History of the Yakima Valley, Washington; comprising Yakima, Kittitas, and Benton Counties, Vol. II, Part 89

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 89
USA > Washington > Kittitas County > History of the Yakima Valley, Washington; comprising Yakima, Kittitas, and Benton Counties, Vol. II > Part 89
USA > Washington > Yakima County > History of the Yakima Valley, Washington; comprising Yakima, Kittitas, and Benton Counties, Vol. II > Part 89

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Mr. Rusk gives his political allegiance to the democratic party but has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking. He belongs to the United Artisans

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and to the Commercial Club and is interested in all that has to do with the welfare and progress of community and state. His aid and influence are always on the side of advancement and improvement and his support can be counted upon for every measure for the general good.

RICHARD STROBACH.

Richard Strobach, registrar of the United States land office at Yakima, was born in Vienna, Austria, on the 23d of September, 1860, a son of Paul and Rosalie Stro- bach. The father came to the United States early in the '60s as a war correspondent for German papers and after studying the situation he responded to the call of the Union for aid and enlisted in defense of the Stars and Stripes. He had been in this country for only a brief period when he sent for his family. Later they located in Montgomery, Alabama, where the father was engaged in various lines of busi- ness. He became a prominent leader in politics in that section and filled the office of United States marshal for the middle and southern district of said state. In 1884 he removed with his family to the northwest, settling in Spokane, Washington, where he remained until called to his final rest, his death occurring about 1911. In the meantime he had engaged extensively in real estate operations, becoming one of the prominent representatives of real estate dealing in that city.

Richard Strobach acquired a private school education in Montgomery, Alabama, and starting out for himself, secured a position in the United States land office. Later he filled the position of United States deputy marshal under his father and in the spring of 1885 he arrived in North Yakima, where he occupied the position of deputy clerk of the district court for two years. Becoming interested in the north- west and its oportunities, he bought land and later he became a partner of George Goodwin in the real estate and loan business. Throughout the period of his resi- dence in this section of the country he has been engaged in farming and his invest- ments show his faith in the future of the district. He was made registrar of the United States land office on the 29th of May, 1913, and has since occupied that position.

On the 9th of September, 1885, Mr. Strobach was married to Miss Nettie Belli- veaux, of Mobile, Alabama, and their living children are three in number: Rosalie, Nettina and Portia.

Mr. Strobach has membership in the camp of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, also with the Woodmen, the Brotherhood of American Yeomen, the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and other orders. He belongs to the Com- mercial Club and cooperates heartily in all of the projects instituted for the up- building of the city, and in politics is a democrat. His aid and influence are always given to promote the material, intellectual, social and moral progress of the district in which he makes his home.

PETER MEYER.

After living at various points in the middle west Peter Meyer came to the Pa- cific coast and for a number of years was closely and actively identified with farm- ing in Yakima county. He was born July 16, 1845, in Holland, where the name was originally spelled Meijer, his parents being Peter and Minnie (Brower) Meyer. The paternal grandparents were Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Meyer, who, crossing the Atlantic, became pioneer settlers of Pella, Iowa. Several years later, in 1856, Peter Meyer, Sr., brought his family to the new world and they too made their way to Pella, Iowa, where the father and mother spent their remaining days, his attention being given to general agricultural pursuits in that locality.

Peter Meyer, Jr., took up a homestead in Sioux county, Iowa, but did not keep it, for the grasshoppers destroyed his crops and he was forced to abandon that prop- erty. He afterward settled in Gove county, Kansas, where he once more secured a government claim. After two years, however, he returnd to Iowa and a few years

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later he removed to Douglas county, South Dakota. At a subsequent period he be- came a resident of Missouri, then again lived for a time in Iowa, and once more went to South Dakota. Thus with various removals he continued his residence in the middle west until 1902, when he came to the Moxee valley of Washington and purchased twenty acres of land, to which he afterward added a similar tract and devoted his time and energies to the cultivation of his forty acres, which he brought under a high state of development and improvement. He continued to successfully carry on this farm until 1915, when he sold the property to his sons.

