USA > Oregon > The Oregon native son, 1900-1901 > Part 6
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65
On the 14th of June next the Grand Encampment of the Indian War Vet- erans will convene at Grand Army Hall in Portland for the transaction of busi- ness. The auxiliary will give these heroes a dinner on the afternoon of that day, and a reunion will take place in the evening. It is a shame that the ser- vices o fthese veterans in the saving of the Pacific Northwest to the United States lias not long since been recogniz- ed by an imgrateful government. No sturdier set of men ever founded a com- monwealth : 10 braver a company ever protected and fought for home, family
and flag; no other participants in the defense of this country ever received less consideration at the hands of con- gress than they. Whe nhats are taken off, there could not be a more appropri- ate occasion than when these much-neg- lected veterans, now worn and bowed by weight of years, carry the flag they upheld with honor to themselves and the Union.
The question has been asked the Na- tive Son as to why mention was not made of the dedication of the log cabin erected by Matthieu's Cabin, Native Sons. The artist who took the photo- graphs of the building and of those at- tending the ceremonies, has been sick and absent from the city, and we have been unable to secure such photographs for illustration as we desired. When we take up this matter, it will be our en- deavor to give it the extended mention and notice in way of illustration that it is entitled to. This we hope to do in the immediate future.
REMOVAL .- The office of the Ore- gon Native Son has been removed to No. 184 Fourth street. The new quar- ters are one of the oldest landmarks in the city of Portland, being the residence of Capt. Crosby, which was erected by him in the latter part of 1847. It is said by some to be the first frame house built in this city; others say that F. W. Pettygrove built the first one. It origi- nally stood on the southwest corner of First and Washington streets. The doors, windows and weather-boarding was brought around the Horn from the East. Carpenters were paid $15 per day to put it together, and were in no haste, making the building very expensive. Several early mariages were celebrated under its roof, among them being those of Mr. and Mrs. F. G. DeWitt and Gov. and Mrs. Pennover. Mrs. DeWitt. formerly Mrs. Polke, was the first occu- pant. Capt. Crosby's family not coming until sometime subsequent to its build- ing .
1 -
BIOGRAPHICAL.
EDWARD J. NORTHRUP.
Among many who have died leaving the world better for having lived in it. the name of Edward James Northrup deserves no mean place.
He was born in Albany, N. Y., July 4th, 1834. His father, Nelson Northrup, was a mechanic in moderate circumstances. and was not able at that early day to give his children a liberal education, but Edward ob- tained the rudimentary essentials of one, and supplemented it in later years by wide and useful reading, of which he was very fond all his life. His mother was a noble Christian woman and greatly influenced him toward the better life.
His father came to the Pacific Coast in 1849. While going around the Horn he was wrecked on the coast of Chili, but finally managed to reach Oregon. For a short time he traded at the Cascades, but in 1851 came to Portland and opened a little store on the northwest corner of
Front and Yamhill streets, that was probably the first hardware store established in Portland.
Edward, in the meantime. had gone to Boston and had obtained employment in a book store there. In 1852 he decided to join his father in Oregon, so came around by way of the Isthums of Panama, meeting with some adventures on mule-back and on the Chagres River. Arriving in Portland, he en- tered the employ of his father. where he clerked for a few years. In 1856 he bought out his father, in company with J. M. Blos- som, the new firm being known os Northrup & Blossom. Portland at that time was a very small town, but as the town grew, the business kept pace. Vancouver was then, as now, occupied by United States troops, and Mr. Northrup often spoke in later years of Lieutenant U. S. Grant who used to come to Portland occasionally and buy from him sup- plies for Uncle Sam.
Mr. Blossom sold out his interest to J. C. Van Rennslaer, and after a number of years R. R. Thompson bought in. the firm name then becoming Northrup & Thompson. In 1878 Mr. Northrup retired on account of poor health, after 26 years of steady application to business. The firm that succeeded him is now known as Honeyman, DeHart & Co.
After a years' rest Mr. Northrup started up in business again in the carriage and wagon material line. His son Herbert was associated with him for a time but died in San Francisco in 1881. Mr. Northrup then look into the firm J. E. Haseltine and J. G.
