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 49
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 49
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 49
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 49
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SHERMAN P. PLANK, who resides about two miles south from Creston, is one of the prosperous agriculturists that have won suc-
cess in their labors in the Big Bend. He is to be classed with the early pioneers of this part of the state, and since coming here, his labors show plainly the industry which characterize him, while his excellent holdings now demon- strate the thrift and sagacity that have been dominating his actions.
Sherman P. Plank resides on the land he took as a preemption in 1886. Since, he has added by purchase until he has a generous es- tate. He was born in Laird, Minnesota, on November 20, 1864, the son of Joseph and Diantha (Schmerhorn) Plank. The father was born in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, followed farming, and came as a pioneer to Minnesota when a young man. The mother was born in Albany, New York, came to Wisconsin when seven years old and then to Minnesota in 1854. Our subject was educated in the common schools of his native state and labored with his father on the farm until twenty-two. Then he came to Walla Walla and engaged as a hand on the farms there. In 1885 he came to Lincoln county and did farm work. The next year he preempted his place and since that time has devoted himself to improving and cultivating his own estate. He has gained a goodly compe- tence and has the farm well improved and re- ceives annually bounteous returns of crops.
In 1897, Mr. Plank married Miss Mary, daughter of Eli and Mary A. (Oliver) Wonch, natives of Canada and Wales, respectively. Mrs. Plank was born in Redwood Falls, Minne- sota, in 1871. To this marriage the following children have been born, Mary A., Francis C., Ida R., and Eli L.
CHARLES M. BARBRE resides about five miles north from Creston and is known as one of the leading farmers and most substan- tial citizens of this part of the county. He was born in Washington county, Virginia, on April I, 1867, being the son of Peter J. and Mary A. (Sherwood) Barbre, natives of Virginia. The father moved to Tennessee when a child. He was a mechanic in early life but in later days followed farming. He is a veteran of the Civil War and he and his wife are very prominent church workers, being members of the Meth- odist church, South. Our subject received his. education in the common schools of Virginia
LOUIS ANDERSON
SHERMAN P. PLANK
CHARLES M. BARBRE
WILLIAM W. RHODES
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and as soon as those days were over. he began the task of learning the carpenter trade. Later he became an expert mechanical engineer and followed that and carpentering for fifteen years. He assisted in the erection of the Mathison Alkali works at Saltville, Virginia, the largest plant of the kind at that time in America. He also assisted to put the machinery in the plant and was engaged there for three years. It was 1898, when Mr. Barbre came to his present lo- cation and rented a farm of one half section. He bought that and took a homestead in ad- dition. He has now four hundred acres of fine land, two hundred of which are devoted to the production of wheat. He also handles stock in addition to raising wheat.
In 1887, Mr. Barbre married Miss Molley E., daughter of Jesse C. and Liddy (Sher- wood) Mountain, natives of Virginia. The father was a mechanic and late in life engaged in farming. To Mr. and Mrs. Barbre two chil- dren have been born, Wiley B. and James C.
Mr. Barbre has hosts of friends in Lincoln county and is a man of excellent standing in the community.
WILLIAM WALLACE RHODES is one of the industrious farmers of Lincoln county and his estate lies about four miles northeast from Creston. He was born in Missouri, on August. 1861, being the son of William Wal- lace and Sevilla J. ( Hall) Rhodes. The father was a native of Ohio and in 1862, started on a journey overland to California. Owing to the hostilities of the Indians, he stopped at Salt Lake City where he remained for a time, then he returned to Denver, reaching there just be- fore the serious Indian outbreak. He was chief of police in the city of Denver for a long time, and died September 29. 1879. in his forty- fourth year. The widowed mother then mar- ried H. F. Warren, a native of Vermont and a veteran of the Civil War. He is one of the earliest settlers in this part of Washington. Our subject was taken by his parents from Mis- souri to Salt Lake City when an infant and then to Denver, in which place he received his edu- cation. In 1875, he went to Del Norte, Col- orado, where he was engaged in freighting for a number of years. In 1882. he came thence to Sherman, Washington, and settled on a farm. Since that time he has given his attention
largely to farming and also to buying and sell- ing realestate. He now owns a nice place as mentioned above and is occupied almost en- tirely in tilling the soil. In 1891, Mr. Rhodes married Miss Anna, daughter of John and Mary ( Wynhoff ) Verfurth, and niece of H. S. Wynhoff, mentioned elsewhere in this work. Mrs. Rhodes was born in Wisconsin, on April 9, 1860. To Mr. and Mrs. Rhodes two chil- dren have been born, Survilla M. and Hilda Wynona. Mr. Rhodes has been on the frontier all his life and is a typical pioneer. He has traveled many thousands of miles and almost entirely by team, having ridden on the cars but a very few miles in all his journeyings.
