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 43
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 43
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 43
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 43
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HISTORY OF THE BIG BEND COUNTRY.
fourths of a section of land. He more than doubled his money on the enterprise and then invested on February 22, 1902, in the livery business in Wilbur. He has a very good stock of rigs, fine traveling animals, and leaves nothing undone for the comfort and conven- ience of his patrons, being a very popular livery man. Fraternally, Mr. Faris is affiliated with the army of Loyal Americans and stands well in the community. It is greatly to his credit to say that his present holding has been en- tirely gained since he came to this country, having no means to start with when he located in Lincoln county.
JERRY H. GARDNER is one of the pioneers of Lincoln county, is well known throughout the country, has hosts of friends and a first class standing. He resides in Dav- enport and owns considerable property.
Jerry H. Gardner was born in Genesee county, New York, on August 6, 1841, being the son of Jerry H. and Dinah (Bush) Gard- ner, natives also of Genesee county, New York. In 1845, the former journeyed to Boone coun- ty, Illinois, and in 1850, they came to Iowa. In April, 1863, they left that state for the un- certain journey across the plains. They were with a large train of over forty wagons and horses were used to draw their conveyances. For three months they traveled before reach- ing San Jose, California. They had numer- ous battles with the Indians but owing to the fact that their train was a large one, they came through all right. The parents settled on a farm and there remained until their death, which was in 1893, the mother aged seventy- nine and the father, eighty. They were the pa- rents of two children, Thomas M., who died in 1890, and Jerry H., the subject of this review. The father was of Irish extraction and the mother of Dutch. Our subject was educated in Allamakee county, Iowa and early learned the blacksmith trade. He was just past twen- ty-one when they crossed the plains and as soon as they arrived in California, started for himself. He followed his trade until 1880, when he came to Walla Walla. There he was employed as blacksmith, by the govern- ment, to go to Colville. In November, 1882, he was transferred to Fort Spokane and re-
mained there until he was elected sheriff, in 1898. He was nominated by the Republi- cans against O. Deveniss, Populist, and J. Morlan, Democrat and won the day by a hond- some majority. After serving the term, his party again called him to run on the Republi- can ticket and L. A. Ranade, Democrat, was his opponent. Again, Mr. Gardner was suc- cesful. During this time occurred the capture of the noted outlaw, Tracy, which is fully de- tailed in another portion of this work.
In June, 1862, Mr. Gardner married Miss Elizabeth Jackson, whose father, William Jackson, was a first cousin of the noted General Jackson and they have in their possession a continued history of the fam- ily for two hundred years back. Mrs. Gardner was one of a family of six chil- dren. Mr. Gardner is a very active and well informed Republican, a real wheelhorse in the campaigns. In addition to holding the office of sheriff as mentioned above, he has been justice of the peace and deputy sheriff as well as an incumbent of various other offices. Mr. Gardner has been an odd fellow for thirty-four years and is also a member of the A. F. & A. M. Mrs. Gardner has passed all the chairs in the Rebekah order and has also been to the grand lodge. They are highly respected peo- ple and are the center of a large circle of ad- miring friends.
CHARLES E. MYERS, one of the promi- nent, enterprising business men of Davenport, dealing in general merchandise, was born in Homerville, Medina county, Ohio, June 29, 1866, the son of David and Sarah (Kart) Myers, natives of Pennsylvania. In 1850 they removed to Ohio where the mother died, in 1879. The father still lives in Homerville. Five children were born to them: H. M., in Lodi, Ohio; H. A. P., an attorney in Daven- port : Maud, wife of J. H. Shepherd, of Spo- kane: Alice, wife of J. A. Koons, of Homer- ville; and our subject, Charles E. Myers. Hav- ing received his first schooling in the public schools of Homerville, he attended the North- western Ohio Normal University, at Ada, and later Ashland College, Ohio, receiving an ev- cellent practical education. He began life on his own account at the age of sixteen years.
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HISTORY OF THE BIG BEND COUNTRY.
When twenty years old he began teaching, but four months later he came to the state of Wash- ington, locating in Larene, Lincoln county. Here he established a general merchandise store, and was also made postmaster. In 1894 his stock of goods, building, and residence were destroyed by fire, by which disaster he lost three thousand dollars, having only nine hun- dred dollars insurance. When he came to Larene his cash capital amounted to only nine- ty dollars. With indomitable pluck and energy he rebuilt and re-established his business, but in 1900 he removed to Davenport, where he added the jewelry business to his store. In 1901 he formed a partnership with W. J. Ol- well.
