USA > Oregon > The Oregon native son, Vol. I > Part 45
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On May 5, when upon the high seas, all hands were called aft on the quarter- deck and the captain read to the men a portion of the message which told that the Spanish fleet was supposed to be in search of the Oregon. This was follow- ed by a scene of great enthusiasm, five hundred men joining in an outburst of. cheers for the Oregon, her captain and her officers. Every preparation was made to meet the enemy's fleet. The ship was "cleared for action." All wood- work was torn out. Even the expensive mahogany pilot-house was reduced to a skeleton in order to prevent its being set on fire by a Spanish shell. The ship was painted the dull gray war color, and the graceful white vessel that had steamed out of Rio harbor was transformed into an ugly lead-colored fighter. To lessen the danger of conflagration, preparations were made to throw overboard all our boats upon sighting the enemy's fleet. Everybody was eager for active duty at any odds.
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Before leaving Rio, our men had pur- chased a large supply of red ribbon, of which they made cap-bands, bearing in letters cut out of brass the inspiring words, "Remember the Maine," and this legend the cap of every Oregon man bore throughout the war.
It was current newspaper talk a few months ago that Mark Twain was writ- ing an autobiography, and that it would not be published for a hundred years. This idea, if it ever existed in the minds of the author, has been given up; but he did some work on an autobiography, and one chapter from it, entitled "My Debut as a Literary Person," has been secured by the publishers of The Century and will appear in the November number.
A writer in October Pearson's de- scribes the lively sensation of toboggan- ing down the sides of Popocatepetl, the great volcano of Mexico, which rears itself in gaunt majesty 17.816 feet above sea level. Having reached the summit, he says, the Indian guides look compla- cently around, and puff unconcernedly at their eternal cigarettes, as they begin to unroll their "petates" on the snow. These petates are Indian mats of strong, tough fibre, which the guides have car- ried up on their backs. You realize now that they are, also, toboggans. The guides make this toboggan trip, the most remarkable one in the world, and the only one down the side of a great volca- no, week in and week out whenever the sides of the volcano are not so frozen over as to prevent it. It is nothing to them. But for you it is a different mat- ter-and the more you look at the frail petates, and at the long, glitering de- scent, the less you like the idea.
The statement that the toboggan slide down Popocatepetl is the "most remark- able in the world," merely goes to show that Mr. Cunningham never climbed many mountains, and knows nothing of those in his own country. He would do well to come to Oregon, join the Ma- zamas, and coast down either Mount Adams or Sahale, the newly named mountain in Washington, on either of
which may be found over two miles of tobogganing in August.
Like a burst of sunshine St. Nicholas breaks in on the lives of our young folks once a month, and as Christmas ap- proaches it grows more interesting. The September number is full of charming articles, but Indian stories more interest- ing than that of "Arkichita: A Tale of an Indian Detective," by Lieutenant W. C. Bennett, 6th Inft. U. S. A., are sel- dom written. "Pelicantown," by Frank M. Chapman, is a delightful story de- scriptive of the ways of the pelican at home-but St. Nicholas is always full of just such stories.
"Nigel Ferrard," by G. M. Robins, published by J. B. Lippincott Company, Philadelphia. This is an intensely inter- esting book. The heroine, Gwennie Alger, an orphan girl of fourteen, walks in her sleep and on such occasions wan- ders from home and is rudely awakened by falling. She finds herself in a strange place in the night but soon discovers a light at a distance shining through a sky- light to which she climbs and discovers surgeons within operating on a young man who immediately afterwards dies. The horror of the scene so affects her that she faints and falls to the room be- neath, suffering injuries that blot from her memory all recollection of the past. She subsequently marries a participant in the operation and later is called by a prearranged plan to the home of her childhood, the sight of which restores her memory and she remembers enough of the scene attending the operation to discover the villain.
"Heart of the Valley," by Dennis Sto- val, B. S., is a delightful little volume of stories in verse and prose, and is a mer- itous contribution to the field of Oregon literature. Its author is blessed with a lively imagination and the ability to con- vey to others his mental scenes of ro- mance and reality. It is a book of 100 pages and is worthy of a place on every centre table.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
PLYMPTON KELLY.
