History of the Yakima Valley, Washington; comprising Yakima, Kittitas, and Benton Counties, Vol. II, Part 97

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 97
USA > Washington > Kittitas County > History of the Yakima Valley, Washington; comprising Yakima, Kittitas, and Benton Counties, Vol. II > Part 97
USA > Washington > Yakima County > History of the Yakima Valley, Washington; comprising Yakima, Kittitas, and Benton Counties, Vol. II > Part 97

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On the 26th of September, 1907, Mr. Chandler was married to Miss Winifred Goodrich, of Berkeley, California, and their children are Dorothy, Milam, Geneva and Benson. Mr. Chandler belongs to Pasco Lodge, No. 138, F. & A. M. He is also a member of the Commercial Club, belongs to the Yakima Engineering Club, to the American Society of Civil Engineers, to the American Society of Agricultural Engi- neers. in which he has served on the drainage and irrigation committee, and is a member of the Pacific Northwest Society of Engineers. He is also well known as a frequent contributor to the Engineering. News Record and his writings command thoughtful and earnest attention, for his ideas are based upon broad experience and sound initiative. His political endorsement is given to the republican party and he attends the Congregational church. His life activities have been of a character ' that have contributed to general development and improvement as well as to individual success. In fact his labors have been far-reaching and beneficial as vital forces in the upbuilding and improvement of this section of the state and he stands among those whose opinions upon irrigation in the northwest are largely accepted as authority.

CHARLES S. SUNDBERG.

Charles S. Sundberg, financier and orchardist, now president of the Selah State Bank, was born in Cook county, Illinois, April 12, 1874, a son of Samuel and Anna Sundberg, both of whom were natives of Sweden. They came to the United States when young people and were married in Illinois. The father was a coal miner and devoted his life largely to that pursuit until 1878, when he removed with his family to Carroll county, lowa, where he took up the occupation of farming. After four years spent in that locality he became a resident of Clay county, South Dakota, in 1882 and there carried on general agricultural pursuits to the time of his death. His widow afterward lived in Texas but she, too, has passed away.

Mr. Sundberg of this review is indebted to the public school systems of Jowa and of South Dakota for the educational privileges he enjoyed. He lived upon the family farm until he reached the age of twenty years and also lived for a time in Texas prior to 1893. He embarked in business independently by opening a general store and in connection had the post office at Komstad, South Dakota, and in 1909 he and his half brother, Elmer Dahlin, removed to Yakima county, Washington, where he has since made his home. On the 7th of May, 1916, they opened a bank at Selah known as the Selah State Bank, of which Mr. Sundberg has since been the president. In this connection he has instituted a policy which is thoroughly reliable and con- tributes in marked measure to the success of the institution, the business of which has steadily grown from the heginning. He has always believed in thoroughly safe- guarding the interests of depositors and has made his bank in every way worthy of trust ard patronage. In 1909 Mr. Sundberg purchased fifteen acres of orchard land on Selah Heights and is thereon extensively engaged in raising apples. He also has about three hundred acres of land near Spokane. He is thoroughly imbued with

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the spirit of western progress and is most enthusiastic concerning this section of the country and its opportunities.

In politics Mr. Sundberg has always been an earnest democrat and was an active worker in party ranks while a resident of South Dakota. He belongs to the Swedish Mission church, in the work of which he takes helpful. part, and he is also identified with the Young Men's Christian Association. In these connections are in- dicated the rules which govern his conduct and shape his relations in connection with all private and public interests.

WALLACE W. MILLER.

Wallace W. Miller, member of the insurance firm of Martin & Miller of Yakima, has been engaged in the business since 1910 and through the intervening period has built up a large clientele. He was born in Chicago, April 16, 1880, a son of William and Anna C. Miller, who in 1902 removed with their family to the northwest, settl- ing in Yakima. The father took up the business of fruit growing and has a fine ranch on Nob Hill, having won success in his undertakings.

