The centennial history of Oregon, 1811-1912, Part 161

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 161

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Mr. Farrier is prominent in the Masonic order. He gives his allegiance to the demo- cratic party and is one of the public-spirited men in this part of the state. For over half a century he has been a resident of Oregon and has a personal interest in its develop- ment. As road superintendent lie did able work for three years, and his knowledge and ability have been factors in securing inodern thoroughfares in Curry county. His work along this line like all his other activi- ties was well directed and is an example of the quality of his interests and his ability to make them effective.

M. C. FINDLEY, M. D., engaged in the prac- tice of medicine and surgery at Grants Pass, since October, 1901, being the second oldest physician in years of continuous prac- tice here, specializes largely in the treat- ment of diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat, for which he particularly qualified in post-graduate study. He was born near Lyndon, Osage county, Kansas, August 19, 1872, and is a son of David and Mary Ann (McFeaters) Findley, both of whom were na- tives of Indiana county, Pennsylvania, born near Pittsburg. In that locality they were reared and married and in 1871 removed to Kansas, where the father homesteaded a tract of land. He has made farming his life work and now resides at Hill City, Kansas, where his wife passed away when their son Dr. Findley was but fourteen years of age. He

was the youngest son in a family of eleven children and the ninth in order of birth. His brother John F. is conducting business under the name of the Eureka Drug Company at Bartlesville, Oklahoma, and is a graduate pharmacist. Another brother, Dr. Luther Findley, is a physician practicing at Hill City, Kansas, and a sister, Mrs. Nettie (Find- ley) Bell, is a graduate pharmacist, now lo- cated at Bartlesville, Oklahoma.

Dr. Findley, whose name introduces this record, supplemented his early education by three years' study in the state college at Manhattan, Kansas, and afterward entered the University Medical College at Kansas City, Missouri, from which he was graduated with the M. D. degree in 1896. He then opened an office in Baldwin, Kansas, where he remained for four and a half years. He next spent a year in the Chicago Polyclinic, making special study of the diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat. In the same per- iod he studied psychology and did other special work at Northwestern University, thus broadening his general knowledge at the same time he was promoting his profes- sional skill and efficiency. In October, 1901, he came to Grants Pass, opened an office here and is now the second oldest physician of the city. While he engages to some extent in general practice he concentrates his atten- tion most largely upon the treatment of diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat. In 1904 he pursued a course in that department of the New York Post Graduate Medical College of New York city, and in 1905 he further continued his studies along this line in the New York Eye & Ear Infirmary. He likewise pursued a clinical course under Pro- fessor Herman Knapp and thus broad study and research have given him superior skill and ability along that line. In 1899 he was a student in Morfield's Ophthalmological In- stitute and also in Gray's Inn and the Ear, Nose & Throat College, each of those insti- tutions being in London, England. In the latter part of the same summer he took a course in the eye, ear and throat depart- ment of the American Medical Association at Vienna. For eleven years he has prac- ticed continuously in Grants Pass save for the periods spent in study in this country and abroad. In addition to his professional duties he is identified with banking and real- estate interests here, and occupies a promi- nent and honored position in business as well as professional circles.

On the 10th of May, 1899, Dr. Findley was married to Miss Anna May Hair, who was born in Nebraska City, Nebraska. January 6. 1871, a daughter of E. F. Hair. Mrs. Findley won the degree of Bachelor of Arts at Baker University in Baldwin Kansas, in 1894, and the Master of Arts degree was con- ferred upon her in 1896. She taught in her alma mater for one year and then accepted a position in the high school at Kansas City, Kansas, becoming head of the Latin department, in which connection she continued until the time of her marriage. She is a member of the Tri Delta, a college sorority. Dr. and Mrs. Findley have seven children:

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Mary, Bayard, Genevieve, Dwight, Lonise, Pauline and Edith. Dr. and Mrs. Findley hold membership in the Methodist Episeo- pal chureh, which he joined after his mar- riage, having previously been eonneeted with the Presbyterian ehureh. His associations along professional lines keep him in touch with the advaneed work of the medical fra- ternity. He is a member of the American Medical Association of the United States and a life member of the American Medieal As- soeiation of Vienna. He was a member of the Ninth International Ophthalmological Congress, belongs to the Northwestern Surgi- eal Association, the Oregon State Medieal Association and the Southern Oregon Medieal Society. He has a wide aequaintanee among physicians and surgeons in Oregon and his elose eonformity to a high standard of pro- fessional ethics has brought him the admira- tion and high regard of all. He follows the most advanced standards and ideals, reeog- nizing the grave responsibilities of the pro- fession and his labors have been attended with sueeess that could only have been won through eonseientious effort based upon broad, comprehensive and accurate knowl- edge.

