The centennial history of Oregon, 1811-1912, Part 7

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

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In 1889 Mr. Howe was united in marriage to Miss A. H. Cunningham, a native of Mil- ton, Massachusetts, in which state her par- ents passed away. She was one of a fam-

ily of eleven children, nine of whom still survive. Our subject and his wife have three living children. Alice, who was born in 1890 and obtained her education in a private school of New York, is the wife of B. B. Wood, a landowner of Ontario, Canada. The latter is a son of Colonel C. E. S. Wood, of Portland. William L. C. Howe, whose natal year was 1891, is now attending Cor- nell University. Marian, born in 1898, is attending school at Portland, Oregon.

In politics Mr. Howe is a stanch republi- can, being convinced that the principles of that party are most conducive to good gov- ernment. He has served for two terms as state senator and has also been honored with election to many other positions of pub- lic trust. Fraternally he is identified with the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the United Artisans, while in more strictly social lines he is connected with the Arling- ton and University Clubs of Portland. He has made good use of his talents and oppor- tunities and stands as a high type of Am- erican manhood.

SIMON KENTON HATCHER is the owner of eighty acres of improved and developed land in Coos county, Oregon, which consti- tuted a part of his father's original home- stead. He follows general farming, gives a great deal of attention to his dairy and is ranked among the enterprising and repre- sentative citizens of his district. He was born in Iowa in February, 1860, and is a son of John R. and Emily (Smith) Hatcher, the former a native of Indiana and the latter of Tennessee. His father came to Coos county in 1877 and settled on the tract of land which his son is now operating. He followed agri- culture with success until his death, in the summer of 1887, and had long survived his wife, who passed away in the year 1877. They were the parents of nine children: Wil- liam A., of Arago, Oregon; Delaney R., of Curry county ; Simon Kenton, of this review; James A., of Fairview, Oregon, who is mar- ried and has ten children; Mybulda C., the wife of James A. Cotton, of Gravelford, Ore- gon, and the mother of four children; Robert O., of Myrtle Point, Oregon; Perry C .; also of Myrtle Point, who has two sons; Rebecca, who married E. M. Clayton, of Gravelford, by whom she has two children; and Perry, who died in infancy.

Simon Kenton Hatcher was reared upon his father's farm and was educated in the public schools of Coos county. He became familiar with the details of agriculture by personal experience early in life and has al- ways operated his farm along the principles learned in his youth. He started active life for himself when he was twenty-two years of age, working for some years in the employ of his father. He now owns eighty acres of the original homestead which was his share of the estate, a brother owning the other half. Mr. Hatcher is almost entirely responsible for the high development of his property. It has been cleared and improved since his father's death, has been fenced, tiled and equipped with labor-saving machinery.

WILLIAM A. HOWE

THE CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF OREGON

has built new buildings upon his property and has planted his fields to oats and other grain. He engages in general farming and has won success in this field of activity on account of his careful and conservative man- agement and his specialized knowledge of the details of agriculture.

On August 30, 1884, Mr. Hatcher was united in marriage to Miss Ida J. Stillwell, a native of Iowa and a daughter of Russell B. and Olive Ann (Walton) Stillwell. Her father died on July 1, 1907, and her mother is . living at Mayville, Oregon. To Mr. and Mrs. Stillwell were born eight children: William, who resides at The Dalles, Oregon; Russell, of Portland, Oregon; Viola and Ed- mond. both of whom are deceased; Sidney Everett, who lives with his mother in May- ville: Leona. the wife of Fred Moreland, of Washington; Olive A., the wife of George Eads, of Mayville; and Ida, the wife of our subject. To Mr. and Mrs. Simon Kenton Hatcher have been born six children: Bertha J., whose birth occurred on August 28, 1885, who was educated in the district schools of Coos county and who is at home with her parents; Lucinda, born August 1, 1887, who was also educated in the public schools of her native district and lives at home; Archie, whose birth occurred on the 20th of June, 1889, who attended the district schools of Coos county and who now makes his home with his parents; Sylvia Merl, who died in infancy; Clarence C., born February 11, 1894; who lives at home; and Ernest O .. born December 1, 1901. attending school. Simon K. Hatcher's politics are consistently demo- cratic and while he has never sought office his public spirit has led him to accept the position of school director and road super- visor where his efficiency and ability have ranked him among the useful servants of the community.

