USA > Washington > Asotin County > Lyman's history of old Walla Walla County, embracing Walla Walla, Columbia, Garfield and Asotin counties, Volume II > Part 3
USA > Washington > Columbia County > Lyman's history of old Walla Walla County, embracing Walla Walla, Columbia, Garfield and Asotin counties, Volume II > Part 3
USA > Washington > Garfield County > Lyman's history of old Walla Walla County, embracing Walla Walla, Columbia, Garfield and Asotin counties, Volume II > Part 3
USA > Washington > Walla Walla County > Lyman's history of old Walla Walla County, embracing Walla Walla, Columbia, Garfield and Asotin counties, Volume II > Part 3
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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
Judge Sharpstein was also a leader in local affairs and for twenty-seven years in all, with some periods of intermission, he served as a member of the school board and during much of that time was its president. He did most effective work in advancing the standards of the schools and improving the methods of in- struction, and one of the fine school buildings of Walla Walla fittingly bears ยท his name.
While many public interests thus claimed his time and attention, Judge Sharpstein regarded the practice of law as his real life work and, admitting his Vol. 11-2
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three sons to a partnership, thus organized one of the strongest legal firms of Washington. One of his sons, Arthur P., died in 1896. Two sons, John L. and Frank B., are still engaged in the practice of law in Walla Walla, while the youngest son, Charles M., has made for himself a national reputation as farmer. art critic and writer. He, too, is a resident of Walla Walla. The only daughter, Ada A., is now the widow of C. B. Upton and lives in Tacoma. Mrs. Sharp- stein is still living and although now almost eighty years of age is wonderfully well preserved, being able to do her own marketing and attend to her business affairs. The family of Judge Sharpstein has worthily maintained the high position estab- lished by the father, who departed this life May 2. 1907, honored and respected by all who knew him. His memory is enshrined in the hearts of those with whom he came in contact and his name is written large on the pages of Washing- ton's history.
GEORGE J. RUARK.
George J. Ruark, one of the prominent citizens of Garfield county, is actively identified with farming interests and now makes his home in Pomeroy. He was born in Jefferson county, Kansas, August 17, 1858, a son of Thomas and Mary A. (Messenger) Ruark, who were natives of Illinois and of Ohio respec- tively. In early life they removed with their respective parents to Wayne county, Iowa, and were there married. They began their domestic life in that county, where they continued to reside until 1857 or 1858, when they became residents of Kansas but after two years returned to Wayne county, Iowa, whence in 1862 they started across the plains with ox teams and wagons for the Pacific coast. The journey was a long and arduous one, but day after day they pushed forward and eventually reached Clarke county, Washington, where they located, establishing their home ten miles north of Vancouver, where they lived until the spring of 1871. In that year they became residents of Walla Walla county and Mr. Ruark engaged in the live stock business until the spring of 1879. In the fall of 1878 he and his family removed to what is now Gar- field county, establishing their home near Deadman's Hollow, eighteen miles east of Pomeroy. There the father engaged in farming until 1890 and, add- ing to his possessions from time to time, he acquired ten hundred and forty acres of valuable wheat land. In the spring of 1890 he removed to Whitman county, his son, George J. Ruark, taking charge of the old home farm in Gar- field county. The father then continued in active connection with farming and live stock interests in Whitman county until 1900, when he retired from busi- ness life and removed to Asotin, Washington. He owned four hundred and twenty acres of land in Whitman county, which he leased on his removal to Asotin, where he still maintained his residence at date of death, January 8. 1908. His widow still survives and is now a resident of Pomeroy. In poli- tics the father was a democrat and took active interest in the work and suc- cess of the party. For a number of years he served as postmaster of Dead- man but otherwise refused public office. He belonged to the United Brethren church and was one of the sterling citizens of Garfield county.
