The Oregon native son, Vol. I, Part 8

Author: Native Sons of Oregon; Oregon Pioneer Association. cn; Indian War Veterans and Historical Society
Publication date: 1899
Publisher: Portland, Or. : Native Son Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 1252

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In 1870 he was married to Miss Josephine Mayer, daughter of Jacob Mayer, of Port- land, a lady of culture and refinement, whose polished deportment, tact, native talent for entertaining, together with great self-culture and love of home, have broadened his life, added to his usefulness, and to her he is large- ly indebted for his success in public life and private business.

OLIVER N. DENNY.

Judge O. N. Denny was born in Morgan county, Ohio, September 4, 1838, and came to Oregon with his parents in 1852, settling in Linn county, near Lebanon. On December 23, 1868, he married Miss Gertrude Hall, a survivor of the Whitman massacre, of whom we shall speak at length in another issue. In 1862 he was appointed county and probate judge of Wasco county, but before the expi- ration of his term of office he resigned and went to the mines of Idaho, where he re- mained six months, during which time he was nominated and elected to the office again, this time serving the full four years' term. In 1873 he was elected police judge of the city of Portland, and the following year was ap- pointed by President Grant collector of inter- nal revenue for the district of Oregon. While holding this office he was appointed consul to Amoy, China, but declined. During the administration of President Hayes he was ap- ponited consul to Tien-Tsin, China, to which point he immediately repaired and remained three years. While serving in that capacity he was promoted to consul-general, with headquarters at Shanghai, where he remained four years, then resigned and came home. While in China his relations with officials of the various governments were such as to attract the attention of the king of Corea, who, through General Foote, our minister, invited him to become his "confidential ad- viser and director of foreign affairs." As matters at the time were in a very unsettled condition, the honor was declined and he re- turned to the United States. After about a year in America, a cable message was re- ceived from Li Hung Chang, who, at the request of the king of Corea, renewed the invitation to enter the king's service. At first it was again declined, but subsequently it was accepted and he left for Corea Deceni- ber 29, 1885, sailing from San Francisco the following month and going by way of the Sandwich islands, where he was royally en- tertained by King Kalakaua, whom Judge Denny had entertained in Shanghai when tlie king was making his tour of the world, en- deavoring to awaken interest in the work of developing the Hawaiian islands. His com- mission from the king of Corea was the first and last of the kind ever made out by his highness.

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While in Tien-Tsin Judge and Mrs. Denny entertained General and Mrs. Grant, and ten- dered to them one of the most notable -din- ners ever given in that city. On occasions of this kind, and at all other times, for that mat- ter, Mrs. Denny exhibited rare tact in enter- tainment and in rounding off sharp diplo- matic points that would otherwise cause fric- tion and endless trouble with representatives of foreign governments, and in many other ways contributed to her husband's official suc- cess. It was while here that he became in. terested in the ring-necked pheasant, studied its habits, suroundings and the conditions necessary for its successful propagation, and finally satisfied himself that they would thrive in Oregon. The first shipment, of about 70 birds, was made in 1881, but they died in transit, owing to the fact that instructions for their care were not observed. The following year a second lot, of 10 cocks and 18 hens, was sent, all of which reached their destina- tion and were turned loose by John Denny near Washington butte, in Linn county. From this shipment have sprung the thou- sands that have blessed the Willamette valley and made Oregon famous for the gamiest bird on the American continent and one pro- ducing an unsurpassed food. Subsequently a third lot was sent, about 1884, this time to the Rod and Gun Club, of Por.land. They were turned loose on Protection island, where no one looked after them, and it seems they were finally killed off. This shipment con- sisted of golden, silver. Elliott and Darwin bukra from China and copper and green from Japan.

Judge Denny now divides his time between the office in Portland and his farm in Yamhill county, where, among other things, experi- ments are being made in the culture of flax.

HENRY WINSLOW CORBETT.

Henry Winslow Corbett was born. in West- borough, Mass., February 18. 1827. He was the son of Elijah and Melinda (Forbush) Corbett. His ancestors were Norman, set- tled in Massachusetts in the seventeenth century, and came from Roger Corbett, a military leader under William I in the con- quest of England. whose oldest son Roger was seated at Wattesborough, while his sec. ond son Robert had for inheritance the castle and estate of Caus, with a large part of liis

father's domain. The latter's son Robert ac- companied Richard I to the siege of Acre, bearing on his coat of arms two ravens, since used by his descendants as a crest.

