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 22
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 22
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 22
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 22
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Mr. Whitehall is not affiliated with any fraternal order and he and his wife belong to the Seventh Day Church of God and are warm supporters of their faith.
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GEORGE M. STAPISH is a leading busi- ness man at Hartline. He carries a full line of undertaking goods and agricultural implements and does a very thriving business. He was born in Chelsea, Michigan, on May 25, 1862. His parents, Michael and Emma (Franz) Stapish, were natives of Germany. The com- mon schools of Michigan furnished the educa- tional training of our subject and he continued there until he had completed the high school course. Then he learned the butcher trade and remained in Michigan until twenty eight years of age. It was in 1890, when he first came west and settled on a homestead about five miles south of Hartline. He turned his attention to farming and improved the place in good shape, then sold the property. After that, he bought a section of very choice wheat land just south from Hartline, which he owns at the present
time. The estate is provided with a fine two story residence, barns and so forth and is one of the choice ones of this section. Mr. Stapish oversees this estate and gives his time almost entirely to conducting his business. In 1891, he graduated from the Spokane college of em- balming and is very expert and successful in this line of work. Mr. Stapish has given much study and careful investigation to perefcting himself in this art and he has gained great pro- ficiency. He holds a state license.
Mr. Stapish has four brothers and two sisters, Frank, Henry, Frederick, Thomas, Mrs. Leonard Binder and Kate.
At Hartline, in 1896, occurred the marriage of Mr. Stapish and Miss Maggie, daughter of David and Phemia (Bonham) Utt, natives of Ohio and Wisconsin, respectively. Mrs. Stap- ish was born in Wisconsin, on November 6, 1855. She has six sisters, Nora, Mrs. Emlie Mason, Mrs. Charles Gage, Mrs. Thomas O'Neal, Mrs. James F. Harris and Mrs. James Winfrey.
Mr. Stapish was raised in the Roman Catholic church, and is a well respected and substantial citizen.
JOHN W. McDONALD, who stands at the head of a very prosperous business as com- mission merchant in grain and dealer in agri- cultural implements, is also president of the Hartline bank, in the organization of which he was the moving spirit. The enterprise, adapt- ability, and good judgment of Mr. McDonald have established him in the esteem of the people and without doubt he has done a great deal towards building up this thriving village.
John W. McDonald was born in Decatur county, Iowa, on July 7, 1862, being the son of William and Neoma ( Montgomery) Mc- Donald, natives of Ohio, and pioneers of Iowa. John W. McDonald was well educated in the schools in Decatur county and there grew to manhood. At the age of twenty, he went to Kansas where he operated a livery stable and later opened a drug store. For five years he resided there then came, in 1888, to Medical Lake, Washington and there did contracting and building, having become efficient in this line of industry in later days. After the fire in Spokane, he went there and assisted to re-
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HISTORY OF THE BIG BEND COUNTRY.
build that stricken city. Later, he removed to Almira and opened a feed and lumber business where he continued for one year and then began buying grain for the Northern Pacific Elevator Company. In 1893, Mr. McDonald launched out in this enterprise for himself, feeling his way cautiously. He has succeeded well and is now one of the large grain buyers of Douglas county. In 1894, he bought out D. E. Reeves, the pioneer merchant of Hartline, and who owned the only stock of merchandise in the town at that time. Mr. McDonald operated the business six years. After becoming established in the grain buying business, Mr. McDonald added farming implements and later began handling all kinds of vehicles. He carries now, a most complete stock and does a very large business. Seeing the need of a financial insti- tution in Hartline, Mr. McDonald took upon himself the organization of the same and was successful in securing sufficient local capital to establish the Hartline bank, which began to do business in 1903. Mr. McDonald is the presi- dent and moving spirit in the institution and his success in the financial world, together with keen discrimination and business integrity, have given him the confidence of the people. Mr. McDonald has two brothers and one sister, Albert, George, and Mrs. Mary Lilly.
