The centennial history of Oregon, 1811-1912, Part 153

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

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maturity were: James W., who is a practic- ing attorney of Seattle, Washington; Wil- liam Francis, a resident of Moscow, Idaho; Charles D., who is living in Pendleton, Ore- gon; Edward L., of this review; Ella, the wife of E. O. Chamness, of Portland; and Fred W., who is living in Los Angeles, Cali- fornia.

The story of the west is a familiar one to Edward Lee Rayburn, who has always re- sided on the Pacific coast and has been an interested witness of the growth and progress that has here occurred. After attending public school he spent a year in Smith Col- lege and then borrowed enough money to go to eastern Oregon. He secured a position in a grocery store in Pendleton, where he spent one winter, after which he went to Pilot Rock, where he worked in a large general mercantile establishment for three years. On the expiration of that period he returned to Corvallis, where he entered col- lege, studying stenography for a year. He afterward entered his brother's law office and pursued the study of law under his brother and Colonel John Kelly for two years, at the same time acting as stenogra- pher and clerk in their office. At the end of that period he came to Portland at the re- quest of ex-Mayor Rowe and entered the em- ploy of the Oregon Railway & Navigation Company, with which he continued for three years. The road was then sold to the Union Pacific, after which he became connected with the Northern Pacific Railroad in the passenger department under A. D. Charlton. He continued in that position for seventeen years as stenographer, ticket clerk and city passenger agent. He was also for seven years traveling passenger agent for the road. Thus gradually he worked his way upward, his ability and energy winning him recogni- tion and his fidelity gaining for him the con- fidence of all concerned. In 1907 his health failed him and he came to Lents, where he owned seventy town lots. Here he owned a general store, which he has since conducted. His business has prospered and his trade is extensive, requiring the assistance of three clerks.

Mr. Rayburn was married October 5, 1888, in Benton county, Oregon, to Miss Edith Buckingham, the wedding being celebrated on her father's old donation land claim. He was one of the early pioneers of this state and one of the first legislators of Oregon. To Mr. and Mrs. Rayburn have been born five children. Harold Edward, born in 1890, had completed a public-school course and was preparing for the practice of law, when in 1906 he passed away. Fay Buckingham and Frank Rodell, twins, were born February 6, 1892. They completed the grade work in the public schools of Portland and spent a year in the high school. They are now equal part- ners with their father in his business and as soon as they are capable enough to handle the store they are to have full charge. Both attended business college and are enterpris- ing, progressive young men, whose record is most creditable to the family. George Buckingham, born July 5, 1903 is attending

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school. Edith Lora, born March 3, 1909, completes the family.

In his political views Mr. Rayburn is a republican, stanchly supporting the princi- ples of the party. He is not a politician in the sense of office seeking, but believes firmly in the political position which he ad- vocates and is therefore giving to the cause loyal support. The only office he has held has been that of deputy sheriff, in which he has continued for five years. Fraternally he is connected with the Woodmen of the World. He is president of the Commercial Club, which has been the vital force in in- troducing and promoting various improve- ments in Lents. Mr. Rayburn and three others stood good for the electric lights that have been installed on the streets here, and his influence and aid are ever on the side of advancement and improvement, along ma- terial. intellectual and moral lines.

A. S. SKYLES, manager of the Astoria plant of the Townsend Creamery Com- pany. has in this capacity manifested ex- cellent executive ability and sound judg- ment and is a leading and prominent resi- dent of his town. His birth occurred in southeastern Iowa on the 5th of November. 1869, his parents being Thomas and Eliza- beth (Conee) Skyles. The father was born in Illinois on the 28th of February, 1834, while the mother's natal day was April 23, 1830. Thomas Skyles. who followed farm- ing throughout his active business career, is now living retired at Fort Madison, Iowa. His wife was called to her final rest on the 2d of July, 1910. Benjamin Skyles, the pa- ternal grandfather of our subject, was a vet- eran of the Mexican war and one of the earliest pioneers of Iowa, settling in that state in 1840. The maternal grandfather, Reuben Conee was one of the first legisla- tors of Iowa. The Skyles family has been represented in every war of the country. Unto Thomas and Elizabeth Skyles were born six children, as follows: William, who resides on a farm in Illinois; John, also an agriculturist of that state; Mary E .. at home; H. A., who is engaged in the real- estate business at Fort Madison. Iowa; A. S .. of 'this review; and Anna, the wife of Alex Bullard, Jr., and resides on a farm in Iowa.

