USA > Washington > Douglas County > An illustrated history of the Big Bend country, embracing Lincoln, Douglas, Adams, and Franklin counties, state of Washington, pt 2 > Part 19
USA > Washington > Adams County > An illustrated history of the Big Bend country, embracing Lincoln, Douglas, Adams, and Franklin counties, state of Washington, pt 2 > Part 19
USA > Washington > Franklin County > An illustrated history of the Big Bend country, embracing Lincoln, Douglas, Adams, and Franklin counties, state of Washington, pt 2 > Part 19
USA > Washington > Lincoln County > An illustrated history of the Big Bend country, embracing Lincoln, Douglas, Adams, and Franklin counties, state of Washington, pt 2 > Part 19
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GEORGE M. McDONALD has won a brilliant success in the mercantile world in Douglas county and it is with pleasure we ac- cord him representation in the work which chronicles the history of this interesting poli- tical division. He has come to the front, not by reason of any "streak of luck," as is so often hurled at leading men, but has won the present position by dint of hard labor, steady appli- cation to business, and display of keen discrim- ination and business sagacity. He has always shown uprightness and integrity in his deal- ings and has thus won the confidence of the people, which is richly deserved.
George M. McDonald was born in Decatur county, Iowa, on February 26, 1857, being the son of William McDonald, who was born in Ohio but came as a pioneer to Iowa. Before coming to the Hawkeye State he married an Ohio girl, Neoma Montgomery and when the awful Rebellion broke out he tore himself from his home and enlisted in the Twenty-fourth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, to fight for his coun- try. He was put in the hospital later and there died, giving his life for his flag. Our subject was educated in Iowa and there remained en- gaged variously until 1881 when he came to Harrington, Kansas. For two years he did a livery business there and then sold and traveled until 1887. when he settled at Medical Lake, Washington. One year later he did building in Spokane, whence he came to Almira and opened a lumber yard and feed store. One year later Mr. McDonald located in Coulee City and started a feed and implement store. For two years this engaged him and then he added a general stock of merchandise and at once began to do a large and thriving business. For eleven years he has con- tinued in this business nd has come to be second to no mercantile house in the county. Early in 1903, Mr. McDonald sold the hardware and grocery departments of his business to DeBolt & McCann, and con- tinued handling dry goods and gents' furnish- ings together with boots and shoes until re- cently he added a grocery and hardware de- partments. Mr. McDonald has shown excel- lent wisdom in selecting and buying his goods to meet the needs of this section and herein lies much of his success. In addition to the enterprises mentioned, Mr. McDonald buys much wheat independently and does well in sell- ing to the general market. Politically, he is decidedly independent and although often so- licited to hold office he has absolutely refused to allow his name to appear on any ticket.
Mr. McDonald has two brothers, Albert T., and John W., and one half-sister. Mary L.
At Spokane, in 1900, Mr. McDonald mar- ried Miss Tosephine Bonner, a daughter of Peter and Margaret (Whalan) Bonner, the former a native of Holyoke. Massachusetts, and the latter of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She has the following named brothers and sisters, Mrs. Mary Marlow, Thomas James. Mrs. Nel- lie Sprague, William S., Mrs. Isabella Carr,
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Mrs. Catherine Hagey, Fred M., Frank R., and Grace. Mr. and Mrs. McDonald have no children of their own, but one adopted daugh- ter, Beulah D., born May 26, 1900.
Mr. McDonald is fraternally connected with the A. F. & A. M. and the I. O. O. F. and is a leading spirit in the county.
HON. DANIEL PAUL is one of the best known men in Douglas county. He resides in Coulee City and has the distinction of being the first man who settled permanently on land here. He owns about one thousand acres of land and is principally engaged in stock raising. and has continued steadily in the business since the early days of the eighties and has been suc- cessful.
Daniel Paul was born in county Antrim, Ireland, on November 12, 1849, being the son of Andrew and Margaret (Murray) Paul, na- tives of Ireland. Daniel was well educated in the public schools in his native country and there remained until he was nineteen, when he migrated to the United States. Settlement was made in Maryland and for five years he was engaged in general work. Then he came on to Montana and for several years was engaged in mining. His work was near Cedar creek and during the latter portion of his stay in that state, he was engaged in the stock business and also was proprietor of a large butcher shop in Missoula. He continued in this latter business until 1883 when he came farther west to Doug- las county, in Washington. Soon after com- ing here, and in fact from the very beginning, he engaged in the stock business and in 1885 located a pre-emption. Soon thereafter he took a homestead which is his home at the present time. Mr. Paul is a man possessed of the happy ability to adapt himself to the conditions and environments with which he is in touch and thus he has made a special success in the lines of enterprise taken up in this county. In 1896 the people of this county decided to send Mr. Paul to the legislature and conse- quently he was chosen for the upper house. He held several important committee positions, among which may be mentioned those of live stock, agriclutural and railroads. Mr. Paul's resourcefulness, his large fund of general in- formation and his thorough acquaintance with
what the people needed, coupled with his in- tegrity which is always unswerving, amply fitted him to do good work for his constituents in the legislature.