At Spokane, on August 9, 1894, Mr. Mc- Donald married Miss Ella, daughter of Andrew and Julia Hagey, natives of Iowa. Mrs. Mc- Donald was born at Walla Walla, on February 16, 1872 and has one brother, Thomas, and two sisters, Mrs. Clara Yelton and Mrs. Katie Sager. Two children have been the fruit of this union: Clive W., born on July 7. 1895 : and Darrell W., born on September 15, 1900; both being natives of Douglas county.
Mr. McDonald is a member of the A. F. & A. M. and is progressive and broad-minded.
RILEY GILBERT, who dwells about six miles west from Coulee City, is known as one of the representative men of Douglas county, capable and upright. His holdings entitle him to be placed with the leading agriculturists of the Big Bend country and his standing is of the very best.
Riley Gilbert was born in Allen county, Ohio, on February 9, 1841, the son of Lorenzo
Dow and Hannah ( Belknap) Gilbert, natives of New York state, the former deceased, and the latter now dwelling near Rockford, Wash- ington. The mother is aged eighty-nine. The family removed to Van Buren county, Iowa soon after the birth of our subject and in 1847, they crossed the plains to the Willamette valley, the Mecca of the west then. In that place the education that Mr. Gilbert had begun in Iowa was completed. Lane county was the home place and there he remained until manhood's estate was reached. Then he took up farming and remained continuously at that labor until 1887, in which year he made his way thence to the Big Bend country. After due search and in- vestigation, he selected his present estate, taking a homestead and timber culture claim. He has given his attention closely to improving his place since those days and the result is he has a farm second to none in its cultivation and productiveness. His improvements are well bestowed and all about the premises shows the care and thrift which characterize the owner. Mr. Gilbert has some fine thorough- bred cattle and horses and his fine pasture is provided with a spring of living water.
Mr. Gilbert has the following named brothers and sisters, Philander, Phineas, Jesse B., Mrs. Jane Clark, Mrs. Mary Edwards, and Mrs. Emma Watts. In political matters he has taken a zealous part and has done good service as justice of the peace and notary public, while in his efforts for general upbuilding, he has labored wisely and well.
In 1865, while in Oregon, Mr. Gilbert mar- ried Miss Nancy D. Allen, who died in Junction City, Oregon, in 1875, leaving four children, Granville M., born in Oregon, Mrs. Viola Ricks, Corrington, and Mrs. Ella Salmon, all in the Big Bend country.
At Junction City, Oregon, in 1878, Mr. Gilbert married Miss Emma C., daughter of Adam N. and Margaret (Wheatley) Cum- mings, natives of Ohio and Maryland, respect- ively. The father crossed the plains in 1861. Mrs. Gilbert was born in Des Moines, Iowa, on March 21, 1859, and she has the following named brothers and sisters, James M., Adam C., Dorsey E., Mrs. Hester Walters, Mrs. Anna R. Page, Mrs. Ida M. Evens, and Clara E. To. Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert five children have been born: Stanley C., at Junction City, Oregon, on September 12, 1880; Clara E., in
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HISTORY OF THE BIG BEND COUNTRY.
Oregon, on April 15, 1886; Walter L., Alden P., and Theresa, all born on the farm and on the dates mentioned, respectively, May 9, 1888, August 16, 1890, and January 19, 1894.
JAMES H. HILL. There is no mistaking the popularity of the subject of this article, in Douglas county. In 1894, his name appeared on the Republican ticket, for treasurer of the county, and he was one of four on the ticket who were elected. His majority was general and expected by everybody in the county. He made a most excellent and reliable officer and pleased his supporters in every respect. He now has a farm of over one section in the vicinity of Hartline, well stocked and under cul- tivation, to the management of which he gives his attention, largely. In addition to this Mr. Hill has been engaged in business with Mr. J. WV. McDonald for years.
