USA > Washington > Spokane County > Spokane > Spokane and the Spokane country : pictorial and biographical : deluxe supplement, Volume I > Part 13
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Horatio N. Belt had the usual experiences which fall to the lot of the farm boy who divides his time between the work of the fields and the acquirement of an education. He afterward engaged in teaching school for five years but thinking to find greater profit in commercial enterprises, he then engaged in the conduct of a flour mill and general mercantile establishment in Jersey county, Illinois, success attending him in this venture by reason of his well directed energy and his unfaltering determination. He continued in business there until 1882, when he removed to Bunker Hill, Illinois, where in connection with other interests he engaged in the banking business under the firm style of Belt Brothers & Company. In 1887 he came to Spokane and invested largely in real estate, purchasing an interest in the Ross Park addition and building a home there. He was one of the promoters of the Ross Park Street Railway Company, the first successful electric line west of the Missouri river. In all busi- ness affairs he displayed sound judgment that had its root in a close study of the situation and of its possibilities.
Mr. Belt was also prominent in the public life of the city and in 1891 was chosen as a member of the city council. In 1895 he was honored with the highest gift that his fellow townsmen could bestow upon him, election to the mayoralty for a term of one year, and was
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Don. Horatio A. Belt
again elected to the same office for two years in 1896. He was Spo- kane's chief executive during the most trying period in the history of the city, when the panic, Coxey's army, the American Railway Union strike and other things conspired against peace and prosper- ity. His popularity among the working people saved many riots and prevented bloodshed. In 1896 he was prominently mentioned for governor at the Ellensburg convention and would have been al- most the unanimous choice of the degelates had not the question of location defeated him. Spokane then had the congressman and attorney general, and the party could not place him on the ticket. He was very popular with the silver republicans and those making the fusion party of the state. He was a close and discriminating student of the questions of the day and gave earnest consideration to the position and possibilities of his party relative to the best inter- ests of the majority.
On the 16th of December, 1869, in Jersey county, Illinois, Mr. Belt was united in marriage to Miss Martha Tipton and they have three children: Cora L., who is now the widow of L. S. Roberts and has two children, Dorothy L. and Marshall A. Roberts; William L., an expert accountant now residing in San Francisco: and Hora- tio C., an attorney of Seattle.
Mr. Belt belonged to the Masonic order and held membership in the First Presbyterian church, to the teachings of which he was ever loyal, its principles dominating his life in all of its varied phases. He died in that faith August 22, 1900, and thus passed from life one who had had an important part to play in the history of Spo- kane, in molding its destiny and shaping its policy as well as in pro- moting its business activity. The same spirit of advancement which actuated him in all his private relations was manifest in his public life and any movement with which he became connected was benefited thereby.
Is Polert
Lloyd S. Roberts
LOYD S. ROBERTS, prominent in financial circles in Spokane as a dealer in stocks and bonds and gen- eral banking business, which he conducted as a mem- ber of the firm of Roberts Brothers up to the time of his death, was born in Ross county, Ohio, November 24, 1860, his parents being Albert D. and Rebecca Roberts, the former a prominent farmer of Ross county. In the pub- lie schools of that county the son pursued his education to the age of eighteen years, when he put aside his text-books to devote his en- tire time and attention to general agricultural pursuits, which he followed for a few years. He then engaged in the milling business with his brother in Ross county, Ohio, for a few years, after which he removed to the middle west, settling in Hutchinson, Kansas, where his business connection was that of representative for the Winfield Mortgage & Trust Company. He occupied that position for two years and in 1888 came to Spokane as representative for the same company, continuing in their employ until 1890.
Mr. Roberts then organized the Washington Abstract & Title Company, of which he was president for a year, and also became iden- tified with the Bank of Columbia. Later he became cashier of the Brown National Bank, with which he was connected for two years, and on the expiration of that period he became one of the firm of Roberts Brothers, dealers in stocks and bonds and also conducting a general banking business. He was thus associated up to the time of his death. He did not confine his attention entirely to that line, for he also organized the firm of Powell, Roberts & Finley, of which he was president for two years. IIe occupied a commanding posi- tion in banking circles and his ability was recognized by his colleagues and contemporaries, who ever expressed admiration for his resource- fulness, his capable management and his executive force.
