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 48
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Reardan was the seene of the marriage of Mr. Shoemaker, on the 15th of Au- gust. 1904, to Miss Grace Davidson, a daughter of James and Margerite E. Davidson, the father now deceased. One child has been born unto Mr. and Mrs. Shoe- maker, Loren James.
The fraternal relations of Mr. Shoemaker arc confined to his membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. and his political support he gives to the democratic party, the policy of which he fully indorses. Although he takes an interest in the development and progress of the town and fully appreciates the value of an efficient and capable governing body, Mr. Shoemaker does not actively participate in municipal affairs, giving his undivided attention to the discharge of his personal interests.
J. C. WHITE.
In hastening the development of the Coeur d'Alene lake region. J. C. White has been a virile force in promoting not only the economie growth of this section of the country but also its social, political and edneational advancement. He was born in Wyoming, Nebraska, in 1865, a son of A. K. and Franees (Giles) White. His father, who was born in Maryland, was one of the pioneer settlers of Ne-
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braska possessing the true spirit of Westward Ho. Although born in a slave state he was a prominent abolitionist and served in the Civil war, enlisting in Com- pany F. of the Second Nebraska Cavalry. Early in the war he was handicapped by a severe wound in the hand, but notwithstanding he continued in the service and aided the cause on to its final triumph. He was an enthusiastic republican and used to say that every state of which he became a resident seemed to become republican after his arrival. He was elected a representative to the Nebraska legislature. belonging to that body at the same time that Colonel W. S. Cody, of Buffalo Bill fame, was a member, during the session which accomplished the re- moval of the capital to Lincoln, Nebraska.
After the usual elementary and secondary education. J. C. White attended the Denver University at Denver, Colorado, and in 1887 began his work as engineer for D. C. Corbin when the railroad was being constructed between Wardner and Wallace. Idaho. Later he was employed by E. J. Roberts as engineer in the con- struction of the Seattle, Lake Shore & Eastern Railroad in western Washington. In 1889 he secured an appointment in the postoffice at Spokane and during the great fire assisted in saving the mail and removing it to a place of safety. Shortly after this he again went to work for the Seattle. Lake Shore & Eastern Railroad. becoming a resident engineer, and located at Sedro. Washington, from which point he had charge of thirty-five miles of the construction of the railroad. In 1892 he took up a homestead elaim in Idaho on the St. Maries river, removing to this place which he still owns. An interesting fact in connection with this claim in that the first filings in Idaho under the timber and stone aets were tiled on land adjoining his location by E. F. Von Dissel. Frank Hopkins and M. Carr. In 1901 Mr. White became a resident of Coeur d'Alene engaging in the lumber business here and in the same year was instrumental, as one of the incorporators, in securing the construction of the Coeur d'Alene & Spokane Eleetrie Railway for which he aeted in the capacity of chief engineer attending to the building until it was com- pleted and in proper running order. On December 21, 1902, Mr. White brought the first car into Coeur d'Alene, making its maiden trip over the new road. He also organized. in 1901, the Red Collar Line of steamboats plying on Coeur d'Alene lake and adjacent rivers, and in December. 1901, took over the entire charge of this enterprise, becoming the president and general manager of the com- pany, a position which he still holds. Other enterprises to which he lent his financial cooperation are the Exchange National Bank of Coeur d'Alene which he helped to organize and of which he is a dircetor, and the Rathdrum State Bank of Rath- drum, Idaho, in which he is a director. Always watchful for opportunities he has improved each one that came within his grasp and has attained to his present success through determined application, good judgment and the cool courage to take a business hazard.
In February, 1895. Mr. White was united in the bonds of matrimony to Miss Harriet M. Whitmore, a niece of M. R. Fish, of Farmington, Washington. They are the parents of three children: Frances, born in 1901: Alfred Kirk, born in 1906; and Constance. born in 1908.