Elijah Corbett, his father, established at Westborough the first edged tool manufac- tory in that part of Massachusetts. He sub- sequently moved to Washington county, New York, where he continued in the manufactur- ing business until failing health compelled him to retire. He then settled near Cam- bridge, same county, where he managed a hotel and farm. Here he died in 1845.

Mr. Corbett's early boyhood was passed in Washington county, New York, where he at- tended a common school. From 13 to 15 years of age he was employed in a Cambridge store, while at the same time he attended Cambridge academy. At 15 years of age he secured a better place in Salem, where he moved, and remained one year, when he went to New York city and entered into the en- ploy of Williams, Bradford & Co., remaining in New York seven years. In October, 1850, Mr. Corbett shipped a stock of general mer- chandise to Oregon by way of Cape Horn. He followed the shipment in January, 1851, via Panama, the transfer across such being made in part by small boats and partly on the "hurricane deck" of a mule. Taking pas- sage from Panama on the steamer Columbia for Oregon, he arrived in the Columbia on March 4, 1851, and resumed the journey to Portland on a small river steamer called the Columbia, commanded by Daniel O'Neil, captain and purser, arriving at his destination the following day. This craft was not sup- plied with sleeping accommodations, and the passengers were obliged to make the most of her deck for a bed; and the meals were served upon tin plates, some using their laps for a table, and others utilizing the floor. Portland at this time contained about 400 inhabitants, and was supplied with some four or five small stores. First street was full of stump- age and sidewalks were unknown. Back from this extended a virgin forest. The principal hotel, the Warren house, would, by judicious crowding, accommodate about a dozen guests.

He engaged a building in the course of erection on the corner of Front and Oak streets, at a rental of $125 per month. His goods arrived in May, before its completion; and he hoisted them into the upper story for the time being. He used a ladder for a stair-

BIOGRAPHICAL.

way, hauling it up at night, and slept with his wares on the soft side of the floor. The entire stock was sold in fourteen months at a profit of about $20,000, with which he re- turned to New York to render an account of his stewardship, remaining there for a year buying goods and shipping them to Portland on his own account, to which place he then returned and continued in the general mer- chandise business until 1860, when he went into the hardware trade as a wholesaler. In 1871 he consolidated with Henry Failing, thus founding the house of Corbett, Failing & Co. In 1869 he and Mr. Failing bought a con- trolling interest in the First National bank, which then carried deposits amounting to $40,000, whereas today the deposits amount to nearly $5,000,000. In 1865-66 he secured a contract for carrying the mails between Port- land and Marysville, Cal., overland, which

was done successfully with four-horse . coaches. He was among the first interested - in the Oregon Railway & Navigation Com- pany; was identified with the Portland Rope Works, Oregon Linseed Oil Works, City & Suburban Railway, Oregon Transfer Com- pany, Oregon Fire & Marine Company, the Portland Hotel Company, president of the first Board of Trade, the State Board of Im- migration, the First Presbyterian church, to- ward the construction of which he gave large sums, besides which he has liberally endowed the Children's Home and extended substantial financial aid to the Y. M. C. A., the Boys' and Girls' Aid Society, the Sailors' Home, Ore- gon Pioneer Association and many other in- stitutions. ·

As a young man he was a whig. but when the republican party was organized he be. came one of its stanch supporters and chair- man of the state central committee. In 1860 he was elected a delegate from Oregon to the Chicago convention, but failed to get there in time, so was represented by Horace Gree- ley, and indorsed his stand and hard work for the nomination of Lincoln. He was elected United States senator in 1866 and served until 1873 with great credit to the state. In 1897 the state legislature adjourned without elect- ing a United States senator. and Mr. Corbett was appointed by the governor to the vacan- cv: but it was decided by the senate that such could only be filled by an election. In 1898 a special session of the legislature was called, and though Mr. Corbett was the choice

of the people and the caucus nominee of his party, some politicians combined to thwart this preference, and rather than cause further differences, he withdrew, much to the disap- pointment of his friends.

