CflEnUGUT OSPOStr. AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY OF SOUTHEASTERN WASHINGTON INCLUDING WALLA WALLA, COLUMBIA, GARFIELD AND ASOTIN COUNTIES WASHINGTON Western Historical Publishing Company publishers 1906 LIBRARY of CONGRESS Two Copies Received APh 27 1906 ^ Copyright Entry Mvvh, 19 ci CLASS CU XXc, No. COPY 8. Copyright Western Historical Publishing Company 1906 a *> SDefcicateb TO THE pioneers of Southeastern Washington TO THOSE WHO HAVE GONE BEFORE AND TO THOSE WHO REMAIN TO RECITE THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE PAST, THESE PAGES ARE RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED Cujus est solum, ejus est usque ad coelum. "He who owns the soil owns up to the sky." — Laxv maxim Look up! the wide extended plain Is billowy with its ripened grain ; And on the summer winds are rolled Its waves of emerald and gold. — William Henry Burleigh — "The Harvest Call." The first farmer was the first man, and all historic nobility rests on possession and use of land. — Ralph Waldo Emerson FOREWORD. HIS volume was written to speak for itself. The best way to find what is in it is to read it. It purports to contain a general history of the Northwest and of the ter- ritory and state of Washington, detailed histories of Walla Walla, Columbia, Garfield, and Asotin counties, together with reminiscent and personal articles. If its voice- finds "hearing ears " we will be glad and hope the listener will, also. If otherwise, the fact still remains that the compilers have labored faithfully and long to produce what we asked for a comprehensiveness and accuracy in each department that would make the book really useful to all. But, remember when you read, that the province of the historian is not to make facts, but to record them. The best history is the one that gives the most and best facts relative to the subject in hand, clearly and simply, shedding on them, as near as may be done, the light that shone on them when they came into existence. That is the ideal that has been striven- for in the compilation of this work. Therefore it was not sought to make it excel as a " literary gem ", still we believe the " style " is sufficiently plain so that the reader will under- stand what is being talked about. To tell how facts are gathered, the difficulties and hardships incurred in tracking them, sometimes, the puzzles, discrepancies, and contradictions thrown before one from "author- itative" sources, the keen disappointment when only a rumor of an important fact can be found, might prove interesting, but it is not " history ". An extended list of the records, files, manuscripts, correspondence, public and~private volumes, and so forth, that the compilers have searched, and the interviews conducted, would be tiring .to the reader, who is more in- terested in what has been acomplished, than the efforts in doing it, therefore we will simply state that from the government records, reports and compilations, some dating back hundreds of years, down through all the printed volumes and reliable documents known to us and per- taining to the matter in hand, as well as from the living persons who have assisted to make and are acquainted with the history of the region embraced, our fact gatherers have been col- lating for more than two years and this volume is the result. The kindness and hearty responses met with from people who have been approached for information are very gratifying and have encouraged our work very much, and we desire to extend our sincere thanks to each one for this co-operation and assistance, so cheerfully extended, and without which no volume like this could be made. The campaign of fact gathering and the compilation of the work has been conducted by F. A. Shaver, whose main assistants were R. F. Steele and A. P. Rose. THE PUBLISHERS. Spokane, 1906. ENDORSEMENTS. Walla Walla, Wash., November 22nd, 1905. We, a committee of Walla Walla county citizens, have read and examined, in manuscript, the history of Walla Walla county, to be published by the Western Historical Publishing Company, of Spokane. After having made such examination, and having suggested several corrections in the manuscripts, we bear testimony that the work presents, to the best of our knowledge, an accurate, comprehensive, and impartial record of events of the Walla Walla country from the date of the visit of Lewis and Clark up to the present time. As such we commend it to the people of Walla Walla county. Signed, W. S. Gilliam. James McAuliff, Miles C. Moore. Dayton, Wash., November 3rd, 1905. We, a committee of Columbia county citizens, have read in manuscript that part of the History of Southeastern Washington which treats of Columbia county, to be published by the Western Historical Publishing Company, of Spokane. We have made some corrections in the manuscript; have offered suggestions; and furnished data for the nsertion of additional matter which we deem of importance. The work is one which we, after a careful examination, can cheerfully recommend to the citizens of Columbia county. The history is a complete, comprehensive and accurate record of events of Columbia county from aboriginal times to the present. As such we endorse it. Signed, W. O. Matzger, Chester F. Miller, R. E. Peabody, Geo. W. Miller. Pomeroy, Wash., October 25th, 1905. We, the undersigned, having examined that portion of the manuscript of the History of Southeastern Wash- ington relating exclusively to Garfield county, cheerfully testify that, to the best of our knowledge, the work has been written in an impartial and conscientious manner, and shows in its compilation extensive reading and research with an honest endeavor to secure the facts and thoroughly authentic data. As such we cordially commend it to the public. Signed, Geo. W. Miller, Eliel Oliver, Peter McClung. Asotin, Wash., November 10th, 1905. The undersigned, committee of Asotin county citizens, having examined that part of the History of South- eastern Washington which relates to Asotin county, to be published by the Western Historical Publishing Company, of Spokane, bear testimony that it gives evidence of extensive reading and careful and conscientious research, and presents — to the best of our knowledge — an accurate, comprehensive, and impartial record of events of the Asotin ■country, and as such we endorse and commend it. Signed, D. T. Welch, Robert Bracken, H. S. Critchfield, Albert R. Stiffel. TABLE OF CONTENTS. PART I. CHAPTER I. Dawn of Discovery. Juan Roderiguez .in the Waters of the Smiling Pacific — His Mantle Falls Upon the Shoulders of Bartolme Ferrelo — Francis Drake Reaches as High as Latitude Forty-three Degrees — He Abandons the Search tor Anian and Returns to England — Spain Becomes Aggressive in Northwestern Exploration — Early Voyages of Urdaneta — Juan De Fuca Sails From Spain in Search of the Strait of Anian — Advance Guard of Inland Explorers Led by Sir Alexander Mackenzie — Speculations on the Origin of the Word " Oregon " — Story of M. Le Page du Pratez 2-6 CHAPTER II. Mississippi to the Coast. President Jefferson's Scheme to Traverse the Continent to the Pacific Ocean — Selection of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark for the Enterprise — Their Achievements After Entering the Territory of Oregon — Major Joshua Pitcher's Description of the Terra Incognita in 1800— The Willamette River and a Section of the Mighty Columbia — Lewis and Clark Start Up the Missouri — Fourteen Months From Their Departure — Party Endures Innumerable Hardships — Topography of the Country — Explorers Interview Various Indian Tribes — Across the Mountains — Compelled to Eat Horses and Dogs — Arrival at " Hungry Creek " — Pow Wow with Savages — Down the Snake to the Columbia River — Dangerous Rapids Interfere With Navi- gation—From Tidewater to the Sea — Lewis and Clark's Party Pass the Winter in Camp at the Mouth of the Columbia and Set Out on Their Return 7-13 CHAPTER III. The Oregon Controversy. Struggle of Five Nations for the Possession of "Oregon"- — Question Becomes Important and Far Reaching — One Hundred Years Punctuated With Many Wars — Part Played by the Hudson's Bay Company — Results of Mackenzie's Explorations — Monotony of the Fur-Trader's Life — Boundary Commission of 1841 — Ashbur- ton-Webster Treaty — Commission of 1846 — Eyes of England Opened by the Expedition of Lewis and Clark — First English Settlement Made by Fraser in 1806 — John Jacob Astor Establishes a Trading Post at Astoiia — Supremacy of Commercialism Over Sentimental Statesmanship — Twenty-seven Years of Diplomatic Delay Over International Boundary Affair — Continuance of Joint Occupancy of Oregon for Ten Years — Americans Strike Oregon Where the English Left Off — Oregon is Left Out of the Ashburton-Webster Treaty — Dr. Marcus Whitman Arrives in Washington, D. C, With the Facts in the Case — Establishment of the Fort) -ninth Parallel as the International Boundary 14-26 CHAPTER IV. Tragedy of Whitman's Mission. Visit to St. Louis, Missouri, of Four Flathead Indians — They Come for the "White Man's Book " — President Fiske Calls on Missionaries to Go to the Indian Tribes of the Great Northwest — Prompt Response by Whit- man, Rev. Parker and the Lees — Sketch of Dr. Whitman by an Acquaintance — Significant Letter Sent by Whitman to Secretary of War, Porter — Awful Details of the Whitman Massacre — Horrible Super- stition of Indian Tribes — Names of the Victims — Miraculous Escape of Mr. Osborne and Family — Harsh and Cruel Treatment of Refugees by McBean — Christmas in 1847 Passed in the Midst of Hostile Savages. .26-33 viii CONTENTS CHAPTER V. The Cayuse War. Explanation of McBean's Treatment of Survivors of the Whitman Massacre — Americans Take the Initiative in the Cayuse War — James Douglas Writes to Governor Abernathy — Intense Excitement Among People in the Willamette Settlement — Spokane and Nez Perce Indians Refuse to Join the Cayuse Tribe — Colonel Gilliam Sets Forth From the Dalles — Death of "Swallow Ball " — Wounding of the " Wizard" — Indians Fall Back to Snake River — Escape and Final Capture of the Assassins of the Whitman Mission 34-38 CHAPTER VI. Other Indian Outbreaks. Indian Wars Immediately Affecting Washington — Expedition of Major Granville O. Haller — Discovery of Gold Causes a Stampede to Fort Colville — Difiance of Chief Pierre Jerome — Kamiakin Declares War on the Whites — Campaign Against the Yakimas — Indian Tragedies in the Puget Sound District — Assassination of Lieutenant Slaughter — Renewal of Hostilities in the Yankima Country — Some Blunders of General Wool — Campaign of Colonel Cornelius — Memorable Siege of the Cascades — Steptoe's Campaign — Failure of the Council With the Cayuses, DesChutes and Tyghes— Governor Stevens Recommends Enlargement of the Puyallup and Nesqually Indian Reservations — Arrest, Trial and Execution of Leschi — Indemnity Claims Following Indian Troubles are Lodged With Congress — Horace Greeley Favors Repudiation of Them — Defeat of Colonel Steptoe — Triumph of Industry and Intelligence Over Barbaric Ignorance and Indian Squallor 38-50 CHAPTER VII. Territory and State. Topography of Washington— First Inroads of Civilization — Washington Might Have Been Columbia — Creation of Lewis County — Agitation for Territorial Division — Congress is Memorialized — Isaac Ingalls Stevens is Appointed First Territorial Governor — Sketch of His Life and Heroic Death— First Washington Territorial Legislature — A State in All But Name — Struggle For Capital Removal — Political Operations of Victor Smith — Customs House Imbroglio — Removal From Port Townsend to Port Angeles — Death of Victor Smith — General Wright in Command of the Department of the Pacific — Congressional Delegate Jacobs Introduces Bill for the Admission of Washington Into the Union — Adoption of a -Constitution Declared Void and Nugatory— Administration of Governor Watson C. Squire — Chinese Riots — Proclamation by Presi- dent Cleveland — Fiscal Conditions of the Territory in 1886 — Administration of Governor Eugene Semple — Washington Territory Admitted as a State — Munificent Land Grant — First State Officials. . . '. 50-63 PART II. WALLA WALLA COUNTY. CHAPTER I. Current Events — 1805 to 1855. Portions of Lewis and Clark's Journals — Yellept's Death and Burial — Clash Between Hudson's Bay Company's Employees and Indians — McKenzie Selects the Site of Old Fort Walla Walla — Stirring Scenes of Pioneer Life and Pioneer Tragedy — Arrival of Captain Bonneville and Party at the Fort — Congress Appropriates Money for a Military Road — Organic Act Forming Walla Walla County ■ 65 CHAPTER II. Indian War and Current Events. Authentic Account of the Death of Peu-peu-mox-mox — Cononel Kelly s Official Report of the Battle of Walla Walla — Report of Governor Isaac Ingalls Stevens — The Latter's Bitter Denunciation of Major General Wool — First County Commissioners — First Settlers After the Commissioners — District Court Provided for Walla Walla and Spokane Counties — Walla Walla Located as the County Seat — Early Transportation Facilities — Rapacity of the Oregon Steam Navigation Company — Severe Winter of 1862 79 CONTENTS ix CHAPTER III. Current Events— 1863 to 1880. Tide of Immigration Flows In— New Mines — Discoveries Made That Walla Walla Highlands Would Produce Grain — Stampede to the Montana Mines — First Organized Effort to Bring in a Railroad in 1868 — Financial Conditions of the County is Impaired — Attempt to Annex a Portion of Washington Territory to Oregon Defeated — Fatal Snow Slide in 1875 — Centennial Year Finds Walla Walla County Prosperous — Various Railroad Projects 92 CHAPTER IV. Current Events— 1878 to 1905. Vigorous Demand for State Recognition — Bannock War of 1878 — Organization of First Agricultural Society — Grain Produce of Blue Mountains Exceeds the Demand— Review of Agricultural Industry — Walla Walla Land District Created — Marcus Whitman the First Man to Graze Stock in Walla Walla Valley — Washing- ton Admitted to Statehood in 1889— Fourth Annual Fruit Fair of Walla Walla County 107 CHAPTER V. The City of Walla Walla. Historical Ground — First Name of Steptoeville Changed to Wieletpu — Conditions as Early as 1857 — Townsite is Surveyed — J. T. Reese First Purchaser of Real Estate — General Business Conditions in 1861 — Charter Granted the City of Walla Walla — First City Officials— Organization of Fire Department — Change in the Name of the Postoffice — Conflagration on April 3, 1865 — Lynching of Slim Jim — Sentiments of Vigilantes Reflected in Politics — Bill Passed in Congress to Sell Military Reservation — Another Disastrous Blaze in 1873— Municipal Affairs in Hands of a " Ring " in 1872 115 CHAPTER VI. Walla Walla's Churches and Societies Reminiscences of Early Pioneers — Cathol'cs Erected the First Church — First Sermon Preached West of Rockies — Methodists Prepare to Erect Church Building in 1878 — Organization of St. Paul's Church in 1872 — First Congregational Church Organized in 1865 — First Cumberland Presbyterian Church — The Christian Church — Methodist Episcopal Church South — Fratertnal Societies — F. & A. M. Organized in 1859 — Odd Fellows— Other Orders 137 CHAPTER VII. The City of Waitsburg. General Description of the City — Conditions Prior to Forming Town — Murder of Cole Unavenged — Delta Original Name of Waitsburg — Energy of William N. Smith — Bridge is Thrown Across the Touchet — Depop- ulation of Waitsburg in 1880— Great Loss by Fire — Limits of Waitsburg Defined by New Charter — Results of Election for City officials — Fraternal Societies and Churches 154 CHAPTER VIII. Other towns. Wallula — Touchet — Prescott — Dixie — Other Towns and Stations 163 CHAPTER IX. Descriptive. The Beautiful Walla Walla Valley — Indian Legend — Unparalled Record of Wheat Production — Walla Walla as seen by Julian Hawthorne — Area — Wealth from the Ground — A Little Band of Pioneers Grown into a Strong Community — Success Succeeded by Lethargy — Agricultural and Horticultural Resources — Stock Industry — Irrigation — Agricultural Society Organized in 1866 — Truck Gardening— Markets — Pioneer Mills — Rainfall — General Topography — Climate 167 CHAPTER X. Political. First County Commissioners— They Meet in March, 1859— Results of First Election — Partisan Spirit Manifested in 1862— Results of Subsequent Elections 181 CONTENTS CHAPTER XI. EDUCATIONAL. Mrs. A. J. Minor the First School Teacher — J. F. Wood First Superintendent of Public Instruction — Organiza- tion of First School District — Early School Reports — Whitman College — Plans of Father Eells — Waitsburg Academy 194 PART III. COLUMBIA COUNTY. CHAPTER I. Current Events— 1805 to 1878. The Lewis and Clark Explorers Pass Down Snake River — This Was One Hundred Years Ago — Dangerous Rapids and Scarcity of Game — Incident of the Honesty of Indians — The Famous Nez Perce Trails — Captain Booneville Arrives at Alpowa Creek — Site of the Town of Dayton the Scene of a Battle With Indians — Gov- ernor Stevens' Description of the Country — Earliest Pioneers in Columbia County — More Indian Trouble — Faithfulness of Chief Timothy — Conflicting Stories Concerning the Death of Sergeant Williams — First At- tempts at Permanent Settlement — Severe Winter of 1861-62— First Attempt to Navigate the Snake River — Initial Railway Extensions — Opening of Many Country Roads — First Attempt to Create a New County — Many Paper Railroads — Organic Act — Walla Walla Displeased Over County Division — Nez Perce Indian War of 1877 — Captain Hunter Leads Dayton Boys to War — Railroad Rumors of 1877 — The Northwestern Stage Company 277 CHAPTER II. Current Events — 1878 to 1884. Attempt by Oregon to Slice Territory from Washington Defeated — Population of Columbia County in 1878 — Ex- citement Over Bannock and Piute Indian Wars — Change of Boundry Line Between Walla Walla and Columbia Counties — Severe Wind Storm of 1880 — Transportation Problem — More Railroad Rumors — Henry Villard Comes to the Front — Industrial Fecundity of 1881 — Brutal Murder of Eli H. Cummins — Arrest of Canada Owenby — Lynching of McPherson — Legal Execution of Ezra Snoderly — Escape and Recapture of Owenby— He Dies In Jail 301 CHAPTER III. Current Events— 1884 to 1905. A Year of Financial Depression — Railroad Agitation in 1889 — Prohibition Rules Supreme in 1886 — Judge Langford Declares the Law Invalid — Question of a County Court House Comes to the Front in 1886 — Prohibitive Freight Rates of the Oregon Railroad and Navigation Company— Organization of the Columbia County Agricultural Association in 1887— Completion of the "Hunt" Railroad in 1889 — Board of Trade Proceeds to Raise Money for the " Hunt" Railroad — Validity of the Scrip is Questioned — Organization in 1903 of the Columbia County Pioneer Association — " Hard Times" and Low Grain Prices — Floods of 1894 — Collapse of High Bridge West of Alto— Disastrous Storm of June 21, 1897 324 CHAPTER IV. Cities and Towns. Dayton — Arrival of the First Resident White Man in 1859— "Stubbs " Schneble Builds a Cabin on North Bank of the Touchet — In 1863 Henry C. Ricky Opens a Hotel — Filing of the Plat of Dayton's Townsite — Town Laid Out by Jesse N. Day — Wait Sc Matzger Build a Flouring Mill — Building Activity of 1872 — Fourth of July Celebration the Same Year — Incorporation of Dayton — List of Business Houses in 1878 — "Brooklyn Across the Patit" — Judge Wingard Decides that the Incorporation of Dayton is Null and Void — Organization of the Dayton Grays — Fire — New Golden Era of Prosperity — Epidemic of Smallpox — Legislature of 1881 Grants Dayton a Special Charter of Incorporation — Another Disastrous Fire — Incendiarism — One Fire Bug is CONTENTS xi Sentenced — Conflagration of June 24, 1887 — Appearance on the Scene of Numerous Burglars — And Still Another Fire— Dayton's Soldiers in the Spanish- American War — Religious Societies and Lodges 341 CHAPTER V. Cities and Towns— Continued. Starbuck — Second Largest Town in Columbia County — Prosperous Conditions in 1892 — " Hard Times" of 1903 to 1896— Townsite Platted in 1894 by Mary Mcintosh— Alarm in 1896 Over Reported Removal of Railroad Headquarters — Corvello — Was Formerly Known as Pioneer — First Store Erected in 1882 by Wulzen & Schroder — Townsite Surveyed in May, 1884 — Marked Improvements in 1891 — Huntsville — Noted as a Law-Abiding Place — Establishment of a University — Townsite Surveyed in 1878— Marengo — A Beautiful and Picturesque Location — Defeated for County Seat Honors — Grangers Decide to Build a Mill — Townsite Platted May 29, 1876— Discontinuance in 1882 of Marengo Postoffice — Turner — Most Youthful Town in the County — Grange City — Town Organized by Farmers — Alto — Burksville — New York Bar — Other Places 370 CHAPTER VI. Descriptive. Analysis of the Soil of Columbia County — Perpetually Fertile — Generations of Culture Could Not Impoverish the Majority of the Rolling Lands — Heavy Growth of Bunch Grass — Hill Lands the Most Productive — Crop Record of Columbia County for 1880 — Water Courses Head in the Blue Mountains— The Touchet — •'Ode to the Touchet" by "Broncho Jim." — The Tucannon — Unfounded Story of the Genesis of the Name — Geological Formation — Natural Flora— Columbia County an Extension of the Far-Famed and His- torical Walla Walla Valley — Transportation Facilities — Farming the Principal Industry — Mining — The Columbia Mine 379 CHAPTER VII. Political. rganization of Columbia County in 1875— General Election of 1876 — Delegates to the Washington Constitu- tional Convention — County Conventions of 1878 — Election— Political Campaign of 1880 — Columbia County Debatable Ground in 1882 — Results of Election With Official Vote — Great Interest Manifested in Elections of 1884 — Republicans Sweep the County in 1886 — Territory of Washington Divided Into Constitutional Dis - tricts in 1889— Politically the County is Close in the Constitutional Year — Gives a Majority Against Adop- tion of the State Constitution — Official Vote of 1890 — People's Party Come to the Front in 1892 — Fusion Forces Carry the County — Spectacular Campaign of 1894 — The Memorable Campaign of 1896— County Comes Into Control of the Democrats and Populists — Official Vote of 1900 — Republicans Prevail in 1902 — Official Vote of 1904 : 389 CHAPTER VIII. Educational. History of Educational Affairs Commences in 1864 — First School Enrolled Ten or Twelve Scholars— First Term Taught by Mr. Sherry; Second by Mrs. Sherry — New School House Erected in Dayton in 1868 — Report of Superintendent J. E. Edmiston in 1879— Rapid Improvement in School Affairs— Schools Compared Favor- ably With Those of Other Counties— Dayton School is Graded— Washington Seminary Built in 1879— Not Until 1903 Was Dayton Supplied With Suitable School Facilities 408 PART IV. GARFIELD COUNTY. CHAPTER I. Current Events— 1860 to 1891. Missionary Spalding Locates at the Mouth of the Alpowa — Parson Quinn — First Dwelling House Built by Thomas Riley — Two Men Lose Their Lives in Storm of 1861-62 — Joseph M. Pomeroy — A Pair of Compet- xii CONTENTS ing Hotels — Freeman and Lee Settle on the Tucanon River — Discouraging Remarks Concerning Farming Made by Stockmen— First Telegraph line in 1879— Something of a 'Blow'— Railroad Prospects— Movement to Create a New County in 1880 — Many Competitors for County Seat Honors— Town of Men tor — One Thou- sand Voters Sign a Petition— Territorial Legislature Refuses to Remove County Seat from Dayton to Pomeroy — Garfield County Enabling Act — Six New Townsites — Pomeroy Secures the County Seat — Dec- ision of Judge Wingard Leaves the Case in the Air — Legislature Again Comes to the Rescue of Pomeroy — Rapid Settlement During the Year 1883— Woman Suffrage the Same Year— Railways— Henry Villard makes a Proposition — Right of Way Secured from Starbuck to Pomeroy — Construction train Reaches Pomeroy in January, 1886— Local Option Campaign— The Timber Land Complications 499 CHAPTER II. Current Events— 1891 to 1905. Cloud Burst in 1891— Wreck of Steamer Annie Faxon— List of Killed and Injured— The Sum of $395,000 Asked in Damages — Farmers Commence War on Cattle "Rustlers" in 1894— Prevailing Low Price for Grain- Seven Hundred People Petition for Lower Freight Rates — Crime and Legal Execution of Charles E. Myers — Spring of 1895 an Era of Discouragement — Bountiful Harvest of 1897 — Severe Storm of 1900 — County Bond Proposition Prevails 2 CHAPTER III. Cities and Towns. Pomeroy the County Seat — Named in Honor of its Founder, Joseph M. Pomeroy — Townsite Plat Files May 28, 1878 — Settlers Flock in — In 1881 Pomeroy Makes an Unsuccessful Attempt to Secure County Seat of Columbia County — Church and Lodge History — Incorporation is in the Air in 1885 — Secures Incorporation in 1886 by Special Act of the Legislature — First Meeting of Pomeroy City Council Held Februray 10, 1886 — Munici- pal Improvements Follow the Advent of a Railroad — Pomeroy Improvement Company — Provision Made for a Magnificent Water System— Pomeroy Fire Department — Financial Depression of 1893— Disastrous Fire of July 15, 1898— Pomeroy Volunteers Anxious to Go to the Front in the Spanish-American