The centennial history of Oregon, 1811-1912, Part 164

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

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Business, however, has been but one phase of his life, for in him intellectual and moral progress, as well as material, find a cham- pion, recognizing as he does that each has its place in the scheme of the world. His religious faith is that of the Evangelical church, its teachings proving the guiding in- fluence in his life, while as a member of the Commercial Club of Corvallis he is deeply in- terested in furthering the general welfare of the community. He is not unknown in fra- ternal circles, holding membership with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Woodmen of the World, the United Artisans and the Knights of Pythias. He has ever

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THE CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF OREGON

taken a great interest in the development and improvement of the school system in the county and has held official positions in con- nection with educational affairs. His politi- cal allegiance is given to the republican party and in 1908 was elected on that ticket to the office of sheriff of 'Benton county. Indorsement of his work in that capacity came in his reelection to a second term and he is now his party's candidate for a third term. In this connection he has manifested a courageous spirit in the face of large re- sponsibilities and has performed his duties with a faithfulness and fearlessness that have won the complete trust and confidence of all law abiding citizens, while his inde- fatigable efforts in checking lawlessness have made his name a menace to criminals of all classes.

Mr. Gellatly was married, in 1892, to Miss Emma Taylor, who was born in Kansas, in 1872, a daughter of Joseph Taylor, by whom she was brought to Oregon in her childhood. To Mr. and Mrs. Gellatly were born nine children, of whom one, Andrew, passed away in infancy. The others are Nellie, R. Ward, William J., Isabella, Margaret, Mary, Jennie and John Harold. Mr. Gellatly is widely known throughout the county, and especially in the Willamette valley has he a large acquaintance, not only because of his exten- sive business interests in the past and his present public position, but also because his personal characteristics are such as easily win and hold high regard and esteem. Pre- eminently a self-made man, his has been a busy and useful life, crowned by a high degree of success, which is reckoned not only by material gain, although that has come to him in substantial measure, but also by the honorable place which he has won for himself in the opinion of his fellowmen.

WALLACE FREYER, one of the substan- tial and representative citizens of Douglas, his native county, owns and operates a ranch of two hundred and eighty acres at Kellogg and also cultivates about six hun- dred additional acres under lease. For a number of years he has likewise operated a threshing machine. His birth occurred in Kellogg, Oregon, on the 14th of December, 1868, his parents being John and Mary (Kel- logg) Freyer. The father, who was born in New York, on the 11th of April, 1826, made his way to California via the isthmus route in 1849 and spent two years in the gold mines. Hearing that his brother Abraham, who had been a sailor, was living in Ore- gon, he came north to this state in 1851 and in association with his brother took up a donation claim (now the Hedden farm) on the Umpqua river in Douglas county. Sub- sequently he turned his interest therein over to his brother and bought a donation claim from James Cooper, another from a Mr. Laughlin and another from a Mr. Robinson at Kellogg, owning in all about eight hundred and seventy acres. He was killed on the 11th of April, 1908, by being thrown from a wagon, the wheel of the wagon passing over his head. In politics he was republican but

never sought nor desired office. John Freyer owned and operated one of the first thresh- ing machines brought into Douglas county, having it shipped around the Horn. After his demise it was operated by his sons and is still in good condition at the present time, being occasionally used by our subject. Mr. Freyer was a veteran of the Modoc In- dian war and in other ways did his full share toward promoting the progress and improvement of this state in pioneer days. The period of his residence in Douglas county covered fifty-seven years and his upright and honorable life won him the regard and esteem of all with whom he came into con- tact. Mrs. Mary (Kellogg) Freyer was the daughter of John M. Kellogg, who came to Oregon in 1849, crossing the plains with ox teams and locating on the Umpqua river, at what is now Kellogg, in Douglas county. That postoffice was named in his honor. Here he took up a donation claim, built a brush dam across the river and began the construction of one of the first mills erected in Douglas county. While at work on the same, however, he was killed by falling from the structure, which was afterward com- pleted and operated by his sons, Lyman and Barney. His daughter Mary, the wife of John Freyer, passed away in the year 1870.