Mr. Corbett was married in 1853 to Miss Caroline E. Jagger, of Albany, N. Y., who died in 1864, but not until she had become well known in her adopted home, loved and deeply mourned by all who knew her. By this marriage they had two sons-Hamilton F., the younger, a very promising and pop- ular young man, who died October 17, 1884, at the age of 24; and Henry J. Corbett, the elder, who lived until March 2, 1895, when he, too, passed away, after taking a leading part for years in the financial conduct of the great banking house with which his father was connected.

Mr. Corbett again married, in 1867, to Miss Emma L. Ruggles, of Worcester, Mass., a lady whose refinement and kindness of dis- position has long been recognized in the highest of society, both at Washington and in Portland. To the senator she has been a most worthy helpmate, casting sunshine through his lite.

From a humble beginning in our midst. and one beset with difficulties Mr. Corbett steadily rose to a position of great wealth and honor. In his rise the wayside has blossomed with charity and good will to all mankind, without ostentation in his giving, and his name ever stood with those who contributed large amounts for the relief of suffering hu- inanity and benevolent enterprises: and none among his fellow travelers can say that he ever took a mean advantage of them or wronged them in any of his many trans- actions.

WILLIAM SARGENT LADD.

William Sargent Ladd was born in Hol- land, Vt., October 10, 1826. His father, Nathaniel Gould Ladd, was a physician whose ancestors came to New Hampshire in 1633. His mother. Abigail Kelley Mead, was a na- tive of New Hampshire. In 1830 he moved with his parents to Meredith Village, N. H .. and in 1833 to Sandbornton Bridge, now known as Tilton. At the age of 15 he began farm labor for a neighbor, then his father gave him fifteen acres of very rough, rocky. wooded land, which he placed in a good state of cultivation. At 19 he taught school. at

VALOON NATIVE SON.

which time it was considered the proper thing for the big boys to throw the teacher out and run things to suit themselves. Such an at- tempt was made in this instance, but young Ladd was too much for them, and compelled entire submission to his rule, after which there was no trouble and his school was a great success. About this time the Boston, Concord & Montreal railroad was built, and he secured a position as freight clerk, in which capacity he served until he started West. On February 27, 1851, he left New York on a sailing vessel for the Pacific coast, arriving at San Francisco in due time, where he met on old school friend, Charles E. Til- ton. He remained in San Francisco but a short time, when he left for Oregon. Prosper- ity did not smile upon him at first, and when called upon to pay a road tax of $6, he pre- ferred to earn it by grubbing several stumps at Front and Morrison streets. About this time W. D. Goodkin arrived with a cargo oi goods, which Mr. Ladd disposed of at a profit . to himself of $1,000, and many times that for Mr. Goodkin. This money was invested in articles of ready sale, which were disposed of at a good profit. In 1854 he married Miss Caroline A. Elliott, of New Hampshire, who still resides in this city. In 1852 he associated himself with Mr. Tilton in mercantile opera- tions, which continued until the spring of 1855, when he bought out his partner. In 1858 they again entered into partnership, and in April, 1859, opened a bank, of which the capital was small until 1861, when it was in- creased to $150,000 and later to $1,000,000. This partnership was dissolved in 1880, at which time bills receivable amounted to $2,500,000. Mr. Ladd put up the first brick building in the city of Portland, possessed unbounded faith in the future of the city, and invested largely in real estate. His interests were diversified, however, and for many years before his death every subscription of a pub- lic nature bore his name at the head. This finally began to be looked upon as a matter of course by the community at large-so much so that such a paper without his name at the head was looked upon with suspicion. He controlled the flour interests of the North Pacific, was one of the main supporters of the Oregon Railway & Navigation Company, at one time being vice-president and at others acting as a director. He was deeply inter- ested in educational institutions, manufactur-

ing and all that tended to improve the condi- tions of the community morally or commer- cially. He endowed the chair of practical theology in the Presbyterian theological sem- inary of San Francisco, in 1886, with $50,000, as also several scholarships in the Oregon state university; extended financial and per- sonal support to the Portland library, Y. M. C. A., to many churches and charitable insti- tutions, and was always ready with a kind word to the worthy poor. Being a pioneer himself, he was deeply interested in the wel- fare of that association and a cheerful con- tributor from the time of its organization to the time of his death.