Wallace W. Miller, spending his youthful days under the parental roof, was graduated from the Lakeview high school, one of the north side high schools of his native city. He afterward attended the University of Wisconsin from 1899 until 1901 inclusive, or for a period of three years. After the removal of the family to Yakima he secured the position of deputy county auditor and served in that capacity for five years. He next entered the insurance field in 1910 as a member of the firm of Martin & Miller and has so continued to the present time. He now has a large clientage, writing a large amount of insurance annually, and his business has long since reached gratifying proportions.

In 1914 Mr. Miller was married to Miss Hazel Stout, of Seattle. He belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and to Yakima Lodge, No. 24, F. A. M., also to Yakima Chapter, No. 21, R. A. M. His political allegiance is given to the republican party. He is a typical business man of the northwest, alert, energetic and enterprising, and never stops short of the successful fulfillment of his plans.

JOHN H. GREENSLADE.

John H. Greenslade, who since 1908 has made his home in the vicinity of Grand- view, is a native son of Alabama. He was born in Lawrence county, that state, on the 2d of January, 1853, a son of John and Mary (Holland) Greenslade, the former a native of England, while the latter was born in South Carolina. The father was a tailor by trade. .

John H. Greenslade acquired a public school education but his oportunities in that direction were somewhat limited, as it was necessary that he early provide for his own support. He is truly a self-made man who owes his advancement and suc- cess entirely to his individual effort. He carried on farming in Mississippi, to which state the family removed in 1854. He was engaged largely in raising cotton there and continued a resident of that state until 1905, when he made his way to the northwest, settling in the Puyallup valley near Tacoma. He carried on ranching in that district until 1908, when he came to Yakima county and near Grandview purchased fifteen acres of land which was all covered with sagebrush. He at once began the arduous task of transforming it into a good ranch property. He built a home and barns upon the place and today he has eight acres planted to apples and two acres to cherries. The remainder is plow land, upon which he raises various crops, and his ranch today bears no resemblance to the tract of wild land which came into his possession about a decade ago. He also owns a ten-acre orchard at Wenatchee, Washington, and produces there some of the finest apples raised in the state.

In January, 1874, Mr. Greenslade was married to Miss Sarah Ulmer, who was born in Lauderdale county, Mississippi, a daughter of Richard Ulmer. Mr. and Mrs.

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Greenslade became parents of nine children, but Luther. their first born, is now de- ceased. Thomas is a cotton grower of Mississippi. Euna is the wife of Thomas Richards, a merchant conducting business at Vardaman, Mississippi. Mary is the wife of Thomas Craig, a planter living in Arkansas. Annie is the wife of Joseph Ingram, also of Mississippi. Nora is the wife of Harry Sourwine, living at Wapato, Washington. Frank is at home. Smith is serving in the United States Army. Wil- mer, who resides in Wenatchee, is married. The wife and mother passed away in 1915 and her death was the occasion of deep regret to many friends whom she had won during the period of her residence near Grandview.

Mr. Greenslade has always voted with the democratic party and his religious faith is that of the Methodist church, the teachings of which have guided him in all the relations of life, making him a man whom to know is to respect and honor.

FRED ARROWSMITH.

Fred Arrowsmith is a successful and prominent rancher of the Sunnyside district but is much more than that. He is a most progressive citizen and one who has done effective work for the upbuilding of his district and the state at large, while in all that he has undertaken he has shown a most progressive spirit. His ideals of life are high and in matters of citizenship he has taken a most advanced stand, his labors being particularly effective, far-reaching and resultant in behalf of war activities.

Mr. Arrowsmith was born in Manchester, England, October 28, 1864, a son of Thomas H. and Emma P. (Winder) Arrowsmith, who were also natives of that country. The son attended a private school in England and also studied in Germany. His father was engaged in the cotton business, but the son did not find that pur- suit congenial and in 1882 he crossed the Atlantic to the United States, making his way to Euclid, Minnesota, where he worked for wages on a large farm. He after- ward purchased farm land near Warren, Minnesota, and in 1885 he went to Minneapo- lis, where he became a shipping clerk and was also active in other lines for eighteen years. He next went to Wisconsin and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of timber land, after which he operated a sawmill and engaged in logging and farming. He continued his residence in Wisconsin until 1911, when he came to Sunnyside, Washington, and traded for twenty acres of land two miles east of the city. He has since purchased an additional tract of twenty acres, which he has planted to apples. The remainder of his ranch is devoted to the raising of cattle and hogs and to the production of corn and potatoes. His residence is a beautiful and commodious home of ten rooms, built in attractive style of architecture, and he has large barns and all modern improvements upon his place.