J. O. HAMAKER, now serving for the sec- ond term as mayor of Bonanza, of which town he was practically the founder and builder, and also publishing the Bonanza Bul- letin, was born in Marion county, Iowa, July 30, 1856 his parents being David and Rebecca (Rodgers) Hamaker both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania, the latter being a lineal descendant of Sir John Rodgers. The Hamakers are of German lineage and the name was originally spelled Hammacher. The family was founded in America at an early period in the development of this country and the grandfather was born in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania. David Hamaker was married in Ohio and in 1847 removed to Iowa. where he and his wife spent the remainder of their lives. He and his brothers built the first mill in that locality and they came of a family of millers. In 1864 he and his eldest son. J. W. Hamaker, enlisted for service in the Civil war, the latter becoming a member of the Thirty-sixth Iowa Infantry, while the father was chaplain of the Fortieth Iowa. Both served until the close of hostilities and the father contracted disease which caused his death less than a year after the close of the war. Two daughters of the family died

in childhood, while four sons reached matur- ity, namely: J. W., now deceased; J. D., of Toledo, Oregon; S. C., of Bly, Oregon; and J. O., of this review.

The last named remained at the place of his birth until 1869 spending his time in school and upon the farm. He afterward lived for seven years in Kansas and during that period devoted two years to the study of telegraphy at Humboldt, Kansas. He also worked around the depot in different ways and spent some time in school. Believing that the far west offered better opportunities. he came to Oregon in 1879 and on the 1st of March, 1880, settled in Klamath county, where he has since remained. He spent seven years in the saddle as a cowboy and then embarked in merchandising in Bonanza but during the first year lost five thousand dollars. During that time he platted the first addition to the town and. in fact, was the real founder of the town, for there was only one house here when he came. During the past seven years he has edited and published the Bonanza Bulletin, making it an attractive country town paper. He has also practiced law to some extent and has the only land law library in Klamath county. He also owns two ranches in this district and twenty-five town lots. He is likewise the owner of the telephone exchange of Bonanza, having in- stalled the system and secured a thirty years' franchise. His various business interests are capably conducted and he is now prospering in his undertakings.

In 1885 Mr. Hamaker was united in mar- riage to Miss Annie M. Horton, who was born in the Willamette valley of Oregon in 1869, and is a daughter of W. H. and Elizabeth (Poe) Horton. Unto them have been born nine children: Ora R., who is the wife of George S. Boyd of Bly, Oregon; Horace E., spent one year as a student in the Oregon Agricultural College of Corvallis and is now in Bonanza; Mont W .; Marie; Marvin Hor- ton; Hilda H .; Birdie E .; Annie; and Amanda. The eldest daughter was a member of the first class that graduated on the completion of the eighth grade work from the schools of Bonanza.

Mr. Hamaker is a republican in his politi- cal views and has filled several local offices. He served for five years as United States com- missioner of Oregon and at the present time he is serving for the second term as mayor of the town. He exercises his official pre- rogatives and his influence as a private citi- zen in behalf of the best interests of the com- munity and his labors have been effective forces for upbuilding, progress and develop- ment here. He is energetic, determined and resolute and accomplishes what he under- takes.

HARRY D. AND ROBERT W. A. CHERRY are associated in real-estate operations under the firm style of Cherry Brothers, and their labors in this direction have been so intel- ligently and capably directed as to place them with the leading representatives of this line of business in Lane county. The consensus

THE CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF OREGON

of public opinion places them in the leading rank of the young men of keen business abi- lity, indefatigable energy and unassailable business integrity. They largely handle town property and at the same time conduct a profitable insurance agency.

