History of the Yakima Valley, Washington; comprising Yakima, Kittitas, and Benton Counties, Vol. II, Part 29

Author: Lyman, William Denison, 1852-1920
Publication date: 1919
Publisher: [Chicago] S.J. Clarke
Number of Pages: 1138

USA > Washington > Benton County > History of the Yakima Valley, Washington; comprising Yakima, Kittitas, and Benton Counties, Vol. II > Part 29
USA > Washington > Kittitas County > History of the Yakima Valley, Washington; comprising Yakima, Kittitas, and Benton Counties, Vol. II > Part 29
USA > Washington > Yakima County > History of the Yakima Valley, Washington; comprising Yakima, Kittitas, and Benton Counties, Vol. II > Part 29

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On the 10th of January, 1911, Mr. Heberling was united in marriage to Miss Carrie B. Strain, of Prosser, and they have two children, a son and a daughter, Ruth Hazel and Guy Myron. Mr. Heberling is a republican but not active in party work. His religious faith is that of the United Presbyterian church, and fraternally he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. He is ever interested in prog- ress and development along moral, intellectual and material lines and is a valuable citizen of Benton county.

CASTO E. JOHNSON.

Among the substantial agriculturists that have come to this state from the middle west is Casto E. Johnson, who now has important ranching interests near Sunnyside. He was born in Hardin county, Iowa, July 31, 1861, of the marriage of Hugh and Ann (Macy) Johnson, the former a native of New Jersey and the latter of Indiana. They were among Iowa's early pioneers, having gone to that state in 1856, and there the father successfully followed farming throughout his active career. Both parents have now passed away but the old homestead is still in possession of the family, the two brothers of our subject owning the same, the farm having been in the family for seventy-two years, or since 1856.

Casto E. Johnson was reared amid pioneer conditions and in the acquirement of his education attended the schools of his neighborhood. He subsequently thoroughly learned agricultural methods under the guidance of his father and later rented land in his native state for one year. For three years he engaged in farming in Fall River county, South Dakota, but at the end of that period returned to Iowa, where he was for three years engaged in carpenter work. In August, 1893, he came to Yakima county, Washington, and acquired a relinquishment on a homestead five miles south- west of Sunnyside. He was among the first pioneers here and his land when it came into his possession was all sagebrush. Undiscouraged, he set himself to the task of placing it under cultivation and how well he has succeeded is evident from the im- proved appearance of the place, which is now one of the most valuable properties of the neighborhood. He has one hundred and ten acres in all and raises hay, corn and wheat, also giving close attention to hogs and deriving a gratifying addition to his income from this source. He has erected a substantial home and upon his place are found many other evidences of prosperity.

On November 19, 1884, Mr. Johnson was married to Miss Edith E. Hubbard, a native of Clinton county, New York, and a daughter of Jeremiah and Johanna (Brown) Hubbard. The parents removed to Wisconsin as pioneers and in 1870 took up their abode in Iowa, where both spent the remainder of their lives. The father was not only a successful agriculturist but also followed the blacksmith's trade, in which he was well trained. Both he and his wife were held in the highest esteem in the communities in which they resided. To Mr. and Mrs. Johnson three children

MR. AND MRS. CASTO E. JOHNSON

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have been born: Harry, who married Winnie Smith, rents his father's farm in part- nership with his brother. Harold Leighton married Gladys Woolliscroft, by whom he has one child, Jeannette. He is renting his father's farm in partnership with his brother Harry. Lenora Edith married Oscar Longnecker, who is engaged in ranch- ing nearby, and they have a daughter, Ruth.

Mr. Johnson and his wife are devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in the work of which they are helpfully interested. In his political affilia- tions he is independent, voting for the candidates whom he considers best fitted for the offices to which they aspire. He served for six years as school director and in many other ways has given evidence of his interest in affairs of local importance, readily giving his support to all movements for the growth and upbuilding of his district. Fraternally he is prominent in the Odd Fellows, having held all the chairs in the local lodge and having also acted as representative to the Grand Lodge in 1900 and 1902. His wife belongs to the Daughters of Rebekah and was a delegate to the state lodge at Bellingham in 1902 and at Walla Walla in 1903. Mr. Johnson is also connected with the Sunnyside Camp of the Modern Woodmen of America. There is much that is commendable in his career, for he has attained to a substantial position in life entirely through his own efforts and, moreover, has set an example to a younger generation, showing what may be accomplished where there is the will to dare and to do. He has ever performed his tasks to the best of his ability and in the faithful performance of each day's work is to be found the solution for his suc- cessful career.

