USA > Washington > Spokane County > Spokane > Spokane and the Spokane country : pictorial and biographical : deluxe supplement, Volume I > Part 3
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John Robert Monaghan
others fled, leaving Monaghan alone with him. Although urged repeatedly by Lansdale to save himself (as testified by the last of the men to leave), he steadily refused and stood his ground, await- ing assistance. Presently others who had been in the rear came up and in their turn departed. The next day the bodies of Lansdale and Monaghan were found lying together in the jungle. Captain White of the Philadelphia in his official report wrote: 'It is in evi- dence most clear that when Ensign Monaghan discovered that Lieu- tenant Lansdale was wounded he used his best endeavors to convey him to the rear and seizing a rifle from a disabled man made a brave defence; but undoubtedly he fell very shortly after joining Lansdale, and the hostiles, flushed with success, bore down on our men in this vicinity. The men were not in sufficient numbers to hold out any longer and they were forced along by a fire which it was impossible to withstand. But Ensign Monaghan did stand. He stood stead- fast by his wounded superior and friend, one rifle against many, brave man against a score of savages. He knew he was doomed. He could not yield. He died in the heroic performance of duty.'"
The remains of Ensign Monaghan were brought back to the United States on the Philadelphia and interred in Spokane, where every honor was paid his memory. On the 25th of October, 1906, a bronze statue was unveiled in Spokane, by his sister, Agnes, which was given by the citizens of the state of Washington. The torpedo boat destroyer which was launched February 18, 1911, was named in honor of Ensign Monaghan and his sister, Nellie, christened the boat. A life of great promise was terminated when in that tropical coun- try he closed his eyes forever in death, after displaying a heroic devotion to his commander and to the cause which he served that is unsurpassed in the history of military action among American troops. It has been said that "Memory is the only friend that grief can call its own." It is indeed a precious memory that remains to the par- ents, for there was never a blot on his scutcheon, and the story of his heroism may well serve as an inspiration to the American youth.
Rev. H. L. McCulloch, S. J., has recorded the life history in a book, which he wrote and published and following we quote some of the excerpts:
Father Forestier says: "During this war many events have caused us pain and grief and many a wound has been left on our hearts, but perhaps the one we have felt most acutely and which is the most in- delible is the death of Ensign Monaghan."
Cadet Sweet says: "Monaghan's death is especially a personal
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John Robert Monaghan
loss to me, as we had been close companions in these trying events. I have lost a brother, tried and true."
Mr. Justice Gordon, speaking at Olympia, in Robert's native state, on the Fourth of July, exclaimed: "You will search history in vain for the record of any act of bravery to excel that of Spokane's Ensign Monaghan at Samoa, presenting as it does to the world an object lesson in heroism and friendship. Such an act perfumes the pages of history and renders it enchanting, and wherever language is spoken or history is written, his name shall shine on, like the stars of God, forever and ever."
Admiral B. H. McCalla, then captain, in the U. S. Navy, renders a splendid tribute to our hero. At that time having been asked to tell of the most inspiring deed of ship or man that ever came to his no- tice, to stimulate interest in naval affairs, he said: "In reply I beg to state that I know of nothing finer, or more courageous, or more heroic, than the act of Ensign J. R. Monaghan, who on April 1st, last, while attached to the Philadelphia, and forming one of a land- ing force in Samoa, alone remained with his wounded commanding officer, and gave up his life in an attempt to rescue him from the enemy."
Ex-Senator Wilson says: "The nobility of this young hero shone forth. In front of him was certain death. Behind him a sure avenue of escape. But at his side, begging him to save himself, while there was yet time, lay his superior officer and friend. He never wavered. His high sense of duty and that great moral courage with which he was endowed, would not permit him to desert his post in the hour of danger. Lieutenant Lansdale begged him to retreat and save himself. This he would not do, and bravely and manfully he stood, defending at the peril of his own young life, the fast ebbing life of his commander and friend. Calmly and deliberately he waited the onset of his savage foes, and with empty revolver and cutlass in hand, he died, as was his wish to die, with his face to the foe in defense of his friend, his flag, and his country."
