History of the Yakima Valley, Washington; comprising Yakima, Kittitas, and Benton Counties, Vol. II, Part 80

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 80
USA > Washington > Kittitas County > History of the Yakima Valley, Washington; comprising Yakima, Kittitas, and Benton Counties, Vol. II > Part 80
USA > Washington > Yakima County > History of the Yakima Valley, Washington; comprising Yakima, Kittitas, and Benton Counties, Vol. II > Part 80

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).

PARKE E. WISE.

Parke E. Wise, devoting his attention to ranching near Wapato, was born at Cedar Falls, Iowa, September 18, 1871, a son of Charles A. and Susan (Parmalee) Wise, the former a native of Germany, while the latter was born in the state of New York. Removing to the west, the father became a prominent and influential citizen of Cedar Falls, where he was president of the Citizens Savings Bank for many years. He has exerted a strongly felt influence over public thought and action in that locality, while as one of the early bankers of the district he did much to promote its best interests. He organized the State Bank of Cedar Falls and was its president until i twas merged into the Citizens Savings Bank, of which he then became the chief executive officer. He is now living retired in the enjoyment of a rest which he has truly earned and richly merits. Not only did he devote his time to the de- velopment of his individual business interests but was of immense benefit in public affairs. He served for four terms as a member of the state legislature of Iowa and gave most earnest and thoughtful consideration to all the vital questions which came up for settlement. He left the impress of his individuality and ability upon the legis- lative history of the state, supporting many measures which found their way to the statute books of Iowa. He was the mayor of Cedar Falls for two terms and is a very prominent and influential republican. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity and has attained the Knight Templar degree of the York Rite, while he has also crossed the sands of the desert with the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. His religious faith is that of the Methodist church and his entire life has conformed to his pro- fessions.

Parke E. Wise was the second in order of birth in a family of six children. He attended the University of Michigan for two years, pursuing the pharmaceutical course, and afterward engaged in the drug business under the firm name of C. A. Wise & Sons Company of Cedar Falls, handling both the retail and wholesale trade. He was identified with that undertaking until 1909, when he sold out preparatory to removal to the Yakima valley. On reaching the northwest he purchased an in- terest with H. W. Sawyer in land on Parker Bottoms. They have thirty-eight acres, all planted to orchards, making a specialty of the raising of apples, pears, peaches and prunes. They have their own packing sheds and a storage warehouse accommo- dating five carloads of fruit. Their business is conducted along the most progressive lines and desirable results are accruing owing to the enterprise and business sa- gacity of the men in control.

On the 11th of October, 1899, Mr. Wise was united in marriage to Miss Mabel Jordan, a native of Kenosha, Wisconsin, and a daughter of John S. Jordan. Mr. and Mrs. Wise have a daughter, Margaret J., who is now attending the State Normal School at Bellingham, Washington.

The family is a prominent one in the community, occupying an enviable position in social circles. They attend the Presbyterian church and Mr. Wise has membership

667

HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY

in Yakima Lodge, No. 24, A. F. & A. M., in a Royal Arch chapter in Iowa and in Yakima Commandery, No. 13, K. T. His political endorsement is given the republican party and he keeps well informed on the questions and conditions of the day. The sterling worth of his character, his reliability in business and his fidelity in friendship are attested by all who know him.

EDWIN NELSON.

Edwin Nelson, who has a productive farm of eighty acres near Ellensburg, is a native of Washington, his birth having occurred in King county, February 26, 1879. His parents are Halvor and Julianna Nelson, natives of Norway, both of whom left the land of the midnight sun in order to profit by the opportunities presented on this side of the Atlantic. As young people they removed to Nebraska, where they remained for some time, but being impressed with the greater chances of a newer country, they made their way to the state of Washington, settling on the Sound and being numbered among the early pioneers of that district. Early in the '70s they re- moved to the Kittitas valley and in 1880 Halvor Nelson homesteaded eighty acres, to the cultivation of which he gave his close attention, and as success came to him he acquired another eighty acres, now owning one hundred and sixty acres of valu- able land, and he still lives upon that farm, having reached the age of seventy-seven years. He is one of the leading farmers of his neighborhood and enjoys the high respect of all who know him.