March 13, 1888, Mr. Myers was united in marriage to Bessie M. Hubler, daughter of John and Olive (Johnson) Hubler, the father a native of Pennsylvania, the mother of New York state. They settled in Sullivan, Ohio, where the father died. The mother resides in Davenport with her daughter. Mr. and Mrs. Myers have five children, Jay, Charles, David, Philip, and Olive, all at home with their pa- rents.
In the campaign issues of the Republican party Mr. Myers manifests a lively and patrio- tic interest. He is a member of the Royal Highlanders, of Davenport, his wife is a mem- ber of the same order, and both are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
JOHN P. O'FARRELL, city marshal of Davenport, Lincoln county, deputy sheriff, and . secret service man, first came to the city nearly eighteen years ago. He was born in Atchi- son, Kansas, March 2, 1856, the son of John and Catherine Spellman, natives of Ireland. They came to the United States when quite young, and lived in Boston until their mar- riage. They removed to Kansas in 1856, where the father now resides. The mother passed away in 1874. They were the parents of nine children, three of whom survive: Ed- ward, in Flagstaff, Arizona; Katie, living with her father; and John P., the subject of this sketch.
The latter received his elementary educ :- tion in a log school house in Pottawatomie county, Kansas. At the age of seventeen he
left school and carried a hod for his father, who was a plasterer, and when twenty years old he was appointed on the police force of Kansas City, Missouri. Subsequently he was appointed deputy sheriff of Pottawatomie county, serving eight years under four differ- ent sheriffs. He was elected assessor, serving two years, and in 1886 came to Sprague, Wash- ington, where he was appointed deputy sheriff, and rounded up a party of horse thieves. In 1877 he came to Davenport, Lincoln county, where he served as deputy sheriff until 1890, when he was elected marshal of the city, which position he still holds. He has served under Sheriffs Reardan, Donahue, Gardner, and Ink- ster. He participated in the capture of the no- torious desperado, Tracey, but refused to share in the reward offered by the governors of Ore- gon and Washington.
October 17, 1895, our subject was united in marriage to Mary Davis, daughter of John and Ann Davis, natives of Wales. Politically Mr. O'Farrell is a Republican, and takes an active interest in the campaigns of his party. He is a member of the Elks, has passed through the chairs of Davenport Lodge, No. 64, I. O. O. F., and is a member of Davenport Post, No. 44, F. O. A., having gone through the chairs there also. May 14, 1903, he was elected supreme representative at Providence, Rhode Island. In 1900 he was deputy grand chief during six months. Mr. O'Farrell is a mem- ber of the Catholic church. He is a man of great force of character, progressive and public spirited, and in the community in which he resides he is highly esteemed.
O. H. P. GIBSON. This venerable gen- tleman, now a resident of Davenport, has a long and varied career and is one of the re- spected and esteemed men of the city. He was born in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, on May 10, 1815, being the son of John B. and Nellie ( Hennesee) Gibson. He learned the merchant tailoring business and in 1836 came to Mis- souri, where he started a shop. Later, we find him in Plattsburg then in Stewartsville. where he was when the war broke out. On account of taking in a partner who sympathized with the south. Mr. Gibson's goods were all con- fiscated. Then he turned his attention to farm-
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HISTORY OF THE BIG BEND COUNTRY.
ing. In 1883, he came west and located in Spangle. One year later, he moved to Lin- coln county, and took a homestead upon which he lived until 1896, in which year he moved to Davenport, Washington, where he now re- sides.
In July, 1854, Mr. Gibson married Miss Mary J. Deadley, a native of Kentucky. To them were born eight children, C. C., B. O., J. J., Louella, Laura E., J. S., J. W., and George M.
Politically, Mr. Gibson is a good stanch Democrat and always takes an active interest in the campaigns. He has served as justice of the peace and in other capacities. He is the oldest Mason in the state of Washington, hav- ing become one in 1845. In church affiliations, he belongs to the Methodist denomination.
ANDREW J. COLE is to be mentioned among the wealthy and respected citizens of Lincoln county. He resides about four miles north from Creston on an estate, part of which was gained by rights from the government and the balance through purchase. The same is one of the well kept farms of the county, is in a high state of cultivation and producing large, annual returns.
