The centennial history of Oregon, 1811-1912, Part 41

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

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In 1876 Mr. Wells was united in marriage to Miss Julia Haney, of the Umpqua val- ley, a daughter of Robert Haney, one of the earliest settlers in this district to which he came from Iowa at an early day. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Wells have been born three chil- dren: Laura, deceased wife of Arthur Mack, who upon her demise left one son, Francis, who makes his home with the subject of this sketch; Roy, who is now operating a portion of the home farm and who married a Miss Myrtle A. Lamb, by whom he has two chil- dren, Lois and Claire; and Retta, who is now deceased. In politics Mr. Wells is in- dependent of party lines and although he takes an intelligent interest in public affairs has never sought office. He is a member of the Oregon State Pioneer Society and is a prominent figure in its affairs. He brings to his occupation a true sense of agricul- tural economics and never allows a foot of his land to be unproductive. Douglas county is a rich and fertile country with wealth and prosperity hidden in its acres. No man has done more toward its development and improvement than has Darius Wells, and his success is the just reward of his intelligent labor.

HARRY E. OLINGHOUSE. The fertile farms and extensive ranches in the Cow creek valley are the chief source of the prosperity and wealth of that region and are the foundations upon which many a man has built up a successful career. Harry E. Olinghouse is the owner of two hundred and forty acres of improved ranch land in that district and gives his entire time and atten- tion to its cultivation and development. He was born in California, March 22, 1879, a son of J. C. and Sarah E. Olinghouse, the former a native of Indiana and the latter of Missouri. The parents moved to California in 1866 and in 1890 the family became resi- dents of Douglas county, Oregon, where the father remained in business. on Cow creek

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until 1910, when lie removed to Glendale, where he now resides.

Harry E. Olinghouse is one of thirteen chil- dren, ten of whom are still living. He re- mained at home until he reached mature years and then started to work in a gold mine and continued in that line of activity until 1908. He saved his money during that period until he had accumulated sufficient capital to buy a ranch in the Cow creek valley, and then purchased two hundred and forty acres of land in that region, which he now owns and operates. He is a practical farmer, familiar with all the details of that occupa- tion, is progressive and is deeply interested in agricultural development.

In 1905 Mr. Olinghouse was united in mar- riage to Miss Barbara Cheney, a daughter of George and Katie (Forstall) Cheney, of California, and to their union three children have been born, Edna V., Leonard C. and Ada M. Mr. Olinghouse has always been inter- ested in any movement looking toward the educational and civic improvement of his community. His politics are essentially re- publican and he is now serving as chairman of the school board of Galesville. He operates his extensive holdings actively and intelli- gently and is cultivating his ranch along scientific lines.

ROY I. KILGORE was numbered among the young men of Oregon who possessed the enterprising progressive spirit that has been the dominant factor in the rapid and sub- stantial upbuilding of this part of the coun- try. He carried forward to successful com- pletion whatever he undertook and his labors were ever, of a character, that con- tributed to public progress and prosperity as well as to individual advancement. There were in his life record many estimable traits which caused his death to be deeply regretted by all who knew him. He was born in Ash- land, Oregon, April 6, 1880, and was only a few months old when his parents removed to Langells Valley, Klamath county, settling on a ranch, upon which he was reared and on which he remained to the time of his mar- riage, although the winter seasons were spent as a student in the schools of Ashland.

On the 6th of March, 1898, Mr. Kilgore was united in marriage to Miss Etta Mary Chastain, a daughter of Dr. J. A. Chastain, and after his marriage Mr. Kilgore began the cultivation and improvement of a ranch of two hundred and eighty acres given him by his father. He devoted two years to its development and then removed to Bonanza, continuing in the stock-raising business. He early displayed a spirit of enterprise and progress which made his cooperation appre- ciated by his father, in connection with whom in 1908 he built the Bonanza Flouring Mills, of which he remained manager to the time of his death, which occurred on the 24th of February, 1911. He was a partner with his father in ranching and stock-raising interests as well as in mining and they won substan- tial and well merited success. Their pros- perity was never gained at the sacrifice of the interests of others but was due to con-

structive business methods, to careful man- agement and unfaltering perseverance.

