An illustrated history of the state of Washington, containing biographical mention of its pioneers and prominent citizens, Part 52

Author: Hines, Harvey K., 1828-1902
Publication date: 1893
Publisher: Chicago, The Lewis publishing company
Number of Pages: 1056

USA > Washington > An illustrated history of the state of Washington, containing biographical mention of its pioneers and prominent citizens > Part 52

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In 1861 Mr. Hill resigned his position, and went on a prospecting tour through California and Nevada, in which States he followed quartz- mining for six years. At the end of this time he once more returned to his farm on Whidby Island. shortly after his arrival bere, he was elected Auditor and Probate Judge of Island county, both of which offices he held for four- teen years, rendering in these capacities able service to the country, his administration being characterized by uprightness and impar- tiality. At the end of this time he resigned and removed to Port Townsend, where in the spring of 1883 he became associated with Colonel Henry Landis in the establishment of the First National Bank, in which Mr. Hill became cashier, the duties of which position he has since discharged with efficiency and honor. His energies, however, have not been confined to the requirements of that position alone; on the contrary there are few commercial inter- ests in Port Townsend which have not felt the invigorating effect of his enterprising spirit. He was one of the original stockholders of the

Port Townsend Southern Railway Company ; Port Townsend Sawmill Company; Port Townsend Hotel Company; Steel Wire & Nail Works; the first street railroad; and many other enterprises. He owns much valuable and improved business and residence property in Port Townsend and many acres of realty about the Sound, and is altogether one of the most substantial men of the community.

February 21, 1875, Mr. Hill was married in Olympia, Washington, to Mrs. Elizabeth Phil- lips, an estimable lady, widow of Charles C. Phillips, a prominent pioneer of 1852. Mr. Phillips, on coming to the Sound country, first settled at Tulalip, where he built a sawmill, but some time later engaged in mercantile busi- ness at Oak Harbor on Whidby island, where he remained until his death. Mr. and Mrs. Hill have four children: Albert C. Phillips, Robert H., William HI., and Harry C. Hill, all promising young Washingtonians.

Politically, Mr. Hill is a Democrat, but not particularly active in public affairs, other than availing himself of his right of franchise and in supporting home government, being void of personal ambition for office. Ile is fraternally member of the thirtieth degree, Scottish Rite Masons, of which order he is Past Grand Master in Washington. He is, socially, popu- lar and genial, is npright in every department of life, and as a citizen is characterized by liberality and public spirit.

J HOMAS LAVERY is of Irish and Eng- lish parentage, and was born in Middle- bury, Vermont, August 24, 1841. A year or two after his birth the family, comprising eleven children, moved to Valatia, New York, where the boy was put to work in a cotton mill. Thence they moved to Williman- tic, Vermont, where he was similarly employed, and later to Albany, New York, where he worked in a fish market with which was con- nected a saloon, and it was there that he ac- quired a taste for liquor which afterward brought him so much misery and disgrace. In 1854 the family removed to Chicago, where the mother opened a boarding-house. Her hands were too full of daily cares and duties for her to keep a strict eye on a boy of Tom's active and vivacious nature, and he seemed to have taken

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charge of his own affairs by associating with ad- ventursome youths, who brought him only evil and the fearful knowledge of the streets. Of other schooling he had but little, though his quick perceptions, and in later years his eager thirst for knowledge, largely supplied this want. For a while he was in the employment of a phy- sician, Dr. MeVicker, of the Marine Hospital, where he picked up much information that was useful to him in his after experiences. Leaving the good doctor, he found work in the quarries, where he became so proficient at the work that he was sent south to assist in building a levee around a plantation in Louisiana. Returning to Chicago, he found no difficulty in obtaining em- ployment, but the habit of drink was by this time firmly fixed, and his earnings were squan- dered in bar-rooms. Generous to a fault, kind- hearted, a good singer and story-teller, he had hosts of friends, and was regarded by all as a " good fellow," which he says is " another name for a fool."