Andrew J. Cole was born in Virginia, on May 21, 1864. His parents were Andrew and Mary ( James) Cole, natives also of Virginia. The father was a farmer and also taught school. He fought during the Civil War and later gave his attention to farming. Our subject was well educated in the common schools of his native state, then returned with his father on the farm until he had reached his majority. At that time he came west to Walla Walla where he was employed for a few years and in 1892, he journeyed on to Lincoln county. Here he se- lected a timber culture claim and a homestead where he now resides. He has given his atten- tion to farming since then. He has purchased land until he owns an estate of eight hundred and eighty acres. When Mr. Cole came to Lincoln county, he had no finances and started here with a capital of two strong hands and a determined spirit. He has succeeded in a very excellent manner and his success is due to his indomitable will and sagacity.
In 1900, Mr. Cole married Miss Mary G.,
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daughter of Peter J. and Mary A. (Sherwood) Barbre, and a native of Virginia. To Mr. and Mrs. Cole two children have been born, Eugene and Homer J.
Peter J. Barbre was a descendant of the Barbre family well known in North Carolina. Some of the ancestors were among the earliest settlers in Sampson county, that state, and at one time they owned a large portion of the county and were prominent in the affairs of state. Peter J. early migrated to Virginia and settled in Washington county. In 1860, he married Miss Sherwood, whose parents came from England. Mr. Barbre served in the Civil War.
In this work appears biographical mention of several of Mr. Cole's family, who were worthy pioneers of this county. Our subject had a full share in the hardships and arduous labors incident to pioneer life, and has won his way to wealth and prominence by virtue of his worth and ability, as have also the other mem- bers of the family.
WILLIAM FINNEY, a progressive and influential citizen of Davenport, Lincoln coun- ty, is engaged in the general merchandise busi- ness. He was born in Morgan county, Ohio, June 12, 1833, the son of James and Rebeckah ( Briggs) Finney, natives of Pennsylvania. They removed to Ohio in 1802, where they passed the remainder of their lives, the father dying at the age of ninety-three, the mother at eighty-eight. They were the parents of twelve children, five of whom are still living, Andrew, Joseph, Nancy, Susan, and William.
The latter, the subject of this sketch, re- ceived his earlier education in the public schools of Morgan county, Ohio, and later in Wash- ington Academy, Guernsey county, where he stood high in his classes and was graduated with honors. At the age of twenty-one he com- menced the world for himself, engaged in farming and other employments. In 1868 he removed to Illinois where he was interested in the saw mill and lumber business which he followed successfully for fifteen years. He then began the manufacture of brick and til- ing, and for four years was, also, interested in a general mercantile store. During the greater portion of the year IS8; he traveled in California, and in 1888 came to Washing-
ANDREW J. COLE
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HISTORY OF THE BIG BEND COUNTRY.
ton, locating at Davenport. He purchased the "Pioneer Store," in which he conducted busi- ness until 1898, when he was burned out, his loss by this disastrous conflagration being thirty thousand dollars. He rebuilt, erecting a pressed brick front structure. twenty-seven by eighty-eight feet in dimensions, and also a handsome dwelling. He owns ten town lots in Davenport, and his residence is supplied by a private water system installed at his own ex- pense.