Father Paul Dethoor, S. J., says: "Ensign Monaghan shall live in the memory of America and England, in the memory of Gonzaga and Annapolis, and in the hearts of his countrymen. But our great- est consolation is, thanks to the Christian education given him by his parents and teachers, that his death crowned a life of unswerving fidelity to the principles and duties of his religion. We know that human glory can not reach beyond the grave, but that only a life of faith is available before God. Such was the life of young Monaghan."
1 James Graham
Captain James Graham
FTEN it has been said that death loves a shining O mark, and this finds its exemplification in the fact that Captain James Graham was called from the scene of earthly activities when a comparatively young man of forty years. His career had been marked by steady and continuous progress resulting from the wise use of his time, his talents and his opportunities, and gradually he had advanced from a humble position in the business world to one of prominence, not only in the control of individual in- terests but also as a factor in public thought and opinion for he held advanced views upon many questions which are now regarded as of vital and significant interest in the history of the country.
He was born December 25, 1866, in Crossreagh, County Mona- ghan, Ireland, and at the age of twelve years accompanied his parents to America. They made their way at once to the west, settling in Walla Walla, Washington, where they remained for a short time and then removed to Colville, this state.
For a time Captain Graham was a mail carrier, his route being from Colville to Spokane, Washington, and then he entered the en- ploy of Louis Ziegler, a hardware merchant, securing this position through the influence of his uncle, James Monaghan, a very wealthy and influential resident of Spokane, who felt a deep interest in James Graham, his favorite nephew, with whom he largely took the place of father. After two years spent in the employ of Mr. Ziegler, Cap- tain Graham entered the service of his uncle, Mr. Monaghan, who at that time was a post trader at Coeur d'Alene. He served in various capacities, his constantly developing ability winning him recognition in successive promotions. He acted as purser on the boats on the Coeur d'Alene lake and river, and also had charge of the office at the old mission, looking after supplies sent to the army post and mines. He was at different times expert accountant for several mining com- panies as well as for S. S. Glidden and the Liebes of San Francisco.
In 1894 Captain Graham was appointed registrar of the United States land office at Coeur d'Alene, a position which he held during the succeeding four years. During that time he devoted the hours
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Captain James Graham
which are usually termed leisure to the study of law, being advised at times concerning his reading by the Hon. Robert E. McFarland, who was then attorney general for the state of Idaho. Captain Gra- ham's preliminary education had covered perhaps not more than six months' instruction in the public schools. He was truly a self- educated as well as self-made man. He possessed a responsive mind and retentive memory, and from each experience of life learned the lessons it contained. Moreover, he read broadly and thought deeply, and thus laid the foundation for the study of law, displaying notable ambition and courage in his efforts to educate himself for the legal profession under circumstances and conditions which would have utterly disheartened many a man of less resolute spirit and determi- nation. In 1897 he was admitted to practice before the supreme court of Idaho and entered upon the active work of the profession in which he would undoubtedly have attained an eminent position had death not claimed him. In the year in which he began practice- 1897-he was appointed by Governor Stuenburg as one of the dele- gates to the Trans-Mississippi Congress.
Captain Graham had already become prominent as a factor in political circles. It was but natural that a man of his temperament and studious disposition should become deeply interested in the po- litical situation and conditions of the country and take active part in support of such measures and movements as he deemed valuable fac- tors for public progress. He became one of the most notable cam- paign speakers of the northwest and often went outside the state limits in aid of his party. His appointment to the Trans-Mississippi Congress was in recognition of his broad knowledge of matters which would naturally come up for discussion there. The meeting was held at Salt Lake City, Utah, in July, 1897, on which occasion Captain Graham made one of the most notable speeches heard in the congress, in which he advocated reciprocity, to which at that time very little thought was given. On that occasion he said: "I have never been more impressed with the greatness of my country and the genius of its founders than when I look at this congress and reflect upon the vast area it represents-not a section, but an empire; a country greater in extent, more prolific in the possibilities of her productions, than the Roman empire at its extremist extent. I am also mindful of the fact that, had we clung with the pertinacity which it deserved to the line of 54-40, embraced in the Louisiana purchase, instead of accepting the 49th parallel, we now would have had the vast mineral region of
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Captain James Graham
British Columbia. This empire was the result of a purchase of eleven millions.