A. S. Skyles obtained his early education in the public schools of Fort Madison, Iowa, subsequently attended Johnson's Business College and then pursued a post-graduate course at Ames, Iowa. When a young man of twenty-two years he removed to Yam- hill county, Oregon, where he embarked in the creamery business on the 25th of April, 1892, conducting the enterprise for six years and shipping his products to Portland. His creamery was the only one in the county at that time and twenty-five miles distant from any other. Subsequently he spent eighteen months in the gold mines of eastern Oregon as manager of a transfer, freight and stage outfit. On the 1st of April. 1899. he became connected with the Townsend Creamery Company, installing their plant at

Nehalem, Tillamook county. On the 7th of May following he installed a plant at As- toria and has since remained its manager. He makes both butter and ice cream and is a wholesale dealer in these products. The Townsend Creamery Company has eight branches and has the largest butter plants on the coast. Mr. Skyles is one of the stockholders of the concern and his efforts have contributed to its success in no small degree.

On the 6th of September, 1895, Mr. Skyles was united in marriage to Miss Nora A. Baker, a native of Keokuk county, Iowa, and a daughter of Captain D. C. Baker and Vir- tue A. (Milton) Baker, who were born in the years 1833 and 1838 respectively. The father, who was a captain in the Civil war, connected with the Fortieth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, passed away on the 25th of Feb- ruary, 1911. The mother had died in No- vember, 1890. Mr. and Mrs. Skyles have three children: Theron G., born in Yamhill county, and Norman B. and Elizabeth Ann, both born in Astoria. Mrs. Skyles traces her ancestry by three lines back to Revolu- tionary times and is an applicant for mem- bership in the Daughters of the American Revolution.

In politics Mr. Skyles is independent. sup- porting men and measures rather than party. He is a member of the school board and also holds the responsible position of presi- dent of the Chamber of Commerce. His re- ligious faith is indicated by membership in the Presbyterian church, of which he is one of the trustees. Fraternally he is identified with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He is a thoroughgoing business man. improving his opportunities for the attain- ment of financial success, and his diligence has been the source of his prosperity.

ALEXANDER WHITE. The lumber indus- try has been the chief source of revenue in Oregon and the timber tracts of the state yet exceed in extent and value those of any other state in the Union. Men of marked business ability have engaged in the manu- facture and sale of lumber and success has crowned their enterprise and intelligently di- rected efforts. Among those now well known in connection with the lumber trade of Ore- gon is Alexander White. treasurer of the Westport Lumber Company which is operat- ing one of the largest mills between Port- land and Astoria. His life record began in Ontario, Canada, on the 16th of May, 1864. his parents being John and Margaret (Mc- Laughlin) White. The father was born in Glasgow, Scotland, and the mother in To- ronto, Canada, where they were married and made their home for a few years. Subse- quently they resided at Onawa. Iowa, for twenty years, and went thence to Idagrove, Iowa, where they spent the succeeding dec- ade. Their next place of residence was at Breckenridge, Missouri, where the father died December 27, 1900. The mother afterward made her way westward. settling at Santa Cruz, California, where she is still living. In their family were three sons and a daughter:

A. S. SKYLES

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THE CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF OREGON

Archibald, who died in South Dakota; Dan- iel, who passed away in Idagrove, Iowa; Mary A., the wife of M. D. Bardwell, of Santa Cruz, California; and Alexander.

