USA > Washington > Asotin County > Lyman's history of old Walla Walla County, embracing Walla Walla, Columbia, Garfield and Asotin counties, Volume II > Part 52
USA > Washington > Columbia County > Lyman's history of old Walla Walla County, embracing Walla Walla, Columbia, Garfield and Asotin counties, Volume II > Part 52
USA > Washington > Garfield County > Lyman's history of old Walla Walla County, embracing Walla Walla, Columbia, Garfield and Asotin counties, Volume II > Part 52
USA > Washington > Walla Walla County > Lyman's history of old Walla Walla County, embracing Walla Walla, Columbia, Garfield and Asotin counties, Volume II > Part 52
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On the 23d of October, 1894, Mr. Marbach was united in marriage to Miss Lizzie M. Rondema, of Walla Walla, by whom he has eight children, namely : Theodore, Margaret, Lizzie, Ludwine, Martin, Gertrude, Philip and George. Mrs. Marbach is a daughter of Andrew and Anna (Brower) Rondema, who were born, reared and married in Amsterdam, Holland, and came to America in 1870, locating first in Chicago, where Mr. Rondema engaged in business as a contractor and builder. In 1887 he came to Walla Walla and while residing in this state turned his attention to farming. Here he died in June, 1889, and his wife passed away in 1906. Of their ten children only two are now living, these being Mrs. Marbach and Theodore, a resident of Walla Walla. They were mem- bers of the Catholic church.
Mr. Marbach exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the democratic party, believing firmly in its principles. The religious faith of his family is that of the Catholic church and they attend church in Walla Walla. He has never had occasion to regret his determination to seek a home in the new world, for here he has found the opportunities which he sought and in their utilization has won a most creditable measure of success.
JAMES H. LASATER.
James H. Lasater became one of the pioneer residents and early attorneys of Walla Walla and for many years was closely associated with public events of im- portance which left their impress upon the growth, development and progress of city and state. He arrived in the northwest in April, 1863, and from that date until his death, or for a third of a century, was closely connected with interests which have had important bearing upon the progress and stable prosperity of Washington.
The birth of James H. Lasater occurred in McMinn county, Tennessee, on the 19th of October, 1823. He was reared in his native county, where he spent the period of his boyhood and youth and in fact there remained for a few years after reaching adult age. In 1850 he crossed the plains to California, where the gold fields were attracting thousands of fortune seekers, but in 1851 he returned to Tennessee, again making his way over the plains until he reached Illinois. Through
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the two following years he devoted his attention to the study of law under the direction of Judge William Kellogg in Canton and in Bloomington, Illinois, but in the fall of 1852 he again made his way westward, this time settling in Oregon City, Oregon, where he arrived in October. In 1855 he was admitted to the bar at Salem, Oregon, and became one of the well known attorneys of that section of the Sunset state.
There Mr. Lasater continued until April, 1863, when he removed to Walla Walla, where he opened a law office and entered upon the active practice of his profession. He was connected with much of the principal litigation heard in the courts of the district and was also prominent in public affairs. He was one of the leaders of the democratic party and was for years chairman of the county central committee. In 1864 he was elected district attorney but re- fused to qualify, and in 1869 he became a member of the legislature. He proved one of the ablest men in that body and contributed largely toward shaping the laws enacted in that session. In early manhood he had taken a medical course and re- ceived his degree and for a short time practiced, but disliking many features of the work, he abandoned that profession and turned his attention to law, in which he found a congenial field. He was quick to recognize the opportunity for be- coming the owner of valuable lands open to the early settler and in the course of time acquired title to nineteen hundred acres in Walla Walla county and in Ore- gon. Much of his land is located in the richest part of Walla Walla valley and is now very valuable. He also owned city properties and was one of the men of affluence of Walla Walla county.
James H. Lasater was united in marriage to Miss Emily Moore, a native of Illinois, and for many years they traveled life's journey happily together, sharing with each other in the joys and sorrows, the adversity and prosperity which checker the carcers of all. Mr. Lasater passed away on the 20th of August, 1896, and thus was brought to a close a life that had been instrumental in the upbuilding of his county along many lines. He was familiar with every phase of pioneer experience in the west and his spirit of enterprise and progress wrought results the benefits of which have been most lasting.