Chown. The new firm were fitting up quar- ters in the warehouse, 228 Front street, near Salmon, at the time Mr. Northrup met his death, which was such a shock to the entire city. This occurred ou April 9, 1883. A hatchway in the floor had thoughtlessly been left open from the upper to the lower dock. and while absorbed in some business calcu- lations, Mr. Northrup accidentally ťell through, fracturing his skull. He died with- in a few hours at his home. Thus in the prime of life was taken suddenly from his family and friends one who did much to build up his adopted city and state not only in a commercial way, but also in a moral one. He was always found on the right side of all movements for the moral uplifting of his fellowmen, and while for many years an active member of the Taylor-street M. E. church, was also connected with the temper- ance and Y. M. C. A. movements, and the Sunday school work. His integrity and moral worth were fully appreciated by all who knew him, and he was often asked to run for office, but always refused.
In politics he was a Republican. He was a delegate to the Republican convention in 1880 that nominated Garfield, and the same year was a lay delegate from Oregon confer- ence to the general conference of the M. E. church that met in Cincinnati.
Mr. Northrup was married in 1856 to Miss Frances C. McNamee, daughter of Job and Hannah McNamee, pioneers of 1845. Eight children were born to them, two dying in in- fancy, and six who grew to years of discre- tion. Herbert. the eldest, died, deeply mourn- ed by many friends, at the age of 24. The other five children now living are: Ada F., wife of C. A. Morden; Clara E. Northrup, Frank O. Northrup , Edwin P. Northrup. and Ellen A., wife of J. M. Johnson. of Spokane. Wash. The city authorities about 10 years ago gave the name of Northrup to one of the streets in the north end of the city, in honor of this pioneer, which will forever associate his memory with that of Portland, his home for over 30 years.
CAPTAIN JACOB KAMM.
Capt. Jacob Kamm. characteristically a pro- gressive citizen of Portland and a typical pioneer. was born in Switzerland, December 12. 1823. When eight years of age he came to America with his father, spending his young- er days in several of the Western states. Ho received his education in Illinois and at St. Louis, Missouri. His father, who had resigned
45
-----------
-
46
OREGON NATIVE SON.
his commission as captain in the Swiss army, came. to this country to establish a new home here for his family, all of whom, except the subject of this sketch, were left in Switzerland, but the father died of yellow fever in New Orleans before attaining that object. By his death, Jacob, a mere lad of twelve, was thrown upon his own resources. He obtained work in a newspaper office in New Orleans, but life on the water having a charm for him, he left that situation to ac- cept the position of cabin boy on the Ark, a small Mississippi river steamer.
This calling, however, did not offer to the ambitious boy any inducements for speedy promotion. Being of a mechanical turn of mind, he turned his attention to marine en- gineering, quickly becoming an expert. In- dustry and frugality soon enabled him to acquire an interest in the Belle of Hatchie. This he ran almost constantly, so closely ap- plying himself that his physique could no longer endure the strain and he sold his in- terest in her. For a number of years there- atter he was chief engineer on packet boats plying between St. Louis, Keokuk and New Orleans. His examination for this latter posi- tion was most thorough and critical, for Board of Engineers congratulating him for his proficiency.
Health failing him in 1849, his physicians advised him to go to the mountains near by. believing that their purer air would benefit him. He, however, concluded to join an ex- pedition bound for California. several of his friends being among those comprising the party going in that year. After a long and weary trip across the plains. he arrived at Sacramento in the fall of that year. Here he soon secured employment as engineer on the steamers running on the Sacramento and Feather rivers. In 1850. while in San Fran- cisco, he met Lot Whitcomb who induced him to come to Milwaukie, than an import- ant point, situated a few miles above Port- land, but now a small hamlet, for the pur- pose of placing the machinery in the steamer Lot Whitcom, then being built at that place. It would take half of this magazine to detail the difficulties of the task. and such will not be attempted. Suffice it to say that the tools at hand consisted only of a bellows and an anvil. His assistant, a man by the name of Blakesley, was a blacksmith. and through the loan of a hammer they forged another, and, after a time. made other tools. The boilers being "knock down" on their arrival from the East and as there were no boiler makers in the country. Mr. Kamm must nec- essarily attend to their construction and in- tallation in the boat himself. Without pre- vious experience te ingenious young man surmounted all difficulties, and the Lot Whitcomb steamed away a staunch. safe and solid boat. He was her chief engineer until she was sold and taken to California. He
then built the Jennie Clark, the first stern- wheel steamer in Oregon. Messrs: Abernethy. Clark and Ainsworth being associated with him in her ownership. In 1858 he superin- tended the building of the Carrie Ladd, own- ed by himself and others. She forming the nucleus of what afterwards became the Ore- gon Steam Navigation Company, which was
organized in 1860. Of this company he was th second largest stockholder, and also, chief engineer until personal attention to private affairs compelled him to resign. Latter his interests were sold to a syndicate, which in turn transferred its stock to the corporation now known as the Oregon Railway and Navi- gation Company.