Edwin Nelson was reared under the parental roof, receiving the loving care of devoted parents and attending the public schools in the acquirement of his educa- tion. Early in life he familiarized himself with resultant methods of farming under the able guidance of his father and upon starting out upon an independent career rented his father's land for a few years with good results and also operated a sawmill. In 1910 he acquired an eighty acre tract located four and a half miles southwest of Ellensburg and there he has erected a fine home and commodious barns and out- buildings and instituted modern equipment in order to facilitate the work of the fields. Industrious and farsighted, Mr. Nelson is not only an expert in regard to local farming conditions but has also proven himself a shrewd business man who is able to obtain the highest prices by studying market conditions closely. He raises hay and grain but gives to the former the larger acreage.

In 1903 Mr. Nelson was united in marriage to Miss Tilda Strande, a daughter of Evan Strande, and to this union have been born three daughters, Thelma, Doris and Freda. Both Mr. and Mrs. Nelson are popular among the younger social set of Ellensburg and vicinity and have many friends here. Mr. Nelson is not bound by party ties as regards politics, preferring to give his support to men according to their ability and standing and not because of their party affiliations.

FRANK T. DICKINSON.

Frank T. Dickinson, a well known orchardist of the Yakima valley, was born in St. oseph county, Michigan, January 29, 1859, a son of C. F. and J. B. (ogers) Dickinson. The father's birth occurred in Rutland county, Vermont, while the mother was born in Sandusky, Ohio. Mr. Dickinson went to Michigan in 1833, becoming one of the early residents of that state. He took up government land and as a pioneer farmer developed his place, which he converted into rich and productive fields. Both he and his wife continued residents of Michigan throughout their re- maining days.

Their son, Frank T. Dickinson, acquired a public school education and in young manhood became identified with the lumber business in Wisconsin. Later he re- moved to Colorado, where he took up his abode in 1889. While a resident in that state he was the owner of sawmills and of retail lumberyards and for thirty years was actively connected with the lumber trade. He disposed of his interests in

668

HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY

Colorado in 1906 and removed to Seattle, where he entered the lumber brokerage business, in which he continued active for four years. In 1910 he settled in Yakima county and purchased twenty acres of land in the lower Naches valley. He has since planted it to apple trees, all of which are now in bearing, and he has a splendid orchard which he carefully conducts, utilizing the most progressive methods in the management of his place.

On the 12th of May, 1886, Mr. Dickinson was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Tyler, who was born in Michigan, a daughter of Ansel and Harriett (Foote) Tyler. Her father is now deceased but her mother is still living with Mr. and Mrs. Dickin- son, and has reached the notable old age of ninety years. Notwithstanding her ad- vanced age, she knitted sixty-five pairs of socks for the soldiers and thus manifested her patriotic devotion to the country in the hour of international crisis.

Mr. Dickinson is a prominent Mason, belonging to Leadville Lodge, No. 51, A. F. & A. M., of Colorado; to Leadville Chapter, R. A. M .; Holy Cross Command- ery, No. 5, K. T .; and El Jebel Temple of the Mystic Shrine at Denver. He is also a thirty-second degree Consistory Mason and he has membership in the Elks lodge at Victor, Colorado. His political endorsement is given to the republican party. His wife is a member of the Methodist church and they are both highly esteemed in the community where they reside, Mr. Dickinson having gained an enviable reputa- tion as a business man and fruit grower.

WILLIAM A. CHESS.

A fine farming property of eighty acres four miles southwest of Sunnyside is the visible evidence of the industry and energy with which William A. Chess has pur- sued his life's vocation. Today he is recognized as one of the prosperous agricul- turists of his district and, moreover, has made valuable contribution to agricultural development through his labors and investigations along that line. He has therefore become an important factor in the progress of Yakima county and great credit is due him for what he has achieved.

A native of Pennsylvania, Mr. Chess was born in Bristoria, October 25, 1855, and is a son of Thomas and Martha (Grimm) Chess, both natives of the Keystone state, the latter born in Hallbrock. Throughout his active career the father followed farming and stock raising. He was born January 28, 1824, a son of Peter Chess, whose birth occurred in Harveys, Pennsylvania, in 1799, on the day George Washing- ton died. He was a son of Peter Chess, Sr., who was born in Allegheny, Pennsyl- vania, and gallantly served his country in the Revolutionary war, while the father of our subject was a veteran of the Mexican and Civil wars, in latter conflict serving with the Eleventh Pennsylvania Infantry. He died on the farm upon which he was born. When he loyally and bravely took up the cause of the Union he participated in many important engagements of that sanguinary war and was seriously wounded at the famous battle of Gettysburg. He was a successful farmer of his district but took an active part in public affairs, serving as school director and also as road com- missioner. His political affiliation was with the democratic party.

