USA > Washington > Lincoln County > An illustrated history of the Big Bend country, embracing Lincoln, Douglas, Adams, and Franklin counties, state of Washington, pt 1 > Part 42
USA > Washington > Adams County > An illustrated history of the Big Bend country, embracing Lincoln, Douglas, Adams, and Franklin counties, state of Washington, pt 1 > Part 42
USA > Washington > Douglas County > An illustrated history of the Big Bend country, embracing Lincoln, Douglas, Adams, and Franklin counties, state of Washington, pt 1 > Part 42
USA > Washington > Franklin County > An illustrated history of the Big Bend country, embracing Lincoln, Douglas, Adams, and Franklin counties, state of Washington, pt 1 > Part 42
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JAMES JESSE COLE, a native of Wash- ington county, Virginia, is a type of the true southern gentleman. transplanted to northern soil. His high sense of honor. integrity, and wisdom have made him one of the respected citizens of this section, and his holdings are the result of his arduous labors and practical wisdom.
James J. Cole was born on September 12, 1854, the son of Andrew and Polly (James) Cole, natives of Virginia, and prominent peo- ple of Washington county. James Cole, the paternal grandfather of our subject, was one of the first settlers in Washington county. The father was a veteran of the Confederate service. Our subject received a liberal training in the public schools and labored with his father until twenty-one, when he started for himself in the battle of life. In 1875, he landed in Douglas county, Oregon, and there wrought as a farm hand until 1879. when he journeyed to Walla Walla, continuing labor there as before. In the spring of 1880, in company with Newt Gren- stedt. Thomas Cooper, and J. C. Cole, our sub- ject's brother. James J. Cole came to what is now Lincoln county and selected land in the
Brents country, this party being the first set- tlers there. Finding their land unsurveyed. they hired a surveyor who laid the lines and they squatted on the land and went to work. For a few years our subject was obliged each year to go and labor in the harvest fields of Walla Walla for money to purchase the winter's sup- plies. but he soon began to gain a better return from the new homestead and in addition to the land secured by government rights, Mr. Cole has purchased since, as the years have gone by, until in the home estate he has eight hundred acres all under one fence. In another place he has a section of fine wheat land and all this large amount is either utilized for the production of cereals or for pasture. His residence is a commodious and valuable structure tastefully set and surrounded with all the accessory build- ings needed on a large farm. Mr. Cole is leader in this part of the county and is a man to whom all look as exemplifying both sound wisdom and upright principles and whose labors have re- ceived the crown of unbounded success.
In 1874, Mr. Cole married Miss Mattie E., daughter of Levi and Nancy J. (Houston) Herren. natives of Virginia and Tennessee. respectively. The father died while in service in the Civil War, but the mother is now dwell- ing in Virginia. Mrs. Cole was born in Wash- ington county. Virginia, on October 9. 1854. While Mr. and Mrs. Cole have no children of their own. they are raising a nephew. and niece, Roy and Cordie Debord. Mr. Cole is a member of the I. O. O. F. and the A. F. & A. M. He and his wife have always been found on the side of all measures that have tended to build up the country and bring about a better condition both as to schools and other import- ant advancements.
HENRY R. NESTOSS resides about four miles northeast from Wilbur upon a fine es- tate that he has acquired through purchase and to the improvement and cultivation of which he has devoted himself since 1890. Mr. Nes- toss is to be classed with the prosperous and well to do farmers of Lincoln county.
Henry Nestoss was born in Norway, in 1854. being the son of Reginald and Sheldahl Nestoss, natives of Norway. As soon as he had arrived at the years for training in study
JAMES J. COLE
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MRS. JAMES J. COLE
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he commenced studying in the public schools of Norway and continued in the same' until twenty years of age, spending portions of each year in assisting his father in addition. When twenty years old, Mr. Nestoss determined to try his fortune in the New World and accord- ingly came to lowa. Three years were spent there in laboring on the farm for wages, then he came to North Dakota where he farmed for thirteen years, having taken a homestead when he first came there. In 1890, he sold this prop- erty and came west to the more salubrious cli- mate of central Washington, and after due search and investigation decided to purchase the land where he now lives and since that time his home has been here.
In 1887. Mr. Nestoss married Miss Lena Olson, and to them have been born three chil- dren, Mabel. Oscar and Emma.
T. E. ERIKSEN, a thrifty agriculturist, who dwells about seven miles north from Wil- bur, is also a man of influence in the political realm of the county, where he has done much excellent work of a reformatory nature.
