An illustrated history of the state of Washington, containing biographical mention of its pioneers and prominent citizens, Part 61

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 61

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Becoming independently interested himself, in April, 1883, the subject of this sketch home- steaded 160 acres of land situated abont four miles north of Steilacoom, and by the expendi- ture of large capital and much energy, has sne- ceeded in making for himself a beautiful home, having about twenty-five acres in choice fruits. chiefly the Italian prune, for which Washington State is specially adapted. his own system of

378

HISTORY OF WASHINGTON.

water works, and hot and cold spring water in his house; also fountains on the lawns, besides numerous other comforts and conveniences rendered possible by the genius and inventions of modern times. Although essentially domes- tic in his testes and interests, he is nevertheless active in the promotion of the public welfare, giving much of his time and thought to the good of the people, and has, by his energy and industry, intelligently applied, added not only to his own prosperity but has also advanced the condition of his community and the State at large.

Colonel Whyte spent the winter and spring of 1890 in the agricultural districts of Scotland, organizing emigratory societies, in conjunction with capital to aid them, and is now preparing to devote himself to the settling of his adopted State with the sturdy agriculturists of his native land. After his return from Scotland he ac- cepted an invitation to address the Tacoma Scots on the subject of " The Homes and Haunts of Robert Burns," the occasion being the annual celebration of the birthday anniversary of the famous and much loved bard. Of Mr. Whyte's address, which was published in full, the Ta- coma Ledger of January 30, 1891, remarks that it " was a masterly effort, and was listened to with marked attention."

He organized the Tacoma State Guard, of which he was captain for two years, when he was promoted as Major on the adjutant-gener- al's staff. He now holds the office of Assistant Commissary-General of the State, with the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel. In the last biennial re- port of the Adjutant-General for the State of Washington, in referring to the State encamp- ment, the subject of this sketch is spoken of as follows: "Lieutenant-Colonel Albert Whyte, Assistant Commissary-General, in the manage- ment of his department was untiring, attentive and constant in striving to please all. Realiz- ing the importance of this department in camp, he was ever on the alert to supply every neces- sary article of food and to keep a sufficient amount on hand. He is very popular and an efficient officer, a thorough gentleman and a prominent lawyer."

The Colonel was married to Franees M. Mis- ner, a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, who was born June 18, 1865, and who accompanied her pa rents to the Pacific coast. The parents, J. B. and Frances ( MeCanley) Misner, are of Scotch descent and are now residing in Steilacoom,

where Mrs. Whyte's father is a general contrac- tor, a man of ability and uprightness, and greatly esteemed by all who knew him.

Fraternally Colouel Whyte is a Mason, hav- ing joined the Royal Albert Lodge in Montreal. As is usual with him, with regard to every- thing with which he is identified, he takes a deed interest in Steilacoom and the State of Washington, his favorite and adopted home, having not only cast his fortune with them but devoted to their welfare the best energy of his mind and soul.

OHN S. BUSH, a member of one of the oldest and most prominent families of Washington, residing near Olympia, is a typical son of the West, possessing all the vigor and determination so characteristic of those who have assisted in building up great com- monwealths on the Pacific coast.

He comes of old American stock, his paternal grandfather, George Bush, having been born in Pennsylvania in 1779, while his paternal grand- mother, whose maiden name was Isabella James, was born in Tennessee in 1809. This worthy couple were married in Jackson county, Mis- souri, July 4, 1831, where they continued to reside for thirteen years. In. 1814 George Bush and a few companions, who were trappers and hunters, made a trip on foot across the plains to the Pacific coast, where then not even a trail could be found. The hardships which they endured from exposure, hunger and In- dians, are beyond comprehension. They trav- ersed the coast from Mexico as far north as the Columbia river before returning to Mis- souri. In 1844 George Bush and his family started across the plains, over which he had journeyed so many years before. They were eight months coming from Jackson county, Mis- souri, to The Dalles, in Oregon Territory. They there rested a few weeks and then pro- eeeded in batteaux down the Columbia river to Clarke county, camping at Washougal, not far from Vancouver, where they remained several months. They then again started northward, coming up the Cowlitz river, and thence over- land to New Market, at the month of Des Chutes river. They soon afterward settled on a donation claim of 640 acres, lying on Bush prairie, about four miles fromn what is now

379

HISTORY OF WASHINGTON.

known as Tumwater, where the brave old pio- neer died in 1863 and his widow two years later, leaving six sons to perpetuate their name and memory. These are: W. O., J. S, J. T., R. B., J. J. and L. N., of whom the surviving members all reside in Thurston county, they and their grandchildren living on the old homestead, which was pre-empted by their illustrions an- cestor, so many years ago, and which is now one of the richest and most valuable tracts of land in the country.