JONAS JESSEN was born in Germany, on July 14. 1857, and now resides about seven miles north from Almira on a fine estate that he has acquired since coming to this country. He is a prosperous farmer, a popular man, and a patriotic citizen. His parents, Paul and Mary (Nickolansen) Jessen, were born in Germany. The father served in the war between Ger- many and Denmark in 1864. Our subject was educated in his native country and then worked for wages until the age of twenty-one, when he enlisted in the German army. In 1882, he made his way to the New World and finally lo- cated in San Francisco. A year later, he came to his present location and took a homestead and preemption and afterward bought land until he has four hundred acres. Ile has given his attention to the cultivation and improvement of his estate and has succeeded excellently. Good buildings, fine orchard, and other improvements are the result of his labors and his residence is beautifully situated among shade trees, which makes it one of the choice spots in the county.
In 1893. Mr. Jessen married Miss Johannah E., daughter of Carl and Minnie Busch, na- tives of Germany. They came to Lincoln coun- ty in early days and now live north from .11- mira. Mrs. Jessen was born in lowa. To this marriage five children have been born, Paul W., Nora M., Ruben C., Viola M., and Ruth E., deceased.
Mr. Jessen's parents were wealthy and prominent people in Germany and although they assisted him somewhat in his start here, yet the
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major portion of all that he now owns is the result of his labors and wise management. When Mr. Jessen first came to this country he determined to master the English language and he has done so thoroughly, being able to write and speak it well. He stands well in the com- munity and is an influential citizen.
WILLIAM H. KIRK is one of the men who stepped forward and offered his services, and his life, if need be, for the honor of the stars and stripes when rebellion was rife in this fair land. He fought with the vigor of the patriot, with the determination and faithfulness of the true soldier and made a record in which he may well take pride. Mr. Kirk enlisted at the breaking out of the war, at Quincy, Illinois, in the Second Illinois Cavalry. He served with General Grant on his Mississippi campaign, fought in the battle of Belmont and many others, besides doing much skirmishing. He assisted to occupy Island No. 10, was then ordered into the Kentucky territory and later went to join Sherman. From there he went to Join the Red River campaign. His time be- ing out in 1864, he received an honorable dis- charge after which he returned to Illinois.
Reverting more particularly to the early life of our subject, we note that he was born in Scotland, on May 25, 1838, being the son of James and Ann ( Halliday) Kirk, both natives of Scotland. The father was a soldier in the British army. Our subject was educated in his native land until thirteen then went to sea. After making many voyages, he came to Que- bec and there left the ship and went to work on the Grand Trunk railway. In 1854, we see him in Vermont, working on a farm and going to school. Two years later, he was in the same cccupation in Illinois and there also, he sailed some on the Great Lakes. He labored in Iowa and in 1858 drove oxen to Salt Lake City. Ow- ing to the fact that the Mormons, as well as the Indians, were very hostile to the gentiles lie experienced much trouble and danger, yet came through with his life. For a time, he was em- ployed in Wyoming for the French traders and in the quartermaster's department at Fort Mara- mie and in 1859, went back to Illinois, determ- ined to study some more. For two years, he
was occupied thus until joining the army as mentioned above. Three years were spent in Illinois after the war and in 1867, he went to Missouri. A decade later, he came on to Kan- sas and the winter of 1883-4 was spent in Cheney, Washington. The following spring he came to his present location, about five miles north from Almira, and took a homestead. He also took a timber culture claim and has bought land since until he now has seven hundred and twenty acres of fertile grain producing soil. He has a fine place, well watered by springs and improved.
