An illustrated history of Spokane county, state of Washington, Part 89

Author: Edwards, Jonathan, 1847-1929. cn
Publication date: 1900
Publisher: [San Francisco?] W.H. Lever
Number of Pages: 888

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by the fact that he was re-elected at the ex- piration of his first term. Fraternally, he has been affiliated with both the Masons and the Odd Fellows. He was married in Michigan, in 1855, to Margaret John, and they are the parents of three children, Ama, wife of L. K. Boissonnault, custom collector at Nelson, Washington, Frank L., deceased, and Charley. Their daughter was for three terms teacher of Spokane's first school.

I. M. CORNTHWAIT, a pioneer of 1887. was born in Decatur, Illinois, in 1862, and lived there continuously until coming to Spo- kane. He was educated in the public schools and in Lincoln University, of Lincoln, Illinois, then engaged at once in the real estate busi- ness. After coming to this city, he continued in the same occupation in partnership with Mr. Crowder, for about five years, but in 1892 engaged in the grain business with the Wash- ington Feed Company. He afterwards sold out and again went into real estate brokerage, his partner this time being C. L. Hoffman. In 1899 he again became associated with Mr. A. S. Crowder, and they are together in the real-estate business at the present time. Mr. Cornthwait is also vice-president and treas- urer of the Pacific Transfer Company, and secretary of the Pacific States Investment Com- pany, a corporation organized here for the buy- ing and selling of real estate. Like most of the enterprising business men of the city, he is quite extensively interested in mining prop- erties. He is secretary of the Canadian King Gold Mining Company of Erie, British Colum- bia. Mr. Cornthwait is one of the most enter- prising and successful real-estate men in the city, and, having had long experience in the

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HISTORY OF SPOKANE COUNTY.

business and being naturally endowed with keen foresight and excellent judgment, he rarely makes an investment that does not prove profitable. He has contributed in many ways to the welfare and development of Spokane, of which, ever since 1887, he has been an esteemed and respected citizen. Fraternally, he is a Knight Templar.

DR. W. Q. WEBB, physician and sur- geon, office in the Green block, a pioneer of 1884, was born in Kentucky in 1863. He was early taken to Tennessee, where he lived until twelve years old, afterwards moving to Colo- rado. He studied medicine in that state, then practiced a while in Omaha, Nebraska, but soon came to Spokane and opened an office in this city. He has given his undivided at- tention to the pursuit of his profession here ever since, building up and maintaining a large practice. For many years he has been recog- nized as one of the leading physicians of the county. He organized the city board of health, of which he was the first president, and for three terms he held the office of county physician. During the past twelve years he has served continuously on the staff of the Sa- cred Heart Hospital. The Doctor is a very prominent fraternal man, being at the present time identified with seven different secret or- ders. He is also a member of the State Med- ical Society and of two county medical asso- ciations.

GEORGE F. LAFRENZ, a pioneer of September, 1881, was born in Davenport, Iowa, December 13, 1860. He lived in his native town until nineteen years old, acquir- ing his education in the public schools and il.

a business college. He also had some experi- ence in the mercantile business while there. In 1879 he removed to Montana and opened a mercantile establishment, but he soon after- wards moved to Columbia and Garfield coun- ties, this state, following the same occupation until 1887. He then came to Garfield, Whit- man county, where, for about four years, he was in the grain and agricultural implement business. In 1891 he moved to Spokane to try his fortune in the same line here, and he is now manager of the Spokane Implement Company. He is also quite extensively in- terested in various mining properties. Mr. Lafrenz is a thoroughly enterprising and pro- gressive business man, and under his able and skillful management the firm has enjoyed an enviable period of prosperity, their trade grow- ing steadily. As a man and a citizen, he holds a high rank in this city, being universally well-liked, and commanding the unwavering confidence and sincere regard of all who know him. Fraternally, he is affiliated with the Red Cross, Knights of Pythias, the Travelers' Pro- tective Association and the Order of Pendo. He was married, while in San Francisco, to Bettie Wulff, of Davenport, Iowa, and they have three children, the older of whom, Wal- ter F. and Arnold L., are now attending the high school, while their youngest, Hilda L., is attending the Bancroft school.

