USA > Washington > Asotin County > Lyman's history of old Walla Walla County, embracing Walla Walla, Columbia, Garfield and Asotin counties, Volume I > Part 63
USA > Washington > Columbia County > Lyman's history of old Walla Walla County, embracing Walla Walla, Columbia, Garfield and Asotin counties, Volume I > Part 63
USA > Washington > Garfield County > Lyman's history of old Walla Walla County, embracing Walla Walla, Columbia, Garfield and Asotin counties, Volume I > Part 63
USA > Washington > Walla Walla County > Lyman's history of old Walla Walla County, embracing Walla Walla, Columbia, Garfield and Asotin counties, Volume I > Part 63
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SQUIRE T. PRATHER.
Squire T. Prather, bond agent and investment broker of Walla Walla, where he has made his home since 1910, occupies a creditable position in financial circles of the city and has made for himself an enviable place in the field of business to which he directs his efforts. A native of Missouri, he was born in Macon county, February 14, 1860, his parents being B. F. and Martha (Holman) Prather, both of whom were natives of that state, where they resided until 1874, when they crossed the plains to California. They at first took up their abode in Stockton, California, and the father engaged in farming. Subsequently he turned his attention to the sheep industry, with which he was connected until
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he was called to his final rest. His wife also died in California. In their family were seven children, all of whom are yet living.
Squire T. Prather was a lad of but fourteen years when the family came to the west and in California he was reared and educated. He attended the high school and afterward remained at home until he had attained his majority. He then turned his attention to the real estate business, in which he has been en- gaged from that time to the present. In 1910 he removed to Walla Walla and opened his present office, being now well known as a bond and loan agent. His long experience enables him to speak with authority upon real estate values and upon the value of commercial paper as well and the integrity and enterprise of his business methods have secured for him a most liberal clientage. In addi- tion to his business in Walla Walla he is the owner of eighty acres of valuable fruit land in California which is now in bearing and he has recently sold six hundred and forty acres of land in Walla Walla county.
In 1879 Mr. Prather was married to Miss Alice J. Potts, a native of Canada. To them have been born four children: John, who is now engaged in the real estate business in Fresno, California, in which enterprise his father is also in- terested; Mattie, who is now the wife of Eugene Freeland, of Seattle, Washing- ton; Elmer T., who is with his father in Walla Walla; and Lula, who is the wife of Clifford Crockett of Walla Walla and who is a graduate nurse. There are also four grandchildren. The wife of our subject, Dr. Alice J. Prather, was born in Canada and received her early education in the common schools of Montreal. Later she took up the study of medicine in San Francisco and in 1896 was graduated from the Naturopathic School of Healing at Los Angeles. Later she engaged in practice at San Jose, California, and is now following her profession in Walla Walla, being at the head of the Alice J. Prather Naturopathic Sanatorium, where the patients are treated by nature's remedies.
In politics Mr. Prather is a stalwart democrat, thoroughly informed con- cerning the questions and issues of the day and giving to his party stalwart allegiance because of his belief in its principles. Both he and his wife are con- sistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church South, and in social circles in Walla Walla occupy an enviable position, being cordially received into the best homes where true worth and intelligence are accepted as passports.
EDWARD J. HOFFMAN.
Edward J. Hoffman, who follows farming in Columbia county, concentrating his attention upon the cultivation and further development of four hundred and twenty-one acres of good land, was born in Walla Walla, Washington, on the 22d of February, 1883. His father, John Hoffman, was one of the early pioneers of Walla Walla and became one of the most progressive and success- ful agriculturists of southeastern Washington but is now living retired in Walla Walla. He well deserves mention among the representative residents of this section of the state and his record will be found on another page of this work.
Edward J. Hoffman was reared upon the old home farm, early becoming
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familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. Liberal educational opportunities were accorded him, for after attending the common schools of the neighborhood he benefited by a course in the Empire Business College of Walla Walla. Through the periods of vacation prior to this time he had become an active assistant of his father in farm work and after his textbooks were put aside he continued to follow farming in connec- tion with his father until 1910. In that year he was united in marriage to Miss Blanche E. Hafner, a daughter of Charles G. Hafner, of Walla Walla, who was one of the early pioneers of Umatilla county, Oregon, settling just across the state line in Oregon upon his arrival in the west. He, too, was identified with farming interests for a long period but is now enjoying the fruits of his former toil in well earned rest in Walla Walla.
