USA > Washington > Asotin County > Lyman's history of old Walla Walla County, embracing Walla Walla, Columbia, Garfield and Asotin counties, Volume II > Part 57
USA > Washington > Columbia County > Lyman's history of old Walla Walla County, embracing Walla Walla, Columbia, Garfield and Asotin counties, Volume II > Part 57
USA > Washington > Garfield County > Lyman's history of old Walla Walla County, embracing Walla Walla, Columbia, Garfield and Asotin counties, Volume II > Part 57
USA > Washington > Walla Walla County > Lyman's history of old Walla Walla County, embracing Walla Walla, Columbia, Garfield and Asotin counties, Volume II > Part 57
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ELI BOLICK.
Eli Bolick is now practically living retired in Asotin but still has extensive investments in farm lands and mercantile interests. He was born in North Caro- lina in 1854 and there spent the period of his boyhood and youth, during which time he acquired a common school education. The period of his minority was passed in the home of his parents, Abner and Nancy Bolick, who were farming people of the Old North state. On his way westward Mr. Bolick stopped for one year in Missouri in order to earn money with which to continue the trip. He then came on to Washington, where he arrived in 1878, and settled on a homestead on the flat above Asotin. From time to time he added to his property until he now has eighteen hundred acres of rich and valuable land, which his sons are now cultivating. For many years, however, he personally gave his time and attention to his farm work and his life has ever been one of untiring energy and thrift. However, about two or three years ago he retired from the farm. While busily engaged in tilling the soil he made wheat his principal crop. It was in the latter 'gos when the people began to realize that their land was valuable and it has since steadily advanced in price until it is now selling on an average of from fifty to sixty dollars per acre. In addition to his farming interests Mr. Bolick has a large hardware and implement store in Asotin which is supervised by Robert
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ELI BOLICK
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Anderson, who is half owner of the business. This is the only store of the kind in the town and the trade has steadily grown.
In 1886 Mr. Bolick was united in marriage to Miss Elvinia Forgey, who was born in the Willamette valley, Oregon, and was a daughter of Elias and Calistine Forgey, pioneers of that section. In 1882, however, her parents removed to Asotin county, Washington, and took up a homestead, where Mr. Forgey engaged in the raising of grain and stock. Mrs. Bolick passed away July 7, 1916. By her marriage she had become the mother of nine children: Maude, who died at the age of seventeen years; Wallace and Alice, twins, the former a large rancher of Alberta, Canada, while the latter is the wife of Ray Adams, of Cheney, Wash- ington ; Mollie, the wife of B. Hughes of the Willamette valley ; Grace and Nettie, who are engaged in teaching; Dell, who married Ruby Sargent and is upon his father's farm; and Russell and Fern, both at home.
In politics Mr. Bolick has always been a republican but not an active party worker. He served for six years as county commissioner although he was never ambitious to hold office. He has ever been a friend of education and the public schools have found in him a stalwart champion. He stands for progress and advancement along many lines and in his own business career has illustrated the force of unfaltering industry and close application guided by sound judgment.
HON. GEORGE C. GINN.
Hon. George C. Ginn, of Walla Walla, is, prominent both in agricultural circles of this section and in public affairs, having served as a member of the state legislature. He was born in Umatilla county, Oregon, November 27, 1875, a son of Richard and Catherine (Kinnear) Ginn, the former a native of Scot- land, whence he emigrated to Canada in 1840. He was married there and in 1860 removed with his family to Minnesota, where he resided for a decade. He then came to the Pacific northwest and settled on a farm in Umatilla county, to the operation of which he gave his entire time and attention until 1898, when he retired and removed to Walla Walla. Here he passed away in 1899 and his wife died five years later.
Hon. George C. Ginn, who is one of six living children of a family of ten, received his education in the common schools and in the State Normal School in Oregon. During his boyhood and youth he also received thorough training in agricultural work which proved very valuable when he began farming on his own account. On beginning his independent career he purchased land in Uma- tilla county and still owns five hundred acres there, the operation of which he supervises, although he makes his home in Walla Walla. In the management of his farming interests he has displayed sound judgment, a progressive spirit and excellent business ability and is one of the substantial residents of Walla Walla. He is also a stockholder and a director in the Third National Bank of this city.