"The relation that the Trans-Mississippi occupies, and particu- larly the state which I represent, to that disputed area north of the 49th parallel and south of 54-40 is of peculiar moment. I verily be- lieve that had the genius of Jamestown landed in San Francisco bay and the genius of Plymouth Roek at the mouth of the Columbia, it would have been centuries before the settlers of America would have crossed the Sierras and the Rockies to settle the wastes and plains.
"Nine years after '49 the sons of California were opening up to the world the interior of British Columbia, Cariboo and Fraser river. This influx showed the possibilities in the production of the precious metals, and the reflex led to the wonderful discoveries of Idaho, Mon- tana, Washington and eastern Oregon. I hazard the assertion that had it not been for these adventurers, the wonderful possibilities of that section would never have been shown to our cousins on the other side of the line marking British Columbia.
"Our English cousins have, in my humble judgment, established a wise system of mining legislation, and have cut off that thing known as 'extra-lateral rights,' and every encouragement is given to the foreigner. The only requirement is that the prospector take out a free miner's license, costing five dollars, and renew it each year.
"The result of this in the last four years has been astounding. From Trail to Kootenai and from the line to Cariboo the eye is every- where fretted with the mineral stake. The American miner has been everywhere. The minister of mines reports the silver production in British Columbia in 1895 at $977,229 and in 1896 at $2,100,000, de- spite the low price. The copper in 1895 was worth $47,642 and in 1896 $169,926. Lead in 1896 amounted to $721,384, coal to $2,818,- 962 and gold to $1,788,206. The influx of American capital and American miners in that region has increased the total value of all mining products from $2,608,608 in 1891 to $7,146,425 in 1896. All the large mines, the Le Roi, Slocan Star, the Reco and others are owned, opened and developed by Americans. In 1896 in Spokane, Washington, three hundred and sixty-three companies were organized with a total capital of $300,925,000 for operation in the mines of British Columbia, and Americans have put their capital into railroads and smelters there.
"With this data, what is our true policy to this American section situated in a foreign country that should belong to us? What is the best policy to protect American rights and interests there? Our
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Captain James Graham
English cousins mean to be just, but hostile legislation here brings re- taliatory measures there. Can we, or should we, place a high protec- tive tariff upon ores from that country which naturally seek an out- let through ours?
"If a tariff is forced upon them they will retaliate with an export duty on the rich gold and copper ores, keeping them away from our smelters. Reciprocity should be cultivated, but under it we are stared in the face with the fact that our reciprocity can only be with England, which means that free trade with England would be ex- torted from us. Again, I cannot see where lead ores need any protec- tion. In the Coeur d'Alenes six miles, almost contiguous, produce more in tonnage and value of lead-silver ores than all of British Columbia, and I have never found how a tariff on lead has ever helped these people. In 1886 to 1889, without a tariff on lead, their ores brought six cents per pound; with a tariff of one and one-half cents, under Harrison, lead fell from three to four cents per pound.
"As to our commercial relations: Our cereals and garden pro- duce these people must have, and a schedule of prices can be arranged under the genius of reciprocity. The whole policy is to avoid un- friendly relations with these peculiar people who are more of and for us than they are for the English or the English manufacturer. If, however, unfriendly legislation on our part should breed hostile legis- lation on theirs, and the miners' license should be abrogated, and Americans were compelled to abjure their allegiance in order to in- vest their money, let us remember that this energy would invite the adventurous to the fields south of the line under our own flag.
"Let us frame those laws which will secure for us the realization of the 'manifest destiny' of the American people. Their destiny has guided them to the west, and the reflux has swept them north and south and will not be consummated until Columbia shall stand upon her own waterways through the isthmus in Central America and can claim in one vast homogeneous people the entire area from her water- way in the isthmus to 54-40."