EDWARD BYRNES.
Edward Byrnes was a very substantial citizen of Walla Walla county whose death in 1916 was the occasion of deep and widespread regret. He belonged to that class who proudly wear the American title of a self-made man. He owed his progress and his prosperity entirely to his individual efforts, for he started out in life when very young and had no assistance from others as the years went on.
Mr. Byrnes was born in Ireland, February 2, 1833, and was a youth of but fifteen years when he bade adieu to friends and native land and sailed for the new world. For a time he was a resident of Pennsylvania, where he worked as a farm hand. While still a resident of that state he was united in marriage, in 1854. to Miss Elizabeth Estell, who is a native of Pennsylvania, and they traveled life's journey together for sixty-three years and six months, lacking ten days.
MRS. EDWARD BYRNES
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They began their domestic life there and remained residents of the east until 1857, when they removed westward to Minnesota, establishing their home upon a farm. For five years they continued in that state and then crossed the plains in 1862 with team and covered wagon. Their destination was Baker county, Oregon, but after living there for about a year they made their way northward to the Walla Walla valley, where Mr. Byrnes engaged in the live stock busi- ness. Later he purchased land and to his widow he left a tract of five hundred and forty acres, constituting one of the well improved properties in Hill town- ship, the place being located on section 34. He was a very energetic man, was never afraid of hard work and his persistency of purpose and intelligently directed effort brought to him a substantial measure of success.
Mr. and Mrs. Byrnes became the parents of the following children, four of whom still survive: John E., a resident of Gardena, Washington; Ellen, the wife of G. E. Crow of Richland, Washington; Addie E., the deceased wife of James Cummins; Albert, a stock farmer and administrator of the estate residing in Hill township, Walla Walla county; Caroline, the wife of George Accuntius of Starbuck; Allen, who was deputy under Sheriff Painter and was accidently killed ; and Winfield, deceased.
The family circle was again broken by the hand of death when on the roth of November, 1916, Mr. Byrnes was called to the home beyond. As the archi- tect of his own fortunes he builded wisely and well. In early life it was neces- sary that he practice the strictest economy in order to gain a start, but difficulties and obstacles did not discourage him and with persistent energy he worked his way upward, becoming one of the prosperous residents of Walla Walla county. His personal worth was widely attested by his many friends and he possessed a genial disposition and kindly spirit that gained for him the warm regard of all with whom he was brought in contact. His family attends the Congregational church and the hospitality of the best homes of the community is freely accorded them. For more than a half century the family has been represented in this county, the parents arriving in 1863, so that Mrs. Byrnes has long been a witness of the growth and development of this section of the state, while her memory forms a connecting link between the primitive past and the progressive present. She now has twenty-six grandchildren and forty-four great-grandchildren.
CHARLES SEELIGER.
Charles Seeliger is the owner of an excellent farm of one hundred and twenty acres on section 2, township 7 north, range 35 east, and during the period in which this place has been in his possession he has made many excellent improvements thereon, converting it into one of the model farm properties of the county. He was born on Long Island, New York, March 1, 1864, a son of August and Cath- erine (Tauber) Seeliger, both of whom were natives of Germany. They came to America in 1861 and settled in the state of New York, where they resided for fifteen years, and in 1876 they removed to Butler county, Iowa. Subsequently they became residents of Walla Walla county, Washington, and both passed away here.
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OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
Charles Seeliger was largely reared in lowa, the public schools affording him his educational privileges. . It was in 1888 that he came to the northwest, then a young man of twenty-four years, thinking to find good business opportunities in this section of the country. He first made his way to the city of Walla Walla and after a considerable period determined to engage in farming on his own ac- count and in 1902 purchased the land upon which he now resides. He acquired one hundred and twenty acres, which is highly cultivated and splendidly improved. Most of the improvements have been put upon the place by Mr. Seeliger, who is a most progressive farmer and enterprising business man. His place presents a very neat and attractive appearance and constitutes one of the pleasing features of the landscape. His work is carefully performed and the results are certain by reason of the fact that his industry is guided by sound judgment.
In 1886, in lowa, Mr. Seeliger was united in marriage to Miss Mary Ide, a native of that state, and they have become the parents of ten children, Paul, Frank. Esther, Hilda, William B., Mary, Charles, Lena, Louis and Margaret.