War- Roster of the Company — Population of Pomeroy in 1898-9, Fifteen Hundred — Greatest Fire in Pome- roy's History — Half the Business Part of the Town Swept Away — Condition of Pomeroy in 1904 532 CHAPTER IV. Cities and Towns — Continued. Pataha City — Genesis of its Name — James Bowers the Original Settler — Sketch of "Vine" Favor — Town Plat Surveyed in June, 1878 — Postoffice Established in 1879 — Organization of a Militia Company in 1881 — Pataha City Named as Temporary County Seat — Long Contest for Permanent County Capital — Water System Established in 1890 — Fire Disaster of April 7, 1893 — Losses and Insurance — Gould City — A Small .Postoffice on Deadman Creek — Alpowa Platted in 1900 With a Population of 28 — Peola — Columbia Center — Ilia — Other Towns 544 CHAPTER V. Descriptive. Area and Altitude of Garfield County — Prominent Characteristics — Difference of the Various Soils — The "Lake Period" — Fo9siliferous Remains — Transportation Facilities — Blue Mountain Timber — Snake River — Gar- field One of the Best Watered Counties in the State — Alpowa Creek — Moxwai — Meadow Gulch — Early Gold Mining Excitement 549 CHAPTER VI. Political. Garfield County Republican by a Small Majority — First Democratic County Convention Held at Pataha City — County Seat Contest — November Election of 1882 — Election of November, 1884, Shows Republican Gains— At Election of November, 1886, the County Cast 1,313 Votes— Election of May 14th— Official Vote of 1890— Victory for Republicans — County Conventions of 1892 — Four Tickets in the Field — Official Vote of 1894 — Contest Case Between J. W. Waldo and H. M. Beach — Results in 1896 — People's Party Still in the Field in 1898— Republicans Secure a Majority of the Offices in 1900— Mild Campaign of 1902— Official Vote— County Conventions in 1904 — Results of Election 554 CONTENTS xiii CHAPTER VII. Educational. Twenty-eight School Districts Organized in Garfield County in 1881— Average Wages Paid Teachers — Enroll- ment in the Public Schools— Rapid Progress Made in Educational Affairs — Six New School Houses Built in 1888 — Strong Sentiment in Favor of High School in 1886 — Call for a School Election— Ony Three Votes Against the High School Proposition — Report of School Superintendent for 1904 *.,-; 568 PART V. ASOTIN COUNTY. CHAPTER I. Passing Events— 1806 to 1878. Genesis of the Word Asotin — First- White Men to Gaze Upon the Country— Some Statements on Captain Bonne- ville's Part Disproved — Penuriousness of the United States Government Concerning Bonneville's Journey — His Followers Continue Down the Imnaha — Friendly Treatment by the Indians — They Visit Chief Looking Glass — Captain Bonneville Practices Successfully as a Physician — Ministrations of Rev.H. H. Spalding — First Apple Orchard in the Territory of Washington — Hudson's Bay Company's Trappers — Asotin County Once An Indian Reservation— Faithfulness of Old Chief Timothy — Colonel Steptoe's Defeat — Gold Seekers Invade the Country — Sam Smith, the "Squatter" — Pearcy's Ferry — First Saw Mill — Drowning of Cussick — Gillman's Irrigation Scheme — Severe Winter of 1865 — Jerry Maguire comes to Asotin County in 1867 — A Hunter's Paradise — More Settlers Come in 1870 — Suicide of T. M. E. Schank — Rumors of Depredations by Bannock Indians — Settlers Build a Fort 635 CHAPTER II. Passing Events— 1878 to 1905. Saw and Flouring Mills Crying Necessities— "Asqtin_ Flat"— Rapid Increase of Population in 1878 and 1880 — ■ Marked Revival of Industrial Conditions in 1883 — Petition for Division of County is Drafted in 1883 — Legis- lature Passes a Bill to that Effect — Organic Act Creating Asotin County — Only a Limited Population at the Time of Organization — Severe Storm of May 9, 1884 — County Seat Struggle — Asotin Wins Out — Tracking Down Alleged Stock Thieves— The Lean Years _of 1886, 1887 and 1888— Bond Proposition for $25,000 Sub- mitted in October, 1890 — Bonds Sold in May, 1891 — A "Chinook" Entailing Great Disaster — Grand Irrigation Scheme Broached in 1893 — The Myers Case — Execution of Myers — Lynching of Frank Viles — Indian Scare — Destruction of Much Property by Water — Another Flood Friday, June 25th — Large Immigration to Asotin County in 1900-1 — Brutal Murder by Willjam Hamilton — His Confession and Execution at the Hands of Judge Lynch 654 CHAPTER III. Cities and Towns. Asotin — Eligibly Situated on a Bar — The Capital of Asotin County — Magnificent Climate — Assotin City and Aso- tin — Town Laid Out and Surveyed in May, 1878 — Platting of Additions — Steady Growth of the Town in 1883 — Material Progress During the Winter of 1883-4 — Pleasant Words for the Little City — Citizens Demand In- corporation — Secure Their Cherished Desire but Court Declares it Null and Void — Militia Company Organ- ized — Many Improvements in Asotin in 1904 — Fraternal Orders — Churches — Poetical Tribute to Asotin by Robert Raymond — Clarkston-Vineland — Irrigation Ditch Makes the Country — Clarkston Originally Platted Under the Name of Lewiston — Growth of Vineland Rapid in 1899 — Articles of Incorporation of the Lewis- ton-Concord Bridge Company Filed — Name of Concord Postoffice Changed to Clarkston — Question of In- corporation Comes Up in 1900 — Record of Vineland for that Year — Incorporation of Clarkston as a City of Fourth Class Finally Eventuates — Wonderful Increase in price of Vineland Lands — Field of Religious Work — Anatone — First Business House — A Great Trading Point in Early Days — Fraternal Societies — Theon — Cloverland — Silcott — Rogersburg — Other Places 675 xiv CONTENTS CHAPTER IV. Descriptive. Area of Asotin County— Smallest Political Division in Eastern Washington— General Topography of the Coun- try—Town of Asotin a "Hub"— Altitude Above Sea Level—County is Well Watered— Grande Ronde the the Only River Aside from the Snake — Asotin Creek — Asotin Prairie— Cloverland — Platted in Ten and Twenty-Acre Orchard Homes— The Grouse Country — No Need of Irrigation in its territory — Asotin-Anatone Flat — "Lake" and "Lewiston Flat" — Mild Winters of Short Duration — Sport for the Sportsman — Blue Moun- tain Timber — A Glorious Stock Country — Great Attention Given to Growing of Fruits and Vegetables — Mining — Shoval and Grayson Creeks — Coal Fields — School Districts 698 CHAPTER V. Political. Less than 500 Votes Cast in Asotin County's First Election — Original Commissioners Named in the Organic Act — Republican Mass Meeting at Theon, April 26, 1884— First Republican County Conventions in Asotin in August, 1884— Official Vote— Conventions of 1886— Results of Election— Official Vote of 1888— Asotin Coun- ty in 1889 Votes Against Adoption of the Constitution — Campaign of 1890 — Prohibitionists Enter the Field — Official Vote — Conventions of 1892 — County is Still in the Republican Column — People's Party Comes to the Front in 1894— Three-Cornered Political Fight Gives Each Contesting Party a Share of the Offices — Fusion Between Populists and Democrats in 1898 — Republicans Triumphant — Official Vote of 1900 — Results in 1902 — Conventions of 1904 — Asotin County Carried by the Republicans— Official Vote 713 CHAPTER VI. Educational. Public Schools of Asotin County in General — First School Established in 1879 — Seven Schools Open in Asotin County in 1881 — Miss Blanche Marsillot, Teacher — Twelve School Districts in 1884— Vast Improvement Ex- hibited by School Report of 1901 — Rural and Graded Schools — Handsome High School Building in Asotin- Asotin County Fortunate in Her Selection of Teachers — Clarkston Schools — Vineland Educational Facilities 727 PART VI. ADDENDA. CHAPTER I. Press of Walla Walla, Columbia, Garfield and Asotin Counties. Tribute to the Country Press — Definition of a Newspaper by the Century Dictionary — Columbia County — Four Weekly Papers Now Published There — Dayton News the First Paper Published in Washington Territory East of Walla Walla — Sketch of its First Editor — Columbia Chronicle — The Daily Chronicle — Brief Life of the Dayton Reporter — The Democratic State Journal — The Inlander — The School Journal — Dayton Courier- Press and Editor, Al. Ricardo — The People's Press — The Daily Record — Burk's Tri-Weekly — Starbuck Signal — "Humanity" — The Constitution — Columbia County Dispatch — The Star of Starbuck — Garfield County — It Has Now Two Newspapers, the County News and the East Washingtonian — The Independent the Pioneer Paper — Edited by Rev. F. W. D. Mays — Pataha City Spirit — The Second Journal in the County — It is Moved to Asotin City — Pomeroy Republican — Becomes the East Washingtonian — The Pataha Farmer — Evolution of the Asotin Sentinel — Clarkston Republican — The Vinelander — Clarkston Chronicle — The Riv- er Press — Walla Walla County — First Paper Published in Washington — First Paper in Walla Walla — The Statesman — The Walla Walla Union — Other Walla Walla Papers — Garden City Gazette— The Argus — The Inland Empire— Waitsburg Weekly Times — Daily Times — Waitsburg Gazette 807 CONTENTS xv CHAPTER II. Reminiscent. One of Col. Hunter's Stories — Lady Jurors — The Great Bear Show — Indians Take Dayton — Murder and Suicide — How Penawawa was Named — Land Jumping — Killing of Peu-Peu-Mox Mox — "Bob" Peabody's Story — Company F, (Dayton), at the Battle of Santa Ana — Chronicles — A Stampede — A Historical Spot — An Early Day Incident — "Stubbs" — Medicine Dance— Indian Battle Field— A "Busted" Mining Boom— A Bad Indian — Game in Early Days — Prehistoric History — Indian History— Address to the Columbia River — Contribution by George W. Miller — Old Fort Walla Walla — Fomous Nez Perces Expedition — Correct Spelling of William Clark's Name 827 CHAPTER III. Lieu-Land Litigation. Practically Affected all the Counties Traversed by the Northern Pacific Railway— Original Grant Provided for Withdrawal of Lands — Law Becomes Effective in Washington Territory in 1870 — Forty-Mile Limit — A Double Withdrawal — Immense Tide of Immigration Overflows Lieu-Land — Ten Miles Added to the Limits — Case of Guilford Miller vs. Northern Pacific Railway Company — Strong Letter from President Cleveland — He Takes Sides With the Actual Bona Fide Settlers — Secretary of the Interior Vilas Decides the Case in Fa- vor of Miller — He is Sustained Later by Secretary Hoke Smith — Case is Carried to the Supreme Court of the nited States — Miller and Cole Again Victorious — Compromise is Finally Reached — United States Senator John L. Wilson Secures the Passage of a Bill Favorable to Homesteaders 862 CHAPTER IV. Prelude to and Battle of Walla Walla. General Concentration of Troops Ordered to Fort Walla Walla — Peu-Peu-Mox-Mox Sends a Large Force of Warriors to Watch Movements of Volunteers — Major Chinn Awaits Reinforcements at Fort Henriette — Lieutenant Colonel Kelley Moves Against the Hostiles — Peu-Peu-Mox-Mox Comes Out With a Flag of Truce and is Detained — With Others He Attempts to Escape and is Slain by His Guards — Battle of Walla Walla — Many Officers Are Killed and Wounded— Treachery of Peu-Peu-Mox-Mox is Discovered — Hostiles Defeated 868 GENERAL ILLUSTRATIONS PAGE The Whitman Monument 43 Tomb of Marcus Whitman 43 H' co-a-h' co-a-h' cotes-Min, No Horns on His Head . 48 Hee-oh' ks-te-Kin, the Rabbit's Skin Leggins 64 Fort Walla Walla 79 The Historic Walla Walla River 97 Scene on Mill Creek 97 On a Walla Walla County Ranch 104 Falls of the Coppei 112 Main Street in Walla Walla 115 Main Street in Walla Walla, 1877 115 State Penitentiary at Walla Walla 136 Odd Fellows Home in Walla Walla 146 PAGE Dayton, County Seat of Columbia County 384 General View in Dayton 376 Oldest building in Columbia County 370 Pomeroy, County Seat of Garfield County 532 Garfield County Court House 554 Oldest Orchard in Washington 640 Snake River, Looking North from Asotin 656 A Point on the Irrigation Flume, the Enterprise which made Clarkston 670 Asotin Prairie, Looking South from Asotin 670 Asotin, County Seat of Asotin County 675 Residence of Mrs. A. B. Puffer. Walla Wal'a 226 Store of Alphonso S. Vallen at Valentine 631 INDEX WALLA WALLA COUNTY BIOGRAPHICAL PAGE Abbott, John H 227 Armstrong, John W 233 Babcock, Willard H 272 Bachtold, John 241 Bashore, David 246 Blalock, Yancey C 233 Brents, Thomas H 208 Brown, Alvah 206 Clark, Philip 258 Cochran, Louis W 245 Copeland, Henry S 203 Corkrum, Francis M : 254 Corkrum, W. J 205 Cornwell, Oliver T 207 Dacres, George 250 Davis, C. S 206 Delany, George 264 Dooly, John 256 Drumheller, Jesse 215 Dunnigan, Archie 265 Durry, Thomas 261 Ennis, Christopher 260 Ennis, Frank G 204 Ennis, T. J 214 Ferrel. Brewster 255 PAGE Garrecht, Francis A 223 Gross, Bailey H 232 Gross, Milo D 271 Hail, Fielding W. C 265 Hazel wood, Margaret A 262 Holt, Benjamin C 229 Hooper, Albert J 255 Hungate, Harrison H 253 Ingram, James H 243 Kaseberg, C. Henry 226 Kaseberg, John C 214 Kaseberg, William H 214 Kibler, Jacob 204 Kinman. S. D 259 Knott', James 247 Kyger, D. T 235 Latimer, Allen J 268 Leroux, John 269 Magallon, Adrian 263 Maney, Phillipina 220 McCool, Robert 237 McElroy, Frank 211 Mclnroe, James 251 McGarey, Margaret 230 McGillivray. Duncan 234 PAGE McGuire, John W 237 McWhirk, George H 275 Mix, Annie McC 240 Mottet, George F 259 Pickard, Charles F 212 Preston, Calvin W 228 Preston, William G 244 Puffer, A. J 224 Retzer. George 242 Reynolds, Allen H 240 Reynolds, Almos H 238 Sharpstein. Benjamin L 248 S'haw, LeFevre A 270 Slater, George W 241 Smith, John 217 Snyder, John M. P 218 Stahl, Catherine E 212 Stine, Fred 267 Wellman, Charles V 266 Williams, Wilton A 221 Wills, Jasper N 258 Yeend, John 1 216 Zu.erar. Marcus 223 WALLA WALLA COUNTY PORTRAITS PAGE Babcock, Willard H 272 Brents, Thomas H 208 Dacres, George 248 Delany, George 264 Dooly, John 256 Ennis, Christopher 260 Gross, Bailey H 232 PAGE Hungate, Harrison H 248 Maney, Mrs. Phillipina 216 Mclnroe, James 248 Mix, Mrs. Annie McC 240 Pickard, Charles F 212 Pickard, Mrs. Charles F 212 Preston, Calvin W 228 Preston, William G 154 Puffer, A. J 224 PAGE Puffer, Mrs. A. J 224 Sharpstein, Benjamin L 248 Smith, John 216 Snyder, John M. P 216 Williams, Wilton A 216 Williams, Mrs. Wilton A 216 Yeend, John 1 216 Yeend, Mrs. John 1 216 XX INDEX COLUMBIA COUNTY BIOGRAPHICAL i PAGE Abraham, James 468 Agee, John W 474 Anderson, J. A 47° Beeson, Marion F 457 Bernzen, Bernard 451 Blackmer, George W 419 Boelner, M' 434 Bowers, G. W 461 Brown, Leroy C 437 Broyles, Joseph W 484 Cahill, William E 419 Carlson, Andrew J 475 Carpenter, Orin W 479 Curl, W. Franklin 43I Davis, Cyrus 421 Davis, Lorenzo D 457 Day, Charles H 466 Day, Henry B 429 Day, Joseph H 415 Delany, Daniel 433 Dorr, Charles R 497 Eaton, John B 470 Edmiston, James E 480 Edwards, S. J 483 Edwards, William F 476 Ewell, Pleasant H 447 Finkel, Frank 47 r Fitzgerald, David 463 Fitzhugh, John R 476 Gholson, Heuston D 488 Gilmour, Thomas B 438 Gleason, William H 459 Gragg, William R 478 Grove, Mrs. E. J 482 Hamilton, Duron 417 Hammer, Goldsmith 493 Hammer, Lorenzo 435 Harkins, George W 433 Harris, A. J 454 Henderson, J. M 444 Hendron, John H 427 Hillman, Willis J 440 Holman, John W 458 Hopkins, Wilbur 416 James, Andrew J 427 James, A. Newton 423 Jackson, G. F 496 Jewett, George E 424 Jobe, Charles T 487 Johnson. Henry H 432 Jonas, Milton 430 Jones, John C 462 Kenney, Mark B 426 Kneff, Willis 445 Leonard, Thomas S 490 Logsdon, Mrs. Marianna 428 Low, Grant 453 Marll, Christopher 450 Mi-Call, Elijah W 416 McCubbins, Henry 477 McElwain, W. H 440 McGee, John E 468 McKellips, James M '. . 418 Miles, John W 43s Miller, Chester F 448 Miller, Frank 466 Miller, Jesse G 436 Nascimento, Manuel 455 Nilsson, Andrew 492 Nilsson, Lars 493 Pettyjohn, Thomas P 462 Pietrzycki, Marcel 464 Ping, Elisha 498 Romaine, Frantz S 485 Romaine, John H 439 Rondema, John T 424 Rose, John D 494 Sayres, Robert D 472 Shaffer, Charles E 443 Snider, William A 450 Stine, Otto M 452 Struthers, Archie 461 Sturdevant, Robert F 422 Sutton, William H 426 Terry, Aaron V 477 Thompson, John A 4.59 Thompson, J. N 485 Thronson, Charles J 425 VanPatten, Edwin H 456 Van Scoyk, J. A 437 Wallace, William D 446 Walsh, William 469 Warwick, William G 4.66 Watrous, Walter 47.3 Weatherford, Francis M 447 White, James D 44 i Whiting, Vernon B 483 Wilson, Thomas F 471 Wolfe, John G 478 Wood, George E 445 Woodend, James G 467 Woods, John W 441 Wooten, William S 453 COLUMBIA COUNTY PORTRAITS PAGE Boelner, Michael 432 Delany, Daniel 432 Delany, Mrs. Daniel 432 Edmiston, James E 480 Gholson, Heuston D 488 Hammer, Goldsmith 492 Harkins, George W 432 Henderson, James M 440 Hillman, Willis J 440 Hillman, Mrs. Willis J 440 PAGE Jewett, George E 424 Johnson, H. H 432 Johnson, Mrs. H. H 432 McElwain, W. H 440 Miller, Chester F 448 Nilsson, Andrew 492 Nilsson, Lars 492 Pietrzycki, Marcel 464 Rondema, Andreas B 424 Rondema, Bloyd C 424 PAGE Rondema, John T 424 Rondema, Mrs. Anna 424 Sayres, Robert D 472 Shaffer, Charles E 440 Shaffer, Mrs. Charles E 440 Thronson, Charles J 424 VanPatten, Edwin H 456 White, James D 440 White, Mrs. James D 440 Woods, John W AAO INDEX GARFIELD COUNTY BIOGRAPHICAL PAGE Ashby, John J 593 Baldwin, N. 576 Beale, Matthew C 609 Brockman, Chris 632 Brunton, William H 622 Buckley, Michael 577 Butler, Draper C 598 Cosgrove, Samuel G 596 Coyle, Albert P 58.3 Davis, Watson 588 Dixon, Henry M 596 Dresser, Sidney W 624 Farance, David W 592 Fitzsimmons, Charles W 573 Fitzsimmons, John Q 620 Fletcher, William 603 Gibson, George D 590 Gose, Mack F 573 Hardin, John W 579 Hastings, Enoch G 606 Hays, Amaricus M. 618 Heinzerling, Charles 626 Hilton, Richard J 575 Jeffreys, Marmaduke N 595 Johnson, Leroy 628 PAGE Keith, Alexander H 607 Key, William M 586 Kidwell, Dudley P 621 Kuykendall, G. B 600 Lambie, William 623 Largent, Richard E 626 Leachman, Joseph E 588 Ledgerwood, Joseph 579 Lee, Andrew E 615 Leonard, William H 604 Lile, Isaac 610 Long, William 603 Long, William 575 Malone, Ed 613 Malone, Hugh A 63O McGreevy, Daniel 609 McGreevy, Daniel H 616 McGuire, S. A 621 Messenger, F. V 592 Miles, Joseph 633 Miller, Fred L 608 Miller, George W 584 Miller, Ralph A 608 Mitchell, John 619 Montgomery, Mary A 594 Morris, H. M 602 Niebel, Wendlin 629 Norberg, Charles A 598 Nye, John S 578 PAGE Oliver, Eliel 585 Parlet, William R 625 Reilly, William 61 r Ruark, G. J 605 Ruark, Ira 613 Schneekloth, Henry 574 Shangle, William 590 Shreffler, I. H 616 Smith, Daniel E 616 Stallcop, George 583 Start, Elmer A. 627 Stember, John L 617 Stentz, John C 607 Taylor, W. L 5 8i Tidwell, Robert 614 Trebas, Herman 605 Trosper, Joseph G 612 Tueth, Thomas E 580 Tyrrel, John D 628 Unfried, F. W 582 Vallen, Alphonso S 631 Waldher, John 633 Walker, J. H 581 Watson, James P 632 White, Albert B 599 Wilson, George D 587 Wilson, Herbert L 589 GARFIELD COUNTY PORTRAITS Ashby, J. Denny 592 ) Baldwin, N. 576 Baldwin, Mrs. N. 576 Buckley, Michael 576 I Dresser, Sidney W 624 Dresser, Mrs. Sidney W 624 Farance, David W 592 Farance, Mrs. David W 592 PAGE Kelly, J. K 576 Kuykendall, G. B 600 Largent, Richard E 624 Largent, Mrs. Ric'hard E 624 Malone, Hugh A 630 Malone, Mrs. Hugh A 630 Miller, Fred L 608 Miller, Mrs. Fred L 608 Miller George W 584 PAGE Miller, Mrs. George W 584 Miller, Ralph A 608 Miller, Mrs. Ralph A 608 Montgomery, Mary A 592 Parlet, William R 624 Parlet, Mrs. William R 624 Shreffler, I. H 616 Shreffler, Mrs. I. H 616 Stember, John L 616 Stember, Mrs. John L 616 ASOTIN COUNTY BIOGRAPHICAL PAGE Adams, Simon 805 Appleford, George 744 Appleford, William E 743 Bailey, George W 796 Baumeister, Edward 776 Benedict, Herbert D 804 Benson, James M 750 Bishop, Louis W 738 Boggan, James N 797 Boggan, Walter J 776 PAGE Boggan, William H 783 Bradley, James A -. . . 748 Brown, Lewis K 756 Campbell, Robert A 774 Carpenter, Oscar D 735 Carter, Humphrey L 788 Chrisman, John F 75 1 Clemans, William J 801 Day, William R 747 PAGE Dow, Edward N 793 Dunton, Joseph N 785 Farrish, William 764 Flinn, Samuel 799 Floch, Benjamin 784 Floch, George 780 Foredyce, William H 783 Forgey, Elias 781 Fulton, Henry C 800 XX11 INDEX PAGE Garrison, Martin J 792 Gilmore, Orville 746 i Hack, William A 75» Hamilton, James 743 Haseltine, Oscar L 759 Higgins, John 736 Hollenbeck, Cornelius A 77\ Hooper, Ralph B 739 Huber, Frank 7§5 Ireland, Richard 761 Isecke, Charles 79? Jones, Samuel T 79 2 King, Joseph W 795 Kingsbury, Thomas J 789 Kinnear, George 782 Maguire, Peter 778 Matter, Eugene 79° McGee. Allen E 772 Mcintosh, Duncan A 737 McLeod, Neil 766 PAGE McMillan, Orlando M 758 Morrow, John T 740 O'Keefe, Jackson 755 Packwood, Joseph C 76,3 Packwood, Samuel T 762 Peaslee, George W. R 764 Powell, Henry D 750 Ramsdell, J. Philemon 765 Ramsdell, William H 752 Richards, Robert H 759 Robinson, Richard H 802 Robinson, Samuel G 803 Robinson, Thomas D 761 Robison, Samuel W 741 Rogers, George A 769 Rogers, William S 790 Ruark, Thomas 775 Rummens, George H 794 Sage, Elmer E 757 Sangster, James 749 Sangster, Robert 739 . PAGE Sargent, Samuel J 798 Savage, Dea W 741 Sauer, George 787 Scheibe, John H 774 Shumaker, Chester 767 Snodderly, Isaac R 754 Steen, Richard P 777 Stone, Jacob S 791 Stone, Ringold C 745^ Tate, Morgan H 742 Thompson, Kay L 745 Toops, Roy E 760 Trescott, David S 765 Tuitle, John F 781 Wcissenfels, William P 777, Welch, Daniel T 753 Williams, Franklin L 767 Wilson, Weldon 769 Woodruff, Lafayette 78^ Wormell, Albert A 803 Wormell, Leonard J 797 Yeoman, Burt W 768 Zindel, Martin W , 772 ASOTIN COUNTY PORTRAITS Appleford, George 744 Appleford, Mrs. George 744 Baumeister, Edward 776 Brown, Lewis K 752 Dunton, Joseph N 784 Floch, Benjamin 784 Floch, Mrs. Benjamin 784 I PAGE Huber, Frank 784 Ireland, Richard 760 Maguire, Peter 776 O'Keefe, Jackson 75 2 Ramsdell, William H 752 Robinson, Thomas D 760 Rogers, George A 768 Snodderly, Isaac R 752 Steen, Richard P 776 Toops, Roy E 760 Toops, Mrs. Roy E 760 Welch, Daniel T 752 Wilson, Weldon 768 Yeoman, Burt W 768 Yeoman, Mrs. Burt W 768 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON PART I. GENERAL HISTORY CHAPTER I. DAWN OF DISCOVERY. Few students of history have failed to ob- serve the immediate impetus given to maritime exploration by the royally proclaimed exploit of Columbus in 1492. Only nine years after the caravels of the Italian navigator had dropped anchor in American waters, off San Salvador, a Portugese sailor, Gaspar Cortereal, was cau- tiously feeling his way along the Atlantic coast. This was in the summer of 1501. This voyage of Cortereal reached as high, on the Atlantic mainland of North America, as 42 degrees north. Certain historians have claimed that the explorations of Cortereal really antedated the discovery of Columbus. But of this there is no authentic evidence; there is an accumulation of testimony to the contrary. By eminent cosmo- graphists the year 1501 is now accepted as the period of Cortereal's exploits on the coast of the Atlantic, in the vicinity of modern New England. This expedition of two caravels had been sent out by Manuel, King of Portugal. There is no proof that this voyage had any other object, at least any other result, than profit. Seizing fifty Indians he carried them away, on his return, and sold them as slaves. As Cortereal was among the earliest on the Atlantic seaboard, so Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, or Cabrilla, as the name is variously spelled, is admitted to have been the earliest navigator, along southern California. It was evidently the intention of Cabrillo, to continue his voyage far higher on the Northwest Coast, for he, too, had heard of the mysterious "Strait of Anian," and was enthused with most laudable geograph- ical ambition. But fate ruled otherwise. Ca- brillo died in the harbor of San Diego, Cali- fornia, in January, 1543, fifty-one years after the momentous achievement of Columbus on the southeastern shores of the present United States. The mantle of Cabrillo fell upon the shoulders of his pilot, Bartolome Ferrelo. To within two and one-half degrees of the mouth of the Columbia river Ferrelo continued the exploration, tracing the western coast of the American continent along this portion of the Pacific, and to Ferrelo has been accredited the honor of having been the first white man to gaze upon the coast of Oregon. But back of that dimly outlined shore which Ferrelo skirted, above latitude 42 degrees, far inland, lay the immense, wonderful territory which afterward became Oregon. It is not susceptible of proof that Ferrelo ever gained north of the present Astoria, although this claim was at one period urged by Spain. But a country which could solemnly lay claim to the whole Pacific ocean would not be at all back- ward in declaring that one of her navigators GENERAL HISTORY. was the first to sight the Northwest Coast, and that, too, far above the point really gained by Ferrelo. It is not considered likely that he reached above the mouth of Umpqua river. In 1577 Francis Drake, ai privateer and freebooter, a pirate and plunderer of Spanish galleons, yet withal a man of strong character and enterprising spirit, attempted to find a northwest passage. Drake probably reached as high as latitude 43 degrees, and dropped his anchors into the shoals of that region. No in- land explorations were achieved by him, and