Following his marriage Edward J. Hoffman located on one of his father's farms eight miles northeast of Starbuck and there engaged in the operation of thirty-six hundred acres of land, a part of which was grazing land. He remained upon that ranch for five years, at the end of which time he removed to his present home, which is owned by his father. He farms four hundred and twenty-one acres and is regarded as one of the representative agriculturists of Whiskey creek. He employs the most progressive methods in tilling the soil, practices the rotation of crops and studies everything that has bearing upon the production of the cereals best adapted to climatic conditions here. His labors are being attended with excellent results and the neat and thrifty appearance of his place indicates his careful supervision and practical and progressive methods. He has made the farm one of the attractive features of the landscape-a proof of what may be accomplished along agricultural lines in this district, which at one time was believed to be thoroughly unadapted to farming.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Hoffman has been blessed with four children: John E., Frances P., Bessie D. and Alfred A. In his political views Mr. Hoff- man is a republican, having given stalwart support to the party since age con- ferred upon him the right of franchise. He has never sought or desired office, preferring to give his undivided time and attention to his business affairs, which are capably and wisely directed. He is an energetic man and obstacles and difficulties in his path seem to serve but as an impetus for renewed effort on his part. He and his wife are widely and favorably known in this section of the state and the hospitality of the best homes is freely accorded them.
GUSTAV E. BARTELL.
Gustav E. Bartell, an active factor in the business life of Dayton, is proving successful in the conduct of a garage and a machine shop. He was born in Pennsylvania, June 29. 1875, a son of G. P. and Julia Anna Bartell, who were born in Germany but in 1874 became residents of Pennsylvania. In 1890 they removed to The Dalles, Oregon, where the father followed the saddler's trade. Four years after coming west, however, he was called by death, but the mother survives and resides in Portland.
GUSTAV E. BARTELL
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Gustav E. Bartell began his education in his native state but completed it in the schools of The Dalles. As a youth he learned the machinist's trade, which he has since followed, and in 1909 he came to Dayton, purchasing the machine shop which he now conducts. He does all kinds of work in that line and has gained an enviable reputation for accuracy and also for the speed with which he turns out orders. He also has a garage department and has likewise built up a good trade in that connection.
Mr. Bartell was married in The Dalles, Oregon, to Miss May Elton, who passed away three months later. In 1909 he was married in Dayton, to Miss Letty Clark, a native of this town and a graduate nurse, having completed the required course of training in the hospital at Walla Walla. To their union has been born a son, Charles G.
Mr. Bartell gives his political allegiance to the republican party, fraternally is identified with the Knights of Pythias and in religious faith is a Congrega- tionalist, to which church his wife also belongs. His military record includes service as captain of Company D, Oregon National Guard. He began his inde- pendent career with no capital but with a thorough knowledge of his trade. and with that as a foundation he steadily advanced until he is now in excellent circumstances, and he is recognized as a prominent business man of Dayton.
FRED W. KASER.
Fred W. Kaser is the secretary and treasurer of the Davis-Kaser Company, house furnishers, who control one of the leading business enterprises of Walla Walla and of the northwest. He was born in Madison county, Illinois, March 24, 1868, a son of Samuel and Magdalene (Kamm) Kaser, both of whom were natives of Switzerland and came to the new world in childhood with their respective parents. They were married in Illinois and there resided until 1869, when they removed to western Missouri.