It was on the 2d of December, 1885, that Mr. Arrowsmith was married to Miss Fannic M. Searle, a native of Claremont, Minnesota, and a daughter of Oscar and Almeda (Wallace) Searle. Their children are: Kenneth, who is station agent at Grandview: Florence, the wife of B. Brower Fitts, a rancher of Sunnyside; Clarence P., at home, having just been discharged from the Thirty-ninth Coast Artillery; and Hubert. also at home.

Fraternally Mr. Arrowsmith is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and with the Modern Woodmen of America and has served as secretary of both. His religious faith is that of the Baptist church and in politics he is a very active republican-a member of the republican county central committee and also a precinct committeeman. While a resident of Wisconsin he likewise took an active part in public affairs, serving in all of the local offices. On leaving that state he re- signed from the positions of township chairman, secretary of the school board and justice of the peace. Along political and other lines he has done everything in his power to promote the development, progress and substantial upbuilding of the sec- tion of Washington in which he makes his home. He joined the Commercial Club of Sunnyside soon after his arrival and on the 24th of May. 1918, he became its secre- tary. He had previously served as financial secretary for two years, beginning May 18, 1916, and had done much good work in that connection. It was after he took the position of financial secretary that the club established its evening luncheons

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and he became a very active worker in the organization. In 1913 he was elected drain- age supervisor for Drainage District No. 3, at which time there was an indebtedness of twelve thousand dollars on the district. He served for five years, greatly im- proving the financial condition and doing much good work in that connection. He was elected chairman of the lower valley statewide prohibition campaign about 1914 and was very active in bringing about the success of the movement. He is now largely confining his efforts and attention to the excellent work being done by the Commercial Club, which has taken a most active part in all war interests. He is the United States employment agent. The Commercial Club has handled the War Savings campaign. Mr. Arrowsmith was appointed United States food administrator for his district. He is the office secretary for the home service section of the Red Cross, promoted its campaign and also was active with the Commercial Club in handling all the overseas Christmas boxes. He is bureau manager for the organization for finding employment for returned soldiers and sailors. He is probably the only farmer who is secretary of a commercial club-a fact indicative of his most progres- sive spirit. The Sunnyside Commercial Club has taken active part in the develop- ment of permanent hard surfaced roads. It has an active membership of over ninety men and is putting on a campaign for a large farmer membership. Mr. Arrowsmith is recognized as a leader among the farming population of this section of the state and as a most active public man whose labors are most effective and resultant. He is actuated in all that he does by marked devotion to the public good and all who know aught of his career attest the value of his public work and service.

EDGAR C. VAN BRUNDT.

Edgar C. VanBrundt, now living retired in Yakima, was for some time actively, prominently and successfully engaged in the real estate business and has also been well known in connection with orcharding in the valley. He was born in Champaign, Illinois, October 23, 1874, a son of Samuel and Rachel B. (Samson) Van Brundt, the former a farmer and stockman.

Edgar C. Van Brundt acquired a public school education and then secured a position in Winston's Bank at Sidney, Illinois, while later he was employed in the Ridgely National Bank at Springfield, Illinois, in the capacity of teller. He after- ward became connected with the Champaign National Bank, in which he was ap- pointed assistant cashier, and his next position was that of accountant for main- tenance of way, in which connection he handled the road accounts for the first and second divisions of the Illinois Central Railroad, with office in Chicago. On retir- ing from that position he became traveling auditor with the Armour interests of Chicago, thus continuing for two years, and in 1900 he went to Alaska, where he became actively interested in mining, in which field of labor he remained for five years. He was one of the original locators of the Nazina district and met with a fair measure of prosperity in the northwest. In 1905 he came to Yakima and entered the real estate business, while in 1908 he bought the old Dan Lesh and Frank Wheeler orchard, one of the first commercial orchards in the valley. He then en- gaged in raising apples, peaches, pears and plums and he has forty acres of produc- ing orchards from which he derives a most substantial income. He utilizes the most advanced scientific methods in the care of his trees, spraying and propagating accord- ing to all that study has proven of worth in fruit production. While he still owns his orchard properties, he has always resided in Yakima and occupies a fine home on North Second street.