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George J. Ruark was educated in the district schools and was reared to farm life, early becoming familiar with all of the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. In the fall of 1883 he began farming on his own account, renting land in conjunction with his brother Charles and with his father. The Bowman ranch of one thousand acres, which they operated in partnership for three years, returned to them a gratifying annual income and on the expiration of that period George J. Ruark began farming independently, renting two hundred and seventeen acres of the same ranch. This he cultivated for a year and in 1888, having carefully saved his earnings, he bought a small place on which he located. He also continued to cultivate rented land in con- nection with his home farm and in the fall of 1889 he rented his father's farm of ten hundred and forty acres, which he continued to cultivate for five years. He then returned to his own place, which he farmed in connection with other land until the fall of 1902, when he sold that property and bought his present farm of fourteen hundred and twenty acres, situated at the head of Deadman's Hollow. This is now being cultivated by a tenant, and Mr. Ruark established his home in Pomeroy in the fall of 1903. From this point he directs and super- vises his business interests and at the same time he has the enjoyment of city life
In 1889 Mr. Ruark was united in marriage to Miss Olive Vannausdle, of Garfield county, a daughter of Harris Vannausdle, who came from Nebraska in 1884. He is still living and makes his home among his children. Mr. and Mrs. Ruark have an adopted daughter, Elma Maurene.
Politically Mr. Ruark is a democrat and on the party ticket was elected a member of the board of county commissioners in 1894, filling the position for four years in a most acceptable and creditable manner. Fraternally he is con- nected with the Woodmen of the World. He ranks with the leading and repre- sentative men of Garfield county, for by his enterprising efforts he has con- tributed much to the upbuilding and development of this section. He stands for progress and improvement along all lines and his cooperation can ever be counted upon to further any well devised plan for the general good.
DAVID B. FERREL.
David B. Ferrel, a well known farmer of Russell Creek township, Walla Walla county, was born August 8, 1870, a son of Brewster and Caroline ( Bott) Ferrel, both natives of Ohio, an extended sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. David B. Ferrell was reared at home and after attending the district schools for a number of years became a student in the Walla Walla schools. In the meantime he had received thorough training in farm work un- der his father and when twenty-one years of age he became his father's part- ner in the operation of the home farm of two thousand acres. The greater part of the active supervision of the work devolves upon Mr. Ferrel of this review and he is one of the largest grain growers of his township, having under cultivation in 1917 more than a thousand acres. He has reduced the operation of his farm to a scientific basis, uses the most modern machinery and
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is highly efficient in the management of the business aspect of his work. He believes that the farmer should give to his work the same careful study that the business man does to the conduct of his affairs and he is always among the first to adopt improved methods and equipment.
On the 2d of November, 1904, Mr. Ferrel was united in marriage to Miss Laura Wolfe, of Oakland, Maryland, and they have two children, Carlton D. and Dorothy B. Mr. Ferrel has never allied himself with any political party, preferring to cast an independent ballot. He is a member of the school board and takes a lively interest in educational matters. Both he and his wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal church and can be depended upon to support all movements for the upbuilding of the community along moral as well as along material lines. They have a wide acquaintance and are uniformly held in high regard.
HARVEY McDONALD.
Harvey McDonald, who has lived retired in Walla Walla for the past fifteen years, was long actively identified with agricultural interests as one of the extensive operators of the wheat belt and is still the owner of five hundred and twenty-five acres in Walla Walla county, eight hundred and thirty-one acres in Whitman county, this state, and four hundred and forty acres in Umatilla county, Oregon. His birth occurred in Ontario, Canada, on the Ioth of March, 1857, his parents being John and Margaret (Kinnear) McDonald, who were also natives of that province. There the father spent his entire life, passing away in 1863, when his son Harvey was but six years of age. The mother afterward reared her family and in later years made her home among her children, her (leath occurring in Weston, Oregon.
Harvey McDonald acquired his education in the common schools of Ontario, Canada, and there spent the first twenty-three years of his life. In 1880 he crossed the border into the United States, locating in Umatilla county, Oregon, where he engaged in farming. Success attended his efforts as a wheat grower and he became one of the extensive operators of the wheat belt, acquiring large holdings which he still retains. About 1897 he took up his abode in the city of Walla Walla in order that his children might have the advantages of its schools. For five years thereafter he devoted his attention to the real estate business but since 1902 has lived retired in the enjoyment of well earned rest, leaving the cultivation of his farms to tenants. He was one of the organizers of the People's State Bank and has served as a director of the institution continuously to the present time.
