Portrait and biographical record of western Oregon, containing original sketches of many well known citizens of the past and present.., Part 78

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 78

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After six months the family arrived in Jack- son county, Ore., where Mr. Peninger took up a donation claim of three hundred and twenty acres, occupying the present site of Tolo, ten miles north of Medford. During the Indian troubles of 1853 all of their property was burned. Later a military reservation was established and

a fort built on his land, which was known as Fort Lane. At the same time he established a trading post on his place and this he conducted until his death, in the fall of 1855. On account of an error in the office at Washington, proofs of his claim were overlooked, so, in 1857, his widow bought a ranch of three hundred and twenty acres, known as the Walter Davis and Ben Drew donation claims, situated nine miles north of Medford. The first improvements of any value on this place were made under her direction. In June of 1863 she became the wife of Daniel Fisher, who had crossed the plains to California in 1849, came to Oregon two years later, and served as an unenlisted soldier in the Indians wars of 1853-55-56. Their union was a happy one and death did not long part them, for Mrs. Fisher died June 5, 1898, and Mr. Fisher on the 4th of July of the following year.

After the death of Mrs. Fisher a committee consisting of Mrs. J. M. McCully, Mrs. R. M. McDonough and Mrs. W. J. Plymal prepared a memorial in behalf of the Oregon pioneers, tes- tifying to her beautiful character and self-sacri- ficing life. From it we quote as follows : "During her lifetime she followed to the grave nine of her ten children; the saddest of all must have been the little grave she left unmarked on the plains, and only those who have lost children can realize what that implies. Well do we all remember the winter of 1852 in Jacksonville, known to the pioneer as the winter of hard- ships, privations and starvation. Mrs. . Penin- ger, then a young woman in the prime of life, cheerfully took hold without a murmur, creating comfort with her cheering presence, and alleviat- ing pain by her tender touch. When flour sold for $1 per pound, salt for $16 per pound, and not to be had at that price only a pinch at a time for the sick (and they were many ) Mrs. Peninger and others soaked the flour sacks to make gruel for the sick and destitute. All the flour and gro- ceries used that winter were packed on backs of mules from Salem, Ore., through rains and floods, through canon and over mountains. The empty flour sacks were of much value for the caked flour in the rich corners to soak for gruel. Adversity in pioneer days brought out all the ingenuity in their make-up. Many a big cup of this grucl did Mrs. Peninger carry to the sick in their miserable huts and tents, and felt happy if she could obtain a pinch of salt to season this delicious beverage; with a few dried herbs she brought across the plains in case of emergency, cheerfully divided around to make tea for the sick in the fever-stricken camps. The poor homeless boys would return thanks with many a prayerful blessing for their 'ministering angel', as they called her. The fear of Indians over- shadowed our lives for months and months, as

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we prayed to God for aid and protection, putting out trust in heavenly promises. Nevertheless our faith would waver sometimes and we all frequently expected to be killed before the light of another day. The camp guards would come in and order all lights to be put out. 'Indians ! We are surrounded by Indians ! Let the women and children all get together for protection.' Mrs. Peninger would try to be brave and say, 'All I ask is to be killed outright and all to- gether. We are as near heaven here as any place on earth.'

"Mrs. Fisher's last days were surrounded by plenty. She never was so poor but she had al- ways to spare. No one ever went away empty- handed from her door. She needs no flowery obituary to perpetuate her memory. No pen in the hand of any pioneer can do justice to this noble woman. Her charitable deeds will live and be handed down to posterity when many of the high officials of the pioneer days of Ore- gon will be forgotten."

The only surviving child of the ten born to the union of John Peninger and Mary Smith is William H. Peninger, who remained at home until his marriage, March 15, 1885. His wife, Alvina Hess, was born in Germany January 27. 1862, and came to the United States with her relatives in 1867, two years later settling in Jack- son county, Ore., where she grew to woman- hood. Of her marriage there are three children, viz. : Mary E., Bertha A. and William H., Jr. The family occupy the old home place, where Mr. Peninger now owns four hundred acres, one hundred acres being under cultivation to general farm products. A specialty is made of stock-raising, in which he has been successful. Substantial improvements have been made on the place, among which may be mentioned the neat and modern dwelling. The political views of Mr. Peninger are in harmony with the prin- ciples of the Democratic party, and fraternally he is connected with the Knights of Pythias. Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Degree of Honor.