Mr. Kelly was born in Pulaski county, Ken- tucky, September 7, 1828, being the oldest of Clinton Kelly s children. In 1848 he crossed the plains with his parents, driving the team of the wagon in which rode the mother and small children. For a year after becoming of age he remained with his father to assist in preparing the new home. In 1850 he took up a donation land claim which is now with- in two and one-half miles of the city limits of Portland. With the exception of fifty acres, this entire tract still belongs to the members of the family, whose intention is to live and die there. He fought in the Indian wars of 1855-6, and in 1858-9 he ran the steamer Multnomah, which had no regular route, but was principally engaged in carrying stock on the Columbia and Willamette rivers, from the Cascades and Oregon City to the mouth of the Columbia,. In 1849 he was one of the first probationers of the Taylor Street Meth- odist church. He was long ago licensed as an exhorter, and although never filling a reg- ular appointment, he has preached some as a supply, and has officiated at a great many funerals, especially of the old pioneers. His principal work in this line has been in the Sunday school, of which he was superintend- ent almost continuously for forty years, at Mount Tabor, Clinton Kelly School, Lent's and Multnomah hall. He was a member of the Sons of Temperance and Good Templars in early days, has taken a great interest in the Grange movement from its first organ- ization, being a charter member of Evening Star Grange. On July 4, 1864, he married Miss Elizabeth Clark, the fruits of the union be- ing six children, of whom three are living.
ELIZABETH CLARK KELLY.
Mrs. Kelly was born near Ann Arbor, Mich- igan, December 26, 1843. She is a niece of Mr. and Mrs. Kingsley, who came to Oregon as missionaries, in 1851. In 1860 Mr. Kings- ley went East to attend general conference, and on his return to Oregon Miss Clark, who was then an orphan. accompanied him by way the Isthmus of Panama. She was stu- dious in her habits and naturally drifted into school teachng. She and her aunt taught the last school in the old Methodist Seminary in Oregon City. While engaged in her pro- fession at Mount Tabor she met, and on July 4, 1864, married Mr. Plympton Kelly, and commenced housekeeping on the old home- stead where they still reside near Portland. She has been very active in Sunday school and Good Templar work, and is a member of the W. C. T. U., having been president of Sunnyside Union for three years. She is also
a member and enthusiastic worker of the Taylor Street Methodist church, of Portland. She believes the bicycle has brought greater liberty to the human race than any other in- vention, and enjoys its use.
JOSIAH FAILING.
The name brought to Oregon by this ven- erable pioneer, now no longer living, will al- ways be revered by reason of the virtues of the man himself, and' of the extensive repu- tation of the family which he founded on this coast. He was one of the very few to whom fortune comes in various ways with bounteous store. He was fortunate in secur- ing for a life's partner Miss Henrietta Elli- son, while he was yet a young man, one who was a true helpmate, one who knew how to train up children to worthy walk; one re- spected, loved by all; the adornment of her husband's home for nearly half a century, living to be by his side until death's mes- senger crossed his threshhold and bade him cease to be of earth. He was fortunate in business affairs, in his many friendships, in the fact that he reared and left descendants who, following in the footsteps of their fath- er, out of plenty unostentiously distribute a goodly portion among the needy and in be- half of public enterprise.
Mr. Failing was born on his father's farm in Canajohane, New York, July 9, 1806. His ancestors were of German descent, his great grand father having come from the Bavarian Palatinate and settled in the Mohawk valley in 1703. We quite young he removed to New York City where he was married. In 1851 he came to Portland, engaging in the mer- cantile trade until 1864, when he retired in favor of his son Henry, who had been his partner. In 1853 he was mayor of Portland, and was a delegate from Oregon to the na- tional republican conventions of 1864 and 1868.
At a very early day he gave his attention to the subject of Portland's public schools, maintaining through life a constant interest in theni. Indeed, he may well be called the father of the public schools in this city. In his honor the Failing school was named. His life. prolonged even beyond the three score years and ten of the psalmist, was ever an example of well-doing. His industrious career was an honest one and none had greater consideration for the rights and in- terests of others than he possessed. He was always one of the most liberal and firm sup- porters of the Baptist church, of which he was a member. His labors and actions, in all their parts, might. well be studied with a view of imitation by. a people desirous of progress; for they were of that useful char- acter which makes a city great and worth
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living in. Mr. Failing died August 14, 1877, greatly mourned by all who knew him.