In 1903 occurred the marriage of Mr. Ginn and Miss Rowena Evans. Fol- lowing her death in 1910 he was married in 1912 to Miss Linnie P. Riggs, a native of Oregon. Mr. Ginn is prominent in the councils of the republican party. which he has supported since becoming of age, and in 1914 he was elected a
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member of the state legislature. His thorough grasp of public questions, his ability to differentiate between the essential and the nonessential and his consistent regard for the public welfare soon attracted favorable notice in that body and his work as a legislator reflected credit upon himself and upon the district which he represented. Fraternally he belongs to Lodge No. 121, I. O. O. F., to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, in which he has held a number of offices, and to the Woodmen of the World. He is in hearty sympathy with the work of the Commercial Club, of which he is an active member, and every project calculated to promote the interests of Walla Walla depends upon and receives his moral and material support. He possesses the physical and mental vigor that enables him to accomplish much with seeming ease and although his has been a busy life he has always been characterized by a hearty good nature that has endeared him to his many friends. Both he and his wife belong to the Presby- terian church and his generous spirit has found expression in a liberal support of its various activities.
FRED L. MILLER.
Among the native sons of Washington who have elected to continue resi- dents of the state is Fred L. Miller, a prominent farmer and stock raiser of Gar- field county. He was born on the site of Dayton, Columbia county, February 12, 1866, and is a son of George W. and Sarah E. (Ping) Miller, an account of whose lives appears in the sketch of Judge Chester F. Miller, elsewhere in this work.
Fred L. Miller grew to manhood in his native county and as a boy attended the Dayton public schools and continued his studies in the high school, from which he was graduated in 1888. On beginning his independent career he took up his residence upon the farm where he still resides, which is located on the Snake river. He divides his time between grain farming and breeding cattle for the market. He owns forty-two hundred acres and in addition to this operates six hundred acres of state land under lease. He is recognized as an authority upon the different problems relative to the production of grain and on the various phases of cattle raising and each branch of his business returns to him a good profit. He specializes in registered white faced Hereford cattle and feeds from three hundred to four hundred each winter.
On the 16th of October, 1888, Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss Laura A. McMorris, a daugliter of J. E. McMorris, who in 1879 removed to Columbia county, Washington, from California. Ten children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Miller, namely: George E., at home; F. Albert, who is in the United States Army ; Harry B. and Nell B., at home; Jessie R., the wife of Jack Phillips, of Garfield county ; and Otis D., Sarah E., Merritt and Merrell, twins, and John, all at home.
Mr. Miller is a republican and his advice is often sought in local party coun- cils. In November, 1908, he was elected to the board of county commissioners for the short term and in 1910 was elected to the office for the long term, serving in all for six years as a member of the board, and in that connection he did
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valuable work for the county, giving the same careful attention to the manage- ment of its affairs that he gives to the direction of his private interests. He is identified with the Woodmen of the World and has many friends within and without that organization. Among his salient characteristics are the ability to discriminate between the essential and the non-essential, resourcefulness in adapt- ing himself to new conditions and sound judgment and these qualities have proved as valuable in his work as a farmer as in any other field of activity.
JOHN R. LYONS.
That John R. Lyons possesses good business ability is evident from the fact that he is successfully operating a fine ranch of nine hundred acres devoted to the raising of wheat and of stock. He was born in Ireland, April 28, 1867, and is a son of Patrick and Frances Lyons, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. Our subject was brought to Walla Walla county, Washington, in childhood and here received a good common school education. He remained under the parental roof until he attained his majority, during which time he aided his father in farming, and then began cultivating land on his own account. He took up his residence upon the ranch which he now owns and which com- prises nine hundred acres of fertile land in Walla Walla township. The place is well improved and his work is facilitated by the most modern and up-to-date equipment. He raises stock extensively and also grows a large quantity of wheat annually. He is energetic and progressive and the success which he has gained is the direct result of his good management and industry.
Mr. Lyons was married in 1903 to Miss Frances O'Brien, who was born in Nebraska and is a daughter of George and Katherine O'Brien, both now de- ceased. Mrs. Lyons has also passed away, her death occurring March 8, 1906. She was buried in the Catholic cemetery in Walla Walla. Her two daughters, Mary L. and Anna M., are both now students in St. Vincent's Academy.