William A. Chess attended the public schools of his native state in the acquire- ment of his education and early in life became acquainted with farming methods by assisting his father in the work of the home farm. He continued along agricul- tural lines until 1890, when he became connected with the oil business and at this writing he still has important interests of that character in Pennsylvania, where he owned several oil wells and has also bought large tracts of land rich in oil and gas but later sold the title to the land although he retained his oil and gas rights. He still receives today a good sized royalty from this source. In August, 1904, Mr. Chess arrived in Yakima county and, immediately perceiving the wonderful opportunities presented here, invested in one and a half sections of wheat land in Horse Heaven. This venture, however, did not turn out as well as he expected on account of crop failures and he subsequently sold out. In 1909, undiscouraged, he bought eighty acres four miles southwest of Sunnyside, which was then all wild land covered with sagebrush. He now has this tract entirely under cultivation with the exception of

669

HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY

ten acres and has made many improvements thereon, including a handsome home. He has ever been progressive and enterprising and as his land bears rich harvests his yearly income is substantially increasing. He specializes in the raising of al- falfa.

On the 30th of November, 1878, Mr. Chess was united in marriage to Miss Hannah E. Garey, a native of Aleppo, Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Gideon and Patience (Limber) Garey, both of whom have passed away. The father pursued a successful career as a farmer. To Mr. and Mrs. Chess have been born six sons and in this connection it may be stated as a curious fact that Mr. Chess is one of a family of eight sons and no daughters. The sons of Mr. and Mrs. Chess of this review are: John T., a resident of Toppenish, Washington; Michael K., whose home is in the state of Idaho; Samuel C., at home; Grover Cleveland, who has joined the United States army, as have Allen T. and Andrew L. The last named is with the famous Marines in France. Thus there are three who have represented the family in the struggle for world democracy.

Mr. and Mrs. Chess enjoy the greatest popularity among their friends and neigh- bors in and near Mabton. In politics he is a democrat and has ever kept in close touch with the questions and issues of the day in regard to local affairs as well as state and national problems. The cause of education has found in him a stalwart champion and he has served as school director. His time is largely taken up with his farming pursuits and the management of his other business affairs as well as the many duties of devotion which bind him to his family. He has ever largely been a home man and at his fireside is happiest and most contented. He is, however, by no means a recluse and has made many friends since coming here, all of whom are agreed as to his high qualities of character, which have made possible his success and which also constitute the foundation of a thoroughly loyal and unselfish Ameri- can citizenship.

HERBERT H. WILCOX.

Herbert H. Wilcox, engaged in the insurance business in Yakima, was born in New York in November, 1852, a son of Elijah W. and Lydia (Strait) Wilcox, who were also natives of the Empire state. The father was a merchant of West Winfield and both he and his wife have passed away.

The son obtained a public school education, supplemented by study in an acad- emy, and thus qualified for life's practical and responsible duties. He made his initial step in the business world by becoming a clerk in a drug store in New York. He thus gained a practical knowledge of the business and afterward established a drug store on his own account, continuing therein from 1877 until the winter of 1901- 2, when he came to Yakima. He then purchased a fruit ranch, which he conducted for four years, and in 1906 he took up his abode in the city of Yakima, where in the following year he opened a real estate and insurance office in connection with Granville Lowther. Subsequently they were joined by T. S. Johnson and afterward both Mr. Johnson and Mr. Lowther sold out. Mr. Wilcox now conducts the busi- ness alone and has a large clientage in both the real estate and insurance depart- ments. He is thoroughly familiar with property values and has negotiated a number of important property transfers. He also represents many of the old line insurance companies and his activities have brought to him substantial success. He handles fire, liability and automobile insurance. He also has charge of the Masonic building at Yakima.

On May 6, 1877, Mr. Wilcox was united in marriage to Miss Florence O. Bab- cock, a native of the Empire state and two children were born to them: F. L. Wil- cox, who is connected with the United States reclamation service; and Fannie, who dicd at the age of two years.