Wallace Freyer was reared under the pa- rental roof and attended the public schools in the acquirement of an education. When a youth of sixteen he began to provide for his own support by working on a ranch. Four years later, in 1888, he purchased the donation claim of his grandmother Kellogg and a few years afterward sold the same to A. L. Hutchinson. Subsequently he bought a ranch of two hundred and eighty acres at Kellogg, which he still operates together with the Rapp ranch, comprising about six hundred acres. His undertakings as an agri- culturist have been attended with success, and Douglas county numbers him among its prosperous and enterprising citizens. For years he has operated a thresher, now hav- ing three modern machines in his possession.

Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Freyer has supported the men and measures of the republican party, believ- ing that its principles are most conducive to good government. Fraternally he is identi- fied with the Woodmen of the World, belong- ing to Oakland Camp, No. 258. His entire career has been characterized by higlı ideals and noble principles, and in every relation of life his record has ever measured up to a high standard of honorable manhood.

WILLIAM H. TAYLOR. One of the lead- ing business houses of Hillsboro is that owned by William H. Taylor, who is dealing in pianos, wall paper and paints. In this connection he studies the wishes and needs of his patrons and carries a stock that will meet the public requirements. His business methods, too, are reliable and his commer- cial integrity constitutes a feature in his success. He was born in Washington county, Oregon, March 27, 1860. His father, Dr. I. C. Taylor, was a native of Missouri,

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born in 1833, and in early manhood wedded Mary McKinzie, whose birth occurred in Wisconsin in 1836. It was about the year 1851 that Dr. Taylor came to this state, which was then under territorial rule, and settled in Washington county. At the pres- ent writing he is residing in Washington, D. C. In the family were two children, the daughter being Mary Jane, the widow of H. H. Clark, who was a son of J. Clark.

William H. Taylor devoted his youth largely to mastering the course of instruc- tion given in the common schools of Yam- hill county. As a young man he engaged in farming but afterward learned the painter's trade, which he has followed for twenty years. In July, 1909, he took up his abode in Hillsboro and the following year became identified with its mercantile interests as a dealer in pianos, wall paper and paint. He carries a large and well selected line and for his goods finds a ready sale because they are attractive and his business methods are thoroughly trustworthy.

On the 5th of December, 1885, Mr. Taylor was united in marriage to Miss Dora Nell Jobe, of Washington county, whose father, Noah J. Jobe, came to the county in 1847 and secured a donation land claim upon which he spent his remaining days, actively engaged in farming. He passed through the usual hardships and experiences of pioneer life in a frontier district, where the Indians were still numerous and where the work of development and progress seemed scarcely begun. He served as a soldier in the Cayuse Indian war. He married a Miss Garwood and she shared with him in all the difficulties of establishing a home in a frontier district. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Taylor were born five children: Robert Harold, William Ernest, Fred Ray, Glenn and Florence Ruth, all of whom have been educated in the schools of Hillsboro and are yet under the parental roof. Before removing to this city the family lived upon one farm a quarter of a century. Mr. Taylor is a republican in politics and is conversant with the leading questions and issues of the day. His fraternal relations are with the Woodmen of the World and he has held the office of adviser in the local society. For more than a half century the history of Oregon has been familiar to him and he has watched the wonderful trans- formation which has been wrought, convert- ing this from a wild and sparsely settled district into a leading state of the Union with all the advantages known to the older east.

ANDRU MANIKI is one of the many sturdy sons of Finland who are bringing their strong national virtues of industry and well directed determination to bear upon the cultivation of the rich and fertile farm lands of Coos county. He was born in Finland, in 1871, and is a son of Mathew and Louisa (Goske) Maniki. He is one of five children born to his parents: Erick, who is now de- ceased; Marie, who married Alexander Joyk, of Finland; Andru, the subject of this sketch;

Henry, who now resides in Michigan; and Mathew, deceased.