JOHN EMBUM. From the rich farming distriet of Oregon there have come many men who have won success in agricultural lines and who are now living retired, enjoy- ing the fruits of their labor. To this elass belongs John Embum, of Dallas, Oregon, who is yet in the prime of life and to whom his well direeted energy of former years has brought a competenee, which supplies him with all the necessities and many of the eomforts of life without reeourse to other labor. He was born in Sweden, on the 12th of April, 1855, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Larse Oleff. The father was a carpenter in Sweden and worked at his trade in that country for many years before coming to the United States in 1863. He loeated first in Calumet, Michigan, where he worked in the copper mines and in the timber tracts. He resided there for fifteen years before coming to Oregon in 1878. Here he located in Astoria, and the next year his family also eame to that town. He again followed his trade and accepted employment in various parts of Oregon until the time of his death whieli occurred in Seattle, in 1908, when he was seventy-eight years of age. His wife had previously passed away in Astoria.

John Embum was an only ehild and but eight years of age when he arrived in America with his parents. His training was received in the common sehools of Calumet, and when his age and experience justified it he fol- lowed his father's trade and also did con- traeting work. He resided in Umatilla county for three years before going to Tilla- mook, where he purchased one hundred and thirty-six acres of good land. For twenty- seven years he devoted his energy to agricul- tural pursuits, giving his principal atten- tion to dairying, but at the end of that time rented his property and removed to Dallas,

where he is now residing. Mr. Embum met with a good measure of success, and his energies, which were given entirely to the arduous task of developing and eultivating his farm, have been amply rewarded. As he prospered in his undertakings he added to his plaee all the modern equipments and aecessor- ies of a model farm, and at the time of his retirement the improved appearance of his farm was proof of his eareful supervision and practical methods. As he was financially enabled he has purehased property in Wil- lamina, which he holds as an investment.

In 1884 Mr. Embum was married to Miss Jessie Johnson, a daughter of William and Rhoda Johnson, agrieulturists of Oregon. To Mr. and Mrs. Embum three children have been born: Rhoda, who is the wife of Frank Easter. a liveryman in Willamina, Oregon; and Earl and Clark. both of whom are residing at home and attending sehool. Mr. Embum is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Tillamook, and in politics is a demoerat, casting his vote with democracy in all matters of public moment. In looking over his life's reeord it is seen that persistent, earnest work has eonstituted the foundation, upon which he has built his prosperity, and his diligence may well serve as an example for others to emulate.

JOHN DAVID FARRA. The life history of John David Farra is a proof of the fact that intense industry makes most of our suceessful men. He may justly be ealled a self-made man for he came to Lake county empty-handed and whatever he now poss- esses has come to him as the reward of earn- est, persistent labor. He has ever mani- fested the spirit of enterprise which has led to the rapid development of the great section west of the Mississippi. He was born in Jackson county, Kansas, September 6, 1861, a son of David R. and Mary Rice (Agie) Farra, natives of Kentucky and South Caro- lina respectively. Following their marriage they beeame residents of Kansas and in 1862 removed to Missouri whence in 1870 they eame to Jackson county, Oregon, where they eontinued to make their home until ealled from this life. The mother passed away in 1871 and the father in 1874, when about fifty years of age. He also followed farming and improved a homestead which he took up in Jackson eounty about two miles south of Eagle Point. By his first marriage he had a son, Thomas Jefferson, who was drowned in British Columbia a few years ago. By his marriage to Mary Rice Agie there were born six children: John David; Mary, the widow of C. E. White. of Jackson county. Oregon; Edward Lee, of Central Point, Ore- gon ; Luey Jane, the wife of James Singel- tery, of Portland; Walter Hedrick, of Jose- phine county; and Sammel Jefferson. of Che- wauean valley.

