Gan- iard received his education. In 1852 he crossed the plains to Oregon and became a wealthy and prominent citizen of Jackson county, as well as being largely interested in the real estate of Josephine county, owning near Althouse the En- terprise ranch, and also engaging in a mercantile business. In 1872 he removed to Jackson county and engaged in farming and merchandising in Sams valley, twelve years later becoming a resi- (lent of Ashland, which continued to be his home until his death, July 13, 1895. He was a broad-

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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 68

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