he reluctantly abandoned the search for Anian, returned to Drake's Bay, on the coast of Cali- fornia, and subsequently to England around the Cape of Good Hope. En passant it is notice- able that during the famous Oregon Contro- versy, which obtained ascendancy in interna- tional politics two hundred and fifty years later, the discoveries of Drake were not presented by England in support of her claims for all terri- tory north of the Columbia river. Whether Great Britain was doubtful of the validity of discoveries made by a freebooter, or attached no importance to his achievement, the fact remains that they were not urged with any force or en- thusiasm. Cabrillo and Ferrelo were not emulated in maritime discoveries in the waters of the Northwest Coast, until 1550. But on the shore-line of the Atlantic, Cartier, for six years, between 1536 and 1542, had made a number of inland voyages, ascending the St. Lawrence Gulf and river five hundred miles, past the site of Montreal and to the falls of St. Louis. In the far south Hernando De Soto, contemporary with Cartier, had sailed coastwise along the Florida peninsula and penetrated that tropical country until forced back by swamps, morass.es and everglades. Inland exploration in the mid- dle of the sixteenth century comprised, prac- tically, in its northern limitations, a line cross- ing the continent a few miles below the 36th parallel, from the Colorado to the Savannahs, Coronado advancing into the modern Kansas, having passed the line at its central part. The Pacific had been explored sufficiently only to barely show the shore-line to the 44th degree of north latitude. In the way of northern exploration on the Pacific coast Spain had, in 1550, accomplished little or nothing. But fifteen years afterward Spain became aggressive along the lines of mar- itime activity. Urdaneta, in 1565, planned and executed the initial voyage eastward, opening a northern route to the Pacific coast of North America. He was followed, from the Philip- pines, by Manila traders, eager for gain, and for two centuries thereafter, through the rise and decline of Spanish commercial supremacy, these active and energetic sailors reaped large rewards from the costly furs found in the waters of the Northwest Coast. It is fair to say that the spirit of commercialism contributed far more toward development of the region of which this history treats than did the more sentimental efforts of geographical science. Still, the latter spirit was not without its apostles and propagandists. Among them was one who called himself Juan de Fuca, a Greek of Cephalonia. His real name was Apostolos Valerianos. Acting, as had Columbus, under royal commission from the King of Spain, he sailed bravely away to find the legendary Strait of Anian — the marine pathway between the greatest oceans of the world. The name of Anian, a mythical northwestern kingdom, orig- inated in 1 500, and is said to have been taken in honor of a brother of Cortereal. The real strait was discovered by Russians in 1750. These Russians were fur-hunting Cossacks, who reached the Pacific coast of North America in 1639. Their point of rendezvous was at Okhotsk, on the sea of that name. Though the voyage of Juan de Fuca proved fruitless it must be conceded that it was con- ceived in the interest of science ; a move in be- half of international economics, and honorable alike to both Spain and the intrepid navigator. In 1584 Francisco de Gali reached the Pacific GENERAL HISTORY. coast, from the west, in 37 degrees 30 minutes; some say 57 degrees 30 minutes. He was con- tent to sail southward without landing, but recorded for the archives of Spain the trend and shore-line of the coast. By the same route Cermenon, in 1595, met with disaster by losing his vessel in Drake's Bay, a short distance above the present city of San Francisco. Prominent among numerous other voyagers, mainly bent on profit, were Espejo, Perea, Lopez and Captain Vaca. As has been stated, the earliest explorations of the Northwest Coast were maritime. They were, also, in the main, confined between lati- tudes 42 degrees and 54 degrees, mainly south of the boundary line finally accepted by Great Britain as between Canada and the United States. Even in that twilight preceding the broad day of inland discovery, there were wars between nations, with "Oregon" the issue, and some compromises. Later came the advance guard of inland explorers who found, at the .occidental terminus of their perilous journeys, a comparatively unknown seaboard 750 miles in extent, below the vast reaches of Alaskan territory and the Aleutian Islands. From the far north came Russian explorers, and they en- countered Southern navigators who had come upward from the ambrosial tropics. They com- pared notes, they detailed to each other many facts, intermixed with voluminous fiction, but from the whole was picked out and arranged much of geographical certainty. Four nations of Pacific navigators came to what afterward was known as Oregon, related their adventures, boasted of the discoveries each had made, dis- cussed the probability of a northwest passage, the "Strait of Anian," — and the Northwest Mystery remained a mystery still. The Spaniards, between 1492 and 1550, were in the lead so far as concerns actual geo- graphical results, of all other European sailors. Spain, through the agency of the Italian, Col- umbus, had discovered a new world ; Spain had meandered the coast-line for 30,000 miles, from 60 degrees on the Atlantis coast of Labrador, round by Magellan Strait, to 40 degrees on the coast of the Pacific. Vast were the possibilities of the future for Spain, and the world did honor to her unequalled achievement. From a broad, humanitarian view point, it is a sad reflection that so many of the golden promises held out to her should have, in subsequent cen- turies, faded away as fades the elusive rainbow against the storm-cloud background. But Spain's misfortune became North America's opportunity. England, too, and Russia, watched and waited, seized and assimilated so rapidly as possible, piece by piece the territory on which the feet of Spanish explorers had been first planted. That it was the survival of the fittest may, possibly, remain unquestioned, but it is a fact that Spain's gradual yet certain loss of the most valuable territory in the world has furnished many of the most stirring episodes in the world's history. Spain has lost, sold, ceded and relinquished vast domains to nearly all the modern powers. And not the least valu- able of Spain's former possessions are now under the Stars and Stripes. Thus far has been hastily sketched the salient facts concerning the earliest maritime discoveries of the Northwest Coast. None of the Spanish, English, Russian or Italian navi- gators had penetrated inland farther than a few miles up the estuary of the Columbia river. It was destined to remain for a class of explorers other than maritime, yet equally courageous and enterprising, to blaze the trail for future pioneers from the east. To Alexander Mackenzie, a native of In- verness, knighted by George III, is accredited the honor of being the first European to force a passage of the Rocky Mountains north of California. On June 3, 1789, Mackenzie left Fort Chipewyan, situated at the western point of Athabasca lake, in two canoes. He was ac- companied by a German, four Canadians, two of them with wives, an Indian, named English Chief, and M. Le Roux, the latter in the capac- GENERAL HISTORY. ity of clerk and supercargo of the expedition. The route of this adventurous party was by the way of Slave river and Slave lake, thence down a stream subsequently named the Mackenzie river, on to the Arctic Ocean, striking the coast at latitude 52 degrees, 24 minutes, 48 seconds. This territory is all within the present boundar- ies of British Columbia, north of the line finally accented as the northern boundary of "Oresron" by the English diplomats. Singular as it may appear there is no authentic history of the origin of this term "Oregon." There is, however, cumulative testimony to the effect that the name was in- vented by Jonathan Carver, who pushed his in- land explorations beyond the headwaters of the Mississippi river; that the name was exploited and made famous by William Cullen Bryant, author of "Thanatopsis," and late editor of the New York Evening Post; that it was fastened upon the Columbia river territory, originally by Hall J. Kelley, through his memorials to congress in 181 7, and secondly by various other English and American authors. Aside from this explanation are numerous theories adduc- ing Spanish derivatives of rather ambiguous context, but lacking lucidity or force. It is likely that no more etymological radiance will ever be thrown upon what, after all, is a rather unimportant, though often mooted question. The expedition of Mackenzie, crowned with results most valuable to science and territorial development, comprised one hundred and two days. At the point he first made, on the Pacific coast the explorer executed, with vermillion and grease, a rude sign bearing the following inscription : "Alexander Mackenzie, from Can- ada by land, July 22, 1793." Subsequent ex- peditions were made by Mackenzie to the coast, one of them via the Peace river. But now comes one M. Le Page du Pratz, a talented and scholarly French savant, with the statement made several years ago, that neither Mackenzie nor Lewis and Clarke were the first to cross the Rockies and gain the Northwest Coast. Our French student claims to, have discovered a Natchez Indian, being of the tribe of the Yahoos, called L'Interprete, on account of the various languages he had ac- quired, but named by his own people Moncacht Ape, "He Who Kills Trouble and Fatigue." M. Le Page declares that this man, actuated mainly by curiosity, a stimulant underlying all advancement, unassisted and unattended, trav- eled from the Mississippi river to the Pacific coast so early as 1743. This was sixty years before President Jefferson dispatched Captains Lewis and Clarke on their governmental expe- dition, the results of which have proved so im- portant and momentuous in the history of the development of Oregon and Washington. Moncacht Ape, it is claimed, met many tribes of Indians, made friends with all of them, ac- quired portions of complex dialects, gained as- sistance and information and, eventually gazed upon the same waters upon which Balboa had fixed his eyes with enthusiasm, many hundreds of miles to the south. It can not be denied that hardly has a great discovery been heralded to the world ere some rival genius springs up to claim it. Possibly it is this spirit which may have actuated M. Le Page in producing 'the somewhat mysterious Moncacht Ape, to pose as the pioneer of North- western exploration. But we, of to-day, are in no position to combat his claims, reserving to ourselves the undeniable fact that Mackenzie, Lewis and Clarke were the first white men to gain, overland, the Northwest Coast. From 1500 to 1803 this greatly abridged foreword has traced northwestern discoveries. We now enter upon a brief description of the glorious achievements of Lewis and Clarke in that portion of their journey so fruitful with results to Washington and Oregon. CHATPER II. MISSISSIPPI TO THE COAST. Eleven years before the departure of Lewis and Clarke, on their expedition to the North- west, President Jefferson, in 1792, proposed a plan to the American Philosophical Society, in- volving a subscription for the purpose of em- ploying a competent person who should pro- ceed by land to the Northwest Coast. It is at this period that Captain Meriwether Lewis emerges from the obscurity of his military post at Charlotteville, Virginia. It had been ar- ranged that M. Michaux, a French botanist, should become the companion of Captain Lewis. These two had proceeded on their journey so far as Kentucky, at that time one of the western states, when an end was put to this initial enterprise by the French minister, who suddenly discovered that he had use for the botanical abilities of M. Michaux else- where. The latter was recalled. But this plan, which had grown in devel- opment of detail since its inception, was not abandoned by Jefferson. In 1803, on the eve of expiration of the act for the establishment of trading posts among Indians, the president again brought forward the scheme which he had first proposed to the American Philosophi- cal Society. The object sought was to trace the Missouri river to its source, cross the Rocky Mountains, and gain the Pacific Ocean. This was most satisfactorily accomplished, and because this expedition first sighted the Pacific in latitude 46 degrees, 19 minutes 11.7 seconds, it becomes an important factor, within the ter- ritorial limits of this history. The confidential message, transmitted by President Jefferson to congress, in January, 1803, had been favorably received, and results were far beyond his most sanguine expectations. Not only had the orig- inal plan been fully approved, but it was consid- erably amplified in its details, and Captain Lewis had been given as a companion, William Clarke, brother of General George Rogers Clarke. To Captain Lewis, to whom was given full command of the expedition, instructions were imparted concerning the route, various objects to which inquiries should be directed, relating to geography, character of the country traversed, the different inhabitants, biology, and such other scientific information as it was possible to obtain. Coincident with this momentuous under- taking another, and equally important negotia- tion was being carried to a successful conclu- sion. This was the Louisiana Purchase, from Napoleon Bonaparte, by which the United States acquired title to a domain whose extent and topographicl location made that other terri- tory to which Lewis and Clarke were en route, "Oregon," an almost absolute necessity. Louisiana, at that period extending from the mouth of the Mississippi river to the, then, indefinite boundaries on the north of Montana and the Dakotas, had been recently ceded by Spain to France. The latter power, by a treaty involving the payment to Napoleon of $15,000,000, ceded it to the United States. Following the return of the Lewis and Clarke expedition, a donation of land was made by congress to the members of the party. This was in 1807. Captain Lewis was appointed governor of our newly acquired territory of "Louisiana," and Clarke was made agent of Indian affairs. But while on his way to Phila- delphia, to supervise the publication of his jour- s GENERAL HISTORY. nal, in 1807, Captain Lewis was stricken with death. That portion of Lewis and Clarke's expedi- tion with which this history concerns itself re- lates chiefly to the achievements of these in- trepid captains after they had entered the terri- tory known as "Oregon," and from which the states of Oregon.. Washington and Idaho were carved : And what was this territory, at that period a terra incognita? Major Joshua Pitcher, early in 1800 contributes the following brief description : The form or configuration of the country is the most perfect and admirable which the imagination can conceive. All its outlines are distinctly marked ; all its interior is connected together. Frozen regions on the north, the ocean and its mountainous coast to the west, the Rocky Mountains to the east, sandy and desert plains to the south — such are its boundaries. Within the whole country is watered by the streams of a single river, issuing from the north, east and south, uniting in the region of tidewaier, and communicating with the sea by a single outlet. Such a country is formed for defense, and whatever power gets possession of it will probably be able to keep it. This was published in Volume I, No. 39, senate documents. Twenty-first Congress, sec- ond session. A more extended description is sketched later by Mr. Parker, who says : Beyond the Rocky Mountains nature appears to have studied variety on the largest scale. Towering mountains and wide-extended prairies, rich valleys and barren plains, and large rivers, with their rapids, cata- racts and falls, present a great variety of prospects. The whole country is so mountainous that there is no elevation from which a person can not see some of the immense range which intersect its various parts. From an elevation a short distance from Fort Van- couver, five isolated, conical mountains, from ten to fifteen thousand feet high, whose tops are covered with perpetual snow 7 , may be seen rising in the surrounding valley. There are three general ranges west of the Rocky chain of mountains, running in northern and southern directions; the first above the falls of the Columbia river ; the second at and below the Cascades ; the third toward and along the shores of the Pacific. From each of these branches extend in different direc- tions. Besides these there are those in different parts which are large and high, such as the Blue Mountains, south of Walla Walla : the Salmon River Mountains, between Salmon and Kooskooskie rivers, and also in the region of Okanogan and Colville. The loftiest peaks of the Rocky Mountains have been found in about 52 degrees north latitude, where Mr. Thompson, astrono- mer of the Hudson's Bay Company, has ascertained the heights of several. One, called Mount Brown, he esti- mates at sixteen thousand feet above the level of the " sea; another, Mt. Hooker, at fifteen thousand seven hun- dred feet. It has been stated, farther (though probably with some exaggeration) that he discovered other points farther north of an elevation ten thousand feet higher than these. Between these mountains are widespread val- leys and plains. The largest and most fertile valley is in- cluded between Deer Island in the west, to within twelve miles of the Cascades, which is about fifty-five miles wide, and extending north and south to a greater extent than I had the means of definitely ascertaining ; probably from Puget Sound on the north, to the Umpqua river on the south. The Willamette river, and a section of the Colum- bia, are included in this valley. The valley south of the Walla Walla, called the Grand Rond, is said to excel in fertility. To these may be added Pierre's 'Hole, and the adjacent country; also Recueil Amere, east of the Salmon River Mountains. Others of less magnitude are dispersed over different parts. To these may be subjoined extensive plains, most of which are prairies well covered with grass. The whole region of country west of the Salmon River Mountains, the Spokane woods and Okanogan, quite to the range of mountains that cross the Columbia at the Falls, is a vast prairie, covered with grass, and the soil is generally good. Another large plain which is said to be very barren, lies off to the southward of Lewis, or Malheur river, including the Shoshone country ; and travelers who have passed through this have pronounced the interior of America a great, barren desert, but this is drawing a conclusion far too broad from premises so limited. Aside from Captains Lewis and Clarke, the party of exploration consisted of nine young men from Kentucky, fourteen United States soldiers, who had volunteered their services, two French watermen, (an interpreter and hunter), and a black servant, employed by Captain Clarke. Before the close of 1803 prep- arations for the voyage were all completed, and the party wintered at the mouth of Wood river, on the east bank of the Mississippi. The start was on May 4, 1804, and the first reach, made on the sixteenth, was twenty-one miles up the Missouri. Of the many surpris- ing advantures encountered in ascending this river to Fort Benton, it is not the province of GENERAL HISTORY. this history to recount. It was toward the Northwest Coast that their faces were set, and the advent of these pioneers into the future "Oregon" becomes of material interest to present residents of this section. August 1 8, 1805, fourteen months from the departure of this expedition, it had reached the extreme navigable point of the Missouri river, stated in Captain Lewis' journal, to be in lati- tude 43 degrees, 30 minutes, 43 seconds north. The party was now, for a certain distance, to proceed by land with pack horses. Tribe after tribe of strange Indians were encountered, a majority of whom met the explorers on friendly terms. The party endured hardships innum- erable; game was scarce in certain localities, and at times the weather was inclement. They forded unknown streams, and christened many, Lewis river, Clarke's Fork, and others. Particular inquiries were made regarding the topography of the country and the possibil- ity of soon reaching a navigable stream. In answer to such questions an ancient chief, who, it was claimed, knew more concerning the geography of this section of the northwest than any one else, drew rude delineations of the vari- ous rivers on the ground. It soon developed that he knew little about them. But some vague information was gained sufficient to show that the different streams converged in one vast river, the Columbia, running a great way toward the "setting sun, and at length los- ing itself in a great lake of water, which was ill- tasted and where the white men lived." Still another route was suggested, an analysis of which convinced Captain Clarke that the rivers mentioned debouched into the Gulf of Cali- fornia. He then inquired concerning the route used by the Pierced-nose Indians who, living west of the mountains, crossed over to the Mis- souri. According to Captain Lewis' journal the chief replied, in effect, that the route was a very bad one ; that during the passage, he had been told, they suffered excessively from hun- ger, being obliged to subsist for many days on berries alone, there being no game in that part of the mountains, which was broken and rocky, and so thickly covered with timber that they could scarcely pass. Difficulties, also, surrounded all routes, and this one appeared as practicable as any other. It was reasoned that if Indians could pass the mountains with their women and children, no difficulties which they could overcome would be formidable to the explorers. Lewis sets down in his journal : "If the tribes below the mountains were as numerous as they were rep- resented to be, they would have some means of subsi stance equally within our power. They had told us, indeed, that the natives to the westward subsisted principally on fish and roots, and that their only game was a few elk, deer, and antelope, there being no buffalo west of the mountains." It was decided by Captain Clarke to ascer- tain what difficulty, if any, would be encoun- tered in descending the river on which the party was then encamped. Continuing down the stream, which runs nearly northwest, through low grounds, rich and wide, they came to where it forked, the western branch being much larger than the eastern. To this stream, or rather the main branch, was given the name of Lewis river. The party followed it until confronted by insurmountable ob- stacles ; it foamed and lashed itself through a narrow pass flanked by the loftiest mountains Captain Clarke had ever seen. The Indians declared that it was impossible to descend the river or scale the mountains, snow-capped and repellant. They had never been lower than the bead of the gap made by the river breaking through the range. Captain Clarke decided to abandon the route. It was determined to pro- ceed on their course by land. On being ques- tioned their guide drew a map on the sand, rep- resenting a road leading toward two forks of another river, where lived a tribe of Indians called Tushepaws. These people, he said, fre- quently came to Lewis river to fish for salmon. IO GENERAL HISTORY. Through the broken, hilly country through which flow the tributaries of the Columbia the party pressed forward. On the 29th Captain Clarke and his men joined the main party, which had made a wide detour in order to gain information regarding a more feasible route. Although August was not yet passed the weather was quite cold, and during the night ink froze in the pen and frost covered the meadows. Yet the days were warm, and this atmospheric condition grew more pronounced as they drew nearer the "Oregon" climate. The expedition began the passage across the mountains August 30, 1805. Accompanied by the old guide, his four sons and another Indian, the party began the descent of the Lemhi river. Three days later all the Indians, save the old guide, deserted them. There being no track leading across the mountains it became necessary to cut their way through the dense underbrush. Although the Indian guide ap- pears to have lost his way, on September 4, after most arduous labor in forcing a passage through the almost impenetrable brush, the party came upon a large camp of Indians. The following day a "pow-wow" was held, con- ducted in many languages, the various dia- lects suggesting a modern Babel, but it proved sufficient to inform the Indians of the main ob- ject of the expedition. These Indians were the Ootlashoots, a band of the Tushepaws, on their