T. E. Eriksen was born in Denmark, in 1854, the son of Erik and Carrie ( Therkelsen ) Nelson, natives of Denmark. The education of our subject was acquired from the common schools and when eighteen he bade farewell to his friends and native land and came to the United States. He spent some time in Illinois, later journeyed to California, and then came to Walla Walla and settled. In 1881 he came to the line of the Northern Pacific then being constructed. He was occupied in railroading for some time and in 1883 came to Lincoln county taking a homestead where he now re- sides. Since then, Mr. Eriksen has been giv- ing his attention to the improvement and cul- tivation of his estate, except some years when he has resided in Spokane.
In 1901 Mr. Eriksen married Miss Lura, daughter of Rev. Leicester and Sarah (Field- ing) Allen, residents of Tipso. Washington. Mrs. Eriksen was born in Loyal. Clarke coun- ty, Washington, and has three brothers and three sisters : Arthur. Guy, and Warren, all residing in this state; Anna, residing in Ili- nois ; Lillie, in Wisconsin ; and Nellie, in Wash- ington. Mr. Eriksen has always taken a great interest in political matters and has done some
meritorious work in the Populist movement and the anti-saloon campaign. He was in- strumental in getting the first labor hall built in eastern Washington and was a member of the Trades Council from 1889 to 1891, and during this time was an ardent advocate of the ownership of the water works, electric lights, street railway system, and so forth in the city of Spokane. Mr. Eriksen offered a motion to instruct the delegates from Lincoln county to vote for the initiative and referendum and he could not get a second.
At the next convention he secured a sec- ond to the motion and the third year he secured its passage.
Mr. Eriksen has the following named brothers and sisters: N. A., a teacher; C., a teacher; S., an attorney: J., a manufacturer ; Carrie, a teacher of Greek; all residing in Denmark ; K., a decorator and painter, in Mil- waukee; F., a blacksmith, in Ballard. Wash- ington; and Mrs. J. Petersen, of Spokane. Hence it is worthy of remark that Mr. Eriksen is connected by blood to the powers which en- lighten and bring about progress. His brother. J. Eriksen, now operating a furniture factory in Denmark. so wisely manipulated his af- fairs that in a large and extended labor trouble he was enabled to keep his factory going smoothly.
SIMON P. JENSEN resides about two miles north of Wilbur on one of the finest es- tates in this part of Washington. He was born in Vaida, Denmark, on August 5. 1863, the son of Jens and Anna ( Christensen ) Nil- son, natives of Denmark. After a good educa- tion in the common schools of his own coun- try, Mr. Jensen came to Portland, Oregon, and was employed there for a time and in 1886. took a homestead in Klickitat county, Washing- ton. After proving up on this, he sold it and then came to Wilbur and bought a section of land. Later he bought three-fourths of a sec- tion more, making him in all over a thousand acres of good wheat land. When Mr. Jensen landed in America he was without money but by his industry and ability has amassed a com- fortable fortune and built an elegant home. His residence is one of the finest in Lincoln county and is a credit to his thrift and excel- lent judgment.
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In 1897, Mr. Jensen married Miss Edith, daughter of John and Christina ( Sorensen) Matsen, natives of Denmark. Mrs. Jensen was born in Denmark, on September 19, 1880, and came with her parents to Klickitat county, Washington, in 1888. To them three children have been born, Albert, Kenneth, and Rosco. Mr. Jensen is a member of the Odd Fellows and an ex-president of the Danish Brotherhood. The example that Mr. Jensen has set for in- dustry and sagacity is excellent and the reward that he has reaped in his large estate and ele- gant home are justly his. Mr. and Mrs. Jensen are highly esteemed members of society and have a host of friends.
NELS H. HAGEN, who lives about one mile northwest from Wilbur, is one of the popular and progressive farmers of this por- tion of Lincoln county and has hosts of friends, being a genial man possessed of good princi- ples and industry. He was born in Norway, on April 23, 1849, the son of Hans N. and Mary T. (Skabo) Hagen, natives of Norway. Our subject was educated in the schools of Norway and in 1870, came with his parents to Wisconsin. He was there engaged at var- ious industries until 1877, when he moved to Polk county, Wisconsin and bought a farm. For eleven years, he tilled this property and then came to Wilbur and bought his present place. He has a half section of fine land which he has improved with buildings, fences and so forth, it being one of the well kept places of the county. When Mr. Hagen came to this coun- try, he was unable to speak or, write in English but applied himself so thoroughly through per- sonal efforts, having no time to attend the Eng- lish schools, that he mastered the English language, being able to speak and write the same fluently and correctly.