Fraternally Mr. Wilcox is connected with Yakima Lodge, No. 24, F. & A. M .; Yakima Chapter, No. 21, R. A. M .; and Yakima Commandery, No. 13, K. T. He has also crossed the sands of the desert with the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, belong- ing to Afifi Temple. His religious faith is that of the Congregational church and his

670

HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY

political belief that of the republican party. In these associations are found the rules which govern his conduct and the principles which guide him in all life's rela- tions. He is a man of genuine personal worth and his admirable qualities have won for him popularity among his many friends, and through his business and public connections he ranks with the substantial citizens of Yakima.

DAVID BENTON GREENWALT.

David Benton Greenwalt, deceased, was a successful rancher of Yakima county and when cailed to his final rest his death was deeply deplored by all who knew him, for his many sterling traits of character had gained for him warm friendship and kindly regard. Mr. Greenwalt was born in Adams county, Illinois, December 21, 1860, a son of Abraham and Louise Greenwalt, who were pioneer people of that state and were natives of Pennsylvania. They remained residents of Illinois until 1870, when they removed to California, where they resided for some time and then proceeded to Oregon. Finally in 1881 they brought their family to Yakima county, the father taking up a homestead on the Ahtanum, where both he and his wife passed away.

David Benton Greenwalt was a surveyor in young manhood and worked in that way over the Lake Chelan country and in other new and undeveloped sections. He afterwards pursued a commercial course at the Empire Business College in Walla Walla and subsequently was appointed to the position of deputy auditor, which office he filled acceptably for six years. In 1897 he removed to the farm of his father-in- law, one of the old developed ranches on the Ahtanum, and he also purchased more land until he had one hundred and fifteen acres in all. Upon this place he raised hay and grain, also full blooded Holstein cattle and successfully conducted a dairy busi- ness. In fact his farming and live stock interests were most carefully and systemati- cally carried on and his enterprise brought to him a measure of success that was most desirable and creditable.

On the 6th of April, 1892, Mr. Greenwalt was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Crosno, a native. of Clarke county, Washington, and a daughter of William P. and Frances (Smith) Crosno, both of whom were natives of Illinois. The father was a son of Reuben Crosno, who crossed the plains in 1865 and established his home in Clarke county, Washington, where he passed away. In June, 1868, William P. Crosno arrived in Yakima county and took up government land on the Ahtanum, being among the first white settlers of that region. His wife passed away in 1875, but he survived her for two decades and became a prominent rancher of his community. He also served as county coroner and was in many ways prominently identified with the development and progress of the region in which he made his home. He assisted in establishing the first school of the district, building a one-room log schoolhouse, in which his daughter, Mrs. Greenwalt, was afterward a teacher. In those early days he hauled his provisions and brought his mail from The Dalles, Oregon, a distance of one hundred miles. There were many Indians in this part of the country and the wild regions and forests were rich in game. He. endured all of the hardships and privations of pioneer life but aided in laying broad and deep the foundation upon which has been built the present progress and prosperity of the county. He also assisted in organizing the first church, which was of the United Brethren denomina- tion. His entire life was actuated by Christian teachings and the most honorable principles, and he commanded the unqualified confidence and respect of those with whom he was associated. He passed away in 1895 and thus was chronicled the death of one of the most honored and valued pioneer settlers of the region. His daughter, Mrs. Greenwalt, was the first teacher in the new schoolhouse, which was the second schoolhouse in the Marks district. She taught two terms there and also taught one term on the Cowiche and one term in Kittitas county.

To Mr. and Mrs. Greenwalt were born five children: Elliott, at home: Louise, who studied music in the University of Washington; Charlotte, a teacher; William, who is a student in Pullman College; and Oliver. All are yet under the parental roof. David Benton Greenwalt passed away November 1. 1915. He was a progressive

673

HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY

and loyal citizen, a faithful friend and devoted husband and father, his best traits of character being reserved for his own fireside. He served as school director for fifteen years and was a stalwart champion of anything that had to do with the progress and improvement of the schools. His political endorsement was given to the republican party and his religious faith was that of the Congregational church. His was an honorable and upright life and the sterling qualities which he at all times displayed made his course one well worthy of emulation. He left to his family not only a goodly property but also the priceless heritage of an untarnished name.

RUFUS H. BONE.

