USA > Washington > Asotin County > Lyman's history of old Walla Walla County, embracing Walla Walla, Columbia, Garfield and Asotin counties, Volume II > Part 27
USA > Washington > Columbia County > Lyman's history of old Walla Walla County, embracing Walla Walla, Columbia, Garfield and Asotin counties, Volume II > Part 27
USA > Washington > Garfield County > Lyman's history of old Walla Walla County, embracing Walla Walla, Columbia, Garfield and Asotin counties, Volume II > Part 27
USA > Washington > Walla Walla County > Lyman's history of old Walla Walla County, embracing Walla Walla, Columbia, Garfield and Asotin counties, Volume II > Part 27
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time to time as his financial resources increased until he was the owner of more than a section of land. Upon that property he died, passing away June 14, 1883. llis widow long survived him and departed this life in 1907. During her last nine years she made her home with her son John.
John Il. Harer is numbered among the honored pioneer settlers of the north- west. having resided in this section of the country for almost six decades. He acquired a district school education and also attended the public schools of Walla Walla. On reaching manhood he became engaged in the cattle business. with which he was identified for several years, and in 1889 he purchased from the other heirs their interest in the Harer estate and thus came into possession of his present home farm, upon which he has since carried on general agricul- tural pursuits. The farm originally comprised one hundred and sixty acres of rich and productive land, but he has recently sold thirty acres of the tract. He has brought his fields under a high state of cultivation and everything about his place indicates his careful supervision, progressive methods and indefatigable energy.
In 1882 Mr. Harer was united in marriage to Miss Eva Waterman, a native of Walla Walla county. Her father was Samuel Waterman, who crossed the plains from Iowa to California in 1860 and in the spring of 1861 arrived in Walla Walla county, taking up his abode in the vicinity of Valley Chapel. He was thus closely identified with the early development and progress of this section of the state until his death, which occurred in January, 1878. His widow survives and is now living with a daughter in Spokane, Washington. To Mr. and Mrs. Harer have been born three children, two of whom survive, namely : Inez, who is the wife of E. S. Gibson, of North Yakima, Washington ; and Bertha, the wife of R. L. Ridley, who operates the farm of his father-in-law. Mrs. Harer is a member of the Christian church and is a lady of many admirable characteristics.
Mr. Harer gives his political allegiance to the democratic party. He has never sought or desired political office but for several years he served as school director and proved a stalwart champion of the cause of education. Both he and his wife are actuated by a spirit of progress and enterprise in all that they undertake and their interest centers deeply in those affairs which promise to upbuild and develop further the section of the country in which they live.
WILLIAM F. CLUSTER.
William F. Cluster, deceased, was one of the honored and highly esteemed citizens of Pomeroy. His birth occurred in Indiana on the 8th of February, 1831, and his parents were Daniel and Margaret (Tumlin) Cluster, natives of Ken- tucky and Ohio respectively. About 1861 they removed to Missouri, where both (lied. In their family were eleven children, all of whom have passed away with the exception of one sister, residing in Missouri.
In the state of his nativity William F. Cluster was reared and educated and on leaving the parental roof at the age of twenty-three years went to Missouri. lle crossed the plains to Oregon in 1862 and spent the remainder of his life on
WILLIAM F.CL STER
THE NEW VOR PUBLIC LIBRARY ASTON TEY X TILDONE
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the Pacific coast. In 1868 he married Mrs. Mary E. French, a native of Ohio, who only a short time previously had come to the northwest and had located in Oregon, where they continued to make their home until 1871. It was in that year that Mr. and Mrs. Cluster removed to old Walla Walla county, Washington, and took up a claim seven miles from Pomeroy, on which they built a log cabin, this being the family home for four years. They remained on the farm until 1882, when they took up their abode in Pomeroy and here Mrs. Cluster still lives. She continues in possession of the old homestead, which comprises two hundred acres of finely improved land, and owns a forty-acre tract which adjoins the city of Pomeroy. She has six residences in this city and derives a substantial income from all these properties.
The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Cluster are as follows: Viola E., the wife of C. E. Gray ; Florence M., the wife of E. M. Pomeroy ; Carrie E., deceased ; and E. C., a resident of Pomeroy.