His eldest son, Henry, whose portrait may be found on page 16, and biography on page 57 of this volume, was one of the citizens of Portland whose fortune was reckoned by the million; and, worthily to be added, his mind and character were deemed by the public to be a possession it enjoyed, while he lived, of even greater value. His two younger sons, Edward and James F., occupy leading posi- tions in the business and social spheres of Portland.
THOMAS ROBERTSON.
Thomas Robertson was born in the town of Cambridge, Washington county, New York, April 14, 18.7. His father, David Rob- ertson, of Scottish ancestry, being a farmer, his early life was spent in this vocation. At the age of twenty years he decided that his calling was to be that of mercantile activity. After clerking two years, he formed a co- partnership in his native town and thence forward was active in business in that and -neighboring communities. His brother-in- law, Hon. H. W. Corbett, having, in 1851, moved to Portland, his attention was con- stantly directed to that far-distant territory and urged by letter to join him, he decided in the spring of 1855 to cast his lot in with those striving to build the common wealth of Oregon. Arriving in Portland, March 26, 1855, after an uneventful tripvia the Isthmus of Panama, he entered into the employment of Hon. H. W. Corbett, continuing with him until 1866. Having secured what he consid- ered a competency he decide l to return East, and for three years made his home in Prince- ton, N. J.
In 1870 he again returned to Portland, coming in one of the early through trains of the then newly-completed, Central Pacfic Railroad to San Francisco. From that date to the present time his home has been in Portland, although not actively associated with business. His desire has never been to be associated permanently with public af- fairs, although he served in early days as member of the city council. and was elected school director, but prevented from serving his term by departure for the East. In 1845 he was married to Mary F. Corbett, daugh- ter of Elijah Corbett, whose memory is cher- ished by the old residents of Portland for her kindly disposition and the Christian life she lived in this community.
LOUIS FLEISCHNER.
When Louis Fleischner closed his eyes in death the Pacific Northwest lost one of her most enterprising citizens. One who always took greatest interest in everything that would assist in its upbuilding. Those who liked congenial companionship missed him,
and the poor, regardless of country, political opinion or creed, whom he bounteously, though quietly assisted, were deprived of the favors distributed among them.
He was born in Vogelgesang, Behemia, in 1827. He was educated in his native village and at Tissan, a small town near his home. In 1842 he came to America. ... cer a brief stay in New York he went to Philadelphia where he obtained a situation wth a dealer in horses and cattle, remaining in such employ for five years. In 1849 he went to Drakeville, Iowa, where he engaged in the merchantile business until 1852 when he came across the plains behind an ox team. Through flood and an epidemic of cholera prevailing during that year, he experienced much suffering and hardship while enroute. On arrival he locat- ed in Albany, and engaged merchandising un- til 1850 when he went0to the Oro Fino mines. After a stay here of a year with a stock of goods he removed to Lewiston, Idaho, where he remained until 1863. Coming to Portland in 1864 he entered into partnership with Sol- omon Hirsch and Alexander Schlussel under the firm name of L. Fleischner & Co. For several years the firm conducted a retail bus- iness, which grew to such large proportions that they determined to embark in the whole- sale trade. Selling out in 1869 the firm soon opened out in the wholesale dry goods busi- ness. In 1875 Jacob Mayer became a partner, at which time the present firm name was adopted. The success and growth of the bus- iness of this house has been remarkable and ranks among the first in Oregon and outside of San Francisco unexcelled on the coast, in the extent of annual sales. This gratifying condition of its affairs has in no small meas- ure been due to the high personal integrity of character, business ability and watchful care of Mr. Fleischner, and though several additions have been made to the firm in re- cent years he remained the senior member of the firm until the day of his death.
In 1870 he was, without solicitation, chos- en by the Democratic party as ther candidate for state treasurer and was elected, serving four years. In 1888 his health not being good he left the affairs of the firm entirely to his partners and went back to his birthplace, hop- ing to once more find youth there. In a measure he succeeded, for he was greatly re- stored. While there he generously endowed four beds in one of the hospitals for the use and benefit of the people of Vogelgesang.
In 1889 he again· returned to Portland, re- suming his usual activity in the business of the firm. In 1896 he went to the Guyer Hot Springs, Idaho, for an outing and unexpect- edly passed away, the date of his death being August 7th. of that year. His funeral took place from the Temple Beth Israel, Portland, and was attended by a very large number of people, many of them coming from various sections of the Pacific Northwest in recogni- tion of the fact that a most worthy man among the best had ceased to be of earth.