He was one of the main supporters of the City Board of Charities and kindred institu- tions, and for many years extended important financial aid, besides his personal interest and active co-operation. During the early days of the board his quiet acts of benevolence were a constant source of discovery, until he learned the value of systematic investigation. after which work of this nature was largely subject to reports from that institution. The board discovered numerous instances in which he was being systematically deceived by unworthy mendicants, and reported accord- ingly. At first he hesitated to accept these reports, but the following incident convinced him: A woman with nine children was found in North Portland whose house rent was be- ing paid by him, besides which a grocery firm was authorized to deliver to her goods sufficient to maintain her, which bill he paid from month to month. The woman posed as a widow, but her husband was found in a beastly state of intoxication. Her children were being taught to beg from door to door, while she received aid from Multnomah coun- ty and the following churches: Catholic, Uni- tarian, Methodist and Congregational. A job of sawing wood was found for her husband. This was spurned by him and he was prompt- ly arrested as a vagrant, and Chief of Police Parish provided him with a job in the city park, under the protection of a healthy po- licemai. The woman proved to be a com- mon drunkard, but actress sufficient to win the sympathy of any stranger. . Steps were taken to place the children in proper hands. when the family left for parts unknown. An- other incident shows the kindness of Mr. Ladd's heart. One day, when out driving, lie saw an Irishman at work in the street with a

BIOGRAPHICAL.

shovel. His left hand was bandaged and badly swollen, and the handle of the shovel was rested on the forearm every time it was raised Stopping the carriage, he inquired what was the matter, and learned that Pat had a finger crushed the day before and then am- putated. "You are not in condition to work here," said Mr. Ladd; "why don't you go home and let your hand get well?" "Bedad, an' m. little family's got to eat, an' I've got no money. I never stole anything an' I never beggea, an' I ain't afraid to work." Mr. Ladd called the superintendent and arranged so that l'at should not lose pay for the day, then told him to come down to the bank, as he had a better place for him. Pat called and was given very light work at very good pay, and kept thus employed until his hand was entirely well. Many years before his death Mr. Ladd was stricken with paralysis, after which he was unable to walk. He continued the active management of his various inter- ests, however, and his carriage soon became a familiar object on the streets. He took great pleasure in driving over all portions of the city and suburbs, noting every effort to add to the welfare of the community. No manufacturing industry was too insignificant to attract his attention, and if he learned it was in competent hands he was quick to en- courage it by word and deed.

On January 6, 1893, Mr. Ladd died at his residence in this city, and thus closed a long and useful career. In his will he provided for a fund of $450,000 for benevolent purposes, to be used as thought best by his wife and sons.

HENRY FAILING.

The subject of this sketch was born in New York city, January 17, 1834, and was educated in the public schools of that city. He began his business career at the early age of 12 years in a French importing and shipping house. Two years later he entered the employ of Eno, Mahoney & Co., one of the largest wholesale dry goods establishments in the country. He remained there as assistant bookkeeper, also in charge of the foreign busi- ness, until 1851, when he accompanied his fa- ther to Oregon, with whom he was associated in establishig the firm of J. Failing & Co., wholesale dealers in general merchandise. In 1864 his father retired from business, after , which he conducted it alone. In 1868 he be-

gan to limit his stock to wholesale hardware and iron supplies. In 1871 his business was consolidated with that of H. W. Corbett, un- der the firm name of Corbett, Failing & Co. In 1869 he and Mr. Corbett purchased nearly all the stock of the First National bank. which institution was the first established in Oregon under the national banking act, and for a long time was the only one west of the Rocky mountains.

Mr. Failing confined himself closely to his own business and had very little to do with politics. However, he took a deep interest in such matters, and on national issues was an enthusiastic republican. He opposed the idea of politics in local affairs, and in 1864 was elected mayor on the citizens' ticket. He was re-elected in 1865 and again in 1872. In the act of the legislature in 1886 creating the Portland water committee, he was named as a member, and was immediately thereafter elected chairman, a position held until his death. In 1887 the city purchased the Port- land Water Company, after which time he served continually as chairman of the oper- ating committee, and during all those years, with four exceptions, he presided over every monthly and special meeting of both the com- mission and the operating committee. Every bill, pay-roll or other account paid was care- fully examined by him. At the close of each year he prepared for the ensuing year an esti- mate of the probable expense of maintaining. improving and operating the water works, as also an estimate of the rates to be charged for water, in order to insure an income suffi- cient to pay such expense, together with the interest on water bonds. These estimates were prepared with so much care that at the close of the year the actual receipts and dis- bursements were found to vary but slightly from the amounts estimated. He became a member of the board of directors of the Port- land library in 1872, and was its president from May, 1893, giving to its management exactly the same close attention that he gave to his own private interests. He was a mem- ber of the congregation of the First Baptist church from its reorganization in the early 6os, and trustee for nearly thirty years. To his interest and financial ability is due a large share of the church's prosperity, for to its affairs he gave through practically its entire history as close attention as to his own busi- ness. It is probably due to his belief and

