The centennial history of Oregon, 1811-1912, Part 14

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

USA > Oregon > The centennial history of Oregon, 1811-1912 > Part 14

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).

F. W. Bold resided at the place of his birth until twenty-one years of age and when a lad of thirteen began learning the blacksmith's trade, which he followed until about . twenty-two years of age. He then became agent for the Oregon Railroad & Navigation Company in Grant, occupying that position from 1879 until 1888. Since that time he has largely devoted his atten- tion to blacksmithing, which he followed in Goldendale, Washington, and The Dalles, Oregon, until January, 1908, when he came to Bonanza and here opened a blacksmith shop. He does all kinds of iron work and wagon work in wood and his business is an extensive one, necessitating the employment of at least two and ofttimes three work- men throughout the year. He also handles barbed wire and agricultural implements, Bonanza wagons. hacks, plows, etc. His patronage is steadily growing and his busi- ness is now a profitable one.

In 1888 Mr. Bold was united in marriage to Miss Ida Sparks, who was born at Goose Lake, Oregon, and died in 1905, at the age of thirty-eight years. They lost three chil- dren in infancy, while two are yet living: K. I., who works with his father in the shop; and Cecile, who is managing the household affairs for her father. Mr. Bold votes with the republican party and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day bnt does not seek nor desire office. He has mem-

bership relations with the Modern Woodmen, the Woodmen of the World and the Knights of Pythias. There have been no exciting chapters in his life record but his history is characterized by faithful performance of duty and by unfaltering industry that has brought him a substantial measure of suc- cess and made him recognized as one of the trustworthy citizens of his district.

PROFESSOR JOHN GRAY IMEL. Per- haps no appointment of an individual to a position in the public service of Astoria has given more uniform satisfaction than when Professor John Gray Imel was again called upon to take charge of the public-school interests of this city as superintendent for. a three years' period that will continue him in the office until 1914. His record as an educator has been a most creditable one, crowned with that success which is the ex- pression of duty faithfully and capably per- formed. He was born September 29, 1871, in Jefferson county, Indiana, and is descended from one of two brothers who came from Germany just prior to the Revolutionary war. All trace was lost of one of the broth- ers but the other married and removed to Indiana, becoming the progenitor of the rep- resentatives of the name in that state and in Ohio. His parents were James M. and Anna (Gray) Imel, both of whom were na- tives of the Hoosier state, whence they re- moved to Ford county, Kansas, in 1878. There the father engaged in the stock-rais- ing business and is still the owner of a large ranch in that county. The children, six sons and three daughters, are yet living.

Professor Imel supplemented his public- school course by academic training in Kan- sas and his professional training in tlie Oklahoma State Normal School, while his more advanced training was received in the University of Chicago. He received the de- gree of Master of Arts from Milton Univer- sity. In early manhood he determined upon the profession of teaching as his life work and that his choice has been the pursuit for which nature evidently intended him is indicated in the successful outcome of his labors which have won wide commendation in the various localities where he has taught. He was a teacher in the common schools of Kansas in 1892 and 1893, and of Oklahoma in 1895 and 1896. In 1900 he was appointed to a position as instructor in the Oklahoma Central State Normal School and in 1904 was appointed professor of Latin in the same school, occupying that position until 1908. In the latter year he accepted the principal- ship of the high school of Astoria, Oregon, and the following year was chosen superin- tendent of the Astoria city schools for a term of two years. In 1911 he was re- elected for a term of three years, on which occasion the Morning Astorian of May 7, 1911, said: "The pleasant and satisfying news developed yesterday that the board of directors of Astoria school district had se- cured the further service of Professor J. G. Imel as superintendent of the city schools for a period of three years and at an ad-

THE CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF OREGON

vanced salary. Mr. Imel has been a most faithful and efficient officer and has given the city and its big school system the best possible care in the past and his retention means much for the immediate future of the young people of Astoria, with whom he has been an influence for good in many ways, as well as a dependable custodian of the public interests. in that direction, and the Morning Astorian takes pleasure in congratu- lating both the board and Mr. Imel upon the conclusion of this gratifying business." In the Astoria Daily Budget of the 8th of May appeared the following: "In the reap- pointment of Professor J. G. Imel as super- intendent of the city schools for a term of three years the local school board has, we believe, made a judicious move. Mr. Imel has during the time he has been the head of the city school department handled the affairs of that position in a manner that has reflected credit upon himself and also been of great benefit to the educational systemn. A strict disciplinarian, he has established a system embracing the entire school depart- ment that has created and maintained har- mony among the different schools and branches and thus accomplished better re- sults in behalf of the pupils." The only business connection which Professor Imel has ever held outside the strict path of his pub- lic profession was that of director of the Citizens Bank at Edmond, Oklahoma, from 1902 until 1905.

