History of the Yakima Valley, Washington; comprising Yakima, Kittitas, and Benton Counties, Vol. II, Part 39

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 39
USA > Washington > Kittitas County > History of the Yakima Valley, Washington; comprising Yakima, Kittitas, and Benton Counties, Vol. II > Part 39
USA > Washington > Yakima County > History of the Yakima Valley, Washington; comprising Yakima, Kittitas, and Benton Counties, Vol. II > Part 39

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On the 14th of April, 1895, Mr. Mechtel was married to Miss Anna K. Hartmann, of Shakopee, Minnesota, and to them have been born two daughters, Lucile Margaret and Gertrude Georgia, both at home.

Fraternally Mr. Mechtel is connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Loyal Order of Moose, the Modern

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Woodmen of America, the Woodmen of the World, the Catholic Order of Foresters and the Knights of Columbus and his religious faith is indicated by his membership in St. Panl's Catholic church. He also belongs to the Commercial Club and he is interested in all that pertains to the development and welfare of the city in which he has so long made his home and in which he has been so very active as a busi- ness man. There have been no spectacular phases in his career but his enterprise and progress have accomplished splendid results not only in the development of his individual interests but in the promotion of trade relations of the city.

CHARLES L. COCHRAN.

Charles L. Cochran, who was a valued citizen of that section of Yakima county which is near Outlook, in which region he has many warm friends, was born in Boone county, Missouri, September 13, 1868, a son of John G. and Elizabeth (Eagen) Cochran, who were also natives of Missouri. The father, who was born in Septem- ber. 1839, passed away in 1912. In 1871 he came with his family to Washington. settling at Walla Walla, and in the succeeding years became a prominent farmer of that district. Afterward he retired from active business and spent his remaining days in the enjoyment of well earned rest at Dixie, Washington.

Charles L. Cochran acquired a public school education, supplemented by study in the Empire Business College at Walla Walla. He was but a young lad of three summers when brought by his parents to the northwest, so that practically his entire life was spent in this state. He was reared to the occupation of farming and con- tinned to follow that pursnit until 1892, when he opened a general merchandise establishment at Dixie, Washington. He was made postmaster in 1893 and served for several years, having charge of the duties of the office while conducting his mercantile business. At length he sold his store in 1912 and removed to Sunny- side, where he engaged in farming until 1915. He then traded his farm for a general store at Outlook and conducted it until his life's labors were ended in death, being recognized as one of the representative business men of his community.

On the 8th of May, 1901, Mr. Cochran was united in marriage to Miss Pearl M. Lewis, who was born in Garfield county, Washington, a daughter of William T. and Ellen (Logston) Lewis, who were pioneers of Washington and now live in Walla Walla county, where the father follows farming. To Mr. and Mrs. Coch- ran were born four children: Esther, Reese, Ruth and Veora.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Cochran held membership in the Christian church and were most loyal to its teachings. Mr. Cochran was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Felows, in which he filled all of the chairs, and his wife is identified with the Rebekah lodge. He also belonged to the Modern Woodmen of America and in ploitics was an independent democrat. He was widely known and loved by all because of his many excellent traits of character, his geniality and his kindly dis- position. He passed away on the 17th of August, 1917, and nowhere was his death more deeply regretted than at his own fireside, for he was a most devoted husband and father, finding his greatest happiness in promoting the welfare of his wife and children.

WILLIAM C. HAMILTON.

That Illinois enterprise has taken advantage of the opportunities of the north- west is indicated in the fact that many of the now substantial and progressive citi- zens of the Yakima valley have come to this district from the Prairie state and are now most loyal and enthusiastic residents of this section. Among the number is William C. Hamilton, who is now successfully engaged in fruit raising upon an ex- cellent property two, and a half miles west of Yakima. He was born in Eureka, Illinois, April 13, 1857, a son of William and Mary (Hunter) Hamilton, both of whom were natives of Ireland, but were married in New York. At an early period in the

EDGAR HAMILTON

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development of Illinois they established their home within the borders of that state and spent their remaining days there. The father was a stonemason and thus pro- vided for the support of his family.