In 1885 Mr. McDonald was united in marriage to Miss Nora Richardson, a daughter of John Richardson, one of the prominent ranchmen and pioneer settlers of Umatilla county, Oregon. The children of Mr. and Mrs. McDonald are three in number, as follows: Clara, who is the wife of C. B. Weathermon, an agriculturist residing in Umatilla county, Oregon; Areta, who gave her hand in marriage to S. Henderson Boyles, of Spokane, Washington; and Esther, the wife of Lindon Barnett, of Walla Walla.
HARVEY MCDONALD
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Politically Mr. McDonald is a republican, loyally supporting the men and measures of that party at the polls. Prior to the inauguration of the commission form of government he served for fourteen months as a member of the city council and in that connection made a most excellent record. Fraternally he is identified with the Woodmen of the World, while his religious faith is indicated in his membership in the Methodist church, to which his wife also belongs. His course has at all times commended him to the confidence and respect of his fellowmen and he is widely recognized as one of the representative, substantial and esteemed citizens of Walla Walla.
ANTHONY FEIDER.
Anthony Feider, an energetic and up-to-date farmer residing on section I, township II north, range 42 east, Garfield county, was born in Germany, Jan- uary 12, 1884, and is a son of S. A. and Rosa (Pohl) Feider, who in 1890 removed with their family to the United States. For some time they resided in Walla Walla county, Washington, and then came to Garfield county, pur- chasing the farm on which they still live. All of their six children also survive.
Anthony Feider received the greater part of his education in Garfield county and remained at home until he attained his majority, __ during which time he became thoroughly familiar with the various phases of farm: work. On begin- ning his independent career he decided to devote his life to the occupation to which he had been reared and is now successfully operating five hundred acres be- longing to his father. He harvests a large amount of grain annually and also raises high grade stock, from the sale of which he derives a good profit.
In 1907 Mr. Feider was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Pierre, who was born in Minnesota. Their children as follows: Paul A., Vincent A., John F., Joseph S., Edward P. and Albert W. Mr. and Mrs. Feider are communi- cants of the Catholic church and are always willing to further its work in every way possible. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus, and his person- ality is such that he has made many friends within and without that organization. In politics he is a stanch republican but he has never had time to give to pub- lic affairs, his farming operations requiring his undivided attention.
FRANK KIBLER.
Frank Kibler, who resides on section 5, Spring Creek township, Walla Walla county, is devoting his time exclusively to the operation of the large farm properties owned by the Kibler estate, and his well directed efforts are rewarded by gratifying profits. He was born May 18, 1882, in the township in which he still lives, and is a son of Jacob and Louisa (Buroker) Kibler. The father was a native of Shenandoah county, Virginia, and in 1853 came to the Pacific coast, locating in California, where he spent five years in the gold fields. In 1858 he removed to Walla Walla county, Washington, and for several years,
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or until the coming of the railroad, he was engaged in freighting. After rail transportation was established he turned his attention to farming, becoming the owner of land on Mill creek, about six miles east of Walla Walla. He pros- pered in his farming operations and became the owner of fifteen hundred acres of as fine farm land as can be found in the state. He continued to give his attention to the management of his affairs until his death, which occurred in September, 1908. His wife, who was born in the middle west, accompanied her parents on the long overland journey to Walla Walla county in 1864. She survives and still resides on the homestead.
Frank Kibler was reared under the parental roof and his experiences were those common to boys raised in a western pioneer community. He attended the district schools and also aided in such of the farm work as was within his strength, and by the time he had reached maturity he was an experienced agriculturist. He and his three brothers have always farmed in partnership and since the death of the father they have added extensively to their land holdings, which are all in the name of the Kibler estate. They are progres- sive and up-to-date, and no invention that will facilitate the work of the farm is lacking upon their properties. Moreover, their residence rivals in attractiveness and in modern equipment the best city homes, and the barns and other buildings are likewise of the latest type. Their farms are modern in equipment and illustrate the possibilities of farm life when the agriculturist brings to his work the same careful study and the same willingness to adopt new methods that characterize the successful business man along other lines.
Frank Kibler married Miss Leora McLeran, of Moscow, Idaho. She is a member of the Christian church and takes a praiseworthy interest in its work. Mr. Kibler supports the democratic party at the polls but has never been an active party worker, for his entire time has been taken up with the manage- ment of his farming interests. He has a wide acquaintance in the county in which his entire life has been spent, and his sterling worth is indicated in the fact that his stanchest friends are those who have known him intimately since hoyhood.