Harry D. Cherry was born in Eugene, Au- gust 1, 1871, and Robert W. A. Cherry was born August 3, 1876. Their parents were David and Annie Maria (Atkins) Cherry. The father was born in County Armagh, Ire- land, and was twelve years of age when brought to the new world by his parents, who settled at Belleville, Canada, and became farming people of that locality. In his youth- ful days David Cherry entered upon an ap- prenticeship at the cabinet-maker's trade. On leaving Canada he removed to San Fran- cisco, where he spent two years, and later passed a year in British Columbia. About 1861 he came to Portland and developed a water power between Milwaukie and Sell- wood, there operating a manufacturing plant and furniture factory which he subsequently sold to a Mr. Shindler, who in turn was suc- ceeded by the Oregon Furniture Company. On disposing of his interests in that locality David Cherry came to Eugene. He also followed his trade at Springfield and at Al- bany, Oregon, for a time but finally opened a factory and store of his own in Eugene, the former being erected where the woolen mill now stands. He was the first furniture manu- facturer of this city and continued in busi- ness for more than two decades, but sold out about twenty-nine years ago to Robert M. Day. His brother, J. W. Cherry, had been a partner of the firm of Cherry & Day and when he sold out to Mr. Henderson the firm became Day & Henderson. For an extended period David Cherry figured prominently and honorably in connection with the business in- terests of Eugene and after selling out he made a trip through Canada but returned to this city, where he died on the 18th of Au- gust, 1903, at the age of sixty-seven years.

In the family were but two sons, who as time has passed have won for themselves prominence in business circles of their native city. The elder, Harry D. Cherry, supple- mented his early education by a course in the State University and then began learn- ing the drug business, being registered as pharmacist in 1900. He had previously worked for five years for a railroad company, becoming a telegraph operator. This, how- ever, was before he entered the university and thereby qualified for more important and responsible duties in life.

The younger son, Robert W. A. Cherry, was also connected with the railway interests for ten years and became a railroad tele- grapher. About four years ago, however, he withdrew from that field of labor and spent a year in Salem. Two years ago the brothers joined forces in the conduct of a real-estate business, since which time they have handled town property and have negotiated many im- portant realty transfers. They are thorough- ly acquainted with values, know the property that is upon the market and are thus enabled

to make purchases and sales which are ad- vantageous to their clients.

Both brothers are married. Harry D. Cherry wedded Miss May B. Houghton, a daughter of A. L. Houghton, of Minnesota, and they have one child, Helen N. The younger brother married Miss Minnie E. Tay- lor and they have two children, Irene and Louise. Both brothers are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. their lives con- forming to its teachings. They exemplify the spirit of enterprise which is the dominant factor in the upbuilding of the northwest and are energetic, determined and trustworthy, their success following as the legitimate and logical sequence of these qualities.

CHARLES A. McGEE, interested in farm- ing in the Callapooia district in Douglas county, was born in Ray county, Missouri, September 5, 1848, and is a son of William D. and Jane C. (Nelson) McGee, both of whom were natives of Guilford county. North Caro- lina, where they were reared. In 1832 they were married and in the same year removed to Ray county, Missouri. Thirty-two years later or in 1864 they came west to Oregon, crossing the plains with ox teams and settling on the farm which is now owned and culti- vated by Charles A. McGee, in the Calla- pooia district. The father purchased the R. A. Forest donation claim which comprised about three hundred and eight acres of land and subsequently entered eighty acres, mak- ing his holdings three hundred and eighty- eight acres. He was identified continuously with agricultural pursuits to the time of his death, which occurred July 13, 1877, when he was sixty-five years of age. His wife long survived him and died December 21, 1898, at the age of eighty-three years. His father was a Douglas democrat and a stanch believer in the principles advocated by "the little giant of Illinois," but was never an office seeker. Both he and his wife were members of the Baptist church.

Charles A. McGee was reared at home and attended the common schools but his oppor- tunities were somewhat limited, owing to the fact that his two older brothers were at the front in the Civil war and it was necessary for him to remain at home and do the work of the farm, when otherwise he would have been devoting the same time to the acquire- ment of an education. When he was seven- teen years of age he was given an interest in the home place and has since devoted liis attention untiringly to its further develop- ment and improvement. His tract of land is rich and productive and his methods of farming are both practical and progressive. He has made a close study of the needs of the soil and the climate in relation to the production of crops here and his labors are attended with good results. From time to time he added to his property until he was the owner of about seven hundred acres, but he has deeded two hundred and fifty acres to his foster son, George Wilcox. leav- ing his present holdings four hundred and fifty acres.