Mr. Lyons gives his political support to the democratic party but has never had time to take an active part in public affairs. His fraternal relations are with the Knights of Columbus and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, in both of which organizations he is popular. He has not only gained financial inde- pendence but he has also contributed in considerable measure to the development of Walla Walla county along the lines of scientific agriculture and stock raising and is recognized as a prominent citizen.
FRANK MCCOWN.
Frank McCown, who is living retired after many years devoted to agricul- tural pursuits, was born in Clakamas county, Oregon, November 15, 1855, a son of William and Sarah (Best) McCown, both natives of West Virginia. In 1846 they removed to Kansas and six years later crossed the great plains by ox team to Oregon. The father took up a donation claim of four hundred and eighty
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acres in Clakamas county and erected a large cabin, which remained the family home for a number of years. In 1878 removal was made to Walla Walla county, Washington, and later the father purchased land which he operated until his death. To him and his wife were born seven children, but only two are living, the brother of our subject being J. L., now a resident of Portland, Oregon.
Frank McCown was reared and educated in Oregon, and during his boy- hood and youth received valuable training in farm work. When he was twenty- three years old he came to Washington, and has since resided in Walla Walla county. He devoted his active life to farming and from time to time added to his holdings until he now owns fifteen hundred acres of land which he leases, having retired in 1902. He maintains his home in Waitsburg but spends his winters in California. The success which he has gained has proved that he is quick to recognize and take advantage of business opportunities, and in the de- velopment of his farm he was always willing to profit by the work of investi- gators along agricultural lines.
Mr. McCown was married in 1881 to Miss Laura Walker, and they have be- come the parents of five children, namely : Emory D .; Malcolm W .; Annie N., the wife of Walter Minnick; Hazel B .; and Frank J. R.
Mr. McCown supports the democratic party at the polls but has not taken an active part in public affairs although he has taken the interest of a good citizen in matters of government. He belongs to Lodge No. 5, I. O. O. F., in which he has filled all of the chairs. The standards by which he has governed his life are further indicated in his membership in the Christian church, to which his wife also belongs. His friends are numerous and his qualities are such that all who come in contact with him hold him in high esteem.
JOE MARTIN.
Among the men who have aided in the development of Walla Walla county as a leading wheat producing section is Joe Martin, who is engaged in wheat raising on an extensive scale on section 36, township 8 north, range 35 east. He was born in County Roscommon, Ireland, April 26, 1869, a son of John and Bridget (Feely) Martin, who passed their entire lives in that country.
Joe Martin was reared at home and received his education in the common schools of Ireland. About the time he became of age he emigrated to America and took up his residence in Fremont, Iowa, where he spent six or seven years. At the end of that time he decided to identify his interests with those of the Pacific northwest and came to Walla Walla county, Washington. After work- ing as a farm hand for several years he was able to rent his present farm, which he has since purchased. He owns nine hundred acres and specializes in wheat raising. His practical knowledge of the methods best adapted to conditions in this locality, combined with his energy and good judgment, has enabled him to gain financial independence. His farm is excellently improved and is equipped with the most up-to-date machinery.
At Walla Walla. January 27, 1903, Mr. Martin was united in marriage to Miss Mary Martin, who although of the same name is not a relative. An
JOE MARTIN
MRS. JOE MARTIN
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account of the life of her father, John Martin, appears elsewhere in this work. Eight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Martin: Alicia S., Michael, James F., Mary T., Catherine B., Esther R., Helen M., and Rose Anna.
The parents hold membership in the Catholic church of Walla Walla and give their influence and support to movements whose object is the promotion of the moral welfare of the community. Mr. Martin supports the democratic party at the polls and is now serving efficiently as clerk of the school board. He has not been otherwise active in public affairs, the management of his farm- ing interests leaving him little time for other activities. The success which he has gained is due to his own efforts and he is fully entitled to the credit given a self-made man.
JAMES C. ROBERTS.
James C. Roberts, a well known and prosperous farmer residing on section 4, township 7 north, range 35 east, was born in Lee county, Virginia, July 17, 1866, a son of Robert and Mary Roberts, also natives of that state, where the mother is still living.