Jolın David Farra accompanied his parents on their various removals, being abont nine years of age when the family arrived in Jackson county, Oregon, where he remained until the spring of 1880. Since that time

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THE CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF OREGON

or for a period of thirty-two years he has resided continuously in Lake county and during the greater part of the time has been engaged in the stock business, handling both cattle and horses. For twelve years he con- ducted a livery business in Paisley but has now leased his barn. He was at one time the owner of three hundred and twenty acres of land in Little Chewaucan valley which he sold three years ago. He always resided upon a ranchi until he established his home in the town of Paisley in 1900. When he first came to this county in 1880 he worked for wages on a stock ranch in the Silver Lake country for about two years. He next went to the Goose Lake valley and was foreman of the XL ranch for more than five years, during which time about ten thousand head of cattle were run upon that place. He then removed to Chewaucan valley about 1887 and engaged in the stock busi- ness on his own account, devoting ten years to that undertaking, after which, in 1897, he established a livery business in Paisley. At one time he was the owner of two ranches in this district comprising five hundred and fifty acres. He was a poor boy when he came to Lake county but he scorned not honest labor and his unfaltering industry, determination and faithfulness won him ad- vancement until he was able to engage in business on his own account. His purpose and honorable dealing thus gained him fur- ther success as the years passed and he is now one of the substantial citizens of the valley.

On the 9th of June, 1902, Mr. Farra was married to Miss Frances Bell Taylor, who was born in Umatilla county, Oregon, in 1882, a daughter of Preston Alexander and Clara Victoria (Wilson) Taylor, who are natives of Oregon and Kansas respectively and are now residing in Colusa, California. Mr. and Mrs. Farra had four children: Virga Loretta, Earl Merritt and Opal Esther, all living and Fred Alexander, who was drowned on June 19, 1908, at the age of two years, six months and twenty-three days. In poli- tics Mr. Farra is a democrat and has filled the office of justice of the peace and consta- ble, but office holding has had little attrac- tion for him, for his business affairs have made constant demand upon his time and energies and he has ever realized that it is close application that counts and intense industry has made him one of the successful men of the Chewaucan valley.

JOHN WEISNER, who has been a resi- dent of Linn county for a quarter of a cen- tury, devotes his attention to the pursuits of general farming and stock-raising and is the owner of a tract of land comprising one hundred and ninety-six acres and situ- ated six miles northwest of Lebanon. His birth occurred in Austria on the 10th of August, 1853, his parents being John and Annie (Schreofer) Weisner, likewise natives of that country. Emigrating to the new world, they established their home in the

state of Kansas in 1870. Of their eleven chil- dren, six are yet living, as follows: John, of this review; Margaret, living with our sub- ject, who is the widow of Henry Mellon and the mother of three children-Bertha, Cath- erine and Albert; Annie, who is the wife of Dan Curtis, of Texas; Mary, who gave her hand in marriage to Dan Steel and resides in Kansas; William, who lives on the home place in the Sunflower state; and Louisa, the wife of William Steel, of Kansas.

John Weisner, who was a youth of seven- teen when his parents took up their abode in Kansas, remained on his father's farm in that state until 1880, the year of his mar- riage. Following that important event in his life he operated a rented farm in Kansas for seven years, on the expiration of which period he disposed of the property and came to Oregon, settling in Linn county in 1887. Here he cultivated rented land for three years and then bought the farm of one hun- dred and ninety-six acres on which he has resided to the present time. He has made many substantial improvements on the prop- erty and in his undertakings as a farmer and stock-raiser has won well deserved suc- cess, being now numbered among the pros- perous and representative citizens of his community.

In 1880 Mr. Weisner was joined in wed- lock to Miss Mary E. Riat, a native of Kansas, by whom he has the following chil- dren: Louisa, who is the wife of Frank Feltzer, of Albany, Oregon; Henry E., a resi- dent of British Columbia; Fred W. who is an agriculturist residing at Crabtree, Oregon, and the father of one child; George, who like- wise makes his home at Crabtree, this state; Elizabeth, who is the wife of Mortz Overhoff, of Lebanon, Oregon, and the mother of one child; and Louis, John, Mary and Francis, all of whom are attending school.