It is interesting to note that when Mr. Paul first came to this country, he was obliged to travel clear to Spokane for supplies and mail which was one of the obstacles the early set- tlers had to contend with. His cattle have always been of good breeds and now he has all grades. He finds market in the leading centers and does his own shipping.
Mr. Paul has one sister, Mrs. Maggie Mar- tin, residing with him at Coulee City. Fra- ternally, he is affiliated with the Elks.
THOMAS PARRY is the present ef- ficient and genial encumbent of the post office at Coulee City. He received his appointment in 1897 and has held the position since, to the entire satisfaction of the patrons of the office. Mr. Parry is a thorough business man and in company with Mr. Roberts handled one of the first machine shops in this vicinity. He is now heavily interested in land and sheep rais- ing, being one of the prosperous men of Doug- las county. Thomas P. was born in Denbigh- shire, North Wales, on May 16, 1861, the son of Edward and Ann Morgan Parry, natives of Wales. He was educated in the National schools of his native land and there remained until he grew to manhood. 1882 marks the date when he first set foot in the United States, and he soon selected Mazon, Grundy county, Illinois, as the place for his settlement and for two years he was occupied there in tilling the soil. In 1884, he came to Sprague, Lincoln county and engaged as wiper in the round house there. He worked his way up until he became en- gineer and remained with the Northern Pacific railroad until 1889. Then he entered part- nership with George R. Roberts and opened a general merchandise establishment at McEntee, the firm being known as Roberts & Parry. They did a large business there until 1895, and then dissolved partnership, Mr. Parry go- ing into business for himself. He did a con- fectionary and drug business until appointed to the post office and since has devoted himself to the office, together with his land and stock
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HISTORY OF THE BIG BEND COUNTRY.
interests. Mr. Parry has four brothers and one sister, all living in Wales.
At Sprague, on November 2, 1887 occurred the marriage of Thomas Parry and Miss Eliz- abeth E. Roberts. The parents of the bride are Robert G. and Elizabeth ( Williams) Rob- erts, natives of Wales and now living in this country. . Mrs. Parry has five brothers and four sisters, named as follows, George R., Rob- ert D., John, David, James, Sarah, Mrs. Ellen Rhyddarch, Mrs. Mariem Muir, and Mary. To Mr. and Mrs. Parry, the following children have been born, Esther A., Edith F., Lila S., and George S.
Mr. Parry does not belong to any denom- ination but is a supporter of all. He is known as a very energetic and stirring man and one of the upright and sagacious business men who have done much for the country.
FRANCIS W. McCANN is a member of the firm of De Bolt & McCann, who do a nice business in the hardware and grocery line in Coulee City. Mr. McCann is one of the pio- neers of the county and is a first class business man, well known, and popular.
Francis W. McCann was born in Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, on April 7, 1867, and his father, William McCann was also a native of the Keystone State and served in the Seven- teenth Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry for three years and eight months during the Civil war, being an excellent soldier. He is now a member of the G. A. R. After the war, he went to' Colorado, mining and made a fortune. Later, he wrought in the Transvaal diamond and gold fields of Africa and accumulated a large amount of money. He then set sail for his native land and when in sight of it, the steamer was wrecked and he lost all his money. Both parents are now residing in Wyoming.
Mr. McCann married Miss Margaret A. Day, a native of Pennsylvania and our subject was the only child. He was educated in the schools of Pennsylvania, Nebraska, and Doug- las county, Washington, having the distinction of attending the first school in this county. It was located about seven miles north of Hart- line and taught by C. C. Ladd. Following are the names of the other pupils who attended the same school: Edward and William Day; Al-
mira, Effie, Earl, and Elizabeth Rusho; Estes Higginbotham; Henry Elmer; Ada, Ella, and Kitty Rusho; James, Lucy and William Smith; Edwin and Ida Young. He was only eleven when the family went from Pennsylvania to Ne- braska and from that state, they journeyed to this county, landing here on September 16, 1883. Settlement was made about seven miles north from Hartline and there he remained until he attained his majority. In 1889, Mr. McCann took an active part in political matters and became deputy sheriff under Frank Day, the first elected sheriff in the county under the state constitution. Later, he was nominated for sheriff but was swept aside by the popu- listic wave and served as deputy sheriff under Charles Ogle. In 1900, Mr. McCann was elected on the Fusion ticket as county clerk, by a small majority, over J. W. Wolverton, the Republican. He served in this capacity, with satisfaction to all, until January, 1903, when he entered into his present business, forming a co-partnership with Mr. De Bolt, who is named in another part of this work.