F. M. SANDERS.
F. M. Sanders, a successful farmer residing in Walla Walla township, was born in Walla Walla county, December 31, 1873, a son of John and Rebecca (Meredith) Sanders, the former a native of Indiana and the latter of Ohio. In 1865 they crossed the continent with ox teams and located upon a farm east of Dixie, in Walla Walla county, where both resided until called by death. To them were born seven children, of whom six survive.
F. M. Sanders was reared and received his education in this county and gained valuable training in farm work under his father's direction. When he attained his majority he began farming on his own account and for thirty years he has made his home upon his present place, which comprises one hundred and sixty acres of excellent land in Walla Walla township. The improve- ments thereon are substantial and up-to-date, and his labors are rewarded by
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good crops. He is also a director of the Self-Oiling Wheel & Bearing Com- pany of Walla Walla.
Mr. Sanders was married in May, 1907, to Miss Minnie Bliven, a native of Minnesota, and they became the parents of three children, Lester F., Irene L. and Ralph H. On the 12th of May, 1917, the wife and mother passed away and she was laid to rest in the College Place cemetery. She was a consistent mem- ber of the Seventh Day Adventist church and her upright Christian life gained her the respect of all with whom she came in contact.
Mr. Sanders is a democrat in politics and has served acceptably as a mem- ber of the school board. He belongs to the Farmers Union and is interested in every movement that tends to advance the interests of agriculturists.
JAMES J. EDWARDS.
James J. Edwards, the highly efficient president of the Edwards-Hindle Company, conducting one of the leading department stores in southeastern Washington, is recognized as a foremost factor in the commercial development of Dayton. His rapid advancement to his present position is indicative of what can be accomplished in the inland empire when a man is energetic, sound of judgment and determined to succeed, for he began his business career as cash boy and has at all times depended solely upon his own resources.
His birth occurred in Tennessee, October 22, 1873, and his educational opportunities were in no way better than those afforded the average boy. In fact many a man who consoles himself with the thought that if he had had a chance he might have accomplished something had, in his youth, more favor- able opportunities than did James J. Edwards. He was early compelled to make his own living and his first position was that of cash boy, with a salary of two dollars per week. He was faithful in the discharge of his duties in that connection, and being keen of observation even in that position, gained much information concerning the conduct of a store. His ability and fidelity were rewarded by advancement, and as the years passed he became increas- ingly familiar with merchandising. In 1899 he came to Dayton and took charge of the clothing department of the store owned by T. M. Hanger & Company. Subsequently he was promoted to the head of the dry goods department of that business and he retained that position until the company retired from business in Dayton and removed to Walla Walla. Mr. Edwards then organ- ized the Edwards-Hindle Company, with a capital of fifty thousand dollars and took over the store formerly conducted by T. M. Hanger & Company, the new management taking charge of the place October 29, 1906. In the inter- vening eleven years the trade has shown a steady and rapid growth, the floor space has been increased, the store now occupying all the original Weinhard block at the corner of Main and Second streets. The location is one of the best in the city and in itself is an indication of the success that has attended the activities of Mr. Edwards and his associates. The store is well organized and carries a full line of dry goods, clothing and all kinds of groceries. Its policy has always been to carry, as far as possible, trade marked goods of
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national reputation, and its large patronage is further increased by the fact that the stock is so complete as to offer a large range for selection in every department. It is known as "The House of Quality," which slogan expresses the policy rigorously carried out in the management of the business.
Mr. Edwards was married in Oakesdale, Washington, to Miss Laura Gra- ham in 1893 and they have one child living, Lloyd G. Edwards. Mrs. Edwards died in 1899. Mr. Edwards was married to Miss Celeste Price in 1908. He is devoted to the interests of his family and takes a great deal of pleasure in his beautiful home on South First street, which is one of the finest residences in Dayton. A great deal of thought and care has been given to its interior decoration, and all of the modern conveniences have been installed. Although at no time indifferent to political questions Mr. Edwards has not taken a very active part in civic affairs, preferring to give his entire attention to the man- agement of his extensive business interests. He has found in the develop- ment of the Edwards-Hindle department store full scope for his executive ability and energy, and has derived great satisfaction from his effective work in building up its trade. His ability as a merchant is universally recognized, and during the years of his residence in Dayton he has also gained a place in the warm regard of many because of his admirable qualities as a man.
