The centennial history of Oregon, 1811-1912, Part 10

Author: Gaston, Joseph, 1833-
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago, The S.J. Clarke publishing company
Number of Pages: 1072

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In 1881 Mr. Stephens was united in mar- riage to Miss Ida Oliver, who was born on the plains in 1864, while her parents, Elijah and Nancy Oliver, were traveling westward with ox teams to Oregon. Mrs. Stephens is a cousin of Turner Oliver, state senator from Baker county, and at one time a candidate for governor of the state. Mr. and Mrs. Stephens have become parents of six chil- dren, namely: Alva, at home; Bertha, the wife of King Carlyle, a farmer on the Ump- qua river, in Douglas county; Angie, the wife of Peter Monner, a ranchman of Crooks; Maud, who married Clarence Thompson, a farmer residing in Coles Valley; Edith, at home; and Raymond, who completes the family.

In politics Mr. Stephens is a democrat but has never been an office seeker. He be- longs to Douglas Camp, No. 258, W. O. W., and his wife has membership relations with the Baptist church and Oak Leaf Circle, No. 219. In carrying on his business affairs he has made close study of the possibilities of soil and climate and utilized his land to good advantage, winning that success which is the meritel reward of earnest and honor- able endeavor

BURT E. HAWKINS has for only a com- paratively brief period made his home in Klamatlı county but during this time has demonstrated his right to be classed with the representative agriculturists of the commun- ity, owning and cultivating one hundred and thirty-five acres of land not far from Kla- math Falls. He was born in Ottumwa, Iowa, February 15, 1875, his parents being James E. and Martha A. (Wright) Hawkins, who were natives of Ohio but who were married near Ottumwa. They afterward re- moved westward to Nebraska and the father was connected with the G. H. Hammond Packing Company. He met his death on a farm in Nebraska in a cyclone, June 13, 1901. The other members of the family were all injured. His widow, however, still sur- vives and is now a resident of Klamath Falls. The family numbered three children: Enola A., who is with her mother; James A., of Klamath Falls; and Burt E.

The last named was but a young lad when his parents removed to Nebraska, where he resided until he came to the northwest. The public schools afforded him his educational privileges and his training was that of the farm, so that he had practical experience when he began farming on his own account. He arrived in Klamath county in 1906 and

for a year thereafter cultivated a tract of rented land. He then purchased his present place of one hundred and thirty-five acres, all under ditch, and he is making a specialty of dairying and the raising of hogs. His methods are practical and his untiring in- dustry and unfaltering diligence are bringing to him a substantial measure of success. He is closely studying the problem of the best methods of developing this part of the coun- try and cultivating the soil and has already gained a place among the foremost farmers of Klamath county.

In 1905 Mr. Hawkins was united in mar- riage to Miss Anna C. Ackerman, who was born in Herman, Nebraska, in 1878, a daugh- ter of Leonard Ackerman. Their children are Dorothea Adeline, Dehlia Alice. John Lewis and James Lyman. Mr. Hawkins be- longs to the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows but largely concentrates his time and energies upon his business affairs, knowing that close application and unfaltering energy are the basis of honorable success. Laudable ambition brought him to the northwest and he is working his way upward through per- sistent and intelligently directed effort.

IRVING J. CONWAY, one of the progres- sive and enterprising citizens of Elkton, is now acting as manager of the drug store of E. Shad and, in association with his brother, Frank W. Conway, is operating the old home- stead of four hundred acres in Douglas county. His birth occurred on the home farm, between Elkton and Drain in Douglas county, on the 17th of November, 1883, his parents being John N. and Martha (Hart) Conway, both of whom were natives of New York. In 1849 the father crossed the plains with an ox team to the California gold fields. being engaged in mining for several years and subsequently becoming a hotel, proprie- tor. About 1870 he returned to the Empire state and was married and a year or two later again came to the coast, locating in the Umpqua valley in Douglas county. Oregon. He next took up a homestead on Elk creek, midway between Elkton and Drain, and after- ward extended the boundaries of his farm by purchase until at the time of his death it embraced four hundred acres. Following his demise, which occurred in 1894, his widow took up her abode at Council, Idaho, where she passed away in the year 1906. They were the parents of four children. as fol- lows: Irving J., of this review; Lewis A., who is deceased; Herbert D .. a resident of Brownsville. Oregon; and Frank W., twin brother of Herbert.

