USA > Washington > Asotin County > Lyman's history of old Walla Walla County, embracing Walla Walla, Columbia, Garfield and Asotin counties, Volume II > Part 30
USA > Washington > Columbia County > Lyman's history of old Walla Walla County, embracing Walla Walla, Columbia, Garfield and Asotin counties, Volume II > Part 30
USA > Washington > Garfield County > Lyman's history of old Walla Walla County, embracing Walla Walla, Columbia, Garfield and Asotin counties, Volume II > Part 30
USA > Washington > Walla Walla County > Lyman's history of old Walla Walla County, embracing Walla Walla, Columbia, Garfield and Asotin counties, Volume II > Part 30
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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
On April 25, 1881, Mr. Hoffmann was united in marriage to Miss Theresa Kirchner, a native of Minnesota, who came to Washington with her parents when she was a child of but four years. Mr. and Mrs. Hoffmann have become the parents of ten children, seven of whom are yet living: John Edward, an agricul- turist of Columbia county, Washington ; Bessie D., who is the wife of Ben Grote, of Walla Walla; Anna, who gave her liand in marriage to George Retzer, a druggist residing in Walla Walla; Valline, who is pursuing a course in me- chanical engineering in the University of Washington at Seattle; Philip, a senior in the high school; John William, who is an eighth grade pupil; and Corleen, who is a freshman in the high school.
In politics Mr. Hoffmann has long been a stalwart republican and gives un- faltering allegiance to the principles of the party, yet without desire for office. He belongs to the Commercial Club and through that agency works for the upbuilding and development of the city in which he makes his home. He is well known in fraternal circles, holding membership in Blue Mountain Lodge, No. 13. A. F. & A. M. ; Walla Walla Chapter, No. 1, R. A. M .; Columbia Commandery, K. T .; Oriental Consistory, No. 2, A. & A. S. R. ; and El Katif Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. For from thirty to forty years he has belonged to the order. He and his wife are also members of the Order of the Eastern Star and they are widely and prominently known socially, having a circle of friends alnost coex- tensive with the circle of their acquaintance. The life record of Mr. Hoffmann Vol. II --- 15
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is indeed a notable one and there is no resident of Walla Walla who has more truly earned the proud American title of a self-made man. Being early released from the military rule of Germany, he found in the opportunities of the new world the chances for advancement if the individual possesses industry and deter- mination. These qualities are his in large measure and step by step he has pro- gressed until he has long since occupied a place among the men of affluence in Washington. For almost forty years he has been a witness of the changes which have here occurred and is today one of the honored pioneer settlers of Walla Walla county, his memory forming a connecting link between the primitive past and the progressive present.
U. F. CORKRUM.
No student of history can carry his investigations far into the annals of Walla Walla county without learning of the close connection of the Corkrum family with the development of the agricultural interests of this section of the state. U. F. Corkrum is numbered among the progressive and enterprising wheat growers of Walla Walla county, where he was born on the ist of June, 1866. His father, Francis M. Corkrum, was a native of Kentucky, and in early life went to Illinois, where he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Killabrew, who was a native of that state. They were residents of Illinois until 1865, when they crossed the plains with ox teams to Washington. On their arrival the father took up a homestead on Dry creek, about six miles northeast of Walla Walla, where he resided until about 1895. He then removed to the city, where the last twelve years of his life were passed, his death occurring in 1907. He was one of the first men in this county to take up wheat growing, demonstrating the possibilities for the successful production of that crop in this section of the state. He became one of the most extensive wheat growers of eastern Wash- ington and acquired twelve hundred acres of land, mostly devoted to wheat raising. His widow survived him for a brief period, passing away in 1910.
U. F. Corkrum was educated in the Union school on Dry creek, with one term at Whitman College. The winter seasons were devoted to his school work, while the summer months were spent in farm labor. As early as his nineteenth year he hegan farming on his own account and on attaining his majority he made his first purchase of land, becoming owner of a farm of two hundred and forty acres on Dry creek. To this he added at intervals as his financial resources increased until 1893, at which time he had ten hundred and thirty-five acres, but the widespread financial panic of that year caused him to lose all that he had and to start in business life anew. That he met discourage- ment bravely and undertook his task with stout heart is indicated in the fact that he now owns six hundred and forty acres of rich and valuable wheat land and recently sold another tract of one hundred and sixty acres. He is now residing in Walla Walla in order to give his children the advantages of the city, but he is still one of the active wheat growers of the county and his business affairs are systematically managed, while the results that are attained are most desirable.