Mr. and Mrs. Kilgore became the parents of four children: Mary Elizabeth, thir- teen years of age; Inez A., aged ten; Gladys, eight years; and Roy James, two years of age. Mr. Kilgore erected a large residence in Bonanza which is still owned by his widow, but since his death she has purchased and removed to another residence which is more centrally located. His success enabled Mr. Kilgore to leave his family in very comfort- able circumstances. Their welfare and hap- piness were ever his first interest and at the same time he proved himself a public-spirited citizen by his cooperation in movements for the general good. He kept well informed on questions and issues of the day, voted witlı the republican party and served acceptably as a member of the city council of Bonanza. Fraternally he was identified with the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows and in his life exemplified the spirit of mutual helpfulness and brotherly kindness whichi underlies that organization. Death called him at the very early age of thirty-one years and thus ter- minated a life of great usefulness to the community, for his influence and aid could always be counted upon to further move- ments for the public good. There were also attractive social qualities in his makeup and principles of honor and integrity which com- manded the respect of all. While his life was of brief duration he accomplished much more than many a man who lives to twice his years and he left a memory that is cher- ished by all who knew him.

FRANK FLAM, who is engaged in the live- stock business in Coos county, buying and selling in the local markets, maintains his home about six and a half miles from Ban- don, on the Bear creek road, through the summer season, while the winter months are spent by him in town. He was born in Minnesota, May 16, 1864, and is a son of John and Frances (Winson) Flam, both of whom were natives of Germany. They be- came parents of four children: Rosella, who is the wife of John Beach, of Bandon and has five children; Katherine, who is the widow of John West and has three children; . Joseph, residing in Parkersburg; and Frank. The father came to Oregon from Minnesota in 1872 and preempted a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres on Bear creek, which is now owned by his son Frank. The father died November 21, 1890, and the mother passed away on December 21, 1900.

Frank Flam came to Oregon when about eight years of age and was reared upon his father's farm which was a tract of wild land when it came into the possession of the family, but the father and his sons cleared and developed it and when old enough Frank Flam began managing the place. He took care of his parents to the time when they were called to their final rest, thus repaying them by filial devotion for the love and care bestowed upon him in his youthı. Pros- pering, he purchased another tract of one hundred and sixty acres in 1899 and soon

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THE CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF OREGON

removed to that place, later adding thereto until today he is the owner of four hundred acres in one tract. He built a sawmill which he operated for several years, cutting his own timber, and he owns one hundred and sixty acres of timber land. He has leased all of his land to an oil well company which is sinking a well, having already put one well down, twenty-three hundred and fifty feet. The prospects of striking oil are good and already a good flow of natural gas has been found. Mr. Flam is engaged in the live-stock business, raising, buying and selling stock which he handles in the local markets. He deals largely in stock used for beef and his success is due to capable business management, unfaltering enterprise and careful discernment. He owns altogether seven hundred and twenty acres of farm land together with business and residence property in Bandon, and he is interested in the Bank of Bandon, having long been a stockholder and director in that institution. He is well known as a prominent and pro- gressive business man and one whose suc- cess is the direct reward of his own labors.

In September, 1898, Mr. Flam was married to Miss Docia A. Haga, and they have be- come the parents of two children: Blanch, who was born September 23, 1899; and Rosella, born December 29, 1903.

Mr. Flam has served as a school director for a number of terms and also as school clerk. He has filled the office of road supervisor and is interested in all that has to do with the betterment of the community and its substantial upbuilding along material, intel- lectual and social lines. He is a self-made man in the truest and best sense of the term for whatever he has accomplished is due to his own labors.