There James C. Roberts was reared and received his education, but when twenty-one years of age he crossed the continent, locating in Walla Walla county, Washington. For some time he was employed as a farm hand but in 1888 he took up a homestead on Dry creek and remained there until 1905, when he pur- chased his present farm, which comprises one hundred and sixty acres and is improved with excellent buildings. The place is all fine alfalfa land, valued at three hundred dollars per acre, and it produces such excellent crops that it yields a good profit on the capital invested.
Mr. Roberts was married in 1889 to Mrs. Martha Kelley, also a native of Virginia. In 1886 she came west and has since resided in this part of the country. By her first union she had five children, all of whom survive, and by her mar- riage to Mr. Roberts she has become the mother of twins: Elnora, deceased ; and James Austin.
Mr. Roberts is a republican and for three terms served on the school board, during which time he did effective work for the local schools. His wife is a member of the Congregational church. Both are well known in the county and the prosperity which they have gained is the result of their own industry and good management.
W. L. TAYLOR.
W. L. Taylor, a successful farmer of Garfield county, Washington, residing on section 19, township 13 north, range 43 east, was born in Adams county, Illinois, in 1840, a son of Adam and Barbara (Grimes) Taylor, both natives of Kentucky, who removed to Illinois at an early day and there passed away upon the homestead. Five of their seven children are still living.
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WV. L. Taylor was reared in his native state and is indebted to its public schools for his education. He remained there for a number of years after attain- ing his majority but in 1878 removed to Walla Walla county and settled on land on section 19, township 13 north, range 43 east, where he has ever since resided. He has added to his original homestead and now owns three hundred and twenty- five acres of as fine wheat land as can be found in Washington. He has never regretted his choice of farming as an occupation, for he has found the work congenial and has gained a competence. He supervises the operation of the place but leaves the greater part of the actual work of its cultivation to others.
In 1866 Mr. Taylor was married to Miss Lucretia Vannest, who was born in Illinois, and to them were born three children: Willard; Edward, who is farming the home place; and James, now a resident of Idaho. The wife and mother passed away in 1915 and was buried in the May View cemetery.
Mr. Taylor supports the democratic party at the polls but he has never held office, with the exception of serving on the school board. He belongs to the Grange and to the Farmers' Union and believes that much can be accomplished for the advancement of country life through cooperation on the part of the farmers. He is an honored pioneer of the county and his accounts of early day conditions are of great interest to the younger generation.
GODFRED HANSON.
Godfred Hanson, who has been actively and successfully identified with the farming interests of Walla Walla county for the past three decades, is the owner of sixty-one acres of productive land on section I, Ritz township. His birth oc- curred in Denmark on the 17th of March, 1856, his parents being Hans and Cecil (Rasmussen ) Hanson, who were also natives of that country. In the '7os they crossed the Atlantic to the United States and here spent the remainder of their lives. They became the parents of nine children, but only two are now living, the surviving brother of our subject being Fred, who makes his home in Wis- consin.
Godfred Hanson was reared and educated in the land of his nativity, there spending the first seventeen years of his life. In 1873, attracted by the greater opportunities of the new world, he emigrated to the United States and took up his abode in Wisconsin, where he remained for fourteen years. On the ex- piration of that period, in 1887, he made his way westward to Washington, settling in Walla Walla county and purchasing a farm of sixty-one acres in Ritz township which he has operated continuously to the present time, covering a period of three decades. He erected substantial and commodious buildings on the property and now has a well improved farm on which he makes a specialty of the raising of alfalfa. His undertakings as an agriculturist have been at- tended with well merited success, so that he has long been numbered among the prosperous and representative citizens of his community.
In 1888 Mr. Hanson was united in marriage to Miss Anna Jensen, a native of Denmark, by whom he had four children, namely: Cecelia, Howard and Mildred, all at home ; and Fred, who is deceased.
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In politics Mr. Hanson is a stalwart democrat and at present he is ably serving as school director and clerk. He was reared in the Lutheran faith and still adheres to the teachings of that church. He is indeed a self-made man and deserves all the praise that term implies, for the success which he now enjoys is attributable entirely to his industry, energy and perseverance.
WILLIAM E. BRUCE.