THE CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF OREGON

In 1870 Mr. McGee was united in marriage to Miss Mary Nancy Rice, a native of Wash- ington county, Oregon, and a daughter of James E. Rice, who came to this state from Missouri in 1844, taking up a donation claim in Washington county. Following his marriage Mr. McGee purchased a farm about nine miles from Oakland, upon which he located, but subsequently sold that and made two other purchases and removals ere in January, 1880, he purchased the old homestead on which he now lives. Unto him and his wife no chil- dren were born but they adopted and reared two nephews: Robert Wilcox, who for the past nine years has been a successful teacher in the schools of Lexington, Oregon; and George Wilcox, who is in partnership with Mr. McGee in the operation of the home farm.

In politics Mr. McGee is a republican and is thoroughly informed concerning the ques- tion and issues of the day. He served for two terms, or four years, as county commis- sioner but has held no other offices and pre- fers to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs. He and his wife are mem- bers of the Christian church and in the com- munity where they reside they have a large circle of warm friends who justly accredit them with all those estimable qualities which count in good fellowship. From the age of sixteen years Mr. McGee has resided in Ore- gon, much of the time upon the farm which is now his home, and among the early settlers of Douglas county he is therefore numbered.

LAWSON A. LAWHORN is the owner of three hundred and twenty acres of fine land in Coos county, of which two hundred acres is under cultivation and in pasture. He was born in Bedford county, Virginia, in 1852, a son of William and Harriet (Gentry) Law- horn, both of whom were natives of Virginia. The father was married three times, his son, Lawson A., being one of the two children born of his first union, the other being Reeves, who is a farmer living near the old home- stead in Virginia. After losing his first wife William Lawhorn married Lucinda Waldron, who was also a native of the Old Dominion, and unto them were born three children: William, now a resident of Marshfield, Ore- gon; Lucy, who is the wife of William Park- of Indiana. For his third wife the father chose Elizabeth Settles, also a native of Vir- ginia, and their children were five in number. Maggie became the wife of John Hodson, but both have passed away after having lived for a time in Coos county. Thomas makes his home at Allegheny, near Marshfield. Alice is the widow of Albert Stemmerman, of Coos county. Myrtle is a resident of Coos county, and Zittie is the wife of William Dully, also of this county.

After his father was married the second time Lawson A. Lawhorn left home. He was then thirteen years of age. With a friend he went to work for a farmer, but after being employed in that way for a short time began working in a sawmill, which position he also kept for only a short time. Later, however,

he returned to that line of business, remain- ing in the mill for only one year. Subse- quently he removed to Tennessee, working in a sawmill and for a lumberman for several . years. During that period he carefully saved his earnings, ambitious to one day engage in business on his own account. Later he and a young friend rented a farm which they culti- vated for a year and a half, at the end of which time Mr. Lawhorn started for the Pacific coast. He arrived in California in company with John S. Coke, the father of Judge John S. Coke. Mr. Lawhorn purchased a team of horses in California and drove on to the Rogue river valley. In 1871 he came to Coos county, Oregon. intending, however, to go to Washington. Finally, however, he made settlement on the old Coos Bay wagon road. He was in the employ of Mr. Coke for a time but afterward married and estab- lished a home of his own. He had previously taken up a homestead claim and in 1877 lie went to live thereon. He engaged in general stock-raising as well as farming and his labors have resulted in bringing about a notable change in the appearance and produc- tiveness of the place, which was all wild land when it came into his possession. Later he became involved in a big law suit con- cerning the property, his opponent being the Oregon & California Railroad Company, but Mr. Lawhorn won his suit and obtained clear title to his property. Later he bought one hundred and sixty acres and the additions he has made to his original homestead make him now the owner of three hundred and twenty acres of valuable land, of which two hundred acres are under cultivation and in pasture. His methods of farming produce good results. He raises grain, hay, sheep, cattle and Angora goats. He handles only high grade stock and in his different lines of business is meeting with well merited success.

On the 17th of October, 1877, Mr. Lawhorn was married to Miss Louisa Norris, a daughter of Thomas and Mary (Boon) Norris, in whose family were the following children: George W .. of Fairview, Oregon; Mary, the wife of J. L. Barker, also of Fairview; Lucy Ann, who married R. C. Dement, of Myrtle Point, Oregon; Mrs. Lawhorn; C. L., of Coquille, Ore- gon; Thomas C., of Fort Klamath, this state; man, of Memphis, Tennessee; and John W., . and Albert, who is deceased. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Lawhorn which was cele- brated in Coos county, has been blessed with five children. Walter, who is married, resides with his parents and is engaged in the logging business. He was educated in a dis- - trict school and at Coquille, Oregon, and also took a special course in locomotive engineer- ing. Mabel is now the wife of Jesse Byers, of California. Chester has passed away. Hugh is a resident of Portland, and Ratliffe, who completes the family, is at home with his parents.