On March 6, 1867, Mr. Kirk married Miss Harriett E., the daughter of Rev. William and Harriett E. (Tong) Crain. The father was born in Virginia and reared in Kentucky and was, during his life, a prominent Methodist preacher. The mother was born in Missouri. Mrs. Kirk was born in Schuyler county, Illinois, on April 20, 1847. To this worthy couple the following children were born: James B., who was a first class machinist on the Monterey in the Spanish war and at Manila, during the time of this service; Mrs. Harriett E. McKinnis, whose husband is a farmer living at Fairfield, Washington ; William H., on a farm near Al- mira ; Mary E., the wife of Mr. Burke, a grain buyer in Almira; Mrs. Effie A. Nelson, whose husband is cashier in the Farmer's State Bank at Nez Perce, Idaho; Mrs. Lethe A. Mitchell, whose husband is a livery man in Almira; and Viva L., a school girl.
GERHARD AND JOHN ROSENBALM. About three miles north from Almira, on one of the richest, medium sized estates of the county, dwell the two brothers whose names are at the head of this sketch. They are well known men of responsibility and wealth and have labored with excellent success in Lincoln county for nearly twenty years. During this time their uprightness and integrity have ever been in evidence and the result is that they have hosts of friends and are influential men. They were born in Germany, the sons of Alvin and Anna ( Bremmer) Rosenbalm, natives of Ger- many. The mother was an educated and talented lady and their father was a worthy and prominent cloth weaver. Our subjects were
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educated in their native land and wrought in their father's woolen mill, mastering the art of cloth weaving. In 1882, they determined to view the new world and accordingly, came to New York, whence they journeyed on to Mis- souri. For a time they were occupied in work- ing for wages and as it was their desire to see the country, they would work for a few months, then travel. In this way, they explored Minne- sota, Dakota, Montana, and Oregon. In Ore- gon, they wrought in the woolen mills until 1886, when they journeyed to Lincoln county and bought land where they now live. Since . then, they have been identified with this coun- try, its upbuilding, its improvement, and its prosperity. Dame fortune seems to have chained her chariot to these men, as they have been abundantly prospered and are among the wealthy and leading citizens. As yet they have never seen fit to leave the ranks of the order of jolly bachelors.
GEORGE W. CROSSGROVE has labored assiduously in Lincoln county for over twenty years, manifesting during this long time, a marked industry, uprightness, and interest in the welfare of the country. His estate of nearly one thousand acres lies about three miles north from Almira and has been acquired by govern- ment rights and purchase. He has the same in a fine state of cultivation and receives an- nually a handsome dividend from the crop of cereals raised.
George W. Grossgrove was born in Dela- ware, on February 21. 1856. His parents. Jo- seph and Rachel ( Carpenter) Crossgrove, were of English descent. When George was an in- fant of eighteen months, he was taken by his parents across the plains to California. Before he was eleven years of age, both his parents had died, and he was thus early thrust out in the world alone. It was decided best for him to return to Delaware and accordingly he went back to the old home place and worked for his cousin until 1875, gaining in the meantime what education he could. In the year last mentioned. he journeyed again to California and there farmed until 1883. when he came to his present location, taking a preemption first. Mr. Cross- grove started in life with nothing and has gained his entire holding as the result of his
labors and wisdom. He is now one of the lead- ing farmers of the Big Bend country, prosper- ous and of good standing. Mr. Crossgrove has one brother, Joseph C., living in Delaware and three sisters, Lydia E., Rachel E., and Mrs. Mary R. Brown.
Mr. Crossgrove is popular in this commun- ity and has hosts of friends, but the quieter joys of bachelordom have appealed thus far more strongly to him than a matrimonial life and so he is still without a helpmeet.
EDMOND J. BURKE, an old timer of Almira, Washington, is a respected citizen of Lincoln county and an energetic business man. He is well liked and popular, owing to his sound principles. The success he has achieved is the due reward of his labors and wisdom and although he has met numerous obstacles in his career, he has invariably overcome them and is now possessed of a large holding in this world's goods.
E. J. Burke was born in Winona county, Minnesota, on May 28, 1861. His father, Thomas B. Burke, was a native of Ireland and emigrated to America in 1848, settling on a farm in Minnesota. In 1875, he moved to Greene county, Iowa, and there farmed. The mother. Sarah ( Kain) Burke, was born in Ire- land and came to America when a young girl. She died in 1869. Our subject received his edu- cation in the district schools of Minnesota and lowa then completed the same in the graded schools of Nebraska. He came to Idaho in 1883 and soon thereafter made his way to Washington. In the spring of 1884. he came first to Douglas county, Washington, and took a homestead in what is known as the Grand Cou- lee settlement. Later he took a timber cul- ture claim and also bought land at various times until he owns a total of nine hundred and sixty acres. This is divided into several farms, cach of which is well improved with all the neces- sary buildings and fences. Mr. Burke started in to raise stock in this country and handled cattle for seven years. Then, it being 1891, he sold his cattle, took a trip to California and in 1892 returned to Almira, where he bought grain for the Northern Pacific elevator com- pany. In 1893, he bought grain with J. C.
