USA > Washington > Spokane County > Spokane > History of the city of Spokane and Spokane County, Washington : from its earliest settlement to the present time, Volume III > Part 12
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On the 29th of August, 1894, at Hudson, Wisconsin, was celebrated the mar- riage of Dr. Russell and Miss Martha Stout, a daughter of Philemon and Mary Stout, of Oswego. Kansas. They now have one son. Gordon Russell. Mrs. Russell is a member of the First Presbyterian church and Dr. Russell holds membership in the Elks lodge at Ashland, Wisconsin, and the Odd Fellows lodge at Mellen, that state. He also belongs to the Inland Club and the Spokane Amateur Athletic Club and is interested in manly athletic and outdoor sports, realizing the neces- sity of recreation in the preservation of an even balance with heavy professional duties.
MILTON D. HALL.
Milton D. Hall has a business record that any man might be proud to possess for through the development of his native powers and talents he has worked his way upward from a humble elerkship to rank with the most prominent and pro- gressive merchants of Spokane, being vice president and general manager of the Grote-Rankin Company of this city and Seattle.
His life record had its beginning in Glen, Montgomery county. New York, November 19. 1868, his parents being Cornelius D. and Nancy (Vunk ) Hall, the former a merchant of Glen. Sent as a pupil to the public schools when about six years of age Milton D. Hall at length laid aside his text books to begin busi- ness life as a salesman in a store at Fonda. New York. In this way he gained a knowledge of merchandising that enabled him to win success when he went upon the road as traveling salesman for a dry-goods house. The west with its limitless opportunities, however, attracted him and, believing this the most advantageous field for a young man. he came to Spokane in March. 1892. here joining his brother. Jay V. Hall. They became associated with F. W. Branson in organizing the Crystal Ice Company, of which Milton D. Hall was a director and vice presi- dent. The business steadily grew. their attention for several years being devoted to the erection and development of ice plants in various parts of the country, operating at Butte, Montana, and later at Washington, D. C. Subsequently the business was sold out to the American Ice Company and in 1902 Milton D. Hall returned to Spokane where he purchased an interest in the Grote-Rankin Com- pany. of which he was elected a director. He was also made buyer for the crockery department and manager of the sales force on the floor. He brought
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to this business the same keen discrimination and spirit of enterprise which he had displayed in other connections and soon acquainting himself with the busi- ness in all of its departments, was well qualified to enter upon the duties of manager here when, in 1903, Mr. Rankin went to Seattle to assume management of a branch house which the Grote-Rankin Company opened in that city. In 1907 Mr. Rankin sold his interest to the company, of which Mr. Hall then became general manager and vice president of the company, while his brother, W. D. Hall, is now manager of the Seattle branch, which is one of the most complete house furnishing stores on the Pacific coast.
On the 8th of October, 1895, Milton D. Hall was married to Miss Carrie C. Clark. a daughter of Giles W. and Charlotte D. Clark of this city, who were pioneers of Spokane, arriving in 1884. Here the father died November 15, 1908, at the age of seventy-two years. Mr. and Mrs. Hall have become the parents of three children, Richard M., Dorothy Helen and Wilson Clark.
To his home and business interests Mr. Hall largely devotes his time and energies. He exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party but otherwise is not active in politics. He is, however, a director of the chamber of commerce and a cooperant factor in the substantial re- sults which have been accomplished by that organization for the benefit of Spo- kane. His labors in this and other directions have redounded to the credit and up- building of the city, while his activities along business lines have brought him to an enviable position in connection with the trade interests of the Spokane country.
JOSEPH F. MORTON.
Joseph F. Morton, attorney at law, engaged in general practice, was born in Brooklyn, New York, March 24, 1882, a son of Edward F. and Rose (Connolly) Morton, both of whom were natives of Ireland and are now residents of Spokane. The father was taken to New York during his infancy and for many years lived in the state of New York. spending much of the time at Syracuse, where he en- gaged in teaching school for seventeen years. In 1882 he came to Spokane and here directed his energies largely to farming and to business interests at Spokane Bridge. He was living on his ranch at the time of the great fire in 1889. He owns a building on Sprague avenne, consisting of three storerooms and the Taft Hotel and other property in the city, having made wise investments of his capital in real estate. At the present time he is living retired in Spokane. His wife's sister was Mrs. M. M. Cowley. Mr. Cowley is one of the directors of the Traders National Bank. The brother and sister of Joseph F. Morton are: Edward W., general bookkeeper of the Traders Bank: and Alice A .. who is residing in Spo- kane. The father is one of the members of the Pioneer Society, having been a resident here from early days and an active factor in the work of general develop- ment and improvement.