William C. Hamilton, when his textbooks were put aside, started out in the busi- ness world as a clerk in a grocery store and carefully saved his earnings until his industry and economy had brought him sufficient capital to enable him to engage in the grocery business on his own account at Eureka, Illinois. He afterward conducted a store of that kind at Colfax, Illinois, but in 1905 disposed of his interests in the middle west and came to Yakima county. Here he purchased land two and a half miles west of Yakima and has planted it all to fruit. He has ten acres in pears and his is one of the finest orchards in the valley. Everything about his place is neat and well cared for and a spirit of enterprise and progressiveness has actuated him in all that he has undertaken. He is also owner of a fine nursery and sells all varie- ties of fruit trees, selected from the best stock. He has specialized in fine Anjou pears and these have proven very successful in this section of the country. He be- longs to the Yakima Fruit Growers Association, of which he is a director, and he is also a member of the Yakima County Horticultural Union.

On October 27, 1880, Mr. Hamilton was united in marriage to Miss Mary Emma Chambers, of Illinois, and their children are: Walter, a farmer of Idaho, who is mar- ried and has six children, a son and five daughters; Charles, who is married and is now field manager for the Yakima Fruit Growers Association; Percy Hale, at home; Helen, deceased; Grace, the wife of G. E. Eyler, living at Selah, Washington; Edgar, who sacrificed his life in the service of his country, having joined the United States navy before he was of age, and who died of pneumonia on October 9, 1918, at Brem- erton where he was in training; Richard, who has also departed this life; and one child who died in infancy.

Mr. Hamilton and his family are identified with the Presbyterian church and take an active and helpful interest in its work and upbuilding. Mr. Hamilton votes with the republican party and was one of its active workers in Illinois, where he served as a member of the board of aldermen and also as a member of the school board. In Washington he has preferred to concentrate his undivided efforts and attention upon his business affairs, which are gradually developing and have already placed him in an enviable position among the horticulturists. of the northwest.

AUGUST B. HAUETER.

August B. Haueter occupies a fruit ranch of five acres adjoining the west city limits of Yakima and is devoting his attention to the raising of apples, pears, peaches and cherries. Actuated by a spirit of enterprise, he has won well deserved success in his business career. He was born in Carver county, Minnesota, June 23, 1863, a son of Christian and Wilhelmina Haueter, who were pioneer settlers of Carver county, where they took up their abode in 1858, the father there securing govern- ment land. They lived upon that place throughout their remaining days, both having now passed away.

August B. Haneter acquired a public school education and early became familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops as he assisted in the work upon his father's farm. He continued to devote his attention to farming in Minnesota until 1905, when he removed to Saskatchewan, Canada settling near Prince Albert, where he purchased land and again gave his attention to general agricultural pursuits. He there remained until 1911, when he sold that property and came to Yakima county, Washington, at which time he purchased a ranch of forty acres on Cowiche creek. Thereon he engaged in raising fruit, alfalfa and wheat, producing large crops of each. He made his home upon that place for three years and afterward resided in Yakima for a year, at the end of which time he purchased a five-acre tract of land adjoining the west city limits, on which he now resides. This is planted to apples, pears, peaches and cherries and his orchards are in ex- cellent condition. He has thoroughly studied the question of spraying and the care of his trees in general and he annually handles a large amount of fruit raised

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upon his place. He still owns the Cowiche ranch, which contributes much to his yearly revenue.

On the 30th of October, 1895, Mr. Haueter was married to Miss Louisa Block, who was born in Carver county, Minnesota, a daughter of Carl and Hulda Block, who were pioneer settlers of that state. The children of this marriage are: Esther Louise, a stenographer; Lillian Hulda, a student in the Deaconess Hospital of Chi- cago which she is attending in order to become a professional nurse; and Milton August, Herbert Frederick and Mildred Edna. Mr. Haueter and his family are members of the First Evangelical church and are people of sterling worth, enjoying the high regard and good will of all with whom they come in contact. They have gained many friends during the years of their residence in this section of the state and the hospitality of their home is greatly enjoyed by all who know them.

IRA J. GANO.