Politically Mr. White is actively interested in advancing the influence of the republican party in his section of the country. In 1898 he was elected county surveyor of Kootenai county, for the regular term of two years; and in 1900 was «leeted to the state legislature on the silver-republican ticket and was instrumental
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in electing Fred T. Du Bois United States senator. He served two years during which time he was chairman of the fusion caueus and chairman of the state affairs committee. From 1906 to 1908 he was president of the Volunteer Fire Depart- ment of Coeur d'Alene and in 1905 became president of the board of education of Coeur d'Alene, in which capacity he is still serving, since the term does not expire until the latter part of the current year. In fraternal eireles he is known as an enthusiastic Mason, having taken both the Knight Templar and the Seot- tish Rite degrees, and belonging also to. El Katif Temple of the Mystic Shrine of Spokane. Socially he finds recreation and pleasure in the Commercial Club of Coeur d'Alene of which he was president from 1905 to 1908, in the Inland Club of Spokane, Washington, of which he is a director, and in the Spokane Club of Spokane, Washington. A man of mueh foree of character and personal charm Mr. White is well liked wherever he is known both in the business world and in social cireles of Coeur d'Alene and Spokane where he has a large number of elose friends.
CHARLES HERBERT ROGERS.
Charles Herbert Rogers, president of the real-estate and building firm of Rogers & Rogers, was born in Hastings, Michigan, May 26, 1870, and is deseended in the paternal line from Scoteh-Irish aneestry. At a period antedating the Revolutionary war settlement was made in Maine by representatives of the name. His father, Hiram Rogers, enlisted for service in the Civil war but on aeeount of his weight was rejected, being too heavy for field duty. He is now living retired in Hastings with his wife, who bore the maiden name of Lydia Pillsbury. She was born in Racine, Wiseonsin, and her father was a chaplain in the Civil war. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hiram Rogers were born three sons and five daughters: Charles Herbert; Winfield Seott, who is now engaged in business with his brother : Theodore L., who is engaged in the Mexican land business and in real-estate dealing in Oakland, Cali- fornia : Stella M., the widow of F. W. Greble, of Buffalo, New York. where she now resides : Mary, the wife of W. A. Shader, of Hastings, Michigan : Belle, the wife of B. L. Kenyon, of Lansing, Michigan; and Glenna and Gertrude, also living in Hastings.
Promotion from one grade to another in the public schools of his native town at length brought Charles H. Rogers to the high school of Hastings and subsequently he graduated from Teller's Business College at Kalamazoo, Michigan. He re- mained upon his father's farm until twenty-two years of age and in October, 1892, arrived in Spokane. Here he engaged in the real-estate business with his brother W. S. Rogers under the firm style of Rogers & Rogers. The relation was main- tained until 1899, when Charles H. Rogers purchased his brother's interest and eondueted the business alone until March, 1911, when he was again joined by his brother and the business was incorporated under the name of Rogers & Rogers. They conduet a general real-estate and building business, which has grown to goodly proportions. Their especial line is the building of houses on the installment plan and they have erected hundreds of dwellings in different parts of the eity. They have also put up some small business bloeks and they deal largely in their
C. H. ROGERS
.ARY
ALUM LENOX TILDEN FONDATIONS
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own property, but they have a good real-estate brokerage business. They also con- duet an insurance business and have a large rental, and loan department. They are district agents for the Glens Falls. Firemen's of Newark, Milwaukee Mechan- its. Merchants of Denver, and also represent several other large fire insurance companies together with plate glass, automobile, liability, and surety companies. They have secured a good clientage in the different departments of their business and are now actively engaged in the management of growing and important in- terests.
On the ist of January, 1904, Mr. Rogers was united in marriage to Miss Mamic Russell. a daughter of Charles Russell, who is now living retired. They have two sons, Russell and Richard Rogers. The family attend the Presbyterian church and Mr. Rogers belongs to the Masonic fraternity, having taken the degrees of the lodge, commandery and consistory, and also has become a member of the Mystic Shrine. He likewise belongs to the Spokane lodge of Elks, No. 228, to the Spo- kane Club and is a life member of both the Inland Club and the Spokane Amateur Athletic Club. He is also a member of the Chamber of Commerce. His political allegiance is given the republican party and his military record covers service as a member of the National Guard of Washington. He is yet a young man but has proven his worth in a business way and socially, intellectually and morally. He looks at life from no narrow nor contracted standpoint but with broad vision takes cognizance of that which is most worth while for the community and the individual, loyally supporting the former and untiringly seeking out the latter.