After acquiring his early education in the common schools of Spokane. to which city he was brought during his infaney. Joseph F. Morton continued his education in the Gonzaga College. He prepared for the bar in the pursuit of a law course in the Georgetown University at Washington, D. C., and was graduated
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with the LL. B. degree in 1907. He then took the regular law examination and was admitted to the bar before the supreme court in the District of Columbia. In the same year he returned to Spokane, was admitted to practice in this state and has since followed his profession. For a time he was in partnership with John M. Gleeson under the firm name of Gleeson & Morton, this relation con- tinuing from 1908 until the 1st of January, 1911. Mr. Morton has since prac- ticed alone, giving his attention to general law, and although one of the younger members of the bar, has won a reputation that many an older practitioner might well envy. He is a member of the Inland Club. In his political views Mr. Morton is a republican and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day but has never sought nor desired office. He prefers to concentrate his energics upon his practice, which is continually growing in volume and importance.
FRANCIS W. GIRAND.
While engaged in the general practice of law Francis W. Girand specializes to some extent in that branch of the profession which has to do with land titles and has been connected with considerable important litigation of that character. Like almost every state in the Union, Texas has furnished its quota of citizens to Washington and among this number is Mr. Girand, who was born in Austin, Texas, April 1, 1866. His father, for whom he was named, was born in Christian county, Kentucky, and is descended from an old family of French origin that was founded in America during colonial days. He was a first cousin of the Hon. Andrew P. McCormick, judge of the United States circuit court of appeals of the fifth cireuit, and having removed to that state Francis W. Girand, Sr., was ap- pointed by Judge McCormick to the position of clerk in the United States court of the north district of Texas, which position he filled for thirty years, and upon his retirement his. son W. D. Girand succeeded to the office. For cightcen years Andrew P. McCormick was judge of the United States district court and was then advanced to the United States court of appeals. During the Civil war F. W. Girand, Sr., served for three years as a soldier of the Confederate army. In early manhood he wedded Anna Crozier, who was born in Nashville, Tennessee, and was descended from an old southern family of Irish lincage. Her father was distinguished as a United States marshal under President Polk and served for six years as state comptroller. The death of his daughter, Mrs. Girand, occurred in 1894 while Francis W. Girand, the father of our subject, passed away in Novem- her, 1909. Their sons and daughters who constituted the family circle were Francis W., of this review; W. D., clerk of the United States court at Abilenc, Texas; J. B., who at the age of twenty years was clected district surveyor of the Oldham land district and afterward became territorial engineer of the territory of Arizona ; Andrew and John, both of whom are merchants of Abilene, Texas; and Ada Lee, the wife of T. B. Griffith, a resident of Terrell, Texas.
In the public schools of his native city Francis W. Girand, of Spokane, began his education and also attended private schools of Austin. He afterward took up the study of law there with Judge R. F. Arnold as his preceptor and on the 11th of August, 1887, was admitted to the bar. He afterward removed to Gra-
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ham, Texas, to which city the federal court had been removed, and remained in active practice there for twelve years, but thinking to find still broader and better opportunities in the most northwesterly state of the Union he came to Washington on the 24th of August, 1899. He has since been practicing alone in Spokane, con- ducting a general law practice, and has paid more attention to land-title litigation than to any other department, attaining a proficiency in this field that has largely made him authority upon the questions involved therein.
On the 28th of December, 1896, Mr. Girand was married to Miss Lulu O'Don- nell, of Texas, and they have two children. Francis Arthur and Florence Ada, both in school. Mr. Girand is an active advocate of democratic principles and has served as delegate to party conventions both in Texas and Washington, at- tending state conventions in Texas. He was selected one of the campaign speak- ers of the state committee of Texas and in Washington by the county committee. Ile possesses considerable oratorical ability and has a faculty of presenting his views in clear, concise and logical form. while the strength of his argument never fails to elicit attention and seldom fails to convince, whether upon the political hustings or in the discussion of legal matters before the courts.