WILLIAM R. VINSON was born in a prai- rie schooner in Nebraska territory during his parents' journey across the plains and all his life he has been a resident of the northwest. He is the founder and builder of his own fortunes, having begun his active life at the age of fifteen, and the success which he has met with reflects credit upon the design and the execution. He is owner of one thousand acres of the finest land in Oregon and is giving his attention to gen- eral agriculture, fruit farming and dairying. He was for many years superintendent of the Douglas county poor farm and was after- ward general manager of this institution, the paupers being brought to his own land, where he contracted with the county for their care. Mr. Vinson's birth occurred June 9, 1859, and his parents were John and Phoebe (Troxel) Vinson. They crossed the plains with ox teams from Iowa in 1859 and their first location after their arrival in Oregon was on the North Umpqua river, east of Roseburg, in Douglas county. Here the father took up a homestead claim upon which he settled and resided until 1862. In that year he enlisted for the Indian war and subsequently in the regular army, serv- ing for six years. His troop was held on the plains after the close of hostilities in

order to suppress the Indian uprising and to guard the emigration trains. When he was finally discharged he located in Montana, where he lived until the time of his death.

William R. Vinson received his education in the common schools of Oregon and has been earning his own living since his fif- teenth year. From that time until the year of his marriage, in 1881, he worked at what- ever occupation offered him an opportunity to make money. For three years he drove a stage on the old Coos bay road from Rose- burg to Empire City. Mr. Vinson's career as a farmer began in 1881, at which time he rented land two miles north of Roseburg and continued his agricultural pursuits in this way for twelve years. At the end of that time he bought a ranch near Winchester, where for eight years he did general farm- ing. In 1901 he took charge of the county poor farm and acted as its superintendent until the institution was sold, eighteen months later. Mr. Vinson was the purchaser of what was the first farm of its kind in the county and he assumed its management, con- tracting with the county to take care of their poor. He took care of the paupers on his ranch for eight years, being aided in this branch of his activities by his systematic business administration and his kindly under- standing of the needs of his charges. The county's poor were finally removed to the vicinity of Roseburg and Mr. Vinson's iden- tification with their interests ceased. He is now the owner of a thousand acre tract of land in Coles valley and is engaged in dairying, stock-raising and fruit farming. He has a prune orchard covering thirty acres of ground but the success of this branch of his undertaking rests with the future, as the trees are still too young to bear. Two years after his removal to his present property he erected a sawmill, which he operated for seven years. It was eventually destroyed by fire but a year and a half later another mill was built upon the same site and this is now run by the Coles Valley Lumber Company, Mr. Vinson furnishing the timber.

On March 20, 1881, Mr. Vinson was united in marriage to Miss Virinda Cummins, a native of California, who came to Oregon in 1876. They had four children, three of whom are now living. Their eldest son, Bird Glen, is a veteran of the Spanish- American war, who saw twenty-two months' service in the Philippines. Upon his return home he enlisted in the navy and was located for a short time in the Mare Island navy yard, on a training ship. He next was a bugler on the United States ship Oregon for four years with the exception of a short time when he was transferred to the United States ship Wisconsin and the revenue cutter Raleigh, whence he was again transferred to the Ore- gon. He is now in the railroad passenger service. The other children born to Mr. and Mrs. Vinson were Iva Belle, who is now deceased; Ralph Roy, a bookkeeper in the employ of the National Hospital Association of Portland; and Vernon Edgar, at home.

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THE CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF OREGON

In his political beliefs Mr. Vinson is a consistent republican and in 1908 was a can- didate for the nomination to the office of sheriff and of the seven competitors for this position lie had the second largest vote. He is a member of Laurel Lodge, No. 13, A. F. & A. M., of Roseburg, and he also belongs to the Coles Valley Grange and the Douglas Pomona Grange in which latter or- ganization he holds the position of secretary. He is one of the leading citizens of Douglas county and has attained his success by honor- able means. His early struggles gave him a broad and tolerant outlook and a practical knowledge of the conditions among the poor, and this he has applied to making the lives of hundreds of paupers better and more bearable. His farm is intelligently operated and improved and is a credit to his agri- cultural skill and the standards of citizen- ship in Oregon have gained by the life of a man of administrative business ability, broad charities and upright and straight- forward characteristics.

