USA > Washington > Asotin County > Lyman's history of old Walla Walla County, embracing Walla Walla, Columbia, Garfield and Asotin counties, Volume II > Part 14
USA > Washington > Columbia County > Lyman's history of old Walla Walla County, embracing Walla Walla, Columbia, Garfield and Asotin counties, Volume II > Part 14
USA > Washington > Garfield County > Lyman's history of old Walla Walla County, embracing Walla Walla, Columbia, Garfield and Asotin counties, Volume II > Part 14
USA > Washington > Walla Walla County > Lyman's history of old Walla Walla County, embracing Walla Walla, Columbia, Garfield and Asotin counties, Volume II > Part 14
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Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59
O. Z. SKINNER.
With the development of a district, town or city, real estate activity has much to do and one of the most important factors in substantial growth and progress is the real estate dealer who wisely directs purchases and sales and thus adds much to the beauty and development of the city in which he operates. A notable record of success is that of O. Z. Skinner, senior partner of the firm of O. Z. Skinner & Company, real estate and insurance agents in Walla Walla. He was born in Havana, Mason county, Illinois, December 12, 1853, a son of Orlando and Martha (Reeder) Skinner, who were natives of the state of New York and of Illinois respectively. They were married in the latter state, to which the father had removed in early manhood. He was a well known minister of the Universalist church and devoted his life to that cause. In 1910 he came to Walla Walla, where he lived retired, making his home with his son, O. Z. Skinner, up to the time of his demise, which occurred on the 8th of June, 1914. For a considerable period he had survived his wife, who died in February, 1897.
O. Z. Skinner was educated in the district schools of his native state and in the Jefferson Liberal Institute at Jefferson, Wisconsin. After completing his education he was for some years engaged in merchandising in Durand, Wis-
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consin, and still later turned his attention to the drug business, which he con- ducted in Fairmont, Minnesota, for a number of years. He was afterward for thirteen years identified with the lumber industry in northern Wisconsin, acquir- ing extensive farming lands there also, which during these years he operated in connection with the conduct of his lumber interests. The year 1898 witnessed the arrival of Mr. Skinner in the northwest. In that year he became a resident of Walla Walla and entered the manufacturing field, concentrating his efforts upon the manufacture of mattresses and furniture. He continued active along that line for five years and then turned his attention to the real estate and insurance business, with which he has since been prominently identified. He owns extensive timber land in Union county, Oregon, and in the summer of 1917 began cutting tim- ber therefrom. He realizes what this state has to offer and has improved its natural resources, thereby advancing his individual interests while promoting general progress and prosperity.
On the 18th of September, 1881, Mr. Skinner was married to Miss Ella M. Young, of Dunn county, Wisconsin, who was a teacher in the public schools of that county for a number of years. To this marriage have been born three children, Arthur, Leslie C. and Ethel V.
Mr. Skinner gives his political endorsement to the republican party and is well informed on the questions and issues of the day. He stands for progress along political lines and does everything in his power to advance the success of the party, yet does not seek or desire office. He belongs to Blue Mountain Lodge, No. 13, F. & A. M., and is a faithful follower of its teachings. Those who know him in a business way speak of him as a dominant factor in the upbuilding of Walla Walla and as one who has made for himself a notable place especially in real estate circles.
ALFRED L. WICKERSHAM.
Alfred L. Wickersham, a leading farmer and stock raiser of Walla Walla township, Walla Walla county, holds title to two valuable ranches and is meeting with signal success in the management of his affairs. He was born in Walla Walla county, February 7, 1871, a son of John and Christina (Albertson) Wickersham, natives of Ohio, who removed to this county in 1862. For a number of years the father devoted his time and attention to freighting, as there were then no railroads in this entire section, hauling freight from Wallula to the mines at Umatilla Landing, Boise and many other points, also the fort at Boise, to Fort Lapwai and Fort Colville. At length he purchased eighty acres of land, including the site of the present race track at Walla Walla and followed farming during the remainder of his active life. He passed away September 19, 1906. The mother, however, is still living and makes her home with a son. Ten children were born to their union but only five survive.