Irving J. Conway was reared under the parental roof and after completing the re- quired course in the Drain public school en- tered the Central Oregon State Normal School but removed to Idaho before finishing his studies in that institution. In 1901 he took a position in a drug store at Council, Idaho, and began the study of pharmacy. In 1905 he returned to Portland and pursued a course in physics. chemistry and pharmacy at the Young Men's Christian Association. He was afterward made manager of the Coun-

THE CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF OREGON

cil Drug Company, an incorporated con- cern, holding that position for three years and at the same time serving as postmaster of Council. In July, 1910, he returned to the old Conway homestead on which he was born, and soon afterward accepted a position in the drug store of E. Shad at Elkton, of which he has served as manager since the 1st of March, 1912. Since his return to Douglas county he has also operated the old home- stead of four hundred acres in association with his brother Frank.

On the 17th of November, 1907, Mr. Con- way was.united in marriage to Miss Bessie E. Sabin, her father being Orrin Sabin, of Van- couver, Washington, who is now a resident of California. Our subject and his wife now have two children, Mabel A. and Wayne I. Mr. Conway is a republican in politics, loyally supporting the men and measures of that party at the polls. Fraternally he is identi- fied with the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows, belonging to Council Lodge, No. 85, at Council, Idaho. He is also a member of Diamond Rebekah Lodge, No. 56, and is like- wise connected with Lodge No. 326 of the United Artisans. He has won an enviable reputation in business circles for one of his years, being widely recognized as a substan- tial and rising young citizen of his native county.

FRANK W. CONWAY, who, in association with his brother Irving, operates the home- stead farm of four hundred acres in Douglas, his native county, was born in the Umpqua valley on the 26th of July, 1876. He ac- quired his education in the public schools and also pursued a course of study in the Central Oregon State Normal School, at Drain, from which institution he was graduated in 1898. In 1900 he went to Sodaville, Oregon, where Mr. Conway pursued a special course in lan- guages in the Sodaville College. Subsequently he taught school for three months. In 1902 he filed on a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres in Idaho, which he proved up and still owns. In 1909 he returned to Douglas county, Oregon, and soon afterward began the operation of the home farm in partner- ship with his brother Irving. In the conduct of their agricultural interests the brothers have been successful, their land being highly productive and annually yielding bounteous harvests.

Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Conway has supported the re- publican party, being convinced that its prin- ciples are most conducive to good govern- ment. He belongs to Council Lodge, No. 85. I. O. O. F., of Council, Idaho, and is also a member of Diamond Rebekah Lodge, No. 56. In whatever relation of life he lias been found he has been true and loyal to the trust reposed in him and his life has been in con- formity with a high standard of conduct.

J. F. CRUMP is one of the prosperous ranchmen living on Applegate creek. He was born in Macoupin county, Illinois, October 27, 1863, and is a son of Josiah and Rebecca (Street) Crump. His parents emigrated to

Oregon, crossing the plains with a two-horse team, in 1865. The family then consisted of seven members. After a short time spent in the Willamette valley the family removed to Jackson county where they located on a ranch four miles south of Jacksonville and there continued to maintain their residence until the time of Josiah Crump's death, which occurred many years ago.

J. F. Crump was reared in his father's home and acquired his elementary education in the public common schools. His father having died when he was but seventeen years of age the condition of the family was such that it was necessary for him to take his father's place as manager of the home ranch and assume all the cares incident to the pro- tection and improvement of the property and the support of the family. On attaining his majority he became engaged at Sterling as a miner and continued in that employment for a period of thirteen years. In 1899 he severed his connections with the Sterling mines and purchased a ranch on Little Applegate creek. There he established his home and has since continued to reside.

J. F. Crump was united in marriage to Miss Cora B. Ankeny, on October 8. 1893. Mrs. Crump is a daughter of Henry E. and Cordelia L. (Stryker) Ankeny. Her parents removed to this state with their parents when they were small children. To Mr. and Mrs. Crump three children have been born, Vivian B., John A. and Harold F.

Mr. Crump is one of the leading and suc- cessful farmers on Little Applegate creek and he is always identified with every public measure seeking the advancement and im- provement of the people throughout this section of the state.