On the 5th of March, 1869, Mr. Mcyer was united in marriage to Miss Gertie Jongewaard, who has now passed away. He was again married October 7, 1871, when Miss Jane Jongewaard, a daughter of Nicholas Jongewaard, of Holland, be- came his wife. Mr. Meyer's family numbers sixteen children. A son, Peter, born of the first marriage, has passed away. The eldest child of the second marriage, also named Peter, has departed this life. The others are: Elizabeth, the wife of Joe Verwolf, a resident of Manhattan, Montana; Minnie, the wife of Alonzo Brown, of Yakima; Nicholas and Jennie, both deceased; Ellen, the wife of John George, re- siding in South Dakota; Gertie, the wife of Clande Brown, of Yakima; Jennie, who has passed away; Richard, living in Yakima; Jacob, who makes his home at Har- wood, Washington; Cornelius, who is living at Harwood and has a wife and one child: William, who farms the home place and is also married; Ira, who is married and who served in the United States Navy during the World war, now at home with an honorahle discharge; Benjamin, a member of the United States army, who has also been honorably discharged; and Albert, at home.

The religious faith of the family is that of the First Reformed church of Moxee, and in politics Mr. Meyer is a Democrat. He was a lad of but nine years when the family crossed the Atlantic from Holland to the new world. He has enjoyed the opportunities here offered and especially since coming to the northwest, where he found the chances which he sought and in their utilization worked his way steadily upward, becoming one of the men of affluence in his community. The methods which he employed were always such as would bear the closest investigation and scrutiny, and the integrity and enterprise of his business career have constituted the basis of his well deserved prosperity.

CHARLES A. HUDSON.

Charles A. Hudson, well known as a successful orchardist living not far from Yakima, was born in St. Louis, Missouri, March 23, 1868, a son of Mark and Mary (Downing) Hudson, the father a native of England, while the mother was born in Wisconsin. Mr. Hudson was a lad of but seven years, however, when brought to the United States by his father, who settled in St. Louis, Missouri. Mark Hudson became a contractor, following that business throughout his active life there, cover- ing a period of forty years. Both he and his wife passed away in St. Louis.

Charles A. Hudson, after acquiring a public school education, learned the brick- layer's trade and worked with his father in that connection for five years. In 1893 he removed westward to Colorado Springs and followed his trade at that place for a year. He then returned to St. Louis but afterward again took up his abode at Colorado Springs, going there with his mother for the benefit of her health. At a subsequent date, however, she returned to St. Louis, where she passed away, and two years later the death of the father occurred. After having lost his parents Charles A. Hudson removed to Cherryvale, Kansas, where he was associated with McCleed's Fire Brick Company. He was in St. Louis, however, during the period of the Louis- iana Purchase Exposition in 1904 and later he was engaged in contract work in Kansas but afterward returned to his native city, where he spent a short time. In San Antonio, Texas, he engaged in contract work for nine months and then once more went to St. Louis, where for three years he was employed as a bricklayer. He next went to Kansas, where he engaged in farming for a year. On the expiration of that period he came to the northwest, settling in Yakima county, where he pur- chased eighteen acres of land on the lower Naches, for three hundred and fifty dol-

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lars per acre. He afterward sold seven and a half acres of the place for five hundred dollars per acre. He now has eight acres in orchards, while the balance is devoted to the raising of potatoes and corn. In 1911 he built a fine cement-block house upon his place, containing eight rooms and supplied with every modern convenience.

On the 5th of April, 1904, Mr. Hudson was married to Miss Lois Ebert, who was born in Kansas, a daughter of Lewis and Emma (Roberts) Ebert. Mr. and Mrs. Hudson are parents of eight children: Mark, Robert, Lois, Charles, Francis, Dorothy, Mary and John Pershing.

During much of his residence in the northwest Mr. Hudson has continued to follow his trade and his children have largely assisted him in the work of the farm. He has a splendid property now and his orchards are in excellent bearing condition. At the same time he is a well known representative of industrial activity, having developed a high degree of skill in the field of his chosen occupation. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he is a Mason, belonging to West- gate Lodge, No. 445, A. F. & A. M., of St. Louis. His life has been an exemplifica- tion of the spirit and teachings of the craft, to which he most loyally adheres. In Mr. Hudson one sees a self-made man whose industry and close application have been the basis of his success and whose course may well serve as an example to others, showing what may be accomplished through personal effort guided by sound judgment.