Ira J. Gano, devoting his attention to general farming in Yakima county, was born in Patterson, Hardin county, Ohio, February 6, 1877, a son of James H. and Rhoda M. (Gardner) Gano. The father was a native of Champaign county, Ohio, born December 3, 1837, and was a son of Isaac and Nancy Jane (Hogg) Gano, the former a native of Berkeley county, West Virginia, and the latter of Clark county, Ohio. The Gano family is of French lineage and was established on American soil during early colonial days. The ancestral line is traced back through Isaac Gano to Daniel Gano, who served in the Revolutionary war, enlisting from Virginia. He was a valiant adherent of the cause of the colonies and rendered active aid in the cause of independence. He passed away in Virginia at the age of sixty years. His son Isaac afterward removed to Ohio in young manhood and there spent his re- maining days. He was a miller by trade and followed that pursuit in early man- hood, while later he took up the occupation of farming.

His son, James H. Gano, father of Ira J. Gano, acquired a public school educa- tion in Ohio and was reared to farm life, with which he was identified in that sec- tion of the country until 1892. He then left the Buckeye state in order to try his fortune in the northwest, making his way to Yakima county, where he took up a homestead on the Moxee. With characteristic energy he began the improvement of the place and within a short time his labors had wrought a marked transformation in its appearance. For a number of years he was actively identified with farming in this section but now lives with his son. He is a valued and highly respected citizen of the county by reason of an upright life and sterling worth of character. Since 1856 he has been a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church and was one of the organizers of the first Methodist church at Moxee. In politics he gave his support to the republican party for many years, but because of his deep interest in the temperance question he became allied with the prohibition party, which now has the endorsement of his ballot. His aid and influence have ever been given on the side of right, progress and improvement and of all those moral forces which tend to uplift mankind. His wife passed away January 5, 1918, at the age of seventy- six years, and thus this worthy couple, who had so long traveled life's journey together were separated by death. They were the parents of eleven children, of whom two died in infancy. The others are: William, a resident of Ohio; Ida, the wife of W. F. Benson, living in Yakima; Emma, the wife of Horner Purdy, of Yakima; George, who was a twin of Emma and died in February, 1917; Elva, the wife of Samuel Heffelfinger, of Yakima; Estelle, the wife of F. H. McElree, living in Los Angeles, California; Avelnell, the wife of J. B. Patterson, whose home is at Reedley, California; Omar, who died in infancy; Ira J., of this review; Wesley E., who is engaged in ranching on the Ahtanum; and one who died in infancy.

Ira J. Gano acquired his education in the public schools of his native state and was actively associated with his father in farming operations in the east as well as in the west until 1900. In that year he purchased a part of his father's farm and later bought eighty acres more on the Moxee. He was also engaged in the livery business at Yakima for three years but disposed of his interests there and in 1913

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he bought eighty acres a half mile south of Ahtanum, whereon he is now success- fully engaged in diversified farming. Broad experiences well qualified him for the work in which he is now engaged and his efforts are productive of excellent results. His farm is under a high state of cultivation and he annually harvests large crops of golden grain as a reward for the care and labor he has bestowed upon his fields.

On the 12th of December, 1900, Mr. Gano was married to Miss Margaret Keys, of Yakima, a daughter of George and Isabel Keys. They now have four children, Elva, Gladys, Ruth and Walter. Fraternally Mr. Gano is connected with the Knights of Pythias and his religious faith is that of the Congregational church. In politics he maintains an independent course. He is serving for the second term as a mem- ber of the school board and also acted in that capacity for one term while living on the Moxee. He is interested in education and in everything that tends to pro- mote the material, intellectual, social and moral progress of the community and his aid can be counted upon to further any plan or project for the public good.

JACOB F. OTTMULLER.

The ranch property of Jacob F. Ottmuller comprises eighty acres of land near Mabton and in its development and improvement he displays an enterprising spirit that is producing excellent results. Mr. Ottmuller was born in Livingston county, Illinois, December 11, 1868, a son of Jacob F. and Jardina (Johnson) Ottmuller, who were farming people, but both have now passed away.