Hon. W. O. Bush, the oldest of the sons, and father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Clay county, Missouri, July 4, 1832, and was twelve years of age when he accompanied his parents to the Northwest. Ile thus early be- came inured to frontier life, its hardships and vicissitudes, and developed those hardy qnali- ties of mind and body which have gained for him a position of prominence and honor among his fellow-men. He was reared on a farm to agricultural pursuits, which have ever since been his occupation. He was married at the age of twenty-seven and afterward bought a farm on Mound prairie, in Thurston county, Washington, where he resided until 1870, and then removed to a portion of his father's dona- tion claim, seven miles from Olympia, which has ever since been his home.

He has always taken an active part in politics and public life, and served in the State Legisla- ture in 1890 and 1892. He is now (1893) in Chicago, at the Columbian Exposition, where he was sent by his constituents to take charge of the Thurston county exhibit. He received the gold premimm at the Centennial Exposition, in 1876, for the best and largest yield of wheat ever exhibited in the world. His certificate can be found in Olympia, and the grain is now in the Smithsonian Institute at Washington, D. C.

May 26, 1859, Hon. W. O. Bnsh was married in Marion county, Oregon, to Mrs. Mandana Kimsey, a widow. Mrs. W. O. Bush is a pio- neer, and was born June 1, 1826, in Howard county, Missouri. Her father, Dr. J. Smith, was a native of North Carolina, and her mother, whose name before marriage was Naney Scott, was born in Virginia. They were married in Howard county, Missouri, where they resided until 1847, when they crossed the plains with their family and son-in-law, Duff Kimsey, to whom their daughter, Mandana, was married April 25, of that year. Dr. Smith did not survive to complete the journey, his sorrowing

family burying him at Green river. Duff Kim- sey and wife settled in Marion county, Oregon, on a claim of 640 acres, where they resided about ten years, when Mr. Kimsey died. Mrs. Kimsey continued to make that her home until her marriage to Mr. Bush in 1859. Mr. and Mrs. Bush have two children: Belle, now Mrs. Gaston; and John S. Bush, born November 22, 1862, in Thurston county, Washington, both of whom reside on their grandfather's old home- stead. John S. Bush is married to Christina F. Gaston, a native of Nova Scotia, born January 9, 1859, who came to Olympia in 1886. They have two interesting children, who bid fair to perpetuate the legacy of honor bequeathed by their grandfather, the noble pioneer.

W ILLIAM E. RICHARDSON, of the firm of Richardson & Gallagher, at- torneys at law, Spokane, Washington, was born near Monroe, Lane county, Oregon, and is the son of W. C. Richardson, a native of Quincy, Illinois, and Hester A. (Craig) Rich- ardson, of Arkansas. His father was one of the early settlers of Oregon, having removed from Illinois in 1852.

Mr. Richardson was educated in Christian College, Monmouth, Oregon, now the State Normal School of Oregon, one of the leading educational institutions of the State. He grad- uated there with the degree of A. B., and after his graduation began teaching in the public schools and academies in Polk county, Oregon. Ile came to the State of Washington in 1883, and in 1885 began reading law at Spokane, Washington, in the office of Ilyde & Turner. While reading law he continued teaching school at odd times, as well as engaging in other lines of business.

After being admitted to the bar in the So- perior Court of Spokane county, Mr. Richard- son started at once to practice, and when the firm of Crow & Richardson was organized in January, 1891, had built up a large and lucra- tive practice. His previons residence in differ- ent portions of the State proved extremely use- ful to him in his business, as many of his cases came from outside of Spokane county.

The firm of Crow & Richardson was dis- solved in May, 1893, Mr. Crow having retired from the firm, when the firm of Richardson &

380

HISTORY OF WASHINGTON.

Gallagher was at once formed, and all the busi- ness of Crow & Richardson passed into their hands. The new firm continue to make a specialty of commercial, real estate and probate law, and give especial attention to collections. Mr. Richardson, having devoted a great deal of time to this line of practice, has a large and increasing clientage among holders of first mortgage and other real-estate securities, and is regarded as a safe and reliable counselor in all such matters.