In his fraternal relations Mr. Seeliger is connected with the Benevolent Pro- tective Order of Elks. Politically he is a republican and strongly endorses the principles of the party, for he believes that its platform contains the best elements of good government. He served on the school board for several years and he has ever been a faithful friend of the cause of public education. Mr. Seeliger came to the northwest empty-handed, but he possessed energy and perseverance and his persistency of purpose has enabled him to overcome all the obstacles and difficulties with which one is continually confronted in the business world. His worth as a citizen and as a business man is widely acknowledged by all who know him. His character is one which will bear the closest investigation and scrutiny and Walla Walla county has reason to be congratulated on the fact that he became one of its citizens. The opportunities of this section of the country he realized and he has done much to further public progress in the Inland Em- pire.
CASSIUS S. ROBINSON.
In the death of Cassius S. Robinson Walla Walla county lost one of its honored pioneer settlers -- one who participated in the early Indian wars and took part in many of the events which shaped the pioneer history of this section of the state. He was born in Sidney Center, Maine, in 1847, a son of Seth and Harriett ( Frost) Robinson. The family is of Scotch and English descent. The parents spent their entire lives in Maine, where they reared their family of five children.
Cassins S. Robinson left his native state when a youth of eighteen years and made his way westward to Chicago, where he resided for a number of years. Fle afterward remained in various cities of the middle west until 1876, when attracted by the opportunities of the growing west, he came to Washington, settling in Walla Walla county, where he remained until his death. He always took an active part in community affairs and his aid and influence were always on the side of progress and improvement. He joined the volunteers at the time of the Nez Perce Indian war and rendered distinguished aid in subduing the Indians
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MR. AND MRS. CASSIUS S. ROBINSON
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OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
and reclaiming the region for the purposes of civilization. Mr. Robinson was a painter and glazier by trade and in Walla Walla engaged in business along that line until about fifteen years before his death when he retired. His activities were carefully directed and the success which he achieved and enjoyed was attributable entirely to his capability and skill in his chosen trade. Mr. Robinson was one of the directors of the Third National Bank of Walla Walla and was such at the time of his death.
In 1886 Mr. Robinson was united in marriage to Miss Laura Cornwell, who was a daughter of James M. and Mary Ann (Stott) Cornwell. She survives her husband and is widely and favorably known in Walla Walla, where she has an extensive circle of warm friends. On the 4th of December, 1915, she was called upon to mourn the loss of her husband, who on that day was called to his final rest. He was a member of the Foresters and of the Masonic fraternity and exemplified in his life the beneficent spirit of the craft which is based upon a recognition of the brotherhood of man. He was ever ready to extend a helping hand where aid was needed and he possessed many sterling traits of character which won for him the high regard, confidence and goodwill of all with whom he was associated.
Since her husband's death Mrs. Robinson has resided in Walla Walla, where she is well known. She is a member of the Sunshine Club; the Shakespeare Club ; the Eastern Star; and the Presbyterian church. She is also an active worker for the Red Cross. During the latter years of his life Mr. and Mrs. Robinson spent much time in travel, making a trip to Europe in 1910 during the Ober- ammergau sacred festival which they saw. They also visited Alaska and spent much time on the Sound and several winters in California.
BEN M. TURNER.
Ben M. Turner is a self-made man of Columbia county who from pioneer times has been identified with the agricultural development and with kindred in- terests in southeastern Washington. Starting out empty-handed, he possessed energy and determination, together with a keen sagacity that has enabled him to recognize and utilize opportunities which others have passed heedlessly by. He now resides on section 19, township II north, range 40 east, in Columbia county, and has become well known as a farmer, as a breeder of Belgian horses and as a grain dealer and warehouse man. He was born in Scotland county, Missouri, March 15, 1854, a son of John and Mary ( Powers) Turner, the former a native of Virginia, while the latter was born in Indiana. They were married, however, in Missouri, having removed with their respective parents to that state in early life. In 1865 they crossed the plains with ox teams to Oregon, being six months in making the journey. On their arrival they located in Yamhill county, that state. where they lived for about six years and in March, 1871, came to Washington. They took up their abode on Whiskey creek, in what is now Columbia county but was then a part of Walla Walla county, and the father preempted a quarter section of land, upon which he continued to reside until called to his final home.