Jacob F. Ottmuller pursued his education in the public schools of Illinois and was reared to the occupation of farming, early becoming familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. He devoted his attention to general agricultural pursuits in Illinois until 1898, when he left his native state to be- come a resident of Barnes county, North Dakota. There he resided until 1910, when he again started westward with Yakima as his destination. After reaching this valley he bought ten acres of apple orchards on Nob Hill, which he sold at the end of a year and made investment in forty acres near Mabton. 'He is devoting his land to the raising of hay, grain and corn, of which he produces large crops be- cause he employs practical and progressive methods. He puts forth every effort to enhance the fertility of the soil and his work is being attended with most gratify- ing results.

In 1911 Mr. Ottmuller was united in marriage to Miss Lydia Hicks, a native of Winona, Minnesota, and a daughter of Thomas Hicks, now a retired farmer liv- ing in that state. Mr. and Mrs. Ottmuller have one child, Christie. In his fra- ternal relations Mr. Ottmuller is a Yeoman and in political belief a socialist. His wife is a member of the Baptist church and they are well known in the community in which they make their home. Mr. Ottmuller has persevered in the conduct of his business affairs, having no such word as failure in his vocabulary. and his de- termined and intelligently directed effort has made him the owner of an excellent ranch property.

EDWARD SHEPPARD.

For fifteen years Edward Sheppard has conducted a drug store in Kennewick, which from small beginnings he has developed into a finely appointed modern establishment where can be found a complete assortment of the best drugs and sundry articles such as are generally carried by a store of this kind. He is now numbered among the well-to-do and respected merchants of his city, and as he has always followed the most honorable standards in business, he has built up a large and profitable trade. He was born in Fillmore, Minnesota, September 15, 1861, a son of George and Hannah (Yost) Sheppard, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Pennsylvania, in which state they were married. Subsequently they removed to Wisconsin and in 1857 to Minnesota. The father was a mechanic by

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trade but when in Minnesota turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, which he followed throughout his active life, passing away at the age of eighty-six years, while his wife attained the age of eighty-four.

Edward Sheppard attended school in his native state and after having com- pleted his education turned his attention to the drug business by serving an ap- prenticeship in a store at Spring Valley, Minnesota, after which he continued as drug clerk for some time. He then decided to embark in business independently and opened a drug store in Spring Valley, which he conducted until 1902 with . good success. Perceiving the opportunities of the west, he determined to take ad- vantage of the business chances here and for one year traveled through the states of Idaho, Oregon and Washington, looking for a suitable location. On the 3d of November, 1903, he located at Kennewick, where he acquired a small drug. store which was owned by a Mr. Hays and had been the first store established here. In 1904 Mr. Sheppard erected a new building and therein he has since conducted business. It is a two-story structure, twenty-five by sixty-five feet, and the store appointments are thoroughly modern and splendidly fitted for the business. Only the best qualities of drugs are carried and all allied articles, such as are generally carried in drug stores, are to be found in this establishment. The prescription department is handled with the greatest of care and all customers are treated with that politeness which assures of their return. It is therefore but natural that Mr. Sheppard enjoys a large custom. His thorough experience and natural business ability have made his business one of the largest within the county and he now derives a gratifying income therefrom. His is the only store in Kennewick that has never changed its name or location or policy, the same upright principles which have guided it from its inception still prevailing today.

In 1908 Mr. Sheppard was united in marriage to Miss Viola Kampf, of Minne- apolis, who prior to her marriage was one of the able teachers of the Kennewick high school. Mrs. Sheppard completed her education at the Universities of Minnesota and Illinois, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Arts from the latter. She also holds certificates from the College of Pedagogy in both universities, and completed the three year course in the Northwest Bible Training School. To Mr. and Mrs. Sheppard has been born a daughter, Ardice Mae, who is nine years of age.

In his political affiliations Mr. Sheppard is a republican and he has the distinc- tion of having served as the first mayor of Kennewick for a term of two years, giving the city a businesslike administration productive of excellent results. He also served for one term as councilman. Fraternally he is connected with the Elks lodge of Austin, Minnesota, and with the Knights of Pythias and Ancient Order of United Workmen. Outside of his drug store and building he is the owner of a valuable irrigated alfalfa ranch, from which he derives an addition to his income. His resi- dence is one of the finest in' Benton county and there Mr. and Mrs. Sheppard often entertain their many friends, all of whom are agreed as to their splendid qualities of character and heart. Mr. Sheppard has well earned the reputation of a successful, high principled business man and public-spirited citizen, ever being ready to give of his service or means in order to promote the developemint and growth of his section and city.