Among the important legal propositions that Mr. Richardson has sneceeded in establishing in the State of Washington are the direet lia- bility of school districts for material furnished and labor performed in the erection of school houses in certain cases, and the fact that the boards of county commissioners are without authority under the Constitution of the State of Washington to condemn land for highway purposes.

Politically, Mr. Richardson is a Republican, and was always a great admirer of James G. Blaine. Ile is a member of the Central Chris- tian Church of Spokane, and a prominent mem- ber of the Odd Fellows, a society which has, comparatively, a large membership in Spokane. Mr. Richardson was married in February, 1889, to Miss Viola Miller, then a resident of Albany, Oregon, but a native of Wisconsin.

D AVID S. PRESCOTT, a highly respected citizen of Spokane, Washington, is a son of Nathan and Rozilla Prescott, and was born at Minneapolis, Minnesota, January 11, 1859. His father was a prominent cattle-raiser of Minnesota, and was the first to introduce Jersey cattle into that State.

Mr. Prescott was educated at Northfield, Minnesota, where he graduated with high hon- ors in all the English branches. He emigrated to the State of Washington about five years ago and has since resided here. Ile has great faith in the future prosperity of Spokane, on which subject he is enthusiastic. Politically, he is a Republican, and is the present County Treas- urer of Spokane county. He is a member of the First Methodist Church, of which he is Secretary; is also Secretary of Masonic Lodge No. 34, in which organization he stands high. Mr. Prescott is a gentleman whose character is

above reproach. By his kind and courteons demeanor he has won the friendship and esteem of all classes of citizens in this community.

He was married, October 15, 1881, to Laura R. Betsworth, an estimable lady of Le Mars, Iowa. They have four children: Ethel, Ernest, Leslie and Verna.

J AMES M. ARMSTRONG, who is now nearing the close of his second term as Clerk of Spokane county, Washington, has for a number of years been in public serv- ice, and has ever faithfully and conscientiously discharged the dnties intrusted to him.

Mr. Armstrong is a son of David H. and Letitia (Melville) Armstrong, and was born in Pennsylvania in 1844. In 1856 he went to low , and in that State received a high-school education. At the age of seventeen he entered the army as a member of the Thirteenth lowa Infantry; was in the campaigns of the West under Grant and Sherman. At the battle of Peach Tree Creek he lost a leg. This was July 21, 1864. In July of the following year he was honorably discharged and went to Chicago, where he remained two years. In 1867 he went to Washington, entered Columbia Law College in 1868, and graduated there in 1871.

In July, 1872, Mr. Armstrong was appointed first-class clerk in the General Land Office, where his marked ability and close attention to business soon won him promotion. He passed through the various grades until he was Chief of the Private Land Claim Department, and acted as Commissioner of the General Land Office in 1878-'79 and the early part of 1880. In April, 1880, he was appointed Register of the United States Land Office at Colfax, Washi- ington, and remained in charge of the same un- til August, 1885. Under instructions from the President in September, 1883, he-with his colleague, John L. Wilson, receiver-moved the office from Colfax to Spokane. In September of the following year he was nominated by the Republican Convention, held at Seattle, as a delegate to Congress. On account, however, of a disaffection in the party in regard to railroad lands and grants, he was defeated by a very small vote. In August, 1885, he was suspended from the land offiee by President Cleveland on account of partisanship, he being the first Fed-

381

HISTORY OF WASHINGTON.

eral offieer in the State to be sacrificed on po- litical grounds. He practiced before the United States Land Office from 1884 to 1889, and October 1, 1889, was elected County Clerk of Spokane county, and, as stated in the beginning of this sketch, is nearing the close of his sec- ond term. At the last Republican convention lie was nominated by acclamation for the office of County Auditor.