Mr. Finney was married in 1858 to Melissa Hayes, a distant relative of President Ruther- ford B. Hayes, and daughter of Joseph and Margaret (Logue) Hayes, natives of Ver- mont. They located in Ohio, where they died. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Finney : Emmert, in Spokane; Addie, wife of C. M. Waters, of Pullman, Washington ; Will- iam H., with his father, and Othie, living with his parents. In earlier days Mr. Finney's poli- tical affiliations were with the Republican party, but he is at present a liberal. At the time of the incorporation of the city of Daven- port he became the first treasurer, was mayor four years, and served two or three terms in the city council. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge. Royal Arch Chapter and Select Coun- cil. He joined the I. O. O. F. when twenty- one years of age. Mrs. Finney is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
HON. F. X. MATTHEW, one of the well known and leading pioneers of the northwest, is to be represented in this volume as he has had more or less to do in the development of the region covered herein and has wrought with a faithful hand in arduous labors as a path- finder for over half a century. He was born in Montreal, Canada, on April 2, 1818. His parents were natives of France and came as pioneers to the new world. He was educated and reared until eighteen in his native land and then he came to the United States and worked his way from state to state until he arrived in St. Louis. There in 1838 he entered the employ of the American Fur Company and at once turned his face to the unknown north- west. He was in all sorts of dangers incident to a life on the frontier amid savages and wild beasts and hundreds of miles from human habi-
tations or civilization. He labored for this company for some time and in the course of his employment, he crossed the plains three times and had the satisfaction of knowing that he was instrumental in saving the lives of over two hundred emigrants owing to his ability to make peace with the savages. He labored at carpentering after leaving the com- pany until 1849, when he went to California and there remained a few months. Thence he came to Oregon and settled in the Willa- mette valley. He was chosen one of the first justices of the peace there and hell various other offices. He was county commissioner and for two terms served in the territorial legis- lature of Oregon, and in all his public labor he showed a marked faithfulness and ability. He was beloved by all and was a man of honor. In 1844 occurred the marriage of F. X. Matthew and Rosa Ossiant, and to them were born eight boys and seven girls. Rosa Ossiant was born in Canada, on June 15, 1827, and came with her aunt to Victoria when three years okl. Three years later, they went to Vancouver, Washington, and then to the Willamette val- ley where she remained on her father's do- nation claim until her marriage with Mr. Matthew. For fifty-seven years of married life, Mr. and Mrs. Matthew dwelt happily on their donation claim, reared their family, and were leading and respected people of the val- ley. They were always noted for kind deeds and charitable works. It was their delight to feed the poor and help the orphans and many have been blessed by these kindnesses and hearts full of gratitude to their benefactors were found on every hand.
ANDREW CULP was born in June. 1849, in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, being one of a family of seven children. His pa- rents were Jacob and Barbara (Berlinger) Culp. The school days of our subject were very limited. as at the early age of ten he left his parents and began to earn his own living. He was tossed about to various places until sixteen years of age. At Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, he enlisted in the regular army, being enrolled in the Seventh Cavalry. Ifis first service in this regiment began at what is now called Hays City, Kansas, and for thirty
17
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HISTORY OF THE BIG BEND COUNTRY.
years he continued to wear Uncle Sam's blue. During this long period, Mr. Culp participated in many events that have been recorded in the history of his country. Among those may be mentioned the battle of Washita under Gen- eral Custer against Chief Black Kettle. At this time his command secured from the Ind- ians Mrs. Shaw and Mrs. Foster who had been held in captivity by the savages for two years. Mr. Culp was at Santiago under General Shaf- ter, and at El Caney when in the night charge, the one gatling gun served so well to gain the victory. In the fall of 1898, Mr. Culp re- ceived his honorable discharge after this long service for his country which is seldom equaled. Retiring from the army, he came west where he had been the guardian of the pioneers in the days gone by and selected a place where the Spokane river joins the Columbia. He owns three hundred and twenty acres of land half of which is excellent for fruit, the balance being adapted to pasture. He has a good house, barn and so forth which are beautifully situ- ated on a rising table overlooking the river. Although Mr. Culp has been in almost every portion of the United States, he is quite con- tent to dwell in Lincoln county, feeling sure that he has one of the best places that it is possible for him to possess. He is making ex- tensive improvements on the estate and the county is to be congratulated in securing Mr. Culp as a permanent citizen.
In 1902, it was the happy lot of our sub- ject to take as his life partner, Mrs. Mary Franz, the widow of Corporal Joseph Franz, Company B, Sixteenth United States Army, who died and was buried at sea, September 3, 1898, after participating in the war with Spain.
JOHN K. WORTS is a pioneer of the Big Bend country and has gained distinction in at least two lines since coming here, while previous to that. he followed various occupa- tions in each of which he had achieved success.