WILLIAM H. McVAY, a pioneer of 1888, was born in Ironton, Ohio, on August 29. 1859. He spent most of his early youth in Pennsylvania, however, his parents having moved to Newcastle, that state, when he was very young. In 1878 he went to Chicago where he was engaged as a nail maker for a number

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HISTORY OF SPOKANE COUNTY.

of years. He came to Spokane in 1888 and worked for the Northern Pacific Railroad Company in their freight house for a time, then spent six years in the employ of the Standard Oil Company. For the ensuing three years he was engaged in mining in the region tribu- tary to Spokane, but subsequently he opened a real estate office in the Holland building, in company with Mr. Will O. Jones, their firm name being McVay & Jones, real estate, insur- ance, rentals and mining. Mr. McVay is vice- president of the Reilley Gold Mining Company, and is quite extensively interested in other prop- erties. He also owns much real estate in this city and county. Mr. McVay is one of the leading and influential citizens of Spokane, and stands high in the esteem and regard of the people generally. He was once a candidate for the office of councilman from the third ward and ran far ahead of his ticket, but was nevertheless defeated by a plurality of nine votes. Mr. McVay is very prominent in the Masonic fraternity, having taken thirty-two of the thirty-three degrees. He also belongs to the I. O. O. F. and the Royal Arcanum. He was married in Chicago, in 1884, to Miss Alice Aitchison and they have two children, Vance S. and Ruth.

ARTHUR E. SAUNDERS, who came to Spokane in May, 1898, was born in England in 1860. He lived in his fatherland until twen- ty-five years old, served an apprenticeship in the building business there and also took a course in the science of construction in the South Ken- sington Art Schools. He had some experience in the practice of the profession of architecture before leaving home, but soon decided to try his fortunes in the new world. He accord- ly came to California where he lived for the

ensuing twelve or thirteen years engaged in architecture. He made the plans and specifi- cations for and superintended the construction of many imposing and magnificent buildings in that state, including many school houses. Although he has not been a resident of Spokane long, his splendid professional abilities are al- ready being appreciated, and in the last year about twenty-eight houses were designed by him. He was the architect for the Florence Crittendon mission. He is a member of the Architectural Association. Mr. Saunders has been an extensive traveler in former years, and has visited various parts of the world, includ- ing Africa, New Zealand and Tasmania, as well as America. He was married in Bakers- field, California, in 1896, to Miss Carrie Gould, of Oakland, California, and they are parents of one son, A. Gould. Religiously Mr. Saun- ders and family are identified with the Vincent Methodist Episcopal church.

JULIUS A. ZITTEL, of the firm of Preusse & Zittel, a pioneer of 1887, is a native of Germany, born in 1869. He came to America at the early age of thirteen, located in Chicago and studied architecture in the large offices of that city until he came to Spokane. Arriving here in 1887, he secured employment from Mr. H. Preusse, a leading architect of the city, and he worked in the office of that gentleman until 1893 when he entered into partnership with him. They have designed and superin- tended the construction of many of the finest buildings in Spokane and have recently finished Gonzaga College and the Victor block. Mr. Zittel is one of the rising young men of the west and, if appearances are at all to be trusted, a brilliant professional career lies before him.

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HISTORY OF SPOKANE COUNTY.

He was married in Spokane, in 1889. to Miss Alice Shanks, whose father was a pioneer of the county. They have one child, Eunice I. M.

JAMES J. DALEY, a pioneer of 1889. was born in New Zealand in 1855, and the first nineteen years of his life were spent in that country. In 1874. however, he came to San Francisco, where he lived for four years, after which he removed to Portland, Oregon, and en- gaged in the stationery business. Three years later he tried the same occupation in Seattle, but after a residence of only a year in that city, went to Victoria, British Columbia, and opened a stationery and fancy goods store. He was thus employed until 1889, when he came to Spokane. Since his arrival here, he has been actively engaged in a stationery, cigar and to- bacco business, his present location being at 332 Riverside avenue. Mr. Daley is an excel- lent business man, possessing in a marked de- gree the qualities necessary for success in com- mercial pursuits, such as integrity, industry, good judgment, and executive ability, and he has built up a prosperous and thriving trade in this city. Fraternally he is affiliated with the A. O. H., the Y. M. I. and the C. O. F.