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In 1897 Mr. Corkrum was united in marriage to Miss Kathryn Williams, of Brecknockshire, Wales, who emigrated to the United States in 1894, and came to Washington two years later. They now have four children, namely : Franklin Carl, Frederick Victor and Ralph Edward, all of whom are students in the Walla Walla high school; and Bertie Stanford, who is attending the graded school.
In politics Mr. Corkrum is a democrat but is without ambition for public office. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, to the teachings of which they consistently adhere, and their influence is always on the side of right, progress and improvement. They are honored among those whose financial liberality made possible the fine new church built in 1917. Their cooperation can ever be counted upon to advance and support movements for the benefit of the individual and of the community at large and they advocate the highest standards of citizenship. Mr. Corkrum's example is well worthy of emulation. Many a man of less resolute spirit would have become utterly discouraged by failure, but in his career difficulties and obstacles have seemed but to serve as an impetus for renewed effort, calling forth his latent powers. Recognizing that perseverance and industry are essential features to success, he has ever cultivated those qualities and has gained a most creditable position in business circles.
CLINTON H. CUMMINGS.
Clinton H. Cummings is a well known agriculturist residing on section 4. township 6 north, range 35 east, Walla Walla county, there owning eighty acres of land in the richest part of the valley. His birth occurred in Lewisburg. Union county, Pennsylvania, on the 13th of August, 1855, his parents being Andrew and Catherine (Boney) Cummings, who spent their entire lives in the Keystone state. The father worked at the cabinet maker's trade in early life. but after the period of the Civil war embarked in the furniture business and was identified therewith in later years.
Clinton H. Cummings acquired a limited education in the district schools and subsequently secured a position as clerk in a mercantile establishment, while for a year and a half he was in the employ of the Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Rail- road Company. In 1883 he heard and heeded the call of the west and made his way to the Pacific coast country, reaching Seattle on the 28th of April of that year. He remained in that city for eight years, being employed in various ways. and in 1891 he came to Walla Walla county, Washington, where he secured a position as manager of a grain warehouse. He was afterward employed in dif- ferent capacities at Walla Walla until 1896, when he took up a homestead in the Nez Perce reservation and there devoted his attention to general agricultural pursuits for seven years. On the expiration of that period he disposed of the property and returned to Walla Walla, where he established himself in the grocery business, successfully conducting an enterprise of that character for ten years. He then traded his store for his present farm holdings, which embrace eighty acres of the richest land in the valley and to the cultivation of which he
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has since devoted his attention, meeting with a well deserved and gratifying measure of prosperity in this connection.
In 1889 Mr. Cummings was united in marriage to Miss Frances Belle Ken- nedy, of Walla Walla. He is a democrat in politics and has served for two terms as a member of the city council of Walla Walla, the fact that he was elected in a strong republican ward being indicative of his personal popularity and the publie confidence in his capability. Fraternally he is identified with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, belonging to the Walla Walla Lodge, No. 287. His well directed business activities have won him material success and by his upright and honorable life he has gained the warm regard and friend- ship of many with whom he has been brought in contact.
CHARLES ISECKE.
For almost a third of a century Charles Isecke was a resident of Washington and during that long period made valuable contributions to the work of develop- ment and progress in the state. There was no phase of pioneer life in Washing- ton with which he was not thoroughly familiar and at all times he bore his part in the work of development and won a substantial measure of business success. His personal qualities, too, made him very popular and everyone whom he met was his friend.