James H. Hill was born in Spring Green, Wisconsin, on September 24, 1860, the son of Thomas and Margaret (Mort) Hill, natives of England and pioneers to Wisconsin in 1854. Like the balance of the American youth, our subject received the bulk of his education in the public schools, finishing the same in the high school, and in the business college at Keokuk, Iowa. Being thus well fortified for business life, he came west in 1887, took a pre- emption and later a homestead, which are part of his present estate. He immediately and wisely added by purchase until he has one of the finest estates in this section, and which is in a very high state of cultivation, producing annually in excellent abundance. When Mr. Hill first located here he was without financial means but is now one of the most prosperous men of the section. In 1892, he was elected justice of the peace and later was re-elected but refused to qualify the second time. Following his retirement from the treasury of Douglas county, Mr. Hill returned to his farin and con- tinued steadily in this ever since. He has four brothers, Thomas, John, William, Charles, and one sister, Mrs. Mary East, who died recently at Waterville.
At Spring Green, Wisconsin, on February 19, 1884. Mr. Hill married Miss Susie, daugh- ter of Joseph and Christine (Schmitt) Schmitz, natives of Germany. Mrs. Hill was born in
Wisconsin, in August, 1862, and has one brother, John, and six sisters, Mrs. Catherine Rick, Mrs. Emma Greenhick, Mrs. Celine Weidenfeld, Mrs. Gertrude Elder, Mrs. Maggie Greenhick, and Mrs. Hellen Green- hick. To Mr. and Mrs. Hill, one child, Carl J., was born in Douglas county, on April 9, 1902. On December 12, of the same year, they were called upon to mourn his death. Mr. and Mrs. Hill are not members of any denomination but have been brought up under the influence of the Congre- gational church and are upright andw reliable people.
EUGENE O. WHITNEY, who is now living at Hartline, has the distinction of being one of the earliest pioneers of Douglas county. Since those days of frontier life, Mr. Whitney has given his attention to farming and stock raising in this county and has achieved success commensurate with the labors he has bestowed. He is one of the well known men of the coun- try, of excellent standing and real worth.
Eugene O. Whitney was born in Marquette county, Wisconsin, on January 29, 1853. His parents, Loren J. and Fannie (Forbes) Whit- ney, were natives of Wisconsin and very early pioneers in Minnesota. Our subject was edu- cated in the common schools of Faribault coun- ty, Minnesota, and when he arrived at man- hood's estate, gave his attention to farming. When twenty-five years of age, he came thence to Washington and settled in Douglas county about eleven miles north of Hartline, near the present postoffice of Lincoln. He first took a preemption and then a homestead and turned his attention to raising grain and stock. He has a large herd of fine cattle and has been well prospered in his labors. Mr. Whitney has one brother, Jessie S., and one sister, Mrs. Marian Bassett.
At Bluearth City, Minnesota, on April 10, 1879, occurred the marriage of Mr. Whitney and Miss Flora Rusho and to this marriage two children have been born: Maude, on January 21, 1880 and now the wife of Medley Osborne; Loren J., born May 15, 1885, living at home. The former is a native of Minnesota and the latter of Idaho. ,Mrs. Whitney's parents, Anthony and Almira (Morris) Rusho, were natives of Canada. She has the following
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HISTORY OF THE BIG BEND COUNTRY.
brothers and sisters: Anthony, dwelling at Cusick, Washington; Joseph, in Taylor, Nebraska; Charles, in Dakota; Frank, who died in Usk, Washington, on June 9, 1889; Mrs. Almira Boyer; Mrs. Philmay Chees- brough, in Los Angeles, California ; Mrs. Mar- garet Wilcutt, in Lane county, Oregon; Mrs. Cornelia Payne, who died at Lagrande, Ore- gon, in 1900; Mary, who died in Minnesota at the age of nineteen.
Mr. Whitney is a member of the I. O. O. F. and was raised under the influence of the Bap- tist church.