On June II, 1878, Mr. Hagen married Miss Martha Nelson, daughter of Nels and Annie L. (Nessheim) Stalheim, natives of Norway. To them one child has been born, Herman N. Mrs. Hagen is a native of Nor- way. Mr. Hagen is commander of the Colum- bian tent number 65 at Wilbur.
For eleven years after filing on his present place, Mr. Hagen wrought at carpentering, which trade he had learned previously.
Through thrift and wise handling of the re- sources of the country he and his wife have gained a fine competence and are now per- mitted to enjoy the fruits of their labor in the good things of life.
CHARLES A. PHILLIPS is the post- master at Wilbur, where he is also one of the leading business men in the commercial realm. He is a man who commands the respect and wins the esteem of all who know him, owing to his uprightness, his business ability, and his geniality. He was born in Polk county. Ore- gon, on August 30, 1854, the son of John and Elizabeth (Hibbard) Phillips. The father was born in Worcestershire, England, learned the cabinet maker's trade and in 1835 came to New York, whence he went to Apalachicola, Florida and did work on the Catholic mission churches there. Thence he went to New Or- leans in 1839 and there married Elizabeth Hib- bard. Next we see him in St. Louis, Missouri, and in 1845 he crossed the plains with ox-teams to Polk county. He took a donation claim and gave his attention to farming. The mother of our subject was born in Shaftesbury, England, on July 17, 1820, came to New Orleans in 1839, was married on February II, of that year and went to St. Louis, Missouri. From that point she came with her husband across the plains. Our subject was educated in Bishop Scott's school at Portland and in the Willa- mette University, then turned his attention to teaching. Later he was editor on the Silver- ton Appeal, a paper in the valley, and in 1893 Mr. Phillips came to Woodburn, Oregon, en- gaging there in the mercantile business. The year 1894 finds Mr. Phillips in Wilbur where he purchased a half interest in the Parish Mer- cantile Company and in 1901 he was appointed postmaster of the town. He has given the best of satisfaction in this capacity and has shown his ability in his business career.
The marriage of Mr. Phillips and Anna M. Parrish took place at Silverton, Oregon, on October 12, 1887. The father of Mrs. Phillips, James Patterson Parrish, was born in Steuben- ville, Ohio, on April 23. 1823. He married Miss Mary Fairfax Hickman, who was born in Barnesville, Ohio, on January 15, 1834- Jolin Hickman, one of Mrs. Phillips' ancestors,
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was a civil engineer and was with George Washington on the expedition sent by Lord Fairfax, to survey the vast territory, then so little known and now embraced in the states of Kentucky and Ohio. George Washington was then a boy of sixteen.
Mr. Phillips has the following named brothers and sisters, J. E., Samuel, Mrs. Eliza- beth McCarty, Mrs. Mary Martin, Mrs. Mar- tha Richardson, Mrs. Amelia Basey, Mrs. Cornelia Clag'get, and Mrs. Hannah Barker. To Mr. Phillips and his estimable wife the fol- lowing children have been born, Ethel E., Homer C., Mattie B., and Florence M. Mr. Phillips is a member of the Masons and was one of the founders of the W. W. lodge in Wilbur, being consul commander of the same for years.
GEORGE N. MATZGER, D. D. S., is one of the best known professional men in Lincoln county, having been here for more than a decade, during which time, as before also, he has shown himself worthy of the con- fidence of the people, both because of his in- tegrity and his ability. He is at the head of a large practice in dentistry in Wilbur, where he has one of the best equipped offices in the central part of the state. Dr. Matzger is a man of sterling worth and is a master in his profession.
George N. Matzger was born in Benton county, Oregon, on August 10. 1853. the son of Hon. William and Abigail (Allen ) Matz- ger. William Matzger was an immigrant to Oregon in 1847, whence two years later he went to the gold fields of California and gained wealth. Returning to Oregon, he took a dona- tion claim of one section on the Mary's river and engaged in farming. sawmilling, and flourmilling. He introduced the first well bred stock into that community and was a prominent man. He was a member of the convention that framed the constitution of Oregon and took a prominent part in that important work. He removed to Walla Walla in 1863 and spent a decade there. He was one of the founders of Dayton, Washington, and located there in 1872, taking up the mercantile and milling businesses. He was appointed postmaster of Dayton under Hayes and held the office until his death. He was a moving spirit in the or-
ganization of Columbia county and was a prominent man of southeastern Washington. The mother of our subject was born in Michi- gan, of Pennsylvania Dutch stock, and crossed the plains in 1847 with ox teams, that being the year of her marriage. She was a true pioneer woman and was a brave helpmeet to her successful husband.