OREGON NATIVE SON.

wishes in the matter that pews have always On November 8, 1898, Mr. Failing died at his residence in this city of heart disease, complicated with other troubles. On Octo- ber 21, 1858, he married Miss Emily Phelps Corbett, sister of Hon. H. W. Corbett, who died in July, "1870. Three little children were left him at this time, who grew to woman- hood, softened the grief of a stricken father and made of his house of mourning a home where joy and gladness came again. The pen- been kept free, and not rented for the purpose of securing a church revenue. He handled an enormous amount of trust funds, the ac- counts of which were kept in his own hand- writing. He also thus prepared all reports of the various public bodies on which he served. He was a member of the old volun- teer fire department, and the organization of the Exempt Firemen's Association in 1873 grew out of a suggestion made by him. He . alty of love is sorrow. As loving hands smoothed the way before him and brightened his home, so sorrow has claimed the penalty. and grief dwells whence joy has flown.

was a member of the Port of Portland com- mission from 1891 until he resigned in 1897. He was named as one of the City Hall com- mission, but declined, owing to pressure of other business. For years he was in the Ore- gon Railway & Navigation directory, and at the time of his death was president of the Northern Pacific Terminal Company. In 1882 he was appointed a regent of the state university, and in 1893 was made president of the board. For twenty-eight years he was trustee and treasurer of Pacific university. He was also trustee of the deaf-nute school of Salem, trustee and treasurer of the Children's Home. Many friends appointed him execu- tor of their wills, a trust, with one single ex- ception, always accepted and attended to with his usual close attention and care, for which he refused pay, although the legal fees would have amounted to $75,000. When urged to accept something for his services, he would compromise by allowing the parties to make a donation in their own names to some char- itable institution.

For years he was identified with the Pioneer Association, either as a director or an officer, and at his death was its treasurer. During fifteen years of the time he contributed $100 per year for its maintenance, and was among the most active of those who endeavored to make the annual gatherings pleasurable to the pioneers.

Mr. Failing in youth is described by those who knew him as a quiet, industrious lad, wholly given up to business, genial and kind to his associates, a boy who never sowed wild oats or lounged around where coarse jokes were the stock in trade. As he grew older, business cares rested gracefully on his shoul- dets, and brought with them a constantly in- creasing confidence of the public. No man ever accused him of a mnean or dishonorable act. His life was a bright example of clean, straightforward manhood, making him a pil- lar of strength in his adopted city and state.

CICERO H. LEWIS.

C. H. Lewis was born in Cranbury, Mid- dlesex county, N. J., December 22, 1826, and removed to Newburgh, N. Y., when he was 13 years age, remaining there until his twen- tieth year, when he went to New York city, where he received the education which fitted him for the great business career in store. He was employed here by the dry goods firm of Chambers, Heiser & Co., with whom he spent several years. In company with L. H. Allen he left New York February 13, 1850, for the Pacific coast, via Panama, arriving in San Francisco, March 23, where he remained until the following June, preparing to start a busi- ness in Portland, then a small village. He reached this city June 9, having come from San Francisco on the same steamer with Henry Failing, and immediately opened a place of business, under the firm name of Al- len, DeWitt & Co. In 1852, owing to the enforced absence of Mr. Allen in the East, this house was closed, and Mr. Lewis re- turned to San Francisco, where, during the following year, he was connected with Eu- gene Kelly & Co.

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The Oregon native son, Vol. I, Part 8

Author: Native Sons of Oregon; Oregon Pioneer Association. cn; Indian War Veterans and Historical Society Publication date: 1899 Publisher: Portland, Or. : Native Son Publishing Co. Number of Pages: 1252

Author: Native Sons of Oregon; Oregon Pioneer Association. cn; Indian War Veterans and Historical Society
Publication date: 1899
Publisher: Portland, Or. : Native Son Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 1252