EBEN U. FORREST.

For over eighteen years Eben U. Forrest has been connected with horticultural pursuits in the Yakima valley, where he now owns a valuable property a half mile north of Zillah. Twelve acres of his tract is devoted to the raising of pears, apples and peaches and he has been very successful along this line, having closely studied orcharding methods and always followed the latest leads in trying to obtain the best results. Mr. Forrest was born at Green Lake, Wisconsin, August 24, 1852, a son of John and Hannah P. (Utley) Forrest, the former a native of Scotland and the latter of New York. Both were numbered among the early pioneers of Wisconsin. The father was a veteran of the Civil war and died at its close, in the south, of yellow fever. His widow survived him for some time, her death occurring in Tacoma, Washington.

Eben U. Forrest in the acquirement of his education attended the public schools of his native state and at the age of twenty-two, in 1874, went to Colorado, where he engaged in freighting, and subsequently he made his way to Montana, where he followed the same occupation. He then retraced his steps eastward as far as Kansas and he bought a farm in Lyon county. The lure of the west was upon him, how- ever, and in 1899 he again set his face toward the setting sun, arriving in Tacoma, Washington, in 1899. Two years later he came to the Yakima valley and here he bought twenty acres of land a half mile north of Zillah, which tract was partly im- proved. He has since added two acres to his holdings and today has twelve acres in apples, pears and peaches, while the remainder of the land is devoted to the raising of alfalfa. He has rebuilt the house and has erected good barns and out- buildings, thus improving his property so that it now is very valuable. As he never does anything by halves Mr. Forrest has become one of the thoroughgoing horti- culturists of his district and as a result is today in receipt of a most gratifying in- come.

On December 31, 1885, Mr. Forrest was united in marriage to Miss Clara Selfies. a native of Pennsylvania and a daughter of Frank and Mary Selfies, who became pioneers of Kansas. To this union five children were born. Nellie is the wife of Oscar Strand, who is ranching near Zillah, and they have a son, Forrest Le Roy. Albert is now serving in the New York Coast Guard of the United States navy and is married to Laura Duckham, who during his absence resides with Mr. and Mrs. Forrest of this review. George is also in the United States navy and is now

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a chief petty officer. He was on the U. S. S. San Diego when that ship was sunk. His twin brother, William H., and Ada are at home.

In his political affiliation Mr. Forrest is a republican as far as national issues are concerned but often votes independently, particularly in regard to local politics, taking into consideration the qualifications of the candidate instead of his party connections. Fraternally he is an esteemed member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen and his religious faith is that of the Christian church. While a resident of Kansas he served for twelve years as treasurer of his school district and the cause of education still finds in him a warm champion. He also served for two years as township treasurer and since becoming a resident of Yakima he has served as supervisor of drainage district No. 15, for two and a half years, thus giving evi- dence of his interest in irrigation, the importance of which he fully realizes. He is a member of the Yakima Valley Fruit Growers Association and through this con- nection is able to dispose of his crops to the best advantage. There is much credit due Mr. Forrest for what he has achieved in life, as he now is the owner of valu- ahle fruit property in the valley, through the development of which he has not only achieved individual fortune but has contributed toward general prosperity. He is a loyal and public-spirited American citizen, a reliable and trustworthy business man and a true friend, as all who have the honor of his closer acquaintance are ready to testify.

WALTON D. McNAIR.

Walton D. McNair, active in directing municipal affairs in Yakima as one of the city commissioners, was born at Versailles, Morgan county, Missouri, March 7, 1871, his parents being James and Virginia L. (Thruston) McNair, both of whom have now passed away. The father served as circuit clerk and recorder of Morgan county, Missouri, and later became a member of the bar there, continuing in the practice of law successfully for many years.

Walton D. McNair received his college training, supplementing his public school course, in Central College at Fayette, Missouri, and afterward entered upon rail- way work in connection with the office of the master mechanic of a railroad com- pany in Kansas. He devoted three years to the position and in 1895 went to Alaska, spending ten years in the far northwest. He was there largely engaged in public work, filling a position in the office of the United States district clerk and also acting as chief deputy collector of customs at Sitka.

