USA > Washington > Asotin County > Lyman's history of old Walla Walla County, embracing Walla Walla, Columbia, Garfield and Asotin counties, Volume I > Part 62
USA > Washington > Columbia County > Lyman's history of old Walla Walla County, embracing Walla Walla, Columbia, Garfield and Asotin counties, Volume I > Part 62
USA > Washington > Garfield County > Lyman's history of old Walla Walla County, embracing Walla Walla, Columbia, Garfield and Asotin counties, Volume I > Part 62
USA > Washington > Walla Walla County > Lyman's history of old Walla Walla County, embracing Walla Walla, Columbia, Garfield and Asotin counties, Volume I > Part 62
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MR. AND MRS. JAMES S. KERSHAW
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also did whatever work she could find to do and thus by common effort the family succeeded in making a living. On July 28, 1856, they removed to Bel- videre, Illinois, traveling by ocean, river and the Erie canal. They found that the middle west offered the opportunities which they had expected to find and James S. Kershaw soon found work at his trade, while his two brothers became farm hands. In a short time they had saved enough money to buy an acre of ground and built a small house thereon. In 1859 our subject started for Pike's Peak but on reaching the Missouri river heard such bad reports of that region that he and three companions turned back, while one proceeded westward.
While living in Illinois Mr. Kershaw became acquainted with some men who made a business of driving horses to California for sale. They were enthusiastic in their praise of the climate of the Pacific coast and the almost limitless opportunities for advancement there and their reports of the far west influenced the family to go to the coast. Accordingly they sold their home, bought a team and provisions to last them throughout the long journey and in the spring of 1861 set out for their new home. It was not definitely decided in what locality they should settle, but the general preference was for Cali- fornia. They had been advised to "never camp twice in the same place" and when the train of which they were a part made a halt of a few days at Fort Laramie, four families, including the Kershaw family, left the main train and continued the journey. Later they overtook four other families and not long afterward were joined by four more and still later caught up with a train of eight families under the command of Colonel Black. In this train was a Mr Babcock, who had settled in the Walla Walla valley in 1859 and was just return- ing from the east with his family. His description of the country around his home was so attractive that the Kershaws gave up their half formed plan of going to California and decided to locate in the Walla Walla valley. For some time they were the guests of Mr. Babcock and then they inspected the surround- ing country with the view of determining on which tract of land to settle. They chose the quarter section adjoining Charles Actor, on the present site of Dixie, and during the first winter lived with Mr. Actor. That first winter was one to discourage the faint-hearted, for the weather was severe, more so than it has ever been during the many years since. In addition to the extra work which the cold entailed in the care of stock the early settlers had a great deal of diffi- culty in securing enough wood to keep their homes warm and their food con- sisted almost entirely of beef and flapjacks. Moreover, the wheat had a great deal of smut in it and this had to be washed out and the wheat dried before the grain could be ground into coarse flour in a coffee mill. The following spring the Kershaws leased Mr. Actor's land and also began to improve their own holdings. As soon as possible they erected a log house and there resided until some years later when they erected a larger residence across the road from Dixie. This town received its name from the fact that the song "Dixie Land" was new at that time and had been introduced into Walla Walla county by the three Kershaw brothers, who were musicians and were often called upon to sing at local gatherings. They became known by the name of the "Dixie Boys" and when the founders of the new town were wondering what to name it friends of the Kershaws suggested that it be named Dixie in their honor.
After operating Mr. Actor's land for two years William G. Kershaw took
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up a homestead adjoining the present town of Dixie and the family removed to that place. The mother passed away there on the 17th of January, 1875, dying of pneumonia after six days of illness, and was the first person buried in the Dixie cemetery, which is located on land included within the Kershaw homestead. Our subject was married in the same year and erected a home on land which he had acquired east of Dixie. He held title to three hundred acres there and also had a third interest in one hundred and sixty acres on Dry creek and forty acres of timber land. Year after year he gave his time and attention to the work of plowing, planting and harvesting and his labors were rewarded by abundant crops, from the sale of which he derived a gratifying income. Through hard work and good management he gained a competence and in 1900, when his son, A. C. Kershaw, was married he turned the farm over to him and for six years Mr. and Mrs. James S. Kershaw resided in Dixie. In 1906, however, they removed to Walla Walla, where they are still living.
