History of the city of Spokane and Spokane County, Washington : from its earliest settlement to the present time, Volume III, Part 8

Author: Durham, Nelson Wayne, 1859-1938
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago : S.J. Clarke Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 778


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 8


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On the 14th of March, 1888, Mr. Wolverton was united in marriage to Miss Lula Miller, a daughter of Lewis and Amelia (Schweiger) Miller, both of whom were natives of Germany but were married in New York. They came to America in 1852 and in 1862 made their way to Oregon by way of the water route around Cape Horn, settling in Albany, Oregon, where Mr. Miller followed the blacksmith's trade and became a prominent citizen. He and his wife celebrated their golden anniversary April 29. 1905. Mr. and Mrs. Wolverton became the parents of three children: Vernice A., who was born January 5. 1889, and died August 26. 1892; Vanee Albert. born October 5. 1890: and Margaret, born March 2, 1894. The death of the husband and father occurred in Los Angeles, California, on the 22d of November. 1907. In 1904 he went with his family to southern California, spending a portion of his time at Redlands and the remainder largely at Santa Moniea. From the latter place he went to Pamona in September prior to his death, which resulted directly from an operation, the shoek of which he could not stand on account of severe heart trouble and his weakened condition eaused by stomach trouble. He was prepared for the end. however. having put all of his business affairs in order. and with loving words for his family upon his lips he passed away. He was most widely and favorably known in Spokane and enjoyed the warm friendship of all whom he met in fraternal relations. He was a mem- ber of Imperial Lodge. No. 134, the Unique Encampment, No. 32. I. O. O. F., the Woodmen and the Eagles. He always manifested a citizen's interest in pol- ities and during the campaign of 1896 served as chairman of the silver republican party. At one time he was the candidate for the nomination of county assessor and was highly recommended for the office by his friends and by the press who spoke of him in terms of praise and high regard. He was a member of the Chris-


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tian church and governed his entire life by its teachings. He ever spoke kindly of his fellowmen, was charitable in disposition and was ever ready to extend a helping hand to those who needed aid. His life was so honorable and his principles so manly that he won respect and confidence wherever he went and it was with the deepest regret that his fellow townsmen heard of his demise, knowing that Spokane had thus lost a good citizen, his associates a faithful friend and his family a devoted husband and father.


MOSES A. PHELPS.


Moses A. Phelps, of Spokane, is a prominent representative of the lumber in- trrests of the northwest. In all that he undertakes he displays an aptitude for successful management and his business methods are such as will bear close in- vestigation and scrutiny. The width of the continent separates him from his birth- place, for he was born in Franklin county, Massachusetts. December 11, 1858. The Phelps family is of English origin but was established in New England at an early period in the colonization of the new world. His father. W. H. Phelps. was born in Hubbardston, Massachusetts, engaged for many years in the lumber business and was prominent in public affairs in Wendell. Franklin county, Massa- chusetts, where he long made his home. Ile wedded Mary N. Needham, who was a native of Wendell, and a representative of an old New England family of Eng- lish lineage. Mrs. Phelps now resides in Foxboro, Massachusetts, but the death of W. H. Phelps occurred in 1893. Their surviving children are: Moses A .: William J., a wholesale hay and grain merchant of Worcester, Massachusetts; and Elmyra, who is the widow of H. E. Wells and resides at Foxboro, Massachusetts.


At the usnal age Moses A. Phelps began his education as a public-school student and also studied to some extent in private schools. He was first employed in con- neetion with the hay and grain business in Franklin, New Hampshire, and sub- sequently went to Boston, where he was engaged in the wholesale hay and grain business for two years. In 1886 he arrived in Spokane and has since been con- nected with the lumber trade of this city, operating under the name of the M. A. Phelps Lumber Company, successors to the firm of Phelps & Wadsworth. Their offices are in the Empire State building and they have an extensive plant, owning and operating mills at Cusick, which have a capacity of sixty thousand feet of lumber daily. Mr. Phelps is an excellent judge of standing timber as well as of the finished prodnet, and his executive ability and the careful management of his interests have brought him substantial and gratifying financial returns.


