USA > Washington > History of Washington the evergreen state : from early dawn to daylight with portraits and biographies Vol. I > Part 35
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BAKEMAN, CHARLES H .- To some extent, at least, man is the creature of his sur- roundings and opportunities ; still, no matter how many opportunities are offered, if he has not within himself the materials that ensure success, he will not profit by them. Charles H. Bakeman is a young man -- so young that few of his age, unless aided by family influence or wealthy personal friends, are more than ready to start upon life's work. Still, he has shown what can be done by one skilful, active, and energetic, ready to take advantage of favorable conditions, in establishing himself, and by strictly honorable means achieving a business success that many an older man might justly feel proud of. His success illustrates the splendid opportunities offered by this favored region to the right kind of men, whether they chance to have capital at their command or are compelled to start with small means, but aided, as he was, by an active brain, a trained hand, and an honora- ble ambition to use all worthy means to ensure success.
Mr. Bakeman was born of German parentage at Peshtigo, Marinette County, Wis., in 1861. He was raised on his father's farm and educated in the com- mon schools. He learned the trade of carriage-builder at Green Bay, Wis., and while working at his trade attended the night sessions of the business college at that place. He also spent a season, prior to 1883, at cabinet work, in Wisconsin.
In 1883 he left Wisconsin for the Pacific Coast. He spent some time at Port- land and Tacoma, and in the fall of 1883 reached Snohomish. Before finally locating here he spent nearly four months inspecting this whole region. After carefully examining the timber, mines, and farming lands of this county, he be- came satisfied of the wonderful resources to be developed here, and that at Sno- homish were all the opportunities he needed to make for himself a successful future. His parents and the rest of the family came here in 1884. In that year the Portland Board of Trade placed Mr. Bakeman in charge of the bankrupt stock of the defunct Snohomish Trading Company. As soon as he was through with this trust he began working for W. W. Pettit, and did all of his cabinet work for one and one half years. At the close of this job he began business for himself. His property then consisted of two residence lots, which he still retains, a kit of tools worth $100, and $40 worth of lumber.
Soon after starting work for himself he finished the first buggy ever made in Snohomish County. It was all hand-work. His first furniture order was for $35 worth of chairs, sent to Jennings Brothers, Portland, Ore. At first he made all kinds of furniture by hand. His trade increased so that by 1887 he found it im-
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possible to make chamber sets and other furniture fast enough to fill his orders, so gradually began to purchase and fill his store with a general stock of goods.
In the spring of 1887 he purchased on Avenue C, in Snohomish, a business lot 60 × 128 feet in size, and put up a building 22 × 60 feet, one story, for store- room and workshop. In the following spring he raised this building to two stories, and extended it so it was 22 × 100 feet on the ground. He kept this full of goods all the time, and did the leading trade of the county in his line. In the spring of 1891 he purchased the Ault Block, now known as the Bakeman Block, on Front Street, in Snohomish, and moved his business to it. This fine business block is 32 × 70 feet, five stories high. His business fills the four lower stories. He carries an average stock of $10,000 worth of goods, and his annual sales exceed $75,000. In the spring of 1887 Mr. Bakeman married Miss Mina Blackman, an educated and accomplished young lady, formerly of Oakland, Cal. They now have an interesting family of two children.
Mr. Bakeman is a young man of exemplary habits and sound business judg- ment. Starting in life without capital, carefully avoiding debt, he has done a safe and conservative business, extending his operations as his means increased, and has already accumulated a moderate competence. The substantial success which has rewarded his efforts has placed him, while young in years, among the leading business men of Snohomish.
DEUTSCH, WILLIAM, was born in Prussia in 1826. He attended the public schools of his native country from his sixth to fourteenth years, and received a fair common school education. In 1848 he entered the army, serving until 1851. On receiving his discharge, he left liis native country and came to America, July 7th, 1854, being the date of his arrival in this country. He remained a week in New York, and then went to Chicago, where he soon obtained employment on the Burlington and Quincy Railroad, then building, at which occupation he worked for nearly a year.