Mr. Kershaw was married December 8, 1875, to Miss Mary A. Cook, who came to the United States from England in 1870 with an uncle, William Yeend, his wife and ten children. They made their way at once to California but after remaining there for a few months came to Walla Walla county, which they reached in December of that year. To Mr. and Mrs. Kershaw have been born two children: Arthur C., who, as before stated, is operating the home place ; and Mary Bessie, the wife of E. J. Cantonwine, of Walla Walla.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Kershaw hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and in all the relations of life they conform their conduct to the highest ethical standards. During the more than half a century that Mr. Kershaw has resided in Walla Walla county he has at all times been recognized as a man of sound judgment, of public spirit and of the strictest integrity. He had a part in the hard task of developing a new country and it is but fitting that he should now enjoy the fruits of his labors. He finds pleasure not only in his individual prosperity but also in the general development of the county and has always been glad that in 1861 he elected to cast in his lot with that of this section.
HON. J. A. FONTAINE.
One of the most attractive homes of Dayton, known as Normandy, is the property of Hon. J. A. Fontaine, a progressive business man and citizen who has also left the impress of his individuality upon the political records of Columbia county, which he has represented in the state legislature. He has long been actively, successfully and extensively identified with farming in this section of the state. He was born in Maryland, August 9, 1850, and is a son of Charles G. and Susan W. Fontaine, both of whom were natives of Maryland, where they spent their entire lives. They reared a family of nine children, of whom four are now living.
J. A. Fontaine spent the period of his boyhood and youth in Maryland and 111 1870 came to Washington, where he has now lived for forty-seven years. He inade his way first to Walla Walla, where he was employed as a hired hand for a year. Ile afterward worked with a pack train for four years and later entered
HON. J. A. FONTAINE
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the employ of the Baker Railroad Company as check agent at Wallula. In 1875 lie engaged with General Cook as a packer and spent three years in that connec- tion. In the spring of 1878 he bought a ranch and turned his attention to the raising of live stock, in which business he successfully engaged for eleven years. He then sold out and bought a farm eight miles from Dayton, comprising five hundred and sixteen acres of valuable land. Mr. Fontaine is also a stockholder in the warehouse of Dayton and his home in the city is a most beautiful residence property.
Mr. Fontaine married and had one daughter, Leota, who is now thirteen years of age. Fraternally he is a prominent Mason, belonging to the lodge in Dayton. His political endorsement is given to the democratic party and he served for two terms as a member of the state legislature, being first elected in 1911. He gave thoughtful and earnest consideration to all vital political problems which caine up for settlement while he was a member of the house and did much to secure the passage of wise legislative measures. He has many warm friends in Dayton and this section of the state and his legislative service has gained him the high regard of many of those who are most prominent in Washington's political circles.
CLYDE LESTER.
Clyde Lester, a partner in the firm of Young & Lester, leading florists and representative business men of Walla Walla, was born in Bloomfield, Iowa, December 31, 1877. His parents, Franklin P. and Keturah ( Hurless) Lester, were also natives of Bloomfield, Iowa, their respective parents having been among the pioneer settlers who reclaimed that section of the state for the purposes of civilization in early pioneer times. Franklin P. Lester was one of the prominent farmers of Davis county, Iowa, for many years. In 1885 he removed to western Kansas and subsequently became a resident of Lincoln. Nebraska, where he resided until 1911, when again he heard and heeded the call of the west and this time made his way to Walla Walla, Washington. His wife passed away October 17, 1916, but Mr. Lester still remains a resident of Walla Walla and now makes his home with his son Clyde.