ROBERT G. WILLIAMSON.
Robert G. Williamson, who came to Spokane county 'in 1876 and is now resid- ing on Williamson prairie, was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania. July 26. 1834, his parents being John and Jane: Findlay ' (Archer) Williamson. Robert G. Williamson received his education in the public schools of Pennsylvania until he reached the age of fifteen years after which he assisted his father in the culti- vation of his farm until he removed to Freeport. Ilinois, where he farmed for seven years. Desiring to make this occupation his life's work he again took it up in Harden county, Iowa, and also in Kansas, spending seven years in each of those states.
The opportunities of the far west, however, attracted him and seemed to him to offer far greater possibilities than the east or the prairies of the Mississippi valley. In 1875 he removed to Oregon. locating at Albany for a year's residence before coming to the Spokane region. For a brief period he resided on Pine creek in what is now called the Farmington country, but he soon took up his perma- nent residence in Spokane county, and on the 9th of August. 1876, moved upon a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres of land five miles southeast of the city of Spokane. He also purchased forty acres adjoining the original tract and one hundred and seventy-three aeres on Richland prairie. Since he has acquired these varions properties he has brought his fields under a high state of cultivation and made many substantial improvements. Year after year he has carefully tilled the soil, and his farming operations have brought him creditable success, the greater part of his time and attention being devoted to market gar- V 1. 111-2:
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dening, although he raised a great variety of farm products and formerly gave his attention to growing small fruits. Indolence and idleness are utterly foreign to his nature, and having the fundamental characteristics for winning success, he has proven one of the successful agriculturists in the district.
The building of the Inland Railroad through this section about six years ago caused a sharp advance in land prices and Mr. Williamson took advantage of the boom and instead of further devoting his energies to the cultivation of his farm sold all of his property but three acres of orchard and retired. Since his wife's death in 1910 he resides with his son Robert Williamson at Glenrose, a station on the old homestead, which is now known as the Old Home addition. Mr. Williamson was one of the earliest advocates of the good roads movement in this section and con- tributed generously in time and labor toward the accomplishment of this object. During the first two years of his residence he had to drive to Walla Walla for supplies and there bought the first sample wagon exhibited in this section long be- fore there was ever shown such an article in Spokane. On another one of his trips to Walla Walla he was halted by five mounted Indians, who dismounted and forced him to let them look over his outfit. Not finding any arms or any more supplies than were necessary for the trip, they held a pow wow and came to the conclusion that he was on a peaceful errand. letting him ride away without doing any harm. It was his ability to make friends, which at that time saved his life. On another occasion, during one of the Indian raids, his family with a small group of women and children sought security on the big island near Spokane Falls, but he could not be moved to forsake his place and he staid on his farm, taking care of the place and the stock. scouting the idea of any possible harm befalling him.
On the 11th of March, 1856, Mr. Williamson was married to Miss Sarah H. Shelly, the daughter of Samuel and Ellen Shelly, of Freeport, Illinois. To this union eight children were born: Alpheus J., Flora A., John S., Anna M., and Robert, all living; and Clark N., Sylvanus A., and Mina H., deceased. Mrs. Williamson's death occurred on November 26, 1910. During her lifetime, because of her many admirable social characteristics and because of her conscientious de- votion to her home and to her church duties in the Adventist church, she won the affection and regard of all with whom she came in contact. Mr. Williamson has been so intimately connected with the development and growth of his district that he is recognized as one of its leading citizens, and because of his hospitable and kindly nature he is well liked and highly respected by his fellow citizens.
C. H. FINROW.
C. H. Finrow, for the past nine years engaged in the general mercantile busi- ness in Reardan with his nephew, G. H. Finrow, is a native of Norway. He was born in the city of Drammen on the 8th of September, 1857, and is a son of Hans and Bertha Finrow, also natives of Norway. The father, who was a farmer, emigrated to the United States with his wife and family, locating in Iowa during the pioneer days, but later removed to Minnesota.