In 1894 in Geuda Springs, Kansas, Mr. Imel was married to Miss Sarah N. Mann, a daugliter of S. S. Mann, of Gladbrook, Iowa, a descendant of Horace Mann. The only child born unto Professor and Mrs. Imel is Dea L. Imel. Professor Imel devotes his undivided attention to his family and his professional duties, yet with his wide read- ing keeps abreast with the best thinking men of the age upon subjects which are of significant and vital interest. He holds to high standards in his chosen life work and is continuously seeking out new methods whereby he may reach his ideal. Moreover, each forward step brings him a broader out- look and wider opportunity and his work is of increasing usefulness as the years go by.

ORA W. TAYLOR is general manager of the Gearhart Park Company, which owns one of the most attractive seaside resorts along the Pacific coast, and in this connection his business ability and executive qualities are resulting in the attainment of a gratifying measure of success. He was born in Algona, Iowa, February 13, 1865. and is a son of James M. and Velonia (Foster) Taylor, the former a native of Jamestown, New York, and the latter of Pennsylvania. The father was a carpenter by trade but after his mar- riage took up his abode upon a homestead near Algona, Iowa, and was associated with agricultural interests in that locality for a number of years. He came to Oregon in 1874 and settled at Oregon City, where he lived for a year, after which he spent two years in Salem. On the expiration of that

period of time he began farming at New Era, Clackamas county, and was very success- ful in his labors there. As the years passed he acquired a comfortable competence, with which he retired about eleven years ago, establishing his home in Portland, where he still resides at the age of about eighty years, his birth having occurred July 19, 1832. One of the most creditable chapters of his life record covers his experience as a sol- dier in the Civil war. He served as a member of Company D, Twelfth Iowa Volunteer In- fantry, and participated in a number of impor- tant engagements, including the battle of Fort Donelson, in which he was wounded, being struck on the shoulder by a grape shot when the troops were storming the breastworks and he had almost reached the top. A spirit of patriotism has characterized his entire life. In matters of citizenship he ever stands for progress and improvement. He holds mem- bership with Oregon City Post, G. A. R., and belongs to Oregon City Lodge, I. O. O. F. In 1906 he was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who passed away at the age of fifty-eight years, dying in the faith of the Congregational church, of which she had long been a consistent member. In his family are two sons and a daughter: Frank M., who is living in Benton county; Clara, the wife of George Broughton, of Irvington; and Ora W.

Ora W. Taylor was a lad of about nine years when the family left Iowa and came to Oregon. In this state he was reared upon the home farm to the age of seventeen years, when he started out in the business world to provide for his own support. He began study- ing telegraphy with the Western Union Tele- graph Company in their Salem office under William Dumars and in 1883 became agent and operator for the Oregon & California Rail- road at Glendale, Oregon. After two years he was transferred to Portland as night operator in the dispatcher's office and subse- quently was operator and assistant dispatcher until 1892, when he was promoted to the position of chief train dispatcher. He severed his connection with railway interests in 1906. During the last two years of his work in that field of business he acted as train master and assistant superintendent. Grad- ually he worked his way upward as he gave proof of his ability and the same spirit of progress has characterized him since severing his connection with railway interests. His next step in the business world brought him to the position of manager of the real-estate depart- ment of the firm of Hartman & Thompson, with whom he continued for two years. During this time Rose City addition, the largest res- idence section of the city of Portland, was plat- ted under his direction. He afterward became manager of the Ruth Trust Company and in November, 1909, was also elected to the presi- dency of that institution, after which he con- tinued to act both as its president and general manager until April, 1911, when he resigned on account of impaired health. After a rest by which he was greatly benefited he became identified with the Gearhart Park Company as its general manager. Gearhart Park is