ORDIA R. LEAMING.

Ordia K. Leaming, engaged in the welding business in Yakima, is numbered among the native sons of the northwest, for his birth occurred in Adams county, Oregon, on the 21st of June, 1881. His parents, Ezra and Frances (Gerkin) Leam- ing, were pioneers of Oregon, where the father devoted his life to the occupation of farming. He passed away and in 1888 the mother removed to North Yakima, where her death occurred.

Ordia R. Leaming acquired a public school education in Yakima, for he was a lad of but seven years at the time the family home was established in this city. After reaching young manhood he turned his attention to the hay trade, having in the meantime followed farming to the age of sixteen years. For some time he con-

ORDIA R. LEAMING

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tinued to engage in the sale of hay and later entered upon gas engine repair work. He was employed at the gas plant for several years in the manufacture and repairing of gas engines and later he went to Seattle where he learned acetylene welding. Subsequently he returned to Yakima and purchased a bicycle shop and a little later he added an acetylene welding plant. He now does more of this welding than any of the other plants of the kind in Yakima, his business having reached extensive pro- portions because he has developed expert skill in this particular. He has thoroughly mastered a work that never ceases to excite the wonder of all-a work whereby metal raised to an almost incredible degree of heat fuses at an instant touch, the process enabling the individual to effect repairs that could not have been accomplished before this method was invented and perfected.

In 1910 Mr. Leaming was married to Miss Albertine Poirire, of Yakima, and they have three children: Frances, Ordia Rollins, Jr., and Mabel. Mr. Leaming has never been active in lodge or club circles but has always concentrated his efforts and attention upon his business affairs and his home, and finds his greatest happiness in promoting the welfare of his wife and children.

JOSEPH L. CLIFT.

Joseph L. Clift, cashier of the Yakima Trust Company, was born in Elkader, Iowa, on the 3d of July, 1885, a son of Walter and Margaret Clift. The father was a merchant of Iowa, who on the 2d of May, 1895, arrived in Yakima. He purchased land in the Selah valley and has there engaged in farming to the present time.

Joseph L. Clift was a lad of about ten years when the family came to the Pacific coast and in this section of the country he acquired a district school education and afterward attended the North Yakima Business College. He did not desire to follow the occupation of farming, to which he had been reared, his commercial training qualifying him for other work. He secured a position in the Mabton Bank at Mabton, Washington, and was advanced to assistant cashier. On the 10th of De- cember, 1906, he became connected with the Yakima Trust Company as bookkeeper and later was made its secretary. while subsequently he was elected cashier and is now occupying that position.

On the 22d of January, 1907, Mr. Clift was united in marriage to Miss Sada Goldsberry, of Yakima, and they now have one son, Walter Forman. Fraternally Mr. Clift is connected with the Knights of Pythias and he is a member of the local chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, of which he is serving as treasurer. He also belongs to the Commercial Club and is deeply interested in every enter- prise of that organization for the benefit and upbuilding of the community in which he lives. His political allegiance is given to the republican party.

U. KIRBY LAIL.

Among the popular officials of Sunnyside and the Yakima valley is U. Kirby Lail, the efficient postmaster of his city. He was born in Cynthiana, Kentucky, Sep- tember 9, 1860, of the marriage of George and Sarah (Gray) Lail, both natives of the Blue Grass state and descendants of old southern families. Throughout his active life the father followed agricultural pursuits with good success, so continu- ing until his death. He is survived by his widow, who was born in 1828, and has now reached the age of ninety years.

Under the careful guidance of his worthy parents U. Kirby Lail received his first lessons preparing him for life's serious duties. In the acquirement of his educa- tion he attended public schools, rounding out his learning at a business college in Lexington, Kentucky. He subsequently took up agricultural pursuits in that state, following in the footsteps of his father, but in 1893 removed to Macedonia, Iowa. where he conducted a general store for about nine years, or until 1902, when he came to Washington, locating in Wenatchee, where for nine years, or until 1911, he suc- 13c)

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History of the Yakima Valley, Washington; comprising Yakima, Kittitas, and Benton Counties, Vol. II, Part 39

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