Our subject was trained primarily in the public schools of Walla Walla, then entered Whitman college the next year after its open- ing. Three years afterward he went with his father to Dayton and took an active part in the business operations there instituted. Later we find him in the National Business college of Portland whence he graduated, then went to merchandizing for himself. Some years later he sold and entered a law office, and studied for one year, but not being pleased with the pro- fession he took up dentistry under a preceptor in Dayton. He entered the Central Univer- sity in Kentucky in 1888 and in 1890 grad- uated with the degree of Doctor of Dental Sur- gery. He immediately repaired to Whitman county and opened an office where he wrought until 1892. Then came a move to Wilbur and in this place the doctor has practiced steadily and successfully since.
In 1877, Dr. Matzger married Miss Etta L., daughter of Hon. S. M. and Mary (Har- grove) Wait. The father was a cousin of Chief Justice Wait and was a pioneer to Ore- gon as was also his wife. He founded Waits- burg, Washington, and was a partner of our subject's father. The following named chil- dren have been born to Dr. and Mrs. Matzger, Alvin K., Bell. Bessic, G. Waite. Byron L. Dr. Matzger has one brother. W. O. Matzger, and two sisters, Mrs. Nancy E. Long, and Mrs. Mary A. Kryger. Dr. Matzger was town clerk of Wilbur for twelve years, and is a prominent and influential citizen. He is past grand of the I. O. O. F. and is a member of the W. W.
JUDGE E. A. HESSELTINE is a mag- nificent example of what one can do when pos- sessed of determination and energy. He is decidedly a self made man and so well has he completed the job that he has won the respect and confidence of all who know him. He came to this country with practically no capital at
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all except two good willing hands and a reso- lute purpose to carve out the future for himself. A brief outline of Judge Hesseltine's career will be interesting to all.
E. A. Hesseltine was born in Brown coun- ty, Kansas, on June 25, 1860, being the son of Eli and Electa A. (Frazelle) Hesseltine. The father was born in Norway township, New York, in 1820. He became a pioneer to Ohio and Kansas and during the Civil War was orderly sergeant on General Lane's staff and was postmaster in Ohio for several years. In 1863 he crossed the plains with ox teams to California and two years later came to Oregon and there engaged in the lumber business. He was a prominent business man of Clackamas county and had a good trade. Our subject's mother was a descendant of the Earl De Frazelle, a prominent Frenchman who served in the Revolutionary war with General Marion. Our subject's maternal grandfather. A. D. Frazelle, was an early settler in Ohio where he followed the mercantile business. Our sub- ject's mother was born in Johnston, Ohio, in 1821. Owing to the fact that his father was a settler on the frontier in various new coun- tries, our subject was unable to attend school much, consequently it became necessary for him to use his spare hours in reading and acquiring an education which he did with such marked success that at the age of eighteen he was enabled to teach school. He taught part of the year and then went to school the balance. Later, we find him attending night school while he was engaged in labor in the day time. It was as early as 1882 that Mr. Hesseltine came to the Big Bend country and he selected the homestead six miles north from Wilbur. He taught school, improved his farm and contin- ued his studies. In 1887, he went into the law office of Turner and Forster in Spokane, con- tinuing the study of law until he was admitted to the bar. He became expert in land law and was the first attorney to open a law office in Wilbur. He has steadily applied himself to the law since together with the oversight of his farming interests, having now several thousand acres of valuable wheat land. He has been city attorney for a term, and police judge for eight years. Judge Hesseltine has one of the fine residences in Wilbur, a good library and an extensive law practice.
In 1895, Mr. Hesseltine married Miss Car-
rie A. Woodman, who comes from a prominent Michigan family. She has one uncle in the legislature and one on the bench. Mr. Hes- seltine has three brothers, Apollos H., Ran- dolph F., and Rudolph U. To Mr. and Mrs. Hesseltine one child has been born, Lee F. Judge Hesseltine is a member of the K. O. T. M. and the town of Hesseltine was named for him. On one occasion trouble was reported brewing with the Indians. Mr. Hesseltine of- fered his services as scout. All the male set- tlers in the Big Bend then chanced to be in Colfax making filings, except two, and as Mr. Hesseltine was new in the country, he de- termed to find out the truth of the reports. It was said Chief Moses and his band were on the war path. However, after investigation, the Judge ascertained the rumor to be ground- less, but this is an instance of what the Big Bend settlers had to be prepared for at all times.
C. H. HOLMES is today one of the pro- gressive and leading business men of Wilbur. He stands at the head of a large agricultural establishment which owns its existence and present proportions to his energy and sagacity. When he started in this business in Wilbur he had a very small stock of goods and a lim- ited capital. By constant and careful atten- tion to business and wise handling of the re- sources, he has come to be one of the wealthy merchants of Lincoln county. His stock of goods will invoice better than eight thousand dollars and shows a marked skill in anticipating the needs of the people by its selection. Dur- ing his business career, Mr. Holmes has mani- fested unquestioned integrity and ability and his standing in the community today is of the very best.