Alfred L. Wickersham grew to manhood in his native county and his educa- tion was that afforded by the public schools. By the time that he reached man's estate he was a good practical farmer, having received training in the cultivation of the soil and the care of stock from his father. He purchased the farm ou
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JOHN WICKERSHAM AND FAMILY
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Mill creek in Walla Walla township, where he still makes his home and which comprises three hundred and fifty-five acres. He also owns three hundred and twenty acres of fine pasture land and in addition to growing wheat and other crops suited to this section he raises stock on an extensive scale and has found that business likewise profitable.
Mr. Wickersham is a stanch democrat, his political belief coinciding in large measure with the principles of that party. Although he has never failed to do his part in furthering the progress of his community, he has not taken a promi- nent part in politics, having no desire to hold office. He is a man of unassuming disposition and of genuine worth and his energy, his sound judgment and his unquestioned integrity have gained for him the respect of his fellowmen.
JONATHAN PETTIJOHN.
Jonathan Pettijohn, who was an honored pioneer settler and valued citizen of Walla Walla county, was born in Ohio, January 13, 1827, but when still a boy emigrated with his parents to Edgar county, Illinois, where he remained until he was twenty-three years of age. He assisted his widowed mother in rearing the family of children, of whom he was the eldest. In the year 1850 the lure of gold attracted him to the west. He and three companions started for California on horseback, and as some of their horses died en route they walked much of the way. On reaching the Golden state Mr; Pettijohn at once went to work in the mines, where he met with fair success, there remaining for two years. He then removed to Oregon, settling in Harrisburg, Linn county, where he was married to Miss Hannah Warner in the year 1853 ... They took up their abode on a claim and Mr. Pettijohn followed farming. In 1859 he came with his family to Walla Walla county, Washington, and settled on a claim in the beautiful Touchet valley. He spent the winter of 1859 and 1860 here and early in the spring went to the Willamette, after which he removed his family to this valley. Their home was situated a few miles below the present town site of Prescott. He erected a log cabin which still stands as a monument to the early days. He brought with him to this county a band of fine horses and some cattle and, like most of the early settlers, engaged in stock raising. Starting with one hundred and sixty acres of land, during the course of years he kept gradually acquiring more land until finally he owned about thirty-four hundred acres of valuable farming and pasture land, on which he had large herds of fine horses and cattle. Later in life, when the stock business began to wane on account of the disappearance of the free range, he plowed up his holdings and became a wheat farmer in earnest.
Mr. and Mrs. Pettijohn reared a large family of seven sons and two daugh- ters, namely: Thomas, Amas, Eli and John H., all of whom were born in Oregon ; and Huldah, A. L., Sherman, Calvin and Mary, who were natives of Washington. All are now living but two, Eli and Mrs. Huldah Richmond. Of those surviving all are married except the youngest son, and are fairly pros- perous, enjoying the possessions bequeathed them by their frugal parents. All are still residents of Walla Walla county.
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Mr. Pettijohn assisted three territories over the threshold into statehood by voting for the state constitutions of California, Oregon and Washington, and he was a delegate to the constitutional convention of Washington. In the way of public education he was indeed a benefactor. Public money for school pur- poses was often inadequate to meet the teacher's salary. He felt that the school must be maintained at any cost so he often paid most of the amount of the salary out of his own pocket. He believed in the employment of thoroughly efficient and competent teachers and some of the best teachers that the country afforded taught in that little country school near his home and received a salary equal to any. Another work in which Mr. Pettijohn deserves creditable men- tion was in connection with a scheme that was put forth to bond Walla Walla county for three hundred thousand dollars to subsidize a railroad company. Mr. Pettijohn with a number of others enjoined the county from making the appro- priation, although many were in favor of the issue. There was a very wordy war between the two factions and every inducement was brought to bear upon Mr. Pettijohn, the leader, to change his course, but with characteristic determi- nation he stood for what he conceived to be right and and won out. In after years many thanked him for the stand he had taken, as time has justified the wisdom and value of his position.