He was one of the organizers and larger stockholders of the Willamette Transporta- tion Company, operating upon the upper and lower Willamette river. This company also came into the possession of the Oregon Railway and Navigation Company.
At this time he thought of never having anything to do with steamboating again, but having loaned money to a friend engaged in such, he once more became embroiled in its meshes in order to save himself from losses. Since then he has been largely interested as a stockholder, and also as an organizer, of various leading steamboat transportation companies. He is also identified with rail- road lines to some extent. He owned at one time the famous steamer Geo. S. Wright, but after running her a year or so, sold her to Ben Holladay. Under the latter's owner- ship she was wrecked in Alaskan waters, all on board perishing.
Although he has not had occasion to use either his masters' or engineers' papers for a number of years he, however, keeps them alive in case of an emergency which would require his personal attention to one of his steamers in trouble or in need of a captain or engineer for the time being.
In the sixties Mr. Kamm bought, for a nominal sum, fourteen acres outside of the then city limits. Today the tract is almost in the center of the city and entirely sur- rounded by streets and handsome residences. On this property stands his beautiful home. He owns stock in several Portland banks. being vice-president of the United States National. He
is also president of the First National Bank of Astoria, and is one of the largest taxpayers of both cities. as well as San Francisco, where he is largely interested in real estate. The Kamm block of Portland also belongs to him.
For many years he has been a trustee and member of the First Presbyterian church. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity, having attained to the 32nd degree in the Scottish Rite, is a Knight Templer, and a member of the Mystic Shrine.
He is a man of unquestioned integrity. of a generous and philanthropic nature, dis-
47
BIOGRAPHICAL.
tributing his kindness without the knowl- edge of the world. Well may it be said that he Is among the most worthy of Oregon's honored pioneers and leading men.
Mr. Kamm was married September 13, 1859, to Miss Caroline A. Gray, daughter of the late Wm. H. and Mary A. Dix Gray, who were early and honored p.oneers oi Oregon. They have had one son born to them. Capt. Charles T. Kamm.
MRS. CAROLINE AUGUSTA KAMM.
Mrs. Kamm was born at Lapwai, Oregon territory, (now Idaho) October 16, 1840, and is the eldest daughter of the late William H. and Mary A. Dix Gray, the former of whom was a pioneer of 1836 and the latter of 1838.
When about two years of age her parents removed to Salem, which name had just then been given to what had been formerly known as Chemekete Plain. Here her father sup- erintended the erection of the Oregon Insti- tute, now the Willamette University, of which he was one of the trustees. In 1843, her father was the leading spirit in the for- mation of the Provincial government. direct- ing the movement, framing the resolutions offered, and closing the debates. Had it not been for his endeavor what was accomplish- ed at that time might have been delayed and the course of events greatly changed.
From Salem the family removed to Oregon City and then to Clatsop Plains, thence in 1854, to Astoria.
In 1855 and 1856, Miss Gray attended the Pacific University at Forest Grove, and in January, 1859, came to Portland to attend school, entering the old Portland Academy. Rev. Mr. Kingsley, principal. Here she made the acquaintance of Mr. Jacob Kamm, and they were united in marriage on September 13 of that year. The fruit of the union be- ing one son, Capt. Charles T. Kamm. who is associated with his father in his various business enterprises, and active manager of the Vancouver Transportation Company, and the Lewis River Transportation Company.
Mrs. Kamm is a most tender wife and mother and a woman of generous impulses. Her charities are such that the public sei- dom hears of them. though many have re- ceived both financial aid and sympathy in time of need, and her marked business in- stincts are often sought for when financial clouds gather or trubles come to them, never allowing her left hand to know what her right hand doeth.