FRANK CAREY.

Since 1912 Frank Carey has owned a valuable property in the Cowiche district which is largely devoted to hay raising and thereon he has erected a handsome resi- dence, which stands as the visible evidence of his prosperity. He was born in Linn county, Oregon, June 24, 1867, and is therefore a typical westerner, his parents be- ing Thomas B. and Martha (Redmond) Carey, the former a native of Missouri and the latter of Iowa. In 1852 they traveled in true pioneer style to Oregon, endur- ing the hardships and privations connected with such a trip. In 1882 the family spent six weeks in old Yakima City. Thomas B. Carey was a son of Armeness Carey, who brought his family to the west, becoming one of the prominent ranchers of Oregon. His son, Thomas B. Carey, removed to Sprague, Washington, in 1882 and there turned his attention to farming and also became prominently known in connection with the live stock business. He served two years as county commissioner of Lin- coln county, continuing there until his death. His wife passed away in Tacoma, July 6, 1912. In their family were two children besides our subject, these being Emanuel B., of Nezperce, Idaho, and Mrs. Annie Calavan, who lives near Tacoma, Washington.

Frank Carey was reared under the parental roof and in the acquirement of his education attended the public schools, soon thereafter taking charge of the home ranch on the death of his father, which occurred in 1890. He continued to cultivate that property until 1904, when he sold out and came to Yakima county, having dur- ing his previous visit in 1882 received a favorable impression in regard to the op- portunities here presented. At first he decided to engage in merchandising and for one and a half years conducted a grocery store at Yakima. He then was engaged in government work for five years in connection with the reclamation service but in 1912 acquired title to one hundred and twenty acres on the Cowiche and there he largely raises hay, deriving a gratifying income from this source. He has erected a very pleasant home and other suitable buildings and everything about the place bespeaks the progressiveness and industry of the owner.

On the 26th of November, 1890, Mr. Carey was united in marriage to Miss Edith Frink, a native of Illinois and a daughter of W. E. and Orilla Frink, who in 1883 took up their abode near Spragne, Washington, where the father engaged in ranch- ing. Mr. and Mrs. Carey have become the parents of four children: Elva, the wife of Chester H. Worthen, who is now in the United States navy, while she is at home; Verna, the wife of Jesse S. Comer, who is also serving with the United States army

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in France, his wife remaining with her parents; Avis, who is a student in the State College at Pullman; and Thomas Benton, who was born in Yakima, April 27, 1908.

Mr. and Mrs. Carey are devoted and helpful members of the Baptist church and politically he is a republican, warmly supporting the measures and candidates of that party. He is a member of the school board, the cause of education ever re- ceiving his warm support. He has attained a position of prosperity that entitles him to respect, especially as it has been won through his own labors. Moreover, he is always ready to give his aid to worthy public measures and thus cooperates in the advancement of his community, county and state.

JOHN H. MALMBORG.

John H. Malmborg, who for eighteen years has resided in Yakima county, where he is engaged in general farming, was born in Sweden on the 4th of February, 1858, a son of Hans and Sissa (Bartlett) Pierson. The father died in Sweden and the mother afterward came to the United States, spending her last days in South Dakota. John H. Malmborg acquired a public school education in his native country and in 1879 bade adieu to friends and relatives preparatory to coming to the new world. He made his way to Chicago, where he followed carpentering for many years or until 1901, save for a period of two years which he spent in South Dakota. In 1900 he arrived in Yakima county, where in the same fall he purchased twenty acres of land a mile south of Sunnyside. All was covered with sagebrush, not a furrow hav- ing been turned nor an improvement made upon the place. He has since erected a good dwelling and substantial barns and the sagebrush has been replaced by hay, corn and small grains, his fields annually producing good crops. He also conducts a little dairy business and in the conduct of his affairs is meeting with substantial success.

On the 19th of September, 1896, Mr. Malmborg was married to Miss Anna Matilda Johnson, who was born in Sweden in 1862, a daughter of John and Anna Corine (Carlson) Johnson. Her father passed away in his native country in 1873, after which the mother came to the new world and spent her last days in Michigan. Mr. and Mrs. Malmborg have one child, Esther, who is now a pupil in the normal school, and Mr. Malmborg has a son Axel, by a former marriage now with the United States army in Honolulu.