In the spring of 1861, President Lincoln is- sned his call for 75,000 troops to put down the Southern rebellion. Tom's opportunity had come. At that time he was working in the en- gine-room of the Mechanical Bakery. He says: " I went on top of the boilers, threw the weight off of the safety-valve, pulled the fire out from under the boilers, stopped the machinery and ran down to enlist, leaving a hundred men and over idle." He enlisted in the Twelfth Illinois Infantry, Company A, and went to Camp Yates, Springfield, Illinois. There the regiment was formed, Lavery being indefatigable in his ef- forts to fill up his company. At the expiration of three months' service, he immediately set to work, together with the late Fire Marshal D. B. Kenyon, to raise a company for the Fifty- seventh Illinois Infantry. Kenyon was Captain and Lavery was afterward appointed color-cor- poral, in which position he fought in the battles of Fort Henry, Fort Donelson and Shiloh. In the last-named battle he distinguished liui- self for bravery, and was regarded as a hero by his regiment. It had made a desperate but un- successful charge upon the enemy, when it was discovered that a stand of colors had not been taken. Lavery, with nine others, started to take them, he alone returning, wounded nearly unto death.

His wounds kept him in the hospital for about six weeks. He then returned to Chicago, and as soon as able began to recruit for his

regiment. Returning to the army, he reached Corinth October 2, 1862, his wonuds being not then fully healed. The battle of Corinth oc- eurred on the following day, and he remained with his regiment-until the close of the war, re- ceiving several seratches and also a wound on the forehead from a spent ball at the battle of Bentonville, North Carolina.

After the war Lavery returned to Chicago and engaged In the saloon business, keeping four different saloons in as many years. The last place he kept was at 107 West Kinzie street, and was a low dive known as the " Well," a re- sort for hardened and unsavory characters. It is needless to say he was by this time a hard and steady drinker. With many manly qualities, and having a kind and generous disposition, he fast became so besotted by drink that, according to all human judgment, there was no hope for him. Lavery's dissipation had now gone so far that he wholly neglected his business, which he put a summary end to by selling out his license and fixtures and going on a protracted spree. Why prolong the sad, pitiful tale? Why follow this poor, friendless, homeless man through his wretched and woful experience? The sequel will show.

On December 4, 1881, Lavery drew his pen- sion and rented two rooms on North Halsted street. His wife, who was and is an earnest Christian woman, again besought him, as she hal done so many times before, to break the speli of his evil habits and begin a new life; and again, as before, he promised to make a brave strike for freedom and manhood. He did not know it; it was too much to hope for, but the hour of deliverance was at hand. Near his lodgings on Halsted street Ben Hogan at this time was carrying on a mission. Thither on the evening of December 13, 1881, Mrs. Lavery conducted her husband's unsteady steps. À more unpromising object was probably not in the room that night than the subject of our sketch. Ile entered and took a seat in front of the speaker,-an earnest man who was telling his experience as a drunkard and prize-fighter, and how he had been saved by the gracious power of God. Tom understood that language. It was not fine and flowery, but it was direct and to the point. It was preaching straight from the shoulder. Looking across the room, he saw a boon companion, and, for a wonder, he was sober and seemed mightily interested in the services. Then after the evangelist's talk there

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was singing, and that touched Tom again, for he was a singer, too. The tears were in his eyes and a big lump in his throat and a mighty pur- pose struggling in his heart. An invitation for those who desired prayers was given, and "Hick- ory," as Lavery had been dubbed, was on his feet in an instant, and he who entered that room a wretched, defiled sinner, went out a happy, purified soul.

On Easter Sunday of the following year he be- came a member of one of the churches of Chi- eago, of which he has since been an earnest and useful member; his interest, of course, was es- pecially strong in men who were striving to break from the terrible bondage of drink, and thongh his means were humble, he would take them to his house, minister to their necessities, and point out the way of salvation. In 1884, Mr. and Mrs. Lavery had charge of the day nur- sery at 368 South Clark street, Chicago, under the auspices of the Woman's Christian Temper- ance Union, Mr. Lavery looking after the desti- tnte people in that seetion of the city, distribut- ing clothing and speaking to the drinking men words of advice and counsel, and opening to them the word of God. In 1855-'56 he had charge of the Bethel Home mission, in which position he accomplished much good.

He is chaplain of the Fitty-seventh Veteran Volunteers, and quietly and understandingly, in a straightforward and manly fashion, tells his old comrades and others what the Lord has done for him. At present he is engaged in evangel- istic work and is meeting with large success. His words are reognized at once as those of one who knows whereot he speaks, and from the re- sults of his labor in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa and other places, his friends predict for him increas- ing success in his Master's vineyard. May the Lord keep him and bless him in his work!