way to join other bands in hunting buffalo on Jefferson river, across the Great Divide. Part- ing from them the toilsome journey was re- sumed. The party was seeking a pass across the Bitter Root mountains. Game disappeared. On September 14 they were forced to kill a colt, their stock of animal food being exhausted. And with frequent recurrence to the use of horseflesh they pressed on through the wilder- ness. An extract from Captain Clarke's jour- nal of September 18, conveys an idea of the destitute condition of his party : We melted some snow and supped on a little porta- ble soup, a few cannisters of which, with about twenty pounds' weight of bear's oil, are our only remaining means of subsistence. Our guns are scarcely of any service for there is no living creature in these mountains except a few small pheasants, a small species of gray squirrel, and a blue bird of the vulture kind, about the size of a turtle dove, or jay. Even these are difficult to shoot. Arriving at a bold, running stream on Sep- tember 19, it was appropriately named "Hun- gry Creek," as at that point ftiey had nothing to eat. On September 20 the party passed down the last of the Bitter Root range and gained a comparatively level country. Here they found another band of strange Indians, people who had never looked upon the face of a white man. They proved hospitable and the party remained with them several days. The Indians called themselves Chopunnish, or Pierced-noses, the Nez Perces of to-day. The expedition was now in the vicinity of Pierce City, at one period the capital of Shoshone county, Idaho. On a white elk skin, the chief, Twisted Hair, drew a chart of the country to the west, to explain the geog- raphy and topography of the district beyond. Captain Clarke translates it as follows : "According to this the Kooskooskee forks (confluence of its north fork) a few miles from this place ; two days toward the south is another and larger, fork (confluence of Snake river), on which the Shoshone or Snake Indians fish ; five days' journey further is a large river from the northwest (that is, the Columbia itself) into which Clarke's river empties; from the mouth of that river (that is, confluence of the Snake with the Columbia) to the falls is five days' journey further; on all the forks as well as on the main river great numbers of Indians re- side." On September 23 the Indians were assem- bled, and the errand of the party across the continent explained. The talk satisfied the sav- ages ; they sold their visitors provisions for man and beast and parted with amity. But immediate progress was somewhat delayed by illness of different members of the party. They were nearly famished when they encountered GENERAL HISTORY. ii the Nez Perces, and had eaten too heartily fol- lowing their privations. September 27 they camped on Kooskooskee river and began the building of canoes. Gradually the health of the men was recruited, and the early days of October were passed in making preparations to descend the river. According to Lewis' jour- nal the latitude of this camp was 46 degrees 34 minutes 56 seconds north. It should be re- membered that the Kooskooskee is now the Clearwater, flowing into the Snake river which, in turn, empties into the Columbia. October 8 the party began their long and adventurous voyage in five canoes, one of which served as an advance pilot boat, the course of the stream being unknown. They were soon assailed by disaster, one of the canoes striking a rock and sinking. The river was found to be full of rocks, reefs and rapids. At the confluence of the Kooskooskee and Snake rivers a night's camp was made, near the present Idaho town of Lewiston, named in honor of the commander of this expedition. And from this point the party crossed over into the territory now bounded by the limits of the state of Washing- ton. Experience in this camp finds the fol- lowing expression in Lewis' journal. Our arrival soon attracted the attention of the In- dians, who flocked from all directions to see us. In the evening the Indian from the falls, whom we had seen at Rugged Rapid, joined us with his son in a small canoe, and insisted on accompanpying us to the falls. Being again reduced to fish and roots, we made an experiment to vary our food by purchasing a few dogs, and after having been accumtomed to horse-flesh felt no disrelish for this new dish. The Chopunnish have great numbers of dogs, which they employ for domestic purposes, but never eat; and our using the flesh of that animal soon brought us into ridicule as dog eaters. On October 1 1 , having made a short stage in their journey, the party stopped and traded with the Indians, securing a quantity of salmon and seven dogs. They were now on the Snake river and proceeding rapidly toward the Col- umbia, known to all the various Indian tribes in "Oregon" as the "Great River." Dangerous rapids crowded the stream; disasters were en- countered far too frequently to prove assuring to the voyageurs. October 14 another canoe was blown upon a rock sideways and narrowly escaped being lost. Four miles above the point of confluence of the Snake and Columbia rivers the expedition halted and conferred with the Indians. During the evening of October 16 they were visited by two hundred warriors who tendered them a barbaric ovation, comprising a procession with drums, torches and vocal music far more diabolical than classical. Here seven more dogs were purchased, together with some fish and "twenty pounds of fat dried horseflesh." At the point where the party were then stationed the counties of Franklin, Yakima and Walla Walla now come together; the junction of the Snake and Columbia rivers. The Indians called themselves Sokulks. Habit and experience necessarily render ex- plorers more far-sighted and astute than the ordinary citizen of civilized habitat. But the prescience of the former is by no means in- fallible. Lewis and Clarke were now about to set forth upon the waters of the mighty Colum- bia, a famous stream variously known as "The River of the North" and "The Oregon;" a great commercial artery whose convolutions were subsequently to be insisted upon by Great Britain as the northern boundary of "Oregon" territory. But the magnitude of this stream and its future importance in international poli- tics were, of course, unknown to Lewis and Clarke. These explorers had no knowledge of the "terminal facilities" of this stream other than that contributed by the legendary lore of Indians, dim, mythical, and altogether theoreti- cal. And with this absence of even a partial realization of the great significance of his mis- sion Captain Lewis writes in his journal of Oc- tober 17, 1805 : "In the course of the day Captain Clarke, in a small canoe, with two men, ascended the Columbia. At a distance of five miles he passed 12 GENERAL HISTORY. an island in the middle of the river, at the head of which was a small but dangerous rapid." With this simple introduction to the most important episode of his journey across the con- tinent Captain Lewis faced the Occident that held so much in store for thousands of the future. On the 19th the voyageurs began to drift down the Columbia. Rapids impeded their course, many of them dangerous. Short portages were made around the more difficult ones, and forty miles down the stream they landed among a tribe known as the Pishguit- pahs who were engaged in drying fish. Here they smoked the pipe of peace, exchanged pres- ents and entertained the Indians with the strains of two violins played by Cruzatte and Gibson, members of the exploring party. October. 21 they arrived at the confluence of a considerable stream, coming into the Columbia from the left, and named by the party Lepage, now known as John Day's river. Six years later, John Day, a Kentucky Nimrod, crossed the continent on the trail blazed by Lewis and Clarke, bound for Astoria, at the mouth of the Columbia. From the rapids below the mouth of this stream the party gained their first view of Mount Hood, prominent in the Cascade range, looming up from the southwest eleven thousand two hun- dred and twenty-five feet. On the day fol- lowing they passed a stream called by the In- dians Towahnahiooks ; to modern geographers known as the Des Chutes. This is one of the largest southern tributaries of the Columbia. Five miles below the mouth of this stream the party camped. Lewis and Clarke had learned from the Indins of the "great falls," and toward this point they had looked with some apprehension. October 23 they made the descent of these rapids, the height of which, in a distance of twelve hundred yards is thirty- seven feet eight inches. Around the first fall, twenty-five feet high, a portage was made, and below the canoes were led down by lines. At the next fall of the Columbia the expedition camped, among the Echeloots, a tribe of the Upper Chinooks, at present nearly extinct. They received the white men with much kind- ness, invited them to their huts and returned their visits, but the Echeloots were then at war with another tribe and at all times anxious con- cerning an expected attack by their enemies. Following a long talk with Lewis and Clarke, who were ever ready to extend their good offices toward making peace between hostile tribes, the Echeloots agreed to drop their quarrel with their ancient enemies. Here, too, the chiefs who had accompanied the expedition from the headwaters of the streams, bade the explorers farewell, and prepared to return eastward. Pur- chasing horses of the Echeloots they went home by land. The closing days of October were passed in descending the Columbia, in which portion of their voyage they met a number of different tribes of Indians, among them the Chilluckitte- quaws, from whom they purchased five small dogs, some dried berries and a white bread or cake, made from roots. They passed a small, rapid stream which they called Cataract river, now known as the Klickitat. Going thirty-two miles farther they camped on the right bank of a river in what is now Skamania county, Wash- ington, which is either the White Salmon or Little White Salmon. On the last day of Oc- tober Captain Clarke pushed on ahead to ex- amine the next of the more difficult rapids, known as "the great shoot." This obstacle was conquered, however, although not without a number of hair-breadth escapes, and on No- vember 2 the party were below the last of all the descents of the Columbia. At this point tidewater commences and the river widens. From tidewater to the sea the passage was enlivened with incidents sufficient to quicken the pulse of the enthusiastic explorers. Near the mouth of Sandy river they met a party of fifteen Indians who had recently come up from the mouth of the Columbia. By them they were told of three vessels lying at anchor below. It was certain that these craft must be either GENERAL HISTORY. J 3 American or European, and the explorers could ill conceal their unbounded pleasure and antici- pation. A group of islands near the mouth of the Multnomah, or modernly, Williamette, had concealed this stream, upon which is now situ- ated the city of Portland, from view. The voy- ageurs had missed this important river en- tirely. Proceeding westward the explorers obtained their first sight of Mount Ranier, or Mount Tacoma, nine thousand seven hundred and fifty feet high. Nearing the coast the party met Indians of a nature widely divergent from any whom they had before seen. Captain Lewis says : These people seem to be of a different nation from those we have just passed; they are low in stature, ill- shaped, and all have their heads flattened. They call themselves Wahkiacum, and their language differs from that of the tribes above, with whom they trade for wapatoo roots. The houses are built in a different style, being raised entirely above ground, with the eaves about five feet high and the door at the corner. * * * The dress of the men is like that of the people above, but the women are clad in a peculiar manner, the robe not reaching lower than the hip, and the body being covered in cold weather by a sort of corset of fur, curiously plaited and reaching from the arms to the hip ; added to this is a sort of petticoat, or rather tissue of white cedar bark, bruised or broken with small strands, and woven into a girdle by several cords of the same material. These Indians, as a tribal nation, have en- tirely disappeared, but their name is perpetu- ated by a small county on the coast of Wash- ington, north of the Bay of Columbia. Practically the Lewis and Clarke expedition reached the end of its perilous trip across the continent on November 15, 1805. Of this achievement the Encyclopaedia Britannica says : "They had traveled upwards of four thousand miles from their starting point, had encountered various Indian tribes never before seen by whites, had made scientific collections and observations, and were the first explorers to reach the Pacific coast by crossing the con- tinent north of Mexico." The closing statement of this article par- tially ignores the expeditions of Sir Alexander Mackenzie who, while he did not cross the continent from a point as far east as Washing- ton, D. C, made a journey, in 1789, from Fort Chipewyan, along the great Slave Lake, and down the river which now bears his name, to the "Frozen Ocean," and a second journey in 1792-3 from the same initial point, up the Peace and across the Columbia rivers, and thence westward to the coast of the Pacific, at Cape Menzies, opposite Queen Charlotte Island. Only to this extent is the statement of the Encyclopaedia Britannica misleading, but it is quite evident that there is no pro- nounced inclination to do an injustice to the memory of Mackenzie. The Lewis and Clarge party passed the following winter in camp at the mouth of the Columbia. Before the holidays Captain Clarke carved on the trunk of a massive pine this simple inscription : WM. CLARKE, DECEMBER 3, 1805, BY LAND FROM THE U. STATES IN 1804 AND 5. During the return of the expedition the Clarke division came down the Yellowstone, in Montana. On a mass of saffron sandstone, an acre in base, and four hundred feet high, called Pompey's Pillar, twenty miles above the mouth of the Big Horn river, about half way up, the following is carved : WM. CLARKE, JULY 25, 1806. CHAPTER III. THE OREGON CONTROVERSY. The strugggle of five nations for possession of "Oregon," a domain embracing indefinite territory, but including the present states of Oregon, Washington and Idaho, and a portion of British Columbia, ran through a century and a half, and culminated in the "Oregon Contro- versy" between England and the United States. Through forty years of diplomatic sparring, advances, retreats, demands, concessions and unperfected compromises the contest was waged between the two remaining champions of the cause, the United States and Great Brit- ain. British parlimentary leaders came and went; federal administrations followed each other successsively, and each in turn directed the talents of its able secretaries of state to the vital point in American politics, Oregon. The question became all important and far reaching. It involved, at different periods, all the cunning diplomacy of the Hudson's Bay Company, backed by hundreds of thousands of pounds sterling; it brought to the front con- spicuously the life tragedy of a humble mis- sionary among the far western Indians, Dr. Marcus Whitman; it aroused the spirited pa- triotism of American citizenship from Maine to Astoria, and it evoked the sanguinary defi from American lips, "Fifty-four forty or fight." It closed with a compromise, quickly, yet effectually consummated ; ratification was im- mediate, and the "Oregon Controversy" be- came as a tale that is told, and from a live and burning issue of the day it passed quietly into the sequestered nook of American history. To obtain a fairly comprehensive view of this question it becomes necessary to hark back to 1697, the year of the Treaty of Rys- wick, when Spain claimed, as her share of North America, as stated by William Barrows : On the Atlantic coast from Cape Romaine on the Carolina shore, a few miles north of Charleston, due west to the Mississippi river, and all south of that line to the Gulf of Mexico. That line continued beyond the Mississippi makes the northern boundary of Louis- iana. In the valley of the lower Mississippi Spain acknowledged no rival, though France was then be- ginning to intrude. On the basis of discovery by the heroic De Soto and others, she claimed up to the head of the Arkansas and the present famous Leadville, and westward to the Pacific. On that ocean, or the South Sea, as it was then called, she set up the pretensions of sovereignty from Panama to Nootka Sound or Van- couver. These pretensions covered the coasts, harbors, islands and even over the whole Pacific Ocean as then limited. These stupendous claims Spain based on dis- covery, under the papal bull of Alexander VI, in 1493. This bull or decree gave to the discoverer all newly discovered lands and waters. In 1513 Balboa, the Span- iard, discovered the Pacific Ocean, as he came over the Isthmus of Panama, and so Spain came into the owner- ship of that body of water. Good old times those were, when kings thrust their hands into the new world, as children do theirs into a grab-bag at a fair, and drew out a river four thousand miles long, or an ocean, or a tract of wild land ten or fifteen times the size of England. Nor was France left out at the Ryswick partition of the world. She claimed in the south and in the north, and it was her proud boast that from the mouth of the Penobscot along the entire seaboard to the unknown and frozen Arctic, no European power divided that coast with her, nor the wild interior back of it. At the date of this survey, 1697, Russia was quiescent. She claimed no possessions. But at the same time Peter the Great, and his minis- ters, were doing some heavy thinking. Results- of these cogitations were afterwards seen in GENERAL HISTORY. 15 the new world, in a territory known for many years to school children as Russian America, now the Klondyke, Dawson, Skaguay, Bonan- za Creek, the Yukon and — the place where the gold comes from. Russia entered the lists ; she became the fifth competitor, with Spain, Eng- land, France and the United States, for Ore- gon. Passing over the events of a hundred years, years of cruel wars; of possession and dispos- session among the powers ; the loss by France of Louisiana and the tragedy of the Plains of Abraham, we come to the first claims of Russia. She demanded all the Northwest Coast and is- lands north of latitude 51 degrees and down the Asiatic coast as low as 45 degrees, 50 min- utes, forbidding "all foreigners to approach within one hundred miles of these coasts ex- cept in cases of extremity." Our secretary of state, John Quincy Adams, objected to this presumptuous claim. Emphatically he held that Russia had no valid rights on that coast south of the 55th degree. Vigorous letters were ex- changed and then "the correspondence closed." Great Britain took sides with the United States. Our protest was emphasized by pro- mulgation of the now famous "Monroe Doc- trine," the substance of which lies in these words : "That the American continents, by the free and independent condition which they have assumed and maintained, are henceforth not to be considered as subjects for coloniza- tion by any European power." Subsequently it was agreed between Russia and the United States, in 1824, that the latter country should make no new claim north of 54 degrees, 40 minutes, and the Russians none south of it. With Great Britain Russia made a similar compact the year following, and for a period of ten years this agreement was to be binding, it being, however, understood that the privilege of trade and navigation should be free to all parties. At the expiration of this period the United States and Great Britain received notice from Russia of the discontinuance of their navigation and trade north of 54 degrees, 40 minutes. Right here falls into line the Hudson's Bay Company. Between Great Britain and Russia a compromise was effected through a lease from Russia to this company of the coast and margin from 54 degrees, 40 minutes, to Cape Spencer, near 58 degrees. Matters were, also, satisfactorily adjusted with the United States. The final counting out of Russia from the list of competitors for Oregon dates from 1836. During a controversy between England and Russia the good offices of the United States were solicited, and at our suggestion Russia withdrew from California and relinquished all claims south of 54 degrees, 40 minutes. And now the contest for Oregon was narrowed down between Great Britain and the United States. But with the dropping of Russia it becomes necessary to go back a few years in order to preserve intact the web of this history. On May 16, 1670, the Hudson's Bay Com- pany was chartered by Charles II. Headed by Prince Rupert the original incorporators num- bered eighteen.. The announced object of the company was "the discovery of a passage into the South Sea" — the Pacific Ocean. During the first century of its existence the company really did something along the lines of geo- graphical discovery. Afterward its identity was purely commercial. Twelve hundred miles from Lake Superior, in 1778, the eminent Frobisher and others had established a trading post, or "factory," at Athabasca. Fort Chipew- yan was built ten years later and Athabasca abandoned. From this point Mackenzie made his two overland trips to the Pacific, treated in the two preceding chapters. Commenting upon these expeditions, from a political view point, William Barrows, in the "American Commonwealths" series, says : "The point reached by Mackenzie on the Pacific is within the present limits of British Columbia on that coast (53 degrees, 21 min- utes), and it was the first real, though unde- i6 GENERAL HISTORY. signed step toward the occupation of Oregon by Great Britain. That government was feeling its way, daringly and blindly, for all territory it might obtain, and in 1793 came thus near the outlying region which afterward became the coveted prize of our narrative." (Oregon: the Struggle for Possession.) Between the United States and possession of Oregon stood, like a stone wall, the Hud- son's Bay Company. It was the incarnation of England's protest against our occupancy. Such being the case it is a fortuitous opportu- nity to glance, briefly, at the complexion of this great commercial potentate of the North- west Coast. Aside from geographical discov- eries there was another object set forth in the Hudson's Bay Company's charter. This was "the finding of some trade for furs, minerals and other considerable commodities." More- over an exclusive right was granted by the charter to the "trade and commerce of all those seas, straits and bays, rivers, lakes, creeks and sounds, in whatsoever latitude they shall be, that lie within the entrance of the straits com- monly called Hudson's Straits." The charter extended, also, to include all lands bordering them not under any other civilized government. Such ambiguous description covered a vast territory — and Oregon. And of this domain, indefinitely bounded, the Hudson's Bay Com- pany became monarch, autocrat and tyrant, rather an unpleasant trinity to be adjacent to the gradually increasing and solidifying do- minion of the United States. Then, with the old company, was united the Northwestern Company, at one time a rival, now a compo- nent part of the great original "trust" of the Christian era. The crown granted to the new syndicate the exclusive right to trade with all Indians in British North America for a term of twenty years. Their hunters and trappers spread themselves throughout the entire north- west of North America. Their fur monopoly extended so far south as the Salt Lake basin of the modern Utah. Rivals were bought out, undersold or crushed. The company held at its mercy all individual traders from New Foundland to Vancouver ; from the head of the Yellowstone to the mouth of the Mackenzie. With, no rivals to share the field, the extent of territory under the consolidated company seems almost fabulous — one-third larger than all Eu- rope; larger than the United States of to-day, Alaska included, by, as Mr. Barrows states, "half a million of square miles." And it was preparing, backed by the throne of England, to swallow and assimilate "Oregon." Con- cerning this most powerful company Mr. Bar- rows has contributed the following graphic de- scription : "One contemplates their power with awe and fear, when he regards the even motion and solemn silence and unvarying sameness with which it has done its work through that dreary animal country. It has been said that a hun- dred years has not changed its bills of goods ordered from London. The company wants the same muskrat and beaver and seal ; the In- dian hunter, unimproved, and the half-breed European, deterioating, want the same cotton goods, and flint-lock guns and tobacco and gew-gaws. To-day as a hundred years ago the dog-sledge runs out from Winnipeg for its solitary drive of five hundred or two thousand or even three thousand miles. It glides silent as a spectre over those snow-fields and through the solemn, still forests, painfully wanting in animal life. Fifty, seventy, and hundred days it speeds along, and as many nights it camps without fire, and looks up to the same cold stars. At the intervening points the sledge makes a pause, as a ship, having rounded Cape Horn, heaves to before some lone Pacific is- land. It is the same at the trader's hut or 'fac- tory.' as when the sledge man's grandfather drove up the same dogs, the same half-breeds or voyageurs to welcome him, the same foul, lounging Indians, and the same mink-skin in exchange for the same trinket. The fur ani- mal and its purchaser and hunter, as the land- GENERAL HISTORY. 