Mr. Isecke was born in Pommern, western Prussia, May 8, 1842, and had therefore completed the Psalmist's span of three score years and ten when called to his final rest. He acquired his education in the common and normal schools of his native country and after putting aside his textbooks began learning the miller's trade, with which he became thoroughly familiar. He was twenty-four years of age when in 1866 he severed home ties and bade adieu to his native land preparatory to becoming a resident of America. Crossing the Atlantic, he located at Buffalo, New York, and was there employed for a time in carpenter work but afterward turned his attention to railway bridge building. The west, however, attracted him and in 1874 he made his way to California, where for four years he was employed in the car shops at Salida. In the spring of 1878 he arrived in Washington, and after seeking a favorable location decided upon Anatone, where he purchased a small store that had been established only a short time before. Increasing the size of the stock immediately, he continued to carry on the business for eleven years with substantial success and in 1889 sold out to WV. J. Clemans. He then removed to Asotin and during the period of liis resi- dence in that city was connected with various important industries and business enterprises, becoming president of the Blue Mountain Lumber & Manufacturing Company and also president of the bank of Asotin from its organization until his demise.
Mr. Isecke was married in 1879, about a year after taking up his abode in Anatone. the lady of his choice being Miss Mary L. Sutherland, of Truro, Nova Scotia, with whom he had become acquainted in California. Mr. Isecke was prominent in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and became a charter mem- ber of Hope Lodge, No. 30, at Anatone. He regularly attended the lodge meet-
CHARLES ! SECKE
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR PAYNE
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ings, had filled all of the officers in the organization and was always in attend- ance at the annual sessions of the Grand Lodge. He gave his financial aid and assistance to all movements calculated to benefit the community in which he lived and he was most generous in his contributions to religious organizations and charitable societies. He possessed a cheery nature, was ever considerate of others and never failed to extend a helping hand where he could give assistance. At Christmas time he was most generous in his gifts to the poor and it was his desire that all people should be happy. His kindly nature made him loved by all and his circle of friends was coextensive with the circle of his acquaintance. On the fiftieth anniversary of their graduation Oliver Wendell Holmes wrote a poem concerning his classmates in which he termed them "The Boys." Speaking of one of them he said :
"You see that boy laughing, you think he's all fun But the angels laugh, too, at the good he has done. The children laugh loud as they troop to his call But the poor man that knows him laughs loudest of all."
These words are entirely applicable to Mr. Isecke, who belonged to that class of men who shed around them much of life's sunshine and who are ever putting forth earnest and effective effort to ameliorate the hard conditions of life for the unfortunate.
WILLIAM H. LEONARD.
William H. Leonard, one of the best known stock -breeders in southeastern Washington, where he took up his abode almost four decades ago, is the pro- prietor of the Blue Ribbon Stock Farm on section 28, township 14 north, range 4I east, and owns eleven hundred and sixty acres of land, comprising one of the best improved farms in Garfield county. His birth occurred in Vermilion county, Illinois, on the Ist of March, 1860, his parents being William J. and Sarah Jane (Cronkhite) Leonard, who were married in Illinois and spent the remainder of their lives in Vermilion county, that state. The father was an agriculturist, owning and cultivating two hundred and eighty acres of valuable corn land in Vermilion county. He died when yet a comparatively young man. passing away in 1866 or 1867, and his wife survived him for but ten years.
William H. Leonard was a youth of but sixteen years when he lost his mother and since that time he has made his own way in the world. In 1877 he journeyed westward by immigrant train to California, spending two years in Los Angeles county, where he worked for wages. In 1879 he came to Wash- ington, locating in Walla Walla county, where he again worked for others for a period of two years and at the end of that time settled in what was then Columbia county and is now Garfield county. Here he took up a preemption claim of one hundred and sixty acres, subsequently commuted this and then took up a home- stead. At the same time that he filed on his homestead he bought a quit claim on a timber claim, on which he proved up later. Since then he has added to this by purchase until his present holdings comprise eleven hundred and sixty acres and he enjoys the distinction of owning one of the best improved farms in
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Garfield county. During the past fourteen years Mr. Leonard has specialized in the breeding of registered thoroughbred shorthorn cattle and now has more than eighty head that are registered or eligible to registry. He has attended the Lewiston livestock show and sale with a carload of cattle for the past three years and has gained a most enviable reputation as a breeder. His style of dealing with his customers has contributed most to his success, demonstrating that honesty is the best policy, for when one of his animals is placed on the auctioneer's block, the buyers of his stock know that there are no by-bidders running up the price and that every animal purchased from him measures up to the standard set. The prosperity which has come to him is indeed well de- served, for he has worked earnestly and energetically as the years have gone on and by able management and sound judgment has won a place among the leading stock breeders and farmers of this section of the state.