THE CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF OREGON

located on the seaside of Astoria. Thousands of dollars have been spent in its improvement and thousands more are being expended to keep the improvements proportionate to its rapid growth. Because of the salubrious cli- mate of Oregon it is an all-the-year-round resort. The place has great natural beauties, to which the work of man has added. Only a year or two ago the company erected a splen- did hotel, one of the finest to be found on the coast. It contains spacious parlors and also sun parlors. The magnificent dining room and many large chambers are fitted with every modern convenience. It has broad verandas overlooking the sea and a splendid natator- ium, where one can have warm salt water baths if surf bathing is not desired. In the rear of the hotel is a beautiful stretch of natural forest. All around the hotel have been erected attractive cottages for the park is artistically laid out and offers every ad- vantage to those who wish to have homes at a seaside resort. An attraction of the season of 1911 was a Chautauqua, for which superior talent was secured. The management is making every effort to sustain the high repu- tation which Gearhart has already enjoyed as one of the most popular, attractive and high- class resorts on the Pacific coast. As general manager Mr. Taylor's efforts are a potent element in the accomplishment of this result.

In 1897 occurred the marriage of Ora W. Taylor and Miss Nellie Beverly, a daughter of John Beverly, of Canyonville, Oregon, and they have three children, Anna Marie, Gretchen and Robert. Mr. Taylor is a life member of the Portland Commercial Club. He is a public-spirited citizen and his efforts and cooperation can always be counted upon to further any movement for the general good. He served on the charter commission appointed by Mayor Simon and he has in many other ways given tangible evidence of his devotion to Portland and her upbuilding. He is a man of unfailing courtesy, always earnest and genial and his frank and cordial address wins confidence.

LEE LAUGHLIN is one whose life inter- ests have been closely associated with the progress and development of Yamhill county. His activity in the business and political affairs of Yamhill, where he now resides, has shown that he is not wanting in those essential features of judgment and integrity which win the success due to the man dis- playing them. The intimate connection he has had with the development of Yamhill has proved his foresight, sound judgment and altruism.

Mr. Laughlin was born in Lincoln county, Missouri, January 17, 1833. His father, Sam- uel Laughlin, was a native of · Pendleton district, South Carolina, while his mother, Nancy (Doughty) Laughlin was a native of Buncombe county, North Carolina. They were married in Missouri, where they lived for seventeen years. The father had been previously married and had lived in Missouri seven years. By his first union there were seven children, all of whom are now de- ceased. In 1847, crossing the plains to Ore-

gon, Mr. and Mrs. Laughlin settled in Yam- hill county and each took up a donation claim of three hundred and twenty acres. Mrs. Laughlin's death occurred before she had proved her claim and it reverted to the government under the ruling of the donation law. Mr. Laughlin, however, lived upon his original three hundred and twenty acres throughout the remainder of his life, engaging in farming and stock-raising. By his second marriage he also had seven children, namely: William, living retired in Yamhill, Oregon; Lee, the subject of this sketch; Samuel, who died in 1911 at the age of seventy-six years ; Delia, who married William Smith and both are now deceased; Nancy, the widow of J. D. Capps, of Portland; Lucinda, who mar- ried J. W. Sapington but both have now passed away; Mary, the deceased wife of G. W. Sapington, also deceased.

When but sixteen years old Lee Laughlin started to make his own way in the world. Lured by the reports of gold in California, he and a number of companions eventually worked their way to Trinity river after va- rious prospecting trips. The rainy season began after he had worked about two and one-half months and Mr. Laughlin found himself without employment in a strange country and without provisions necessary for existence. Forced by these conditions, he walked the greater part of the way to San Francisco, from which place he set sail in a bark, the Ann Smith, of which Captain Fland- ers was master, for Portland and proceeded north by ocean to the mouth of the Colum- bia river. Reaching home, he remained there until 1851, but gold mining again seemed to make a stronger appeal than farming and for the second time Mr. Laughlin set out for California. He found however that there was little gold to be dug at Yreka and was soon back home in Oregon. After farming for one year he took a three years' course of study at the Tualitin Academy and the Pacific University. About the time he fin- ished this work the Indian war broke out and his love of adventure led him to enlist as a volunteer in that treacherous war. He actively served for three months.