17 scape, seem to be alike under the same immut- able law of nature : — " 'A land where all things always seem the same,' as among the lotus-eaters. Human pro- gress and Indian civilization have scarcely- made more improvement than that central, silent partner of the Hudson's Bay Company — the beaver." Originally the capital stock of this com- pany, at the time the charter was granted by Charles II, was $50,820. Through profits alone it was tripled twice within fifty years, going as high as $457,380, without any addi- tional money being paid in by stockholders. The Northwest Company was absorbed in 1 82 1 on a basis of valuation equal to that of the Hudson's Bay Company. Then the con- solidated capital stock was $1,916,000, of which $1,780,866 was from profits. And during all this elapsed period an annual divi- dend of ten per cent had been paid to stock- holders. One cargo of furs, leaving Fort George for London in 1836, was valued at $380,000, In 1837 the consolidated company organized the Puget Sound Agricultural Com- pany. This was intended to serve as an offset to encroachments of colonists from the United States which settled in Oregon. In 1846 the English government conceded United States claims to Oregon, and at that period the Hud- son's Bay Company claimed property within the territory said to be worth $4,990,036.67. With such gigantic and powerful competi- tion for the territory of Oregon it is surprising that even as determined a government as the United States should have succeeded in oust- ing it from its trespass on our property. Nor could this have been accomplished had it not been for the pluck, skill, determination and in- domitable energy of our hardy pioneers. While the sale of rabbit skins alone in London, in one year, ordinarily amounted to thirteen hundred thousand, the company found its profit also in the beaver, land and sea-otter, mink, fisher, muskrat, fox, raccoon, sable, black, brown and 2 grizzly bear and buffalo. And in search for these fur-bearing animals the hunters of the company braved every danger and spread themselves over the wild half of North Amer- ica. So far from carrying out the provisions of its charter relating to geographical discovery, early in the nineteenth century the company threw every obstacle possible in the way of such discoveries. Evidently it feared rivals. Sir John Barrow, in his history of Arctic Voyages, says : "The Northwest Passage seems to have been entirely forgotten, not only by the ad- venturers who had obtained their exclusive charter under this pretext, but also by the na- tion at large; at least nothing more appears to have been heard on the subject for more than half a century." And what of the darker deeds of this mys- terious, silent, yet powerful commercial aggre- gation? In 1719 it refused a proposal from Mr. Knight that two vessels be sent by him to look up a rumored copper mine at the mouth of an arctic river. In 1741 the company showed signs of hostility toward a Mr. Dobbs, engaged in the same enterprise. The failure of Captain Middleton, commissioned by the Lords of Admiralty to- explore northern and western waters of Hudson's Bay, is attributed to a bribe of five thousand pounds received from the company. The beacon light at Fort York was cut down in 1 746 to insure the com- plete wreck of an exploring party then aground in that vicinity. Much of the information con- cerning auriferous deposits brought back by Mackenzie from his two journeys was sup- presed. The Hudson's Bay Company had set its face against mineral development. Even that industry was a rival. Following the assas- ination of Dr. Marcus Whitman by Indians, in 1847, one °f the suvivors of the massacre was refused the protection of Fort Walla Walla then under command of an agent of the Hud- son's Bay Company. On the whole this aggre- gation of English capital seems to have been as antagonistic to English enterprise as to i8 GENERAL HISTORY. American commerce, but all the time working like a mole under ground. Previous to the War of 1812 England had strenuously urged the Ohio as the western limit of the colonies. She seduced various Indian tribes to oppose western immigration. In 181 1 General Harrison, afterward president, at- tempted to hold a friendly conference with the great Tecumseh. The meeting was disrupted by the latter, and it required the battle of Tippe- canoe to teach the warriors a bloody object les- son. Then followed the War of 1812. In this Great Britain made an effort to recover the northwest, but failed signally. But the Hud- son's Bay Company was England in North America. And when the nation failed the com- mercial syndicate succeeded — for a time. While the United States had legal, she had not, owing to the interference of this company, actual pos- session and occupancy. Following the close of the Revolution and the treaty of 1783, an attempt was made to run a northern boundary for the United States. It looked well on paper. It traversed wild, unex- plored territory unknown to either party to the agreement. "Thus," says Barrows, "the northwest point of the Lake of the Woods was assumed for one bound from which the line was to run, to the northwestern point of the lake and thence 'due west,' to the Mississippi. The clause in the treaty reads thus : 'to the said Lake of the Woods, and thence through the said lake to the most northwestern point thereof, and from thence on a due west course to the river Missis- sippi.' But the head of the river, proved to be a hundred miles or more to the south. So that little prominence in our otherwise straight boundary is the bump of ignorance developed by two nations. The St. Croix was fixed by treaty as the boundary on the northeast, but a special 'Joint Commission' was required in 1794 to determine 'what river is the St. Croix,' and four years afterward this commis- sion called for an addition to their instructions since their original ones were not broad enough to enable them to determine the true St. Croix." In 1 84 1 another commission ran a boun- dary from the head of the St. Croix, by the head of the Connecticut, to the St. Lawrence; thence through the middle of its channel and the middle of the lakes to the outlet of Lake Superior, occupying the whole of seven years. And yet the line had not been carried through Lake Superior to the Lake of the Woods. Fi- nally, in 1818, this was done and an agreement reached, though this line was not on the 49th parallel, from the Lake of the Woods, to the Rocky Mounmtains, the line that was offered by Great Britain, accepted by one administra- tion, refused by another, and finally adopted in- stead of "Fifty-four forty or fight." Still the English commission was loath to part with the Mississippi valley. They asked for a right of way to the headwaters of that stream. At the same time the southern limits of their northern possessions did not come within one hundred miles of the source of the Mississippi from whence its waters flow more than three thou- sand miles to the Gulf of Mexico. The com- mission, however, abandoned this claim and turned, to stand resolutely on latitude 49 de- grees. During negotiations with England, in 1818, a compromise was effected which pro- vided for a joint occupation of Oregon for ten years. In 1827 it was renewed, to run indefin- itely, with a provision that it could be termin- ated by either party on giving one year's notice. The Ashburton-Webster treaty of 1842 fixed the line between the St. Croix and St. Law- rence. In 1846 another commission failed to accomplish results in extending a line to the westward through their inability to agree on the "middle of the channel" between the main- land and Vancouver Island. Not until 1872 was this latter question de- cided. It was submitted to the Emperor of Germany as final arbiter. He decided favor- ably to the claim of the United States. Thus this boundary question was prolonged eighty- GENERAL HISTORY. 19 nine years, under eight treaties and fifteen spec- ifications, until final adjustment in its entirety. The Oregon boundary remained in dispute up to 1847. It may here be appropriately re- marked that the Joint Boundary Commission of 1818, agreeing on the 49th parallel, might have carried the line to a satisfactory point had they not been stopped by fur traders. Two companies were then attempting to gain pos- session of the territory. The expedition of Lewis and Clarke, 1804- 6, opened the eyes of England. Jealous lest Americans should gain an advantage, Laroque was sent by the Northwestern Company to sprinkle the Columbia river country with trad- ing posts. But Laroque gained no farther westing than the Man dan Indian village on the Missouri. In 1806 Fraser, having crossed the mountains, made the first English settlement by erecting a post on Fraser Lake. Others soon followed and New Caledonia came into exist- ence. It had remained for daring frontiers- men to open the dramatic contest for posses- sion of Oregon. Diplomats and ministers had dallied and quibbed. Now the contest had be- come serious and earnest. A German immi- grant, John Jacob Astor, was destined to play a prominent part in future strategetic movements for this possession. At forty years of age he was established in the fur business on the great lakes. Later, he had another post at the mouth of the Columbia river, Astoria, a freight port for furs incoming, and beads and trinkets out- going. In 1 8 10 he dispatched an expedition of sixty men from St. Louis to the Columbia. Ffteen months after, depleted by death, the sur- vivors reached Astoria. Another company of about the same number arrived by way of Cape Horn some time earlier. Other ships followed, and in 181 3 Mr. Astor suffered the loss of the Lark, shipwrecked on the Sandwich, now the Hawaiian Islands. Nor was this the worst. Of Mr. Astor's partners, a majority had sold out to the Northwest Fur Company of Montreal, an English organization. Property which Mr. Astor had valued at $200,000 had been thrown away for $40,000. He saw signs of treachery. But so far, despite these handicaps, he had out- witted his competitors. They had planned to forestall him at the mouth of the Columbia. The failure of Laroque had defeated this scheme. Another division of the Northwest Company, in 181 1, had attempted to reach there ahead of the sagacious American trader. This party was snowbound and compelled to winter in the mountains. When they eventually ar- rived Astoria was a reality. The importance of these events is worthy of notice. Had Laroque or the other parties anticipated Astor, strong and cumulative evidence would have been af- forded England of prior possession, and this evidence would have been a powerful leverage during the long controversy which followed concerning the northern boundary of Oregon. Then, too, the defection of Astor's partners who had sold out to the Northwest Company led to an incident in the Oregon Controversy which is significant. Mr. Barrows says : "The leading partner in it, and the one who afterward led off in its sale, received them (representatives of the Northwest Company) in a friendly and hospitable way, and not as rivals; when they returned from their vain expedition he supplied them, not only with pro- visions, but with goods for trading purposes up the river, where they established trading huts among the Indians and became rivals of the Americans. Strange to say when the ques- tion of priority of occupation and national sov- ereignty was under discussion at London, fif- teen years afterward, the English put in these huts of this returning company, as proof that the English were as early if not earlier in the Columbia than the Americans." Here is a case in point which eloquently il- lustrates the supremacy of commercialism over sentimental statesmanship. Astor's partners had turned over the post, practically, to the Northwestern Company. The United States had been solicited by Great Britain, previous to 20 GENERAL HISTORY. the War of 1 8 12, to favor, the Northwest Com- pany as against Mr. Astor, and this request had been refused. When the war opened Eng- land flamboyantly dispatched a naval force to the Columbia under orders "to take and destroy everything American on the Northwest Coast." On the arrival of this fleet in 181 3, the com- mander had the barren satisfaction of running up the English colors and naming the post St. George. Already it had passed into English hands via the Northwest Company. Bad faith of his partners and the chances of war had, temporarily defeated the plans of Mr. Astor. American interests on that coast were under a cloud. But the United States was destined to win out. The War of 18 12 was fairly on. It had been declared on June 12, 1812; the treaty of peace was signed Decem- ber 14, 1814. It contained this clause ma- terially affecting our interests in Oregon : "All territory, places and possessions whatsoever, taken by either party from the other during the war * * * shall be restored without de- lay." Did this provision cover Astoria? Ap- parently the English thought not, for when, in 181 7, an American vessel was put in readiness to occupy that post Mr. Bagot, the English minister at Washington, opposed it. Two points are noted in his protest : The post had been sold to the Northwest Company prior to the war ; therefore never captured. Secondly, "the territory itself was early taken possession of in his majesty's name, and had since been considered as forming a part of his majesty's domains." But repossession was granted despite the protest. In 1818 the Stars and Stripes again waved over Astoria and the name "St. George" was relegated to the limbo of the obsolete. But the Oregon Question was not dead; only hibernating. It sprang into life at the behest of the eloquent Rufus Choate. From his seat in the senate he said : "Keep your, eye always open, like the eye of your own eagle, upon the Oregon. Watch day and night. If any new developments or policy break forth, meet them. If the times change, do you change. New things in a new world. Eternal vigilance is the condition of empire as well as of liberty." For twenty-seven years the threads of dip- lomatic delay and circumlocution were spun out concerning the status of Oregon. Theoret- ically Astoria had been restored to us; prac- tically the Northwest fur traders thronged the land. The English company had built a stock- ade fort. It looked as if they intended to hold possession of the mouth of the Columbia vie et armis. Indian tribes ranged themselves on the side of the English. Their minds had been poisoned ; insiduous words had been breathed into their ears to the effect that the Americans would steal their lands ; the English wanted only to trade with them for furs. And for more than ten years following the treachous sale of Astoria, there were scarcely any Americans in the country. Greenhow in his "History of Oregon and California," declares that at the period when the Hudson's Bay Company was before parliament, in 1837, asking for renewal of its charter, they "claimed and received the aid and consideration of government for their energy and success in expelling the Americans from the Columbia regions, and forming set- tlements there, by means of which they were rapidly converting Oregon into a British colony." Astoria was restored to the United States by the Treaty of Ghent in 181 4. Yet in that document there is no allusion made to the Northwest Coast, or in fact, any territory west of the Lake of the Woods. Our instructions to the American plenipotentiaries were to concede nothing to Great Britain south of the fflrty- ninth parallel. Thus the question was left in abeyance with no defined boundary between English and American territory west of the Lake of the Woods. The southern boundary of Oregon was, also, in doubt. It was not definitely fixed until the Florida Purchase. GENERAL HISTORY. 21 Then it was decided that parallel forty-two, on the Pacific, running east from that ocean to the Arkansas, down the river to longitude one hun- dred; on that meridan south till it strikes the Red river; down the Red river to longitude ninety- four ; due south on it to the Sabine river; and down the Sabine to the Gulf of Mexico, should define the southern and western boundaries of the Louisiana Purchase of 1803, which up to that period had remained indefin- ite. This act fixed, also, the southern boundary of Oregon. Until 1820 congress remained dormant so far as Oregon interests were concerned. Then it was suggested that a marine expedition be dispatched to guard our interests at the mouth of the Columbia and aid immigration from the United States. Nothing resulted. In 1821 the same question was revived, but again permitted to relapse into desuetude. Mr. Barrows does not use language too strong when he says : "There appeared to be a lack of appreciation of the case, and there was a skepticism and leth- argy concerning that half of the union, which have by no means disappeared." In 1814 the question having been reopened in London Mr. Rush claimed for the United States from the forty-second to the fifty-first parallel. This section would embrace all the waters of the Columbia. Per contra the Eng- lish demanded possession of the northern half of the Columbia basin. This would have given us, as the northern boundary of Oregon, the Columbia river from a point where it intersects the forty-ninth parallel to its mouth. It is well to examine, at this point, what such a boundary would have meant to Washington. Had it been accepted there would, probably, never have been any state of Washington, at least, not as sub- sequently defined. It would have meant the loss of the following territory, comprised in the counties of Klickitat, Skamia, Cowlitz, Clark, Wahkiakum, Pacific, Chehalis, Mason, Lewis, Pierce, Jefferson, Clallam, Kitsap, King, Snohomish, Skagit, Whatcom, Yakima, Kitti- tas, Chelan, Okanogan and Ferry, a territory comprising forty-three thousand, seven hun- dred and sixteen square miles, two-thirds of the area of the present state of Washington. Thus remained the status of the dispute un- til 1828. Joint occupancy had now continued ten years. It must be conceded that the coun- try, owing to this provision, was now numeri- cally British. And English ministers were eager to avail themselves of the advantages of this fact. They said : "In the interior of the territory in question the subjects of Great Britain have had, for, many years, numerous settlements and trading posts — several of these posts on the tributary streams of the Columbia, several upon the Columbia itself, some to the northward and others to the southward of that river. * * * In the whole of the territory in question the citizens of the United States have not a single settlement or trading post. They do not use that river, either for the pur- pose of transmitting or receiving any produce of their own to or from other parts of the world." Yet why was this the condition in Oregon at that period ? Simply because the aggressive- ness of the Northwestern Company had op- posed American colonization and fought each and every advance made by our pioneers, com- mercially and otherwise. Nor can it be denied that for many years Oregon was unappreciated by the east. To-day it appears, to unreflecting minds, an extravagant boast to say that only one-fifth of the domain of the United States lies east of the Mississippi river. And yet the statement is true. Only in 1854 did the initial railway gain the banks of the Father of Waters — at Rock Island. From there progress to the northwest was, for many years, slow, perilous and discouraging. Truly, it was a difficult matter for Oregon to assert herself. In 1828 an "Oregon wave" had swept over congress, amid considerable feverish interest and pro- longed eloquence. Protracted debate was had on a bill to survev the territorv west of the 22 GENERAL HISTORY. mountains between 42 degrees and 54 degrees 40 minutes, garrison the land and extend over it the laws of the United States. The measure was defeated, again the question slumbered. But the daring American pioneers of the west were by no means idle. Unconsciously they were accomplishing far more toward a final settlement of the "Oregon Question" than all the tape-bound documents sleeping in the pigeon-holes of English parliamentary and American congressional archives. Of these pioneers Captain Bonneville should not pass unnoticed. He was of the army, and with one hundred of his men he made a two years' hunt- ing, trapping and fur-trading expedition, from the Missouri to the Colorado, and thence to the Columbia. In 1832 Nathaniel J. Wyeth or- ganized a company of twenty-two persons, in Massachusetts, for western exploration. En- thusiastic descriptions of Oregon, written by Hall J. Kelly, had contributed greatly to awak- en this interest among the scholarly young men who formed 'Wyeth's party. On July 4, 1832, they had arrived at Lewis' Fork of the Colum- bia. Among them were sickness, disappoint- ment and insubordination. Here the company divided. Several left to return east; among them Jacob and John, brothers of Captain Wyeth. Nathaniel Wyeth and his remaining companions reached Snake river, and one hun- dred miles north of Salt Lake, established a trading post. He was ruined by the ever ag- gressive Hudson's Bay Company, which placed a rival post, Fort Boise, below Fort Hall. British ministers had impudently declared that Oregon was settled by Englishmen ; that Americans had no trading posts within its lim- its. And why not? Read the following from Mr. Wyeth's memoir to congress : "Experience has satisfied me that the entire weight of this company (Hudson Bay) will be made to bear on any trader who shall attempt to prosecute his business within its reach. * * * No sooner does an American start in this region than one of these trading parties is put in motion. A few years will make the country west of the mountains as completely English as they can desire." To the same congressional committee Will- iam A. Slocum, in a report, goes on record as follows : "No individual enterprise can com- pete with this immense foreign monopoly es- tablished in our waters. * * * The In- dians are taught to believe that no vessels but the Company's ships are allowed to trade in the river, and most of them are afraid to sell their skins but at Vancouver or Fort George." Small wonder that at this time there were less than two hundred Americans west of the Rockies. And Canadian law, by act of par- liament, Avas extended throughout the region of the Columbia. Theoretically it was joint occupation ; practically British monopoly. So late as 1844 the British and Foreign Review said, brutally : "The interests of the company are of course adverse to colonization.* * * The fur trade has been hitherto the only chan- nel for the advantageous investments of capital in those regions." Truly the Hudson's Bay Company had adopted a policy of "multiplication, division and silence." Because meat and beef conduced to pastoral settlements, so late as 1836, the company opposed the introduction of catttle. One of the missionaries stationed at Moose Factory has written this : "A plan which I had devised for educating and training to some ac- quaintance with agriculture native children, was disallowed. * * * A proposal made for forming a small Indian village near Moose Factory was not acceded to; and instead, per- mission only given to attempt the location of one or two old men, no longer fit for engaging in the chase, it being carefully and distinctly stated, by Sir George Simpson, that the com- pany would not give them even a spade toward commencing this mode of life." In 1836 when Dr. Marcus Whitman and his party were entering Oregon, J. K. Townsend, a naturalist sent from Philadelphia to collect GENERAL HISTORY. 