Mr. Pettijohn was of a very sturdy type of manhood and a splendid representa- tive of the class of hardy pioneers, who helped to make this county what it is- a land of fine schools and beautiful homes. Along in the early '60s mines were discovered in Idaho, Montana and Oregon and supplies were necessary for the miners in the various camps. So the settlers fitted out pack trains or freight wagons and packed or hauled freight to all points where needed, the pay being sufficient to make it very profitable. Mr. Pettijohn chose the ox team and freight wagon for his and for a number of years spent much time on the road freighting. His wife remained at home caring for her family amid the dangers and hardships incident to pioneer life. She was a woman of rare courage, going calmly about her duties with hordes of half-savage Indians camped at her very door. On occasions they would creep up and peer in at the window as she sat at her work. She pretended not to notice them, knowing that if she showed fear or concern they would become insolent. Not one of these noble women but met with expe- riences that would make the bravest heart quail, yet they never complained. for it seemed a part of life's duties to endure without a murmur.
Mr. Pettijohn passed away in June, 1913, at a ripe old age, joining that large number who have left very thin the ranks of the real pioneers remaining. His memory, however, is enshrined in the hearts of many who knew him and long years will pass before his work in the community will be forgotten.
ELLERY J. NELSON.
Ellery J. Nelson is engaged in general farming on section 30, township 8 north, range 36 east, Walla Walla county, and it was upon this farm that he was born on the 22d of August, 1871, a son of Hiram and Sarah (McInroe) Nelson. Ile was educated in the Valley Grove district school and also in the
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Walla Walla Business College, thus. becoming well equipped for life's practi- cal and responsible duties. His youth was also largely devoted to farm work and he early became familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. After reaching young manhood he continued to assist his father in his extensive farming operations and was thus engaged until 1900, when he began farming on his own account. He is now operating a portion of his father's landed holdings and is ranked among the successful and progressive agriculturists of the county. He pursues the most thoroughly up-to-date methods in caring for his fields, and in the cultivation of his crops is meeting with excellent success, annually gathering substantial harvests.
On the Ist of July, 1915, Mr. Nelson was united in marriage to Miss Julia Kane, of St. Louis, Missouri, and to them were born two sons, Ellery J., Jr., deceased, and Joseph Vincent. In his political views Mr. Nelson has always been a republican since attaining his majority, and while he does not seek nor desire office he is always loyal to the best interests of the community and gives active aid and cooperation to many measures for the benefit of town and county. He concentrates his efforts and attention upon his farming inter- ests, which are wisely and carefully directed, and as the years pass by he is meeting with a gratifying ineasure of success.
WILLIAM E. GROSS.
William E. Gross, a resident farmer of Walla Walla township who is en- gaged in dairying and stock raising, was born in Davis county, Iowa, on the 15th of February, 1858, his parents being B. H. and Julia A. (Rice) Gross, the for- mer a native of Illinois, while the latter was born in Ohio. They resided for some time in Iowa and then determined to cross the plains, making the journey with ox teams. This was in the year 1862. They first settled in Nevada, where they resided for eight years, and then removed to northern California, where they remained for a decade. On the expiration of that period, or in the fall of 1880, they came to Walla Walla county, Washington, where they took up their abode upon a farm which continued to be their home until a few years before they were called to their final rest. They moved to Walla Walla, where they passed the last years of their lives. They had a family of nine children, of whom six are now living.
William E. Gross was largely reared and educated in Nevada and in Califor- nia, his opportunities being those offered by the common schools. He studied through the winter months and in the summer seasons aided in the farm work. When his textbooks were put aside he concentrated his entire attention upon farming and became identified with the agricultural interests of Walla Walla county, where he owned nine hundred and sixty acres of valuable land. He afterward disposed of the more extensive tract and bought the farm upon which he now resides, comprising one hundred and sixty-seven acres. This he has since improved with fine buildings. He now makes a specialty of dairying and has an excellent herd of Holstein cattle. His dairy is well equipped in every particular and he has the most sanitary arrangements for the care of the milk and the
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handling of his products. He also engaged in raising Duroc Jersey hogs and his live stock interests as well as his dairying constitute important features of his business.
On the 11th of December, 1881, Mr. Gross was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Cusker, who was born in Walla Walla county and is a daughter of James and Clementine (Hayworth) Cusker, the former a native of Washington, D. C., while the latter was born in Indiana. The father made his way westward to Oregon when a youth of but thirteen years and later he became a resident of Walla Walla county. Over forty years ago he settled upon the farm now occu- pied by Mr. and Mrs. Gross and both he and his wife died upon this place. To Mr. and Mrs. Gross have been born six children: Elsie R., at home; Mabel A., the wife of E. Fluke, who has now departed this life; James B., at home ; Orien W .; Myron W .; and Myrtle Irene. 1
Mr. Gross holds membership with the Ancient Order of United Workmen and is a member of the Christian church, guiding his life by its teachings and conforming his actions to its principles. He has been progressive in all that he has undertaken and in his business affairs has shown sound judgment and keen discrimination. He has never been afraid of hard work nor of close application and is numbered among those who, taking advantage of the great natural re- sources of the northwest, have won success, gaining a place among the most substantial citizens of this part of the state.