In 1881 Mr. Leonard was united in marriage to Miss Matilda Starr, of Columbia county, her father, William H. Starr, being among the early pioneer settlers of that county. They have become the parents of five children, as fol- lows: Clara E., who is the wife of Fernando Freeburn, a farmer of Garfield county ; Izza C., who gave her hand in marriage to W. Morse, of Waitsburg, Washington; William J., who operates the home farm; Mary M., who was edu- cated in the State Normal School at Cheney, Washington, and is now engaged in teaching; and Mildred T., at home.
HEZEKIAH N. BROWN.
Hezekiah N. Brown, a retired farmer, residing in Dayton, Columbia county, was born in central Tennessee, August 28, 1845, a son of John and Perlina ( Kincade) Brown, who were also natives of that state. In 1847 they removed west to Arkansas, and there the father spent his remaining years. The mother, however, came to Columbia county, Washington, in 1874. The following year her death occurred. They had eight children, of whom five survive, two resi- dents of Washington; two of Idaho; and one of Texas.
Hezekiah N. Brown received his education in Arkansas and there grew to manhood. Most of his boyhood was spent in rail splitting and hard work on the farm. In 1872 he determined to cast in his lot with the Pacific northwest and came to what is now Columbia county, Washington, but was then a part of Walla Walla county. He acquired title to land and as time passed he was able to add to his holdings. Success was the natural result of his hard work, thrift and good management, and he still owns nine hundred and thirty-two acres, which is in a high state of cultivation and is well improved. Although the build- ings upon the farm are now commodious, up-to-date and attractive in design, during the first years of his residence here he lived in a box house. In 1909 he retired and removed to Dayton, where he still lives.
Mr. Brown was married in Arkansas in 1869, to Miss Elizabeth Carpenter, whose birth occurred in Runnells county, Missouri, February 14, 1849. To them have been born five children: Leo and George, both of whom are farming ;
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Hey, N. Brown.
Elizabeth Elever Brown
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Elmer H., who is living in Seattle; Walter S., a merchant of Spokane; and Lu- ella, deceased.
Mr. Brown has been a lifelong adherent to the democratic party and for twenty-five years he rendered capable service as a member of the school board. At the time of the Civil war he served in the Confederate army under General Cooper, and although he was at the front four years and took part in much hard fighting he came out without a scratch. Both he and his wife are mem- bers of the Christian church, whose teachings are the guiding principles of their lives. Mr. Brown was not only thrown upon his own resources at an early age but until he was twenty-four years old aided materially in the support of his parents. He is, therefore, a self-made man and is entitled to the credit given those who, through their own unaided efforts, have gained material success and an honored place in their community.
C. A. HALES.
Since 1892, C. A. Hales has been identified with the sheep industry in Wash- ington and Oregon and is now senior partner in the firm of C. A. Hales & Sons, prominent sheep raisers of Walla Walla county. He resides on section 12, township 9 north, range 37 east, and has been a lifelong resident of the north- west, his birth having occurred in Marion county, Oregon, October 16, 1867, his parents being William H. and Lucinda (Turner) Hales. The father crossed the plains in 1851, when a young man of twenty-one years, and located near Portland, Oregon, when there were but one or two log cabins on the site of the present beautiful city. Later he went to California, where he followed mining for a number of years, and in 1873 he became a resident of Weston, Oregon, where he engaged in ranching and in the livestock business. He ac- quired extensive land holdings and became a prominent factor in the livestock industry in that section of the country, there remaining until his death, which occurred in 1887. His wife had crossed the plains with her parents in 1849, when but four years of age, the family home being established in Marion county, Oregon. She still survives and makes her home near that of her son, C. A. Hales, of this review.