J AMES W. COCHRAN, one of the pio- neers of the State of Washington, was born in Boone county, Missouri, April 3, 1831, was reared and educated in that county, receiv- ing only a common-school education in the schools of that locality. His father, John G. Cochran, was a native of Madison county, Ken- tueky, born in 1799, and his grandfather, Will- iam Cochran, was a native of Virginia who re-

moved to Missouri when John G. was but seventeen years of age. After Mr. Cochran be- came of age he was married to Miss Delina Jane Wilcox, also a native of Kentucky, and then took up 160 acres of land in Boone county, near Rocheport, improved this place and made it his home as long as he lived. He died in 1865, at the age of sixty-four years, his wife having pre- ceded him in 1856, at the age of forty-eight.

Mr. and Mrs. Cochran had a family of ten children, of whom, our subjeet, James, was the fourth, and there are yet seven survivors, all approaching advanced age. Our subject was married in Missouri in 1853, to Miss Jane Goodwin, of Randolph county, Missouri, and began his business career by taking a homestead and nsing the money which his father gave him . to prove up his claim. Here he lived for a number of years, but Mrs. Cochran died in 1857, leaving her husband with two children. They are now both grown. Delilah J. married R. D. Calvert, now of Boone county, Missouri; and John W. now lives in California.

Our subject married again, December 27, 1859, expousing Mrs. Cyntha A. (Angel) Moss, also a native of Boone county. She had one danghter, Ida, who died at the age of thirty- six. After our subject had farmed for several years and saw that his efforts did not bring him the returns he desired, he conelnded to re- move to the coast country, not determining just where he would stop. Hence he fitted himself with three yoke of oxen, one yoke of cows and a wagon, and sold his farm for what he could realize out of it. On April 14, 1864, he started with his family to cross the plains. Five months of weary travel, with incidental hardship, brought them to Grand Ronde valley, Oregon, September 14, 1864, and here they remained for one month, and then moved to Walla Walla valley. They remained a short time there and then went to the Willamette valley in Oregon, where he remained one year; but not liking the country as well as he wished for a place where he should made his permanent home, he re- turned to the beautiful Walla Walla valley. Ilere he arrived withont a cent of money, and his team had dwindled down to one yoke of oxen and an old wagon. Ile took up a claim at the head of Dry creek, where he lived until he had proved np and deeded his land. fle then sold and went down the creek a few miles, where he bought 367 acres of the land where he now lives. At the present he owns 670 aeres ten

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miles from Walla Walla adjoining Dixie, a nice little town which has grown np since his loca- tion here.

Our subject and his boys do all the farming and raises on an average 8,000 bushels of grain yearly. Like many others among the success- ful farmers of Washington our subject has inade his fortune since coming here. Many men miss their opportunities and others know how to seize them. The great opportunity of our sub. ject was his location in this State, and his good judgment taught him what kind of land to se- lect, and industry and economy hive done the rest. Not only has he a fine farm, but he has just completed a large and handsome residence which would do credit to any farming commun- ity in the State.

Mr. and Mrs. Cochran have a fine family of sturdy, manly sons, all of whom are vet at home. Their names are, Isadore, Adelbert, George, Samnel and Jesse. They manage the farm and desire their father to take his ease. He has made one visit to his native State. In 1890 he took his good wife across the country they had once gone over with so much trial, and continued back to the old home on a visit to the old acquaintances who were left. It took but four days to cover the distance that they had consumed five months in crossing, and on the way were fine farms where twenty-eight years before wild animals were roaming. The trip was enjoyable in many ways. Our subject was Post- Inaster of Dixie for eight years, this being the only public office he has ever held. Politically he is a Democrat.

G EORGE. W. KUMMER, one of the re- presentative business men of Seattle, was born in Allentown, Pennsylvania, July 6, 1851, a son of Jacob Kummer, a native of Berne, Switzerland. The father removed to the United States with his parents in childhood, locating in Allentown, Pennsylvania, where he was reared and educated. After reaching years of inaturity, he carried on a prosperous business in farm produce, shipping from Allentown and Philadelphia to New York. Through a dishon- est partner, he lost a large amount of money, which so prayed upon his mind and so shattered his health that he never fully recovered. Mr. Kummer married Miss Rebecca Huntsburger, a

native of Virginia. In 1854 the family removed to Summit county, Ohio, where he operated a small weaving factory.