On October 8, 1856, Mr. Laughlin was mar- ried to Emma Stewart, a daughter of Ben- jamin and Ann (Crumbaker) Stewart, of Putnam county, Ohio, who crossed the plains with their family in 1847. Mr. and Mrs. Stewart were both born in Pennsylvania and died in Oregon. They were the parents of eight children: Mrs. Laughlin; David C .. deceased; Eminger, who resides in Grant county, Oregon; James and Orville, both de- ceased; Montgomery, of Monmouth, Oregon: Frances A., deceased, who was the wife of John Fox, of Astoria; and Eva, the wife of John Stewart.

After his marriage Mr. Laughlin located ou a donation claim of one hundred and sixty acres which he had previously taken up. He lived upon this for eight years and then removed to Idaho, where he remained for two years. After his return he sold his claim and embarked in the general merchan- dise business in North Yamhill. With his

LEE LAUGHLIN

THE CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF OREGON

partner, Francis Hauswirth, he carried on this business successfully for eight years, but in 1874 he sold his interest and now that leisure was again his, he started on another trip. This time he went toward the center of that civilization which he had helped to advance in its progress in the west. After visiting various points of interest he attended the Centennial Exposition, then being held in Philadelphia.

Upon his return to Oregon Mr. Laughlin purchased a farm of one hundred and eighty acres, immediately adjoining the town of Yamhill. This was a business deal, contracted purely. as such, for instead of engaging in agricultural pursuits upon it he sold it in a very short time in two separate tracts. In 1877 he again engaged in mercantile busi- ness, entering into a partnership in Yam- hill, which connection lasted for nine years. At the end of that time he sold out and built himself a very substantial and com- fortable residence which he now occupies. The discontinuance of this business under- taking marked the close of his mercantile activities.

In politics Mr. Laughlin is an enthusiastic and vigorous supporter of the republican party. His first vote was cast for Abraham Lincoln. In 1860 he began serving his party by accepting offices. His first position was that of county assessor of Yamhill county and he acted in that capacity during 1860 and 1861. In 1870 he was elected to the Oregon state legislature and again to the same office in 1874. His third election to the legisla- tive body of his state took place in 1880 and again he served a full term. He intro- duced a resolution before the house of repre- sentatives to amend the state constitution, striking out the word "male" from the quali- fication of the electors, thus giving woman equal suffrage with man. This resolution was passed by the house and subsequently by the senate but when finally submitted to the vote of the people of the state was de- feated.

In his own city he showed his public spirit and interest in the general welfare by an active support of the public schools. serving for many years as director. He also acted as president of the city council for several terms. In March, 1888, Mr. Laughlin was one of the organizers of the McMinnville National Bank at McMinnville, Oregon, and was its first vice president. This office he held for eight years and, upon the deatlı of the president, was unanimously elected to fill the vacancy, an office which he was par- ticularly well qualified to hold. After eleven years' service as president, Mr. Laughlin felt that the arduous duties of the position were too great for him to assume any longer and he retired from the presidency but is still a director.

In 1901 Mr. Laughlin was called upon to mourn the death of his first wife, who died February 11 at the age of sixty-three years. In 1904 he married Miss Ama Brown and by this union has one child, Lee Laughlin, Jr., born October 23. 1905. The family now reside in a very fine home, which is one of

the most beautiful residences of Yamhill and adds much to the attractiveness of the city.

Mr. Laughlin's influence has been felt throughout the state of Oregon. As an agri- culturist, a merchant, a banker, a politician. a legislator, and as a citizen he has held the confidence of all with whom he came in contact, and this confidence has never been misplaced. To such men as Mr. Laughlin a community and a state owe a lasting debt which can be partially eradicated by grate- ful appreciation and by a continuance of the valuable and broad lines of work their activ- ities have established.