On May 13, 1896, Mr. McCann married Miss Mary E., daughter of John C. and Sarah (Browning) Higginbotham. Mrs. McCann was born in Missouri, on July 3. 1878 and has four brothers and two sisters, James F., Mar- shall, George, Thomas, Mrs. Lecta Drinkard, and Sallie. To our subject and his wife, three children have been born, Ralph W., Frances F., and John C.
Mr. McCann is an adherent of the Roman Catholic church, while in political matters, he maintains an independent position. He is very active in the interests of the community and is known as a progressive and capable man.
ALBERT W. DE BOLT is one of the pioneer settlers of Douglas county and is now handling a large mercantile establishment in Coulee City. He has been active in various other capacities here and won especial distinc- tion in different lines as will appear in recount- ing the salient points of his career. Mr. De Bolt is as well known as any man in Douglas county, being distinguished by his energy, strength of purpose, and spirit. He was born in Fayette county, Indiana, on May 26, 1856, the son of Joseph and Ann E. (Silvey) De
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HISTORY OF THE BIG BEND COUNTRY.
Bolt, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio, re- spectively. The father was a stock dealer and was a member of the legislature for two terms, from his county, in the seventies. Our subject was favored with a high school education in Lafayette county, Missouri, whither the fam- ily had removed when he was ten years of age. In 1877, he journeyed thence to Linn county, Oregon, making a stop there of one year. The next move was to the vicinity of Pullman in Whitman county, this state, being a pioneer settler there. He was occupied for a decade in farming and in 1887 came to Douglas county, settling near Bridgeport. He engaged in the stock business and also took government land to which he added by purchase until he has one thousand acres. For thirteen years, Mr. De Bolt pursued the labors of farmer and stock raiser with abundant success. In 1903, he removed from the farm to Coulee City and opened a grocery and hardware store, handling also farming implements and vehicles. He has been favored with a fine patronage from the start and carries a large stock of goods.
While Mr. De Bolt was residing on the ranch, he was very active in breaking up the bands of cattle thieves which infested the coun- try and was occupied as justice of the peace for eight years by an appreciative public. On ac- count of his persistency in following the thieves, he was elected sheriff of Douglas county in 1900, defeating J. D. Logan, the Republican candidate by a majority of one hundred and fifty-two. Mr. De Bolt went for cattle thieves in such a manner that the county became well rid of them and he deserves the credit and praise of every property owner in the county of Douglas as well as central Washington. His fearlessness, his keenness, and his deter- mination, have won for him a fine name as well as enabling him to do untold good for the citizens of this county. When the notorious Tracy crossed the Columbia, Mr. De Bolt or- ganized a posse and took up the trail from which he never varied until he assisted to sur- round the outlaw in the wheat field near Cres- ton.
Mr. De Bolt has the following brothers and sisters, Henry A., Charles C., Herman, Frank. Mrs. Flora Younger and Mrs. Elizabeth Whit- nah.
The marriage of Mr. De Bolt and Miss Elizabeth Lowery, was celebrated in Whitman
county, on December 1, 1878 and to them have been born five children, Lulu F., in Whitman county, on January 10, 1881 ; Ione, in Whit- man county, on January 23, 1883; Wilmer, in Whitman county, on October 4, 1887; Leslie, in this county, near Bridgeport, on November 17, 1890; and Orville, in this county, on May 16, 1895. Mrs. De Bolt was born in Illinois, on January 25, 1865. Her father was David Lowery, a native of Illinois and pioneer to Whitman county. She has two brothers and one sister, George, John, and Mrs. Harriet Ris- ley. Mr. and Mrs. De Bolt are adherents of the Presbyterian church and they are very sub- stantial and estimable people.
DANIEL TWINING is one of the lead- ing business men in Coulee City, where he op- erates a coal and wood office. He has also dealt extensively in wheat and land and has done business all over the Big Bend country.
