USA > Washington > Asotin County > Lyman's history of old Walla Walla County, embracing Walla Walla, Columbia, Garfield and Asotin counties, Volume II > Part 39
USA > Washington > Columbia County > Lyman's history of old Walla Walla County, embracing Walla Walla, Columbia, Garfield and Asotin counties, Volume II > Part 39
USA > Washington > Garfield County > Lyman's history of old Walla Walla County, embracing Walla Walla, Columbia, Garfield and Asotin counties, Volume II > Part 39
USA > Washington > Walla Walla County > Lyman's history of old Walla Walla County, embracing Walla Walla, Columbia, Garfield and Asotin counties, Volume II > Part 39
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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
HARRY W. MARTIN.
Harry W. Martin is one of the wide-awake and enterprising business men of Walla Walla county. He is now secretary and treasurer of the Blalock Fruit & Produce Company of Walla Walla, becoming half owner in this business in April, 1917. He was born in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, June 4, 1875, a son of Levi F. and Julia (Girard) Martin, both of whom were natives of the state of New York, whence they removed westward to Wisconsin after their marriage. The mother died in Wisconsin and at a later period, following his retirement from active business, the father came to Walla Walla and spent the last five years of his life in the home of his son, Harry W., passing away in 1910. He was for many years one of the leading business men of Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, where during the years of his active business life he devoted his attention to merchandising.
Well defined business plans and purposes have actuated Harry W. Martin at every point in his career since he made his initial step in the business world. He was educated in the public schools of Chippewa Falls and in the University of Wisconsin, thus being splendidly qualified for life's practical duties and re- sponsibilities. On the completion of his university course he became associated with his father in merchandising and was identified with the business until 1898, when he responded to the call of the west and made his way to Walla Walla. His first business connection here was with the Pacific Coast Elevator Company, with which he was associated for four years. Subsequently he served as private
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secretary to the firm of Moore & Sons, the senior partner being Governor Miles C. Moore. That association was maintained for two years, at the end of which time Mr. Martin became teller of the Baker-Boyer National Bank, in which capac- ity he continued for six years. He then resigned on the organization of the In- land Transfer Company, which he formed as a partner of R. H. Johnson. That business was subseuqently sold to good advantage and Mr. Martin continued with Mr. Johnson as office manager of the Electric Feed Mill. During his con- nection with Mr. Johnson he also conducted a fire insurance business on his own account and yet remains active in that line, writing a large amount of insur- ance each year. In 1917 he purchased a half interest in the Blalock Fruit & Produce Company, of which he became the secretary and treasurer, and he is now bending his efforts to the executive management and direction of this business, which, carefully conducted, is meeting with very substantial success.
In 1904 Mr. Martin was united in marriage to Miss Ada Goodhue, her father being James P. Goodhue, one of the pioneers of Walla Walla. Mr. and Mrs. Martin now have two daughters, Marion and George.
Mr. Martin gives his political allegiance to the democratic party. while fra- ternally he is identified with the following organizations: Blue Mountain Lodge, No. 13, A. F. & A. M., of which he is a past master ; Walla Walla Chapter, No. 1, R. A. M .; Washington Commandery, No. I, K. T .; Oriental Consistory, No. 2. A. & A. S. R .; El Katif Temple A. A. O. N. M. S., of Spokane; and Walla Walla Lodge, No. 287, B. P. O. E. Loyalty to any cause which he espouses has ever been one of the marked characteristics of Mr. Martin. Those who know him recognize his sterling worth, place dependence upon his substantial quali- ties and feel that his word is as good as his bond, for that fact has been demon- strated throughout his entire connection with the business interests of the west. The limitless opportunities of the Pacific coast country make constant call to the men of business ability and learning of the east and Mr. Martin has found here ample opportunity for the exercise of his industry and enterprise-his dominant qualities.
FRANK ZÜGER.