In politics Mr. Weisner is a republican and, though not an office seeker, has served in the capacity of road supervisor and for a few years acted as a member of the school board. In religious faith he is a Catholic. A man of exemplary habits, of high prin- ciples and of upright conduct, wherever he is known he commands the good-will and trust of those with whom he is associated.

HARRY S. BELLE, a well known and suc- cessful real-estate dealer, is one of Salem's pioneers, having first located here thirty- seven years ago. He was born in Norway on February 29, 1848, and there he was edu- cated and reared to the age of nineteen years.

In 1867 he decided to come to America to seek his fortune, so he took passage for the United States and after several weeks at sea landed at New York city. During the succeeding five years he followed · various pursuits at different points in the east, ac- quiring a very good knowledge of the lan- guage and an understanding of American commercial methods. In 1872 he came to the. northwest, locating in Portland, where he re- mained for three years. At the expiration of

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that period, in 1875, he removed to Salem to assume the duties of a clerkship in the store of Bregman Brothers. Later he severed his connection with this firm and took a posi- tion in a dry-goods store but subsequently gave this up also and turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. He followed this voca- tion in the vicinity of Salem witli excellent success for seven years, and at the end of that time once more identified himself with com- mercial activities. From early youth he had been taught to appreciate the value of thrift and industry and had always saved a portion of his earnings, however small they might be. As a result he acquired sufficient means to engage in business for himself. Therefore, when he left his ranch he purchased a dry- goods and shoe store in Salem which he operated for eight years under the name of "The Palace." Mr. Belle has always been a man of mueh perspieacity and foresight, whose enterprising spirit and ambition have kept him constantly alert, seeking for op- portunities to promote his advancement in a business way. He early recognized that the constantly increasing trend of migration to the northwest was going to afford exeel- lent opportunities for large financial returns in real estate, so disposing of his store he established an office and has ever since been engaged in this business.

Salem was the seene of Mr. Belle's mar- riage on the 9th of November, 1876, to Miss Naney Swegle, a native of this city and a daughter of Charles Swegle, a farmer and broker of Salem, who crossed the plains to Oregon with an ox team in 1848. Five chil- dren have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Belle as follows: Blanche, the deceased wife of T. A. Young of Portland, who left a daughter, Thelma, who has always lived with Mr. and Mrs. Belle; Adiline deceased; Claude S., who owns and eonduets "The Belle Confectionery," of Salem; and Lucile Belle and Eugenia, both of whom are living at home. The former is a musician or more than average ability, and the latter, who possesses a most promising voice, is devoting her entire attention to the study of music.

Mr. Belle is a charter member of the Woodmen of the World, and the United Artisans, and has filled all of the ehairs in the latter organization. His political support he has given to the republican party ever since granted the right of franchise. Mr. Belle is one of the many citizens of the northwest who emigrated to this country in their early youth, and although they pos- sessed no eapital, their ambition sustained by their tireless energy and determination of purpose has enabled them to achieve suecess.

MANLEY CROMWELL CURRIER, a resi- dent of Paisley connected with ranching in- terests in Lake county, although he is now praetieally living retired, was born in Benton county, Oregon, July 6. 1856 a son of Jaeob and Marie (Foster) Currier the former a native of New England and the latter of Missouri. They crossed the plains in 1846 and settled on a donation claim in Benton county

about ten miles south and three miles west of Corvallis, upon which he still resides at the venerable age of eighty-five years. The mother died when her son Manley was but two and a half years old and the father afterward married Sarah Lena Buchanan. There were four children by his first mar- riage: William Andrew, of Sumner Lake, Oregon; Lorena S., the wife of J. W. Bell- knap, living near Hanover, California; Man- ley C .; and Annie, who died in infaney. There were also four children by the father's second marriage: Elizabeth, at home; John, who died at the age of twenty-two years; Sarah, at home; and Eva, who is the wife of Dick Scott, who is aiding in the operation of her father's farm.

Manley Cromwell Currier remained on the old homestead until 1880, when he removed to Sumner Lake and was engaged in ranch- ing in that distriet for eight or nine years. He then removed to the vicinity of Paisley. where he has a ranch of two hundred and ninety acres of meadow land a mile east of the town, and also owns elsewhere one hun- dred and sixty acres in pasture. He is also the owner of town property and upon his ranch he runs from three to four hundred head of cattle. He is likewise a stockholder in the Waucan Mereantile Company of Pais- ley and is thus busily employed witlı inter- ests which are already large and of growing importance. His cattle are of good grades and the systematic and methodical manner in which he manages his business is bringing to him gratifying suecess.