When Mr. Phelps came to Spokane there were only five or six buildings on the north side of the river across which there was but one bridge, that of Post street. He furnished the lumber for the second bridge which was built across Di- vision street. The first electric light station was then under the Galland-Burke Brew- ing Company's little building and when that was removed Mr. Phelps furnished the lumber for the second plant, which was built where the Washington Water Power Company's Post street station now stands. Where the Review building is now located there was a church that was removed to Broadway and the leading hotel was where the city hall now stands, with the First National Bank just across the


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corner. The hotel was conducted by W. C. Gray and was a popular hostelry, al- though it would not compare very favorably with the attractive modern hotels of the present. Within a few years a wonderful change has occurred and fine modern buildings now occupy the sites that were then vacant or were covered with shacks. Mr. Phelps is also a director in the Fidelity Bank, one of Spokane's foremost finan- cial institutions.


In 1887. in Greenfield, Massachusetts, Mr. Phelps was united in marriage to Miss Netta W. Sheldon, a daughter of George B. Sheldon, a farmer living near Greenfield, and a representative of an old New England family. Two children have been born unto Mr. and Mrs. Phelps: Ralph S., who is engaged in the lumber business ; and Marion, a student at Brunot Hall. Mr. Phelps has a life membership in the Spokane Athletic Club, is a member of the Sons of the American Revolution and is also a member of the Inland Club. His wife belongs to the Esther Reed Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and was state regent of that association for several years. She is much interested in club work, being a member of the Cultus Club. Few men are more prominent or more widely known in the enterprising city of Spokane than Moses A. Phelps. He has been an impor- tant factor in business circles and his prosperity is well deserved, for in him are embraced the characteristics of an unbending integrity, nnabating energy and in- dustry that never flags.


GEORGE M. FORSTER.


Few of the important enterprises which have contributed to the upbuilding of the Inland Empire have not benefited by the cooperation and assistance of George M. Forster. Added to his business ability, which made him a factor in the con- duct of many successful enterprises, there was a nobility of character which won him the respect and honor of all with whom he was associated. He was born in Dundas, Ontario, September 19, 1815, a son of Walter and Mary Forster, both of whom were natives of Scotland, but at a later date came to America and set- tled in Canada. They were farming people, connected with agricultural pursuits throughout their entire lives.


George M. Forster supplemented his public-school education by a course in the law department of the St. Louis ( Missouri) University, from which he was graduated in the class of 1878. He then entered upon the practice of law in that city. following his profession there for more than five years, when, in September, 1883, he left the Mississippi valley for the northwest. Sometime after his arrival in Spokane he formed a partnership with Colonel W. W. D. Turner, which firm was later increased by the admission of Judge George Turner, under the style of Turner. Forster & Turner. Later Judge Turner became associated with Frank H. Graves, and thereafter upon the retirement of Colonel Turner from active practice, in 1891. a partnership was formed with W. J. C. Wakefield under the firm name of Forster & Wakefield, which was continued until the death of Mr. Forster. During all this period Mr. Forster was recognized as an able lawyer, and was connected with much important litigation. He was strong in argument, clear in his reasoning and logical in his deductions. With almost intuitive percep-


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tion he seemed to recognize the connection between cause and effect, however obscure. and his ready mastery of the principles of jurisprudence enabled him to make correct application of the legal points to the salient features in his cases.


It was not alone, however, in the field of law that he gained distinction, for his work in other connections was of an equally prominent and important char- acter. He was one of the original incorporators of the LeRoi Mining & Smelting Company, and for many years its president. This company developed and oper- ated the LeRoi mine at Rossland, British Columbia, one of the largest producers in that district. He was an early stockholder in the Centennial Mill Company, as well as other manufacturing, mining and financial concerns that featured in the upbuikling and development of the Inland Empire. In all of these enterprises Mr. Forster took an active and vigorous interest and had a voice in their manage- ment and control.


Mr. Forster was twice married. He first wedded Miss Helen Witherspoon, of Detroit, Michigan, and unto them was born a daughter, Adah, who is now the wife of J. N. Matchett, a resident of Spokane. On the 29th of October, 1900, Mr. Forster married Mrs. M. C. ( Kelliher) Spencer, a daughter of M. M. and Catherine (Cronin) Kelliher, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this volume.