IION. CHESTER F. MILLER.
Hon. Chester F. Miller is judge of the superior court of the district which embraces Columbia, Garfield and Asotin counties of Washington. He resides in Dayton and is one of the honored and distinguished residents of the southeastern part of the state. He has lived in the same voting precinct for fifty-seven years and has thus been closely associated with the development and progress of his section of the state from pioneer times to the present. Nature endowed him with keen intellect and he has constantly developed his powers until he is recognized as the peer of the ablest jurists who have sat upon the bench of the superior court in the northwest. He was born in Linn county, Oregon, January 6. 1860, a son of George W. and Sarah E. (Ping) Miller, both of whom were natives of In- diana. The father was born in Crawfordsville, that state, on the 6th of April, 1830, and was a son of John Miller, a native of Tennessee, who in turn was a son of John Miller, a Revolutionary war soldier. George W. Miller crossed the plains with his parents to Oregon in 1851. the journey being made with ox teams and wagon. The family home was established on a donation claim in Linn county and George W. Miller also took up a claim near Albany, where the parents settled. He served in the Indian wars of 1855 and in 1860 he came to Washing- ton, taking up a homestead where the city of Dayton now stands. Later he sold that property and removed to Garfield county. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Sarah F. Ping, crossed the plains with her parents in 1852, the Ping family settling in Linn county, Oregon.
Judge Chester Franklin Miller was an infant of but six months when his
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parents arrived at what is now Dayton. He acquired his early education in the district school, being a pupil in the little old schoolhouse on the hill, and he at- tributes much of his later success in life to the thoroughness of his instruction at that period, his teacher being the Hon. Oliver C. White, who was then a coun- try school teacher. Subsequently Judge Miller attended a private school in Day- ton for two years and there prepared for college under the preceptorship of the Hon. J. E. Edmiston, who was at that time one of the instructors in the Dayton College. Mr. Edmiston and Judge Miller were afterward law partners, their association being maintained for nine years. In 1878 Judge Miller entered the Willamette University at Salem, Oregon, where he continued his studies for a year and still later became a student in the Oregon State University, from which he was graduated with honors in the class of 1882. Three years later his alma mater conferred upon him the degree of Master of Arts. Following his gradu- ation he returned to Dayton and while acting as deputy clerk of the district court he read law under the direction of Colonel Wyatt A. George, the nestor of the Columbia county bar, who was known as "Old Equity" by his fellow prac- titioners.
In 1886 Judge Miller was admitted to the bar by Judge Langford on the recommendation of T. J. Anders, D. J. Crowley and R. F. Sturdevant, his ex- amining committee, and soon afterward entered the office of M. A. Baker and commenced the practice of law. In 1889 he formed a law partnership with the Hon. J. E. Edmiston, which continued until the close of the year 1890, when Mr. Edmiston was elected prosecuting attorney. Judge Miller and his brother-in-law, Charles R. Dorr, then became partners and in 1892, upon the death of Mr. Dorr, Judge Miller again entered into partnershipt relations with Mr. Edmiston, with whom he continued to practice until the latter's death in "igoo. No dreary novi- tiate awaited Judge Miller. Almost from the outset he was accorded a liberal practice which constantly grew in volume and importance as the years went on. He won for himself very favorable criticism for the careful and systematic methods which he followed. He has remarkable powers of concentration and application and his retentive mind has often excited the surprise of his profes- sional colleagues. As an orator he ranks high, especially in the discussion of legal matters before the court, where his comprehensive knowledge of the law is manifest and his application of legal principles demonstrates the wide range of his professional acquirements. It was but natural that the ability which he dis- played in his profession should win for him the recognition that demanded his service in public office. In 1893 he was elected mayor of Dayton and he served at different periods as city attorney and clerk of the city of Dayton. In 1900 he was elected to the office of superior judge and was reelected to that position in 1904 by a greatly increased majority. Reelection has since continued him upon the bench of the superior court, where he has displayed a masterful grasp of every problem presented for solution. Moreover, his decisions indicate strong mentality, careful analysis, a thorough knowledge of the law and an unbiased judgment.