George W., the subject of this sketch, re- mained with his parents to the age of eight years, when he was apprenticed to a cattle man, and for three years followed that occupation through western Ohio and eastern Indiana. At the age of eleven years he was apprentieed to a farmer, his wages being paid in corn to his father, and he received plenty of work but few privileges. From the effects of hard labor his health was so broken at the age of nineteen years that six physicians pronounced his recovery as hopeless. With indomitable spirit and perse- verance Mr. Kummer then went to Akron, Ohio, and applied for a position with the Beacon Pub- lishing Company, entering their office as print- er's devil, at $3 per week, paying the same amount for meals at a colored man's restaurant, and sleeping on a table in the publishing office. By extra work he was soon enabled to make a little money, which he invested in books and, by attending a night school, he thus began his ed- ucation. By hard and incessant study he ad- vanced rapidly, and at the end of his second year with that company was asked to go into the ed- itorial room as reporter. Mr. Kummer held that position three years, which was followed by three years as bookkeeper in the business office, three years as foreman of the composing room, ten years as city editor of The Akron Daily Beacon and later as managing editor. While holding the latter positions he was also correspondent for eleven of the leading daily newspapers of the East, furnishing and wiring an average of 10,- 000 words per month during ten years.

With his multitudinons duties, Mr. Kummer again suffered from ill health, and in the fall of 1889 he sought a change of climate in Portland, Oregon, where he acted as business manager of the Pacific Christian Advocate for five months. He then came to Seattle, to accept the position of Secretary and Treasurer of the Puget Sound Fire Clay Company, which opened a new field for study and research. Quickly foreseeing the possibilities, he entered zealously into the study of chemistry and the analysis of clay formations, and with the organization of the Denny Clay Company, April 1, 1892, he became one of the incorporators, and was duly elected Secretary and General Manager. The company own their own coal and clay mines at Kuminer and Tay- lor, stations on the Columbia and Puget Sound

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Railroad, transporting their clay to their factory five miles south of Seattle, on Dwamish river. They have a large and extensive establishment for the grinding, mixing and pressing of their clay products, employing 150 hands in the sev- eral departments, which are lieated by steam, lighted by electricity and are very complete in every detail and appointment. Their salt-glazed vitrified sewer pipe varies in size from two to twenty-four inehes in diameter, with a restrain- ing force almost equal to iron piping. The flint fire clay has a tenacity unexcelled by clays in the United States, and they are producing fire brick, fire proofing, paving brick, building blocks, terra cotta dry-pressed and pottery in quanti- ties and with rapidity to meet the requirements of the Northwest.

Mr. Kummer was married in Akron, Ohio, in March, 1875, to Miss Jennie Robinson, a na- tive of Wisconsin. They have three children: Ruby G., John A., and George W. Socially, Mr. Kummer affiliates with I. O. O. F. He is a Trustee of the Merchants' and Manufacturers' Exchange, and is a man thoroughly respected for his ability, per-everance and sterling busi- ness principles.

D ANIEL KELLEHER, one of the active and able young lawyers of the Seattle bar, was born on a farm near Middleborough, Massachusetts, February 5, 1864. In early life young Kelleher learned to appreciate the advan- tages of an education, and, to prepare himself for his professional career, after passing through the public and high school at Bridgewater, Mas- sachusetts, he entered Harvard College, gradna- ting at that institution in 1885, with high hon- ors. He then went to Syracuse, New York, as private tutor in fitting young men for entrance to Harvard College, and at the same time fol- lowed a line of legal study in the office of Tracy, McLennan & Ayling. Mr. Kelleher was duly admitted to practice in the courts of New York State, and was then engaged in his profession at Syracuse until in March, 1890.

In that year he came to Seattle, Washington, and immediately begau practice with G. Meade Emory, subsequently organizing the law firm of Bansman, Kelleher & Emory, which is well and favorably known through the Northwest. Mr. Kelleher is a careful observer and a close stu-

dent, and for this reason is rapidly forging to the front in his profession, and has already built up a very lucrative practice. While devoted to his profession, he also takes an active interest in Democratic polities of the State. In the fall of 1892 he was honored with the nomination for Superior Judge of King county. The county is decidedly Republican, but Mr. Kelleher re- ceived the vote of his party, and was also com- plimented by many votes from his Republican friends, though the total number was insufficient to elect him. Mr. Kelleher is unmarried, and is a member of no orders, but is following a line of thought, study and research, which will ulti- mately place hin in the front rauk in his pro- fession.