In the district schools Clyde Lester began his education and says his training also came to him between the handles of a plow, for at an early age he began work in the fields and thus he divided his time between farm labor and the acquirement of a district school education. His parents removed to Lincoln, Nebraska, in 1896 and at that time he entered upon an apprenticeship to the cigar maker's trade, in which he continued for nine years. It was while residing in Lincoln, Nebraska, that he was married on the 26th of June, 1907, and there he began his domestic life. Two years later he came to Walla Walla, attracted by the opportunities of the growing northwest, and here he has since made his home. In 1913 he entered into partnership with Fred M. Young, who was well established as a florist in this city, and under their management they have built up a business of very large and gratifying proportions. Their greenhouses, which are located on South Second street, are extensive. They have eight and three-fourths acres of land under cultivation, with twenty-five
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thousand square feet under glass. They raise the most beautiful flowers of every kind and have a very attractive salesroom at No. 19 East Main street, where are always to be found many kinds of cut flowers and potted plants to supply the retail trade.
Mr. and Mrs. Lester have become the parents of two daughters, Leah and Edna. In his political views Mr. Lester is independent and does not care to ally himself with any party nor bind himself by party ties voting according to the dictates of his judgment. He and his wife are consistent members of St. Paul's Episcopal church and in the social circles of the city occupy an enviable position. Fraternally he is connected with Walla Walla Lodge, No. 287, B. I'. O. E .; Washington Lodge, No. 19, I. O. O. F .; the Loyal Order of Moose; the Improved Order of Red Men; the Woodmen of the World; and the Fraternal Order of Eagles. The west has proven to him a profitable field of labor. He recognized the opportunities here offered and has quickly utilized them to his own advancement, while his business methods have at all times measured up to the highest commercial standards, and thus he occupies a most enviable posi- tion in the confidence and goodwill of those with whom he has been associated.
MICHAEL KENNY.
Michael Kenny, of Walla Walla, is numbered among the pioneers of the northwest and can relate many interesting incidents concerning the early days and those events which constitute the pioneer history of this section. He has passed the eighty-fifth milestone on life's journey, his birth having occurred in Ireland, September 21, 1832. His parents, Patrick and Sophia (Cody) Kenny, were also natives of the Emerald isle, where they spent their entire lives, both having long since passed away. In their family were seven children.
Michael Kenny, who is the only survivor of that family, was reared and educated in Ireland and was less than twenty-one years of age when he bade adieu to friends and native land and sailed for the United States. He landed in New York, where he remained for about a year, and in 1854 he joined the regular army at Governor's Island for five years' service. He was then sent to Jefferson Barracks, Missouri, where he was stationed for a short time, after which he was transferred to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, remaining there for two months. In June, 1854, he crossed the plains to Salt Lake City with the First Dragoon Cavalry under command of Colonel Steptoe, spending the winter at that point. In the spring the command was sent to Fort Lane, Jackson county, Oregon, where he was stationed for a time with other companies, remain- ing there through 1855 and 1856 during the Rogue River war. He was then with C Troop and later was promoted to the rank of sergeant. The winter of 1856 was spent in Yamhill county. In 1857 Mr. Kenny was sent to Fort Walla Walla. He continued with the army throughout his term of enlistment, covering five years, and was honorably discharged in 1859. He had participated in some of the Indian warfare on the frontier and had done excellent work to defend the interests of the white settlers against the hostility of the red men, who resented
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the encroachment of the pale faces upon what they regarded as their own "hunt- ing grounds."
After leaving the army Mr. Kenny ran a pack train between Walla Walla and Orofino, and in 1865, when on his way to Boise, the Indians captured his train, taking his twenty-eight pack animals from him and leaving him afoot without anything. He finally managed to make his way back to Walla Walla and there he engaged in the saloon business, in which he continued for seven years. On the expiration of that period he sold out and began packing for the government, devoting some time to that work. In 1878 he became associated with the police force of Walla Walla and was one of its members for ten years.
In 1875 Mr. Kenny was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Johnston, a native of Glasgow, Scotland. She was only an infant when brought by her parents to this country, the family locating in Connecticut, where they spent the winter of 1855. The following year they removed to Illinois and in 1859 came to Walla Walla county, Washington, where Mr. Johnston followed farming throughout the remainder of his life. Here both he and his wife died. In 1865 Mr. Kenny erected his present residence at No. 7 North Sixth street and has therefore wit- nessed almost the entire development of the city, being one of the few remain- ing early pioneers. He took part in all of the battles with the Indians in this part of the country.