THOMAS DEVEREUX is one of the most important general farmers, dairymen and stock-raisers in Coos county. He is wealthy and successful, and prosperity has come to him by his own efforts as a natural result of energy well directed, and continuous labor. He was born in Ireland on September 14, 1851, and is a son of Michael and Ellen (Hickey) Devereux, natives of the Emerald isle. He is one of a family of eleven children born to his parents: Peter, who died in 1912 in Ireland; Paul, a twin of the former, of Ireland; Michael, who has also passed away; Maria, who is residing in her native country; John, Phillip and John, the second of the name, all of whom are deceased; Thomas, the subject of this sketch; Bridget, the wife of Michael Tobin of Ireland; Margaret, who mar- ried Edward Morrisey, and who also resides in Ireland; and Phillip, the second of this name, who has passed away.

Thomas Devereux was educated in his na- tive country and was reared upon his father's farm. Before he was eighteen years of age he left home and came immediately to Am- erica settling in Humboldt county, California, where he worked as a farm hand for five years during which time he had two em- ployers. He saved his money and was soon able to purchase ninety acres of land which he developed and improved for two years. At the end of that time he became identified with lumber work in the redwood camps and for thirteen years he was successful in this line of occupation. He came to Oregon im- mediately after his marriage and settled in Coos county where he purchased one hundred and eighty acres of land four miles from Co- quille. The property was then in a raw con- dition and Mr. Devereux was obliged to clear the timber. He is responsible for all the improvements which were made upon the land and which finally resulted in making it one of the attractive and important farms in the section. Here he lived until 1900 in which year. he disposed of his holdings and purchased two hundred acres near Parkers-

burg. This place was also unimproved and Mr. Devereux with the help of his sons began the work of development. He cleared the timber, erected fine barns and outbuildings and has it now in an excellent condition. He engages in general farming but specializes in dairying and stock-raising, both of which enterprises form an important source of in- come to him, as his cattle and dairy products find a ready sale in the Oregon markets.

Aside from the farm upon which he resides Mr. Devereux owns also one hundred and sixty-eight acres of timber land near Myrtle Point, Oregon, and is interested in town prop- erty in Bandon. He owns the postoffice build- ing and also a large amount of residence property. Moreover, he was one of the organ- izers of the First National Bank of Bandon and has been one of its directors ever since it was incorporated.

In 1886 Mr. Devereux married Miss Mary Larkin, a native of Ireland who came to Hum- boldt county, California, with her parents when she was two years of age. She is one of a family of two children, her brother, Michael, being a resident of Eureka, Cali- fornia. Her father is living and makes his home in San Francisco. To Mr. and Mrs. Devereux have been born eleven children: Mary Ella, who resides in Portland; John, a resident of Bandon; Thomas, who resides with his parents; Margaret, also a resident of Portland; Henry, who makes his home with his parents; and James, Teresa, Lena, Phil- lip, David and Loretta, all of whom are at- tending school.

In his political affiliations Mr. Devereux is a consistent democrat and is always ready to do his duty in a public way. He is interested in education and has been school director for a number of years and is now serving as school clerk. For some time he did able and constructive work as road superinten- dent. While he recognizes his obligations as a citizen Mr. Devereux has never sought pub- lic office and prefers to concentrate his at- tention upon his agricultural pursuits. He is a member of the Roman Catholic church and affiliates with the Woodmen of the World. He is a self-made man and perhaps because of this has a thorough knowledge of values. Citizenship means something to him and success while important and valuable is kept entirely secondary to the qualities, standards and methods which promote it.

JASPER DARNEILLE. When Oregon was in the stage of pioneer development, when its great forests were largely uncut and its prairie and valley lands uncultivated, Jasper Darneille entered upon the scene of earthily activities. He has always remained a resi- dent of this state, his birth having occurred in Harney county, September 1, 1853, while his parents, Anderson and Mary (Lane) Dar- neille, were en route for Jackson county. They started from Missouri across the plains early in that year with ox teams, joining a train of four hundred wagons. Various obstacles and difficulties confronted them as they proceeded but each day saw them a lit- tle farther on the journey. At one time

MR. AND MRS. THOMAS DEVEREUX

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THE CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF OREGON

the Indians stampeded their cattle and stole some of them but when several months had passed they found that the long stretches of hot sand and the mountain trails lay be- hind them and they had reached the rich valley lands of western Oregon. The father secured a donation land claim of six hundred and forty acres in Lane county and upon that place Jasper Darneille was reared. He at- tended the schools of the early day and aided in the arduous task of developing a new farm, but gained from his work that practical ex- perience and comprehensive knowledge which have enabled him in later years to success- fully conduct his own business affairs.