With her husband she has traveled consid- erably throughout the Union, and being a keen observer, has acquired such a practical knowledge of the land of her nativity as to render her a most charming entertainer and conversationalist. Her parents have both paid nature's debt. Their Christian charact-
ers will ever be a model for rising genera- tions; their work in the upbuilding of Ore- gon never to be forgotten; its history could not be written without giving them very frequent and commendable mention. Mrs. Kamm has four brothers and one sister liv- ing, namely, Hon. John H. D. Gray, Mrs. Sarah F. Abernethy, William P. Gray, Albert W. Gray and James T. Gray, all of whom are well anown and a credit to the state. A sis- ter, Mrs. Mary S. Tarbell, is deceased.
FRANCES C. NORTHRUP.
A woman whose influence for good is still widening though her earthly life went out some seven years ago, was Frances C. North- rup. She was born in Ray County, Missouri, November 9, 1837. Her parents, Job and Hannah McNamee, were people of moderate circumstances, but possessed of sturdy, moral character and good common sense, and although many children came to their home, each was given every advantage possible at that early day on the frontier. Mr. McNamee lost a valuable farm and all his property during the "hard times" of 1840-5, so de- cided to cross the plains with his family and make a new start out in Oregon.
They started from St. Joe in 1845 and were nearly six months making the trip, experi- encing the usual hardships of the pioneer, and arrived in the Willamette valley in the Fall of the same year. The winter was spent at Springville, about six miles below Portland, on the St. Helens road. The fol- lowing spring (1846) the family came to Portland, then but a hamlet fringing the Willamette river. Mr. McNamee built a home, anu oecame a permanent and honored resident of Portland until his death in 1872. His wife, a much beloved pioneer mother, died the same year.
Frances was the eldest child, and as a girl was a general favorite with all who knew her. Those friendships she retained all through her life, and around her coffin gath- ered friends of the pioneer days as well as hundreds of later years.
Her early education she obtained at the old Portland Academy and Female Seminary and also at the Tualatin Academy at Forest Grove. She used to ride back and forth on horseback, a favorite pastime in those early days.
She met Edward J. Northrup soon after he arrived in Portland, and a few years sub- sequently they were married. This occurred in 1856. As her family grew up around her, she instilled into their lives the principles of right living and thinking and early directed them in the ways of righteousness. For over 30 years she was an active member of the Taylor-Street M. E. church, visiting the sick and poor, and comforting the distressed and unfortunate. Like her Master, she "went
-
-
..
48
OREGON NATIVE SON.
about doing good." Many is the humble home that has been brightened by her kind- ly ministrations of love and mercy.
She taught a young mens' Bible class in the Sabbath school for about 25 years. This she especially enjoyed and her old scholars can today be found all over the Northwest, many of them occupying positions of great trust, whose lives were moulded for good by this noble Christian woman.
After her husband's sudden death in 1883, Mrs. Northrup, by whom his loss was very severely felt, lived for her family and her church. Her death occurred October 10, 1893, surviving her husband a little over 10 years. From a little girl of 9 years. in 1846, Mrs. Northrup spent almost 50 years in Portland, and at her death was considered the oldest continuous resident of the city. When she fell asleep her family lost a loving, devoted mother, her church an invaluable agency for good, and the community a ministering angel of mercy.
RALPH WARREN HOYT.
-
Ralph W. Hoyt was born in the City" of Portland, Oregon, July 9, 1864, his parents being Captain Henry L. and Mary L. Hoyt. his father was a pioneer of 1850, coming here on the bark Tulon, of which he was part owner. the first vessel to discharge cargo at Portland. His mother was a pioneer of 1852, and was formerly a Miss Millard.
The education of Mr. Hoyt was obtained in the public schools of Portland. graduating from the High school in 1882, after which, he was offered a situation with the O. R. & N. Co. Accepting this, he remained in that employ until 1883, whn he became identified with the Merchants National bank as mes- senger boy. From this humble beginning he steadily advanced until he was promoted to the position of cashier. A position he has held for several years with credit to himself and the utmost satisfaction to the great financial concern employing him.