ARTHUR T. LANGELL has for twenty-six years been actively connected with live-stock interests in Klamath county. For a con- siderable period he raised stock but at the present time is buying and shipping only. His sound judgment concerning the value of horses and cattle has enabled him to make judicious investments, which have been fol- lowed by success. He was born in Jackson- ville, Jackson county, Oregon, February 10, 1866, and is a son of Nathaniel and Loretta Jane (Hensley) Langell, natives of Nova Scotia and of St. Joseph, Missouri, respec- tively. The father went to Ohio in his boy- hood days and there learned the trade of shoemaking, after which he came to Oregon by way of the Isthmus route, arriving in this state about 1852. It was still a frontier dis- trict, in which the work of improvement was being slowly and steadily carried forward. He was married in Jackson county to Miss Hensley, who had previously crossed the plains with her parents. They began their domestic life in Jacksonville, where they re- sided for more than forty years, Mr. Langell working at his trade there. He also became interested in the live-stock business in con- nection with his brother Arthur Langell, and about 1869 came to what is known as Langell valley, which was so named in honor of its first settlers-the father and uncle of Arthur T. Langell, and his grandfather, Joseph Langell. The uncle and grandfather both died in this valley. The parents of Arthur T. Langell are still living and now reside near Portland, Oregon, the father having retired from active business. He is now in his eighty- second year, while his wife is in her seventy- fifth year. In their family were ten children: Eliza, the wife of Judge W. C. Hale, of Grants Pass; Mary, who married Charles Moore, who is mentioned elsewhere in this work; Addie and Frank, who died at the age of twenty and twenty-six years, respectively; Arthur T .; Jessie, the wife of Harry Foster, of Med- ford; Fred; Harry, who makes his home with his parents; and two who died in infancy.

Arthur T. Langell was a resident of Jack- sonville during the winter seasons until seven- teen years of age and spent the summer months in connection with his father's live- stock interests in Klamath county. When a youth of seventeen, however, he went to Salem, where he learned the plumber's and tinner's trades, which he followed for two years. Since that time. however, or for the

THE CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF OREGON

past twenty-six years, he has been engaged in the stock business in Langell valley and in Bonanza. He has now disposed of his ranches and for the past few years has en- gaged only in buying and shipping. He has purchased many horses for the United States government and is an excellent judge of stock, so that success has attended his efforts and he is one of the well known stockmen of the district.

On the 5th of November, 1896, Mr. Langell was married to Miss Anna E. Chastain, a daughter of Dr. J. A. Chastain, who is mell- tioned at length on another page of this work. They now have two children: Fred- erick C., who was born September 1, 1897; and Claudia L., whose birth occurred Febru- ary 19, 1902. Mr. Langell is a typical west- ern man-wide-awake, alert and enterprising. The west is making its history with vast possibilities before it and, recognizing this fact, Mr. Langell has become active in the work of public progress, his labors constitut- ing an element in the upbuilding of the com- munity as well as in individual success.

GEORGE E. FLATMAN, who started out in business life without any special advan- tages, has steadily worked his way upward by the force of his own ability, determina- tion and ambition, and is today one of the representative men of Hammond, where he is conducting a store and where he also owns other properties. Moreover, he has been ac- tive in the public life of the community and his fellow townsmen have called him to a number of political positions.

Mr. Flatman is a native of London, Eng- land. He was born on the 19th of January, 1861, and is a son of Charles E. Flatman, who was born in Suffolk, England, on the 3d of April, 1838. His grandparents, East- gate and Harriet Flatman, spent their entire lives in England, where the former engaged in business as a carpenter and contractor to the time of his death, which occurred in 1869. His son, Charles E. Flatman, is the only one of the family of nine children now living. He was married in London, England, in 1860, to Miss Mary A. Thompson. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Flatman there were born six children, of whom George E. Flatman, of this review, is the eldest. The others are: Charles W., who was born in London and makes his home in Grand Rapids, Michigan; Arthur, who was born in London and now resides in Mills City, Marion county, Oregon ; Frank, who was born in Michigan and now resides in Hammond; Robert, deceased; and one who died in infancy. It was in the year 1869 that the family came to America, first settling in Belleville, Canada, where the father worked at the carpenter's trade for a year. He afterward spent six months at Brantford, Canada, and a similar period at Fort Gratiot, Michigan. Later he was em- ployed in the car shops of the Michigan Cen- tral railroad at Detroit as a car builder, working on passenger cars for fifteen years. In 1889 he became a resident of Fort Stevens. Clatsop county, Oregon, where he worked at carpentry for the government and he is still

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.

The centennial history of Oregon, 1811-1912, Part 14

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