On the 25th of August, 1891, Mr. Roberts was united in marriage to Miss Cora L. Belt. a daughter of the Hon. Horatio N. and Martha (Tipton) Belt, who are mentioned elsewhere in this volume. The children of this marriage are Dorothy L. and Marshall A., both of whom are in school.
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Llopo &. Roberts
In his political views Mr. Roberts was a republican but the honors and emoluments of office had no attraction for him. He held mem- bership in the Westminster Congregational church and in that faith passed away October 23, 1905. He was a home-loving man, devoted to the welfare of his family and ever loyal in his friendships. There were no spectacular phases in his life but his record was none the less useful and none the less significant than that of many a man who has been more prominently before the public eye. He was ever faith- full to duty, whether of a public or private nature, and his record indicates what can be accomplished along the lines of steady progres- sion when willingness to work, capability and recognition of oppor- tunity are numbered among the salient traits of the individual. Desire to succeed that he might provide well for his family prompted Mr. Roberts in all of his business career and brought him eventually to a prominent position in financial circles in Spokane.
RIJanton.
Robert John Danson
R OBERT JOHN DANSON, senior partner of the law firm of Danson, Williams & Dansou and a prac- titioner at the Spokane bar since 1890, was born in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, February 2, 1857. His fa- ther, Robert W. Danson, became an early settler of the Badger state, establishing his home in Pewaukee in 1840. There he died in 1867, while his wife, who bore the maiden name of Michal Giles, survived him until 1898.
After attending the graded and high schools of Pewaukee, Rob- ert J. Danson entered the State Normal at Whitewater, Wisconsin, and when his course there was completed he went to Waukesha, Wis- consin, where he read law in an attorney's office. His last year's reading was pursued at Davenport, Iowa, where he was admitted to the bar in December, 1881. He then practiced in that city until 1883, when he removed to Algona, Iowa, where he followed his pro- fession until 1890. In that year he came to Spokane and formed a partnership with Judge Prather under the firm name of Prather & Danson, which association was maintained for four and a half years. During the succeeding year and a half Mr. Danson practiced alone and was then joined by Mr. Huneke under the firm style of Danson & Huneke, which was continued until January 1, 1905, when the firm name was changed to Danson & Williams. On the Ist of Septem- ber, 1911, they were joined by Mr. Danson's son, Robert W., at which time they adopted the firm name of Danson, Williams & Dan- son. Their clientage is extensive and of an important character and in the work of the courts Robert J. Danson is proving himself the peer of the ablest members of the Spokane bar.
Aside from his professional activity Mr. Danson is known in busi- ness circles as one of the organizers and stockholders of the Pasco Reclamation Company and has done much to upbuild and improve that district through his efforts in connection with the company. He is also a trustee of the Washington Trust Company and of the Union Park Bank.
On the 17th of March, 1881, Mr. Danson was married to Miss Ella J. Lilly, a daughter of John Lilly, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
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Robert John Danson
They have five children: Ella E., now the wife of Clyde Higgins; Robert W., a member of the law firm of Danson, Williams & Dan- son; Michal L. and May, both at home; and Ethel, who is attending Monticello Seminary at Godfrey, Illinois.
Mr. Danson is well known in Masonic circles, having attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite and also crossed the sands of the desert with the nobles of El Katif Temple of the Mystic Shrine. He is likewise a member of the Spokane Club and the Spo- kane Country Club. In a profession where advancement depends entirely upon individual merit and ability he has worked his way constantly upward and at the same time has proven his resourceful- ness in his capable management of other business interests and investments.
Il. Preusse
Derman Preusse
ERMAN PREUSSE, now living retired, was for H many years the senior partner of the firm of Preusse & Zittel, architects of Spokane. He received most thorough professional training in Germany, his na- tive country, and has contributed perhaps more largely to the upbuilding of Spokane in his line of business than any other one man, being today the oldest architect in the profession of this city.