Mr. Lawhorn votes with the democratic party and is conversant with the actions of the political organization and the principles for which it stands. He has served as road supervisor and special road master but is not an office seeker. He has likewise been offic-

THE CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF OREGON

ially connected with the schools. He belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and has many friends, both within and without that organization. Both he and his wife be- long to the Farmers Union of Coos county. His farm is situated on what is known as the Lawhorn road, about two miles from Mc- Kinley, and he also owns a modern home in Coquille City, which he occupies during the winter months. A spirit of enterprise char- acterizes him in all of his work and he car- ries forward to successful completion what he undertakes. He may justly be called a self-made man, for he started out on his own account at the age of thirteen years. He did not depend upon chance or fortunate circum- stances to aid him, but realizing that earnest, persistent labor is the basis of all success, he has worked diligently to gain the place that he now occupies as a leading and representa- tive farmer of Coos county.

CAPTAIN ELISHA JENKINS HARDING. Long residence in Marion county made Cap- tain Elisha Jenkins Harding well known in his part of the state. Moreover, he was a veteran of two wars, having enlisted for serv- ice in the Union army after having served to suppress the Indian outbreak in the north- west. For many years his time and energies were devoted to agricultural pursuits, and judicious investment in property made him ultimately the owner of three thousand acres of land in Marion county. In all business affairs he was enterprising and progressive and his integrity and reliability in business transactions were ever unquestioned.

Captain Harding was a native of Wyoming county, Pennsylvania, born February 24, 1828. His parents, Elisha and Amy (Jenkins) Harding, were also born in the Keystone state and were there reared and married. The mother died in 1830, and folowing her demise the father wedded Nancy Jackson. He too remained a lifelong resident of Penn- sylvania, passing away there in 1873, while his second wife died in 1880. The children of his first marriage were: William, Hugh, Elizabeth, Emma and Nancy, all now de- ceased; Jabez, who is living in Waverly, New York; Frank and Lysander, who have passed away; and Elisha J. Of the father's second marriage there were five children: Nathan J. and Samuel, who are residents of Pennsyl- vania; Willard, who makes his home in Col- orado; and Henry and Harriet, both deceased.

Captain Harding was reared in the east and during that period acquired a college educa- tion. In 1849, attracted by the discovery of gold in California, and hoping he might rapidly gain a fortune in a successful search for the precious metal, he came to the Pacific coast and spent two years in the gold mines. In 1851 he arrived in Salem, Oregon, and from that time forward was largely con- nected with the development and progress of this state. He was elected to the position of county clerk and also served as territorial clerk, remaining in office for eight years. On his retirement from political positions he sold his home in Salem and purchased land near St. Paul, Oregon. Keen foresight enabled

him to recognize the fact that property would yearly become more valuable in this section of the state as settlement increased and he made judicious investments in realty from time to time until at his death he was the owner of more than three thousand acres in Marion county. This was in several different tracts and portions of his land were well im- proved. In all his business affairs he mani- fested unfaltering energy and determination, and he won his success, moreover, through honorable methods. He ever stood for prog- ress and improvement and gave his coopera- tion to many movements which were of marked benefit to the community in which he lived. During the early period of his resi- dence in Oregon he met with many of the hardships and difficulties incident to pioneer life. In the Indian war of 1856 he recruited a company at Salem and was appointed cap- tain of this organization which became Com- pany A of a battalion of Oregon mounted volunteers. His appointment came to him on the 26th of January, 1856, from Governor Curry, and with that rank he served until the hostility of the Indians ceased. At the outbreak of the Civil war he again recruited a company at Salem, Oregon, which became Company B, First Cavalry Oregon Volunteers. Governor Gibbs made him its captain, and with that rank he served until December, 1862, when he resigned on account of the pres- sure of private business affairs. On the 10th of August, 1863, he was appointed lieutenant colonel of the Second Regiment of the Second Brigade of Volunteer Militia of the state of Oregon, being also assigned to that position by Governor Gibbs.

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The centennial history of Oregon, 1811-1912, Part 7

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