Alexander White was a youth of fourteen years when he undertook the task of pro- viding for his own support and he early came to realize that unfaltering industry and per- severance constitute the surest foundation upon which to build success. He secured a clerkship in a hardware store and that he was capable and efficient is indicated by the fact that he remained there for about five years. He afterward clerked in a retail lumber yard for ten months and subsequently was appointed manager of the S. H. Braman Lumber Company at Mapleton, Iowa, remain- ing in charge of the business at that place for about five years. His thrift enabled him during that period to save from his earnings, a sum, sufficient to purchase an interest in a hardware store, and for a year he was in partnership with S. W. Harms in the con- duct of a business of that character at Ida- grove, Iowa. On selling out he accepted the position of manager with John Powell at Algona. Iowa, where he worked for several years. He next removed to Breckenridge. Missouri, where he purchased an interest in a hardware, lumber, coal and implement busi- ness and at the same time handled real es- tate, remaining at that place for three years. The west proving to him an irresistible attraction, he left the Mississippi valley for Chehalis, Washington, where he began saw- ing and manufacturing lumber, continuing in that business for five years when he dis- posed of his interests, preparatory to remov- ing to Portland. He lived for a year and one half in the Rose city and then purchased an interest in a mill at Bay City, Oregon, which he has since operated. With a partner, he also purchased a tract of timber land, and a logging camp at Quincy, Oregon, and organ- ized the Beaver Logging Company. Since that time he has been developing the busi- ness and manufacturing lumber quite exten- sively. He is president of that company and, in 1909. became the treasurer and manager of the Westport Lumber Company which has one of the largest mills between Astoria and Portland. His interests are extensive and his business is growing substantially. The result is gratifying and his ability is evidenced in the prosperity which has come to him.

On the 6th of February, 1902, Mr. White was married to Miss Gertrude V. Billings, who was born in Butler county, Iowa. Feb- ruary 28, 1869, a daughter of George W. and Ada M. (Cramer) Billings, the former born in the state of New York and the latter near Hamilton, Ontario. With their respective par- ents, Mr. and Mrs. Billings removed to the middle west in early life and were married in Iowa. For some years they resided in that state and then went to Rockford, Illinois, where they lived for twenty years. They after- ward spent a few years in Minnesota and thence came to the Pacific coast, settling at Upland, California, whence they later went to Portland where they are still living. The

father engaged in farming in Iowa and con- ducted a hardware store in Illinois but is now living retired.

In considering the political situation of the country Alexander White has been led to give his support to the republican party. He became a member of the Masonic lodge at Algona, Iowa, and served as past master for two years, and is now affiliated with the order in the west. During his residence in Oregon he has readily recognized his busi- ness opportunities and as the years have gone by he has so utilized the advantages that have come to him for investment, that he has become well known and prosperous. He never hesitates to venture where favor- ing opportunity leads the way and the steps in his orderly progression are easily discern- ible. As the architect of his own fortunes he has built wisely and well and the course that he has pursued indicates the possibili- ties for business development and success in the west.

FRED W. FIELDHOUSE, who is the pro- prietor of a jewelry store at Gresham, Mult- nomah county, was born in England, Febru- ary 22, 1863, a son of John and Maria (Teas- dale) Fieldhouse. The parents were both natives of England, were married in that country and came to America in 1869, set- tling in Wisconsin. They resided in that state until 1907, when they removed to Oregon, settling in Multnomah county, where the mother passed away in 1908. The father is now living there, having reached the age of seventy years. All his life he has fol- lowed the occupation of masonry and con- tracting. In his family were four children, the eldest of whom is the subject of this sketch. The others were: A. H., who died in Wisconsin in 1903; and A. J. and Mrs. Nellie Gullikson, both of Gresham.

Fred W. Fieldhouse being only six years of age when brought by his parents to America, received his early training in the district schools of Wisconsin, and since that time he has acquired a thorough business education. He remained under the parental roof until twenty-three years of age, when he went into partnership with his father in masonry and contracting work in Wiscon- sin, in which occupation he was engaged for eleven years. He then entered into the jew- elry business in that state, remaining there until 1907, when he came to Oregon, settling at Gresham, where he established his present jewelry store.

In 1885 Mr. Fieldhouse wedded Miss Louisa Wilkins who was born in Wisconsin in 1860, a daughter of Gottlieb and Louisa Wilkins, both of whom were natives of Germany. The parents were married in that country, and on coming to America settled in Chicago, Illinois. Later they removed to Wisconsin and afterwards to Oklahoma, where the father passed away in 1903. The mother then came to Oregon, and is now living at Gresham. In their family were eight chil- dren: Sophie. deceased; Mrs. Fieldhouse ; Mrs. Annie Munder. of Clackamas county; Charles, of Kansas City, Missouri; Mrs.