Ben M. Turner was educated in the district schools but his opportunities in that
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direction were quite limited. He was a youth of eleven years at the time of the emigration to the northwest and he became an active factor in assisting his father in the arduous task of developing and improving a new farm. Day after day saw him in the fields working to break the sod and cultivate crops, and on reaching his twenty-first year he began farming for himself. He purchased a quit claim to a preemption of one hundred and sixty acres, on which he proved up, and with that tract as a beginning he had extended his farm holdings until he was one of the largest landowners of this section of the state. Of recent years, how- ever, he has disposed of all but two sections of land, which is now being op- erated by tenants. He retired from active farming, although for many years he was extensively and successfully engaged in the tilling of the soil. He not only brought his fields under a high state of cultivation and demonstrated the possibility of producing fine crops in this section of the state but he also engaged in the breeding of Belgian horses. He secured two of the best mares in the north- west and his horses afterward received awards at the Washington State Fair at North Yakima, the Walla Walla fair and the Cascade Stock Show at North Yakima. In fact he has won premiums on his stock at many fairs in the north- west. Since retiring from active farm work he has given his attention to the grain business and owns and operates an elevator at Turner and is also in charge of the warehouses of the Portland Milling Company at Turner, handling about two hundred and fifty thousand bushels of grain in 1916. He is thus connected with extensive and important business interests, which are carefully directed, for he is a man of sound judgment, keen discrimination and of unfaltering industry.
In January, 1905, Mr. Turner was married to Miss Anna Brofsky, of Dayton. He belongs to Columbia Lodge, No. 26, F. & A. M., and Dayton Chapter, No. 5, R. A. M., and is a most worthy follower of the craft, exemplifying in his life its beneficent teachings concerning the brotherhood of mankind and the obligations thereby imposed. In politics he has always been a democrat but never has he sought public office, preferring to concentrate his energies and attention upon his business interests, which have gained him place among the most substantial citizens of southeastern Washington.
CHARLES M. TAYLOR.
Charles MI. Taylor, who in former years was prominently and actively associated with the agricultural development of Walla Walla county, is now living retired in Waitsburg, having put aside the more active work of the fields in order to enjoy a rest which he has truly earned and richly merits. His former activities brought to him a comfortable competence. so that he is now enabled to meet all of the necessities of life and also to enjoy many of its luxuries.
Mr. Taylor was born in Johnson county, Missouri, January 10. 1859, a son of Simon and Harriet ( Burgess) Taylor, both of whom were natives of West Virginia. In young manhood, or about the time he attained his majority, the father removed westward to Missouri. The mother accompanied her parents to that state when she was but two years of age. There she was reared and
CHARLES M. TAYLOR
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MRS. CHARLES M. TAYLOR
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OLD WALLA WALLA COUNTY
eventually they were married in Missouri, where they resided until 1880, when they started for the west, accompanied by their five sons and daughter-in-law, Mrs. C. M. Taylor. Besides the five sons there was one daughter born to them in Missouri but she remained in that state. The family continued their journey to the Sunset state, arriving in Walla Walla on the 20th of March, 1880. The father brought with him some capital and here he purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty aeres in Wilson Hollow, about six miles southeast of Waits- burg. With the assistance of his sons he at once began the development and improvement of that place and not long afterward he bought a half section of land, which he and his sons continued to cultivate for a number of years. The father then had the misfortune to lose a leg which was cut off in a horse power machine. His sons then persuaded him to leave the farm and remove to Waits- burg that he might be free of all care and responsibility, and there the last seven or eight years of his life were passed. He died in 1899, while his widow survived him for a considerable period, passing away on the ist of August, 1911. They were worthy pioneer people of this section of the country, enjoyed the respect and goodwill of all who knew them and Mr. Taylor contributed in no small degree to the agricultural progress in pioneer times.
Charles M. Taylor was reared to manhood in Missouri, being about twenty-one years of age when the family started for the west. He pursued a public school education in his native state and on the 4th of February, 1880, he was united in marriage to Miss Nannie White, a native daughter of Johnson county, Missouri. Within less than a month he and his bride started on their wedding journey to Washington, accompanying his father and brothers, and after reaching this state Charles M. Taylor worked for two years on the Baker Railroad. He was also employed on the Oregon Railroad & Navigation Company's line, after which he concentrated his attention upon farming.