Fred W. Kaser spent his youthful days under the parental roof and ac- quired his education in the common schools of Missouri and also at the Empire Business College in Walla Walla, Washington. He arrived in this city in 1887. reaching his destination on the 20th of June. He was then a youth of nineteen years-empty-handed but possessed of an abundant amount of courage, deter- mination and energy. He eagerly embraced any opportunity that offered whereby he might earn a living. He had been engaged in farm work when in the middle west and after reaching Walla Walla he was first employed at hop picking. He was not content with such a position save as an expedient to meet his momentary expenses and was constantly on the outlook for something better. He returned from the hop fields to the town and secured employment with the gas company. There he worked until almost midnight and through the school period he was busy with lessons, for he had come to a realization of the fact that educational training was necessary toward success in the business world. For two years he followed that course, working for the gas company and also in the Gilbert Hunt machine shop. He next turned his attention to commercial pursuits and secured a clerkship in the Schwabacher store. In the meantime he
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had pursued his course in business college and such was the thoroughness with which he did his work that the college sought his cooperation after his gradua- tion and for one term he engaged in teaching there. He also correctly applied the knowledge that he had gained to his duties in the Schwabacher store and later he accepted the position of bookkeeper with G. H. Sutherland, with whom he remained for three years. In 1894 he embarked in business on his own account, becoming connected with John A. Davis in the purchase of a furniture store. They began business under the name of the Davis-Kaser Company in handling furniture and all kinds of house furnishings and after a year the busi- ness was incorporated under the present style, Mr. Davis becoming the presi- dent of the company, with Mr. Kaser as the secretary, treasurer and general manager. Their business has grown from a small concern with a stock valued at less than three thousand dollars until it is one of the largest mercantile insti- tutions of Walla Walla.
On the 21st of October, 1894, Mr. Kaser was married to Miss Laura E. Davis, a daughter of John A. Davis, who was the president of the Davis-Kaser Company but is now deceased. Mrs. Kaser is a native of Walla Walla county, where she was reared and educated, and is an active worker in the Presbyterian church, to which she belongs. She is also a prominent member of the Women's Park Club of Walla Walla, the Sunshine Club and other similar organizations.
Mr. Kaser has always taken the deepest interest in community welfare and has done most efficient work for Walla Walla as president of the Commercial Club. He is a member of Trinity Lodge, No. 121, I. O. O. F .; also of Blue Mountain Lodge, No. 13, A. F. & A. M .; Walla Walla Chapter, No. I, R. A. M .; Washington Commandery, No. 2, K. T., of Walla Walla; and El Katif Temple A. A. O. N. M. S., of Spokane. He is also connected with Walla Walla Lodge, No. 287, B. P. O. E.
EDWARD G. KNOTT.
Edward G. Knott, who is giving his entire time and attention to the operation of an excellent farm of twelve hundred acres in Columbia county, is a western man by birth as well as preference, being a native of Walla Walla. He was born May 12, 1883, a son of James and Josephine (Ulberg) Knott, who were natives respectively of England and Sweden, but were married in California. In the 'zos they removed to the city of Walla Walla, where they still reside. For many years the father was actively engaged in the construction business, taking contracts for masonry.
Edward G. Knott is one of seven living children in a family of nine. He was reared at home and is indebted for his education to the public schools of Walla Walla. On attaining his majority he turned his attention to farming, recognizing the value of the fine land in this section, and after operating rented farms for ten years he bought twelve hundred acres. the greater part of which is fine wheat land in Columbia county and took up his residence on that place. He gives to his affairs the same careful attention that a business man gives to his interests and his work is conducted in a most systematic manner. He ranks among the
MR. AND MRS. EDWARD G. KNOTT
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most progressive and successful agriculturists of Columbia county and receives a gratifying profit from his land.
In 1908 Mr. Knott was married to Miss Della Richmond, also a native of Walla Walla county, and they are the parents of three children, Harold R., Robert E. and Arnold F. Mr. Knott casts his ballot in support of the democratic party but his participation in public affairs has been confined to the exercise of the right of franchise. However, he is deeply interested in the welfare of the public schools and has served with credit to himself as a member of the school board. He has a wide acquaintance in Columbia and Walla Walla counties, and his genuine worth is attested by the fact that those who have been most intimately associated with him since his boyhood are his stanchest friends.
OSCAR M. SHELTON.
Oscar M. Shelton, a prosperous and energetic young farmer residing on sec- tion 6, Russell Creek township, Walla Walla county, was born August 20, 1883, upon the farm which he is now operating. His parents, Frank M. and Nancy M. (Guinn) Shelton, came to the county in early days, the former in 1863 and the latter in 1864. They were married following their arrival here and took a quitclaim on a homestead which in time became their property. The father was successful as an agriculturist and at the time of his death in 1908 held title to four hundred and eighty acres of fine wheat land. The mother died in 1897.