D R. DARIUS MASON, a prominent phy- sician of Spokane, Washington, was born in the old and wave- washed town of New Bedford, Massachusetts, in 1830, the youngest in a family of nine children. his parents being Olney and Lillice (Pierce) Mason, natives of Massachusetts. The Doctor's father was an architect and builder of New Bedford, and owned a country estate in that county. His grandfather, Noble Mason, was also a native of Massachusetts, and was a farmer by ocenpation. The family are descended from the English, their ancestors being among the early settlers of New England. Ilis maternal grandfather, Preserved Pierce, a Baptist minister and a na- tive of Massachusetts, was a cousin of President Pierce, the Pierces also being of English descent. The Doctor's father died in 1850 or 1851, and his mother passed away in 1854. Both were members of the Baptist Church.

In the Friends' Academy at New Bedford, Dr. Mason received his early education and graduated there in 1849. In 1850 he began the study of medicine under the instruction of a preceptor. He then spent one term in the medical department of Harvard College, after which he entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons at New York, where, three years later, he graduated with the highest honors. After becoming a full-fledged M. D., the young physician began a course of practical training in that most thorough of schools, the New York City Hospital, from which place he was snbse- quently transferred to the Children's Hospital on Randall's Island, where he remained fifteen

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months, mastering every type of disease known to youthful organism. Believing that he could win his way in the West. he went to Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, in 1856, and quickly built up a lucrative practice there, his remarkable skill bringing him at once into prominennt notice and favor. At the beginning of the war Dr. Mason reported for duty, and was ap- pointed surgeon of the Thirty-first Wisconsin Regiment. Through all the engagements in which that regiment participated during the long struggle, Dr. Mason was ever at the front, doing excellent service. He was mustered ont in Angust, 1865, and returned to Prairie du Chien, resuming his old practice. In 1878 he removed to Milwaukee, and during his eight years' residence there was considered one of the most capable members of the profession.

Since 1886 Dr. Mason has been a resident of Spokane, and here as elsewhere he has met with eminent success in the practice of his profes- sion. He does a general family practice, at the same time making a specialty of gynecology. He is a member of the State and county medi- cal societies, helped to organize both, and was the first President of the latter, serving two years. While in Wisconsin he was a member of the State Medical Society there, and served as its President in 1878. He is also a member of the American Medical Association and has been made an honorary member of both the Califor- nia State Medical Society and the Rocky Monn- tain Medical Association. He is an occasional contributor to medical magazines.

Dr. Mason has been twice married. First, he wedded a Miss Brisbois, of Wisconsin, who died in 1882, and in 1886 he married Miss Bean, a native of Pennsylvania.

The Doctor is a member ef the Masonic fra- ternity, being a Knight Templar. He is also a member of the military order of the Loyal Le- gion of the United States, of Wisconsin Com- mandry.

G EORGE K. REED, of the firm of Galnsha & Liftchild, real-estate dealers, Spokane, Washington, has recently identified him- self with the interests of Spokane. He has, however, spent most of his life in the Northwest.

Mr. Reed was born in Jefferson county, Iowa, in 1843, being fourth in the family of James

M. and Hettie (Morgan) Reed, natives of Ten- nessee and Kentucky respectively. His father was one of the early settlers of Iowa, and in 1852, when the subject of our sketch was nine years old, he moved to Albany, Linn county, Oregon. He developed a farm there and made his home on it until 1872, when he located in Walla Walla. He still resides at the latter place.

Mr. Reed was educated in Albany. In the fall of 1860 he went to Walla Walla, and the following year went to the mining camps in Idaho and engaged in mining. He also kept a general merchandise store at Elk City. In the fall of 1869 he started out on a tonr through Oregon and California. In 1876 he opened a hotel in Dayton, Oregon; subsequently went back to Walla Walla, and was engaged in the real-estate business there until 1883. He then came to Spokane and established himself in business, but in 1887 went to Douglas county and turned his atten. tion to the stock business. He bought and in - proved a ranch there and is now the owner of a fine tract of 480 acres, an excellent stock ranch. He owns a stallion and several breeds of fine horses. He is also interested in town property at Conlee City, Almira, Hartland and Bridge- port. Recently Mr. Reed moved to Spokane and has associated himself with the firm men- tioned at the beginning of this sketch.

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An illustrated history of the state of Washington, containing biographical mention of its pioneers and prominent citizens, Part 52

Author: Hines, Harvey K., 1828-1902 Publication date: 1893 Publisher: Chicago, The Lewis publishing company Number of Pages: 1056

Author: Hines, Harvey K., 1828-1902
Publication date: 1893
Publisher: Chicago, The Lewis publishing company
Number of Pages: 1056