JOHN T. COOPER.
Among the native sons of Ireland who have sought and won success in the north- west John T. Cooper was numbered. He possessed the versatility, the adaptability. and the undaunted energy characteristic of the people of his race and these quali- ties were used to excellent advantage in his business carcer. He was born in Sep- tember, 1839, in Cork, Ireland, and died on the 18th of June, 1889, his life record therefore scarcely encompassing a half century. His parents were John and Ellen Cooper, the former a navy officer of the British army. Their family num- bered ten children, to whom were given good educational opportunities. John T. Cooper pursuing his studies in the schools of Ireland, supplemented by a course in Dublin College. He studied medicine in that institution. thinking to make its practice his life work, after which he came to America. He followed the pro- fession in various localities for some time and later became assistant surgeon in the United States army, being located at Fort Cameron, Utah. After serving about one year in that capacity he opened an office at Silver Reef, Utah, for the private practice of medicine, and later removed to Butte, Montana, where he remained for one year, displaying considerable ability in diagnosing his cases and caring for the important work which professional duties brought upon him.
About this time excitement waxed very great in the mining country at Murray, Idaho, and Dr. Cooper, with others, entered the field. prospecting and mining. Ile was associated with the late John M. Burke, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this volume, and was one of the original owners of the famous Bunker Hill and Sullivan mine, his associate in this being a man of the name of O. O. Peck. The sale of this mine was made in May. 1887. by John Wardner, the purchaser being Simon Reed, of Pertland, and the purchasing price one million, five hun- dred thousands dollars, of which Messrs. Cooper and Peck received seventy-six thousand dollars as their share. This was one of the richest mines of the west and
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its output made the fortunes of many millionaries. Following the disposal of his interest to Mr. Reed, of Portland, Dr. Cooper removed to Spokane and afterward lived retired, having given up his professional practice. The remainder of his days were spent in the enjoyment of well earned rest. He passed away two years later and his death occasioned the deep regret of all who knew him.
In 1878 Dr. Cooper was united in marriage in Salt Lake City to Miss Adalena Meeks, who survives him, together with a daughter, Caroline E. Two children of the marriage are now deceased-Francis H. and John Edward.
Dr. Cooper's life was guided by high and honorable principles to which he was always most faithful. The Episcopal church found in him a consistant mem- ber and in early life he was also a member of the Ancient Order of United Work- men. His political allegiance was given to the democratic party but he never cared for public office. He loved camp life and outdoor sports, was a great traveler and possessed a particular fondness for nature and for children. His home was ever cel- ebrated for its warm-hearted hospitality and his associates ever found him a most congenial companion. He held friendship inviolable and was always loyal to every trust reposed in him, so that those who came in contact with him knew him worthy of all esteem.
REV. THOMAS J. PURCELL.
One of the most widely known and deeply venerated representatives of the priesthood of the Roman Catholic church in this section of Idaho is Father Thomas J. Purcell of Coeur d'Alene. Not only has he done most notable work for the church by bringing new souls into the faith, but he has established schools and churches, thus bringing the refining and restraining influences of life to the mining and lumber camps of this section.
His birth occurred in Aberdare, Glamorganshire. South Wales, December 7, 1860, his parents being Daniel and Johanna M. (Prendergast) Purcell. They were both natives of Ircland. but at the ages of about sixteen or eighteen they mi- grated to Wales, where they met and were subsequently married. Aberdare was the family home until 1869, when the father emigrated to the United States in quest of health. Here he was joined by his wife and children two years later, but in three months thereafter he passed away.