On attaining his majority Jasper Darneille left home and was united in marriage to Miss Laura Custer, a native of Iowa. Unto them were born ten children, as follows: Lydia J., Mary J., Laura A., Ida M., Henry A., Ellen F., Cora. E., Lester L., Marion L. and Ken- neth W. The last named was drowned in 1900, and on the recovery of his body his grave was made in the Missouri Flat Ceme- tery

Coming to Jackson county in early man- hood, Mr. Darneille took up a homestead claim of one hundred and sixty acres, upon which he lived for eleven years, making many improvements thereon during that period. He then sold out and removed to Josephine county, and is now living on rented land which he has operated for the past six years. He is a very active, energetic man, who is leading a busy and useful life, and his re- liability in business affairs has gained for lıim in the high regard and good-will of all with whom he has been brought in contact.

WILSON SHEPHERD WILEY, who in August, 1907, came to Klamath Falls, where he is engaged in the practice of law, was born in Springfield, Illinois, January 9, 1880, a son of Colonel Edmund R. and Ladora Ella (Rice) Wiley. The father was born in New York city, June 20, 1833, and the mother's birth occurred at Springfield, Conway county, Arkansas, October 3, 1852. In his childhood days Colonel Edmund R. Wiley removed with his parents to Illinois, and his father, who was a merchant tailor, established the first clothing store in Springfield, Illinois, in part- nership with Richard H. Beach and George Wood, which with some changes continued for twenty years under the firm style of Wiley, Beach & Company. Colonel Wiley's father was one of the pioneer business men of the city, and contributed in substantial measure to its early development and prog- ress.

Colonel Wiley was reared in Sangamon county, Illinois, and supplemented his early education by a course in the Jacksonville (Ill.) University, from which he was gradu- ated. He afterward practiced law in Decatur, Illinois, and the Civil war coming on he was appointed adjutant of the Sixty-second Illi- nois Infantry. Valiant and meritorious con- duct won him promotion through various grades to the rank of colonel, and he was on active duty throughout the period of hostilities. He was mustered out in May, Vol. IV-12

1866, being at the time on duty as judge advocate of the Department of Tennessee with headquarters at Memphis, Tennessee. He was married in Arkansas, and during his residence there served in the state legisla- ture, and also served as clerk of Arkansas county from November 5, 1867, to October 7, 1871. He was elected sheriff of Arkansas county in the fall of 1872 to serve two years. He then returned to Illinois and afterward went to Chicago, where he engaged in news- paper work on the Chicago Tribune. Subse- quently, however, he again went to Spring- field, Illinois. Some time later he went once more to Arkansas, establishing his home in Little Rock, where he is now living retired. His wife also survives. Colonel Wiley is a republican in his political views, and has made an excellent record in every relation of life, as a soldier on the field of battle, as a public official and as a business man.

Wilson S. Wiley was the sixth in order of birth in a family of seven children. He resided in Illinois until nine years of age, when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Little Rock, Arkansas. He ac- quired a high-school and business education, and afterward went to Washington, D. C., where he took a private course of study and did special work. He received the Master of Laws degree from the National University Law School, of Washington, D. C., in 1904, and then again went to Little Rock, Arkan- sas, where he practiced for a short period. He accepted a law clerkship in the office of the solicitor, department of commerce and labor, in March, 1905, under Hon. Edwin W. Sims, remaining a member of the legal staff of the department of justice, Washington, D. C., for about two and one-half years. In August, 1907, he arrived in Klamath Falls · as law examiner for the United States recla- mation service, which position he continued to fill until April, 1911, since which time he has engaged in the private practice of law, being accorded a liberal clientage that con- nects him with much of the important liti- gation tried in the courts of this district.

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The centennial history of Oregon, 1811-1912, Part 41

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