R OBERT E. STEWART, M. D., was born near Black Hawk, Colorado, January 10, 1862, a son of Elijah S. and Isabella N. (Flack) Stewart, natives of Ohio; the father was born in Columbiana county, and the mother in Holmnes county; both were of Scotch deseent, their first ancestors in this country hav- ing made settlements in Pennsylvania. The father was a carpenter by trade, and finally be- came a contractor; lie went to Colorado in 1859, and remained there until 1863, at which time he was made foreman in the office of the Rocky Mountain News, Denver, and there bound the first copy of the " Territorial Laws of Colorado." Ife went from Denver to Leavenworth, Kansas, in 1864, and was foreman in the office of the Times. Later he was located in Cincinnati, Ohio, and Indianapolis, Indiana, and other cities of the Mississippi valley, where he was engaged in contracting and building. In 1873 he re- moved with his family to Ohio, locating in the north central part of the State; in 1885 he again went to Cincinnati, and afterwards to Newport, Kentucky, where he died in 1888; his widow still resides in that city. Robert E., son of the above, began his preparation for college in the se- lect school at Fredericksburg, Ohio, and afterward entered Oberlin College. Receiving the appoint- ment to West Point by the Hon. George W. Geddes, he entered the National Military Acad- emy in 1883. On account of failing health he was compelled to resign his cadetship in July, 1884; he returned to his home in Ohio, and as soon as his health began to improve he com- menced the study of medicine under the precep- torship of R. P. Loller, M. D., at Holmesville, Ohio. At the end of six months he entered the Ohio Medical College, Cincinnati, and was graduated in March, 1888.

At the beginning of his career as practitioner he opened an office in Newport, Kentucky, but failing health again subverted his plans, and he

sought the salubrious clime of Colorado, arriv- ing in that State in June, 1888; there he re- mained until April, 1889, when he went to Wyoming. In August of the same year he made a trip to Montana, and in October follow- ing began an extended tour of Idaho. This journey ended in Spokane, Washington, in No- vember.

Coming to Goldendale on a visit he made this his headquarters for the winter, and traveled from this point about Puget Sound, returning to Goldendale in May, 1890. Here he resuined the practice of his profession, in connection with which he gives considerable attention to scien- tific research in other lines. He is an enthusi- astic student of the life and habits of the North American Indian, and has acquired a vast fund of information upon this subject.

Dr. Stewart is a prominent member of the Washington National Guard, and in 1890 was made Quartermaster of Company B, Second Regiment. During the encampment at Tacoma he was chosen Quartermaster-Sergeant, and at the close of the encampment was made Sergeant- Major of the regiment, which rank he still holds. He is a member of Friendship Lodge, No. 37, Knights of Pythias. The Doctor's professional and scientific researches do not absorb his entire attention; the affairs of publie government are also a subject of serious study, as they should be with every citizen of the Republic. In April, 1893, Dr. Stewart was elected Mayor of Golden- dale, and his administration will donbless be characterized by the fearless, faithful discharge of the duties he has assumed.

M AJOR SELDEN HETZEL, a prominent law practitioner of Vancouver, is a mein- ber of one of the oldest and most influ- ential families of New England, and of the ninth generation, descended from the original ancestors on this continent. The Hetzel family were ortginally from Wurtemberg, Germany, and located in America as early as 1732. The Selden's history is traceable back to 1636. The father of our subjeet, A. Riviell Hetzel, was born in the old Keystone State. and at the time of his death, in 1847, was Chief Quartermaster in General Scott's army in Mexico. The mother is now a resident of Washington, Distriet of Columbia, where she is Secretary of the Mary Washington Memorial Association.

382

HISTORY OF WASHINGTON.

Major S. Hetzel, the subject of this sketch, was born in New Haven, Connecticut, January 1, 1837, was reared in the city of Washington, and completed his education at West Point, in 1858. He then studied law with his maternal uncle, Chief-Justice Samuel L. Selden, was duly admitted to the bar in 1860, and the same year began practice in Colorado. In the following year he returned to the East, to join the Fed- deral forces, which he did, and received a Ma- jor's commission in the Seventy-seventh New York Regiment. Major Hetzel served with distinction until 1862, when he resigned his position, and again took up the practice of his profession. From 1866 to 1877 he followed his profession in Nevada, went thence to Bodie, California, later to San Jose, and in 1886, through President Cleveland, received the ap pointment of Register at the Land Office of Sacramento. Since 1890 he has been success- fully and actively engaged in his profession in Vanconver. Politically, the Major is aflied with the Democratic party, and during the last campaign stumped the State for Cleveland. As a public speaker he is a man of great force and rare executive ability.

Major Hetzel was married in California, Oc- tober 18, 1874, to Miss Lenah Dilley, a native of Indiana.