After a useful and well spent life, Mr. Cluster passed away on the 14th of June, 1915, leaving his immediate family as well as many friends to mourn his deatlı. His remains were interred in the Pomeroy cemetery. Mrs. Cluster takes an active part in the work of the Presbyterian church, to which she belongs and is a most estimable lady who lias a wide circle of friends and acquaintances in the city and throughout the surrounding country,
W. H. GILLIS.
The family of W. H. Gillis, residing in Dayton, pays fitting tribute to his memory in preserving the record of his life in this history of southeastern Wash- ington. He was born in Montgomery county, North Carolina, and was reared and educated in his native state. In 1867 he was united in marriage to Miss Lucy A. Crump, of Stanly county, North Carolina, a daughter of Stephen and Eliza (Kendall) Crump, both of whom were natives of the Old North state, where they lived and died. They were the parents of five children, all of whom survive. Mrs. Gillis was reared and educated in North Carolina, pursuing her studies in the common schools and afterward in the Greenville and Doranport col- leges of that state. To Mr. and Mrs. Gillis were born three children : Lillian, who has departed this life; John A .; and Minnie, who is the wife of J. F. Hall. The death of Mr. Gillis occurred March 2, 1906. He had been a soldier of the Civil war, serving for four years, and was brave and loyal to the cause which he espoused. He never faltered in the performance of any duty that devolved upon him and made an excellent record as a soldier. To his family he was a devoted hus- band and father and found his greatest happiness in promoting the welfare of his wife and children. In business affairs he was progressive and reliable and his sterling worth was acknowledged in many relations.
On the 16th of June, 1907, Mrs. Gillis became the wife of A. H. Richardson, who died five years later. Mrs. Richardson is the owner of a valuable farm property of five hundred and twenty acres pleasantly and conveniently situated about five miles east of Dayton. Upon this place many modern improvements have been made. The buildings are substantial and commodious, the fences are
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well kept and everything about the place indicates the progressive spirit of the owner. Mrs. Richardson rents her farm and therefrom derives a gratifying annual income. She also owns one of the finest residences of Dayton and is most comfortably situated in life. She is a member of the Christian church and takes an active interest in promoting the church work. Her social position is indicated by the fact that the hospitality of the best homes of Dayton is freely accorded her.
WILLIAM GAYLORD COLEMAN.
William Gaylord Coleman, a well known member of the Walla Walla bar, was born October 7, 1884, in the city where he still resides. His father, Dan J. Coleman, a native of Bowling Green, Kentucky, became a pioneer farmer of the Eureka Flat district and spent his last days in Walla Walla. The mother, who bore the maiden name of Mattie C. Roberts, was a daughter of E. G. Roberts and was born in an emigrant wagon somewhere along the Platte river while the family were crossing the plains. Her first marriage was with J. W. Cookerly and she later wedded Dan J. Coleman. The family ever has been closely associ- ated with the pioneer development of Washington.
Reared in his native city, William Gaylord Coleman, after mastering the preliminary branches of learning, decided upon the practice of law as a life work and with that end in view entered the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor and was there graduated in June, 1909, "with honors" and with the LL. B. degree. He returned to the northwest, opening an office in Walla Walla, and has since engaged in practice here. In a profession where advancement depends entirely upon individual merit and ability he has made steady progress and public opinion names him as one of the able lawyers of the Walla Walla bar.
On the 5th of September, 1911, in Walla Walla, Mr. Coleman was married to Miss Margaret S. Steel, a daughter of T. S. and Annie J. Steel. They hold membership in the Presbyterian church and Mr. Coleman is a past grand of the Odd Fellows lodge. A lifelong resident of Walla Walla, he has a wide acquaint- ance and his sterling worth as a man, as a lawyer and a citizen is indicated by the high regard entertained for him by his fellow citizens.
JOHN MARTIN.