In 1856 he removed to Minnesota on account of his health, Minnesota being then opened for settlement. Here he went right into the wilderness, took up a tract of land, and engaged in farming, continuing till the outbreak of the Rebel- lion. He then enlisted in Company D, Fifth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, as a private, and served through the war. He participated in numerous engagements in Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi, and Tennessee under General A. J. Smith, was mustered out at Demopolis, Ala., June 5th, 1865, and discharged at Fort Snelling, Minn., September 26th, 1865, as Captain of the company. He re- turned to Minnesota, and until 1870 resided at Minneapolis. His health had broken down after the war, and believing that a change of climate would be bene- ficial, he came to the Pacific Coast, first to California and later to Oregon.
June 6th, 1870, he went to Seattle, Waslı., remaining there two months, and about September 1st, 1870, removed to Anacortes, Ship's Point, and took up a claim, since which time he has enjoyed excellent health.
Mr. Deutsch is a gentleman of genial and affable manners, and is highly esteemed by a large circle of friends. He has a beautiful home in Anacortes, and has acquired a considerable property. He gave forty acres of land to the Oregon Improvement Company and five acres to the Northern Pacific Railway
Johnm still.
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Company ; also ten acres to the Washington Farmer. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. In 1878 he was married to his brother's widow, and has two daughters.
ABRAMS, WILLIAM ROLLINS, banker, of Ellensburg, a member of the firm of Ben E. Snipes & Co., bankers, an organization effected in 1886 with a capi- tal of $150,000, was born in 1848 in Alabama. He is the son of W. P. Abrams, a pioneer lumberman of Oregon, and Sarah (Phelps) Abrams, a native of New Hampshire. Educated at the Portland schools and the Portland Academy and Seminary, he began life in the lumber business with his father, but afterward with his father's partner. Later he engaged in sheep-raising in Eastern Oregon for several years. He commenced banking on the opening of French & Co.'s bank at The Dalles, Ore., in 1878, and in 1884 severed his connection with that concern and engaged in the hardware business personally from 1884-86. In September, 1886, he sold an interest in the hardware business. Leaving the busi- ness in the hands of his partner, W. M. Stewart, he removed to Ellensburg. In this rapidly growing city he met with great success, but was burned out in the great fire of 1889. In 1890 the fine bank building they now occupy was com- pleted. It is one of the handsomest business structures in the city. Mr. Abrams was the first President of the Ellensburg Board of Trade, was elected and served as Mayor in 1889, and was for the first year Treasurer of the Washington Bankers' Association. He has been four years a member of the Board of School Directors, and is the President of the Board of Trustees of the Washington State Normal School. He was married in 1870 at The Dalles, Ore., to Miss Alice McFarland, a native of Washington. They have three children. Mr. Abrams is a man of property, a Knight Templar, a Mystic Shriner, and a thirty-second degree Mason. Such a life, so filled with social and business success, is its own best com- mentator.
ACTOR, CHARLES, farmer, of Dixie, Walla Walla County, Wash., was born in 1834 at Cincinnati, O. His parents were Prussians, born on the " classic Rhine." Young Actor, who had the misfortune to lose both father and mother while still an infant, was cared for by a cousin. Receiving his early education in Cincin- nati, he went to St. Louis, and after years of wandering and different pursuits came to Washington Territory with Governor Stevens in 1855, in the Government employ. In 1859 he took up a claim on the present site of Dixie. He was a volunteer in the Indian War and received several wounds. He now owns eight hundred acres of productive soil. Mr. Actor was married in 1863 to Miss Sarah Davidson. Six children are the result of this union, one of whom, Margaret, married George Lane, the Treasurer of Whitman County ; another, Mary, is united to Lincoln Cantonwine, a farmer ; Louisa has become Mrs. Bowman ; Frank sells real estate in Colfax, and Arthur is a student in a Dixie school.
ADAMS, HARRIS ALLEN, merchant, of Pomeroy, Wash., was born in Smith County, Tex., in 1858. His father, A. J. Adams, was a native of Indiana, and by occupation a farmer and merchant ; his mother was Eliza (Irwin) Adams. Eight in a family of nine, young Adams attended the public schools of his native
22
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State and then entered as a student of Overton College, Texas, took a classical course, and graduated in 1879 with the degree of A.B. Locating in Elizabeth- town, Tex., he engaged in farming and mercantile pursuits until 1888, when he sold out and came to Washington, locating at Pataha as a merchant. Removing to Pomeroy, he established himself in the same business, which he still con- tinues. He was married in 1886 to Miss Mattie Allen, of Texas. They have threc sons-H. A., Jr., C. A., and C. D. Mr. Adams was appointed City Treas- urer in 1891 and reappointed in 1892 ; was nominated in 1892 for County Treas- urer of Garfield County, and elected for two years. He has a fine city residence, is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and a Democrat in politics. The capital invested in his rapidly increasing business is large, but he enjoys a still larger popularity and holds a warm place in the esteem and confidence of his fellow- citizens.