The religious faith of the family is that of the Congregational church and Mr. Malmborg also belongs to the Independent Order of Foresters. Politically he is a republican but not an office seeker, preferring to concentrate his efforts and atten- tion upon his business affairs. He has lived to witness notable changes during the period of his residence in Yakima county. At the time of his arrival there were only three stores and four houses in Sunnyside. He has seen the tiny hamlet grow into a thriving city, while the entire countryside has been transformed from a wild region of sagebrush into productive fields. He has borne his part in the work of general development and at all times stands for progressiveness in public affairs.

JAMES H. SCHOLES.

To see James H. Scholes busily employed in the development of an excellent fruit ranch in the lower Naches valley, one would scarcely dream that his has been a most eventful career; yet his life experiences have made him familiar with pioneer- ing in the west and with residence in Honolulu, the Philippines and in India. He was born at Fall River, Massachusetts, November 21, 1843, and has therefore passed the seventy-fifth milestone on life's journey. His parents were Meshach and Caroline (Gannon) Scholes, both of whom were natives of England, whence they came to the new world in childhood, settling in Massachusetts. The father worked at calico printing in the mills of Fall River as a boy and later engaged in the coopering business. In 1847 he removed to Chicago, where he worked at the cooper's trade,

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and later he established a grocery store at Chillicothe, Illinois. At a subsequent period he devoted his attention to farming in Marshall county, Illinois, taking up that work in 1851. He afterward lived upon another farm but later resumed work at coopering in Lacon, Illinois. Again he became a resident of Chillicothe, where he resided to the time of his death, both he and his wife passing away at that place.

James H. Scholes acquired a public school education and was a youth of but eighteen years when in response to the country's call for troops he enlisted in 1862 as a member of the Fifty-third Illinois Regimental Band. He later joined Com- pany L of the Eighth Illinois Cavalry in 1863 and with that command served until the close of the war. He was a member of the brigade band in the cavalry. He par- ticipatcd in the battle of Shiloh and other engagements and after the close of hostilities he returned to Chillicothe, Illinois, where he engaged in the drug business for a few ycars. In 1871 he went to Kansas City, Missouri, where he followed the cooper's trade for a few months and for six years he engaged in railway work. He afterward spent several years in the employ of a wholesale grocery firm in Kansas and for five years was in office work, after which he went upon the road as a traveling salesman, thus representing the house for several years. In 1888 he came to the northwest, settling at Tacoma, where he engaged in various lines of busi- ness, and in 1898 he went to Honolulu for the purpose of establishing a branch com- mission house in that city. Changing his plans, however, he continued his journey to Manila in the Philippines and afterward entered the cattle trade at Burma, India, and for one year there he was engaged in the construction of 'an irrigation' canal for the government. He was also engaged in mining and prospecting in India, travel- ing to a point one hundred and forty miles from the Thibet border. His experiences in these foreign lands were broad, varied, interesting and sometimes exciting. In 1908 he returned to the United States but subsequently went back to Rangoon, where he lived for a year. He then again became a resident of Tacoma, Washington, and in 1910 took up his abode in Yakima county in order to develop a fruit ranch that his daughters had purchased.

Mr. Scholes has been a member of the Masonic fraternity since 1866 but is not active in the order. He has ever given his allegiance to the republican party. His has been an unusual and varied career and his memory is stored with many inter- esting reminiscences of his travels and experiences in foreign lands. His four daugh- ters are now the owners of a fine fruit ranch in the lower Naches valley, which he is helping to develop and on which they reside, and he is among the highly esteemed and substantial citizens of the region-still active in the business world, although he has now passed the seventy-fifth milestone on life's journey.

WILLIAM E. BOWES.

William E. Bowes, manager of the Ruebow ranch, not far from Yakima, has made his home in the northwest for the past eight years. He was born at Crown Point, Indiana, August 16, 1873, a son of Edward and Mary (Gettings) Bowes, both of whom have now passed away. The father devoted his life to the occupation of farming for many years, but ultimately retired from business and made his home in Chicago, where he enjoyed a well earned rest until called by death.