In 1896 the nomination of treasurer of Multnomah county was tendered him. which he accepted, and his popularity in the com- munity was at once shown by the majority which he recived In 1898 he was re-nomin- ated again for the same trust and again elected. It is not a usual thing for one to hold office without some one finding consid- erable fault with the person who is respon- sible for the manner in which it is conduct- ed. In the case of Mr. Hoyt, however, this has been an exception. None can claim that he has not been courteous and obliging; noen can say that he has not administered his office for the best interest of the taxpay- ers, and all know that he is competent and honest.
For several years he has been a familiar
figure in the leading church choirs as organ- ist, and very frequently is seen . assiting to make the entertainments given by fraternal societies not only pleasureable but a success. Whenever called upon in the latter case, he has always responded where it was at all possible for him to do so, at times, too, in- convenient for him. These services have been gratuitous.
Mr. Hoyt is an honored member of several fratenal societies, being a 32nd degree Scot- ish Rite Mason, a member of the Mystic Shrine, the Elks, the Woodmen, the Red Men and by no means least the Native Sons of Oregon. Of the latter, he is a charter member of Abernethy's Cabin. No. 1, of Port- land, and was one of the organizers of the Grand Cabin.
On January 24, 1894, he was united in mar- riage with Miss Edith M. Neilson, also born in Portland. Her parents were Captain W. W. and Jane Neilson, pioneers of the early fifties. Two children have been born to them, only one of which, a daughter, three . years of age, is now living.
W. A. WHEELER.
Among the many native sons born within the present limits of Portland, not many of them saw the light of day prior to the time Mr. Wheeler came upon the stage of action, the date of his birth being March 3, 1852.
His father, Jacob Wheeler, was a pioneer of 1845, and his mother Jemima Jane Wheel- er, daughter of the late George and Sarah Wills. of Willsburg. came in 1847. They were married in the spring of 1849, and reared a family of nine children, the subject of this sketch being the second child and eldest son.
Mr. Wheeler received his education in the public schools, the first one was a log cabin affair. and at Pacific University, Forest Grove. Since 1872 he has been engaged al- most continuously in the publishing business in this and other states. His first venture in such line was the establishment of the "For- est Grove Independent," which he ran for a time and sold it. The new proprietors re- moved the plant to Hillsboro, changing the name to "Hillsboro Independent." For sev- eral years subsequent to this he was in vari- ous sections of this and other states, but finally returned to Portland and again settled down on the old homestead where he has since continued to reside. His present occu- pation is that of editor and publisher of the "Pacific Odd Fellow," a monthly magazine devoted exclusively to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is the only publication so devoted in the state.
In connection with the publication of his magazine. he conducts a job printing office from which he derives a nandsome revenue. He has always been much interested in fra-
49
BIOGRAPHICAL.
ternal societies, and, though he did all he was able to contribute towards their welfare, he never sought to hold office in them. His activity, however, brought about preferment without solicitation, and at times against his wishes. His associates made no mistake, for. in him they found a competent and faithful officer. He is a Past Grand of the Odd Fel- lows; a P. C. P. of the Encampment. I. O. O. F., a Past Sachem of the I. O. R. M., and a Past Master of the United Artisans. Be- sides the societies named, he holds member- ship in various others. among them the Native Sons of Oregon, being a charter mem- ber of Abernethy's Cabin. No. 1, of that or- der.
The old homestead upon which he was born is now one of the more thickiy settled residence portions of the East Side of the river. Mr. Wheeler, however, owns several lots, upon which his home is located, as well as his printing establishment.
His family consists of two sons and one daughter, all of whom are grown, and the eldest son and the daughter are married. Mr. Wheeler is a widower.
HENRY JAGGER CORBETT.
Henry Jagger Corbett was the eldest son of Henry W. and Caroline E. Corbett, the former of whom was a pioneer of 1851 and the latter of 1853. His father is one of the best of Oregon's citizens. He has represented the state in the senate of the United States. is one of her most influential business men. and interested in many of its prominent financial and other enterprises which has and does now, contribute greatly to the wel- fare of Oregon.
The subject of our sketch was born in Portland. Oregon, on November 6, 1857. and died at Colorado Springs, Colorado. March 2, 1895.
He received his education in the schools of Portland, at Pacific University, Forest Grove. and at Lawrenceville Academy, Law- renceville. New Jersey. On his return from the East he became connected with the First National Bank of Portland. as one of its of- ficial :. remaining with that great financial institution until a short time prior to his deith, when he resigned his position.
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.