HON. WILLIAM A. CARTER: A note- worthy example of the opportunities which Ore- gon offers young men of fixed principles and great determination is afforded by the life of William A. Carter, of Gold Hill. Starting out a few years ago without means, he is now a member of the mercantile firm of Carter & Duf- field, organized in 1900 and since then the pro- prietors of a growing business. To meet the needs of their customers they carry a stock. representing a valuation of $6,000. At this writing (1903) they are erecting a two-story

brick building, 50x70, which when completed will be the most substantial business structure in the town.

Born near Greeneville, Greene county, Tenn., June 7, 1874, William A. Carter is a son of L. A. and Sarah Carter, natives of the same vicinity. His father, who was born February 17, 1850, was a member of a family of farmers and grew up to a practical knowledge of agriculture, but has engaged principally in business pursuits and mining through all of his mature years. From Tennessee in 1889 he moved to Missouri and built a flour mill at Willow Springs, conducting the same until his removal to Oregon in 1892. On his arrival here he settled at Gold Hill, where he engaged in prospecting and mining. His object in moving west wa to benefit his wife's health, but in this hope he was doomed to dis- appointment for she died in November of 1893. Since 1900 he has engaged in mining in Siski- you county, and is the owner of Clifftop mine in the Salmon river mining district. As a mem- ber of the Republican party he has borne a deep and constant interest in politics. Fraternally he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and in religion is connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church. In his family there are seven children, namely: R. A., editor and proprietor of the Gold Hill News; William A., of Gold Hill; Matilda, wife of Joseph L. Ham- mersly, an attorney of Gold Hill; \V. B., who is with his father in California; Virginia, wife of James Lewis, a resident of Sawyer's Bar, Cal. ; Nina B. and Charles O., who are with their father.

The public schools of Tennessee and Missouri afforded William A. Carter fair educational ad- vantages. He accompanied his father to Ore- gon, and in 1893 started out to earn his own live- lihood. For two years he was employed with the Southern Pacific railroad and during this time studied law with Joseph Hammersly at Gold Hill. On his admission to the bar in 1899 he began the practice of his profession, but soon concluded that his tastes and ability fitted him for commercial pursuits rather than a profes- sional career. In 1900 he embarked in the mer- cantile business, in which he has already achieved more than ordinary success. On the last day of the year 1900 he married Ethel Hughes, who was born in Salem, and they have one son, Jolin Hughes Carter. In religious connections they are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which Mr. Carter officiates as a trustee. Fra- ternally he is a member of Warren Lodge. No. IO, A. F. & A. M., at Jacksonville; Gold Hill Lodge, No. 127, I. O. O. F., in which he has held all the chairs and served as representative to the grand lodge; Lodge No. 80, A. O. U. W., at Gold Hill, which he has represented in the

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grand lodge; and in these various organizations has been an influential factor.

The Republican party receives the stanch al- legations and support of Mr. Carter. For four successive terms he served as city recorder of Gold Hill and at this writing is a member of the town council, where he uses his influence to promote measures for the upbuilding of the place. A high honor was conferred upon him by his party in 1900, when he was elected to represent Jackson county in the twenty-first ses- sion of the Oregon legislature. During his term of service he rendered important work as chair- man of the printing committee and the commit- tee to investigate the books and accounts of the secretary of state; he also did effective service as a member of the taxation and assessment com- mittee, and the committee on mines and mining. His period of service, taken in its entirety, re- flects the greatest credit upon his talents as a statesman and his patriotic spirit as a citizen.

JAMES THORNTON. Numbered. among the earliest settlers of Jackson county is the venerable and highly respected citizen, James Thornton, of Ashland, who has been an im- portant factor in the upbuilding of this city. As proprietor of the Ashland Woolen Mill, which he owned and operated for twenty years, he estab- lished one of the pioneer industries of the place, giving visible impetus to its industrial growth and prosperity. He has also been identified with its agricultural, horticultural and commercial in- terests, by his energy and public spirit helping to develop the resources of this part of the state. .A son of Levi Thornton, he was born in Lafay- ette, Tippecanoe county, Ind., May 29, 1826. He comes of English stock, his paternal grandfather, Edward Thornton, having emigrated from Eng- land to America, settling in Pennsylvania, where he engaged in tilling the soil, making farming his life occupation.