In the acquirement of an education, C. H. Finrow attended the district schools of Winneshiek county, Iowa, until he attained the age of fourteen. His student days
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were then terminated, his time thereafter being entirely given to assisting his father with the cultivation of the farm until he had attained his maturity. When old enough to begin for himself he went to Minnesota, filing on a homestead in Becker county, which he diligently improved and cultivated for five years. At the expiration of that period he disposed of his farm and removed to Park Lake, Minnesota, where he obtained a clerkship in the general mercantile store of W J. R. Herring, remaining in this employment for eight years. Resigning this po- sition he accepted a similar one in the store of J. A. Danielson, also of Lake Park, with whom he remained for seven years. In 1902, Mr. Finrow came to Washington, settling in Reardan where he became associated with his nephew, G. II. Finrow, in the general mercantile business. They have succeeded in building up a very good following and enjoy an excellent patronage, the scope of their activities constantly increasing in a most gratifying manner.
Lake Park was the scene of the marriage of Mr. Finrow to Miss Mary Lar- son, and they have become the parents of five children: Cora, who married Charles Heath of Spokane and has one son, Kinert: Vietor, who is also a resident of Spo- kane; and Effie, Elma and Guyda.
Mr. Finrow belongs to the Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen, while his political support is given to the republican party. He has always taken an inter- est in municipal affairs and served for six years on the school board, while in De- cember, 1908, he was elected to the city eouneil and is still a member of this body. Both he and Mrs. Finrow are active members of the Presbyterian church, of which he is one of the trustees, and number among its congregation many warm friends.
I. G. BURNS.
H. G. Burns, eashier of the Reardan Exchange Bank, has been a resident of Reardan for twelve years. He was born in La Fayette county. Missouri. on June 26, 1878. and is a son of James H. and Ida (Mason) Burns. The father was a wealthy Virginian who early removed to La Fayette county. Missouri, and on- gaged in farming. later becoming a resident of Spokane. Washington, where he lived retired.
The education of H. G. Burns was begun in his native state where he had at- tended a private school for three years before he removed with his parents to Spokane. There for a time he attended the old Jenkins University or Methodist College and later went to the public schools, remaining a student therein until he was fifteen years of age. He then entered a printing office, spending two years in learning the trade, at the same time pursuing a commercial course in the Spo- kane Business College. He subsequently became collector for the Washington Water Power Company, remaining in their service for two years. In 1899 he came to Reardan as bookkeeper for the Washington Grain & Milling Company. continuing to be identified with this company for three years. When the Reardan Exchange Bank was reorganized in 1902 he became cashier and has ever since remained in this capacity. He is also interested in the Chamokane Lumber Com- pany and is numbered among the capable and successful business men of the town.
On the 16th of October, 1900, Mr. Burns was united in marriage to Miss Edna
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Crawford of Pendleton, Oregon, and they have become the parents of three sons: Ronald, Dean and Crawford.
His politieal prerogatives Mr. Burns exereises in support of the men and meas- ures of the republican party. but does not prominently participate in municipal affairs. He belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, taking an active interest in this fraternity. During the period of his residence in Reardan, Mr. Burns has won and retained the friendship of many people because of his estim- able personal characteristies as well as his rare business ability and trustworthiness.
FRED LEWIS TIFFANY.
Fred Lewis Tiffany, president of the Coeur d'Alene Abstraet & Title Guar- antee Company, is one of the representative business men of Coeur d'Alene. of which he has been a resident for the past four years. He was born in Mason City, Iowa. on the 20th of May, 1877, and is a son of David M. and Addie R. (Knight) Tiffany.