Mr. and Mrs. Kenny are members of the Catholic church and in politics he is a democrat, having always voted the ticket since becoming a naturalized Ameri- can citizen. There is no phase of pioneer life in the northwest with which he is not familiar. He can remember the time when the Indians were more numerous than the white settlers, when the great forests stood in their primeval strength, for the work of cutting the timber had not then been begun. Streams were unbridged and on the sites of many of the most prosperous and progressive cities of the northwest there were found few if any buildings. Mr. Kenny has lived to see remarkable changes, has borne his part in the work of develop- ment and his memory forms a connecting link between the primitive past and the progressive present.
HON. ALFRED L. RAY.
Hon. Alfred L. Ray, residing on section 26, township 10 north, range 35, is one of the large wheat raisers of Walla Walla county and is also entitled to mention as a member of the state legislature. He was born in Hamilton county. Illinois, October 12, 1875, a son of Alfred M. and Rachel Ray. He grew to manhood and received his education in Illinois and remained in the middle west until 1901, when he became a resident of Columbia county, Washington. For eight years he engaged in farming there and also taught school, but in 1909 he came to Walla Walla county and took up his residence on his present home farm of three hundred and twenty acres. He also operates rented land, cultivating in all eighteen hundred acres. He specializes in the production of wheat and is recognized as an authority upon wheat growing and marketing. He uses the
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most up-to-date methods and implements and gives the same careful attention to his affairs that a business man gives to the conduct of his interests.
In 1896 Mr. Ray was united in marriage to Miss Rosa Malone, also a native of Illinois and a daughter of George W. and Cynthia J. (Huff) Malone, the former deceased but the latter still a resident of Illinois. To Mr. and Mrs. Ray have been born nine children, namely: Eugene D., Ernest T. and Hazel, all high school students; A. Melvin; George W .; J. Wesley; Paul; Virginia; and Stanley S.
Mr. Ray is well known in democratic circles and is now serving as repre- sentative in the state legislature from the twelfth district and is making a record highly satisfactory to his constituents. He and his wife belong to the Congrega- tional church and seek to conform their lives to its teachings. He is respected for his ability, honored for his integrity and held in warm personal regard by reason of his attractive social qualities. Fraternally he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Prescott and the Modern Woodmen of America.
ANDREW J. McCULLOUCH.
Andrew J. McCullouch is living retired in Waitsburg after many years of active connection with farming interests. He was born in Mahaska, Iowa, June 9. 1850, of the marriage of Andrew J. and Polly (Stark) McCullouch. The father, who was born in West Virginia, removed to Monmouth, Illinois, at an carly day and later went to Iowa, whence in 1850 he crossed the plains to California with an ox team and old fashioned prairie schooner. After three years he returned to Iowa by way of the Isthmus route and there he farmed until called by death, which occurred July 19, 1900, when he had reached the age of eighty-four years and seven months. His wife also passed away in that state in February, 1854, at the age of thirty years. To them were born four sons, of whom three survive.
Andrew J. McCullouch passed his boyhood and youth in Union county, Iowa, and his education was acquired in the public schools there. When twenty- five years old he went to Monona county, Iowa, where he was married and where he farmed until 1883. In that year he cast in his lot with the Pacific northwest, coming to Walla Walla county, Washington. He took up three hundred and twenty acres of land, nine miles north of Preston and that place remained his home until October 1903, when he removed to Waitsburg, where he has since lived retired. He was very successful as a farmer and, realizing that land would steadily increase in value as the country became more thickly settled, he invested his capital in additional land, now owning thirteen hundred and fifty-five acres of fine wheat land. The financial independence which he has gained is proof of his foresight, his sound judgment and his business ability, for he is a self-made man, having depended solely upon his own labors for advancement.
Mr. McCullouch was married on March 16, 1879, to Miss Rebecca Broomfield and they have become the parents of nine children : Elsie H., William, Josie, James A. and Walter, all of whom are deceased; Jessie M., the wife of D. H. Harris ;
MRS. ANDREW J. McCULLOUCH
ANDREW J. MCCULLOUCH
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Bertha, at home; Ruby, the wife of Wallace Heffron, and Chauncey L., who is on the home farm.