The year 1907 witnessed the arrival of Mr. McNair in Yakima, where he has since made his home. In this city he accepted the position of bookkeeper at the Horticultural Union and there continued for three years. He next prepared an ab- stract index for the Consolidated Abstract Company, after which he was called to public office, becoming chief deputy county assessor, in which position he capably served for three years. His efficiency and fidelity were indicated in the fact that in 1914 he was elected by popular suffrage to the office of county assessor and served for three years. He then resigned in order to accept the office of city com- missioner, being made superintendent of finance and accounting. He entered upon the duties of this position on the 17th of December, 1917, for a three years, term, and is now serving. His previous training and experience well qualified him for the work that now devolves upon him and his record in office is characterized by marked efficiency and fidelity.

On the 1st of November, 1899, Mr. McNair was married to Miss Stella D. Butler, of Portland, Oregon, and they have become parents of a daughter, Virginia. Mr. McNair votes with the republican party and seeks the welfare of the city also through his co-operation with the plans of the Commercial Club, of which he is a member. He belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks but is chiefly active outside of office in the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Yakima Lodge, No. 24, F. & A. M .; Yakima Chapter, No. 21, R. A. M., of which he was high priest in 1916; Yakima Commandery, No. 13, K. T., of which he was eminent commander in 1916; and Afifi Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. He is most loyal to the teachings and

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purposes of the craft. In fact loyalty to duty is one of the marked characteristics of Mr. McNair and. moreover, he is actuated by a progressive spirit in all that he undertakes. He is a typical western man, holding to high ideals on behalf of the public and putting forth every effort to advance civic standards.

NORRIS H. KANDLE.

Among the native sons of Yakima county and the Naches valley who have at- tained considerable success along agricultural lines is Norris H. Kandle, now a rancher of the Naches district, who was born March 22, 1888. He is a son of Frank and Ida R. (Green) Kandle, the former born near Tumwater, Washington, and the latter a native of Iowa. More extended mention of the family is made in connection with the sketch of R. H. Kandle on other pages of this work.

Norris H. Kandle attended the public schools in the acquirement of an educa- tion and after laying aside his textbooks assisted his father with the work of the ranch, thus laying a good foundation for his later endeavors along that line. Becom- ing thoroughly acquainted with modern and up-to-date methods, he later took over the management of the home place, which he is now cultivating, his holdings com- prising one hundred and ninety-eight acres. He devotes a great deal of time and attention to horticultural lines, having seventeen acres in apples and peaches, while the rest of the farm is devoted to the raising of hay and grain. Moreover, Mr. Kandle has important stock interests, deriving a gratifying addition to his income from this line. He is thoroughly up-to-date in all that he undertakes and in all branches of his work is meeting with success. His parents, who have now retired, live upon the home farm with him.

On the 21st of October, 1916, Mr. Kandle was united in marriage to Miss Kath- erin Dilley, a native of Roseburg, Oregon, and to this union has been born a son, Lance J. Mr. Kandle is a worthy representative of an honored family which has long been connected with agricultural and horticultural interests in this state and he well upholds the high reputation which the name has so long enjoyed. By develop- ing a valuable property he has greatly enhanced values in his district and thus is contributing toward more prosperous conditions. Public advancement has been near his heart and he has ever given his aid to movements which have had this purpose. In politics he is a republican, stanchly upholding the candidates of that party, but he has never sought office for himself, preferring to devote his whole attention to his private affairs. He is a leading agriculturist of the Naches district who has many friends and is admired by all who know him for his strength of character, his energy and industry, his pleasant ways and all those other qualities which make up the suc- cessful man. Both he and his wife are popular among the younger people of the neighborhood and their own fireside is often the scene of cheerful and pleasant gath- erings.

CHARLES W. GRANT.

Charles W. Grant, a wholesale fruit shipper of Toppenish and one whose busi- ness interests are being constantly developed, was born in Wichita, Kansas, June 6, 1877, a son of J. W. and Ida (Gordon) Grant, both of whom were natives of Iowa. In the year 1868 the father went to Kansas. He was there engaged in business as a government contractor and also dealt in cattle. He afterward resided in Coldwater, Kansas, and in 1889 came with his family to Washington, settling in Tacoma, where he was engaged in the paint business and also in shipwrecking, but both he and his wife have now passed away.