On the 24th of May, 1888, Judge Miller was united in marriage to Miss Nettie Dorr, a daughter of Dr. J. C. and Ellen R. Dorr, who were among the earliest settlers of California, and in 1879 came to Columbia county, Washington. The father was a member of the California Legislature of 1864 and later became recog-
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nized as one of the prominent and distinguished citizens of this state. Judge and Mrs. Miller are the parents of six daughters, namely: Haidee, Sarah, Hilda, Conchita, Luneta and Alice.
There is an interesting military chapter in the life record of Judge Miller, who was captain of Company F of the First Washington Volunteer Infantry during the Spanish-American war, being mustered into the United States service with his company on the 11th of May, 1898. Ile sailed with his regiment for the Philippines in October of that year and there acquitted himself with credit until incapacitated by illness, when he was sent home and on the 12th of May. 1899, was honorably discharged from the service. Judge Miller is a past com- mander of Dayton Lodge, No. 3. K. P. : a past master of Dayton Lodge, No. 53. F. & A. M .; a past high priest of Dayton Chapter, No. 5, R. A. M. ; a past grand of l'atit Lodge, No. 10, I. O. O. F. ; a past chief patriarch of Franklin Encamp- ment, No. 13, I. O. O. F .; and past grand master of the grand lodge of Odd Fellows of the state of Washington. He also has membership with the Wood- men, the Workmen, the Eastern Star, the Rebekahs and the Rathbone Sisters. . Such in brief is the record of Judge Miller, one of the oldest of the pioneer set- tlers of Columbia county who can claim to be a native son, one of the most pro- gressive citizens and one of the most eminent jurists of southeastern Washing- ton. His name is written high on the roll of honor in Columbia county and his seventeen years' service on the bench indicates that he possesses the broad- mindedness which not only comprehends the details of a situation quickly but also which insures a complete self-control under even the most exasperating conditions. He has made a splendid record in the discharge of his multitudinous, often delicate, duties and is spoken of by his colleagues and contemporaries as a man of well rounded character, finely balanced mind and of splendid intellectual attainments.
CLARK WALTER.
In this day of international warfare one is apt to think back over the history of the country to see what is the American record in times of strife. History presents many tales of heroism, showing that the American character is one that measures up to full standards of loyalty, of duty and of courage. Among those who fought for the preservation of the Union during the dark days of the Civil war was Clark Walter, who is now a retired farmer residing in Walla Walla.
Mr. Walter was born near South Bend, Indiana, on the 7th of April, 1841, a son of Lucius and Adaline (Fellows) Walter, the former a native of the state of New York, while the latter was probably born in Connecticut. They were married in the Empire state and became parents of two children there before they removed to Michigan about 1839 or 1840. The mother's people had preceded them to that state but after a brief period passed in Michigan, Mr. and Mrs. Walter went to Indiana, establishing their home near Notre Dame. At a later period, however, they returned to Michigan, where the death of the mother occurred in 1853. The father afterward married Miss Anna Dopp and continued to reside in Michigan until called to the home beyond.
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MR. AND MRS. CLARK WALTER
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Clark Walter was reared in that state and pursued a common school education there. He was twenty years of age when in April, 1861, he responded to the country's call for troops, enlisting for three months as a member of the Second Michigan Infantry. It was soon seen, however, that the war was to be no mere holiday affair and he offered his services for three years, joining the army on the 30th of July, 1861, in response to the call for three years' men. He was mustered in as a member of Company A, Sixth Michigan Volunteer Infantry, and at Baltimore, Maryland, was assigned to General Dixie's command. The army remained in Baltimore until February, 1862, when they were sent to Fort Monroe and afterward to Ship Island in the Gulf of Mexico for the attack on New Orleans. After General Farragut's capture of New Orleans they went on transports up the river to Vicksburg and later returned to Baton Rouge, Louisiana. On the 14th of October, 1862, Mr. Walter was honorably discharged from the service on account of disability. He had participated in a number of important engagements and at all times had proven his marked loyalty to the cause which he espoused.
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