ELIJAH BRISTOW, the first settler in Lane county, whose portrait will be found in this work, was born in Tazewell county, Vir- ginia, April 28, 1788. His boyhood days were passed in the mountainous regions of Vir- ginia, where his early training accustomed him to the woodman's ways and to the use of firearms. Here he, rapidly became noted as an expert marksman and hunter. His surroundings and early training imbued him with the restless spirit of adventure, and upon arriving at manhood, he turned his face westward. Emigrating to Kentucky, he com- menced the improvement of a home, acquiring in the meantime, the different trades of hatter. blacksmith and gunsmith. The two latter being his favorites, were followed as- siduously, together with the occupation of a farmer, until old age palsied his arm and he was unable to do further labor. When the War of 1812 and the Creek Indian war broke out, he was among the first in his locality to volunteer his services to his country. De- clining proffered command of a company of volunteers, he went, as he preferred. in the ranks. serving with distinction, in Captain Kennedy's company, through one campaign mider General Jackson against the Creek In- dians. He was present and took part in the battle of Taladega during that expedition. His accurate marksmanship soon brought him

THE CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF OREGON

under the notice of General Jackson, who took occasion to frequently put him upon special duty, scouting, etc. The following instance he used to relate with much amusing detail as illustrating "Old Hickory's" violent temper and arbitrary disposition. Being ordered to shoot some beeves, he took his trusty rifle and started for the cattle pens near the camp, but was stopped by a sentinel who re- fused to let him pass without the counter- sign. He returned to the general's tent to obtain it, but "Old Hickory" being out of humor about something, began storming, say- ing he did not send him out to get counter- signs but to kill beeves. That was enough for Bristow, who walked back to the line of the sentinel's beat, and at long range began shooting down the cattle on the hillside be- yond. On learning what was being done, Jackson ordered the sentry to "let that d ----- sharpshooter pass the lines." Various inci- dents of his campaign life might be related illustrative of his energy and determination under difficulties, but space will not permit.

From Kentucky Mr. Bristow emigrated to Illinois, settling first in Macoupin county. Later he removed to McDonough county, where he lived about twenty-three years. During the Black Hawk war, his neighbors becoming alarmed, commenced to build a fort in which to place their families for safety. In order to quiet their fears, Mr. Bristow volunteered to go to the front and ascertain if any immediate danger was pending; in doing which, he went alone from his home to Rock Island and back, a distance of over a hundred miles. through a country which was then uninhabited except by Indians. Finding the territory clear of hostiles, he returned to his neighbors, quieted their fears and caused the little settlement to again resume its round of peaceful occupations. In the year 1845. Mr. Bristow turned his face west- ward again, going first to California. and thence to Oregon the following year, where he became, as previously stated. the first settler in Lane county.

March 7. 1812, Mr. Bristow married Miss Susanna Gabbert, who, by her patience, per- severance and Christian fortitude. did much towards making his future life happy and successful. Elijah Bristow died September 19, 1872, and his loved wife and lifelong companion passed away March 7, 1874. Theirs was a long and eventful life, inter- spersed with many trials and hardships, but also with mucli of happiness and genuine life pleasures. As in life, together they rest, side by side under the oaks in Pleasant Hill ceme- tery. Theirs was truly a pioneer life and in living it, their Christian acts have left their impress behind them, beautifying their memories and benefiting the lives of those that follow after them.

WILSON F. JEWETT is the vice president and general manager of the Gardiner Mill Company, employing two hundred people. This is the leading industrial concern of Gardiner, and in addition to his interests therein Mr. Jewett is a stockholder in the Kerchoff. Cuzner Mill & Lumber Company, of

Los Angeles, California. His business inter- ests are of an important character, and their careful management and control show Mr. Jewett to be possessed of keen sagacity and powers of discernment. He was born in Maine, June 14, 1852, and is a son of Walter G. and Flavilla (Wilson) Jewett, both of whom were members of old New England families that came of English ancestry and were numbered among the early colonial set- tlers. Walter G. Jewett and ,his family re- sided in Solon, Maine, where he was identi- fied with lumber and timber interests through- out his active business life. He died at the

age of sixty-three years, while his wife sur- vived, reaching the advanced age of eighty- eight years. She was spending the last years of her life with her son, Wilson F. Jewett, . when her death occurred in February, 1911.