ADAMS, HERMAN H., a thrifty German, has a fine farm of three hundred and twenty acres, all under cultivation, located a mile and a half southeast of Fair- field. Mr. Adams' father came to the United States in 1851, and began farming in Tennessee. The subject of our sketch was the eldest of three children, and was born in Germany in 1839. His early education was confined to the common school teaching in his native land up to the age of eleven, supplemented by an- other year after emigrating to this country. A helper on his father's farm, he accompanied him to Iowa, where he remained for ten years, then went to Oregon, where he took up a farm. Eight years of labor in that locality satisfied him that he could do better in Washington, to which State he removed in 1881, settling upon his present location. Six children are the result of his union with Miss Moore, of Indiana, whom he married in Iowa in 1866. Like many another of his nationality, Mr. Adams proved his devotion to the flag of his adopted country by enlisting in 1861 in Company K of the Fifteenth Iowa, serving till 1863, when he was honorably discharged. Though actively present at more than one battle of the Civil War, he escaped without a scratch. He is a Republican in politics, a member of the Lutheran Church, with as fine a farm and prosperous surround- ings as an old soldier could wish to gladden the evening of his days.
AMUNDS, AMUND, Vice-President of the Scandinavian-American Bank of Seat- tle, Wash., was born in Racine County, Wis., October 8th, 1844. His early life was spent upon the farm and in attendance at the public schools of his native State. In 1864 he removed with his parents to California, and after a three years' residence in that State settled in Cowlitz County, Wash. Terr. In 1869 he came to Seattle, and selecting Alki Point as a place suitable to continue his avoca- tion, spent several years there in farming, logging, and other business enterprises. He still owns valuable realty in that locality. He was married in 1872, at Monti- cello, King County, Wash., to Miss Arabella, only daughter of Noyes Stone. One daughter, Miss Barbara May, now a young lady of nineteen years, graces their union. For several years Mr. Amunds was associated with P. Wickstrom in the hotel business at Seattle, and so popular were the genial hosts that their house was continually crowded with guests. After the great fire of 1889 Mr. Amunds turned his attention to real estate and speculation, in which he has been very
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successful. He is a stockholder, Director, and First Vice-President of the Scan- dinavian-American Bank of Seattle. In all of his enterprises he has exhibited rare judgment and a high order of financial ability. Progressive and public- spirited, he is ever ready to lend his influence in every movement for the general advancement of the material interests of the city. In business and financial man- agement he has proved himself to be a force in the community, while the integrity of his course commands respect and esteem. He is charitable, and generously contributes to aid worthy objects. His success in life has been gained by his own exertions, in legitimate business channels, and through the attainment of his present position of power and influence the city and State of his adoption have been enriched in many ways.
In October, 1881, Mr. Amunds became a member of Columbia Lodge, Ancient Order of United Workingmen, and at once became an enthusiastic worker in that order, steadily working his way through the chairs until he received the highest honors in the gift of his lodge. He is the present Grand Receiver for the juris- diction of Washington. The beautiful flag owned by Columbia Ledge was pre- sented by Mr. Amunds.
Personally he is affable and pleasant in manner and has the same genial greet- ing for all, be they rich or poor, which has made him deservedly popular with all classes.
ANDERS, T. J., was born near the town of Republic, Seneca County, O., April 4th, 1838, and resided on a farm with his parents until he reached the age of twelve years, when they moved into the town of Republic. Here our subject at- tended the public schools until fitted for the academy of that place. After finish- ing his academic course, he became a teacher and followed that honorable calling until 1858. He then removed to Michigan and entered the Law Department of the State University, from which he was graduated in 1861. Going to Wiscon- sin, he engaged in teaching for a year, subsequently removing to Montana, and thence to Walla Walla, Wash., where he opened a law office in November, 1871. He was City Attorney of Walla Walla, and was five times elected Prosecuting Attorney for that district. He has been actively connected with much of the important legislation of Washington ; has been Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and is now one of the judges of that court.