On the 21st of November, 1906, Mr. Van Brundt was married to Miss Harriet Coleman Chambers, of Charleston, Illinois. He is well known in Masonic circles, belonging to Yakima Lodge, No. 24, F. & A. M .; Yakima Chapter, No. 21, R. A. M .; Yakima Commandery, K. T .: and Afifi Temple of the Mystic Shrine. He is a mem- ber of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, also of the Country Club of Yakima and attends the Presbyterian church, while in politics he is an independent republi- can. The spirit of enterprise and progress has brought him to the northwest and directed his course so that success in substantial measure has come to him. His real

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estate investments and operations were most wisely and carefully directed and brought to him a handome competence, while as an orchardist he has made a most creditable name and place for himself. He is now largely living retired but his property inter- ests return to him a substantial and gratifying income.

CHARLES G. JOHNSON.

Charles G. Johnson occupies one of the beautiful homes near Selah, command- ing a wonderful view of the valley, and his time and energies are devoted to the raising of apples and pears. He is among the adopted sons of his land who have found in America the opportunities for advancement which they believed could be better secured on this side of the Atlantic than in the old country. Mr. Johnson was born in Sweden, February 2, 1865, a son of P. J. and Mary Johnson, the former now deceased, while the latter still resides in Sweden.

Charles G. Johnson spent the first twenty years of his life in his native country and then bade adieu to friends and family and crossed the Atlantic to the new world, making his way to Woodbury county, Iowa. He there learned bricklaying and fol- lowed his trade in that locality for twenty years, while for three years he was in the grocery business. In 1908 he determined to seek his fortune in the northwest and made his way to Yakima county in company with his friend, David Johnson, who is mentioned elsewhere in this work. He purchased ten acres of land on Selah Heights and planted eight acres of this to apples with pears as a filler. His labors have wrought a wonderful transformation in the tract, which is today one of the beauty spots of the district. In the springtime his orchards are white with the bloom of the trees, and in the fall he gathers large crops of fine apples and pears, for which he finds a ready sale on the market owing to their fine appearance, size and quality. In the midst of his orchards he has erected a fine residence, commodious and sup- plied with all modern conveniences and comforts. From the windows of his place he looks abroad over the valley, which presents a most delightful view, and one of the chief charms of his home is its warm-hearted hospitality.

On the 14th of December. 1889, Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Miss 1da Johnson, also a native of Sweden, whence she came to the United States as a young woman of twenty years. The children born of this marriage are: George, who is a member of the United States army; Lillian, who is a nurse, following her pro- fession in Yakima; William E. and Herbert, who also joined the army to defend American interests in the great world war, and Chaffin, at home.

Mr. Johnson and his family are members of the Swedish Mission church and he also belongs to the Grange. His political endorsement is given to the republican party when national questions and issues are involved but at local elections he casts an independent ballot. He is a public-spirited citizen, thoroughly loyal to his adopted land, and at all times his aid and cooperation can be counted upon to further any measure or movement for the general good.

GEORGE W. DENTON.

In the death of George W. Denton, who passed away December 27, 1917, Yakima county lost one of its substantial, public-spirited and highly honored citizens. His demise not only brought deep sorrow to his immediate family but was greatly re- gretted by many friends, all of whom esteemed him as a man of high character and principles. A native of Missouri, he was born March 13, 1864, a son of . bsalom and Matilda (Barnes) Denton, Missouri pioneers, who later removed to Arkansas, where George W. Denton of this review received his education in the public schools. After laying aside his textbooks he turned his attention to agriculture, in which line his father had also been engaged, and under his guidance learned reliable methods in that line of business.