No student of history can carry his investigations far into the records of Walla Walla county without learning of the close and prominent connection which the Züger family has had with the agricultural development of this section of the state. Their labors have been of the greatest benefit in converting the wild land into productive fields, making the Walla Walla valley one of the great wheat producing regions of the northwest. Frank Zuger is now extensively engaged in farming on section 2. township 9 north, range 37 east. It was in this township of Walla Walla county that he was born . August 4. 1888, his parents being Marcus and Martha ( Jacober ) Zuger, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this work. Hle pursued a district school education, supplemented by study in the city schools of Walla Walla and by a course in the Empire Business College, thus becoming weil qualified for life's practical and responsible duties. In 1908, at the age of twenty years, he began farming on his own account, operating a portion of his
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father's extensive land holdings, and at the present time he is cultivating between sixteen and seventeen hundred acres of wheat land. thus being one of the big operators in this section of the state. ITis great broad fields, a waving sea of grain, are a delight to the eye, indicating the ready response which nature makes when intelligent care and cultivation are applied to the fields.
On the 15th of September. 1908, Mr. Züger was united in marriage to Miss Lulu Edith Corkrum, a daughter of Jasper Corkrum, who was one of the early pioneers of Walla Walla county but is now residing in Alberta, Canada. To this union have been born four children, Martha Magdalene, Wanda Belle, Walter Elroy and Frances Elizabeth.
In his political views Mr. Züger is an earnest republican. Fraternally he is connected with Delta Lodge, No. 70, K. P., and with El Kinda Temple, D. O. K. K., of Walla Walla. He is also a member of Waitsburg Lodge, F. & A. M. His business attainments place him with the foremost representatives of agricultural life in this section of the state. He is alert, energetic and resourceful in business affairs, while at the same time his influence and aid are given on the side of progress and improvement. His entire life has been actuated by a spirit of advancement and he stands for a high type of American manhood and citizenship.
P. S. ALDRICH.
The time and attention of P. S. Aldrich, a resident of Walla Walla, are given to the supervision of his farming interests. He is a native of Walla Walla county, born January 6, 1877, and is a son of Milton and Sarah Ann (Stanfield) Aldrich. The father was born in New York state, and the mother in Iowa. In their youth they became convinced that there were better oppor- tunities for advancement in the far west. They made the long journey across the plains with ox teams and located in Walla Walla county, Washington, where, after their marriage, they engaged in farming. The father passed away here in 1910, but the mother survives at the age of seventy-two years. They became the parents of three children: Dora, now the wife of F. M. Walker; Fred; and P. S., of this review.
The last named has passed his entire life in Walla Walla county and is indebted for his education to its public schools. Under his father's able direc- tion he early became familiar with farm work and aided in the operation of the homestead until he became of age. He then began his independent career and since starting out for himself his resources have steadily increased. He now owns eight hundred acres of good land in Walla Walla county and is engaged in both wheat and stock raising, finding such a course more profitable than specializing in either industry. He owns an attractive and commodious residence in Walla Walla and is financially independent.
Mr. Aldrich was married in 1908 to Miss Mary Abbey, who was born in Clay county, Iowa, and they have become the parents of three children, Percy M., Robert W. and Hazel E. Mr. and Mrs. Aldrich hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and do everything in their power to further its work. Mr. Aldrich supports the republican party but has never held office
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with the exception of serving on the school board. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Dixie and is also identified with the Elks. The same qualities which have made him popular in those organizations have gained him the goodwill of all who have come in contact with him. Eastern Washington offers the best of opportunities to her citizens but in order to gain success a man must be ready to take advantage of these opportunities and must display the characteristics of industry, determination and good judg- ment, all of which are strongly marked characteristics of P. S. Aldrich.
A. G. WEARY.
A. G. Weary is well known in agricultural and financial circles in Walla Walla county. He is engaged in farming on section 12, township 6 north, range 33 east, and he is a member of the board of directors of the Touchet State Bank. England numbers him among her native sons, for he was born in that country in the county of Cornwall, August 2, 1861, his parents being Edwin and Eliza (Oliver) Weary. The mother died in England in 1877, the father having come to the United States about 1870. For several years he worked in the mines of Pennsylvania and of Nevada. About 1878 he arrived in Walla Walla county, Washington, where he turned his attention to farming and, adding to his posses- sions from time to time as his financial resources permitted, he acquired twelve hundred and forty acres of land in the vicinity of Touchet and a tract of one hundred and sixty acres about six miles west of the town. He was also heavily interested in both the cattle and sheep industries, owning five thousand head of sheep at the time of his death. In a word he was a most progressive, enterprising and prosperous business man, owing his success entirely to well directed energy and thrift. He died July 21, 1896, while his wife had passed away in 1877.