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Charlotte Martins, of Gresham; William, of Montana; Gottlieb, of Oklahoma; and Emma of Cottage Grove, Oregon. Mrs. Fieldhouse is well educated, is an accomplished musi- cian, and was a teacher previous to her mar- riage. Mr. and Mrs. Fieldhouse have an adopted daughter, Florence, who is nine- teen years of age. She received her educa- tion partly in Wisconsin and completed the same in the Gresham high school. She also has had a thorough musical education. She at the present time, is teaching school, and has been in that profession since she was sixteen years of age.

In politics Mr. Fieldhouse is a republican and fraternally he is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America. Both he and his family are affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal church. During his residence here he has won the respect and esteem of all with whom he has come in contact, and he is considered one of the progressive and success- tul business men of Gresham.

W. C. HEMBREE. The first home of W. C. Hembree in Oregon was a log cabin. To- day he is the owner of the finest residence in McMinnville and is now living retired, for the years of his close connection with farm- ing interests brought to him a substantial competence, enabling him now to rest from further labors. He has passed the eighty- second milestone on life's journey, his birth having occurred in Warren county, Tennes- see, in 1829. His parents were Jordon J. and Sarah Hembree, both natives of Ten- nessee, whence they crossed the plains in 1843, making the journey with ox teams. At that time W. C. Hembree, a youth of four- teen years, drove one of the teams and his was one of the first wagons that came clear through to a point west of the Cascade moun- tains. The family settled in Yamhill county, Oregon, but this was long before the admis- sion of the state into the Union. The father secured a donation claim of six hundred and forty acres and W. C. Hembree took a claim of three hundred and twenty acres. The parents continued to occupy the old home- stead until called to their final rest. The father built a log cabin upon his place and with characteristic energy began the devel- opment of the farm, upon which not a fur- row had been turned nor an improvement made when he took possession. Year by year his labors wrought substantial results in con- verting the wild land into productive fields, from which good harvests were gathered. It was in 1868 that Jordon J. Hembree passed away, having for thirteen years sur- vived his wife, who died in 1855. To them were born twelve children, of whom four sons are still living.

W. C. Hembree pursued a common-school education in his native state ere the start was made for the Pacific coast. He well remembers the many interesting incidents of the long journey across the prairies, over the plains and through the mountain passes until the family reached their destination. The slow-plodding oxen covered only a few miles each day and at times the road was

little more than a trail but after weary months of travel the journey was ended and then the family faced the difficult conditions, which are ever to be found on the frontier. Mr. Hembree shared in all of the hardships and privations incident to such a life and early became familiar with the arduous task of developing a new farm. In time the land which he owned became very valuable, owing. to the improvements which he placed upon it and also to the fact that the country be- came settled. Year after year he contin- ued the work of tilling the soil, and his labors were rewarded by good harvests. Thus his income increased as time passed by and at length with a substantial com- petence he retired to private life. He is still the owner of two productive and valua- ble farms in Yamhill county, while his home in McMinnville is the finest residence in that city.

In June, 1861, Mr. Hembree was united in marriage to Miss Nancy A. Garrison, a native of Iowa, who made the journey across the plains at an early day. By her mar- riage she became the mother of nine chil- dren: Rose, the wife of W. E. Stevens, a resident of California; Walter L., who is living in McMinnville; C. P., whose home is in Polk county; Nellie, the wife of George Housman, of Portland; Eva G., the wife of J. J. Rector, whose home is in Brownsville, Oregon; Maud, the wife of George Morrison, of Hot Springs, Alaska; and three who are deceased. 'ine wife and mother passed away in 1892 and later Mr. Hembree married Mrs. Nancy J. Crisp, who was the widow of M. R. Crisp and a native of Kentucky. Her parents were William and Lucinda (Thomp- son) Beagle, who were likewise natives of Kentucky, whence they made the long jour- ney across the plains in 1843. Mr. Beagle secured a donation claim in Washington county, Oregon, whence in 1854 he removed to California, spending eight years in that state. He then returned to Oregon, living in Umatilla county until his death, which oc- curred in Pendleton, Oregon, in 1888. His wife survived him for about ten years, pass- ing away in 1898. In their family were ten children, of whom six are now living, in- cluding Mrs. Hembree, who by her first marriage, to Mr. Crisp, became the mother of eight children: B. H., who is living in eastern Oregon; Cynthia, the wife of W. C. Tilton. a resident of Seattle, Washington; Bell, the wife of E. R. Wheeler, also of Seattle; and five, who are deceased. The death of Mr. Crisp occurred in 1886.