He was born in Germany in 1847, a son of Carl Victor and Vic- toria Preusse. He was only three years of age when his father died and his mother afterward became the wife of Wilhelm Mehl, a lead- ing architect, so that Mr. Preusse had excellent opportunity to be- gin preparation for his profession at a very early age. He was a lad of thirteen years when he went to Halle on the Saale river and in the famous institution of that city studied for three years, after which he returned home and had the practical experience of three years' service and instruction in his stepfather's office. He then re- sumed his studies in the noted college of architecture at Holzminden and such was his standing that he was sent by the faculty of that in- stitution to superintend the construction of the large Bessemer steel works in Osnabrück. After completing the work there he came to America, realizing that in this country, which was only sparsely set- tled comparatively and yet was enjoying rapid growth, he would find better and broader opportunities than could be secured in the more thickly settled and older European countries. He arrived in New York in June, 1870, and at once made his way to Chicago, where he found employment in the North Chicago Rolling Mills, but shortly after the great fire of 1871 he was compelled to leave that city on account of ill health. He then visited the various western states and territories and finally settled in San Bernardino, Cali- fornia, where for some time he conducted a thriving business. He afterward lived in San Francisco for a time and subsequently estab- lished his home in Sterling, Kansas, whence he went to Kansas City, Missouri.
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Derman Preusse
In 1882 Mr. Preusse came to Spokane, where he began the prac- tice of his profession and is today the oldest architect of this city in years of continuous connection therewith. He has seen the develop- ment of Spokane from a population of one or two hundred to the leading city of the Inland Empire and one of the most prominent cities of the Pacific coast. Many of the imposing buildings which were destroyed by the fire of 1889 were designed by him and erected under his supervision. Since this he has made plans and specifica- tions for a large number of the finest business blocks and residences and other buildings in this city and eastern Washington. In 1893 he admitted J. A. Zittel to a partnership and they also employed an assistant. Mr. Preusse has devoted the efforts of a lifetime to the study and practice of his chosen profession and as a natural re- sult of such concentration he is in the front rank among the architects of the state. Economy, practicability, utility and beauty all enter into his work and whether following a unique style or building ac- cording to modern construction, comfort and convenience are al- ways matters of consideration in his plans. As he has prospered in his undertakings he has made judicious investment in farm property, for agriculture and horticulture have always been matters of in- terest to him. He has owned four farms, each of which contained one hundred and sixty acres, and under his supervision these have been highly improved. This, however, has been but a side issue or interest in his life, for he has devoted himself almost entirely to the practice of his profession. Among some of the best known buildings which he has designed are the Auditorium block, the Jamieson block, Blalock building, Fernwell block, Granite building, Ziegler building, Victoria Hotel, Hotel Pacific and many other structures. He de- signed the first permanent buildings of Gonzaga College and the School of Science of Pullman. In fact, the starting of the latter in- stitution was due entirely to his efforts.
Mr. Preusse has been twice married. While a resident of Ster- ling, Kansas, he wedded Miss Rosa Cole, a native of Pennsylvania, who died in Spokane, April 17, 1897, leaving four children, namely: Olga May and Florence Augusta who were educated in an eastern university ; Carl Victor; and Arnold Bismarck. Mr. Preusse believes in educating his children well and expects to give them every pos- sible advantage in that direction. On the 3d of October, 1910, he was married to Mrs. Emma (Keller) Wilke, a daughter of Dr. S. and Marie (Wingender) Keller, who came from Germany at an early age and settled in Wisconsin. Her father, however, is now a re-
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tired physician of Spokane and her mother died nearly thirty years ago. Mrs. Preusse has two brothers, and one sister, who are num- bered among the pioneers of this region. Socially Mr. Preusse is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias and the Elks and he is a pub- lic-spirited citizen who takes a commendable interest in every enter- prise for the promotion of the general welfare but is especially in- terested in educational matters.
Julie a filles
Julius A. Zittel
ULIUS A. ZITTEL, a Spokane architect, whose developing powers have brought him to a position where recognized skill and ability place him with the foremost representatives of his profession in the Inland Empire, is now a member of the firm of Zit- tel & Rigg and has followed his chosen calling in this city since 1887. The name indicates his German birth and nativity, his natal year being 1869. He was thirteen years of age when he crossed the Atlantic to America, residing for a time in Chicago, where he studied architecture in a large office of that city until he came to Spokane. He was about eighteen years of age when, in 1887, he arrived in Washington and secured employment with H. Preusse, who was already established as a leading architect of this city. For six years he continued in the office and the recognition of his con- stantly increasing ability led to his admission to a partnership in 1893. and they continued in business under the firm style of Preusse & Zittel until 1910. In the intervening period of eighteen years they designed and superintended the construction of many of the fin- est buildings in Spokane, including the Gonzaga College and the Victor block. They were also the architects who designed the new city hall, St. Aloysius Catholic church and the Carnegie Library build- ing. Mr. Zittel, moreover, is connected with the building interests of the city as vice president of the Citizens Building & Loan Association. He has been a close student of his profession and is thoroughly famil- iar with the great scientific principles which underlie his work, while in design and execution the work embodies many of the most artistic conceptions.