William E. Bowes pursued his high school education in Chicago and started out in the business world as a messenger boy with Armour & Company. In that connection, by reason of his faithfulness, capability and loyalty, he won advance- ment from time to time until he became general manager of the railway billing de- partment. At length he resigned that position, however, in May, 1910, and removed to Yakima, where he became interested in land with his brother-in-law, R. C. Rueschaw, the vice-president of the Mitchell Motor Car Company of Racine. Wis- consin. Associated with his brother-in-law in the business, Mr. Bowes is now acting as manager of the orchard property called the Ruebow ranch, whereon he is exten- sively and successfully engaged in raising apples, pears and cherries. His trees are kept in excellent condition. He knows the best methods of spraying, the needs of the soil and the opportunities for the development of his orchard. In fact he has

WILLIAM E. BOWES

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most closely studied everything that bears upon fruit production in the northwest and his labors have brought to the firm a very gratifying measure of prosperity. He has his own packing plant for the packing of the fruit which he raises and his ranch is thoroughly equipped according to the most modern standards for the propagation and care of the fruit.

On the 11th of January, 1911, Mr. Bowes was united in marriage to Miss Mary Russell, a native of Chicago. They are members of St. Paul's Catholic church and Mr. Bowes belongs to the Knights of Columbus. He is also a member of the Com- mercial Club of Yakima and of the Grange. In politics he is a democrat where na- tional questions and issues are involved but at local elections casts an independent ballot. Opportunity has ever been to him a call to action and with his advent into the west he entered upon the wise and rapid utilization of the opportunities which came to him and has promoted his business interests to a point of substantial pros- perity.

ARTHUR W. GRAY.

Arthur W. Gray is a western man by birth and training and also by preference, as is indicated in the fact that he retains his residence in the state in which he was born. His birth occurred at Talbott, Washington, July 27, 1881, his parents being Christopher Harrison and Mary (Agnew) Gray, the former a native of Indiana, while the latter was born in Iowa. The father came to Washington as a pioneer settler traveling across the country after the picturesque but difficult manner of the times, making the trip with wagon and ox teams. His widow is a daughter of Peter Agnew, also one of the early settlers of this state. Christopher Harrison Gray engaged in the logging business on the Puget Sound for many years. Eventually he purchased a ranch in the Kittitas valley, becoming the owner of the property about 1879. In 1892 he took up his abode thereon and made it his place of residence until his death, which occurred about 1903. He had been engaged in the butchering busi- ness in Ellensburg for two years prior to his demise. His widow survives and is still living in Ellensburg.

Arthur W. Gray obtained a public school education while spending his youthful days under the parental roof and during vacation periods and after his textbooks were put aside he engaged in farming with his father. Later he rented the home place and is now engaged in the cultivation of a tract of land of two hundred and forty acres, devoted largely to the raising of hay and grain. His farming interests are wisely managed and the progressive methods which he follows have produced excel- lent results.

In 1900 Mr. Gray was united in marriage to Miss Hazel E. Swazy, who passed away in 1910. In 1913 he was again married, his second union being with Flora Belle Lamb, of Ellensburg. His children are Westley Harrison, Audrain C., Vernon and Stanley.

Fraternally Mr. Gray is connected with the Loyal Order of Moose. In politics he maintains an independent course, not caring to ally himself with any party. He feels that his time and attention are fully occupied by his business affairs and he is making for himself a creditable place among the successful farmers of his na- tive state.

JOHN B. LACHANCE.

Among the substantial residents of Yakima county who are French Canadians is John B. Lachance, who was born in Quebec, Canada, February 2, 1856, a son of Joseph and Sophia (Roy) Lachance, who on leaving Canada crossed the border into Minnesota, establishing their home in Mower county, where the father purchased a tract of wild land in 1875. In 1881 he removed to Crookston, Minnesota, taking up government land on Poplar river. Not a furrow had been turned nor an improve-

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ment made upon that place and he at once began its development and cultivation, there successfully carrying on farming for a number of years, or until he retired from active business. Both he and his wife have now passed away.

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History of the Yakima Valley, Washington; comprising Yakima, Kittitas, and Benton Counties, Vol. II, Part 89

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