WILLIAM J. SMITH is one of the oldest pioneers of Douglas county and so long has he been identified with the country and its interests that one might say that his life has been prac- tically all spent here. He resides about six miles north from Mold on a fine tract of land of six hundred and forty acres, most of which is under cultivation. The farm is a model one supplied with modern and commodious build- ings and all other improvements needed. Mr. Smith gives his attention both to raising small grains and breeding horses. He has a fine band and a good Shire and Percheron stallion. His thrift and industry have made him one of the wealthy and leading men of the county and he has richly deserved the confidence and esteem given him by his fellows.
William J. Smith was born in Schuyler county, Missouri, on March 6, 1867, being the son of John H. and Sarah C. ( Horton) Smith, natives of Tennessee and Missouri, respect- ively. Our subject began his education in Adair county, Missouri, and in 1883, came with his parents by wagon across the country to Douglas county. He was a pupil in the first school taught in the county, C. C. Ladd being the instructor. Much of Mr. Smith's youth was spent in the saddle riding for stock. The father had located in what was known as the California settlement and later, our subject took a claim also. Finally, he purchased his fa- ther's land, and in 1901, took a homestead, all of which makes him the estate mentioned above. Mr. Smith has one brother, James H., and one sister, Mrs. Loucina Mitchel, and one half- brother, Arthur L., and one half-sister, Mrs. Bertha Sims.
In the California settlement on March 3,
1895, Mr. Smith married Miss Clara F. Boone, She was born in Salem, Oregon, on March 21, 1878, being a daughter of Frank B. and Jennie (Tyler) Boone, natives of Oregon and Mis- souri, respectively, and now residing in British Columbia. She has the following brothers and sisters; Arthur H., born in Salem, Oregon; Nellie E., born in Waitsburg, Washington; Mabel A., also born in Waitsburg; Harvey H., born in Douglas county ; and Elsie, also born in this county. To Mr. and Mrs. Smith, five chil- dren have been born; Bessie A., on May 14, 1896; Vera M., on August 28, 1898; Leroy, on March 15, 1900; Clara P., on July 11, 1902, and Itha, on April 2, 1904. All were born in Douglas county. Mr. Smith is a member of the Maccabees.
HON. WILLIAM F. HAYNES is the chosen representative to the state legislature from Douglas county, his election occurring in 1902, when he secured the position by a major- ity of one hundred and thirty-five over the fusionist candidate, his own name appearing on the Republican ticket. Mr. Haynes has been efficient and active in the legislature and brought forward the bill legalizing the opening of reads on all section lines. He is a member of the committee on railroads, also is on the com- mittee on irrigation and agriculture, and is chairman of the committee on dairy and live stock.
William F. Haynes was born in Clinton county, Ohio, on October 28, 1837, the son of Charles and Maria (Franklin) Haynes, natives of New York, and pioneers in Ohio and In- diana. Our subject was educated in the public schools of his native county and there and in Indiana grew to manhood. When eighteen, he engaged in the mercantile business and con- tinued in the same from 1856 to 1862. Then he sold out and shipped cattle to eastern mar- kets. This occupied him until 1878 in which. year he was chosen clerk for the circuit court at Danville, Hendricks county, Indiana, where he served for four years. During this time he owned and operated a flouring mill, continuing in the same until 1888. In that year, Mr. Haynes sold out his property in the east and came to Douglas county. He selected his pres- ent place and took a half section by homestead
WILLIAM J. SMITH
MRS. WILLIAM J. SMITH
HON. WILLIAM F. HAYNES
WILLIAM B. ESTES
MRS. WILLIAM B. ESTES
JOHN R. LEWIS
JAMES H. SMITH
OSCAR F. OSBORNE
MRS. OSCAR F. OSBORNE
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HISTORY OF THE BIG BEND COUNTRY.
and pre-emption rights. To this he has added much since and he has now a large estate, which produces much small grain and hay. He also raises cattle and has a large band on the range besides some horses and other stock. Mr. Haynes has manifested excellent business abil- ity in his enterprises in this county and is a man of careful discrimination and while con- servative is possessed of a progressive spirit and the interests of the county are well in his hands. From 1894 to 1898 he was commis- sioner of Douglas county and conserved the people's interest well.