ARMSTRONG, JARED, farmer and stockman on the Atahnam, near North Yaki- ma, Wash., was born in Pennsylvania in 1841, being the fifth in a family of nine children born to Samuel and Catherine (Bartlet) Armstrong, who were natives of Pennsylvania and Germany respectively. He accompanied his parents to Minne- sota in 1852, where they lived eight years, and then to Denver. His education was acquired in the common schools, and in 1860 we find him in the Indian Ter- ritory beginning the business of life as a grist miller. He returned to Minnesota during the war, and remained until 1864, when he crossed the plains by ox team with a strong party of one hundred and twenty-five wagons. The train divided at the Black Hills, and Mr. Armstrong came through to Walla Walla, and from thence to Yakima City. The train made an attempt to get through the Nachess Pass, but owing to the deep snow the party sold their teams and went to Vancou-
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ver. In 1871 Mr. Armstrong came to Yakima and engaged in milling for five years on the Atahnam. In 1876 he moved to the farm where he still resides, owning and cultivating one hundred and twenty acres. He is also a raiser of fine lorses and cattle. He was married in 1871 to Miss. Jane Pieburn, daughter of George Pieburn, a well-to-do farmer of Vancouver. They have a family of nine children. Mr. Armstrong is a Populist, and a member of the Farmers' Alliance ; withal a prosperous agriculturist, who well understands how to obtain the most generous returns from a willing soil.
ARUNDELL, WILLIAM, merchant, of Roslyn, Wash., was born in Henry County, Ill., twenty-seven years ago. His father, Timothy Arundell, was a native of Ire- land and by occupation a blacksmith ; his mother, Mary Walsh, was of the same nationality. His parents emigrated to the United States and first located at Baltimore. Educated in the public schools of his native State, young Arundell engaged in various pursuits. In 1886 he came to Washington and located at Roslyn. Here he associated himself with Mr. Eaden and became half owner of a valuable business property in the heart of the city. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, a Democrat in politics, and is personally identified with the best interests and progress of the city where his business interests are placed.
ATKINSON, GEORGE E., mill man, of New Whatcom, Waslı., was born in New Brunswick in 1836. Brought up and educated in the British provinces, he be- came interested at an early period in saw mills, which has ever since been the occupation of his life, having ·acted as manager of very large lumber mills before coming to the United States. In 1869 he relinquished milling in New Brunswick and came to Tacoma, Wash., to take the position of Manager and General Super- intendent of one of the largest lumber mills on Puget Sound. Here he remained until February of 1889, when he built the great mill at Gig Harbor, near Tacoma, in which he was part owner, but soon after sold his interest and removed to New Whatcom to take charge of the extensive mills of the Bellingham Bay Improve- ment Company at that place. He was City Treasurer and Justice of the Peace of what is known as " Old Town," Tacoma. He was also a Trustee of the Insane Asylum for five years, and a Councilman of Tacoma City. He was married in 1888 to Miss Garretson, of Tacoma. Two boys and two girls grace their union. No man connected with the lumber business on Puget Sound is better known or more highly appreciated than Mr. Atkinson. This is especially true of the for- eign trade.
ATWOOD, WILLIAM M., merchant, of Roslyn, Wash., was born in Texas in 1846, the son of Simeon and Eliza (McGeary) Atwood. His mother was a native of Illinois, his father of Kentucky. Largely self-educated and of a practical character, he began his early life in the Lone Star State as a farmer and stock- raiser. After following these occupations for a number of years, he relinquished them to become interested in lumber mills in Northern Arkansas. In 1874 lie migrated to California, where he returned to farming in San Joaquin County, near Lockford. Remaining in the Golden State for four years, he then removed to Washington Territory, locating on a ranch in Columbia County (afterward Gar-
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field). After nine years' experience in this section, he selected Roslyn as a per- manent home, and established himself in that place in 1881 as a general mer- chant. The wisdom of his choice has been proved by his complete success, a result due to his constant and energetic supervision, and possibly in part to the very eligible site chosen for his fine store. He was married in 1869 to Miss Mollie E. Woodruff in Northern Arkansas, and has five children. He is a Democrat, and a Past Grand in the Independent Order Odd Fellows.