Although he was only a lad of eleven years when his father died, Thomas J. Purcell was compelled to lay aside his text-books and lend his assistance in main- taining the family. He entered the coal mines of Tioga county, Pennsylvania, where he was continuously employed for eleven years, but at the expiration of that period his health was so completely shattered that he was compelled to live in the open air. The physicians insisted upon a change of climate, so he started west- ward, arriving in Nebraska on Thanksgiving day. 1882. He obtained work on a farm until February, 1883, when he resumed his journey, reaching Denver, Colo- rado, on March 1, penniless. He was considered a victim of the dread white plague and it was impossible for him to obtain employment, even being refused an opportunity to work for his board. Yet these besetting trials and terrible hardships proved a blessing in disguise, compelling him to sleep wherever night overtook
REV. THOMAS J. PURCELL
1
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him, and the invigorating air of the mountains healed the diseased tissues of his lungs and restored his vitality. Not finding any employment, he set out for Ogden, tramping the greater part of the way, occasionally riding on freight trains between Denver and Granger. Utah when such opportunity offered. From that point on. however, he walked the entire distance. Upon reaching his destination he inne- diately sought work, and was shipped out of there as a laborer on the Oregon Short Line, which was then under course of construction. He worked for two months and then went to Virginia City. Montana, walking from there to Bozeman, where he arrived on July 3, 1883. While located there he worked during the summer months as a brickmaker for the old pioneers Tracy and Sam Ruffner, while in winter he was employed by Nelson Story. In September, 1886, he left Bozeman and went to Spokane, where he joined Father Joset, S. J., and Father Cataldo, S. J., whom he accompanied to the De Smet Mission in Kootenai county.
He had always been an ambitious youth and had never fully relinquished the dream of his childhood, which had been to enter the service of the church. How- ever, he possessed other admirable traits of character, and when the needs of those dear to him necessitated his laying away his books, he expressed no regrets. Many times must he have found it difficult to restrain his rebellious spirit during those long years in the mines, where he daily and hourly overtaxed his strength and for weeks at a time never saw the sunshine. The joy, the happiness that is considered to be the jnalienable right of every child was denied him, but he thus purchased it for many another child and so has received his reward. Unquestionably one of the great secrets of the wonderful success of Father Purcell can be attributed to his understanding and appreciation of conditions surrounding the unfortunate and his ready and heartfelt sympathy for those in trouble. During the first four years of his residence at the mission he taught the Coeur d'Alene Indians, while pursuing his classical studies under the instruction of the Fathers, who gave him private lessons. It was discouraging at first. as for many years his entire time and atten- tion had been devoted to physical labor, but he possessed a fine mind and excellent powers of concentration and soon was making rapid progress. In 1888 he was sent to Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, to continue his studies, but he could not endure the climate, and owing to the state of his health in March, 1889, was compelled to return to Spokane. He took a position in Gonzaga College, that eity, where he taught until June. 1890. In August of that year he went to Montreal and taught for a year in St. Lawrence College, during which period with the aid of a private tutor he was able to complete his classical course. He was then qualified to begin his ecclesiastical studies, and in September. 1891, entered the Grand Seminary at Montreal.
On the 20th of December. 1896. he was ordained a priest and on May 1, 1897, was assigned by the bishop of this dioeesc to the parish of Coeur d'Alene. At that time the parish covered practically five thousand, six hundred square miles, com- prising the counties of Kootenai and Bonner with the exception of the Coeur d'Alene reservation-and for a period of nine years a portion of Spokane. He completed the church at Bonner's Ferry, which had been started by Bishop Glo- rieux of Boise, and he erected another one at Rathdrum, the latter being the first briek church edifier in the Idaho diocese. It was in process of construction for some time and was dedicated in 1892. Father Purcell possesses abundance of energy, and is a most enterprising and enthusiastie worker, no task eonnceted with
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his work being too stupendous for him to undertake its commission and successfully carry it through to completion. He next built a church at Priest River, while ground was acquired and buildings were under construction, to provide the people of Harrison and Post Falls with places of worship. The work of the parish devel- oped so rapidly under his eapable direction that in 1893 it was necessary to divide it with Rev. James F. Kelly, who has ever since been priest in Bonner county. In 1893 he brought to Coeur d'Alene Sisters of the order of the Immaculate Heart of Mary from Scranton, Pennsylvania, and in September, of that year, they estab- lished a school. Their temporary building was only forty-six by fifty-six feet, and they had an enrollment of sixty-three pupils. The attendance increased so rapidly that their quarters were soon entirely inadequate to meet the demands. Reeogniz- ing and appreciating their needs, Major J. J. O'Brien, one of Coeur d'Alene's philanthropie, retired residents presented them with a bloek of ground, and when the military reserve was sold at public auction Father Pureell bid in the hospital and administration buildings. and had them removed to the grounds Major O'Brien had donated on the corner of Coeur d'Alene avenue and Ninth street. They were subsequently converted into a eonvent and school. which now has an attendance of three hundred pupils.