William E. Bruce, who is devoting his time to farming on section 25, town- ship 9 north, range 37 east, is a native son of Washington as his birth occurred in Columbia county, September 18, 1880. His father was James W. Bruce, and his mother, who bore the maiden name of Addie Harmon, was a native of Ore- gon, but in 1857 came to Walla Walla county. James W. Bruce engaged in farming in this county for many years and met with gratifying success in that connection.
William E. Bruce, who is one of a family of four children, all of whom sur- vive, was reared in Walla Walla county and began his education in the public schools, continuing his studies in Pullman College. He remained at home, giving his father the benefit of his labor until he attained his majority, when he began operating three hundred and twenty acres of wheat land and three hundred and seventy acres of pasture land. He is still farming those tracts and derives a gratifying income from both his wheat raising and his stock raising.
In 1914 Mr. Bruce was married to Miss Clarabel Weatherford, of Dayton. a daughter of Hon. F. M. Weatherford, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. Mr. Bruce has never been active in public or political affairs. He holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and fraternally is identified with Lodge No. 16, A. F. & A. M., at Waitsburg and with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Waitsburg. These connections indicate the high standards which have governed his life and have gained him the respect of all who know him. As a farmer he is progressive and businesslike, as a citizen he manifests a commendable public spirit and in the private relations of life he is scrupulous in his recognition of the rights of others.
JOHN E. WEBB.
Having gained financial independence John E. Webb is now living retired in Walla Walla, save for the supervision which he gives to his extensive landed interests. He was born in Illinois, August 13, 1870, and was reared in that state. He received a public school education and was also trained to agricul- tural pursuits during his boyhood and youth. In early manhood he went to Nebraska, whence, several years later, he came to Walla Walla county, Wash- ington. He readily adapted himself to the crude conditions here, and as the years passed he purchased additional land and now owns about nine thousand
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acres. His property affords him double pleasure in that it is the direct result of his own business insight, resourcefulness and enterprise. He is one of the largest land holders in the county and he has always been among the first to adopt new methods or improved equipment.
In 1906 Mr. Webb was united in marriage to Mrs. Annie Pickard, the widow of Charles F. Pickard. By her first marriage she had six children, namely : Clara, who married O. L. Compton ; Thetford; Anita; Russell; Olive, the wife of C. W. Cornelius; and Beatrice. To Mr. and Mrs. Webb has been born a son, Harry E.
Mr. and Mrs. Webb spend their winters in California and all the comforts of life are theirs. Mr. Webb has never been ambitious to hold public office, preferring to concentrate his attention upon his individual interests. However, in developing his large farm holdings, he has played an important part in the upbuilding of Walla Walla county along agricultural lines. He has a number of fraternal connections, belonging to the Masonic lodge, the Knights of Pythias lodge and the Elks. Few men are more widely known or more highly esteemed in Walla Walla county than he, and it is largely recognized that his integrity, as well as his ability, is above question.
JOHN CHANDLER.
John Chandler, for many years a resident of Whitman county, where he still owns twenty-five hundred acres of fine land, is now living retired in Walla Walla, enjoying well deserved leisure. His birth occurred in Gloucestershire, England, January 14, 1854, and he is a son of Joseph and Eliza (Surman) Chandler, also natives of that country, where the father passed away. In 1882 the mother and her family of eight children came to America and proceeded at once to Wash- ington, as at that time our subject's uncle, William Yend, was living six miles north of Walla Walla. Mrs. Chandler continued to make her home with her children in that region until her death, which occurred in 1904. Of the eight children five still survive.
John Chandler received his education in his native land and there grew to manhood. In 1882 he accompanied the family on their emigration to the United States and on reaching Washington took up a homestead in Whitman county. As soon as possible he placed his land under cultivation and was so successful in his farming operations that from time to time he was able to purchase more land until he now owns twenty-five hundred acres. For a few years after locat- ing here he engaged in the cattle business to quite an extent but since then has given his attention principally to the raising of wheat. His holdings consist of some of the finest wheat land in the county and he now derives a good income from the rental of his property. In 1909 he retired from active labor and re- moved to Walla Walla, where he erected a fine residence on Roosevelt street, and here he has gained a high place in the esteem of his fellow citizens.
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