Daniel Twining was born in Pembrock- shire, Wales, on October 20, 1854, the son of Thomas and Margaret (Jones) Twining, both natives of Wales. The father was a sawyer by trade. Our subject received his educational training in the common school of Carmathen- shire and learned the trade of hammerman, when he had grown to manhood. In 1882, he came from Wales to the United States and at once set to work with zest to carve a fortune in the new world. After spending one winter in Illinois, he came on west with the true pio- neer spirit, settling in Sprague, Lincoln county. For some time he was occupied variously there and then journeyed to near where Almira is now located, where he selected a homestead. After residing there five years he came to Mc- Entee and took a pre-emption on which he now resides. It is well improved and supplied with running water. Mr. Twining has improved the place in good shape and in addition to handing it to general crops is also raising cat- tle. He has a fine band of stock and is one of the prosperous men in these lines. In addition to these enterprises, Mr. Twining is doing an excellent trade in coal, wood and ice, besides handling the butcher business.
At Spokane, on March 17, 1888. Mr. Twin- ing married Miss Ann Howell, the daughter of John and Mary ( Evans) Howell, natives of
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HISTORY OF THE BIG BEND COUNTRY.
Wales. Mrs. Twining was born in Carmar- then, Wales, on February 17, 1859, and died in Coulee City, on February 28, 1903. Mrs. Twining had one sister, Jane Llewellyn. Five children were born to this marriage: Thomas H., on June 19, 1889; Alfred J., on March 25, 1891 ; Daniel C., on November 29, 1893 ; Wen- deline A., on May 19, 1895; William L., on July 3, 1897. Mrs. Twining was a good woman and had the love and high esteem of all who knew her. Mr. Twining was a mem- ber of the Foresters and was raised under the influence of the Baptist church. He was elected justice of the peace but declined. He holds the office of county road supervisor. He was one of the pioneer settlers of this vicinity and has always shown a progressive spirit and la- bored for the improvement and upbuilding of the community.
WELLER EMRICK is an agriculturist, living about five miles northwest from Water- ville, who has manifested rare executive ability, together with thrift and industry in his labors in Douglas county. He is a man of consider- able property, stands well in the community and is well and favorably known.
Weller Emrick was born in Preble county, Ohio, on March 28, 1853, the son of Jacob and Lavina (Enoch) Emrick, natives of Berks county, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, respectively. The district school of his native place furnished our subject his educational training and when the family moved to Missouri, in 1866, he went also. They settled in Cass county and engaged in farming. For twenty years our subject re- mained under the parental roof, then started in life for himself. He went to Cowley county, Kansas, in 1875, where he bought land and for eleven years devoted himself to the basic art of agriculture. Then he went with a co-operative colony to Mexico, Jopolobampo, Sinaloa, being their postoffice. He remained there six years and was superintendent of agriculture for one year. From there, he came to Washington and settled in Douglas county, where he now re- sides. He at first purchased one quarter section but later added as much more. His farm pro- duces abundant crops of wheat, oats as well as of vegetables and fruit. Mr. Emrick has im- proved his farm in excellent shape and has a very comfortable rural abode. So well satis-
fied is he with the Big Bend country, he declares that this shall be the place in which he shall re- main until death calls him hence.
Mr. Emrick has the following brothers and sisters, Leander, Malvina and Marilus, all dwelling in Missouri. On July 1, 1875, in Missouri, Mr. Emrick married Miss Samantha, daughter of James and Delilah (Jackson) Blakely, natives of Virginia and Missouri, re- spectively. Mrs. Emrick was born in Cass county, Missouri, on February 16, 1857. To Mr. and Mrs. Emrick have been born four chil- dren, Ove, in Cowley county, Kansas, on Sep- tember 8, 1878; H. Hampton, on July 14, 1881 ; Reuben E., in Cowley county, Kansas, on April 19, 1885; and Dora E., September 23, 1888, and now deceased. The three children living are at home. Mr. Emrick is well enough posted on the issues of the day, that he does not tie himself to any party but manifests an inde- pendent position in political matters.
LEONARD SCHNEIDER has a fine es- tate of five hundred and sixty acres, about seven miles northeast from Waterville, which is his home at the present time. He has been known as one of the leading agriculturists in this sec- tion of the country for a number of years, on account the thrift displayed in the care of his farm and the sagacity in his business life.