A. G. Weary came to the United States in 1878, when a youth of seventeen years. He had acquired his education in the public schools of England, sup- plemented by an academic course, and after reaching the new world he worked on his father's ranch and was associated with his father in the live stock business up to the time of the latter's death. He is now the owner of nine hundred and twenty acres of rich and valuable land and is still extensively engaged in raising cattle and sheep in connection with the operation of his fields. In fact he stands as one of the foremost farmers and stock raisers in eastern Washington, and in addition to tilling his own soil he also operates six hundred and forty acres belonging to his father's estate which was willed to the children of Mr. Weary. He has been one of the dominant factors in the organization of the Touchet State Bank and was made a member of its board of directors, in which position he still continues.
On November 2, 1901, Mr. Weary was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Hesser, a native of Germany, who emigrated to the United States in young womanhood. They have two children, Edwin F. and Hilda M., both at home.
In politics Mr. Weary is a republican and he belongs to the Community church of Touchet, while his wife is identified with the Lutheran church. Their aid and influence are always given on the side of progress and improvement, of
A. G. WEARY AND FAMILY
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righteousness, truth and reform. Mr. Weary is a man of marked force, ability and resourcefulness. His plans are well defined and promptly executed. He recognizes and utilizes opportunities that others pass heedlessly by, and fortunate in possessing character and ability that inspire confidence in others, the simple weight of these qualities has carried him into important relations. He is today one of the foremost business men of Walla Walla county and his course has won him honor and the respect of all with whom he has been associated.
A. B. ROTHROCK.
Among the highly esteemed residents of Walla Walla is A. B. Rothrock, who is now renting his large farm and is living retired after many years devoted to agricultural pursuits. He was born in Marion county, Oregon, June 5, 1870, a son of A. B. and Lucretia C. (Cox) Rothrock, natives respectively of North Carolina and Kentucky. The father's birth occurred in 1816 and in 1839 he removed to Illinois, which at that time was still largely unsettled. In 1863 he once more moved westward, going to Iowa, and two years later he was again num- bered with the pioneers, crossing the plains in that year to Oregon. He engaged in farming for some time in Marion county, that state, but in 1868 removed to Umatilla county, where he developed a large herd of cattle; becoming one of the leading cattlemen of that section. When the country became so thickly settled that the free ranges disappeared he turned his attention to wheat growing and in that connection, too, won prominence and prosperity. He was a man of such energy and such unusual soundness of judgment that he gained a position of leadership in whatever he undertook. In his later years he removed to Weston in order to give his children better school advantages and there his death occurred in 1881. His widow survived for many years, dying in 1912.
A. B. Rothrock was reared at home and after attending the district schools continued his education in the Oregon State Normal School at Weston. He received practical training of great value under his father, as from boyhood he assisted the latter in his extensive farming operations. After reaching mature years he continued to work with his father until he was about twenty-five years old, when he began farming independently, renting the home farm of four hun- dred acres. In 1902 he purchased three hundred and sixty-nine acres of land in Umatilla county, which he farmed in connection with the home place, the suc- cessful management of the seven hundred and sixty-nine acres of land requiring his undivided time and attention. He continued to reside upon the home farm until 1909, when he removed with his family to Walla Walla in order to the bet- ter educate his children. He continued, however, to give personal supervision to the cultivation of his farm in Umatilla county, Oregon. In 1915 he purchased the homestead and now owns about eight hundred acres of land, which he is rent - ing, as he feels that he has earned a period of leisure. The success which he gained as a farmer was due to the same qualities of foresight, energy and close application to his work that characterize the prosperous business man and he has always felt that agriculture should be recognized as having the same status as other industries.
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On the 25th of August, 1897, Mr. Rothrock was married to Miss May Steen. a daughter of Milton Steen, one of the pioneer farmers of Umatilla county. To this union have been born four children: Velma S., who was graduated from the Walla Walla high school with the class of 1917; Forrest B. and Arthur, who are attending the Sharpstein school; and James S.