The death of Mr. Forster occurred February 12. 1905. and the passing of few has been more deeply regretted in all the northwest. His salient qualities were such as to endear him to his companions in social life and to his business asso- ciates. His political allegiance was given to the republican party and he always kept well informed on the questions and issues of the day, though he did not seck nor desire office. He possessed a keen sense of humor and a deep love of nature. Hlv found enjoyment in the forests and by the stream, and in the beauty of flow- ers. He was a Mason. a life member of the Spokane Amateur Athletic Club, and belonged to and took and active part in several other clubs and organizations which form a part in the early history of the city. Generous in personal life to a fault, and of a genial disposition, he made and kept a host of friends who mourn his demise.


AUSTIN CORBIN, II.


In the twentieth century, other things being equal. the men of affluence are the stronger force in the progress of the world. Austin Corbin, HI., of this review, has the good fortune of belonging to a family that has been prominent in the up- building and development of the northwest through the establishment and control of many important business enterprise, and stimulated by the example of his father and others of the name he has continued active in the work they have in- stituted and has proven his force and resourcefulness in business circles.


He was born in Denver, Colorado. September 21, 1863, and is a son of Daniel Chase Corbin, of whom extended mention is made elsewhere in this volume. His father is prominently associated with irrigation and land projects, with railway and other important interests in the northwest, and under his direction Austin Corbin has received his business training and is now vice president of all of the companies which his father has established here. In their management and control


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he has shown himself possessed of excellent executive ability, administrative di- reetion and initiative spirit and what he undertakes is accomplished by reason of his resolute will and his resourcefulness.


On the 2d of May, 1894, Mr. Corbin was married to Katharine Benham, a daughter of Lucius and Mary G. (Trumbull) Benham. Their home has been blessed with two interesting little daughters, Mary Louise and Katherine. Mr. Corbin has never taken an active part in polities nor held publie office, feeling that his time and energies are fully occupied with his business affairs. He is a mem- ber of the Masonie order and of the Spokane Club, and the circle of his friends in Spokane is almost eoextensive with the eirele of his acquaintance. He does not seek to figure in any public light other than a business man and in that connection he is certainly proving his worth and capability.


WILLIAM DOLLAR.


William Dollar, who organized the Exchange National Bank of Coeur d'Alene, of which he is president, has been suecessfully identified with various enterprises since locating here twelve years ago. He was born in Ottawa, Canada, on October 10, 1859, and is a son of William and Mary (Easton) Dollar.


But few of the advantages deemed essential for a snecessful business career fell to the lot of William Dollar, who became self-supporting at the age of twelve years. He was put to work on a farm, where he remained until he was eighteen, and such schooling as he received was obtained at irregular intervals during that period. In 1877 he gave up farm work and went to western Canada, where he was employed in the lumber camps until 1885. In the latter year he came to the United States, following the same occupation in the lumber regions of northern Michigan for four years. lle was ambitious and not being satisfied to continue an employe all of his life, he decided to go into business for himself. Being enter- prising and industrious as well as practical in his ideas. he met with little diffi- culty in inspiring others with confidence in his abilities and soon began contract- ing in the lumber districts of Michigan. This business snecessfully engaged his entire time and attention for ten years, and in 1899 he came to Coeur d'Alene, where he organized the Coeur d'Alene Lumber Company. He continued to operate this until September. 1901, when he sold his interests in the lumber business and organized the Exchange National Bank, of which he has ever since been president. The qualities that distinguished him as a business man characterize him as a finan- cier, in which capacity he has proven to be equally efficient and successful. From time to time he has extended his banking interests, and is now president of the Kootenai State Bank of St. Maries, Idaho, and of the Commercial State Bank of St. Joe, Idaho; both of them well established and flourishing institutions. Pos- sessing keen foresight and clear judgment. Mr. Dollar early realized that real estate in this section of the country was going to advance greatly in price and made very judicious investments and today is the owner of several pieces of valu- able property, and is the president of the Coeur d'Alene Investment Company, the owners of the Idaho Hotel of this city. In addition to his other official duties, Mr. Dollar is also treasurer of The Stack Gibbs Lumber Company of Idaho, which


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is practically his only remaining connection with the lumber interests. He is one of the citizens of Coeur d'Alene, who should be given the entire credit for his success, as he has never been accorded any assistance in his various undertakings other than is given to every business man of recognized capabilities, not having had the benefit of influential family or financial connections at the beginning of his career. His initiative, powers of organization and executive ability enable him to carry to a successful issue anything he may undertake, and to this fact can be attributed much of his success. Hle not only readily recognizes opportunities but possesses the faculty of creating them by dominating conditions, rather than per- mitting them to control his endeavors.