23 specimens of fauna and flora, said to him at Walla Walla: "The company will be glad to have you in the country, and your influence to improve their servants and their native wives and children. As to the Indians you have come to teach they do not want them to be any more enlightened. The company now have absolute control over them, and that is all they require." And right here is the crux of the differences between the United States and England con- cerning the territory of Oregon. It was the aim of the former to develop, improve and civil- ize the country ; it was the expressed determina- tion of the latter to keep it in darkness and sav- agery. For in North America the Hudson's Bay Company was England and English states- men were under the complete domination of this company's abject commercialism. It has pleased modern English writers to describe Americans as "a nation of shop-keepers." But throughout the whole Oregon controversy the United States stood for progress and civili- zation; England for the long night of ignor- ance and barbarism — for profit. Summed up by Mr. Barrows the relations to Oregon of the two countries were as follows : "The Americans struck Oregon just where the English failed, in the line of settlements and civilization. One carried in the single man and the other the family; one, his traps and snares, the other his seed wheat and oats and potatoes; one counted his muskrat nests, and the other his hills of corn ; one shot an Indian for killing a wild animal out of season; and the other paid bounty on the wolf and bear; one took his newspaper from the dog-mail twenty-four or thirty-six months from date, and the other carried in the printing press ; one hunted and traded for what he could carry out of the country, the other planted and builded for what he could leave in it for his children. In short the English trader ran his birch and batteaux up the streams and around the lakes to bring out furs and peltries, while the American immigrant hauled in with his rude wagon, the nineteenth century and came back loaded with Oregon for the American union." In 1840 the flow of American immigration into Oregon, especially the missionaries, Lee, Whitman and Parker, alarmed the Hudson's Bay Company. It strenuously opposed the advent of wagons and carriages. Immigrants were lied to at Fort Hall; were told that it would be impossible to proceed farther on wheels. It is recorded that on this account many of them reached Dr. Whitman's mission in a deplorably destitute condition. But all the artifices of the company could not check the hegira from the east. It is reserved for an- other chapter to relate the experiences of these pioneers. We have to do here, mainly, with the final settlement of the great' "Oregon Ques- tion" between England and the United States — the political struggle for sovereignty. In 1843 Sir George Simpson, governor of the Hudson's Bay Company, who had made a tour of the continent, challenged us in these words : "The United States will never possess more than a nominal jurisdiction, nor long possess even that, on the west side of the Rocky Mountains. And supposing the country to be divided tomorrow to the entire satisfaction of the most unscrupulous patriot in the union, I challenge congress to bring my prediction and its power, to the test by imposing the Atlantic tariff on the ports of the Pacific." Thus the great international question of tariff was brought into the Oregon Contro- versy. But we must not jump to the conclusion that Sir George was without some foundation for his vaporous remarks. At that time the Hudson's Bay Company had twenty-three posts and five trading stations in the northwest ; it I had absorbed ten rival companies, not leaving one American or Russian, and had been the means of putting to rout seven immigrant ex- peditions seeking homes in Oregon. The Oregon boundary question was still in dispute. But those Americans familiar with 24 GENERAL HISTORY. the subject were destined to temporary disap- pointment. In 1827 it had been referred, through a convention, to the King of the Netherlands as arbiter. Both parties to the dis- pute had rejected his decision in 1831. Five efforts had been made to adjust the boundary by President Jackson, and five failures had re- sulted. The administration of President Van Buren closed with the matter still unsettled. In 1842 Lord Ashburton came from London to negotiate a boundary treaty with Daniel Web- ster, secretary of state. A certain boundary treaty was negotiated, August 9, 1842, the two ministers signed it ; it was ratified by the sen- ate on the 25th ; by the Queen soon after, pro- claimed on November 10, 1842 — and the Ore- gon boundary was not in it. Nothing official whatever alluding to Oregon was found there- in. The only boundary touched was one "be- ginning at the monument at the source of the river St. Croix," terminating at the Rocky Mountains on the forty-seventh parallel. Little wonder that sectional feeling developed in the far west. Dr. Marcus Whitman, whose connection with the "Oregon Question" is treated in an- other chapter, had arrived in Washington too late for any effectual pleas for consideration of the matter in the treaty just signed. Still, as Mr. Barrows says, "The pressure of Oregon into the Ashburton treaty would probably have done one of three things, prevented the treaty altogether, excluded the United States from Oregon, or produced a war. Delay and ap- parent defeat were the basis of our real success, and the great work of Marcus Whitman, by his timely presence at Washington, was in making the success sure." With Oregon left out the Ashburton treaty had been ratified. The outlook was, indeed, gloomy. As a reflex of the insiduous teachings of the Hudson's Bay Company the following extract from a speech delivered by Mr. McDuffie in the United States senate is inter- esting. He said : What is the character of this country? Why, as I understand it, that seven hundred miles this side of the Rocky Mountains is uninhabitable, where rain scarcely ever falls — a barren and sandy soil — mountains totally impassable except in certain parts, where there were gaps or depressions, to be reached only by going some hundreds of miles out of the direct course. Well, now, what are we going to do in a case like this? How are you going to apply steam? Have you made anything like an estimate of the cost of a railroad run- ning from here to the mouth of the Columbia? Why, the wealth of the Indies would be insufficient. You would have to tunnel through mountains five or six hundred miles in extent. * * * Of what use will this be for agricultural purposes? I would not, for that purpose, give a pinch of snuff for the whole territory. I wish it was an impassable barrier to secure us against the intrusion of others. * * * If there was an em- bankment of even five feet to be removed, I would not consent to expend five dollars to remove that embank- ment to enable our population to go there. I thank God for his mercy in placing the Rocky Mountains there. At the time this speech was being delivered Dr. Marcus Whitman was on his way from Oregon with "the facts in the case," informa- tion destined to shed a flood of intelligence on a rather benighted congress. And, in reality, our country was rapidly nearing the end of this interminable controversy. An area of terri- tory sixty-three times the size of Massachusetts and four times as large as Great Britain and Ireland was about to come under the protecting aegis of the United States government. The Hudson's Bay Company had declared, through its emissaries, that a wagon trip to Oregon was an impossibility. The same sentiment had been voiced in the United States senate. It remained for Dr. Whitman to prove the falsity of such an audacious statement. He led a party of two hundred wagons through to his mission on the mouth of the Columbia, arriving in October, 1843. Arid this, too, against vigorous opposi- tion from the Hudson's Bay Company, at Fort Hall. Then the people began to manifest a lively interest in the question. This interest had been stimulated in December, 1842, by a mes- sage from President Tyler, in which he said: "The tide of population which has reclaimed what was so latelv an unbroken wilderness in GENERAL HISTORY. 25 more contiguous regions, is preparing to flow over those vast districts which stretch from the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Ocean. In ad- vance of the acquirements of individual rights sound policy dictates that every effort should be resorted to by the two governments to settle their respective claims." January 8, 1843, con ~ gress received news that Dr. Whitman had made good his claim, and reached his destina- tion, with wagons, in Oregon. Party spirit, for there were two parties to the Oregon Con- troversy, aside from the British, ran high. Dr. Winthrop said : "For myself, certainly, I be- lieve that we have as good a title to the whole twelve degrees of latitude," i. e., up to 54 de- grees 40 minutes. Senator Thomas Benton voiced the prevailing sentiment of the time in these words : "Let the emigrants go on and carry their rifles. We want thirty thousand rifles in the valley of the Oregon; they will make all quiet there, in the event of a war with Great Britain for the dominion of that coun- try. The war, if it come, will not be topical ; it will not be confined to Oregon, but will em- brace the possessions of the two powers throughout the globe. Thirty thousand rifles on the Oregon will anihilate the Hudson's Bay Company and drive them off our continent and quiet the Indians." Rufus Choate spoke for. peace. He was followed by pacificatory utterances from others. Still, there was sufficient vitality in the "Fifty- four forty or fight" to elect President Polk on such a campaign issue. The population of Ore- gon at the close of 1844 was estimated by Mr. Greenhow at more than three thousand. The Indian agent for the government, Mr. White, placed it at about four thousand; Mr. Hines said: "In 1845 i* increased to nearly three thousand souls, with some two thousand to three thousand head of cattle." The west was warm with zeal and anticipation. In the house of representatives Mr. Owen, of Indiana, said : "Oregon is our land of promise. Oregon is our land of destination. 'The finger of nature' — such were once the words of the gentleman from Massachusetts (J. Q. Adams) in regard to this country, — 'points that way;' two thousand Americans are already dwelling in her valleys, five thousand more * * * w iH have crossed the mountains before another year rolls round." It was the opinion of the senator from Illinois, Mr. Semple, that ten thousand would cross the Rocky Mountains the follow- ing year. At last a re.-olut.ion was introduced in con- gresss "affirming Oregon to be part and parcel of the territory of the United States from 42 degrees to 54 degrees, 40 minutes, and that notice should be given at once to terminate the joint occupation of it." It was held on the floor of the house that "no doubts now remain in the minds of American statesmen that the gov- ernment of the United States held a clear and unquestionable title to the whole of the Oregon territory." In the region at this time the Hudson's Bay Company had about thirty "trading posts." Really they were forts and powerful auxiliaries to an internecine war. Seven thousand citizens of the United States were in the same country. The question of another war with England had become a live and important issue. To have stood solidly for 54 degrees, 40 minutes, would have meant Avar, and as one gentleman ex- pressed it, "a war that might have given the whole of Oregon to England and Canada to the United States." During forty days the ques- tion of giving notice to England of discontinu- ance of joint occupancy was discussed in the house. It was carried by a vote of one hun- dred and sixty-three to fifty-four. The struggle in the senate was longer. An idea of the engrosoing nature of the Oregon topic may be gleaned from the fact that three score bills and resolutions were kept in abeyance on the calendar for future ac- tion. Daniel Webster prophesied that war would not result; that the incident would be closed by compromise and that the compromise 26 GENERAL HISTORY. would be on the boundary line of the forty- ninth parallel. The attitude of the two coun- tries was this : We had offered forty-nine de- grees from the mountains to the Pacific ocean, not once, but several times; England had of- fered forty-nine degrees from the mountains to the Columbia, and by that stream to the sea. A comparatively narrow triangle of land only lay between the demands of England and conces- sions of the United States. Most excellent grounds for a compromise. April 23, 1846, the notice passed the house by a vote of forty- two to ten, with important amendments strong- ly suggestive to both governments to adjust all differences amicably. No one longer feared war. From the point on the forty-ninth parallel of north latitude where the boundry laid down in existing treaties and conventions between the United States and Great Britian terminates, the line of boundary between the territories of the United States and those of her Britannic Majesty shall be continued westward along said forty-ninth parallel of north latitude to the middle of the channel which separates the continent from Van- couver's Island, and thence southerly through the mid- dle of the said channel, and of Fucca's Strait, to the Pacific ocean : Provided, however, that the navigation of the whole of the said channel and straits south of the forty-ninth parallel of north latitude, remain free and open to both parties. Thus reads the first article of the final boundary treaty between England and the Uni- ted States, so far as concerns Oregon. But to mould it into this form and sign the same, fifty- four years, two months and six days had been required by the two countries. On July 17, 1846, the document, previously ratified, was exchanged in London between the two govern- ments. But Captain Robert Gray, of Boston, had discovered the Columbia river May 11, 1792, and fully established a United States title to the country which it drains. It re- mained yet for a boundary commission, in 1857, to run the line. The first meeting of the commission was. held July 27, of the same year. CHAPTER IV. TRAGEDY OF WHITMANS' MISSION. "Who will respond to go beyond the Rocky Mountains and carry the Book of Heaven ?" This was the startling question asked by President Fisk, of Wilbraham College. It was an editorial inquiry published in the Christian Advocate in March, 1833. Yet this ringing call for spiritual assistance was not initiative on the part of President Fisk. A Macedonian cry had been voiced by four Flathead Indians, of the tribe of Nez Perces, or Pierced-noses. They had come down to St. Louis from the headwaters of the Columbia, the Snake, Lewis or Clarke's rivers, far to westward of the Rocky Mountains. They were strangers in a strange land; almost as singular in dress, speech and accoutrements to the citizens of St. Louis as would be visitors to us from the planet Mars. Yet in their distant teepees among the western foothills of the Rockies, these four chiefs had heard of the "White Man's Book" from eager, pushing, tireless and resourceful pioneers who had followed the trail made by Lewis and Clarke. Alone and un- assisted by government appropriation, they had followed the same course down the Mis- souri and the Father of Waters three thousand GENERAL HISTORY. 27 miles to St. Louis. This was in 1832. The peculiar mission of these Indians was the open- ing act of the Whitman tragedy. Mr. Barrows says : "The massacre ran riot through eight days, and Dr. Marcus Whitman and wife, of the American Board, and thirteen or more as- sociates, were savagely killed on the 29th of November, 1847, an d days following. It was the bloody baptism of Oregon, by the like of which the most of the American states have come to form the union." At the period of the arrival of these four Nez Perce chiefs Indians were not an uncom- mon sight in St. Louis. At certain seasons the suburbs of the city were fringed with teepees and wickiups. So, at first, but little attention was paid to them, otherwise than to note their strange dress and unknown dialect. It is not difficult to gather how they had learned of the White Man's Book. Their own rude eloquence addressed to General William Clarke at part- ing conveys this information. After a long time passed in the city, after two of them had gone to the happy hunting ground, the survi- vors made their desires known, and it appears their request was, perforce, denied. Transla- tion of the Bible into an Indian dialect is not the work of a few days or months. The two remaining Indians decided to return home; their mission a failure. The pathos of their complaint is in the spirit, if not the words, of one of the chiefs in his farewell speech to Gen- eral Clarke : "I come to you over a trail of many moons from the setting sun. You were the friend of my fathers who have all gone the long way. I come with one eye partly opened, for more light for my people who sit in darkness. I go back with both eyes closed. How can I go back blind to my blind people? I made my way to you with strong arms, through many enemies and strange lands, that I might carry back much to them. I go back with both arms broken and empty. The two fathers who came with us — the braves of manv winters and wars — we leave here by your great waters and wig- wam. They were tired in many moons and their moccasins wore out. My people sent me to get the White Man's Book of Heaven. You took me to where you allow your women to dance, as we do not ours, and the Book was not there. You took me to where they worshipped the great spirit with candles, and the Book was not there. You shewed me the images of good spirits and pictures of the good land beyond, but the Book was not amnog them to tell us the way. I am going back the long, sad trail to my people of the dark land. You make my feet heavy with burdens of gifts, and my moc- casins will grow old in carrying them, but the Book is not among them. When I tell my poor, blind people, after one more snow, in the big council, that I did not bring the Book, no word will be spoken by our old men or by our young braves. One by one they will rise up and go out in silence. My people will die in darkness, and they will go on the long path to the other hunting grounds. No white man will go with them and no White Man's Book to make the way plain. I have no more words." Of this utter failure to secure a copy of the Bible, Mr. Barrows says, pertinently : "In what was then a Roman Catholic city it was not easy to do this, and officers only were met. It has not been the policy or practice of that church to give the Bible to the people, whether Christian or pagan. They have not thought it wise or right. Probably no Chris- tian enterprises in all the centuries have shown more self-sacrificing heroism, foreseen suffer- ing and intense religious devotion than the la- borers of that church, from 1520, to give its type of Christianity to the natives of North America. But it was oral, ceremonial and pic- torial. In the best of their judgment, and in the depths of their convictions, they did not think it best to ruduce native tongues to writ- ten languages and the Scriptures to the vernac- ular of any tribe." 28 GENERAL HISTORY. But the eloquence of this speech had fallen on appreciative ears. A young clerk in Gen- eral's Clarke's office, who had heard the sad plaint of the chief, wrote to George Catlin, in Pittsburg, historian and painter, an account of the scene. Thereafter events moved rapidly; the seed was sown and the harvest was about to be fulfilled. One Indian only lived to return to his people, without the Book, but it cannot be said that his mission was a failure. The edi- torial appeal of President Fisk produced re- sults. Measures were at once taken by the American Board of Commissioners for For- eign Missions, and the Methodist Board of Missions to send missionaries to Oregon. Revs. Jason and David Lee were pioneers in this scriptural crusade. They went under ap- pointment of the Methodist Board. They were followed the next year by Revs. Samuel Par- ker and Marcus Whitman, M. D., sent by the American Board of Commissioners. In the summer of 1835 the latter arrived at the Amer- ican rendezvous on Green river. Accompanied by a body of Nez Perces, from which people the four chiefs had gone to St. Louis, Rev. Mr. Parker went to Walla Walla and on to Vancouver. And with him he carried the "Book." Dr. Whitman returned to the states the same fall, married Narcissa Prentice, and organized an outfit with which he returned, with his bride, to Oregon, arriving at Walla Walla in September, 1836. The question as to whether or no Dr. Whit- man "saved Oregon to the United States" will remain forever a question of casuistry. Events might have shaped themselves as they subse- quently did, had Whitman not made his long midwinter ride to Washington, D. C, to lay his facts and fears before the president. Every- thing might have resulted in the retention by the United States of all of Oregon south of the 49th parallel, had no warning cry come from the far northwest, a culverin shot announcing the attempt of England to seize the country, not only by force of majority colonization, but through artifices of the Hudson's Bay Com- pany. At a dinner in Waiilatpu, attended by Dr. Whitman, news was received that a colony of English, one hundred and forty strong, were then near Fort Colville, three hundred and fifty miles up the Columbia. A young priest leaped to his feet, threw his cap into the air and cried : "Hurrah for Oregon! America is too late and we have got the country!" This is but one of the many significant signs witnessed by Whitman. He was a man of foresight ; he had seen and realized the wealth, position and future possibilities of Ore- gon as had no other American at that period. And he rode on to> Washington and told his story. It will be read in the preceding chapter that not until he had done so did the American congress act. Of the personality of Dr. Whit- man one who knew him contributes the follow- ing picture : "Marcus Whitman once seen, and in our family circle, telling of his one business — he had but one — was a man not to be forgotten by the writer. He was of medium height, more com- pact than spare, a stout shoulder, and large head not much above it, covered with stiff, iron gray hair, while his face carried all the moustache and whiskers that four months had beeen able to put on it. He carried himself awkardly, though perhaps courteously enough for trappers, Indians, mules and grizzlies, his principal company for six years. He seemed built as a man for whom more stock had been furnished than worked in symmetrically and gracefully. There was nothing peculiarly quick in his motion or speech, and no trace of a fanatic; but under control of a thorough knowledge of his business, and with deep, ar- dent convictions about it, he was a profound enthusiast. A willful resolution and a tena- cious earnestness would impress you as making the man." Sordid motives have been attributed to Dr. Whitman's efforts in behalf of Oregon. One writer has assumed that his sole object was to GENERAL HISTORY 29 secure continuance of his little mission at Waiilatpu. But there is abundance of evidence that his ideas were of broader scope than this. Let it be noted that efforts to depreciate Whit- man suddenly ceased as late as 1891. That year there was found in the archives of Wash- ington, D. C, a letter from him proposing a bill for a line of forts from the Kansas river to the Willamette. In the Walla Walla Union- Journal of August 15, 1 891, the letter was first published. It has been reproduced in Dr. O. W. Nixon's work, "How Marcus Whitman Saved Oregon :" To the Hon. James W. Porter, Secretary of War: Sir : — In compliance with the request you did me the honor to make last winter while at Washington, I herewith transinit to you the synopsis of a bill, which, if it could be adopted, would, according to my exper- ience and observation, prove highly conducive to the best interests of the United States generally ; to Oregon, where I have resided for more than seven years as a missionary, and to the Indian tribes that inhabit the intermediate country. The government will doubtless for the first time be apprised through you, and by means of this communi- cation, of the immense migration of families to Oregon, which has taken place this year. I have, since our in- terview, been instrumental in piloting across the route described, in the accompanying bill, and which is the only eligible wagon road, no less than , fam- ilies, consisting of one thousand persons of both sexes, with their wagons, amounting in all to one hundred and twenty-six; six hundred and ninety- four oxen and seven hundred and seventy-three loose cattle. Your familiarity with the government's policy, duties and interests, render it unnecessary for me to more than hint at the several objects intended by the en- closed bill, and any enlargements upon the topics here suggested as inducements to its adoption, would be quite superflous, if not impertinent. The very existence of such a system as the one above recommended suggests the utility of postoffices and mail arrangements, which it is the wish of all who now live in Oregon to have granted them, and I need only add that the contracts for this purpose will be readily