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Keller, in 1894, he was associated in the same business with J. C. Johnson. Finally he sold to Mr. Johnson and in 1898, went to the Palouse country and bought a store. He operated this for two years and then the same burned up. In 1900, we find Mr. Burke again in Almira, where he bought a large grain warehouse. This he sold the next year to the Puget Sound ware- house company and since then has been buying grain for them. Since he quit the stock busi- ness, in 1891, he has rented his farms and they bring him in annually a handsome income. Mr. Burke started with a very limited capital and is now one of the leading and substantial busi- ness men of this part of the country.
The marriage of Mr. Burke and Mary E. Kirk, was celebrated in 1893. Mrs. Burke was born in Maine, on July 13. 1875. the daughter of William and Eliza (Crain) Kirk, who are living near Almira, and are mentioned in an- other portion of this work.
Mr. Burke has one brother, Thomas, liv- ing near Almira. Mr. and Mrs. Burke have one child, William E., born February 2, 1901.
AMEL H. KNOX is well known as one of the leading business men of Almira. He is proprietor of the City Meat Market, one of the finest markets in Lincoln county, and which the ability of our subject has brought to its present condition.
Amel H. Knox was born in Wisconsin, on June 20, 1872. being the son of Fred and Amelia ( Wislinsky ) Knox, natives of Germany. They came to America when young and settled in Wisconsin where they are engaged in farm- ing. Our subject received his education in the school adjacent to his home place, also assisting his father during his young days on the farm. Then he went to work for wages and as early as 1890, came to Douglas county where he took a homestead. He was one of the diligent and enterprising farmers of that county until re- cently, when he sold his farm property and moved to Almira where he started a meat mar- ket. Soon after opening business he had the great misfortune to lose everything by fire and then he built a fine brick structure which is in keeping with his business. Mr. Knox enjoys a fine patronage and in the years in which he
has resided in this country has cleared con- siderable property being now one of the well- to-do citizens. His strict business principles and affability have won for him the respect of all and given him an excellent patronage.
In 1900, Mr. Knox married Miss Nora Hill, a native of Missouri, and to them two chil- dren. Orin and Earl E., have been born.
The building in which Mr. Knox does busi- ness is twenty by fifty feet and in addition to carrying a full stock of choice meats and fish, he also handles fresh fruits and vege- tables. His market is an up-to-date busi- ness place, provided with all modern ap- pliances known to this business, and is a model of neatness and taste. He also operates a wagon throughout the surround- ing territory and supplies patrons sixteen miles from town. In addition to the property men- tioned, he owns a beautiful residence in Almira and other interests.
T. B. SOUTHARD is doing a real estate and insurance business in Almira. He was born in Arkansas, on October 20, 1875, the son of Polk D. and Susan (Williams) Southard, na- tives of Tennessee and Arkansas, respectively. In the latter state the father became a promi- nent and well-to-do business man and is pro- prietor of a large mill and cotton gin. Our subject was educated in the public schools of Salem, Arkansas, and in 1897, went to Texas, where he engaged in the cotton business. Later, we find him in Oklahoma and although he registered at the time of the opening of the Comanche strip, he was unable to obtain land. Then he returned to Texas and managed a cotton gin for a while. Afterward, on January 6, 1903, he came to Almira, since which time he has been engaged as stated above.
In 1903, Mr. Southard married Miss Ida M., daughter of John and L. F. ( Cotner ) Lloyd, natives of Missouri, and later well-to-do busi- ness people of Texas. Mrs. Southard was born in Texas, on October 16, 1881, and she first met Mr. Southard in her native state. The brother of our subject, William E. Southard, is an attorney at law in Almira. He received his education in Arkansas, served as corporal in the Spanish-American war, and in 1898 was
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admitted to the practice of law, having passed a successful examination after eight months of study. After practicing some time in Arkan- sas, he came, in 1901, to Almira, where he be- gan the practice of law and now has a fine clientage. He has an office and a good library. In 1892 he married Miss Ella Lyle, the daugh- ter of Allan and Eliza Lyle, prominent farmers of Fulton county, Arkansas.