This speech of Captain Graham naturally drew to him the atten- tion and interest of prominent men throughout the country and would undoubtedly have paved the way to positions of high honor had he . been spared to accept such. In the following year-1898-when the Spanish-American war broke out, his services were deemed so valu- able that he was tendered the office of major of the First Idaho In- fantry by Governor Stuenburg, but as he felt others were better quali- fied for the position than himself he declined to accept. He did, how-
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Captain James Graham
ever, accept the position of quartermaster for the regiment with the rank of first lieutenant, and after he had gained more experience in the field as a soldier in the Philippines, he was promoted to the cap- taincy of Company C, First Idaho Infantry, which position he was filling when mustered out of service. He was elected county attorney of Kootenai county, Idaho, in 1900, and acted in that capacity until he resigned because of failing health. Soon after his return from the war he became ill and did not again recover his health, passing away on the 15th of August, 1906. In the meantime he had resumed the practice of law and also conducted some business interests, purchas- ing the water and light plant at Coeur d'Alene, which he reorganized and established upon a profitable basis.
It was on the 17th of February, 1896, in Spokane, Washington, that Captain Graham was married to Miss Teresa M. Kildea, a daughter of Patrick and Maria (Crowder) Kildea, of Fingal, On- tario, Canada. Mrs. Graham now occupies one of the handsome residences of Coeur d'Alene, commanding a charming view of Coeur d'Alene lake. The place is called Villa Glendalough, after a famous villa in County Wicklow, Ireland, the birth place of her mother.
Captain Graham was a member of the Elks Lodge, No. 228, of Spokane, and also held membership with the Catholic Order of For- esters at Walla Walla. His life was notable in its devotion to public and private duties. Unassuming in manner he was neither flattered by the honors of public office nor tempted by its emoluments, pre- ferring the more familiar duties within the range of his accustomed activities. On one occasion he was nominated by acclamation as democratic candidate for congress, but declined to make the race, feeling he could serve his own and the people's interests better at home. He was endowed by nature with keen mentality, but the de- velopment of his powers was due to his own ambition and utilization of every opportunity that presented itself. There were in him the qualities which enabled him to overcome difficulties and obstacles and make continuous advancement, actuated by a laudable ambition that recognized the obligations of the individual to choose only those things which are most worth while and which renders the life of each one of greatest service in the world's work.
Lewis D. Larsen
ISTORY in Washington is in the making. The great H broad valleys, fertile plains and mountain sides give splendid opportunity for the development of every branch of agriculture, commerce and mining and into this great district, rich in its natural resources, have come hundreds of enterprising, progressive men from the east, imbued with the purpose of wisely using the time and talents in the attainment of success through the development of the country. To this class belongs Lewis P. Larsen, a capitalist, and the founder and builder of the town of Metaline Falls. He was born in Denmark, March 7, 1876, and is a son of Anders and Petrea Larsen, who still reside in that country. IIe pursued his education in the schools of his native land, taking a technical course and in 1895 he came to America, making his way to Salt Lake City. In that locality he spent about a year as cowboy on a ranch but later secured employ- ment in the mines of that region. His arrival in the Spokane country was in 1897, at which time he located at Wallace, Idaho. There he followed mining and was connected with the firm of Larsen & Green- ough, one of the prominent mining firms of the northwest. His early educational training has proven of immense value to him in the conduct of his business affairs in later life. His knowledge and capability soon won him recognition as an expert mining engineer and in 1900 he became connected with the Last Chance mine at North- port, Washington. In 1905 he discovered the deposits of cement rock at the present site of Metaline Falls and interested F. A. Blackwell and others in the undertaking, with the result that the Inland Portland Cement Company was organized, erected its building at a cost of one million dollars and is today supplying the needs of the entire Inland Empire in this particular. Theirs is the largest and most complete cement plant in the northwest. Its mills and buildings have a floor space of several acres and the plant is most thoroughly equipped with modern machinery and with all the facilities that promote the manu- facture and the interests of the trade. From the time of his discovery of the cement rock here Mr. Larsen has not only taken an active part in the upbuilding of the town but has been the prime spirit in founding