Wilson F. Jewett acquired his early educa- tion at the Eaton boarding school at Nor- wichwalk, Maine, and later entered the Epis- copal Academy at Cheshire, Connecticut, one of the old schools of New England, estab- lished about 1770. He afterward became a student in the Eastman Business College at Poughkeepsie, New York, from which he was graduated in 1872. The following spring he came to Coos Bay, Oregon, and was employed as a clerk in the store of E. B. Dean & Com- pany, at Marshfield. He remained with that firm for five years and in the meantime was advanced to the position of manager of their mercantile interests. In 1878 he became asso- ciated with the lumber firm of G. S. Hins- dale & Company, at Gardiner, and purchased an interest in the business, after which he was placed in charge of their San Francisco . offices. There he remained for three years and in 1881 came to Gardiner, where he has since made his home. He became one of the dominant factors in the organization of the Gardiner Mill Company which absorbed the properties of G. S. Hinsdale & Company and subsequently purchased the mills of A. M. Simpson. In March, 1885, the Gardiner Mill Company took out papers of incorporation and Mr. Jewett was made superintendent of the mills and practically had charge of all the business here. In 1907 he was elected to the vice presidency of the company, in which capacity he has since served. The Gardiner Mill Company is identified with the Kerchoff, Cuzner Mill & Lumber Company of Los Angeles, California, through whom all the product of the Gardiner Mills is placed upon the market. The business is one of large and growing proportions and constitutes the chief industry of the town. In addition to his other activities Mr. Jewett has extensive banking and real-estate interests in Los Angeles.

In 1886 occurred the marriage of Mr. Jewett and Miss Mary Hughes of San Francisco, California, and unto them were born four children, of whom two are living: Wilson H., who is clerk in the company store of the Gardiner Mill Company; and Narcissa, at home. In politics Mr. Jewett is a republican but has never been an office seeker, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs which have been of constantly grow-

THE CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF OREGON

ing volume and importance. He is today one of the leading lumbermen of the coast coun- try, the Gardiner Mill having an output of eighty-five thousand feet daily. This busi- ness has been built up largely through Mr. Jewett's enterprise, his well formulated plans and his resolute will. He has studied the conditions of the trade and its possibilities and has utilized every means at hand in such effective measure as to produce a har- monious working whole, bringing substantial results.

DR. SANDFORD WHITING, physician and surgeon, who is specializing, however, in sur- gical practice in Portland, has had thorough training in preparation for his chosen life work. He was born at Taylor's Falls, Min- nesota, September 15, 1868, and is a son of Charles B. and Flavia (Blanding) Whiting. He is descended from one of the oldest New England families. His grandfather, however, became a pioneer settler of Illinois and his father of Minnesota. The latter was a native of Connecticut and was reared in that state and in Illinois, his parents removing west- ward during his youthful days, at which time the family home was established near Galena, Illinois. Later Charles B. Whiting took up his abode in Minnesota, becoming interested in the lumber business in that state and Wis- consin, where he carried on extensive opera- tions to the time of his death, which oc- curred in 1871, when he was forty-seven years of age. He filled the position of regis- ter in the United States land office under President Lincoln and was also deputy United States marshal during the period of the Civil war.

Dr. Whiting pursued his preparatory edu- cation in McAllister College of Minnesota and then, having determined to engage in the practice of medicine as a life work, he en- tered the Pulte Medical College, at Cincin- nati, Ohio, while subsequently he became a student in the New York College Hospital. Later he returned to Pulte and was gradu- ated therefrom in 1892. He has since pur- sued further courses of study in the New York Post Graduate College. He spent two years in Ward's Island Hospital of New York as house surgeon and in that manner gained broad practical experience such as only hospital practice brings. On leaving that institute in 1894 he came to Portland and opened an office in this city, where he has since resided, save for the period of his service in the Spanish-American war. Fol- lowing the outbreak of hostilities with Spain he became captain and assistant surgeon of United States Volunteers and with the Sec- ond Oregon Regiment went to the Philippines, where he remained for eighteen months in active duty. He then returned to Portland and has since been closely identified with professional interests in this city. He has a large private practice in both medicine and surgery but specializes somewhat in the lat- ter field. He is now serving on the surgical staff of the Good Samaritan Hospital and he is a member of the Multnomah County Med-

ical Society, the Oregon State Medical So- ciety and the American Medical Association.

In 1893 Dr. Whiting was married to Miss Iva Marvel Curtis, a daughter of Charles Curtis, of Wisconsin, and they have two sons, Curtis Charles and Sandford. Dr. Whiting belongs to Hawthorne Lodge, A. F. & A. M., to the Knights of Pythias and to the Benevo- lent Protective Order of Elks. In politics he is a republican and is well informed concern- ing the vital questions and issues of the day. Eight years ago he was elected to the city council to fill out an unexpired term but he cares little for public lionors and offices, avoiding those of a political character, and in the lodges as well. He is a man of modest, unassuming manner, who is recognized as one of the leading surgeons of the northwest.