AULT, CHARLES A., M.D., of Colfax, Wash., a young physician, but experi- enced and highly educated in the profession of his choice, was born in Montreal, Canada, in 1863. His father was Dr. Alexander Ault, of Canada, his mother a native of Scotland. Young Ault, the only son, was prepared by private tutors to enter the McGill University of Montreal, where he took his A.B. degree, and also that of M.D.C.M. in 1890. Going south, he located at Lampasas, Tex., where he practised for a year, and then removed to Colfax, Wash., a step which he finds no reason to regret, as he is building up a large and increasing practice. Dr. Ault was married in 1891 to Miss B. A. Moore, a niece of Colonel John A. Moore, an old pioneer of the Lone Star State and at one time an Aide to General Sam Houston. They have two children. The doctor is a Democrat and a mem- ber of various secret societies. A rising man, he bids fair to take an enviable place in the home of his adoption.
BABCOCK, CHESTER N., hotel-keeper, of Waitsburg, was born in Oneida County, N. Y., in 1836. His parents, Richard and Sarah Babcock, were natives of the same State. Fourth in a family of twelve, the subject of our sketch was edu- cated in Wisconsin, his parents having removed thither while he was still a child in 1844. His first occupation was farming, in which he continued until 1857, when he went to Missouri to take a position on the Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad, which he held for two years. The Pike's Peak excitement drew him to Colo- rado ; from there crossing the plains in the fall of 1859, he located at Walla Walla, took up land and resumed farming, a vocation in which he labored for eight years, when he settled at Waitsburg and devoted himself to the hotel busi- ness, in which he has been eminently successful. Mr. Babcock married in 1872 Miss Ruth Colwell, a native of New York, a lady of English descent. They have two children. He has held the offices of Mayor and City Councillor of Waits- burg, proving himself a most efficient officer. He is the possessor of consider- able property, not only in Washington, but Oregon, owning some of the best ploughing land in the latter State. Personally he is a gentleman whose genial manners win the regard of all with whom he is brought in contact. Mr. Babcock counts his friends by scores, not only in Waitsburg, but throughout the State of Washington.
BABCOCK, W. H., farmer and extensive land-owner, of Eureka Junction, Walla Walla County, Wash., was born in New York in 1843, of which State liis parents were also natives. His father was a veteran soldier, having seen service in the War of 1812. Young Babcock received his early education in the Empire State, and learned the trade which the famous " learned blacksmith" so distin-
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guished. After years of wandering, he came to California in 1873, where he came into conflict with hostile Indians. After working for some years at his trade in the Golden State, he removed to Walla Walla, Wash., in 1880, thence to Eureka Flat, at the junction. He now owns four thousand acres, averaging a heavy yield, and takes great pride in his improved breed of stock. He was married in California in 1874 to Miss Mary Hale, whose father was a soldier of the Mexican War. Three children have blessed their union. Mr. Babcock has served as County Commissioner. He has his own system of irrigation. His farm is one of the finest and best equipped in the State.
BALLARD, L. W., M.D., of Slaughter, Wash., was born in Hillsborough County, N. H., in 1815. A public school education fitted him to enter the Han- cock (New Hampshire) Academy. Graduating from that institution in 1837, he remained as a teacher for one year, and afterward taught for two years in the common schools of New Jersey. Removing to Ashland, O., he studied medicine with a prominent physician of that place, and finally completed his professional education by graduating in 1844 from the Medical College of Cleveland, O., with the degree of M.D. Opening an office, he began active practice as a physician at Ashland County, O., where he remained until 1852, when his wife died. Leav- ing his two children with their grandfather, he then crossed the plains and visited California, but after a few months' stay returned to Ohio. Journeying once more westward, he went to Cascade Falls, Wash., and thence to Southern Ore- gon and took up land. In 1857 he returned again to Ohio, where he was mar- ried again. Going by the Isthmus, he reached Oregon ; but desiring to obtain the larger advantages of the University at Seattle for his two older children, he settled in King County, where he took up a claim, on which the town of Slaugh- ter is now built. The doctor may well be said not only to have grown up with the place, but assisted at its birth. He is emphatically its pioneer inhabitant. Five children have been born to himself and wife. One son is a distinguished lawyer of Seattle, and one is President of the Seattle National Bank. He is a member of the Independent Order Odd Fellows fraternity, and was Surgeon of a regiment that participated in the Rogue River Indian War.
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