Born in Pennsylvania, on the Susquehanna, Levi Thornton, early showed his devotion to his country by serving as a teamster in the war of 1812. He subsequently removed to Tippecanoe county, Ind., thence to Louisa county, Iowa, where, in 1836, he became one of the first settlers on the Black Hawk purchase. He afterwards re- sided on the homestead which he had cleared and improved until his death, in 1840. He married ('atherine Black, who was born in Kentucky, and (lied in Iowa. Five children were born of their union, namely : Elias, who died in Council Bluffs, Iowa, at the age of four score years, Mrs. Sarah Willets, who ched in Ashland, Ore., in to01 ; John, who crossed the plains with his brother in 1850, and resides at Port Townsend, Wash. ; James, the special subject of this sketch;

and Henry, who came to Oregon in 1853, served in the Rogue River Indian war, and now resides at Grants Pass, Ore.

At the age of ten years James Thornton ac- companied his parents to Iowa, where he assisted in the pioneer work of reclaiming a farm from the uncultivated land, and continued his pursuit of knowledge. Attending school in the custom- ary pioneer log schoolhouse, with its punchcon floor, slab benches, and greased paper windows, he learned to write with a quill pen, and made considerable progress in the three Rs, which con- stituted the principal branches taught. A subse- quent term of six months at a school in Knox county, Ill., completed his educational opportuni- ties. In 1850, with his brother, and other com)- panions, he started for the California mines, ex- pecting to find a fortune there awaiting him. Leaving Muscatine, Iowa, with ox-teams April 1, he crossed the river at Council Bluffs, and after striking the plains did not see a house or settle- ment until reaching Fort Laramie. Prior to that time he and his comrades had made up their minds to go directly to Oregon City. Arriving there October 1, 1850, the entire party, twenty- one in number, spent the winter in that locality. Buying cayuses and provisions in the spring, they went over the Siskiyou mountains to California, being snowed in five days while on the way, and loosing two horses. Returning to Yreka in March, they' staked claims, and engaged in min- ing, using a hollow log fixed up for a cradle at first, later improving it. At the end of two months' hard labor the profits were divided, and each man had an average of $16 per day, not one half the sum it should have been, as the men being amateurs did not get half the gold.

Discouraged in his search for gold, Mr. Thornton then returned to the Willamette valley and worked throughout the harvest season in Yamhill county. In the fall of 1851, going by boat to San Francisco, he sailed from there by the Nicaragua route to New York City, going thence to Iowa to join his wife. Remaining there for nearly two years he decided that the winters were too cold in that climate, so con- cluded to settle permanently in Oregon. In the spring of 1853, therefore, he again started with ox-teams across the dreary plains, following the route he had previously taken, and at the end of six months arrived in Yamhill county, where he spent the winter with his family. Coming to Jackson county in the spring of 1854, Mr. Thornton took up a donation claim of two hun- dred and sixty-four acres on Wagner creek. Im- proving a good ranch, he engaged in gardening, raising garden truck for the miners of Jackson county, afterwards devoting his attention to gen- cral farming and sheep raising. He subsequent- ly purchased, from the Applegates, the Siskiyou

Lenis Strong

Cathanno Strong

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toll-road, which he conducted for eight years, keeping the highway in such excellent repair that no stage ever missed a trip on account of bad roads. At the same time he continued his busi- ness as a sheep raiser and dealer, having a range in the foot hills.

Locating in Ashland in 1867, Mr. Thornton built his present residence, and, with two part- ners, bought the Ashland Woolen Mills, the plant being then run by water power. Adding to the equipments and furnishings of the mills, he built up an extensive business which he carried on for twenty years, manufacturing blankets, flannels, cassimeres and shawls. During the hard times of President Cleveland's second administration, the mills were closed, and afterwards were under the control of another company until they were burned down. Interested in agriculture and hor- ticulture, Mr. Thornton has a large orchard ad- joining the city on the south. It contains twenty acres of fine land, which is set out to peach, pear and apple trees. The fruit from his orchard he disposes of through the Ashland Fruit and Pro- duce Association, of which he is a member.