Andru Maniki received his early education in the public schools of Finland. He was brought up on his father's farm and re- mained at home until he was nineteen years of age, when he came to America and settled immediately in Astoria, Oregon. Here he be- came identified with the fishing industry for two years and spent one year in the timber woods of the state. He then came to Coos county and worked at lumbering and coal mining in that section for some time. He spent one year in the coal mines of Rock Springs, Wyoming, and at the expiration of that time returned to Coos Bay ,where he engaged in various activities for fifteen years. He finally took up a homestead claim of eighty acres on Shutlers arm of Ten Mile lake and has been engaged in the culti- vation of the soil since that time. He farms in a scientific and progressive manner and has attained a gratifying degree of success since he has been independent. He has con- stantly improved his holdings and is inter- ested in every new development connected with farm machinery.

In April, 1893, Mr. Maniki was united in marriage to Miss Mary Maniki and to their union two children were born: Sweda, de- ceased; and Linda, who since leaving school has studied music at home. Mr. Maniki is independent in his political views, preferring to vote for the men regardless of party. He is a devoted member of the Lutheran church and his family also hold membership in that organization. His life has not been an easy one. He was obliged to work hard and to labor earnestly for his daily bread, but he is now, as reward of his energy, in possession of a fertile farm and enjoys the respect and esteem of his fellow citizens.

WILBUR F. BOOTHBY. One does not have to carry his investigations far into the history of Salem to learn of the important part that Wilbur F. Boothby has played in its upbuilding, development and adornment. He was at one time closely associated with its industrial interests as owner of a sash and door factory and later as an architect and contractor, in which connection he has erected splendid structures that still stand as monuments to his skill and ability. He was born in Limington, Maine, July 12, 1840, a son of Arthur and Jane (Moody) Boothby, who spent their entire lives in the Pine Tree state, where the father followed farming for many years. The family is of English origin and was founded in Maine in early colonial days, and Asa Boothby, the grandfather of Wilbur F. Boothby, was a native of that state. Arthur Boothby and five of his brothers who were born in Limington still reside there.

Wilbur F. Boothby is the only one living of a family of three children, a younger sister and brother, Susan and Frank B., being de- ceased. His youthful days were spent under the parental roof and his education was pur- sued in the public schools and in the Fulton (N. Y.) College, in which he completed a

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THE CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF OREGON

course with the class of 1858. He then re- turned home, continuing with his parents until 1861, when he removed to Portland, Maine, where he entered the grocery business in connection with Cyrus H. Moody. A few years later they came to California by way of the isthmus route. Mr. Boothby settled first at Freemont, where he engaged in min- ing, and also worked in a sawmill for a short time. He was for a period proprietor of a store there but eventually sold out and on the 4th of June, 1864, arrived in Oregon, since which time he has been a resident of Salem. The town contained a population of one thousand at the time of his arrival and Portland was little larger. Mr. Boothby came to Salem, canvassing for a book on the Civil war. He formed the acquaintance of "Father" Waller, who purchased a volume from Mr. Boothby and became interested in lim, advising him to seek a situation with Jones & Reed, proprietors of a sash and door factory. Mr. Boothby followed this advice and remained with that firm as foreman until the fall of 1865. He then resolved to engage in business on his own account and bought out the sash and door factory owned by Sam- uel Bass. This he conducted for several years but eventually turned his attention to other business pursuits, becoming well known as an architect and contractor. In 1872 he erected the present courthouse at Salem and has since been well known as a leading archi- tect of the capital city. He planned and erected the state insane asylum, also much of the state house and the penitentiary. In fact he has been identified with the construc- tion of most of the public buildings in this part of the state and fine structures stand as a monument to his skill, his enterprise and his ability.

Throughout the period of his residence here Mr. Boothby has been closely, actively and helpfully associated with the work of public progress and improvement. He was the first president of the Salem waterworks and his cooperation has always been counted upon to further any project or movement for the public good. He operated the Drake foundry and machine shop of Salem for two years, which was the last position in which he actively engaged. In 1886 he retired and returned to Maine to visit his parents, spend- ing two years on the Atlantic coast. He owns property interests here from which he derives a substantial income, his realty hold- ings including four dwellings and two busi- ness blocks.