Mr. Rothrock gives his political allegiance to the democratic party but has never cared to take an active part in public affairs. However, his influence has been felt as a force making for civic advancement and he has always discharged to the full all obligations resting upon him as a citizen. He belongs to Weston Lodge, No. 58, I. O. O. F., of Weston, Oregon, and the teachings of the craft have guided him in the various relations of life. His salient qualities are such that to know him intimately is to respect him for his sterling worth. and his friends hold him in the warmest regard.
DELOS H. COFFIN.
An enterprising and active business man was Delos H. Coffin, who for many years was identified with farming interests in Walla Walla county and who passed away in 1909. His life record had spanned the intervening years from 1854, and his diligence and determination had won him a substantial measure of success, numbering him among the self-made men of this section of the country. He was born in Boston, Massachusetts, August 1, 1854. a son of George D. Coffin, who in 1855 crossed the plains with his family and cast in his lot with the pioneer settlers of Oregon. He took up his abode upon a farm and there Delos H. Coffin was reared, sharing with the others of the household in all of the hardships and privations which constitute features of pioneer life in the northwest. He also assisted in the arduous task of developing a new farm and early learned the value of industry and persistency of purpose as factors in the pursuits of life.
In 1881 Mr. Coffin was united in marriage to Miss Stella Sickler, a native of Minnesota and a daughter of James and Mary (Cook) Sickler, who were natives of Pennsylvania, whence they removed westward to Minnesota in the early '50s. In 1859 they crossed the plains with ox teams and covered wagons to Washington, experiencing all the hardships of such a trip, and eventually they reached the Walla Walla valley. where they took up their abode upon a farm which the father purchased, his land including the present site of College Place. The original home of the family was a little log cabin and they lived in true frontier style until their labors enabled them to secure many of the comforts and con- veniences known to the older civilization of the east. The mother died upon the old homestead and the father afterward sold that property and removed to a farm which he purchased on Mill Creek. In their family were twelve children, of whom five are now living.
After the marriage of Mr. Coffin he began farming on his own account, pur- chasing a tract of school land upon which not a furrow had been turned or an improvement made. He at once began to develop the property and in the course of years added fine buildings to the place. He later purchased more land and Mrs. Coffin is now the owner of two hundred and forty acres left to
DELOS H. COFFIN
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her by her husband. Since his death she has acquired another tract of two hundred acres and also bought a farm of one hundred and eighty- four and a third acres near Dixie. She likewise has four acres where she now lives, on which she has erected an attractive home. Her land is all wheat land, very rich and productive, and her fields annually bring to her gratifying harvests. Mrs. Coffin manages all of the estate and displays excellent business ability and resourcefulness in controlling her interests.
Mr. Coffin departed this life in 1909. He was a consistent member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and was laid to rest in the Odd Fellows cemetery. He also belonged to the Fraternal Order of Eagles and took an active part in its work. His political allegiance was given to the republican party and he served as county commissioner. His was a well spent life, his career being one of activity and usefulness, and all who knew him entertained for him warm regard by reason of his many sterling traits of character. Like her husband, Mrs. Coffin is widely and favorably known in Walla Walla county and has a circle of friends almost coextensive with the circle of her acquaintance.
SAMUEL B. SWEENEY.
Samuel B. Sweeney, who is a well known landowner residing in Walla Walla, is a native of the northwest, his birth having occurred in Oregon, May 24, 1858. His parents, Rev. Alexander W. and Angeline (Allen) Sweeney, were born respectively in Missouri and Tennessee. In 1847 the mother accompanied her parents to Oregon, the journey being made by ox team. On arriving there Mr. Allen took up a donation claim and there the family home was established. Rev. Sweeney became a resident of Oregon in 1850 and later was married in that state. Subsequently he spent some time in California but in 1872 he removed with his family to Waitsburg, Washington, whence two years later he came to Walla Walla, where he passed away. His widow, however, survives at the ad- vanced age of eighty-one years. They were the parents of three children, of whom two survive.