Mr. Thornton married first, in Iowa, Isabel Wallace, who was born in Nova Scotia, and died in Wagner county, Ore., leaving four children, namely: Mrs. Kate Andrus, of Bolivar, N. Y .; Mrs. Laura Willey, of Ashland; Mrs. Sarah El- len Garrett, of Ashland; and Henry, also of Aslı- land. Mr. Thornton's second marriage occurred in Ashland, uniting him with Miss Elizabeth Pat- terson, who was born in Ohio and came to Ore- gon in 1861. Mr. and Mrs. Thornton are the parents of four children, namely : Sheridan, a machinist, who is in the employ of the Ashland Iron Works; Mrs. Hattie Hayes, of Ashland; Joseph Edward, a confectioner, residing in Ash- land; and Ole, attending the Portland Medical College. Mr. Thornton is a member of the Jack- son County Pioneer Association. Politically he is a Republican, and for ten years was a member of the city council, presiding as president of the board a part of the time. He has assisted in -building all the churches of Ashland, and is a member, and one of the trustees, of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

LEWIS STRONG. It is fitting that one who, at his birth in Sullivan county, Mo., February 14, 1843, was named in honor of Capt. Meri- weather Lewis, should in later life become inti- mately associated with the state whose glorious possibilities were brought before the notice of the world largely through the explorations of that vigorous pioncer. Lewis Strong, who is himself one of the resourceful citizens of Coos county and Myrtle Point and a descendant of pioneer ancestry, is a son of Elisha William and Maria (Peterson) Strong, the former born in

New York in 1808 and the latter a native of Ohio, born in 1818. At twelve years of age Elisha W. Strong accompanied his widowed mother to Ohio and later to Montgomery county, Ind., where he married Miss Peterson. In 1842 he settled in Sullivan county, Mo., but three years later again changed his abode, settling in Wapello county, Iowa. The following year he bought farm land in Keokuk county, the same state, and there he remained until his death, which occurred in 1873, at sixty-five years of age. His wife also died on the Iowa farm, her demise occurring in 1895. They were the parents of three sons and three daughters, of whom Lewis was the second-born. While he was still young his parents removed to lowa and there he was sent to the country schools.

Before the west had become the home of a prosperous and large population Mr. Strong identified himself with this section of country. March 15, 1863, he left his old Iowa home, bound for the Pacific coast. The plains were crossed with a mule-team. On the 2d of July he arrived in Virginia City, Nev., where he se- cured employment. Leaving there on the 15th of August he crossed the Sierra Nevada moun- tains and proceeded via Mount Shasta through the Willamette valley to Tillamook, Ore. Early in 1864 he went from there to the North Yamhill river, Yamhill county, and embarked in the saw- mill business. On selling out in 1867 he re- moved to Applegate, Josephine county, where he bought a farm of one hundred and sixty acres. Four years later he sold that property and moved to Phoenix, Jackson county, where he became interested in a flour-mill business. His next removal occurred in 1876, when he settled at Applegate and bought a flour-mill, after having first operated it under a lease for some time. At the time of purchasing the mill he bought three hundred and twenty acres of land. Lacking the ready money to pay for this pur- chase, he was given time until the necessary amount was earned. In 1889 he sold the mill and farm for $8.400 and then came to Myrtle Point, where he bought one hundred and eighty- six acres three miles south of town on the south fork of the Coquille river. This is said to be the finest farm of its size in Coos county. The property is still in his possession, but since 1899 has been leased to other parties, and he makes his home in Myrtle Point. To a large extent he has retired from active labors, although he acts as agent for Stover's gasoline engines and the cream separators manufactured for the Mitchell, Lewis & Staver Company.

While living in lowa Mr. Strong married Catharine Wimer, a native of that state, having been born April 8. 1845. Her father, Jacob Wimer, a Pennsylvanian, settled in Ohio and