Owing to the rapid increase in the Catholie population of Coeur d'Alene, in 1897. Father Purecll was obliged to relinquish the missions of Kootenai county, and devote his entire attention to the work of the city. When he first eame to this parish in 1897 it contained but seventy-five Catholie families, and now Coeur d'Alene alone has three hundred and fifty Catholic families or about twelve hun- dred followers of the faith. He has been tireless in his efforts to extend the work and increase the number of communieants. When he arrived here, realizing that the Catholies of the future were the children of the present. he gave no thought to proeuring a residence for himself or suitable quarters in which to hold services, but immediately began searching for a building adapted to the needs of a school. Subsequently quarters were proenred that served temporarily for religious pur- poses, and in June, 1909, ground was obtained and exeavations started for their present beautiful church. On the 22d of August, 1909, Bishop Glorieux laid the corner stone and, in the following October, work on the superstructure was eom- meneed. This was completed on May 1, 1910, and was permitted to stand until November, of that year. when contracts were let for the interior decorations. Their new building was occupied on the 5th of March, 1911, but was not entirely com- pleted until the 1st of November and was dedieated on Decoration Day, 1912. It is one of the most beautiful churches in the northwest, and was completed at a cost of forty-six thousand dollars. The interior decorations are especially fine and all of the appointments are of a superior quality, and it seats one thousand people.
Not often is it given to any one to see such wonderful results from work in fourteen years as Father Purcell is witnessing from his labors. He is now able to realize that those long, hard years of his early manhood were not fruitless by any means. . Although he began his life work at an age when the majority of men are quite well established, he has accomplished more during the single deeade of his service than many consummate in a life time. He is now at the zenith of his powers and the future contains for him great promise and mueh assurance of yet greater opportunities. During the period of his connection with this field he has made many friends among both Catholics and Protestants, who despite the differ-
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ence in their faith revere and hold in the highest esteem the man, his belief and the purpose to which he has dedicated his life-the service of humanity. Father Purcell attributes much of his success to the Jesuit Fathers of Gonzaga College, whose advice he has sought and followed in all important matters. He is always ready to respond to a call. whatever its source, carrying cheer and comfort to rich and poor alike as did He. in whose footsteps he is following.
HON. GEORGE W. SHAEFER.
Hon. George W. Shaefer. state senator from Spokane and a leading attorney of the city, has during the period of his residence here labored effectively and earnestly for municipal progress and improvement, upholding as well the politica! and legal status of the state. Many tangible evidences of his devotion to the general good can be cited and the worth of his work will be evidenced in the develop- ment of this sketch of his life. He was born in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, September 10. 1862, his parents being Conrad and Pauline (Clements) Shaefer. The father was a whitesmith and also engaged in farming.
Having attended the publie schools of his native eity. George W. Shaefer con- tinned his education in St. Mary's Academy and afterward received commercial training in Bryant & Stratton Business College of Charleston, West Virginia. from which he was graduated. When he was nineteen years of age his parents removed with the family to Charleston, West Virginia, where his father engaged in the lumber business, with George W. Shaefer, as his associate and assistant. While thus engaged he also took up the study of law and in 1895 he removed to Des Moines, Iowa, where he completed his law course and was admitted to the bar in 1897. He then located for practice in that city, where he remained until the fall of 1903. when he came to Spokane, where he has since continued to follow his profession. In no other calling does advancement depend more largely upon individual merit and ability and, recognizing this fact. Mr. Shaefer has been a elose student of the science of law and is seldom, if ever, at fault in the citation of principle or precedent. llis practice has connected him with much of the im- portant work of the courts and his ability is evidenced in the many verdicts which he has won favorable to his clients' interests. In addition to his law practice Mr. Shaefer is the secretary and treasurer of the Western Construction Company and thus interested in the management of an important industrial undertaking.
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