In 1889 occurred the marriage of Mr. Zittel and Miss Alice Shanks, a daughter of Robert and Marion Shanks, both pioneers of the county. They have one child, Eunice I. M., born in 1893, who is attending school. Their acquaintance in Spokane is a wide one and their circle of friends is almost coextensive therewith. Mr. Zittel pos- sesses many of the sterling characteristics of the German race, includ- ing the thoroughness and perseverance as well as artistic temperament which have made the Teutonic people an important element of progress in various parts of the world.
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Instrustrong
Major James M. Armstrong
POKANE is a monument to the business ability and S enterprise of such men as Major James M. Arm- strong, who came to this city in 1883 when its pro- portions were those of a village. He recognized, however, the possibilities for growth and develop- ment here and became a prominent factor in business circles, active in the management of business affairs which have con- stituted important elements in public progress.
He was born in Washington, Washington county, Pennsylvania, April 23, 1844, a son of David and Letitia Armstrong, who were also natives of that place. When a little lad of six years he accom- panied his parents on their removal to Louisville, Kentucky, and six years later the family went to Washington, Iowa. It is a notable fact that much of Major Armstrong's life was spent in communities named in honor of the "father of his country," for he was born in Washington, Pennsylvania, lived for a time in Washington, Iowa, and Washington, D. C., and afterward became a resident of the state of Washington.
Following the outbreak of the Civil war he enlisted on the 28th of July, 1861, as a private of Company K, Thirteenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and served in the Army of the Tennessee for three years, participating in many hard fought campaigns and engagements, in- cluding the battle of Shiloh, the siege and battle of Corinth and the siege of Vicksburg. He also took part in the battles of Marietta, Peach Tree Creek and Atlanta, and in the last named sustained a gun-shot wound in the left leg, which necessitated the amputation of that member, so that he was honorably discharged for disability on the 21st of July, 1864. He left Iowa in 1867. going to Washington, D. C., where he occupied a clerical position in the census office of the department of the interior and also acted as chief clerk in the land office. While thus engaged he entered upon the study of law in the Columbia Law School and was graduated with the class of 1871.
The year 1880 witnessed the arrival of Major Armstrong in this state. On the 20th of April he was appointed by President Hayes
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Major James A. Armstrong
to the position of register of the land office at Colfax and came to Spokane on the transference of the office to this city in September, 1883. He held that position until 1885, after which he engaged in the general practice of law for four years, but was again called to public office in October, 1889, when elected county clerk. He ably discharged the duties of that position for four years and then served as deputy until 1895, when he resigned to become treasurer of the LeRoi Mining Company, which he had aided in incorporating in 1890. At the time the mine was sold in 1898 he was treasurer of the company and a heavy stockholder. He was also interested in the Sullivan group and was president of the Wonderful and other min- ing properties and vice president of the Miller Creek group and of the Gem. His investments in mining property brought him splendid returns and he also became interested in city property in Spokane, being half owner of the Hyde block and owner of a fine residence on the north side. He became one of the most prominent residents of this city and took high rank among the men whose enterprise and business ability developed and built up Spokane and the surrounding mining region-the great source of its wealth and prosperity.
On the 11th of June, 1873. in Washington, D. C., Major Arm- strong was united in marriage to Miss Lida B. Murphy, a native of Philadelphia and a daughter of Charles and Margaret E. Murphy, the former a descendant of one of the prominent early English fam- ilies of this country. Her father was at one time a resident of New Jersey and afterward of Philadelphia, becoming an editor of that city and later a prominent lawyer. Unto Major and Mrs. Armstrong was born a daughter, May Edith, who was born April 17. 1880, and is now the wife of Donald Kizer, a practicing attorney of Spokane. They have one daughter, Edith Lida Kizer.