In his political views Mr. Hembree has al- ways been a democrat and has filled a num- ber of local offices, the duties of which he discharged with promptness and fidelity. He is a member of the Grange and has long been closely associated with the agricultural interests of this part of the state, where he still owns farming property althoughi lie now leaves the active work of his farms to others. There are few residents in the state who have remained longer within its borders than Mr. Hembree, for through sixty-eight years lie has lived in Oregon and is, therefore, largely

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acquainted with its history from pioneer times down to the present. When he came here the Indians were far more numerous than the white settlers and at different peri- ods occasioned considerable trouble to the pioneers, who were attempting to plant the seeds of civilization in the soil of the north- west. Portland at the time of his arrival was a tiny village and it was believed that Oregon city would become the more promi- nent place. Many of the now thriving towns and cities of the state had not yet been founded and the great forest tracts which have been a source of gigantic income to the state were still standing in their primeval strength. Mr. Hembree has lived to see re- markable changes and in the community, where he has resided, has always borne his part in the work of public progress and im- provement. That his business interests have been carefully conducted is indicated in the success which has crowned his efforts, for he started out in life here empty-handed.

JAMES E. BLACKBURN. Montavilla owes its development and improvement in no small measure to the efforts of James E. Blackburn, a well known contractor and builder, whose handiwork has found expres- sion in many of the leading structures of this city, which was but a small and unimproved district at the time of his arrival here, but has grown rapidly and along substantial lines. Mr. Blackburn was born, November 10, 1865, in Muskingum county, Ohio, his parents being Thomas Jefferson and Nancy (Crawford) Blackburn, both of whom were natives of Ohio. The former was a son of James and Mary Blackburn, who were born in the Empire state, while the maternal grandparents of our subject came from Penn- sylvania. To Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Jefferson Blackburn were born the children of whom short mention follows. Athea, deceased, was the wife of Russell Proudy. Alta became the wife of Joseph Proudy, of Ohio, and they have five children, Cheney, Homer, Frantz, Russell and Paul. Mary, Lucy and Clara are deceased. James E. is our sub- ject. Elna is the wife of Fred Straus, of Guernsey county, Ohio, and has two children, Grace and Gladys.

James E. Blackburn spent his youthful days in his native county and after acquir- ing a public-school education started out to make his own way in the world. He was sixteen years of age when he began learn- ing the carpenter's trade with his father and at the age of twenty felt qualified to assume the responsibilities of providing entirely for his own support. On leaving home, he went first to Hutchinson, Kansas, where he re- sided for three years and was married. He afterward went to Spokane, Washington, where he spent two years, and next came to Portland. In 1891 he established his home in Montavilla, where he purchased land and erected thereon his present residence. He began buying and selling property and doing a contracting business. When he took up his abode in Montavilla there was no car line there and the town was in its embryonic

condition. He has witnessed its growth and development, noting the great strides it has taken in the adoption of modern improve- ments as well as in expansion. With its upbuilding he has been closely, prominently and helpfully associated. He erected practi- cally all of the schoolhouses and churches of the town, also built the broom factory and many dwellings not only in Montavilla but all over Portland. He built up a large business and as opportunities presented themselves made judicious investment in property, and is now the owner of twelve lots and two business houses, in addition to a tract of seven acres inside the city lim- its. He also owns other residence property here and a half section of timber land ill Josephine county.

At Hutchinson, Kansas, on the 23d of Feb- ruary, 1889, Mr. Blackburn was united in marriage to Miss Alta Woodruff, a daughter of P. J. Woodruff. She is one of a family of four children. Addie Woodruff, her sister, is the wife of Joseph Clark, of Pendleton, Oregon, and they have six children, Paul, Grace, Jane, Fae, Hazel and Earl. Emmie Woodruff is the wife of Isaac Perkins, of Portland, and they have five children, Floyd, Earl, Raymond, Ruby and Helen. Luther Woodruff, of San Bernardino, California, is married and has two children, Lora and Frieda.

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The centennial history of Oregon, 1811-1912, Part 153

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