Mr. Dollar has a very pleasant residence at 816 Sherman avenue, this city, which is most graciously presided over by his wife, who prior to their marriage on the 17th of January. 1906. was Miss Christina A. Playfar. One child has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Dollar. William A., whose birth occurred on the 23d of December. 1906.


Fraternally Mr. Dollar is connected with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. belonging to Spokane Lodge, No. 228, Spokane; and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Coeur d'Alene. He is also a worthy exemplar of the Masons, having taken thirty-two degrees in the Scottish Rite. He holds mem- bership in Kootenai Lodge. No. 31. F. & A. M .; Idaho Consistory. No. 3, S. P. R. S .: and he is also a knight templar and a shriner, belonging to El Katif Temple. Spokane. Mr. Dollar is one of the public-spirited and enterprising citizens of the town, in the development of which he takes an active interest and is an enthusiastic member of the Coeur d'Alene Commercial Club, being treasurer of this organiza- tion. It is to men of his type that the west is indebted for its wonderful develop- ment and marked advance in the various lines of human activity; their initiative, optimism and tireless energy having enabled them to promote the interests of the country both commercially and industrially in an almost phenomenal manner.


PETER J. GERLACH. M. D.


Dr. Peter J. Gerlach bore the reputation of being one of Spokane's most promi- nent physicians, his broad knowledge of scientific principles that underlie the prac- tice of medicine, bringing him substantial success. He was born in Kingston, New York, July 9, 1858. and his life record covered the intervening years to the 28th of July. 1898. He was the third of the four children of Philip and Lucinda Gerlach, both of whom died when their son Peter was quite small. the father, who was a steamboat captain, having been drowned while in command of his vessel.


Dr. Gerlach pursued his early education at Schenectady, New York and after- ward attended Rutgers College at New Brunswick. New Jersey. He engaged in teaching school and in teaching writing in order to earn a sum of money sufficient to enable him to attend college and study medicine. He began preparation for his profession in Oberlin College and afterward attended a medical college in Cin- cinnati, Ohio, from which he was graduated with the class of 1886. Ile then en- tered upon the practice of medicine in that city, and the following year came to the west settling in Spokane. here to continue to practice his profession with ex-


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cellent success, becoming recognized as one of the city's most capable and promi- nent physicians. He always kept in touch with advanced methods, was careful in the diagnosis of his cases, and as the years passed, won a very satisfactory prac- tice. During the great fire in 1889 he suffered heavy losses, but with his firm purpose and unfaltering determination, he soon recuperated. However, onee again he met severe losses through fire. He added to his success, through careful in- vestment in city real estate, and thus not only manifested his faith in the future of Spokane, but he also profited by his sound judgment in regard to property in- vestment ; he likewise became an owner of two fine ranches.


On the 17th of April. 1882. Dr. Gerlach was married to Mrs. Lena Nietert, daughter of Jacob and Lena (Dearing) Allgeyer, who came from Germany to America locating in Chillicothe, Ohio, where the father became prominent in the shoe business. By a former marriage, Mrs. Gerlach had two children: Lorraine Nietert, now living in Oakland, California ; and Harry F. Nietert of Spokane.


In his political views Dr. Gerlach was a republican, and was very active, not only in the work of the party, but also in the support of many movements for the general good. He was a lover of art and possessed considerable artistic ability and talent, teaching art at one time in Aberlin College. He was interested in all the movements which tend to uplift and benefit humanity. He held membership in the Methodist church, and was identified with several fraternal organizations. He became affiliated with the Knights of Pythias in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1886, and was afterward a member of Fall City Lodge No. 10, of Spokane, in which he served as chancellor and was one of its trustees. He was also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, while professionally, he was connected with the County and State Medical Societies. His life was ever upright and honorable. winning for him the respect and confidence of all who knew him. He deserves much credit for what he accomplished in a business way, for he started out in life empty-handed, and at all times gained the respect and confidence of his fellowmen.