During the last five years of his life Major Armstrong was an invalid, compelled to spend much of his time within doors, but he was a great reader and his books and the companionship of his wife and daughter made the hours pass pleasantly. His political alle- giance was given to the republican party and he was always regarded as a public-spirited man for it was known that his aid was never with- held from all practical public projects and movements. He died September 10, 1909, after a residence of twenty-six years in the northwest. He was determined and energetic and his resolute spirit enabled him to carry forward to successful completion whatever he undertook. Socially he was known as a prominent member of the Grand Army of the Republic, becoming a charter member of John
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Major James Al. Armstrong
L. Reno Post, of this city, and he was also an Elk. He never al- lowed the accumulation of wealth to in any way affect his relations toward those less fortunate and was always willing to extend a helping hand where aid was needed. In the years of his active career he was a strong man in his ability to plan and perform and always equally so in his honor and good name.
JAPerkins
Don. James Allen Perkins
IGH political honors might have been won by James H Allen Perkins had his ambition centered along that line, but he has preferred to utilize the opportunities offered in business and gain his success in the de- velopment and conduct of projects which have con- tributed to general prosperity as well as to individ- ual success. The consensus of public opinion names him as one of the most useful, representative and honored residents of Colfax and Whitman county and because of this his life history cannot fail to prove of interest to many of the readers of this volume.
Illinois claims Mr. Perkins as a native son, his birth having oc- curred in Belle Plaine, Marshall county, September 7, 1841. His parents were Joel B. and Margaret (Burt) Perkins, who were among the earliest settlers on the Pacific coast, having crossed the plains with an ox team in 1852. They settled in the vicinity of Oregon City in the Willamette valley and subsequently became residents of Benton county, Oregon, where they remained until 1861. That year witnessed their arrival in Washington, taking up their abode in Walla Walla county, where the father purchased a tract of land adjoining the present town of Waitsburg. His energies were there devoted to the development and improvement of a good farm and the work of reclaiming the wild land was further advanced through the efforts of James Allen Perkins, who took up a preemption claim adjoining his father's place. However, he afterward sold his right to that property and purchased the tract upon which the town of Huntsville now stands. In July, 1870, Mr. Perkins and Thomas J. Smith, who was elected state senator from Whitman county upon the admission of the state, settled on the land at the junction of the north and south branches of the Palouse river, agreeing between themselves as to boundaries, for the United States survey had not then been made. After they had together put up thirty tons of wild hay and had taken to their land the materials necessary for building their houses, Mr. Smith withdrew, leaving Mr. Perkins with no other company than his employes. However, the warm personal friendship formed between the two men years ago has always been
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maintained and Mr. Perkins afterward secured a neighbor in H. S. Hollingsworth, who in the spring located on the land vacated by Mr. Smith. The two soon afterward began the erection of the first saw- mill in the region north of the Snake river, east of the Columbia and west of the Rocky mountains, and in various other ways took active part in the development of the district, both along material and po- litical lines.
When an act of the territorial legislature organized Whitman county during the winter of 1871-2, Mr. Perkins was appointed one of the commissioners to locate the county seat. Colfax, for the town had even then been platted and named, was the location chosen, and the decision of the commissioners was sustained by the voters at the next regular election. Mr. Perkins had for some time been recog- nized as a leading and forceful factor in community affairs and in 1870 had received an offer from Superintendent Ross, at Fort Sim- coe, to look after Indian matters in the Yakima country. He had declined the position, however, preferring to cast in his lot with the town which was just springing into existence on his land. His de- cision was fortunate for the little city as well as for himself, as since that date he has proven a most active and prominent factor in the work of general progress and improvement. His capital has been given freely toward its upbuilding and all of his activities have proven elements in its growth and advancement. Specific proof of the value of his labors is found in the fact that he was one of the incor- porators of the Washington & Idaho Railroad, which has had an in- measurable effect upon the development of the agricultural and mineral resources of the two states whose names it bears. He turned his attention to the field of banking when in 1881 he purchased from C. C. Linnington the Bank of Colfax, remaining sole proprietor thereof until 1886, in which year A. L. Mills was admitted to part- nership. Four years passed and O. E. Williams then became the partner of Mr. Perkins and the successor of Mr. Mills. The bank has always been conducted on safe, conservative lines and has consti- tuted a potent force in the financial stability of this section. Mr. Perkins has also operated quite extensively in real estate as local agent for the Oregon Railway & Navigation Company and the Northern Pacific Railway Company, representing the latter since it has placed its land on the market.
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