LEE M. TRAVIS. For eleven years Lee M. Travis has engaged in the practice of law in Eugene, specializing in commercial law. His thorough preliminary training well qualifies him for the onerous duties of the profession and he gives to his clients the benefit of un- wearied service and broad knowledge of the judicial principles bearing upon his particular branch of professional work. He was born in Howard, Steuben county, New York, June 20, 1874, and is a son of the Rev. Gould J. and Ella (Ford) Travis. The father was a native of Poughkeepsie, New York, and pur- sued his education in Hamilton College and in the Rochester Theological Seminary of that state. In 1889 he came to Eugene as pastor of the Baptist church, with which he was continuously connected until he met death in a runaway accident. In the work of the church he manifested a contagious entliu- siasm and zeal that were manifest in the growth of the organization with which he labored. His fraternal relations were with Engene Lodge. No. 11. F. & A. M., Eugene Chapter, No. 10, R. A. M., and Ivanhoe Com- mandery, No. 2, K. T.

In the public schools Lee M. Travis mas- tered the elementary branches of learning. He was about fifteen years of age when his parents crossed the continent to Oregon and he later entered the University of Oregon, from which he was graduated with the class of 1897. In the following year was written the military chapter in his life history. When the country had become involved in war with Spain he enlisted as a member of Com- pany C of the Second Regiment of Oregon Volunteers and was sent to the Philippines. where he served with his regiment until hon- orably · discharged at the close of his term of enlistment. Determining to enter upon the practice of law, he pursued the regular course of study in the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor and was admitted to the Oregon bar at Salem in 1899. He had previously read law when in the army. He did not graduate from the Michigan University until 1900 and on the 1st of January, 1901. he opened his office in Eugene, since which time he has practiced largely in the commercial law field.

In 1893 Mr. Travis was married to Miss Lillian Baker, a daughter of Fred C. Baker.

L. M. TRAVIS

THE CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF OREGON

who is editor of the Tillamook (Ore.) Head- light. Mr. and Mrs. Travis have two chil- dren, Frederick and Gould. Mr. Travis is well known in various fraternal organizations, holding membership in the Acacia fraternity; Eugene Lodge, No. 11, A. F. & A. M., in which he is a past master; Eugene Chapter, No. 10, R. A. M .; Ivanhoe Commandery, No. 2, K. T .; Al Kader Temple; A. A. O. N. M. S .; Eugene Lodge. No. 357, B. P. O. E .; Eugene Camp, No. 115, W. O. W .; Eugene Aerie, No. 275, F. O. E .; and the Order of Hoo Hoos. More- over, he takes quite an active interest in poli- tics and is recognized as one of the local leaders of the party, serving at the present time as chairman of the democratic county central committee. He is a member of the Panama canal commission for the San Fran- cisco exposition in 1915. His life is actuated by a spirit of progressiveness that recognizes and utilizes opportunities and he is widely known in this part of the state through his professional, fraternal and political relations.

ALBERTUS LARROWE entered into his present business relations as secretary and treasurer of the Peninsula Iron Works at St. Jolins, on the 1st of April, 1910, and is thus prominently connected with industrial activi- ties there in the conduct of a general foun- dry, machinist and blacksmithing business. He was born in Steuben county, New York, February 24, 1880, a son of Albertus and Katherine M. (Morgan) Larrowe. The fam- ily is an old one of that part of the state, having been there represented for several generations. The name was originally La Rue but being driven from their native country of France at the time of the persecu- tion of the Huguenots, they changed the spelling of their name to prevent identifica- tion. When representatives of the family first came to America settlement was made in New Jersey and later a branch of the family was established in New York. In the maternal line Albertus Larrowe is a direct descendant of Miles Morgan of Springfield. Massachusetts. This family was represented in the Revolutionary war, entitling Mrs. Kath- erine M. Larrowe to membership with the Daughters of the American Revolution. with which she is now identified. Albertus Lar- rowe, Sr., was a miller by trade. following that pursuit as a life work. In politics le was a republican and became prominent as a party leader in his county. He was also an active Mason and became a past mas- ter of Liberty Lodge, No. 110, F. & A. M., of Cohocton, which he joined on its organiza- tion.

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The centennial history of Oregon, 1811-1912, Part 10

Author: Gaston, Joseph, 1833- Publication date: 1912 Publisher: Chicago, The S.J. Clarke publishing company Number of Pages: 1072

Author: Gaston, Joseph, 1833-
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago, The S.J. Clarke publishing company
Number of Pages: 1072