The Southard Brothers are, comparatively, recent arrivals in Almira, but they have built up a practice of law here already, which shows their ability and worth, and they have great reason to be proud of the success which they have achieved.
HENRY M. THOMPSON has gained a sticcess in Lincoln county in which he may well take pride. He landed here on March 15, 1889. and settled on a homestead three miles west from Wilbur. He went to work with a will and was soon in shape to buy more land. He continued purchasing until he owned a section and one-half all brought to a high state of cul- tivation and valuable in producing excellent crops. Mr. Thompson continued in charge of his farm until 1902 when he sold the same for twenty-two thousand dollars. He also has left considerable land in other portions of the coun- try. Immediately following this sale, he moved to Almira and erected one of the largest dwell- ing in this portion of the county. In addition to handling his other estates and business he is also the principal owner of the Almira Brick & Building Company and is one of the leading business men of the county. It is extremely interesting to note that when Mr. Thompson came to this country, his total cash capital was fifteen dollars. His possessions now are among the largest of any in this favored section.
Henry M. Thompson was born in Ohio. on May 25, 1862, being the son of Jolin W. and Anne S. (Dark) Thompson, natives of New Jersey and Willshire, England, re- spectively. The father came to Ohio when young and became one of the leading men of that state. The mother crossed from England to America with her mother when a child and settled in Ohio. The public schools of Mis- souri contributed the educational training of our subject, the parents having moved there
when he was a child. When ten years of age he was called to mourn the death of his father and on account of that his advantages for se- curing an extensive education were cut short. Dutiful and faithful, he remained with his mother, assisting to handle the estate until 1880 when he went to Kansas and again worked for wages in the construction department of the railroad. He was very soon promoted to be superintendent of the same but later returned to Missouri. In 1883. we find him in California and the same year he journeyed to Spokane and then located at Deep Creek, Washington. That was his home until 1889. the year in which he came to Lincoln county.
In 1885, Mr. Thompson married Miss Anna C., daughter of Ely C. and Mary K. (Scruggs) Johnson. The father was born in Kentucky, where he became a prominent and worthy stock- man. The mother was born in Tennessee. Her father was a rich planter and land owner of that country.
To Mr. and Mrs. Thompson the following named children have been born, Grace I .. Mary E .. A. Raymond, Blanche E. and Floyd A. Mr. Thompson has the following brothers and sisters, A. J., H. D., Mrs. J. Smith, Mrs. Alice Hill, and Mrs. Nellie Fancher. Mrs. Thompson is a talented and accomplished lady. She was born in Missouri where she received a fine education. Mr. Thompson is a man of excellent executive ability, good practical judg- ment, and sterling worth. He is reasonably active in politics and for two years was county commissioner of Lincoln county.
RICHARD T. HUGHES is a young man of good substantial qualities and worth, well known and appreciated in Almira and the sur- rounding country. He owns and operates a fine blacksmith shop, and stands at the head of a good business. He was born in Montgom- ery county, Iowa, in 1875. being the son of Thomas and Jane ( Williams) Hughes, natives of Wales. The father came to America when a young man and settled in Iowa on a farm. where he gained both wealth and prominence. In 1882. he sold his holdings there and journeyed west to the Evergreen state. finally selecting land about seven miles north of the present site of
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Almira. He went into the stock business and did well, but lost heavily during the hard winter. Later, he gave up that business and went to farming and now owns four hundred acres of valuable land, just north of Almira. He and his wife are highly respected people and are among the pioneers of Lincoln county. Our subject received his education in the district schools of Lincoln county and then worked on his father's farm for a number of years. In 1898, he rented a farm which he worked for one year, then went to Spokane and was ap- prenticed to W. T. Parker, a blacksmith, of that city. Later, he went to work for the Diamond Carriage Company, where he made a specialty of horse shoeing, becoming very proficient in this as well as in every part of his trade. In 1902, Mr. Hughes went to work for A. M. Aiken at Almira and one year later bought him out, since which time he has conducted the busi- ness himself. Mr. Hughes has one brother, Abner, a school boy, and one sister, Mrs. Charles Diebrel, of Spokane.
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