In 1881 Mr. Denton and his young bride came to Yakima county and he is there-

GEORGE W. DENTON

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fore entitled to be numbered among the honored pioneers of this section. For three years he worked as a farm hand for others and afterward paid a visit to his old home, but subsequently returned and again took up farm work as an employe. In 1898, however, he had acquired the means which enabled him to purchase property and he then bought thirty acres of rich land on the upper Naches, which at that period was covered with sagebrush. He immediately began its cultivation and im- provement and as the years passed he developed a valuable property, erecting a fine home and planting five acres to orchard. He was always ready to embrace the lat- est ideas and it was therefore but natural that success followed his efforts.

On November 6, 1881, Mr. Denton was united in marriage to Medora Alice Parten, also a native of Missouri, and a danghter of John and Sarah (Johnson) Parten, who were born in Tennessee and in early life removed to Missouri, of which state the father became a pioneer. There the mother died and the father later removed to Arkansas, continuing as a farmer. To Mr. and Mrs. Denton two chil- dren were born: Frank, who died at the age of ten; and M. Clayton, who now man- ages the old homestead. He married Florence Chase, of Yakima.

Mr. Denton throughout his life's course always displayed those qualities and char- acteristics which call forth esteem and admiration. Many were the friends whom he made in the Yakima valley and all who knew him were willing to vonch for him to the extent of their ability, as his whole career stood out before all as an example of honest endeavor. When death came to him many were the condolences received by the family and the tokens of sympathy given them were touching and came from the heart, thus solacing the bereaved widow and loving son. In politics Mr. Den- ton followed the standard of the republican party and fraternally he was a Mason, belonging to the blue lodge, and throughout his life's course ever practiced the hon- orable principles underlying that organization. Mrs. Denton is a member of the Christian church and in its various good works takes an active and helpful interest. She also belongs to the Order of the Eastern Star at Naches city. She enjoys the highest esteem in the community on account of her womanly qualities of character and has also proven herself a lady of considerable business ability, cooperating with her son in continuing the work which was begun by the husband and father. The memory of George W. Denton as a loyal, true and kindly man will live as a bene- diction with his family and his many friends for years to come.

WALTER T. WHITE.

Walter T. White is a western man by birth and training and is numbered among the honored pioneers of the Yakima valley, having for many years been connected with agricultural interests on the lower Naches. Of English extraction, he was horn in Utah, November 29, 1866, his parents being John and Ann (Creswick) White, na- tives of England, the former born in Yorkshire and the latter in London. In the early '50s, before their marriage, they came to the United States and in this coun- try their union was celebrated. In the '50s they went to Utah and in that state the father gave his attention to farming. There he died but the mother's death occurred in Idaho.

Walter T. White was reared under the care of his mother, who instilled into him the first lessons of life. In the acquirement of his education he attended public school. but in 1881, when a youth of only fifteen, came to Yakima county with his mother and two others of the children. The mother took a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres of land on the lower Naches, all of which was yet in a wild state. No railroad had touched this county and conditions were still primitive. Willing to work, however, and thoroughly acquainted with conditions upon the frontier, they all set themselves to the task of making this land a valuable property. Gradually the land was put under the plow and other improvements were made and modern equip- ment installed. On the death of his mother Mr. White inherited the property and has continued general farming, also giving considerable attention to the stock business. He has sold a part of his ranch, retaining abont fifty-seven acres, and of this five acres are in orchard, the rest being devoted to hay and grain and also to cattle rais-

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ing. In 1885 his brother, J. S. White, went to the Okanogan country and there he has since remained.

On the 18th of October, 1893, Mr. White wedded Emma Chamberlain, a daugh- ter of J. L. and Christine (Kincaid) Chamberlain, pioneers of Oregon, who re- moved to Klickitat county, Washington, and subsequently came to Yakima county in an early day. Mr. Chamberlain has passed away. To Mr. and Mrs. White were born two children: Harry F. took up the cause of democracy, enlisting in Uncle Sam's army, and is now with the United States Army of Occupation. Before going to France he served on the Mexican border during the embroglio between this coun- try and the southern republic. Louena is at home.

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History of the Yakima Valley, Washington; comprising Yakima, Kittitas, and Benton Counties, Vol. II, Part 97

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