On the 11th of November, 1903, Mr. Cur- rier was married to Miss Kittie Belle Hanan, who was born in Lake county, Oregon, August 13, 1879, a daughter of John C. and Margaret L. (Hadley) Hanan. The father was the first white ehild born in Oregon City, his natal day being February 29, 1844. He spent his entire life in this state, where lie was a ranch and stock man. While engaged in mowing grass he was killed by a runaway team at Sumner Lake, July 29, 1906. He was a son of George and Jane (Evans) Hanan and was reared in Douglas county. but became a resident of Lake county about 1870 and there resided for thirty-six years. His wife was born in Douglas county, Oregon. March 19, 1854, and died in Lake county. October 2, 1902. They were the parents of nine children: George W. living in Paisley : Emma A., the wife of J. S. Kelsey, a stock- man of Paisley; Kittie Belle; Charles M. and Henry E., both of Paisley; Andrew J., of Adel, Oregon; Jolin E., of Warm Springs. this state; Raymond L., of Paisley; and one who died in infaney. Mr. and Mrs. Currier have one child, Lorena Belle, born May 27. 1908.

Mr. Currier is an Odd Fellow and he gives his political support to the democratic party, having advocated its principles since age eonferred upon him the right of franchise. His father is today one of the oldest native sons of Oregon and Manley C. Currier has for fifty-six years resided in this state which has made wonderful progress during that period. No longer is it a frontier district.

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THE CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF OREGON

deprived of all the advantages of the older east and isolated from the civilization of the section of the country long since settled. The railroad has brought it into close prox- imity with other districts and the develop- ment of its rich natural resources and the establishment of business enterprises have placed it on a par with the states whose products are one of the sources of the na- tion's wealth. Mr. Currier can remember the time when the early railroads were built and it was considered a marvelous thing to ride upon a railroad train; he has seen the for- ests cut, the arid lands reclaimed, the mines developed and the agricultural districts im- proved, and rejoices heartily in what has been accomplished.

F. A. STEWART is prominent in business, social and political circles of Port Orford and is one of the representative and enterprising citizens of Curry county. He has lived in Oregon since his childhood and from the be- ginning of his active career has been en- gaged in various important and successful enterprises. He is now associated with his son in the conduct of the Port Orford Tri- bune and is meeting with the same success in journalism which rewarded his efforts as a school teacher, general merchant, miner and stock-raiser. He was born in Cass county, Illinois, January 25, 1843, and is a son of Joel and Sarah (Thurston) Stewart, the former a native of New Bedford, Massachu- setts, and the latter of Cincinnati, Ohio. In the latter city their marriage occurred and in 1826 they moved to Illinois, settling near Beardstown on a farm. The father carried on general agricultural pursuits upon this property until his death which occurred in 1847. His wife has also passed away, her deatlı having occurred while crossing the plains to Oregon in 1854. She was twice married. To her first union thirteen children were born, three of whom are still living: Mrs. Thomas Smith, who makes her home on the Rogue river, near Wedderburn; F. A., the subject of this review, and Susan L., who be- came the wife of John Reynolds, of Port- land. After the death of her first husband the mother of our subject was united in mar- riage to Captain John P. Sutton, a native of Tennessee, who made his first journey to Oregon in 1851. Two years afterward he went to Illinois and organized a large colony of settlers with whom he came to Oregon in 1854. Most of these people located in Polk county, Oregon. To Mr. and Mrs. Sutton was born one son, Walter, who served in the state legislature in 1886. Captain Sutton passed away in Jackson county in 1880.

F. A. Stewart received most of his educa- tion in the public schools of Dallas, and Bell- passe, Marion county. He began active life for himself when he was only twelve years of age and paid all the expenses incident to his schooling. He made use of every oppor- tunity to study that came his way and fitted himself for teaching, following this occupa- tion for some time in various parts of the Willamette valley, including district No. 1, at Champoeg, the oldest district in the state.

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The centennial history of Oregon, 1811-1912, Part 161

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