In the common schools C. A. Hales acquired his education. He was but twenty years of age at the time of his father's death, at which time the latter's extensive and important business interests devolved upon the son. He had to assume the management of the large farm holdings and livestock interests, and though his responsibilities were heavy, he proved adequate to the demands placed upon him. In 1892 he turned his attention to the sheep industry and has in the course of years become one of the foremost sheep men of the northwest, run- ning some twelve thousand head of sheep at the present time. His splendid business ability is demonstrated by his successful control of extensive interests of this character. He has a vast acreage on which to pasture his flocks and he keeps in close touch with every condition bearing upon the welfare of his busi- ness and upon the market. He is thus thoroughly acquainted with everything that has to do with the successful conduct of his interests.
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In 1890 Mr. Hales was married to Miss Lucinda Galloway, of Morrow county, Oregon, and to them have been born eight children, six of whom are living, namely: Willis R., who is associated with his father in the sheep busi- ness and is the maanger of the Union Stock Yards at Pasco, Washington ; Alfred L. and Lester M., who are also associated with their father in the sheep business; Marvin R .; Ila M .; and Gertrude E.
Politically Mr. Hales is a stanch republican, while fraternally he is identified with the Masons, belonging to Waitsburg Lodge, No. 16, F. & A. M., and Day- ton Chapter, R. A. M. Mr. Hales and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is much interested in its work and generous in its sup- port. He stands at all times for those things which are a matter of benefit to the individual and to the community at large and his influence is always on the side of progress, justice, truth and right. His career has been notably success- ful. It is true that something came to him through inheritance; on the other hand, it is true that necessity is the spur of ambition and industry, and there are too many cases where inheritance has seemed to enfeeble effort rather than to call forth the most persistent purpose. Mr. Hales, however, nobly met the tasks that developed upon him at his father's death and in the conduct of business interests was and is always looking for opportunities to advance. His course has been marked by a steady progression and each forward step has brought him a broader outlook and wider opportunities, which he has eagerly, promptly and rightfully utilized. Moreover, his business affairs have always been of a char- acter that have contributed to public progress as well as to individual success and through the management of his extensive sheep interests he has done much to further prosperity in Walla Walla county.
HARVEY B. BATEMAN.
Among the honored early settlers of Old Walla Walla county was Harvey B. Bateman, who took an active part in the development of this region, especially along agricultural lines. He was born in Illinois on the 10th of November, 1833, and in early manhood crossed the plains, enduring all the hardships and dangers of such a journey. On reaching Washington he bought a farm near Waitsburg and continued to reside thereon up to the time of his death, his time and atten- tion being devoted to farming.
In 1876 Mr. Bateman was united in marriage to Miss Susan Thomas, a native of Missouri and a daughter of T. T. and Nancy (Curl) Thomas, who in 1851 left their home in the Mississippi valley and after crossing mountains and desert finally reached Linn county, Oregon, where the father took up a donation claim. He built thereon a log cabin with a clapboard roof and stick chimney and in this frontier home the family lived in true pioneer style. He became one of the prominent and influential citizens of his community and was called upon to represent his district in the state legislature for two terms. Later he went to Alaska, where his death occurred. His wife died in Washington. In their family were ten children, of whom five are still living.
To Mr. and Mrs. Bateman were born twelve children, but Mida, the wife of
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J. O. Windust, and four others are deceased. Those living are: Mary, the wife of Andrew Gregg of Oakesdale, Washington; Nancy, the wife of Wesley Star; John M .; James S .; Dollic, the wife of Fred Porter; Katherine, the wife , of W. F. Hawks; and Wilber, who is now operating the homestead farm, com- prising three hundred acres. The place is well improved with good and sub- stantial buildings and still belongs to Mrs. Bateman.
Mr. Bateman was a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church, to which his widow also belongs, and his earnest Christian life won for him the confidence and high regard of all with whom he came in contact either in busi- ness or social life. He passed away in 1904 and was laid to rest in the Waits- burg cemetery. Mrs. Bateman has not only reared her own family but has also cared for five grandchildren, which she has educated as well. Her life has been a busy and useful one and she well merits the high esteem in which she is uniformly held.
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