Leonard Schneider was born in Racine county, Wisconsin, on February 12, 1860, the son of Godthart and Margaret (Jacobs) Schnei- der, natives of Germany and immigrants to the United States in 1856. Our subject was edu- cated in Racine county, Wisconsin, and Blue Earth county, Minnesota, whither he came with his parents. He remained at home until twen- ty-one years of age, then started out for him- self without a dollar in his pocket. For two years he worked on a neighboring farm, for eighteen dollars per month and in 1883, jour- neyed west to Garfield county, Washington. He took a pre-emption there, which he sold in 1888. It was 1885, that Mr. Schneider took a homestead about nine miles northeast of Water- ville, which land he sold to his brother recently. Mr. Schneider then took up his residence on his wife's homestead, and to which he has added by purchase as stated above. The land is all first class and is well cultivated. He has abund-
WELLER EMRICK
LEONARD SCHNEIDER
MRS. LEONARD SCHNEIDER.
WILLIAM DOMRESE
MRS. WILLIAM DOMRESE
ORVILL CLARK
HENRY PRANGE
OLE RUUD
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HISTORY OF THE BIG BEND COUNTRY.
ance of horses for farm work, and raises good thoroughbred cattle and Poland China hogs. Mr. Schneider is a man of intelligence, good judgment, and executive ability, which is very apparent from the success he has attained by his labors in Douglas county. Mr. Schneider has the following brothers and_sisters, John, Phillip, Joseph, Anthony, Mrs. Catherine Ber- inger, Mrs. Mary Rubanzer, Mrs. Annie Foster and Mrs. Agnes Richter.
Mr. Schnieder married at Waterville, on October 20, 1897, Mrs. Mary E. Longacre, be- coming his wife at that time. She is a daugh- ter of Richard G. S. and Elizabeth (Pitts) Burke, natives of Kentucky. Mrs. Schneider was born in Johnson county, Missouri, on March 20, 1861, and has the following named brothers and sisters, Mrs. Marcella F. Blewins, James P., John H., Frederick S., Warren A., Richard W., Isaac N. and Frances M., twins, Mrs. Lou A. Lauderman, Mrs. Laura C. Mor- ris, Mrs. Flora G. Taylor and Mrs. Sarah L. Allison. By her former marriage Mrs. Schnei- der had three children, Willis R., James W., and Edmond G.
Mr. and Mrs. Schneider have become the parents of three children, Benjamin F., Laura I., and Frederick L.
Mr. Schneider is a member of the Roman Catholic church while his wife is a Baptist.
WILLIAM DOMRESE is to be classed as one of the pioneers of Douglas county. Since the early days when the prairies were without human habitation and when many hardships had to be borne by those who sought homes in this section, and until the present time, Mr. Domrese has devoted himself steadily to the labors of upbuilding and improving. His pres- ent fine holding has been gained as the result of his industry and he is to be addressed as one of the leading citizens of the county.
William Domrese was born in Prussia, on March 26, 1844, the son of Carl and Lottie (Litchew) Domrese, both natives of Prussia. They came to the United States in 1860, settling in Chicago. Before leaving the old country, our subject had begun his education and con- tinued the same in the Garden State, until nine- teen. In that year, being 1863, he enlisted at Chicago in the United States navy. He was on
the Monitor, Osage, Naid, Onichita, Fairplay and Neosho, and received his honorable dis- charge at Mound City, Illinois, on August 17, 1867. He had participated in the Mississippi campaign under Admiral Porter and was at New Orleans, Vicksburg and Baton Rouge. He was wounded while on the Naid by a glanc- ing shell, which kept him in the hospital for five months. Following his discharge, he returned to Chicago and there remainned for six months, during which time occurred the Chicago fire. In 1873, he removed to Winona county, Min- nesota, where his residence was for seven years, during which time he was engaged in carpen- tering and building. From that city, he jour- neyed to Stafford county, Kansas, and contin- ued the same business, and among the different edifices erected by him were the school house and court house at St. John.
In 1884. Mr. Domrese provided himself with teams and wagons and crossed the plains to Washington, consuming six months in the journey. It was in October when he landed in Douglas county and he took by squatter's right a place near the old town of Okanogan, which was six miles east from where Waterville now stands. After a short residence there, he re- moved to where Mr. Teller now lives, but only remained a few months. In 1886, he took up a pre-emption and timber cluture, which was a nucleus of his present estate, which lies about seven miles northeast from Waterville. To that one-half section, he has added as much more by purchase and the whole section of land is one of the finest farms to be found anywhere in this region. It has been brought to a high state of cultivation and is very productive. This estate is supplied with good buildings and im- provements. Mr. Domrese has a nice band of cattle and in addition to farming and stock raising he has done considerable contracting and building in Waterville and other places, since settling here.
Politically, Mr. Domrese has always been active and was one of the first delegates from this county to the Republican convention at Seattle. Our subject has two brothers and one sister, Herman, Edward and Mrs. Lena Nhels.
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