Mr. McCullouch is an adherent of the republican party and for fourteen years was school director, his continuance in the office indicating the acceptability of his services. In religious faith he is a Methodist and he can be counted upon to give his support to all projects looking toward the moral advancement of his community.
HENRY SCHNECKLOTH.
Henry Schneckloth, one of the well known pioneers and esteemed citizens of Garfield county, is now the owner of eleven hundred acres of valuable land and for the past thirty-six years has lived continuously on his farm of three hundred and twenty acres on section 31, township 13 north, range 43 east. His birth occurred in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, on the 23d of October, 1840, his parents being Joachim and Catherine (Ewalt) Schneckloth, who emigrated to the United States in 1853 and made their way to Davenport, Iowa. The father devoted the remainder of his life to farming in Scott county, that state, and there passed away about 1893, while the mother was called: to her final rest in 1 897.
Henry Schneckloth was largely educated in his native country, attending the city schools of Davenport for but one year. after his emigration to the United States with his parents, at which time he was a youth of thirteen. On reaching man's estate he began farming on his own account and cultivated rented land in Scott county, Iowa, until 1881, when he came west to Washington. Here he purchased his present home farm of three hundred and twenty acres in Gar- field county, for which he paid four thousand dollars and on which he has remained continuously throughout the intervening period of thirty-six years. As his financial resources have increased, owing to his unremitting industry and capable management, he has made additional purchase from time to time until his holdings now embrace eleven hundred acres of productive land. His success is well merited and he enjoys an enviable reputation as one of the representative and wealthy agriculturists of the community.
In 1867, in Scott county, Iowa, Mr. Schneckloth was joined in wedlock to Miss Margaret Kuhl, who was a native of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, and came to the United States in young womanhood. By her marriage she became the mother of eight children, as follows: James H., who is serving as post- master at Pomeroy, Washington; Gustav P., a farmer of Garfield county ; William J., who is serving as sheriff of Garfield county; Katie, who is the wife of A. L. Shelton, a farmer of Garfield county; Herman O., who is deceased; Helen, the wife of W. H. Morrison, of Walla Walla, Washington; Adolph J., who follows farming in Idaho; and Emil R., who operates the home farm. The wife and mother passed away on the 27th of July, 1915, and her demise was the occasion of deep and widespread regret.
In his political views Mr. Schneckloth is independent, supporting men and measures rather than party. His religious faith is that of the Lutheran church, Vol. J-32
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of which he is a loyal and devoted member. He also belongs to the Farmers Union. Ilis life has been upright and honorable in every relation and his many sterling traits of character have won him the warm regard and friendship of all with whom he has been associated.
CHARLES F. DEMENT.
Charles F. Dement, who is serving for the second term as county auditor of Walla Walla county, was born February 8, 1880, in the city of Walla Walla, a son of Frank S. Dement, who is mentioned at length .on another page of this work and who ranks with the leading business men of the northwest, being prominently connected with the milling business and the grain trade.
The son pursued his common school education in Walla Walla and passed through consecutive grades to the high school. Later he became a student in the Shattuck Military Academy at Faribault, Minnesota, where he remained for three years, and later he spent two years as a student in Whitman College of this state. When his textbooks were put aside he was appointed to the posi- tion of deputy state grain inspector, in which capacity he served for a year. Later he was made deputy county auditor and such was the excellent record which he made in that position that he was nominated by the republican party for the posi- tion of county auditor, was elected and has since been reelected, so that he is now serving for the second term. He has also been clerk of the board of county commissioners, has been county sealer of weights and measures and in all these offices has discharged his duties with notable promptness, efficiency and fidelity. Over the record of his public career there falls no shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil. He is actuated by a public-spirited devotion to the general good and in discharging his duties is thoroughly prompt and reliable.
Mr. Dement belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and is also a Blue Lodge Mason, while his name is likewise enrolled on the membership list of the Knights of the Maccabees. He is well known in Walla Walla, where his entire life has been passed, and such are his salient characteristics that he has won wide personal popularity as well as prominence in office.
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