Samuel B. Sweeney attended school in both California and Oregon and in early manhood was a teacher in the old Whitman Collage. At length he decided to abandon that profession and turned his attention to farming, renting land until he had saved enough money to purchase a farm. He owns four hundred and eighty acres in Walla Walla county and also several smaller tracts of land and he derives from his holdings a gratifying annual income. His business affairs have been managed capably and he is now in excellent financial circum- stances.
In 1893 Mr. Sweeney was married to Miss Adna Fudge, a native of Walla Walla county and a daughter of Adam and Mary (Perkins) Fudge. At an early day in the history of Oregon the Fudge family removed to that state, whence they eventually came to Walla Walla county. Washington. The father is now deceased but the mother still survives. To Mr. and Mrs. Sweeney have been born two children, Philip B. and Eleanor D., both of whom are attending the Oregon Agricultural College at Corvallis.
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Mr. Sweeney was reared in the faith of the Presbyterian church, and his wife is a Christian Scientist. Ile is a stanch republican and has taken the interest of a good citizen in public affairs but has not held office with the exception of serv- ing as a member of the school board. He belongs to the Masonic blue lodge of Walla Walla and in his daily life has exemplified the teachings of that order. Beginning his career empty-handed, he has reached the goal of success through quick recognition of opportunity, hard work and the careful management of his affairs.
JOHN A. DANIELSON.
John A. Danielson, residing in Waitsburg, is prominently connected with farming and live stock interests in Walla Walla county. He was born in Sweden, January 7, 1862, his parents being Andrew and Anna ( Anderson) Danielson, who came to the United States in 1865 and first took up their abode near Grand Rapids, Michigan. They settled on a farm there and continued to reside thereon until called to their final rest. Jolin A. Danielson was but three years of age on the emigration of the family to the new world. He was reared and educated in the district schools and in the State Normal School at Ypsilanti, Michigan.
For one term Mr. Danielson taught school in that state and in 1884 he came to Washington, settling on Whiskey creek in Walla Walla county, where he filed on a homestead and preempted another quarter section. He afterward purchased additional land, adding to his holdings from time to time until his possessions now aggregate three thousand acres. For the past eleven years he has made his home in Waitsburg in order that his children might enjoy the advantages of the public school system of this city. He is quite extensively engaged in cattle raising as well as in general farming, running two hundred head of Hereford cattle on his ranch. He is a most progressive agriculturist and stock raiser whose interests are wisely directed and carefully managed. He cultivates his farm according to the most progressive methods and as a stock raiser pays close atten- tion to all the scientific principles which have now become a feature of the live stock business on all up-to-date farms. He is likewise a stockholder and a mem- ber of the board of directors of the Farmers Union Warehouse Company.
On November 8, 1891, Mr. Danielson was married to Miss Louisa J. Holder- man, of Columbia county, Washington. Her father, Gilderoy Holderman, came to this state from Missouri in 1879, settling in what is now Columbia county. Ilis family joined him here in 1881. He was a Civil war veteran and his early death, which occurred October 28, 1883, was the direct result of wounds and exposure which he suffered while defending the Union cause on the battlefields of the south. To Mr. and Mrs. Danielson have been born twelve children, namely : Anna L., Jessie M., Frank, Naomi, Dewey, Cecil, Ralph; Lola, Roy, Inez, John .1., Jr., and one who died in infancy. The others are still under the parental roof.
Mr. Danielson is a stalwart republican and for several years he served as a member of the school board while living on his farm and is now a member
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of the board of education in Waitsburg. He has never sought political office. however, but is always to be found ready and willing to give his aid and assistance to any plans and measures which tend to uphold civic standards or advance the best interests of his community. He and his wife are members of the Metho- dist Episcopal church, and they are held in the highest esteem by reason of their sterling worth, their integrity and their fidelity to all measures of individual and community uplift. Mr. Danielson certainly deserves much credit for what he has accomplished in a business way. He started out in life empty-handed but possessed the substantial qualities of industry and determination, and upon those qualities as a foundation he has builded his prosperity. Moreover, the course he has pursued is indicative of the fact that success and an honored name may be won simultaneously.
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