F RITZ BROWN, one of the well-known and respected citizens of Washongal, was born in Germany, April, 4, 1828, a son of John P. and Margaret Brown. Fritz, the young- est of seven children-four sons and three daugh- ters -- was apprenticed to learn the painter's trade atter completing his education, and for many years followed the various branches of the business, sign work and ornamental paper hang- ing having been his specialties. In 1847 he came to America, and for the following nine- teen years, was engaged as a journeyman in New York. In 1870, via the Panama ronte, Mr. Brown removed to California, but, after follow- ing his trade in San Francisco four years, he located in Portland, Oregon, and in 1880 came to Washougal, Clarke county, Washington. He soon afterward erected the Brown Hotel, better known as the Washougal Park Hotel, which contains a band stand, pavilion. and numerous grottos and arbors for the entertainment of vis-

itors and pleasure-seekers during the summer season. The grounds surrounding the hotel contain beautiful shade and ornamental trees, and this is one of the most inviting retreats in this section of the State. Mr. Brown conducted this well-known resort from the time of incep- tion until recently, when he rented it to Rudolph Surber, the present proprietor. In addition to controlling the above property, Mr. Brown is also engaged in fruit culture, owns the wharf and warehouse at the steamer landing, is a real- estate dealer and Notary Public, was Constable of township No. 2 for a period of sixteen years, and is well and favorably known throughout the community as a worthy and progressive citizen.

Mr. Brown was married in New York, but his wife died December 11, 1891, leaving two children: Frankie and Fritz. In political mat- ters, our subject is an active and progressive Democrat. Ile takes an active interest in school and all other public work pertaining to the wel- fare and development of Clarke county.

S OIIUS & NORVAL, wholesale and re- tail dealers in general merchandise at Vancouver. This business has been es- tablished in Vancouver for more than a quarter of a century, and has a reputation second to none in the State of Washington. They carry a large and well-selected stock of general mer- chandise, consisting of groceries, dry goods, clothing, hardware, etc. The enterprise was first founded by Sohns & Schule, who conducted the the same many years, but about four years ago Mr. Schule disposed of his interest, and since July 1, 1892, the business has been conducted under the style of Sohns & Norval.

Lonis R. Sohus, the senior member of the firm, was born in Vancouver, Clarke county, Washington, October 3, 1858, a son of Hon. Lonis and Tirza (Schule) Sohus. The father was born in Beerfelt, Germany, April 29, 1827. was reared and educated in the land of his birth, and emigrated to America in 1850. Two years later he came to the Pacific coast, via Panama route. In the early '50s he was connected with the United States Army, later conducted a print- ing establishment in Vancouver nntil 1866, and in that year embarked in a general mercantile trade, which he continued many years. As a prominent and progressive citizen, the city of

383

HISTORY OF WASHINGTON.

Vancouver, and Clarke county generally, is in- debted to this gentleman. He was virtually the organizer of the First National Bank of this city, and to him is due the honor of settling the differences between the Catholic mission and citizens of Vanconver during his incumbency in the civic chair. His name is associated with nearly all public enterprises of the city, and among them may be mentioned the Vancouver, Yakima & Klickitat Railroad, the Michigan Lam- ber Company, and many other enterprises of great importance. From a financial standpoint he has been very successful in business life, but is now retired from active work. Mr. Sohus has represented Clarke county in the Legislature, and has also served in the more humble walks of public life. He has aided in promoting the in- terest of the community, has striven to antici- pate their wants, and labored incessantly to add beauty to his surroundings. In public as in private life, his chief aim has been to act hon- estly and according to his best convictions.

Lonis R. Sohus, the subject of this sketch, attended the public schools of Vancouver, and also graduated at MeClure's Academy, at Oak- land, California, with the class of 1879. Since that time he has been engaged in mercantile pursuits in this city. In addition to his other interests, he is a stockholder in the Columbia Land & Improvement Company of Vancouver. Socially, he affiliates with the F. & A. M., has passed all the official chairs in the blue lodge, and is also a member of the chapter and com- mandery, Knights Templar. Mr. Sohus has also served as Chancellor of the K. of P.

H ENRY C. LIESER, one of the prominent and influential farmers of Clarke county, was born in Franklin, Wisconsin, August 21, 1848, a son of Lonis and Eliza (Hol- lingsworth) Lieser, the former a native of Ger. many and the latter of the State of Iowa. The mother died in 1835.

Henry C., the third in a family of five chil- dren, crossed the plains to Oregon with his par- ents in 1850, locating in Clarke county, Wash- ington. He followed teaching many years in Washington and Yam Hill counties, Oregon, also in Vancouver, Washington. In 1874 he be- came a law student in the office of Thomas Tongue, of Hillsborough, although he had made a

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

An illustrated history of the state of Washington, containing biographical mention of its pioneers and prominent citizens, Part 61

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