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Lewis D. Larsen
and developing Metaline Falls. He has introduced the most progres- sive ideas, putting forth every effort in his power to make this an ideal western city. Its site is a notably beautiful one on a picturesque pen- insula at the confluence of Pend d'Oreille river and Sullivan creek and is the northern terminus of the Idaho & Washington Northern Railroad. The town lies at a level of one hundred feet above the river and has had a phenomenal growth since it sprang into existence dur- ing the summer of 1910. Thirty-five business houses are already in operation, two excellent hotels afford first-class accommodations and civic improvements are being promoted at a rapid rate. The general plan of the town was conceived by Mr. Larsen, owner of the town site, and it is laid out on strictly modern lines with a beautiful park system and playgrounds. It is supplied with electric lines, has a never failing supply of the purest water and there is now in process of erection a twenty-five thousand dollar school building. The natural contour of the town site lends itself to ideally arranged residence districts and a perfectly beautiful system of parks. On the entire west and north sides the park slopes to the very water's edge. In laying out the streets the utmost care has been given to preserving the natural beauty of the place. An electric light system has been installed and aside from being a director of the Inland Portland Cement Company, Mr. Lar- sen is now president of the Metaline Falls Water Company, also of the Larsen Realty Company, the Larsen Lead Company and The Lead & Zinc Company, all business enterprises of Metaline Falls. He has studied methods pursued in town-building elsewhere in the north- west, has improved upon plans previously followed by others and has avoided all that is likely to lead to difficulties.
In 1906 Mr. Larsen was united in marriage at Port Carbon, Penn- sylvania, to Miss Bertha Brown, a daughter of George and Mary Brown, of that city. They now occupy a very beautiful home at Metaline Falls, which Mr. Larsen erected in 1910. He belongs to the Spokane Club and the Inland Club, also of Spokane. He has never held nor desired office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs, which are of rapidly growing importance. The town which he has founded and which stands as a monument to his enter- prise and progressiveness is not only most beautifully situated but lies in the midst of a district of splendid natural resources and of agricul- tural possibilities. He displayed notable sagacity and foresight in choosing the location, and the business methods which he is pursuing insure the continual growth and prosperity of this new and enterpris- ing city of the northwest.
Oliver Hall
Oliver Tall
O LIVER HALL, who is now serving his third term as state senator from this district, has been a resi- dent of Colfax for the past thirty-four years. He was born in St. Lawrence county, New York, on the 17th of February, 1852, and is a son of Luman and Lydia (Crossett) Hall, the father a native of Vermont and the mother of the state of New York.
During the early childhood of Oliver Hall his parents removed to Canada, but subsequently located in northern Wisconsin. He be- gan his education in the common schools of Canada, and completed it in those of Wisconsin and of Mankato, Minnesota, where the family later resided. He terminated his school days at the age of eighteen years, in 1870, and thereafter gave his entire attention to farming. From then until 1876 he was associated with his father in agricultural pursuits in Minnesota, but in the latter year they came to Washington. When they first removed to this state they located in Seattle, where they resided for a year then came to Col- fax. Here the father and son engaged in the manufacture of wagons and buggies and also sleighs, this being the first industry of the kind north of the Snake river. This enterprise was operated under the firm name of L. Hall & Son until the father's death in 1880, after which Oliver Hall conducted the business under his own name. Various activities engaged the attention of Mr. Hall during the pioneer days and in addition to the wagon and carriage business he also sold pumps and windmills from 1877 to 1900. Possessing much foresight and sagacity, he has always had the faculty of rec- ognizing and utilizing to his advantage opportunities not discernible to the less resourceful individual, and to this can be attributed much of his success. Agricultural pursuits have strongly attracted Mr. Hall for many years, and he is now devoting liis time to farming and fruit growing.
During the long period of his residence in Whitman county, Mr. Hall has taken an active and helpful interest in all public affairs, particularly those of a political nature. He casts his ballot for the men and measures of the republican party and for several terms was
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