C. H. Holmes was born in Sauk Rapids. in 1864, being the son of C. C. and Mary ( Co- nant) Holmes, natives of New York and France, respectively. The parents were mar- ried in Illinois and then came on to Minne- sota where the father opened the first general merchandise establishment in Sauk Rapids. He rose to a position of prominence and wealth. Our subject was educated in the public schools and came west at the age of twenty-four. In 1888, we find him in Spokane whence he came to Wilbur and engaged variously until 1897,
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when he took up the mercantile business for himself. Mr. Holmes has a business that is increasing very rapidly and its future success is insured by his sagacity and financial ability.
On March 4, 1888, at Sauk Rapids, Minne- sota, Mr. Holmes married Miss Emma Walt- man. Her father, J. S. Waltman, was a phy- sician of prominence in Minnesota. To them have been born seven children, Harry C., Roy H., Byron R., Cecil E., Ida M., Earl C., and Sylvia. Mr. Holmes is a member of the \V. W. and is highly respected. In addition to the business above mentioned, Mr. Holmes owns a fine residence in Wilbur and a farm near by.
JOHN H. NICHOLLS, residing one mile southeast of Davenport, Lincoln county, is en- gaged in general farming, stock raising, and fruit growing. He was born in Goderich, On- tario, Canada, June 27, 1850, the son of Thomas and Harriett Nicholls, natives of Eng- land. The father came to the United States when twenty-two years old, located in Chicago, opened a law office, became chief assistant to the master in chancery, and burned out in 1871. Then he went to Minnesota, and from there to California. He came to Washington in 1885. He opened a law office, at Spokane, but was burned out again in the great Spokane fire, of 1889. He then came to Davenport where he lived two years. On the death of his wife he returned to Fairmont, Minnesota, and died in 1900. To Thomas and Harriett Nicholls were born six children, Sophia, Cordelia, John H., Thomas, Hattie and Aimee.
Our subject was reared in Canada where he received his elementary education, and later completed an excellent business education in Chicago. He began the world for himself at the age of eighteen years, he and his brother taking charge of an extensive farm in Minne- sota. Later he removed to California where he was made field boss, and subsequently fore- man, on an extensive wheat farm. He re- mained here four years. Going to Chicago he was for three years city buyer for a wholesale drug house. He came to Washington and lo- cated at Four Lakes, Spokane county, where he worked for I. N. Peyton during the win- ter of 1879, and in the spring of 1880 he, in company with Colonel Peyton, opened a store
at Deep Creek. In 1881, he and James Court- right purchased Colonel Peyton's interest in the store, and moved the stock to Cottonwood Springs, now Davenport, where they conducted business one year. Mr. Nicholls then bought out his partner and for eight years was alone. On coming to Davenport he erected the first hotel in the place, and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of railroad land, which now includes the site of Davenport. He disposed of half this land to Colonel Peyton, and later sold the other half. Mr. Nicholls was the first postmaster in Davenport, and the first mayor. Subsequently he moved on to his farm, con- taining a section and a half of land, where he at present resides. He is interested in blooded stock, having many fine Jerseys, and two thor- oughbred bulls. He has an orchard of one thousand bearing trees, a large variety of small fruit trees, and, also, owns, in company with Dr. Whitney, a brick block in the city of Dav- enport.
In 1881 Mr. Nicholls was married to Emma A. Edes, daughter of W. H. and Sophronia (Bigelow) Edes, natives of Maine. Mr. and Mrs. Nicholls have two children, John R., and Myrtle. Politically he is a Republican. and fraternally a member of the Loyal Americans, and the Order of Pendo.
T. H. FARIS is the proprietor of a well appointed livery stable in Wilbur, where he is doing a thriving business. He was born in Smith county, Virginia, in 1868, being the son of Wilson and Mollie ( Derman) Faris. na- tives of Virginia. The father served all through the Civil war as Major and Colonel on General Lee's staff, participating in some of the fiercest battles of the war, as Gettys- burg, Spottsylvania, and so forth. He was an educator by profession and a very progressive man. Our subject received his educational training in the common schools of Virginia and wrought for his father on the farm until the time of his majority. In 1889, he went to Nebraska and there labored for three years. After that period, he returned to Virginia and spent five years on the old home farm. In March, 1898. Mr. Faris came to Wilbur and bought a half section of land. He improved it well and sold it and then bought three-
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