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from there went to Iowa in 1840, settling in Keokuk county, and erected and operated the first sawmill in that county. Somewhat later he gave his attention largely to the building of mills in Missouri, where for three years he made his home in Ray county. On his return to Iowa he resumed milling in Keokuk county. During 1863. with his son-in-law, Mr. Strong, and other members of his family, he came to Oregon, where the following year he bought a farm on the North Yamhill river and built a mill for the manufacture of flour. Selling out in 1867, he moved to southern Oregon and purchased the Mountain House property at the head of Rogue River valley, the same consisting of hotel, feed barns, stage barns and land. Two years later he bought the Phoenix flour-mill property at Phoenix, Ore. In 1871 he erected another mill on the same ditch and operated the two prop- erties. When he sold the mills in 1875 he settled in Applegate and built a mill which his son-in- law, Mr. Strong, later purchased. The year 1876 found him in Waldo, Ore., where he con- ducted a mercantile business. With his sons, G. WV. and W. J., he became financially interested in the Simmons mine, which brought him most gratifying returns. Somewhat later he disposed of his mining interests to his sons. In 1887 he settled. at Fishtrap, near Myrtle Point, Coos county, and two years later died on that home- stead at the age of seventy-three. In many re- spects he was a remarkable man. Both mentally and physically he was strong, keen and vigorous. It was his good fortune to have the mental acute- ness necessary for the formation of large en- terprises and the physical strength necessary to carry the same to a successful consummation.

In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Strong are the following-named sons and daughters: James Franklin and William Jacob, who are farmers ; Lucy A., wife of E. W. Jones, who lives near the home place ; Henry A. and Louis M., both of whom are farmers; Viola L., wife of S. W. Warner, a farmer residing near her father's home; Alice A. and Alberta G. (twins), the former married to C. L. Neil, of Harney county, Orc., and the latter the wife of William Floyd, of Riverton; Homer E., deceased; John G., at home : and Ralph E. and Eva I., both of whom arc deceased. Though not a member of any religious organization, Mr. Strong contributes to the Methodist Episcopal Church South, with which his wife is connected. In former years he was an active worker in the Democratic party and held numerous local offices, including those of school director and road supervisor. Fra- ternally he is a member of Myrtle Lodge No. 78, 1. F. & A. M .. and the Order of the Eastern Star, No. 24. also Myrtle Grange No. 289 and the Patrons of Husbandry.

JAMES MCDOUGALL. After a boyhood spent upon the high seas, an early manhood de- voted to the no less exciting experiences of a prospector and miner, and several subsequent years when bridge-building was followed, in 1876 Mr. McDougall came to Jackson county, where he has since made his home. The ranch which he owns and operates and which has been his property since 1890 originally comprised eighty acres, but now embraces eighty-seven. It forms a part of the Harding donation claim and lies three and one-quarter miles south of Gold Hill. The improvements noticeable on the place have almost entirely been placed there by the present owner, who has given considerable attention to the converting of the land into a valuable ranch. The value of the place is increased by the fact that a mine is located on it, and the development of this mine receives special thought and care on the part of its owner.

In Scotland, John McDougall and Mary Mc- Clain were born, reared and married, and from there they removed to Prince Edward Island. They were the parents of five sons and six daughters, one of whom forms the subject of this article. After settling on the island the father conducted a grist mill until the infirmities of age prevented him from further identifying himself actively with business cares. He lived to be almost ninety, while his wife passed away at eighty-five years.

In 1858 James McDougall took passage at New York City on the North Star line for San Fran- cisco via the Isthmus. After his arrival in Cali- fornia he followed prospecting and mining for twelve years in California and Nevada. During this period, in 1860, he served for three months as volunteer in the Pinte Indian war and as- sisted in subdning the savages. On coming to Oregon in 1870 he took up the carpenter's trade in Portland and for about six years was employed as bridge-builder for the railroad. When he came to Jackson county, in 1876, it was for the purpose of mining and this occupation he fol- lowed near Gold Hill a number of winters, meanwhile working as a bridge-builder for the county during the summer months. On discon- tinning that work he took up a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres in the Blackwell dis- trict. This property he proved up on and made his home for seven years, going from there to the place he now occupies and owns. His neat farm home is presided over by his wife, who is a native of Jackson county and bore the maiden name of Catherine Ralls. Among the people of this county Mr. McDougall has a high place. He is regarded as one of the most successful mining men in the vicinity, his knowledge of that industry being the result of years of practical experience in mines. While he has never allied

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himself with any of the prominent political par- ties, liis interest in politics is none the less keen and constant, and he gives careful consideration to matters brought before the people for decision. In local elections he gives his support to the men whom he considers best qualified for the office in question, while in general elections he also carefully weighs the problems before the people, the character and ability of the candidates them- selves, and then votes in accordance with his carefully formed opinions.

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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 78

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