Mr. Haynes has the following brothers and sisters, Charles, Samuel, Thomas, Mrs. Aman- da Henson, Mrs. Mary Bowsman, and Mrs. Almira Haines.
At Danville, Indiana, on November 15, 1860, Mr. Haynes married Miss Asbarine H. Cash, who was born in the same town, on December 12, 1841. To this union four chil- dren were born, Harry S., Charles, Aggie, wife of Fred Sisson, in Colorado, and Frank D. On April 6, 1875, Mr. Haynes was called to mourn the death of his wife.
On June 3, 1878, Mr. Haynes married a second time, Eva Ferguson, a native of Dan- ville, Indiana, becoming his bride on that oc- casion. To this marriage two children were born, William, on November 14, 1883 ; Arthur, on January 2, 1890, both native to this county. At Coulee City, on March 22, 1893, Mr. Hay- nes was again called to mourn at the hand of death, his wife crossing the river on that date.
Mr. Haynes is a member of the A. F. & A. M. He is a man of broad public mind and has labored wisely and well in the endeavor to build up the interests of the county and enhance the prosperity of the section1.
WILLIAM B. ESTES lives about two miles southwest from Southside, where he has a fine large estate. One section is in his own right and the balance is school land, leased from the state. Mr. Estes does general farming and raises stock. Among the latter may be men- tioned some of the fine Clyde horses to be found in this section of the country. He also has some cattle and a number of well bred Poland China hogs. Mr. Estes has just completed a large eight-room house, modern in every respect, be-
ing supplied with bath and so forth, and it is one of the largest dwellings in Douglas county. The place is well supplied with water, orchard and other conveniences and is a very pleasant rural abode.
William B. Estes was born in Jefferson county, Tennessee, on February 16, 1857, the son of Samuel and Sarah J. ( McBride) Estes, both natives of Tennessee. The father served in the confederate army and was at Vicksburg under General Pemberton. He was twice a prisoner during the war. In 1875, the family migrated to Linn county, Oregon, where set- tlement was made and our subject completed his education which he had begun in Tennessee. He grew to manhood's estate in Oregon, having lived in both Linn and Umatilla counties. In 1888, he came to Douglas county and took a homestead to which he has added by purchase, until he has the estate mentioned above. Mr. Estes came here with very little capital and his present large and gratifying holdings have been gained entirely by his own industry and wise management and he is to be congratulated upon the abundant success which he has achieved.
Mr. Estes has one sister, Mrs. Catherine Dick, living at Pilot Rock, Oregon. On Feb- ruary 13, 1889, Mr. Estes married Miss Lizzie, daughter of William C. and Susannah (Len- nox) White. natives of Tennessee and Mis- souri, respectively and now residing at Echo, Oregon. Mrs. Estes was born in Oregon, on January 12, 1863. Mrs. White's father, David T. Lennox, was captain of the first wagon train that ever crossed the plains, it being un- der the leadership of Marcus Whitman. David T. Lennox was also organizer of the first Bap- tist church on the Pacific coast.
Mrs. Estes has the following brothers and sisters; William S., Louis O., Thomas O., John E., Millard F .. Mrs. Rose Hammer, Mrs. Nancy C. Means, Jessie M. White, Mrs. Har- riett F. Ward, and Mrs. Dellia M. Getchell. The last two named are deceased. The names of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Estes with the dates of their respective birth, are as follows ; Bessie M., August 18, 1890: William C., September 20, 1893 ; Cora E., March 23., 1895; Lottie B., September 12, 1898: Lonola A., April 16, 1,900; and Annie L., September 28, 1903. Mr. and Mrs. Estes are both members of the American Yoeman and were both raised in the Baptist church| They are people that
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HISTORY OF THE BIG BEND COUNTRY.
have the good will of all, having shown by their labors and walk, their uprightness and integ- rity.