In 1865 Mr. Boothby was married to Miss Rebecca A. Dalgleish, who was born in Scot- land, March 21, 1842, and came to America with her mother, the family settling in Lawrence, Massachusetts, where she re- mained until eighteen years of age. Her father, Jesse Dalgleish, was a woolen manu- facturer in Scotland and died in that coun- try, after which his widow brought her fam- ily to the United States. They lived for some time in Lawrence, Massachusetts and then came west to Salem, Oregon. To Mr. and Mrs. Boothby have been born two chil-

dren who are yet living: Charles, of Port- land; and Veva, the wife of John McCourt, the present United States district attorney for Oregon. Those deceased are: Edward, who was drowned on his eighth birthday and who was the eldest of the family; and Minnie, Jesse and Willie, all of whom died in infancy.

In his political views Mr. Boothby is re- publican and has ever kept well informed on the questions and issues of the day, but has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking. He has now passed the sev- enty-second milestone on life's journey and his has been an active and useful life, his labors continuously increasing in scope and importance and bringing him at last a com- fortable competence that enables him to live retired.

GEORGE M. WALKER. Two miles up the Templeton road on Ten Mile lake is located the model dairy of George M. Walker. Here in partnership with his brother-in-law he operates a large farm of two hundred and forty acres and makes his dairy a special feature of the enterprise. He was born in Maine, on July 17, 1856, and is a son of Wilmot and Eliza (Abbott) Walker. He is one of three children born to his parents, and is the eldest, the others being: Ella, who is the wife of E. J. Henley, of Cali- fornia; and Frank J., deceased.

Mr. Walker came from Maine to Siskiyou, California, with his parents when he was two years of age. He received his education in the public schools of that section and started in active life for himself when he was eighteen years old. His father was a miner and was also associated with agricul- tural interests in Siskiyou and when. George Walker was eighteen years of age he entered his father's employ and worked in the gold mines until he had reached the age of twen- ty-two years. In 1879 he entered the employ of others and mined for a short time. He later prospected for himself and spent the years from 1879 until 1906 in the gold regions of California. He was fairly suc- cessful in his prospecting operations yet for- tune never favored him with a rich strike. In 1906 he and his brother-in-law, L. F. Faul- kenstein, came to Templeton, Oregon, and bought a farm of two hundred and forty acres two miles southwest of the town of Templeton, on Ten Mile lake, and here they are carrying on a model dairy. George Walker owns a half interest in this property and is responsible to a great extent for its improvement and cultivation. The dairy is operated along modern and sanitary lines and they keep twenty-five cows for milking purposes.

In June, 1882, Mr. Walker was united in marriage to Miss Louisa Faulkenstein, a daughter of Lewis and Margaret (Wiese) Faulkenstein, of California. Mrs. Walker's brothers and sisters are: Mary, who became the wife of William Cleaver, of California; C. J., a resident of San Francisco, California; Catherine, who has passed away; Wilhel- mina, who married J. C. Luchner of San

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Francisco; John, who makes his home in Sac- ramento, California; George, who is a resi- dent of the same state; L. F., who is liv- ing in North Bend, Oregon; and Jennie, the wife of David Davidson, of Napa, California. Mr. and Mrs. Walker are the parents of two children: Daniel L., born in 1887, who was educated in the public schools of California and in a business college in Oregon, and who is associated with his father in the dairy business; and Margaret, born July, 1890, who received a business education in Cali- fornia and is living at home with her parents.

Politically Mr. Walker gives his allegiance to the republican party. He has never been an office seeker and has never held a public position in Oregon. He, however, served as one of the county officials during his resi- dence in California and did able and efficient work in this capacity. He is affiliated with the Independent Order of Foresters but be- yond this has no fraternal connections.

WILLIAM K. McCORMACK is the owner of a well improved ranch in the Summer Lake valley not far from Paisley, which has been in his possession for twelve years. Upon this he is engaged in the raising of grain and breeding of stock and in his busi- ness career indicates that he is thoroughly conversant with the fact that intense in- dustry, not special ability, makes most of our successful men what they are. A native of New Brunswick, he was born August 16, 1875, and is a son of William and Elizabeth (McKinzie) McCormack, who were also natives of New Brunswick, born in 1849 and 1854 respectively. They were married in that country and in 1876 went to California, set- tling near Sacramento. The mother died in San Diego, California, in April, 1910, and the father still makes his home in that city, where he has lived for six or seven years. He followed ranching during the greater part of his life but is now retired. The family came from Rosedale, California, to the Che- waucan valley in Lake county, Oregon, in 1887 and there resided until 1900, when they returned to the southern state. Their chil- dren are three in number: J. R., who is liv- ing in California; Annie, who is the wife of L. A. Moss, of Paisley; and William K.