In 1890 Mr. Taylor made his first purchase of land, becoming owner of two hundred acres, which he bought at thirty dollars per acre. This was situated two and a half miles from Waitsburg and is located in Wilson Hollow, the Walla Walla and Columbia county division line passing through his property. Subse- quently he bought one hundred and eight acres adjoining, making his home place a valuable tract of three hundred and eight acres. For the the second purchase he paid ninety-five dollars per acre, but today he would refuse one hundred and fifty dollars per acre for the entire farm. In addition to his interests in Walla Walla county he owns six hundred and forty acres in Dawson county, Montana, and an equity in one hundred and sixty acres in the mountains. His farming interests have always been wisely and carefully conducted. He has brought his fields under a high state of eultivation and well kept fences divide his place into traets of convenient size for development. He practices the rotation of erops and the latest improved methods of farming and understands the scientific principles which underlie his work. His efforts are of a most practical character and it seems that he makes the wisest possible use of his time and opportunities. In addition to his farming interests he became one of the incorporators of the Exchange Bank of Waitsburg and was elected a member of the board of directors, in which capacity he has since served.
To Mr. and Mrs. Taylor was born a daughter, Estella, who is now the wife of Milan Smith, a merchant of Waitsburg. They also have a foster daughter whom Vol. 11-26
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they have reared from a child of four years-Isabelle Taylor, who is a graduate of the Waitsburg high school and is now at home.
Mr. Taylor belongs to Waitsburg Lodge, No. 16, A. F. & A. M., also to Touchet Lodge, No. 5. 1. O. O. F., while his wife is connected with the Order of the Eastern Star and also with the Rebekah degree of Odd Fellows. Mr. Taylor left the farm and removed to Waitsburg in 1900, after which he con- tinned to operate his land from that point until 1917. He is now living retired. however, leaving the care and management of the property to others. He is one of Waitsburg's foremost citizens. He has one of the handsome homes of the town, with all modern improvements, and he is enjoying in the fullest degree the comforts of life. His success is indeed well merited, for it has been honorably won and his life record proves what may be accomplished when there is a will to dare and to do. He had no assistance when he started out for him- self, but he early learned to place his dependence upon industry and indomitable energy and his progressive farming methods enabled him year by year to add to his capital until he is now the possessor of a substantial competence that classes him with the more successful men of Walla Walla county.
FRANCIS M. LOWDEN.
A notably successful career is that of Francis M. Lowden, who is engaged in farming and stock raising and still remains an active factor in business, although he has passed the eighty-sixth milestone on life's journey. He was born in Boone county, Kentucky, February 7, 1832, but much of his youth was passed in Brown county, Illinois, where he resided until 1849, when at the age of seventeen years he crossed the plains with a party of four. The young men traveled on horseback, bringing with them a light wagon pulled by four horses to carry their effects. They first went to Sacramento and from that point Mr. Lowden proceeded to Downieville, where he followed placer mining for a season. Later he went to Nevada City and in 1851 he returned to Sacramento, where he invested the pro- ceeds of his successful mining ventures in mules and engaged in packing, a busi- ness which he followed profitably for twenty-one years. His train conveyed freight into various parts of California, Nevada, Idaho, Washington, Oregon and Montana and thus he became familiar with all of the west and its development. Hostile bands of Indians who were on marauding expeditions throughout the country were a menace to him, but by continued watchfulness he managed to avoid loss, standing guard himself and never trusting hired help to this duty. He allowed no fires to be built near his herd and his constant care was rewarded by success. In 1878 he sold his packing business and established his home between Walla Walla and Wallula, Washington, where he engaged in raising and dealing in cattle, but in 1880 he lost about ninety per cent of his herds. He did not allow himself to become discouraged but with resolute purpose sought to retrieve his losses and purchased about five thousand acres of land in Walla Walla valley with the view of again engaging in the business on an extensive scale. By means of ditches he brought water into every field of this vast tract and soon developed a most excellent stock ranch. This land is still in possession of the family, being
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