He was for many years president of the
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
Hebrew Benevolent Society, of Portland, and generously remembered that instituton in his will. He also gave liberally to the Children's Home, hospitals and other undertakings car- ried on for the benefit of those unable to keep themselves or in need.
ELIJAH WILLIAMS.
Mr. Williams was born in Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, August 4, 1809, and grew to manhood in the place of his birth. In 1832, with his parents, he emigrated to Hancock county, Ohio, where he studied law, was admitted to the bar and practiced his pro- fession until 1851, when, with his family, then consisting of a wife and four children, three sons and a daughter, he started across the plains to Oregon, but on the way one of his sons was accidentally killed. He ar- rived in the Willamette valley during Sep- tember of that year. He subsequently lo- cated in Salem, where he remained until 1879, when he moved to Portland and re- mained there until his death, May 16, 1886. Mr. Williams was posse sed of many ster- ling qualities necessary to the successful career of a typical pioneer. Resolute, en- ergetic, of the strictest integriy, he com- manded the respect and esteem of all who knew him, and a reart full of sympathy for the unfortunate, endeared him to the poor. His children all live in Portland, and rank among leading citizens of the state. Helen married Milton A. Stratton. George was one of the very few Oregonians who participated in the war of the rebellion. He fought for Old Glory, and was wounded at the second day's battle of Gettysburg. At the age of retirement he was placed on the retired list, wit _. the rank of major . Richard, together with Emmet B., who was born in Salem, have practiced law in Portland for many years. the firm being among the most emi- nent of the Pacific coast. Richard repre- sented his state in congress from 1877 to 1879, and at present is interested in public education, acting as school director for his second term.
MRS. MAHALA McBRIDE.
Miss Mahala Miller was born near St. Louis, Missouri, September 26, 1811, mar- ried Dr. James McBride in that state June 20, 1830, crossed the plains to Oregon in 1846, with her husband and family. Their first home was in Yamhill county. Here they remained until 1867, when removal was made to St. Helens, at which place she died. February 23, 1876. Mrs. McBride was a worthy member of that noble group of pio- neer wives whose piety, benevolence and love of home and humanity were the strength and moral support of the orderly civilization that distinguished the early set- tlements of Oregon. Her son George W. is
the senior United States senator from Ore- gon, while another son, John R., was a mem- ber of the constitutional convention and of the first state senate, besides serving his state in congress in 1862-63 and later acting as chief justice of Idaho territory. Still another son, Thomas A., has held several public offices with credit to himself and his constitutents, and is at present judge of the third judicial district.
CHARLES B. MOORES.
Mr. Moores comes from a family that has been prominent in the legislative annals of Oregon. His grandfather, Col. I. R. Moores, Sr., before coming here saw service in the Seminole Indian war, was an officer in the war of 1812, commanded a regiment in the Black Hawk war and was of the army that conquered Mexico. In 1852 he came to Oie- gon, settling near Eugene. Soon after the citizens of Lane county elected him their representative to the territorial legislature and also as a member of the constitutional convention of 1857. He was a pioneer of the republican party and was a candidate of that party for state senator from Lane county. One of his sons, Col. I. R. Moores, Jr., represented Marion county for several terms in the house of representatives and was speaker of that body in 1865. Another son, Hon. John H. Moores, the father of the subject of this sketch, also represented the same county in the senate for a number of years. In 1894, our subject was elected a member of the house from Marion county, receiving a large majority. At the session following he was elected speaker thereof by a vote of fifty-three out of a total of sixty.
Mr. Moores was born August 6, 1849, in Benton, Missouri, his parents being John H. and Virginia L. (Lamon) Moores. In 1852 the family came to Oregon, his parents stop- ping in Portland until March, 1853, when they removed to Salem, where Mr. Moores has resided nearly ever since. There he re- ceived his education, graduating from Wil- lamette University in the classical course in 1870. A few days thereafter he removed to Portland and entered the employ of the land department of the O. & C. R. R. as draughtsman, where he remained four years.