Oscar M. Shelton was reared upon the home farm and received his educa- tion in the district schools. The year following his father's death he and his brothers operated the farm in partnership, but at the end of that time the estate was settled and he received eighty acres of the home place as his share. He has subsequently purchased an adjoining eighty acres, so that he now owns a quar- ter section of excellent land. He annually harvests large crops of wheat and as he manages his affairs in a businesslike manner he receives a good profit from his labors.
In 1910 Mr. Shelton was married to Miss Bessie Mckay, a daughter of Angus McKay, who came to this country in 1861: The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Shelton are three in number, Bethine, Arline and Ibbie Lillian.
Mr. Shelton votes independently and gives careful study to the questions and issues of the day. He and his wife are devoted members of the Presbyterian church. He is thoroughly western in spirit, and his enterprise and progressive- ness have enabled him to take rank among the successful men of his township.
ALFRED L. SHELTON.
Alfred L. Shelton, who is extensively engaged in stock and wheat raising, with residence on section 5, township 12 north, range 43 east, Garfield county, was born in Yamhill county, Oregon, July 1, 1869. His parents, John W. and Mary (Burford) Shelton, were both natives of Missouri and in 1853 made the
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long and tedious journey across the plains to the Pacific coast country, settling in Yamhill county, Oregon, where the mother passed away. The father sur- vives at the age of cighty-five years and is now a resident of Portland. Ten of the thirteen children born to their union are still living.
Alfred L. Shelton was reared at home and his education was that afforded by the district schools of Oregon. In 1887, when about eighteen years old, he came to Garfield county, Washington, and purchased land, on which he has since resided. His systematic and practical labors have year by year been rewarded by large crops. He has also been successful as a stock raiser and his holdings now comprise eleven hundred and ninety-two acres, of which six hun- dred acres is devoted to the raising of wheat, while the remainder is fine pasture land. He keeps in close touch with the advancement that is continually being made along agricultural lines and justly ranks as one of the leading farmers of his section.
Mr. Shelton was married in 1894 to Miss Catherine Schnekloth, a native of Iowa and a daughter of Henry and Margaret Schnekloth, an account of whose lives appears elsewhere in this work. Nine children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Shelton, namely, Arthur M., Wilber W., Henry E., Alma, Elmer, Herman, Dale, Hazel and Doris, all of whom are yet at home.
Mr. Shelton belongs to Harmony Lodge, No. 116, I. O. O. F., of Pomeroy, to the Woodmen of the World, to the Grange and the Farmers' Union. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he has served for some time on the school board. He is a man of unusual energy, finding the oppor- tunity to take part in public affairs in addition to looking after his extensive farming interests. He is manager of the No. 2 telephone line and in that capacity has made an excellent record for the fine service rendered patrons. He is distinctly a western man, possessing the self-reliance, resourcefulness and en- terprise characteristic of this section.
MRS. IDA MAY WOLFE.
Mrs. Ida May Wolfe, widely and favorably known in Walla Walla county, is a representative of one of the oldest pioneer families. She resides on section 35, township 8 north, range 36 east, where she owns a valuable farming property. She was born on the site of the present city of Dayton and is a daughter of Oliver C. and Mary E. (Mealey) Gallaher. Her mother was a daughter of Dr. Mealey, who was one of the noted men of his day. Her father crossed the plains in 1845, when few white men had penetrated into the vast wilderness of the northwest. He drove across the hot stretches of sand over the mountain passes and at length reached the Willamette valley of Oregon, where he took up a donation claim. At that time the city of Portland had no existence and the work of progress and improvement had scarcely been begun in all the vast northwest. He resided in the Willamette valley until the spring of 1862, when he came to Walla Walla county and took up his abode in the Walla Walla valley, where he resided until the time of his death. His entire life was devoted to farming and he contributed much to the early agricultural
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development of this section of the country. His efforts were an important factor in promoting progress and improvement in the Inland Empire and he was among those who laid broad and deep the foundation upon which is built the present prosperity and progress of the county. His political allegiance was always given to the republican party and he took an active and helpful interest in politics, recognizing the duties and obligations as well as the privileges of citizenship. In a word, he left the impress of his individualty for good upon the devlopment of this section of the state and his memory is yet revered and honored by many who knew him in the early days. In his family were six chil- dren, three of whom are now living.