. G. KOONS, a pioneer of 1887. was born in Goshen, Orange county, New York, in 1840. When nineteen years old he went to New York City, where he followed a commission busi- ness until the outbreak of the Civil war. He then became a member of the Twenty-second New York Militia, the second regiment to de- part from New York City for the scene of ac .. tion. He was stationed at Baltimore and other

points in the vicinity until the end of his three months' term, then re-enlisted for three years, serving under Meade and Grant. Upon be- ing discharged he returned to New York and followed the commission business for several years longer. He then spent seven years in the same occupation at St. Louis, and nine as a tea and coffee merchant. At the end of that time he removed to Spokane and turned his atten- tion to mining, and later to real estate and min- ing, a line in which he has been engaged ever since. Mr. Koons is a member of Blair Post. G. A. R., at St. Louis. He was married in St. Louis in 1885. to Mary Keefer, and they have had two children. Jennie G., living. and Ge- row, deceased.

JOHN L. HARLOW, contractor and builder, is a native of Dane county, Wiscon- sin, born November 24. 1845. In 1852 he removed to Iowa and became a pioneer of that state, contributing his full share toward bringing order out of chaos and civilization out of barbarism at a very early day. He lived in Iowa and followed the carpenter trade there

continuously for many years, but in 1898 came to Spokane and engaged in the same occupa- tion in this city. Since coming here he has also done some contracting. erecting. among other structures, the Fruit Fair buildings in 1898. Mr. Harlow has concentrated the efforts of his life in one direction, the natural consequence being that he is completely master of all the details of his business. Though he has only been a short time in Spokane. his skill as a mechanic is coming more and more to be appreciated, and his services are already in de- mand. Fraternally, he is a member of the Knights of Pythias. He was married in lowa. in 1870, to Mary .A. Scoles, a native of Indi-

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HISTORY OF SPOKANE COUNTY.

ana, and they have had a family of eleven children, nine of whom are now living, name- ly : Frank J., Fred A., Idella M., Vernard E., Irene L., Victor H., Charles H., John M. and Thelma K. The deceased members are Harry and William.

JOHN A. GILMAN, undertaker, was born in Syracuse, New York, in 1853, but, when only five years old, he was taken by his parents to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he grew up and received his education. In 1882 he went into the undertaking business in Sauk Center, Minnesota, and he continued in it until Septem- ber 1, 1893, when he came to Spokane. He has followed undertaking here continuously since his arrival in the city, his parlors being now located at 308 Riverside avenue. Mr. Gil- man is a very pleasant gentleman, and is highly esteemed and respected by all who know him. In religion he is an Episcopalian, and socially he belongs to the Masons, the I. O. O. F., the K. P. and the K. O. T. M. He was married in Spokane, in 1898 to Hattie Raine, a na- tive of Rochester, Minnesota.

C. FERRIS WHITE, architect, offices 416 and 417 Peyton Block, was born in Chicago in 1867. He acquired his preliminary edu- cation in the public schools there, and early began the study of his profession in the large architectural offices of that city. He rose rap- idly to prominence as an architect, and soon be- came foreman in an office in which seventeen men were employed. His experience was largely in offices where work of a public na- ture was done, and he assisted in the prepara-

tion of designs for many magnificent state and county buildings. He had charge of the architectural work for the Chicago public schools for two years, being chief designer in an office in which all the plans and specifica- tions for these buildings were made out. In 1890 he came to Spokane and became associ- ated with the late C. B. Seaton. and during the time in which they were in business together they designed and superintended the construc- tion of the Review building, the old Exposi- tion building, and many other imposing structures. Mr. White, though only a young man, has already attained to a position in the front ranks of his profession, and he will un- doubtedly continue to climb the ladder of suc- cess until the topmost rounds have been reached. He was married in Spokane, in April, 1899, to Florence A. Sargent.

J. A. HARRIS, a pioneer of 1880, is a na- tive of Canada, born in 1845. He lived in his native land until sixteen years old, receiving a good public-school education, then moved to Minnesota. He enlisted in Company F, Minne- sota Mounted Rangers, but later became a member of Company D. Second Minnesota Cavalry, which served under General Polk in the Western division, and which was all through the Sioux war. After the close of hostilities Mr. Harris remained in Minnesota until 1871, when he went to Wisconsin and en- gaged in the harness business. He resided in that state continuously until 1880, in which year he removed to Spokane county, Washing- ton, and located a homestead. In 1881 he went to Cheney, found employment in a har- ness shop, and worked for the same man for the next four years. In 1884 he was appointed

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HISTORY OF SPOKANE COUNTY.

postmaster of Cheney, and he discharged his duties as such for four years. Since 1897 Mr. Harris has resided in Spokane where he served as deputy county auditor for two years. He is now engaged as a dealer in mines and real es- tate. Mr. Harris has long been one of the lead- ingand influential citizens of this county, taking an active interest in politics local and general. He served as a member of the Cheney city council for four years and later as town clerk for some time. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons and with the G. A. R., which he joined at Cheney in 1883. He was married in Minnesota in 1867, to Miss Annie Schindler, and they have three children : Mabel, now Mrs. Fellows, of Cheney; Robert A., who has just returned from the Philippine war and is now clerking in the auditor's office; and Winney, adopted. Mr. Harris's father is still living though born in 1818. He also was a soldier, so that the family for three generations have all seen active service in the various wars. Mr. J. A. Harris and his father both served in the same company.