John Martin, living retired in Walla Walla after many years devoted to agricultural pursuits, was born in Ireland, January 1, 1842, a son of John and Ann Martin, who spent their entire lives on the Emerald isle. The educational opportunities accorded John Martin were those common to the boys of his time, he attending the national schools, and he remained in Ireland until he was twenty-five years old, when, in 1867. he emigrated to the United States. He first resided in New York state, where he secured employment in a brickyard at Haverstraw, and subsequently went to Baltimore, Maryland, but finding it
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too hot to suit him there, he went to Chicago, where he was employed by the Armour Packing Company, during the winters for several years, but in summer followed his work of brick burning and helped to manufacture the brick used in the construction of the United States customs house in Chicago. After remain- ing in the metropolis of the middle west for eight years he came to Walla Walla, Washington, in 1882 and settled on a farm on Dry creek. He operated that place until 1905, when he retired and removed to Walla Walla, where he pur- chased land and built his home on Grove street, where he has since lived. He is still prominently connected with agricultural affairs, however, as he owns fourteen hundred acres of fine wheat land, all of which is well improved. He gives his personal supervision to the management of his farm although he leaves the actual work of its operation to others. All that he has he has made since coming to Walla Walla county and it is but natural that he should be enthusiastic concerning conditions here.
In 1875, in Chicago, Mr. Martin was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Mc- Avaney, a native of Illinois, and they have become the parents of fourteen chil- dren, of whom two are deceased, the others being: James, who is now chief of police of Walla Walla; John P., who is farming in Spring valley; Mary, the wife of Joe Martin, who although of the same name is not a relative; Elizabeth, the wife of Albert Schiller; Margaret, the wife of Roy Davies ; and Katherine, Agnes, Grace, Theresa, George, Lillian and William, all at home.
Mr. Martin supports the republican party and has served acceptably as mem- ber of the school board. He is a communicant of the Catholic church, and his life has been guided by high moral standards. 1Jis residence is attractive and up-to-date and he is enjoying all the comforts of life"as the result of his well directed labors and wise investments. Mr. Martin is strong and vigorous for his years but to enjoy the balmy air of the south he spends his winters in Los Angeles, California.
C. F. ACTOR.
C. F. Actor, a grain dealer and warehouse man of Starbuck, was born in Dixie, Washington, on the 27th of October, 1868, a son of H. C. Actor, one of the veterans of the early Indian wars and one of the well known men of the pioneer period of Walla Walla county. He died August 30, 1917, near Dixie and extended mention of him appears elsewhere in this work.
C. F. Actor was reared under the parental roof and acquired his education in the public schools of Dixie. He also attended the Empire Business College of Walla Walla and thus became well qualified for life's practical and respon- sible duties. In early manhood he worked for a time in Colfax and was vari- ously employed, after which he returned to Walla Walla county and for some time was engaged in farming. In 1902 he removed to Starbuck and entered the grain trade, managing the Alto warehouse for the Alto Warehouse Com- pany for a year. On the expiration of that period he became the representa- tive of the Balfour-Guthrie Company, with which he continued for four years as grain buyer. In 1907 he engaged in the grain business on his own account
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and since that time has operated independently and successfully, being today one of the well known grain merchants of Columbia county, controlling a busi- ness of large volume that brings to him a good financial return.
In 1900 Mr. Actor was married to Miss Lucy May Buroker, a daughter of Martin B. Buroker, of Waitsburg, and they have become the parents of five children, four sons and a daughter, namely: Charles M., Alfred A., Grace, Lester E. and Fred F.
In his political views Mr. Actor has ever been an earnest republican since attaining adult age. In January, 1917, he was appointed to fill a vacancy on the board of county commissioners and is now serving in that capacity, in which connection he is making an excellent record, carefully safe-guarding the inter- ests of the county, yet never blocking public progress by useless retrenchment. HIe belongs to Tucannon Lodge, No. 106, F. & A. M., of Starbuck, and also to Starbuck Lodge, No. 158, I. O. O. F. In 1916 he was representative to the grand lodge of Odd Fellows. He is also identified with Dayton Lodge, No. 3. K. P. In banking circles he is known as a director of the Bank of Starbuck and he ranks with the leading and representative business men and citizens of the town, his aid and influence being always given on the side of progress and improvement. He at all times displays a public-spirited devotion to the general good and has wisely conducted his private business affairs, which have brought to him substantial and merited success.
M. W. SWEGLE.
A successful career has been that of M. W. Swegle, who now follows farm- ing on section 32, township 7 north, range 35 east, in Walla Walla county. He has lived in this county since 1888 and is concentrating his efforts and atten- tion upon the development and improvement of a farm of five hundred and fourteen acres. This is a memorable locality in the history of the state for it is the site of the Whitman massacre-the identical spot on which the atrocities committed by the red men culminated in the murder of the noble Reverend Whitman and his family, those venerable pioneers, who were doing such in- estimable work in claiming this region for the purposes of Christian civiliza- tion, laying the cornerstone of the foundation for the moral and materially visible development of the entire region.