taken at reasonable rates for transporting the mail across from Missouri to the mouth of the Columbia in forty days, with fresh horses at each of the contemplated posts. The ruling policy proposed, regards the Indians as the police of the country, who are to be relied upon to keep the peace, not only for themselves, but to repel lawless white men and prevent banditti, under the solitary guidance' of the superintendent of the several posts, aided by a well- directed system to induce the punishment of crimes. It will only be after the failure of these means to pro- cure the delivery or punishment of violent, lawless and savage acts of aggression, that a band or tribe should be regarded as conspirators against the peace, or pun- ished accordingly by force of arms. Hoping that these suggestions may meet your ap- probation, and conduce to the future interests of our growing country, I have the honor to be, Honorable sir. your obedient servant, MARCUS WHITMAN. Certainly it is reasoning from slender, un- substantial premises to assert that the great in- fluence exerted upon President Tyler and Sec- retary Webster by Whitman was founded on so slight a pretext as saving to him, personally, the humble mission at Waiilatpu. Whitman must have been a man with "an idea," larger than that to have commanded respect from the ablest statesmen of his day ; to have crystalized public sentiment into a desire for the whole of Oregon; to have smelted patriotism into the heraldic proclamation of defiance to England, "Fifty-four forty or fight." If Whitman were purely selfish, why should he have announced his intention, in 1843, °^ personally conducting a large train across the mountains? Security of his mission did not depend on this. On the contrary the advance of civilization, with attendant churches, would tend to do away entirely with missions to the Indians. As we approach the melancholy close of Dr. Whitman's varied career as explorer, mission- ary and statesman, one can not fail to be im- pressed with a feeling that less devotion to a patriotic sense of duty would have conduced to his personal safety. Two antagonists were ar- rayed against him and his political, as well as his spiritual, plans ; primarily the Hudson's Bay Company, and the Indians, indirectly influ- enced by the same commercial corporation. The policy of the company was to keep the country in the condition of a vast game preserve for the purpose of breeding fur-bearing animals. Naturally this pleased the Indians. It was di- rectly in line with their mode of life. The pol- 3Q GENERAL HISTORY. icy of American colonization was smybolized by the axe and the plow; complete demolition of profitable hunting grounds. And of this latter policy Dr. Whitman was high priest and propagandist. Since the discovery of America Indian wars have been like "Freedom's battle, once begun, Bequeathed by bleeding sire to son." Ill a letter written by Washington to Jay, in 1794, the first president says: "There does not remain a doubt in the mind of any well- informed person in this country, not shut against conviction, that all the difficulties we encounter with the Indians, their hostilities, the murders of helpless women and innocent chil- dren along our frontiers, result from the con- duct of the agents of Great Britain in this country." Historical justice demands, how- ever, that we assign the primary cause of the Whitman massacre to the entagling circum- stances of the Indians on the Columbia, under two rival peoples and conflicting policies. Also the general character of the Indians as uncivil- ized and superstitious, must be duly considered. Before the tragedy, as since, many Americans were cruel, deceitful and aggressive in their treatment of the unsophisticated savage. Those who have philosophically watched the trend of current events in the past twenty-five years need not be told that more than one Indian outbreak can be directly traced to low cupidity and peculation among our government officials. To a certain extent this cruelty and deception had been practiced upon the Indians by lawless white men prior to the Whitman massacre. To- day we can not come into court with clean hands for the purpose of accusing the English pioneers of Oregon. If their policy was one designed to check the march of western civili- zation, it was certainly devoid of the sometimes satanic cruelty shown by Americans towards the Indians. We now come to the savage details of the Whitman tragedy and the immediate cause of the outbreak. Undoubtedly this will be found to lie in the innate superstition of the savage, educated or, uneducated. Following the return of Whitman from Washington, in 1843, tne In- dians in the vicinity of the mission at Waiilatpu were restless and insurbordinate. There is evi- dence that at this period Whitman scented dan- ger. He contemplated removal to The Dalles for safety, and had even gone so far as to ar- range for the purchase of the Methodist Mis- sion at that point. Two personal enemies were arrayed against him ; Tamsuky, a Cayuse chief, and Joe Lewis. The latter, was a sullen, re- vengeful half-breed, one who had wandered to the mission, been befriended by the doctor, and secretly became the head center of a murderous plot. Measles became epidemic among the In- dians during the summer of 1847, introduced among the Cayuse tribe by immigrants. It was Indian medical practice to treat all fevers by placing the patient in a sweat-house, followed by a bath in ice-cold water. Under, such ig- norant ministrations many of the patients, of course, expired. They died, too, under the medical attendance of Dr. Whitman, whose ut- most vigilance could not save his patients from the sweat-house and the fatal douche. It was at this critical period that the treacherous Lewis circulated reports that the doctor was poison- ing instead of healing his patients. Lewis af- firmed that he had overheard Whitman and Spalding plotting to obtain possession of the country. It was finally decided by some of the influential chiefs of the tribe to demand of Dr. Whitman a test case of his professional skill. An Indian woman afflicted with the measles was given in his charge. The terrible alterna- tive, secretly decided upon, was this : Should the woman recover, all would be peace; should she die the Indians were to kill all the mission- aries. Of this direful plot Whitman was apprised by Istikus, a Umatilla friend. The doctor GENERAL HISTORY. 3i treated the story with levity. Not so Mrs. Whitman. With the sensitive intuition of woman, she fully comprehended the dread sig- nificance of Istikus' story, and, though intrepid by nature, the heroine of a dangerous pioneer journey across the continent, she became alarmed, and was in tears for the first time since the death of her child eight years before. Dr. Whitman reassured her the best he could, and renewed his promise to move down the river. It was too late. On the fatal 29th of Novem- ber, 1847, great numbers of Tamsuky's adher- ents were in the vicinity of Waiilatpu. Their sinister presence added to the alarm of Mrs. Whitman. Survivors of the massacre said that the hills were black with Indians looking down upon the scene. About one o'clock in the afternoon of the 29th, while Dr. Whitman was reading, a number of Indians entered his room, and, having attracted his attention, one of them, said to have been Tamchas, buried his hatchet in the head of his benefactor. Another savage, Telaukait, one who had received nothing but kindness, beat the face to a pulp. Bloody work, thus began, was speedily followed with relent- less brutality. None of the white men, scat- tered and unsuspecting, could offer adequate assistance. They were quickly shot down with the exception of such as were remote. Five men escaped. After incredible suffering they finally reached a place of safety. Mrs. Whit- man was the only woman who suffered death. Other women were outraged, and children, boys and girls, held in captivity several days. Will- iam McBean, the Hudson's Bay Company's agent, at Fort Walla Walla, refused to harbor Mr. Hall, who had escaped as far as the fort, and he subsequently perished. A courier was despatched by McBean to Vancouver, but this man did not even warn the people at The Dalles of danger. Happily they were unmolested. So soon as James Douglas, then chief factor in the place of Dr. Whitman, heard of the massacre, he sent Peter Skeen Ogden, with a force, to rescue the survivors. Ogden exhibited a com- mendable zeal and efficiency, and by the expen- diture of several hundred dollars, ransomed forty-seven women and children. Following are the names of the victims of this outbreak; the people slaughtered during the eight days of murderous riot: Marcus Whitman, Narcissa Whitman, John Sager, Francis Sager, Crockett Brewley, Isaac Gillen, James Young and Rogers, Kimball, Sales, Marsh, Saunders, Hoffman and Hall. After- wards there was found on the site of the massa- cre a lock of long, fair' hair, which was, un- doubtedly taken from the head of Mrs. Whit- man. Among the relics of this tragedy, in Whitman College, it is now preserved. An ac- count of the escape of Mr. Osborne was pub- lished a number of years ago. It is a graphic description of the horrors of the event, and from it we take the following extracts : As the guns fired and the yells commenced I leaned my head upon the bed and committed myself and family to my maker. My wife removed the loose floor. I dropped under the floor with my sick family in their night clothes, taking only two woolen sheets, a piece of bread and some cold mush, and pulled the floor over us. In five minutes the room was full of Indians, but they did not discover us. The roar of guns, the yells of the savages, and the crash of clubs and knives, and the groans of the dying continued until dark. We distinctly heard the dying groans of Mrs. Whitman, Mr. Rogers and Francis, till they died away one after the other. We heard the last words of Mr. Rogers in a slow voice, calling, "Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly." Soon after this I removed the floor and we went out. We saw the white face of Francis by the door. It was warm, as we laid our hand upon it, but he was dead. I carried my two youngest children, who were sick, and my wife held on to my clothes in her great weakness. We had all been sick with measles. Two infants had died. She had not left her bed for six weeks till that day, when she stood up a few minutes. The naked, painted Indians were dancing a scalp dance around a large fire at a little distance. There seemed no hope for us and we knew not which way to go, but bent our steps toward Fort Walla Walla. A dense, cold fog shut out every star and the darkness was complete. We could see no trail and not even the hand before the face. We had to feel out the trail with our feet. My wife almost fainted, but staggered along. Mill Creek, which we had to wade, was high with late rains and came up to the waist. My wife in her great weakness came night washing down, but held to my clothes. I 32 GENERAL HISTORY. braced myself with a stick, holding a child in one arm. I had to cross five times for the children. The water was icy cold and the air freezing some. Staggering along about two miles Mrs. Osborne fainted and could go no further, and we hid ourselves in the brush of the Walla Walla river, not far below the lodges of Tamsuky, a chief who was very active at the commence- ment of the butchery. We were thoroughly wet, and the cold, fog-like snow was about us. The cold mud was partially frozen as we crawled, feeling our way into the dark brush. We could see nothing the darkness was so extreme. I spread one wet sheet down on the frozen ground; wife and children crouched upon it. I covered the other over them. I thought they must soon perish as they were shaking and their teeth rattling with cold. I kneeled down and commended us to our Maker. The day finally dawned and I could see Indians riding furiously up and down the trail. Sometimes they would come close to the brush and our blood would warm and the shaking would stop from fear for a moment. The day seemed a week. I expected every moment my wife would breathe her last. Tuesday night we felt our way to the trail and staggered along to Sutucks Nima (Dog Creek), which we waded as we did the other creek, and kept on about two miles, when my wife fainted and could go no farther. Crawled into the brush and frozen mud to shake and suffer on from hunger and cold, and without sleep. The children, too, wet and cold, called incessantly for food, but the shock of groans and yells at first so frightened them that they did not speak loud. Wednesday night wife was too weak to stand. I took our second child and started for Walla Walla; had to wade the Touchet; stopped fre- quently in the brush from weakness; had not recovered from measles. Heard a horseman pass and repass as I lay concealed in the willows. Have since learned it was Mr. Spalding. Reached Fort Walla Walla after daylight ; begged Mr. McBean for horses to go to my family, for food, blankets and clothing to take to them, and to take care of my child till I could bring my family in should I live to find them alive. Mr. McBean told me I could not bring my family to his fort. Mr. Hall came in on Monday night, but he could not have an American in his fort, and he had him put over the Columbia river ; that he could not let me have horeses or anything for my wife or children, and I must go on to Umatilla. I insisted on bringing my family to the fort, but he refused ; said he would not let us in. I next begged the priest to show pity, as my wife and children must perish and the Indians, undoubtedly, kill me, but with no success. There were many priests at the fort. Mr. McBean gave me breakfast but I saved most of it for my family. Providentially Mr. Stanley, an artist, came in from Colville, and narrowly escaped the Indians by telling them he was "Alain," H. B., meaning that his name was Alain and that he was a Hudson's Bay Company employe. He let me have his two horses, some food he had left from Revs. Ellis' and Walker's mission; also a cap, a pair of socks, a shirt and handkerchief, and Mr. McBean furnished an Indian who proved most faithful, and Thursday night we started back, taking my child, but with a sad heart that I could not find mercy at the hands of God. The Indian guided me in the thick darkness to where I supposed I had left my dear wife and children. We could see nothing and dared not call aloud. Daylight came and I was exposed to Indians, but we continued to search till I was about to give up in despair, when the Indian discovered one of the twigs I had broken as a guide in coming out to the trail. Follow- ing this he soon found my wife and children still alive. I distributed what little food and clothing I had and we started for the Umatilla, the guide leading the way to a ford. Mr. Osborne and family went to William- ette Valley where they lived many years, as honored members of the community, though Mrs. Osborne never entirely regained her health from the dreadful experiences incident to the massacre and escape. The most ingenious casuisty will fail to palliate the heartlessness of Mr. McBean. At the present day when charity, chivalry, nay, self-sacrifice to aid the suffering meet with heartiest approval from nearly all civilized na- tions, it is difficult to conceive of such base mo- tives as appear to have actuated him. That he reflected the baser qualities of the Hudson's Bay Company's policy, no one can reasonably deny. It seemed necessary to him to show the Indians that so far from reproving their con- duct the representative of the company was in sympathy, if not in actual collusion with the savage conspirators. McBean's attitude on this occasion stands forth as one of the darkest chapters in the history of the Hudson's Bay Company's "joint occupancy" with Americans of the territory of Oregon. If further proof were wanted of the appar- ent understanding between the Indians and the company the case of the artist who gave his name as "Alain," representing himself as con- nected with the interests of the Hudson's Bay Company is before us. Refusal of assistance to Mr. Osborne by the priests at Fort Walla Walla is readily understood. Their tenure of spiritual office was dependent on the company. Their GENERAL HISTORY. 33 heartless action was not based on theological antagonism. No difference of creed entered into the matter. They were guided simply by personal interest; they were but another form of the abject creatures to which the Hudson's Bay Company sought to reduce all their de- pendents. But in the annals of American his- tory there is no more pathetic recital than the story of Osborne's and Hall's rejection at the English fort to which they had fled for shelter. A less distressing case of a few weeks later is presented in the following extract from some reminiscences of Mrs. Catherine Pringle, formerly of Colfax. Mrs. Pringle was one of the Sager children, adopted by Doctor and Mrs. Whitman. The story of the "Christmas din- ner" which follows was given by her to the Commoner, of Colfax, in 1893 : The Christmas of 1847 was celebrated in the midst of an Indian village where the American families who kept the day were hostages, whose lives were in constant danger. There is something tragically humorous about that Christmas, and I laugh when I think of some things that I cried over on that day. When the survivors moved to the Indian village a set of guards was placed over us, and those guards were vagabond savages, in whose charge nobody was safe. Many times we thought our final hour had come. They ordered us around like slaves, and kept us busy cook- ing for them. Whenever we made a dish they compelled us to eat of it first, for fear there was poison in it. They kept up a din and noise that deprived us of peace by day and sleep at night. Some days before Christmas we complained to the chief of the village who was sup- posed to be a little generous in our regard, and he gave us a guard of good Indians under command of one whom we knew as "Beardy." The latter had been friendly to Dr. Whitman; he had taken no part in the massacre, and it was claimed that it was through his intercession that our lives were spared. We hailed the coming of Beardy as a providential thing, and so, when the holiday dawned, the elder folks resolved to make the children as happy as the means at hand would r.llow. Mrs. Sanders had brought across the plains with her some white flour and some dried peaches, and these had been brought to our abode in William Gray's mission. White flour was a luxury and so were dried peaches then. Mrs. Sanders made white bread on Christmas morning, and then she made peach pie. Beardy had been so kind to us that we had to in- vite him to our Christmas dinner. We had ever so many pies, it seemed, and Beardy thought he had tasted 3 nothing so good in all his life. He sat in one corner of the kitchen and crammed piece after piece of that dried pie into his mouth. We were determined that he should have all the pie he wanted, even if some of us went hungry, because Beardy was a friend on whose fidelity probably our lives depended. And so we had our Christmas festival, and we sang songs and thanked heaven that we were still alive. After dinner, and about an hour after Beardy went away, we were thrown into alarm by a series of mad yells and we heard Indian cries of "Kill them ! Tomahawk them !" A band of savages started to attack the Gray residence, and we saw them from the windows. Our time had come and some of us began to pray. The day that opened with fair promises was about to close in despair. To our amazement and horror the Indian band was led by Beardy himself, the Indian we counted on to police us in just such emergencies. He was clamoring for the death of all the white women. Fortune favored us at this critical juncture for just as the Indians were enter- ing the house messengers arrived from Fort Walla Walla. The messengers knew Beardy well, and they advanced on him and inquired the reason for his wild language. Me poinsoned !" cried Beardy, "Me Killed. White squaw poisoned me. Me always white man's friend, now me enemy. White squaw must die." That would be a liberal translation of the Indian words. Then followed a colloquy between Beardy and the messengers, and from the language used we learned that Beardy had suffered from an overdose o' American pie, and not knowing about the pains that lie in wait after intemperate indulgence even in pie, he rushed to the conclusion that he had been poisoned. It required a long time for the messengers to convince Beardy that they were innocent of any intention to cause him pain, but that he was simply suffering from the effects of inordinate indulgence in an indigestible luxury. The messengers talked Beardy into a reasonable frame of mind; he called off his horde of savages and peace once more spread her wings over the William Gray mission. We were all happy that night — happy that Mrs. Saun- dres' pie had not been the means of a wholesale slaughter of white families on Christmas day. The messengers I speak of brought good news from the fort. Succor was at hand, and on December 29th we were moved to the fort and started down the river to The Dalles, January 3, 1848. The Christmas of the year 1847, as it was celebrated in this territory, offers something of a contrast to the yuletide merriment in all the churches and homes to-day. We have described the Whitman Mission, Whitman's mid-winter journey, his work for Oregon and the massacre. It remains to speak of the Cayuse Avar which followed as a nat- ural sequence. CHAPTER V THE CAYUSE WAR. Friends of Mr. McBean have come forward with an explanation of his treatment of the refugees from the Waiilatpu massacre. It is claimed tht his reluctance to do any act which appeared like befriending Americans was through fear of the Cayuse Indians and a be- lief that they were about to begin a war of ex- termination upon Americans, their friends and allies. Therefore it would be dangerous to assist such Americans as were then seeking re- fuge from massacre, outrage and torture. It was reserved for Americans, however, to take the initiative in this war. News of the Whitman tragedy stirred the hearts of genuine men ; men in whose veins ran the milk of hu- man kindness instead of ice-water. On the day following the massacre Vicar General Brouillet visited the Waiilatpu mission. He found the bodies of the victims unburied; he left them with such hasty interment as was possible, and soon after met Mr. Spalding whom he warned against attempting to visit the mission. This was. indeed, a friendly act on the part of the Vicar General, for the horrors of this tragedy did not come to a close on the first day. While it was safe for Brouillet, in close touch with the Hudson's Bay Company, to repair to that sad scene of desolation, it was not considered safe for any Americans to visit the spot. On Tues- day Mr. Kimball, who had remained with a broken arm in Dr. Whitman's house, was shot and killed. Driven desperate by his own and the sufferings of three sick children with him, he had attempted to procure water from a stream near the house. The same week Mr. Young and Mr. Bulee were killed. Saturday the savages completed their fiendish work by carrying away the young women for wives. Of the final ransom of the captives F. F. Victor, in "The River of the West," says : "Late in the month of December (1847) there arrived in Oregon City to be delivered to the governor, sixty-two captives, bought from the Cayuses and Nez Perces by Hudson Bay blankets and goods ; and obtained at that price by Hudson's Bay influence. 'No other power on earth,' says Joe Meek, the American, 'could have rescued those prisoners from the hands of the Indians,' and no man better than Mr. Meek understood the Indian character or the Hud- son's Bay Company's power over them." On December 7, 1847, from Fort Van- couver, James Douglas sent the following let- ter to Governor Abernethy : SIR: — Having received intelligence last night, by special express from Walla Walla, of the destruction of the missionary settlement at Waiilatpu, by the Cayuse Indians of that place, we hasten to communicate the particulars of that dreadful event, one of the most atrocious which darkens the annals of Indian crime. Our lamented friend, Dr. Whitman, his amiable and accomplished lady, with nine other persons, have fallen victims to the fury of these remorseless savages, who appear to have been instigated to this appalling crime by a horrible suspicion which had taken possession of their superstitious minds, in consequence of the number of deaths from dysentery and measles, that Dr. Whitman was silently working the destruction of their tribes by administering poisonous drugs, under the semblance of salutary medicines. With a goodness of heart and a benevolence truly his own, Dr. Whitman had been laboring incessantly since the appearance of the measles and dysentery among his Indians converts, to relieve their sufferings ; and such has been the reward of his generous labors. A copy of Mr. McBean's letter, herewith trans- mitted, will give you all the particulars known to us of this indescribably painful event. Mr. Ogden, with a strong party, will leave this place as soon as possible GENERAL HISTORY. 