Charles W. Grant after leaving high school pursued a business course in a night school and thus qualified for life's practical and responsible duties. He early accepted the position as clerk in the county treasurer's office at Tacoma, where he was em- ployed for two years, and subsequently he spent five years as secretary of the state

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board of control, during which time Governor Lister was chairman. In 1904 he came to Toppenish and here entered the employ of the Richey & Gilbert Com- pany and has been manager with them since 1910. In this connection he has been active in the development of important interests and is one of the prominent repre- sentatives of the wholesale fruit trade of the Yakima valley. The Richey & Gilbert Company have a very large warehouse at Toppenish and own nine others in differ- ent parts of the Yakima valley, Mr. Grant acting as general manager over all and shipping a thousand carloads of produce annually. Theirs is one of the most exten- sive interests of the kind in the Yakima valley. They handle produce as packers and shippers and employ from thirty to two hundred people. Mr. Grant is well qualified for the important duties that devolve upon him in this connection and is thoroughly familiar with the Yakima valley and the products produced within its borders. He is also the owner of one hundred and thirty acres of excellent farm land on the Yakima Indian reservation. He built the first dwelling house in West Toppenish, also assisted in platting the town and sold the Gilbert addition. From the first he has been largely instrumental in promoting the growth and development of this district. He aided in getting the first patents issued from the government to the Indians so they could sell the land and the town could be built. He was a factor in establishing the first newspaper called the Toppenish Review, and he served as postmaster for two years under President Wilson's first administration. He has ever been an enthusiastic champion of the city, promoting its progress in many ways, his efforts heing far-reaching and beneficial.

In 1898 Mr. Grant was married to Miss Luella M. Campbell, of Steilacoom, Washington, who passed away in 1909. In 1910 he wedded Martha Anna Barclay, of Toppenish. He has one daughter, Florence, born of the first marriage.

Fraternally Mr. Grant is connected with the Elks lodge No. 318, of Yakima and also with the Woodmen and the Foresters. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party and he is a recognized leader in its local ranks. He was not only one of the incorporators of Toppenish but also served as a member of its first council and at different times has again represented his ward in that connection. He was also the second mayor of Toppenish and gave to the new city a progressive ad- ministration which largely promoted its interests. He is a member of the Commer- cial Club and there is no project put forth by that organization or in other connec- tions for the benefit of Toppenish that does not receive the hearty endorsement and earnest support of Mr. Grant, who is actuated in all that he does by a public-spirited devotion to the general good.

ALBERT J. LOW, D. D. S.

Dr. Albert J. Low is a successful representative of the dental profession in Roslyn, where he has practiced continuously during the past fourteen years. His birth occurred in Albion, Illinois, on the 27th of September, 1877, his parents being Alvin C. and Alice (Crome) Low, the latter now deceased. The father, an able physician and surgeon, made his way to Roslyn, Washington, in 1914 and there practiced his profession for three years. In 1917 he removed to Spokane, where he still makes his home and is now living retired.

Albert J. Low acquired his early education in the public schools and subse- quently spent two years as a student in the Southern Collegiate Institute of Albion, Illinois. Having determined upon the practice of dentistry as a life work, he then entered the Indiana Dental College of Indianapolis, from which he was graduated with the class of 1902. He first followed his profession in Illinois for six months hut on the expiration of that period made his way westward to Washington and for a half year practiced at Colfax, this state. He next opened an office at Pullman, Washington, there remaining for a year, while since 1904 he has practiced continu- ously at Roslyn. His patronage is now extensive and gratifying, having continually grown as he has demonstrated his skill and ability in the line of his chosen profes- sion. He helongs to both the state and national dental associations.

On the 5th of September, 1917, Doctor Low was united in marriage to Miss

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Elizabeth Creed Searle, a native of Omaha, Nebraska, and a daughter of F. P. Scarle, who was formerly a banker of Seattle and is now acting as auditor for the government at the Sanderson & Porter plant at Raymond, Washington. Dr. and Mrs. Low have a son, Albert James, Jr., who was born on the 9th of August, 1918.

In his political views Doctor Low is a republican, exercising his right of fran- chise in support of the men and measures of that party, while his religious faith is that of the Episcopal church. He is also a worthy exemplar of the Masonic frater- nity, belonging to St. Thomas Lodge No. 54, A. F. & A. M., of which he is a past master. and he is likewise a member of the Delta Sigma Delta. His many sterling traits of character have commended him to the confidence, esteem and goodwill of all and the circle of his friends is a wide one.