Mr. Swegle is a western man by birth, training and preference and exem- plifies in his life the spirit of enterprise and progress which has been the domi- nant factor in the upbuilding of the west, leading to its wonderful develop- ment. He was born in Salem, Oregon, June 28, 1861, a son of Charles and Lucinda (Robinson) Swegle. The father was a native of New Jersey, while the mother's birth occurred in Ohio. They were married in Illinois, to which state they had removed with their respective parents, and in 1848 they crossed the plains with ox teams to Oregon, settling first in Clackamas county, although soon afterward they removed to Marion county, taking up their abode near Salem. There the father resided until 1880, when he came with his family to Walla Walla county, Washington, and purchased nine hundred acres of land,
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a part of which is included within the boundaries of the present home place of M. W. Swegle. In the residence where his son now resides the father passed away on the 7th of May, 1888, and in his death the community mourned the loss of an honored pioneer settler and most respected citizen-one who in every relation of life commanded the goodwill and confidence of those with whom he came in contact. His widow survived him for several years and passed away in November, 1895.
M. W. Swegle was reared upon the old home farm and acquired a com- mon school education. From the time he attained his majority he began farm- ing on his own account and in 1888 he established his home in Walla Walla county. Soon afterward he purchased a section of land, some of which he has since sold, while a portion thereof he deeded to his wife. The present farm, held conjointly by Mr. Swegle and his wife's heirs, comprises five hundred and fourteen acres. This land he has brought to a very high state of cultivation, carrying on farm work along the most progressive lines. He is at all times practical in what he undertakes and the results are therefore substantial and most desirable. He has placed good improvements upon his farm and its neat and attractive appearance indicates his intelligently directed activity.
On the 2d of July, 1890, Mr. Swegle was united in marriage to Miss Libby Brooks, also a native of Oregon, although at the time of her marriage she was living in Walla Walla county. She was a daughter of John Brooks, who came to this county from that of Yamhill in Oregon. He is still living and at the present time is a resident of Portland, Oregon, the beautiful city of roses. To Mr. and Mrs. Swegle were born eight children, seven of whom survive, namely : Floyd and Jesse, who are operating the home farm; May; Alice; Frank; Flor- ence; and Irene. All the children are yet at home. The wife and mother passed away February 19, 1916, her death being the occasion of deep and widespread regret among her many friends. All who knew her sympathized and grieved with the family, to whose welfare and interest she was always most devoted.
Mr. Swegle votes with the democratic party. He has never been an aspirant for office, preferring to give his time to and concentrate his energies upon his own affairs, upon the interests of his home, upon his business and upon those things which help to further the welfare of the community. For thirty years he has been a resident of Walla Walla county and has witnessed many favor- able changes during this period, having by his own labors in no small measure contributed to agricultural development.
S. V. DAVIN.
One of the energetic and progressive business men of Walla Walla is S. V. Davin, president and manager of the Washington Weeder Works. He is a native of France, born September 20, 1861, and is a son of Joseph E. and Nomie (Escalle) Davin, who came with their family to America in 1873 and located in California, where the parents continued to make their home until death. Of their thirteen children only two are living, these being Joseph and S. V., of this review.
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S. V. Davin was twelve years of age on the emigration of the family to the United States and in the schools of California he completed his education, which was begun in his native land. He remained in the Golden state until 1888, when he came to Walla Walla and spent three years on a ranch in this locality. During the following ten years he engaged in business in the city and was also interested in farming and stock raising, owning sixty-three hundred acres of land in Franklin county, Washington, stocked with sheep, and is presi- dent of the Davin-Mitchell sheep and cattle ranch, the company owning one thousand acres of land. Mr. Davin also owns one hundred and ninety-four acres of land west of the garrison, which is worth eight hundred dollars per acre and has two hundred and twenty-five acres at Lowden, Walla Walla county, upon which he keeps both cattle and sheep and has twenty-five cows for dairy purposes. Since 1910, however, Mr. Davin has given his attention largely to the business of the Washington Weeder Works, which is in a flour- ishing condition, manufacturing a double-disc weeder, which was awarded the gold medal at the Lewis & Clark Exposition as the best weed killer and culti- vator exhibited. Besides the property already mentioned Mr. Davin owns a business building, also the Ritz Hotel and three residences in Walla Walla.