From 1874 to 1877 he was in the East, first attending business college, located in Washington, D. C., then a year's study at Philadelphia in the law department of the University of Pennsylvania, continuing such studies in the law department of the Uni- versity of Michigan located at Ann Arbor. From this latter institution he graduated with honors and then returned to Salem. In 1880 he was chief clerk of the house of representatives, and from 1882 to 1887 he was private secretary to Governor Moody. In 1894 he was, as stated, a member of the leg- islature. He is at present register of the
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United States land office located at Oregon City.
Politically, Mr. Moores has always been an earnest and enthusiastic Republican, fre- quently contributing to the press and taking the stump in advocation of the principles of that party.
He has always taken an active interest in various public enterprises looking to the development of his adopted state, advocat- ing their inauguration and maintenance thereafter. The fruit industry has largely received personal attention. also the lumber business, he having been for years presi- dent of the Capital Lumbering Co., at Sa- lem.
Although a pioneer. he is still a young man, one of the class yielding to no one in his devotion to the state of his adoption, or in the confidence with which he contem. plates the certainty of her place in the fu- ture as one of the very finest in the sister- hood of states.
Mr. Moores was married on November 1. 1881, to Miss Sallie E. Chamberlain, and they now have a family of four children.
SIMON BLUMAUER.
Mr. Blumauer was born in Bavaria, March 2, 1822. In 1847 he emigrated to America. After landing in New York he made that city his home until 1848. when he went to Salmon Falls, New Hampshire. At the lat- ter place he was engaged in mercantile pursuits until 1851 when he disposed of his interests with a view of removing to Ore- gon. He arrived in Portland in 1852 and, together with his brother Joseph and Leo- pold Hirsch as partners, opened up in the general merchandise business. He was one of the public-spirited merchants who, in 1852, sent Captain Hiram Smith out on the plains to meet and supply the emigration of that year with the necessities of life with which it had been reported they were much in need of. It was understood that those who could pay something towards the cost of the provisions and other articles sent should do so, but that no one was to suffer for the want of anything taken forward. Of those unable to pay the captain had instructions to give them special attention.
By this means the worthy intent of the large-hearted citizens contributing could be accomplished -- assistance where it was a Godsend to the recipients.
In 1853 Mr. Blumauer returned to New York for a short stay and while there was united in marriage to Miss Mollie Radel- sheimer, the fruits of this union being five children, four sons and a daughter. In 1854 he erected the third brick building that was built in Portland. In 1861, having disposed of his interests in the firm of Blumaner & Hirsch, he entered into partnership with S. Rosenblatt, forming the firm of Blumauer &
Rosenblatt, a firm that was one of the most prominent in the merchandise business in Portland until they retired from active bus- iness life. Their location was on the north- west corner of Front and Alder streets, At that time they occupied the first three-story brick erected in the city, this being their own property.
In all matters incident to the welfare of his adopted home, Mr. Blumauer never was a laggard, but was always progressive and liberal. In the years 1876-77 he represented the second ward in the city council of Port- land, and during the time of his Incumbency of that position he gave its duties close, ca- pable and honest attention, and at its ter- mination his neighbors and constitutents urged him to be a candidate for a re-elec- tion, but he declined to accept of their im- portunities. For twenty-five years he has been president of the Temple Beth Israel. The new temple of that congregation is now located on Tenth and Main streets and is one of the city's ornaments. In the erection of this, he took a great interest. While the property interests and holdings of Mr. Blu- mauer may be quite large, their manage- ment he leaves to others and he devotes his time to ease and comfort.
MRS. MOLLIE BLUMAUER.
Mrs. Blumauer was born in Bavaria, Jan- mary 12, 1832, her maiden name being Rad- elsheimer. While she lived far across the wave she had the reputation of being one of the sweetest and most lovable young la- dies in the community in which she lived, a characteristic which she retained through- ont her life. and upon her coming to New York it is no wonder that Mr. Simon Blu- mauer found recompense for the long trip he made in 1853 from distant Oregon to bring her back his bride. She was one of the mothers of our state whom Oregon could by no means have spared, her charming dis- position, her many better qualities of char- acter, her conduct as a wife and a mother being not only worthy of remark. but of following as well. She was always very charitable, yet never putting forth a help- ing hand or performing a charitable action with any display of publicity. On May 23, 1897, she passed to her reward greatly mourned by her immediate family and a large number of friends.
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