The boyhood and youth of Fred Lewis Tiffany did not differ save in details from those of the average lad of similar circumstances. He attended the com- mon schools in the aequirement of his preliminary cdueation. after the completion of which he matriculated at the University of Minnesota, where he applied him- self to the mastery of the rules of jurisprudence, being graduated with the de- gree of LL. B. with the elass of 1901. Although he has been admitted to praetiee in the courts of Minnesota, South Dakota and Idaho, during the period of his resi- denee in this state he has not engaged in any legal work save that connected with the company of which he is the head. Immediately following his graduation from the University, Mr. Tiffany went to South Dakota, establishing an office at Selby, that he maintained for two years. In 1903 he received the appointment of United States eourt commissioner for the distriet of South Dakota, and located at Evarts, that state. He was identified with this office until 1905, when he removed to Mitehell. to assume the duties of deputy register of deeds, having charge of the office for two years. In June, 1907. he came to Coeur d'Alene and together with his father organized the Coeur d'Alene Abstraet & Title Guarantee Company, of which the latter was president, while he was seeretary and manager. Upon the retirement of his father from active life in the spring of 1911, Mr. Tiffany be- came president of the company. This is one of the well established enterprises of the eity, and is now located at 414 Sherman avenue, where they have very pleas- ant and well appointed quarters. During the brief period of his identification with the business interests of this eity, Mr. Tiffany has manifested the initiative, foresight and sagaeity essential to the sneeess of any undertaking.
On the 20th of May, 1902, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Tiffany and Miss Florenee Gregory, a daughter of William H. and Ellen M. (Barnhardt) Gregory, of Mitehell, South Dakota. and unto them have been born two children, Lewis and Milton. Both Mr. and Mrs. Tiffany take an interest in the social life of the community, and often extend the hospitality of their home, located at Gov- ernment Way and Foster street. to their many friends.
Mr. Tiffany is and has always been a staneh adherent of the republican party
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and is at present serving as secretary of the county central republican committee. He has also filled the office of city clerk and sat as police judge here from 1909 to 1911. He belongs to Coeur d'alene Lodge. No. 1251, Protective Benevolent Order of Elks and also the Masons, having attained the thirty-second degree in the Scottish Rite of the latter order, and is affiliated with Idaho Consistory, No. 3. His connection with organizations of a more purely social nature is confined to his membership in the Inland and University Clubs of Spokane. In the con- duct of his business Mr. Tiffany has manifested those qualities that invariably win the respect of all upright people, and is, therefore, accorded the esteem of all with whom he has had transactions.
E. E. NOBLE.
Ilighest tribute should be paid to the man, who without either capital or in- duenee save his determination of purpose and indomitable will attains a position that entitles him to the respect of his community through recognition of his power. Of such as these is E. E. Noble, one of Lincoln county's extensive property hold- ers and cashier of the Farmers' State Bank of Reardan.
Fle was born in Carroll, Maine, on the 2d of January. 1872, and is a son of Alpredo and Lorinda Noble. The mother of E. E. Noble died when he was a young boy and in 1877 the father removed to California. He resided in the latter state until 1881, and then removed to Pierce county. Washington, where for many Years he was engaged in farming, but is now living retired.
From his earliest boyhood E. E. Noble was trained to farm work, having as- sisted his father about the fields when not engaged with his studies. His educa- tion was begun in the public schools of California and finished in those of Pierce county. which he continued to attend until he had attained the age of eighteen years. Laying aside his text-books he entered upon employment in a newspaper office, where he spent two years in learning the printer's trade. At the expiration of that period he came to Reardan locating here in 1893. During the succeeding two years he worked as a farm hand on various ranches in Lincoln county, becom- ing more dissatisfied with his life each month, realizing that there was no future for the man who worked for others. Determined to make a start for himself he gave up his position and with a capital of thirty dollars began his career as a ranchman. He leased one hundred and sixty acres of land, and bought such food stuffs as he felt he would necessarily require, spending the remainder for seed. He began his work with that absolute confidence of success which is an outgrowth of the determination of purpose that refuses to recognize failure. Discourage- ments were encountered and conquered, defeats but served to strengthen his reso- lution, and failures were but stepping-stones to success. He possessed the tenacity of purpose that enabled him to dominate conditions, and although the succeeding five or six years were a continuation of unremitting energy and self-denial they brought him to the plane where the Future was assured. Mr. Noble has every rea- son to be proud of his achievement, although it is no more than any other man with equal energy and determination could accomplish, because these form the elements of success in any vocation or undertaking. He is now the owner of eleven
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