John K. Worts was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on January 10, 1840, being the son of John and Katherine (Gagle) Worts, natives of Pennsylvania. They lived about ninety miles from Philadelphia and there re- mained all their lives, each being ninety years of age at the time of death. They were the
parents of eight children, two of whom are liv- ing, Philip and our subject. Both of the grandfathers of our subject were participants in the Revolution. The public schools and Franklin college furnished the education of John K. Worts, and at the age of twenty he quit school and soon thereafter, at the time of the first call, enlisted in Company F, Fifth Pennsylvania Infantry. He was in the militia for sometime previous to the war. In their hurry to reach Washington they were crowded into box cars much the same as cattle. Upon reaching Washington, he was appointed cor- poral and served his ninety days. Upon the expiration of that he reenlisted, participating in the battles of Gettysburg, Antietam, and other heavy engagements. Then he was taken sick and languished in the war hospital for six months after which he was mustered out. Af- ter regaining his health, he entered a machine shop and mastered that art, then operated a locomotive on various railroads until 1875, in which year he came to San Francisco. He spent one year in viewing the country and during the centennial year, came to Portland, Oregon. From 1876 to 1878 we find him again as engineer on the railroad, this time operating a locomotive on the Lake Shore in Washington. Thence he went to Portland; from there to The Dalles, and on February 4, 1879, he landed in what is now Spokane. There were very few people there then. He took a homestead on Four Mound prairie, bought a sawmill, and furnished lumber to the incoming settlers. In 1883, he came to Lincoln county and bought a mill which he continued to operate until 1890. During these years he bought and sold. land and now has three-fourths of a section well improved and cropped to grain. He also owns one of the finest orchards in the Big Bend country and in addition to this has city property.
In 1862, Mr. Worts married Miss Adda, daughter of Benjamin and Harriet Kline. She has nine brothers and sisters. To Mr. and Mrs. Worts, five children have been born ; Luther, in Lincoln county: Ella; Hattie, wife of Fred B. Hincle, in Paterson, New Jersey ; Maggie and Fred in Philadelphia.
Mr. Worts is a good strong Republican and one of the real workers at the campaigns. He belongs to the A. F. & A. M. and is a member of the English Lutheran church. In
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HISTORY OF THE BIG BEND COUNTRY.
1875, Mr. Worts was called to mourn the death of his wife. that event occurring at Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania.
OLIVER C. HOUCK, one of the earliest of the pioneers in Lincoln county, is now liv- ing in Spokane, at E. 1601 Pacific avenue, where he owns a beautiful residence. He is retired from the more active duties of life and with his good wife is enjoying the fruits of their thrift and labors of the years gone by. All the old timers of Lincoln county will be interested to read about Mr. and Mrs. Houck, and it is a pleasure for us to append the details of their careers.
Oliver C. Houck was born in Troft creek valley. Fulton county, Pennsylvania, on June 8, 1842. His parents were John Z. and Deborah (Woodcock) Houck. The ancestors on both sides were true Americans and highly respected people. The father died in Pennsylvania, his native state, having been a life long member of the Methodist church. Mrs. Houck, the mother, died on June 4, 1892, at her son's residence in Holden, Missouri, aged eighty- five years and eight days. She was born in Maryland, December 25, 1806, and married in Pennsylvania. He rhusband died in August, 1867. In February, 1869, she came to Holden and there lived with her son until her death. She was the mother of four sons and one daughter. She lived a devout Christian life and went home to the reward of the faithful. Our subject was educated in the common schools of Pennsylvania until 1860, when he came on west to Illinois. He worked for wages until his marriage, then went to farming for himself. He rented land at first, and became able later to buy and selected a farm where he dwelt for nine years. Believing that the west had good things for him, he came out to Ore- gon, explored the country in various sections and finally came to the vicinity of Colfax, Washington, wintering in 1882 within six miles from that then small town. The next year. 1883. he came to Lincoln county, then a wild and largely uninhabited region. After duc search he selected a farm place, it was then raw prairie, nine miles northeast from where Wilbur is now located. He used his pre- emption and timber culture rights and thus
secured a half section of land. The opening days of this country were times of labor and deprivation and it took strong hearts to brook all that came. The oldest son, Samuel, went to Walla Walla and wrought in the harvest fields to obtain cash for food, while the father and the mother labored to improve the farm. Mrs. Houck was a faithful helpmeet in those days and labored along with her husband in much of the out door work. Mr. Houck was possessed of real keen foresight and saw the future of the Big Bend and so bought railroad land as he became able, which wise move, to- gether with their careful labors, placed the family in very prosperous ways as the coun- try began to build up. They all continued to till the land and Mr. Houck was known as one of the leading men of his section. In 1900, he and his wife decided to take the rest that they had so well earned, and accordingly sold a portion of the fine estate, bought the resi- dence where they now live, and removed hither to pass the golden days of their years in rest and amid more comforts than the farm pro- vides.
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