The last named has been a resident of Lake county for a quarter of a century and throughout his entire life he has devoted his attention to ranching and stock-raising. He worked with his father until fifteen years of age and then started out in life on his own account. For the past twelve years he has carried on farming independently and he is now the owner of ten hundred and eighty acres on section 11, township 33, range 17 east. This is situated at the south end of Summer Lake and is largely devoted to the production of grain and the raising of stock. He puts up four hundred tons of hay annual- ly and he has upon his place at the present time seventy-five hundred head of sheep and fifty head of horses. He also owns eight hundred acres of timber land and he like- wise has one hundred and sixty acres on sections 34 and 35, township 17, which he

homesteaded. This is all of the land which he secured from the government, the re- mainder having been purchased by him. His ranch is a very well improved place, being supplied with all modern equipments and accessories, and he employs eleven men in the haying season. Upon his ranch he has all varieties of fruits and nuts grown in Ore- gon and he has the surest fruit crop in the county, the climatic conditions around Sum- mer Lake being such as further horticul- tural pursuits. He has ever been a hard worker and has made his efforts tell in the attainment of success.

In 1899 Mr. McCormack was married to Miss Frances M. Akren, who was born in Nebraska in 1874 and is a daughter of W. R. and Frances J. Akren, who reside at Gladstone Park, Oregon. Her brother W. S. Akren, is a man of national reputation in his discussion of political and economic problems. Mr. and Mrs. McCormack are the parents of four children: W. R., eleven years of age; Elizabeth, aged nine; Francis; and Thomas, who died at the age of two years.

Mr. McCormack votes with the republican party and his fraternal relations connect him with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Woodmen of the World. He is a self-made man, one who started out in life empty-handed, yet at the outset of his career realized that prosperity has its root in indefatigable industry. He has ever taken pleasure in his work, has wisely used his time and opportunities and as the years have gone by has gained a position as a repre- sentative of Oregon's agricultural and stock- raising interests that is most enviable.

R. W. TOWER, leading a busy and active life, is engaged in the operation of a saw- mill and also in ranching, owning five hun- dred and twenty. acres of land four and a half miles northwest of Worden. He was born in Boulder, Colorado, August 13, 1863, and is a son of Stephen W. and Celestia M. (Parker) Tower, who were natives of Ohio, born in Licking and Delaware counties re- spectively. They were reared in the Buckeye state but were married in Iowa, having re- moved thither with their parents, who were pioneers of that state. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Stephen . W. Tower went to Colorado. He had previously visited the state in 1859 but returned to Iowa in 1861 and after his marriage took his wife to Boul- ~ der. Again, however, he returned to Iowa, where he resided until 1883 and then went to Nebraska, where his death occurred in 1905, when he was sixty-seven years of age. His widow now resides with their eldest daughter in Butler county, Kansas. Mr. Tower was a harness maker by trade but devoted the greater part of his life to farm- ing.

R. W. Tower was the second in order of birth in a family of four sons and two daughters. He was but two years of age when the family returned to Iowa and · when nineteen years of age he went with his parents to Nebraska, where he made his

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home until about nine years ago. He then eame to Oregon and settled upon a home- stead which is now his place of residenec. It is pleasantly and conveniently located about four and a half miles northwest of Worden and the tract of five hundred and twenty aeres is largely covered with tim- ber, making this a valuable property. In 1911 he purchased the sawmill of the Cow Creek Lumber Company on his place and has sinee operated it, his lumber interests being extensive and important. In addition he manages his ranch and upon the place is a good apple orchard. He also cultivates various cereals and is engaged to some extent in stock-raising, making a specialty of horses. His varied interests make his life a most busy one and at all times he displays excel- lent business ability and sound judgment. His sawmill has a capacity of two million feet in a season.

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The centennial history of Oregon, 1811-1912, Part 164

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