WILLIAM F. ELSER.

William F. Elser is now prominently connected with the hotel business in Grand- view, Washington, where he and his wife own one of the finest hostclries in the state, the success of the enterprise being largely due to their joint management. However, much credit must be given to Mrs. Elser for the establishment and suc- cessful management of the business, as it was largely through her enterprise that Mr. Elser turned to this occupation, as he had been largely interested in orcharding. Both are Grandview pioneers, the townsite being covered with sagebrush at the time of their arrival and theirs being the only house in the neighborhood. They have therefore been closely connected with developmnt and progress here and it is largely through their enterprise that this town has been developed. Beginning in a small way, they have nov. attained to great prosperity and are numbered among the most substantial citizens in their neighborhood.

M1. Elser was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, June 22, 1862, a son of John and Hannah (Cassell) Elser, natives of Dauphin county, Pennsylvania. The father tollowed agricultural pursuits but also gave considerable attention to shipbuilding, being a shipbuilder by trade. Both he and his wife have now passed away.

Mr. Elser of this review was reared in Harrisburg and in the acquirement of an education attended the public schools there, learning the carpenter's trade after lay- ing aside his textbooks. He later was for three years connected with the car shops in Harrisburg, removing at the end of that time, about 1883, to Fulton county, Illi- nois, where he worked on farms. There and in Knox county he remained for four years, being employed by others. Having acquired the means to start out inde- pendently he farmed in Knox county, Illinois, on his own account for one year. About 1887 he removed to Barton county, Kansas, where for two and a half years he followed the same occupation, returning at the end of that period to Illinois, where several years were spent. For ten years he was connected with the Glenwood Ice Company at Galesburg, Illinois, but in 1902 he decided upon a removal to Wash- ington, having heard glowing accounts of the opportunities presented here. That year he arrived in Sunnyside and at first worked for the Sunnyside Land Company but ir. 1904 located on a forty-acre tract, on which the townsite of Grandview was laid out in 1906 He cultivated this land for about two years, at the end of which time he assisted in laying out the town. It was then covered with sagebrush and the wonderful changes that have transformed it into the present prosperous village are truly remarkable Mr. Elser later bought forty acres near Grandview but two years later sold this tract and acquired title to eight acres southeast of Grandview, while his wife has six acres there, their combined holdings being fourteen acres. The land is devoted to orcharding and to the raising of hay and from it Mr. and Mrs. Elser derive a gratifying income.

In their lives the 5th of May, 1906, is a historic day, as it was on that date that Mrs. Elser began serving three meals a week at her home, and from that small beginning the Grandview Hotel has developed to serve fifty-two guests three times daily. The present building was erected in 1909 and the hostelry is one of the most popular in the Yakima valley, famous for its home cooking, its good cheer and hospi- tality. Mr. and Mrs. Elser are genial hosts and have instituted many modern improve-

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ments, making their place up-to-date in every respect. The rooms are modern and handsomely furnished and everything about the hotel indicates progressive manage- ment.

On December 31. 1885. Mr. Elser was united in marriage to Minnie Myrtle Dean, a native of Knox county, Illinois, and a daughter of John and Lucinda (Pitman) Dean. Her father passed away in Illinois in 1900, and her mother subsequently made her home with Mr. and Mrs. Elser. She died in 1913. The father had been quite successful in the hotel business in Illinois and it may be said that the daughter has inherited her talent along that line from him. To Mr. and Mrs. Elser were born four children, of whom Will Ellis, the first born, died at the age of three months. The others are as follows: Lulu Pearl, Theo Fern and Metta Ruth. Lulu Pearl has the distinction of being the first girl married in Grandview. She married Charles Reese, of Sunnyside, Washington, and they have four daughters: Evelin, Helen, Irene and Ines.

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History of the Yakima Valley, Washington; comprising Yakima, Kittitas, and Benton Counties, Vol. II, Part 29

Author: Lyman, William Denison, 1852-1920 Publication date: 1919 Publisher: [Chicago] S.J. Clarke Number of Pages: 1138

Author: Lyman, William Denison, 1852-1920
Publication date: 1919
Publisher: [Chicago] S.J. Clarke
Number of Pages: 1138