H. F. YEAGER, of the firm of B. L. Gor- don & Company, was born in Pike county, Mis- souri, in 1870. He was reared in that state and received his education at the State Univer- sity, located at Columbia, also in the Gem City Business College, Quincy, Illinois. Upon cont- pleting his preparatory training, he served for three years as assistant cashier in the Frank- ford Exchange Bank, of Frankford, Missouri. · In 1894 he came to Spokane where he was em- ployed two years as shipping clerk for B. L. Gordon & Company, then in their office for a year, and afterwards as a commercial traveler for a period of two years. In 1898 he became a member of the firm and he is now secretary

of the same. Mr. Yeager is progressing with very rapid strides. For a young man he has already attained a high standing in business circles, and he is now in a fair way to become the peer of any business man in the state. He was married in Spokane in February, 1898, to Miss Laura Jewett, a native of California.

B. L. GORDON, a pioneer of 1890, was born in Missouri, in 1864. He resided in the state of his nativity until eighteen years old, acquiring his education at Watson Seminary, at La Grange College, and in the Gem City Business College, of Quincy, Illinois. He then went to Socorro, New Mexico, where for the seven years ensuing he was engaged in a wholesale grocery business. At the end of that time he came to Spokane and opened in the same line. He has built up a very extensive and prosperous trade, covering an area with a radius of fully two hundred miles. In 1895 he succeeded Samuel Crump as proprietor of the Spokane Soap Works, and they are now mak- ing a specialty of Smilax soap, of which they manufacture large quantities. Mr. Gordon is also interested in the Spokane Brook Trout Hatchery, which covers six hundred acres of land, and in the waters of which are about two millions of the speckled beauties. As a business man Mr. Gordon certainly takes a leading rank in this city, but he has never given his atten- tion so completely to his commercial interests as to become oblivious to the duty he owes as a citizen. He has on the contrary always taken a lively and intelligent interest in the general welfare of the city, and is now a member of the Chamber of Commerce. He also belongs to the Shippers' Association. He was married at Trinidad, Colorado, in 1889. to Miss Raphae-

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HISTORY OF SPOKANE COUNTY.

lita Simpson, daughter of a pioneer of Colo- rado, and they are parents of two children, Burgess and Ralph.

J. C. STUTZ, a pioneer of 1885, was born in Minnesota, in 1872, and lived there until twelve years old. He then came direct to Spo- kane. He acquired his education in the com- mon schools of Minnesota and of this city, also in the high school here, and subsequently en- tered the employ of the electric light com- pany. He, however, learned assaying and is now engaged in that business and in mining, being considerably interested in Republic and Myer's Creek properties. Mr. Stutz is an am- bitious and progressive young man, deeply in- terested in everything pertaining to mines and mining, and possessing the ability to see and the courage to grasp an opportunity whenever one presents itself. The indications are that he is destined to figure prominently in the mining developments of the future. Religiously Mr. Stutz is a member of the Jefferson Street Methi- odist Episcopal church of this city.

PETER ERICKSON, a pioneer of 1883, was born in Illinois, November 7, 1858. When six years old he accompanied his parents to Madrid, Iowa, where he grew to man's estate and was educated. He early engaged in farm- ing, following that occupation continuously un- til he came to Spokane. Upon arriving here, however, he engaged in brick making in the employ of J. T. Davie, whose plant was located on Hangman creek, and in 1889 he became a member of the firm. He is one of the substan- tial citizens of Spokane, and though not am-

bitious for leadership among his fellowmen, commands their unwavering confidence and re- spect. In fraternal affiliations he is a Mason, his membership being in Spokane Lodge, No. 34. He was married in this city, November 8, 1895, to Miss Martha A. Dobbins, a native of Missouri, and to their union have been born three sons : John W., Charles F. and Harry D.