LEWIS McMORRIS.
Among the honored early settlers of Washington was Lewis MeMorris, who in 1852 came to the Pacific coast and throughout the remainder of his life was identified with the interests of this section of the country. He was here before the city of Walla Walla was founded and he saw its development and assisted in its making. With his brother Joseph and his sisters, Mrs. Sarah Funk and Mrs. Emma Craig, he lived for years in the evening of his days on First street in Walla Walla. He was born in Coshocton, Ohio, August 12, 1831, and came of Scotch ancestry, the family having been founded in America in 1774 by a representative of the name who served in the Revolutionary war and who settled near Winchester, Virginia. After the establishment of American independence the family was founded in Ohio and in later generations representatives of the name went to Shelby county, Illinois, and there engaged in farming.
Lewis MeMorris was one of the family who went to Illinois and on attaining his majority he was fitted out by his father to accompany a bachelor neighbor and a party to California. It was in the month of March, 1852, that they started west with ox teams, crossing the plains and meeting with many of the hardships and privations which fell to the lot of the pioneers. It was in that year that the cholera proved so terrible a scourge and all the way from the Missouri river graves dotted the trail. With only a sheet for a shroud and without a casket the bodies were lowered into their graves and the traveler, starting out full of hope, was laid to his last sleep. Often five newly made graves were to be seen in a day. The party with which Mr. McMorris traveled consisted of a train of three wagons at the start but they were afterward joined by six wagons en route at St. Joseph, Missouri, and on the 15th of September, 1852, they reached Fosters,
LEWIS McMORRIS
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near Oregon City. There the oxen and wagons were sold and horses were pur- chased by those who desired to go on to the mines. They made pack saddles, loaded the horses and pressed on to southern Oregon, where a year and a half was spent at Sutter Creek, at Crescent City and at other mines. They were not successful there, however, and pressed on to Yreka, California, where Mr. Mc- Morris again engaged in mining. The Rogue River Indian war, however, broke out in southern Oregon, causing him to change his location and he made his way to the northern part of the state. He became a packer, rushing goods from Portland to the mines at Colville. After one of these trips he hired the team of mules to the quartermaster of the Oregon Volunteers to haul supplies to their headquarters at The Dalles. On the second trip the Indians stole both mules and supplies. On the 7th of December, 1855, the battle of the Walla Walla with the Indians was begun on Walla Walla river west of the present site of the city, a battle that lasted for four days and in which several thousand Indians were lined up against a few hundred white volunteers. The white men, however, were victorious and it was a memorable battle because it was a victory of a few over many and also because it marked the beginning of a lasting peace between the Indians and the white settlers in that vicinity. Mr. McMorris was one of the active participants in that battle. In 1856, when the troops camped at what became old Fort Walla Walla they moved about four miles up Mill creek but decided that the first stopping place was best and returned. It was this that decided the location of Walla Walla. Mr. McMorris assisted in-building the canton, as the old fort was called, which was made from the various trees which grew along the banks of Mill creek. Years later when this land was sold for building purposes in order to extend the present city, it was desired to save intact some of the old fort buildings, to place them in the city park as historic relics. but it was found that the timber had rotted so that they crumbled away. In 1857 Mr. McMorris made the trip to the Willamette valley to buy teams for the government. On his return he began freighting for McClinchey & Freedman. who were proprietors of the first mercantile house in this city, located at the corner of Third and Main streets. In 1859 he began buying cattle and to secure a watering place for his herd he purchased land which included the present site of Wallula. The winter of 1861-2 was an exceedingly hard one and by spring his herd of two hundred and seventy head had decreased to forty. He next turned his attention to the mercantile business, in which he engaged with his brother, but this enterprise did not prove profitable and he sold his interest in the business. When land was thrown open to settlement he secured a preemption claim at a dollar and a quarter per acre, his place being located two miles south of the town now known as the Hammond Farm. It was there that he conducted his stock-raising venture for several years and at the same time operated a pack train to Boise, Idaho. After closing out his mercantile interests with his brother he was for four years the owner of a stage line operating between Dayton, Washington, and Lewiston, Idaho. He laid out the town of Wallula and donated to the railroad company the land which they used for depot purposes there.
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