In 1893 he was united in marriage to Miss Ardella Haight, who died in 1901, leaving no children, and in 1903 he again married. To this union were born two sons, Jackson Joseph and Virgil Edward Marion. The family attend the Methodist Episcopal church and Mr. Davin is an active member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Eagles, the Moose and the Red Men. In politics he is a republican but has never cared for office. He gives his un- divided attention to his extensive business interests, is prompt, energetic and progressive and carries to successful completion what he sets out to accomplish.
HON. JOHN F. ROCKHILL.
Hon. John F. Rockhill owns and operates a farm of five hundred acres of land in Columbia county, upon which he has resided for almost a quarter of a century, having taken up his abode upon that place in 1893. He was born in Marshall county, Iowa, April 29, 1855, a son of Anthony and Rosetta (Robbins) Rockhill, the former a native of Ohio, while the latter was born in the state of New York. They lived for some time in Iowa, but at length determined to try their fortunes upon the Pacific coast and in 1864 crossed the plains, estab- lishing their home in Grande Ronde valley, Oregon. In 1865, however, they removed to the vicinity of Portland and in 1868 they came to Washington, settling in Walla Walla county, where the father rented a farm for two years. In 1870 he removed to a farm near Dayton and upon that place continued to reside until his demise. His widow also spent her last days upon that farm. They had a family of nine children, of whom six are yet living.
Hon. John F. Rockhill of this family was a little lad of nine years when he left his native state in company with his parents and came to the northwest. From the age of thirteen years lie has lived in Washington and in the public schools of this section of the state he completed his education. He afterward took up
HON. JOHN F. ROCKHILL
MRS. JOHN F. ROCKHILL
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land and engaged in farming, bringing to his duties broad practical experience which had come to him through assisting his father in the development and culti- vation of the old home property. In 1885 John F. Rockhill removed to Whitman county, where he resided for eight years, but in 1893 he returned to Columbia county and purchased his present farm, upon which he is now living. He owns five hundred acres of excellent wheat land and in connection with the production of that cereal he is also successfully engaged in raising stock. In a word, his busi- ness affairs are capably managed and whatever he undertakes he carries forward to successful completion. He is likewise a stockholder in the warehouse at Turner and at Dayton and is regarded as a prominent figure in the business circles of his section of the state.
In 1877 Mr. Rockhill was united in marriage to Miss Mabel L. Taylor, a native of lowa, and to them have been born eight children: Don M. a resident of Columbia county ; Daisy, now the wife of C. I. Fleming, of Oregon; Hazel, de- ceased ; Luella, who is a graduate of a normal school and is now engaged in teach- ing; Nora, who has departed this life; Cora, who was graduated from the high school and is now the wife of Edgar Hilbert, of Columbia county ; John, who is engaged in farming with his father ; and Mabel L., who is also a graduate of the high school and is the wife of Glenn Cecil.
Mrs. Rockhill is a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church and is a lady of many excellent qualities. Mr. Rockhill belongs to Dayton Lodge, No. 136, 1. O. O. F. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and in 1915 he was called upon to represent his district in the state legislature, of which he proved an able member, carefully considering the vital and significant problems which came up for settlement and throwing the weight of his influence where he felt that the public good could best be. conserved or promoted. For sev- eral years he has served on the school board and the cause of education finds in him a stalwart champion. He is a self-made man whose business . advancement is attributable entirely to his own well directed efforts. Not only has he progressed in a financial way but has also come to be recognized as one of the prominent and influential citizens of Columbia county, where for almost a half century he has made his home, therefore witnessing the greater part of the growth and develop- ment of this section of the state. Great indeed have been the changes which have occurred during this period and Mr. Rockhill is numbered among the worthy pioneer settlers.
W. E. SPROUT.
W. E. Sprout is regarded as among the foremost business men of Star- buck, where he is engaged in general merchandising and he also is president of the Bank of Starbuck. He was born in Grundy county, Missouri, on the 31st of January, 1861, a son of Francis M. and Sarah (Winters) Sprout, the for- mer a native of Indiana, while the latter was born in Ohio. They were married in Grundy county, Missouri, to which place they had removed in boyhood and girlhood with their respective parents. Following their marriage the father turned his attention to farming in Grundy county, but at the time of the Civil Vol. 11-14
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