JOHN R. LEWIS, who lives about a mile north from Coulee City, is, doubtless, one of the best known men in Douglas county. Since the very early days, he has been prominent in every line of industry in the building up and im- provement of the country, and has labored here with excellent results. After settling here, he at once gave his attention to making known the resources of the country and especially to his countrymen, the Welsh people having a desire for a large settlement in the Big Bend country. He wrote numerous newspaper articles and assisted settlers in finding good lo- cations and in every way possible was very in- fluential in getting the country filled up with a good substantial people.
John R. Lewis was born in Cardiganshire. Wales, on January 10, 1855, being the son of Thomas and Mary (Jones) Lewis, natives of Wales, also. His educational training was received in the common schools and he re- mained in that country until September 24, 1880. On that date, he landed in Philadelphia, from which place he went to Braddock, Penn- sylvania, and took up work at his trade, that of the stonemason, which he had thoroughly mas- tered in his own country. For two and one- half years, he labored there, working on the Edgar Thompson steel works. Mr. Lewis then came west via San Francisco and in March, 1883, filed on a pre-emption and timber culture claim near the present town of Almira. After spending some years there in building up and getting the country settled, he came to his present location and took a homestead. But one other settler, Philip McEntee, was in the Coulee. Mr. Lewis has given his attention al- most exclusively to stock raising, since settling in the Coulee, and he has gained remarkable success in this line. During the year of 1889- 90 he lost two-thirds of his cattle, owing to the heavy winter and storms. Since that time, however, he has increased his herds until he has a very fine holding at the present time. Mr. Lewis has always taken a very active interest in political matters and from 1888 to 1892, he served as county commissioner of Douglas county. He is at the present time, a member
of the state central committee of the Republi- can party and has always attended the county conventions and many of the state conventions. In 1904, Mr. Lewis received the unanimous voice of the convention nominating him for the state legislature: but owing to the railroad complications, which, as he viewed the field, deterred him from doing what he deemed his duty for the people in that capacity, he refused the nomination. Mr. Lewis is a progressive, wide awake and talented man.
In August, 1880, at Aberystwith, Wales, Mr. Lewis married Miss Ellen, daughter of David and Ellen Jones, natives of Wales. To this union ten children have been born, named as follows: David, March 19, 1884; Mary, April 24, 1885; Edith, March 9, 1887; Olwen, February 7, 1890; Arthur, October 10, 1891; Ellen, January 1, 1893 ; Blodwen August 14, 1894; Annie, October 18, 1897; Sarah, March II, 1900; and John, January 28, 1903.
Mr. and Mrs. Lewis were raised under the influence of the Presbyterian church and are stanch and upright people who have won hosts of friends and are deserving of the esteem and confidence granted them by their fellows.
JAMES H. SMITH dwells about five miles southwest from Coulee City, on one of the best locations in the entire Grand Coulee. His es- tate is situated at the head of Blue Lake, with sufficient water to irrigate a good portion of it and with a grand panoramic view of the tower- ing walls of the coulee and other scenery which is very inspiring. Mr. Smith is known as one of the large stock raisers in Douglas county and has accumulated a nice fortune in this in- dustry.
James H. Smith was born in Adair county, Missouri. The father's ancestors dwelt in Vir- ginia. The family came to this country in 1882, locating in the California settlement. Our subject was a pupil in the first school or- ganized in the county, which was taught by C. C. Ladd and under his training, he received most of his education. At the age of twenty he engaged in the stock business and has con- tinued in the same since. He has a large band of choice Hereford cattle and a bunch of horses. Mr. Smith's estate is provided with a good two- story residence, plenty of barns, outbuildings
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