VALENTINE W. BRASCH.


In the electrical field of business Valentine W. Braseh has made his mark and in the attainment of individual success has also contributed to public prosperity. His present connection is that of secretary and treasurer of the Spokane Pressed Brick Company, which was organized in 1910. He was born in Toledo, Ohio, December 9, 1875. the son of Valentine and May Margaret Braseh, both of whom were natives of Germany. The mother is now deceased but the father is living retired in Spokane. At the time of the Civil war he espoused the cause of his adopted country and as a soldier of an Ohio regiment went to the front. Unto him and his wife were born the following sons and daughters: Valentine W., Joseph. a builder of Spokane; William, living in Vancouver, British Columbia; Henry, of Nevada; Mrs. George Hedger, Mrs. Lillian Cuthbert and Mrs. Paul Heiser, all of Spokane; and Mrs. Blanche Flinn, of Fresno, California.


During the boyhood of Valentine W. Brasch his parents removed from Ohio to North Dakota and thence to Spokane, and in the various places of their resi- dence the son pursued his education in the public schools. He came to this city


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with his family in 1889 and, entering business life, was employed for a short time in the jewelry store of E. J. Hyde. He was afterward with W. H. Stowell and C. M. Fassett in the assaying and drug business until the firm dissolved, and later was connected with Mr. Stowell until 1906. He then turned his attention to min- ing and for the past two years has also been the secretary and treasurer of the Spokane Pressed Brick Company. He is likewise the secretary and manager of the Togo Mining & Smelting Company, of which he was one of the organizers. They own property in the Cedar canyon district of Stevens county, having three hundred and twenty acres of mineral lands now under development. They have three thousand feet of tunnel shaft and open cut but the lack of transportation facilities is suspending active preparations in connection with the property. The values are in gold, silver and copper, assays showing from one to one hundred and fifty dollars in the upper levels, while the lower levels show good values. The main tunnel is now in ten hundred and fifty-six feet and ents quite a number of veins and ledges. the values running from one to twenty-five dollars. In 1910 all their buildings were destroyed by fire and they are now retimbering and in the present year. 1912, will replace the buildings. This will be casy of access from the pro- posed new extension of the Great Northern Railroad from Marcus up the Column- bia river. They had a few shipments made to the Granby smelter and the car- load lots averaged ten per cent copper. The officers of the company are M. Isbister. president : William II. Stowell, treasurer; John T. Davie, of the Davie Brick Company. vice president ; and V. W. Brasch. secretary and manager.


In addition to his mining interests Mr. Brasch was also one of the organizers of the Spokane Pressed Brick Company in 1910. It is capitalized for two hun- dred thousand dollars and the plant was erected three and one-half miles north of Hillyard, on the main line of the Great Northern. They constructed a spur a mile from the Great Northern to the plant site, which is located on a very large bed of brick-making material. electricity furnishing the motive power for the opera- tion of the plant. This was installed in such a manner as to operate in one part of the plant entirely independent of the other parts, the Washington Water Power Company extending a high tension line to the plant for its operation. Work has been going on since February, 1911. the market being in Spokane and the sur- rounding country. They manufacture both common and pressed brick and it is the intention of the company to double its capacity in 1912 so that they will be able to turn out sixty thousand bricks per day. They make a granite or sand lime brick and this feature is a fact of great importance in the uniformity, size and coloring of the output. The brick is flat with true edges which are neither warped or bent. Their product has been used in the new Telephone building; in the Great Northern shops at Hillyard ; in the Mend High School; the Hillyard Young Men's Christian Association building; the Brant building on North Monroe street, Spo- kane: the Shaefor building on Brown street; the Close In apartment on Fourth and Cedar streets; and many others. Of the company J. F. Elliott is president and general manager, with George C. Gates as vice president and Valentine W. Brasch as secretary and treasurer. In addition to his business interests already mentioned Mr. Brasch is connected with the Alaska United Copper Exploration Company, in the Copper river district, and is interested in Washington properties and in the Cocur d'Alenes.




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