Rufus H. Bone is the owner of one of the finest ranches of Yakima county, splen- didly developed and equipped with all modern accessories and conveniences. More- over, he has always recognized the fact that industry is the basis of all honorable success and industry early became the beacon light of his life. Mr. Bone comes to the northwest from Iowa, his birth having occurred in Mineral Ridge, that state, on the 23d of February, 1859. His parents, Joseph and Rachel (Bryan) Bone, were both natives of Xenia, Ohio, and the latter was a daughter of Alanson Bryan, a native of Ireland and a cousin of the father of William Jennings Bryan, so that Mrs. Rachel Bone was a relative of the Nebraska statesman. Joseph Bone became a pioneer miller on the Boone river in Iowa and for many years remained a resident of that state but about 1890 removed westward to Vancouver, Washington, where he resided to the time of his death. He owned a farm in that locality but lived retired, leaving its cultivation to others.

Rufus H. Bone acquired a common school education and after his textbooks were put aside learned the blacksmith's trade, which he followed in Iowa until 1898. That year witnessed his arrival in Washington. For several years he remained in Tacoma and was employed by the United States government in connection with the Indian department. He taught blacksmithing and steam engineering at the Indian school at Puyallup, Washington, being thus engaged for several years. In 1902 he purchased four hundred and eighty acres of land and also took up a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres. He has since purchased forty acres more and now has six hundred and eighty acres in all. His place is situated three and a half miles south- east of Grandview and five and a half miles from Prosser. He located upon his ranch in 1903. It was all wild land covered with sagebrush. He had few neighbors, for scarcely any one had at that time settled in the district. He built a small house upon his land and brought his family to their new home, where they arrived in the midst of an awful dust storm, conditions being most desolate and discouraging. He had to haul water from the river and it was necessary for the children to go five and a half miles to school. They were never home in daylight in the winter. Notwithstanding the disadvantages of securing an education under such conditions they made good progress in their studies and later one of them gained the first prize in oratory in Tacoma. Mr. Bone made the best possible use of his talents and powers and car- ried on the work of improving his ranch as the years went on. He has since given twenty acres of irrigated ranch property to each of his six children. His place is one of the finest ranches in Yakima county. He built a beautiful residence thereon, also erected large and substantial barns, doing most of the work himself. He pos- sesses marked mechanical skill and ingenuity and not only erected the buildings upon his own place but has also built many for his neighbors and has put in many cisterns. His attention is given to the raising of hay, corn, potatoes and apples. He likewise successfully engages in raising stock and conducts a small dairy. Every- thing about his place is systematically and methodically done and the results achieved are most satisfactory and gratifying.

On the 28th of July. 1886, Mr. Bone was united in marriage to Miss Alice Wilson, who was born in Webster City, Iowa, a daughter of W. R. and Sarah Ann (Higby) Wilson, who were pioneer settlers of that state. Her father was born in England, while her mother was a native of Canada. Mr. Wilson is now deceased but the mother survives and is living in Iowa at the advanced age of eighty-two years. To

674

HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY

Mr. and Mrs. Bone have been born six children: Claude, who is married and re- sides in Vancouver, Washington; Florence, the wife of John Cartledge, a rancher of Benton county, by whom she has one child, Verna; Myrtle, the wife of Fred Tull, a rancher of Benton county, by whom she has three sons, Homer, Ed and Bob; Ferne, the wife of Harold Wilkins, a farmer of Ortonville, Minnesota, by whom she has one child, Claire; Bryan, who follows ranching near his father's place and mar- ried Edith Fordyce, by whom he has a son, Leroy; and Wilson, who is twelve years of age.

Mrs. Bone is a member of the Christian church. Fraternally Mr. Bone is con- nected with the Knights of Pythias. He also belongs to the Grange and he is inter- ested in everything that has to do with the welfare and progress of community, county and commonwealth. In politics he maintains an independent course but has ever been an active supporter of the principles in which he believes. He has served as road supervisor and has also been a school director. He has likewise been a mem- ber of the board of trustees of the Sunnyside Water Users Association for a period of eight years and has done most important work in this connection. He has closely studied irrigation interests and opportunities and in the office indicated has done important work in behalf of all who need to secure water for their farms. He is a prominent and successful rancher, one whose ability is widely recognized, and his sterling worth has gained for him the respect and good will of those with whom he has been brought in contact.

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.

History of the Yakima Valley, Washington; comprising Yakima, Kittitas, and Benton Counties, Vol. II, Part 80

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