ROBERT ABERNETHY, a pioneer of 1883, is a native of London, Ontario, born January 31, 1848. He received the advantage of their excellent public schools, and when sev- enteen years old went to Milwaukee, Wiscon- sin, where he learned the trade of a tinsmith. In 1868 he removed to California, where for . the ensuing ten years he followed his handi- craft continuously. He next went to Santa Barbara county and organized a company for the purpose of building a wharf at Point Mor- ritto. He was engaged in managing this wharf and in the lumber business until 1881, when he came to Portland and resumed the pursuit of his trade. After spending two years there, he came to Spokane, engaging in the same occupation here, also in cornice work and in plumbing. In 1888 he left the shop and turned his attention to real-estate brokerage and mining. He is now interested in a num- ber of the leading claims, but more especially in the Montana, being president of the com- pany to which that mine belongs. He also owns a large amount of real estate in this city, and has erected a number of dwelling houses here. Mr. Abernethy has long been one of Spokane's most valued citizens, contributing to its prosperity by his own enterprise, and do- nating liberally to undertakings of a public or semi-public nature. During the years 1891,

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HISTORY OF SPOKANE COUNTY.

'92 and '93 he was an influential member of the board of education. In 1890 he was the candidate of the Prohibition party for con- gress, and in 1892 he served as city assessor of Spokane. Fraternally, he is a member of Spokane Lodge, No. 34, F. & A. M., and has been a prominent Good Templar, having at one time served as grand chief templar of the state. He was married in Milwaukee, Wis- consin, in September, 1871, to Miss Mary R. Owen, a native of that state. They have three children : Lulu, now the wife of Rev. Ray C. Harker, of Appleton, Wisconsin; Elmer, at- tending a mining school at Golden, Colorado, and Flossie, a student in the Spokane high school. Their older daughter, Mrs. Harker, is a graduate of the Northwestern Univer- sity and took first prize in her class there as an elocutionist.

H. M. SANDERS, proprietor of Liberty Park green house, who came to Spokane in 1890, is a native of England, born October II, 1860. He grew to manhood in his father- land, acquiring his education in both public and private schools and later becoming a florist. He came to Nova Scotia in 1882, from which province he soon moved to Bos- ton, Massachusetts, where he engaged at once in his former occupation. He remained there about eight years, subsequently coming to Spokane, and he now has one of the leading green houses of this state, containing ten thousand square feet of glass in its walls. His business is large enough to give steady employment to quite a number of men and is in a flourishing and prosperous condition. Mr. Sanders is a very skillful florist, having devoted many years to that business exclu- sively and his experience seems to bear out

the maxim that "Concentration is the secret of succses." At any rate. he has been quite a successful man from a business standpoint at least, for in addition to his fine floricultural plant, he is the owner of much other property, including an elegant home in Liberty Park, richly and tastefully furnished, and a tract of five hundred acres in the northern part of the county. His place of business is at the cor- ner of Sprague avenue and Stevens street. Fraternally, he is affiliated with Lodge No. 228. B. P. O. E., and with Spokane Tribe. No. 9, Improved Order of Red Men. He was married in Boston, in 1890, to Mrs. Lizzie Nicholson, a native of Nova Scotia, and they have one child. Dora.

JOHN T. DAVIE, one of the proprietors of the J. T. Davie & Company brick yard, on Hangman (now Latah) creek, a pioneer of 1879, was born in Scotland. January 25. 1851. He received a public and grammar-school edu- cation, and afterwards served as clerk in a dry- goods store. In 1872 he came to the United States locating in Massachusetts, where he learned the trade of a brickmaker. Two years later he removed to Napa, California, and en- gaged in making brick for the insane asylum, then in course of construction. also in making stone paving blocks. In 1879 he came to Spo- kane. He established on Hangman creek the first brick yard ever operated in this city, and has been engaged in the business continuously since, making the brick for the Wolverton block, the first brick structure erected here. also for numerous other large buildings. He can now make as many brick in one day as would have supplied the city for a year when lic began. Mr. Davie is essentially a self-made

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An illustrated history of Spokane county, state of Washington, Part 89

Author: Edwards, Jonathan, 1847-1929. cn Publication date: 1900 Publisher: [San Francisco?] W.H. Lever Number of Pages: 888

Author: Edwards, Jonathan, 1847-1929. cn
Publication date: 1900
Publisher: [San Francisco?] W.H. Lever
Number of Pages: 888