His daughter, Mrs. Wolfe, was reared and educated in Walla Walla county and is familiar with many phases of pioneer life here. In 1883 she became the wife of W. H. Buroker, a pioneer of this county, having come here in 1864. Through their united thrift and industry they acquired a large and valuable property, which at the death of Mr. Buroker in 1902 was equally divided among the legal heirs. To Mr. and Mrs. Buroker were born five children : Zenna, the wife of L. O. McInroe; Ina J., the wife of Frank McInroe, of Walla Walla county ; Forrest L., who is a resident farmer of Walla Walla county ; one who is deceased ; and Mary E., the wife of R. W. Rigsby. Several years after the death of her first husband Mrs. Buroker became the wife of L. R. Wolfe in 1906. Her father died on the 29th of May, 1916, having long survived his wife, who passed away about thirty-nine years ago. They were both laid to rest in this county.
Mrs. Wolfe is now the owner of several hundred acres of fine land which has been brought under a high state of cultivation and returns splendid crops annually, thus providing the family with a very substantial income. Mr. Wolfe belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and to the Knights of Pythias and Mrs. Wolfe is connected with the Rebekah lodge, the ladies' auxiliary of the Odd Fellows. She is also a consistent and faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church and takes a very active and helpful part in church work, con- tributing generously to its support. Her entire life has been passed in this county, where she is most widely known, and she has a very extensive circle of warm friends, who enjoy her companionship and entertain for her the highest regard.
JOHN F. ABBOTT.
John F. Abbott, of Walla Walla, is one of the pioneers of eastern Washing- ton, arriving here in 1859, and for many years he was prominently connected with transportation interests as the owner of a stage line from Walla Walla to Boise, Idaho. Later, when the country became more settled, he turned his attention to farming and was also successful in that connection. His birth occurred in Rome, New York, March 25, 1823, and he remained in that state until he was thirteen years old. He then went to work and for the next few years was employed in various states. On removing to Wisconsin he became connected with a stage line and so continued until 1849, when he, like so many others, made the long and dangerous journey across the plains to the California gold fields. He devoted two years to mining and then went to La Fayette,
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Oregon, where he established a stage line between that point and Portland and another between Jacksonville and Sterlingville. He operated the two lines until 1859, when he came to Walla Walla, Washington, and at once became a factor in the business life of the town as the proprietor of a stage line from Walla Walla to Wallula. He also engaged in the livery business and later, in connec- tion with Thomas & Ruckle, established a stage line from Walla Walla over the Blue mountains to Boise, Idaho. At that early day stage coaches furnished practically the only means of communication from one part of the western country to another and stage lines were as important to the development of the section as railroads are today. In 1873 Mr. Abbott sold his interests in that business and began farming and stock raising. He met with unusual success as an agri- culturist and at the time of his death had extensive farm holdings in Walla Walla county and also held title to valuable city properties.
Mr. Abbott was married in Oregon, April 24, 1853, to Mrs. Susan (Snyder) Creighton, a native of Ohio, and they became the parents of three children : John H., who is one of the prominent farmers of Walla Walla county; Belle, the wife of H. G. Mauzey, of Walla Walla; and Anna A., who is the widow of Colonel W. H. Miller and is caring for her aged mother. Mrs. Abbott was born in New Lisbon, Ohio, October 22, 1824, and is a daughter of Stephen Snyder. She lost her parents when quite small and in 1845 came west with her aunt, Amelia Risley. They traveled by ox teams across the plains and settled in Yam- hill county, Oregon. At the age of twenty years Susan Snyder was united in marriage to Nathaniel Creighton, by whom she had one child, Minnie, who married D. B. Day, of Walla Walla, but is now deceased. Mr. Creighton died in 1849 and his widow subsequently became the wife of John F. Abbott. In 1859, in company with their four children, they came to Walla Walla, and here Mrs. Abbott has since made her home. She is still alert of mind and active of body.
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