35 for Walla Walla, to endeavor to prevent further evil ; and we beg to suggest to you the propriety of taking immediate measures for the protection of the Rev. Mr. Spalding, who, for the sake of his family, ought to abandon the Clearwater mission without delay, and re- tire to a place of safety, as he cannot remain at the isolated station without imminent risk, in the present excited, and irritable state of the Indian population. I have the honor to be, sir, your most obedient servant, JAMES DOUGLAS. i The reception of this letter was followed by intense excitement among" people in the Wallamet settlement. The governor was au- thorized to mobilize a company of riflemen, not exceeding fifty in number, their objective point being The Dalles, which they were instructed to garrison and hold until such time as they could be reinforced. Three commissioners were chosen to carry out such provisions. The commissioners addressed a circular letter to the superintendent of the Methodist Mission, the "merchants and citizens of Oregon" and the Hudson's Bay Company. This document is valuable as explaining existing conditions in Oregon at that date, December 17, 1847: Gentlemen : — You are aware that the undersigned have been charged by the legislature of our provisional government with the difficult duty of obtaining the necessary means to obtain full satisfaction of the Cayuse Indians for the late massacre at Waiilatpu, and to pro- tect the white population of our common country from further aggression. In furtherance of this subject they have deemed it their duty to make immediate application to the merchants and citizens of the country for the requisite assistance. Though clothed with the power to pledge to the fullest extent the faith and means of the present govern- ment of Oregon, they do not consider this pledge the only security to those, who, in this distressing emer- gency, may extend to the people of this country the means of protection and redress. Without claiming any special authority from the government of the United States to contract a debt to be liquidated by that power, yet from all precedents of like character in the history of our country, the under- signed feel confident that the United States government will regard the murder of the late Dr. Whitman and his lady, as a national wrong, and will fully justify the people of Oregon in taking active measures to obtain redress for that outrage, and for their protection from further aggression. The right of self defense is tacitly acknowledged to every body politic in the confederacy to which we claim to belong, and in every case similar to our own, within our knowledge, the general government has promptly assumed the payment of all liabilities growing out of the measures taken by the constituted authorities to protect the lives and property of those who reside within the limits of their districts. If the citizens of the states and territories, east of the Rocky Mountains, are justified in promptly acting in such emergencies, who are under the immediate protection of the general government, there appears no room for doubt that the lawful acts of the Oregon government will receive a like approval. Though the Indians of the Columbia have com- mitted a great outrage upon our fellow citizens passing through the country, and residing among them, and their punishment for these murders may, and ought to be, a prime object with every citizen of Oregon, yet, as that duty more particularly develops upon the gov- ernment of the United States, we do not make this the strongest ground upon which to found our earnest ap- peal to you for pecuniary assistance. It is a fact well known to every person acquainted with the Indian character, that by passing silently over their repeated thefts, robberies and murders of our fellow citizens, they have been emboldened to the commission of the ap- palling massacre at Waiilatpu. They call us women, destitute of the hearts and courage of men, and if we allow this wholesale murder to pass by as former ag- gressions, who can tell how long either life or property will be secure in any part of the country, or what moment the Willamette will be the scene of blood and carnage The officers of our provisional government have nobly performed their duty. None can doubt the readi- ness of the patriotic sons of the west to offer their personal services in defense of a cause so righteous. So it now rests with you, gentlemen, to say whether our rights and our firesides shall be defended or not. Hoping that none will be found to falter in so high and so sacred a duty, we beg leave, gentlemen, to sub- scribe ourselves, Your servants and fellow citizens, Jesse Applegate, A. L. Lovejoy, Geo. L. Curry, Commissioners. This patriotic communication produced a certain effect, though not, perhaps, financially commensurate with the hopes of its authors. The amount secured was less than five thousand dollars, but this sufficed to arm and equip the first regiment of Oregon riflemen. In the month of January they proceeded to the Cayuse country. 36 GENERAL HISTORY. We are now acquainted with the agency through which the ransomed missionaries, their wives and children reached the Willa- mette valley in safety. Concerning the people who were brought from Lapwai and Tchima- kin, it may be said to the credit of the Indians that though one band, the Cayuses, were mur- derers, two bands, the Nez Perces and Spo- kanes, were saviors. Few narratives are more thrilling than that relating to Fathers Eells and Walker, who attended the council of the Spo- kanes at Tchimakin, which council was to de- cide whether or no to join the Cayuses. On their decision hung the lives of the missionaries. Imagine their emotions as they waited with bated breath in their humble mission house to learn the result of the Indians' deliberations. Hours of animated discussion followed; argu- ment with the Cayuses emissaries; and finally the Spokanes announced their conclusions in these words : "Go and tell the Cayuses that the missionaries are our friends and we will defend them with our lives." The Nez Perces arrrived at the same con- clusion. Bold though these Cayuses were — the fiercest warriors of the inland empire — their hearts must have sunk within them as they saw that the Umatillas, the Nez Perces and the Spokanes and, even at that particular period, the Hudson's Bay Company, were all against them, and that they must meet the infuriated whites from the Willamette. The provisional government had entered upon the work of equipping fourteen companies of volunteers. The act of the legislature providing for this had been passed December 9, 1847. A large ma- jority of these volunteers furnished their own horses, arms and ammunition. This, too, with- out thought of pecuniary gain or reimburse- ment. The response to the circular letter of the commissioners had been prompt, open- handed and hearty. Coruelius Gilliam, father of W. S. Gilliam, of Walla Walla, was chosen colonel of the reg- iment. He was a man of superlative energy, brave and resourceful, and, pushing all neces- sary arrangements, he set forth from the ren- dezvous at The Dalles on February 27, 1848. Several battles occurred on the way into the Cayuse country, the most severe being at Sand Hollows, in the Umatilla country. Five Crows and War Eagle, famous fighters of the Cayuse tribe, had gathered their braves to dispute the crossing of this region with the Oregon rifle- men. Five Crows flamboyantly claimed that by his wizard powers he could stop all bullets while War Eagle's gasconade was couched in the boastful statement that he would agree to swallow all missies fired at him. This same spirit of braggadocio has, through- out all historical times, animated pagan sol- diers. During the war with the Filipinos the natives were solemnly told by their priests that all bullets fired by American soldiers would turn to water before reaching them. Mark the result of the engagement between the avengers of Dr. Whitman and the supersti- tious Cayuses. At the first onset the "Swallow Ball" was killed, and the "wizard" was so seri- ously wounded that he was compelled to retire from the war. Nevertheless the Indians maintained a plucky fight. A number of casualties were suf- fered by the whites. But at last the Indians were compelled to break, and the way for the first regiment of Oregon riflemen was clear to Waiilatpu. The desolated mission was reached by Colonel Gilliafn's command March 4. Here the soldiers passed several days to recuperate from the effects of a short but arduous cam- paign, and give to the remains of the martyrs of the Whitman massacre a reverent burial. Some of the dead had been hastily covered with earth by Vicar General Brouillet, and his com- panions; others when Ogden ransomed the captives, but afterward they had been partially exhumed by coyotes ; hyena-like allies of the dastradly Cayuses. The Indians had now fallen 'back to Snake river. Following them thither the whites were, GENERAL HISTORY. 37 somewhat, outgeneraled by the wily savages, an event that has been duplicated several times in Indian wars of more recent date. The Oregon riflemen surprised and captured a camp of Cayuse Indians among whom, as was afterward divulged, were some of the murderers of Dr. Whitman and his friends at Waillatpu. The Machiavellian Cayuses suddenly professed great friendship for the Oregon avengers, and, pointing to a large band of horses on a hill, declared that the hostiles had abandoned them, and gone across the. river. This deception was successful. Completely deluded the whites surrounded the camp and, rounding up the horses, started on their return. It was the hour of temporary Cayuse triumph. The released captives, mounting at once, began a furious at- tack on the rear of the batallion of riflemen which proved so harrassing that the volunteers were compelled to retreat to the Touchet river, and finally, although they repelled the Indians, they Avere forced to turn loose the captured horses. These animals the strategetic Indians immediately seized and with them vanished over the plains. They had outwitted Gilliam's men. Not only had they secured life and lib- erty for themselves, but had actually recovered the bait with which they had inveigled the vol- unteers into a trap. It was soon made evident that the Cayuse Indians had no real desire to fight. The whites insisted on a surrender of the murderers of Dr. Whitman and his people. Finding that the vol- unteers were in earnest in making this demand the treacherous tribe scattered in different di- rections; Tamsuky, with his friends, going to the headwaters of the John Day river. There, despite various efforts to capture them, they re- mained two years. In 1850, a band of Uma- tillas undertook the task of securing them, for trial, and after fierce and desperate resistance, killed Tamsuky and captured a number of his murderous compatriots. Of these captives five were hanged at Oregon City, June 3, 1850. The Cayuse Indians, however, assert that only one of these condemned and executed In- dians were really guilty of participation in the horrible deeds at Waiilatpu. That one, they de- clared, was Tamahas, who struck Dr. Whitman the fatal blow. The claim that the others were innocent may be true, so far as the actual mur- der of the doctor or his friends is concerned, but as accessories to a great — indeed, a national crime — they were, undoubtedly, guilty. If they Avere not, it is but one more instance of lament- able failure to apply either punishment or mercy accurately, which has characterized all Indian wars on both sides. The innocent have borne the sins of the guilty in more ways than one. In this Cayuse war many men, who after- ward became famous in Oregon and Washing- ton history took an active part. Among them may be named James Nesmith, who was United States Senator. He was the father of Mrs. Levi Ankeny, of Walla Walla, present United States senator from Washington. William Martin, of Pendleton, Oregon, was one of the captains in the corps of rifle men during this war. Joel Palmer, Tom McKay, J. M. Garrison and many others bore their part in the beginning, or later in the maturer development of the coun- try. Colonel Gilliam, who had shown himself to be a brave and sagacious commander, was accidentally killed on the return of his trooops, a most melancholy close of a career full of prom- ise to this country, then slowly unfolding its wealth of varied industries. In taking leave of this stirring epoch in the history of a certain portion of the, now, state of Washington, pursuit, capture and punishment of principals and instigators of the murder of Dr. Whitman, and his associates in missionary work, it may be said in the way of retrospec- tion that, grevious as was the end of Whitman's career, no doubt it will ultimately be seen to have produced greater results for this region and the world than if he had survived to have enjoyed a well-merited rest from his labors. Subsequent development of this section, the 38 GENERAL HISTORY. founding of Whitman College, and the whole train of circumstances arising from American occupation of Oregon may be seen, in some measure, to have grown out of the tragedy at Waiilatpu. Here, as elsewhere, martyrdom appears a necessary accompaniment to the most brilliant progress in civilization. While the offense of these Indians can not be condoned, charity compels the admission that the ignorant creatures were scarcely more re- sponsible than the wild beasts who, also, dis- puted this territory with civilized man. The very superstition which it is the duty of every missionary to eradicate from pagan minds as speedily as possible, is primarily to blame for the undoing of Dr. Whitman. Steeped in this barbaric superstition, pampered by the Hud- son's Bay Company, treacherously deceived by agents and emissaries of the great octupus of the Northwest Coast, w r e can not hold these savages to a higher degree of responsibility than the source from which they drew their grew- some inspiration. But in 1848 the progress of western civilization demanded their suppres- sion, if not ultimate removal, along with the coyote and rattlesnake. CHAPTER VI. OTHER INDIAN OUTBREAKS— 1855-1858. Previous to 1859 the territory of Oregon comprised the present states of Washington, Oregon and Idaho. It is not within the prov- ince of this history to follow the careers of In- dian "braves," Indian thieves and Indian raps- callions along the entire course of their devious warpaths throughout all of the country out- lined above. Of the Indian wars immediately affecting Washington, the territory covered by these annals, it becomes our duty to treat them in an impartial yet concise manner. The massacre of the Ward train, by the Snake Indians, occurred near Fort Boise in the autumn of 1854. Determined to show the In- dians that the government would not remain in- active in the face of such outrages Major Gran- ville O. Haller organized an expedition with which he pushed over into the Snake country, from Fort Dalles. Nothing tangible resulted from this march other than a demonstration in force ; the Indians retreated into the mountains ; Major Haller and his soldiers returned to The Dalles. During the summer of 1855, however, he made another attempt to reach the Snake In- dians, and this time successfully, finally captur- ing and executing the murderers of the Ward party. Discovery of gold in the vicinity of Fort Colville incited a stampede to that country. This was in the spring of 1855. At that period Governor Stevens was making his famous east- ern tour through the territory engaged in treat- ies and agreements with the various tribes, and this gold discovery so excited the members of his escort that it was with difficulty they were prevented from deserting. On meeting with the Kettle Falls, Pend d'Oreilles, Spokanes and Coeur d'Alenes Governor Stevens had told them that he would negotiate with them for the sale of their lands on his return. Offers to pur- chase lands by the whites had always been re- garded with suspicion by the Indians. To them it appeared the preliminary step toward sub- jugation and domination of the country which, perhaps was not an unusual view of the matter. The gradual but steady increase of the white GENERAL HISTORY. 39 men Avas far from pleasing to the Indians ; they were dissatisfied with the terms of treaties al- ready negotiated, and one chief Peupeumox- mox "Yellow Bird," was on the eve of repudi- ating the sale of certain territory. The first note of defiance was sounded by Pierre Jerome, chief of the Kettle Falls Indians, about August I, 1855. He declared emphat- ically that no white man should pass through his country. This declaration was soon fol- lowed by rumors of murders committed by the Yakimas. A number of small parties had set forth from the Sound en route to Fort Col- ville, via Nisqually pass and the Ahtanahm Catholic mission. Such was the report com- municated by Chief Garry, of the Spokanes, to A J. Bolon, special agent for the Yakimas. It was Bolon's intention to meet Governor Stev- ens on the latter's return from Fort Benton, and assist at the councils and treaties. But on re- ceiving these sanguinary reports Bolon rashly deflected his course for the purpose of investi- gating them. He went, unattended to the Cath- olic mission to meet Kamiakin, and was mur- dered by Owhi, a nephew of Kamiakin, and chief of the Umatillas, who treacherously shot him in the back. Then Kamiakin declared war on the whites, which war, he said, he was prepared to carry on five years, if necessary. The gauntlet had been thrown down and war was inevitable. The rumor of whites having been killed by the Yakimas was confirmed by miners returning from Fort Cloville, on September 20. A requisition for troops from Vancouver and Steilacoom was at once made by acting Gov- ernor Mason. Fears for the safety of Governor Stevens warranted sending a detachment to his assistance. A force of eighty-four men from Fort Dalles, under Major Haller, was ordered to proceed against Kamiakin and Peupeumox- mox, two chiefs most to be dreaded. Haller's objective point was the Catholic mission, the home of Kamiakin. He set forth October 3. Indians were discovered the third day out. A sharp skirmish ensued in the afternoon of that day, and at nightfall the Yakimas with- drew. Of Haller's force eight men were killed and wounded. On the following day the fight was renewed, the whites being without water and having but very little food. The Indians attempted to surround Haller. and so sharp was their attack that at dark a messenger was des- patched to Major Raines, at The Dalles, asking for assistance. On the third day of this en- gagement, which was in reality a signal defeat for the whites, the cavalry horses and pack ani- mads were turned loose to find water and grass. Haller determined to return to The Dalles, and was again attacked by the Indians who, for ten miles, harassed the retreating soldiers with a sharp, running fire. The force separated into two divisions, one of them being under the com- mand of Captain Russell. Two detachments of reinforcements failed to connect with Haller, for any effective stand against the enemy, and Major Haller reached The Dalles with a loss of five men killed, seventeen wounded and con- siderable government property. It was esti- mated that the Indians suffered a loss of forty killed. The disastrous result of this initial cam- paign against the Yakimas inflamed both sol- diers and civilians. Preparations for a war of considerable magnitude were hastily made. It was reported at Forts Vancouver and Steila- coom that there were fifteen hundred fighting braves in the field against the whites. One company of volunteers was called on from Clarke, and one from Thurston county, these ' companies to consist of eighty-five men each. I Acting Governor Mason asked for arms from the commanders of the revenue cutter Jefferson Davis and sloop of Avar Decatur, which were furnished promptly. Company B, of the Puget Sound Volunteers, was organized at Olympia, Gilmore Hays, captain, James S. Hurd, first lieutenant, William Martin, second lieutenant, Joseph Gibson, Henry D. Cock, Thomas Prathar. and Joseph White, sergeants; Joseph 4Q GENERAL HISTORY. S. Taylor, Whitfield Kirtley, T. Wheelock and John Scott, corporals. On the 20th they re- ported at Fort Steilacoom and on the 21st, un- der command of Captain Maloney, set out for White river to reinforce Lieutenant Slaughter, who had gone into the Yakima country with forty men. The history of Nesmith's campaign against the Yakima Indians is uneventful. J. W. Nesmith was placed in command of several vol- unteer companies, organized by proclamation of Acting Governor Mason, numbering, all told, about seven hundred men. They were enrolled at Seattle, Olympia, Van- couver and Cathlamet. James Tilton was appointed adjutant-general of the volun- teer forces and Major Raines was in com- mand of the regulars to cooperate with Nesmith. The volunteers and regulars formed a junction at Simcoe Valley on November 7. The day following there was a sharp skirmish with the Indians, but the latter finding the force of the whites greatly augumented were timid, and more inclined to retreat than advance. Be- ing supplied with fresh horses they could escape easily, and were driven up the Yakima river to a narrow gap in the mountains where they made a feeble stand. Haller and Captain Augur charged them, upon which they retreated and fled down the other side of the mountain, leav- ing the whites in possession. On the 10th they made another stand, and an attempt was made by the volunteers and regulars to surround them. Owing to a misunderstanding a charge was made at an inopportune moment, and again the wily foe were enabled to retreat in compar- ative safety. On reaching the Ahtanahm mis- sion it was found deserted and, after a number of unimportant movements, Nesmith pushed on to Walla Walla. Major Raines reported to General Wool, who had recently arrived in the territory. The latter was supplied with four thousand stand of arms, a large amount of am- unition and had with him fifty dragoons. General Wool at this period appears to have been extremely critical and fault-finding. He was particularly severe on the volunteers nor did he spare Majors Raines and Haller. One of General Wool's orders, which appears to have given great offense to the citizens of Ore- gon, was to disband the company enrolled to proceed to the relief of Governor Stevens, and this order was subsequently bitterly resented by the governor. The result of Wool's con- duct was what might have been expected ; con- tentions between the regulars and volunteers, rendering void their efficiency and making it impossible for them to co-operate. Practically future campaigns against the hostiles were in the hands of the volunteers. January 11, 1856, General Wool received information of Indian troubles in Southern Oregon and California, and he left for San Francisco, having first as- signed command of the Columbia River Dis- trict to Colonel George Wright, with head- quarters at The Dalles. In the Puget Sound district the year 1855 was punctuated with a number of Indian trag- edies. Lieutenant McAllister and M. McCon- nell, of McConnell's prairie, were killed by the hostiles in October of that year. Sunday, the 28th, in the White Valley, the Indians fell upon the farming settlements. W. H. Braman, wife and child, H. H. Jones and wife, Simon Cooper and George E. King and wife were killed. Others escaped to Seattle. The death of Lieu- tenant Slaughter, in December, 1855, cast a heavy gloom over the various communities then in the territory. While in command of sixty- five men, on Brannans' prairie, Lieutenant Slaughter was sitting at night in a small log house. For the purpose of drying their wet clothing the soldiers had started a small fire near the door of the cabin, and the Indians, guided by this light were able to shoot Slaugh- ter through the heart. Without uttering a word he fell dead from his chair. An attack on Seattle, in December of the same year, was repulsed with heavy losses to both sides, the sloop of war, Decatur, taking a prominent part GENERAL HISTORY. 4i in this fight and doing good execution. Other United States vessels, including the Active and Massachusetts, were conspicuous in defense of the town. It was aboard the Decatur that the sanguinary Patkanim delivered the heads of In- dians for which a bounty was offered. Pat- kanim had entered into a contract with the ter- ritorial government by which he was to receive eighty dollars apiece for all heads of Indian chiefs, and twenty dollars for the heads of war- riors. Subsequently these ghastly trophies were forwarded to Olympia. In this horrible hunt for hostile heads Patkanim was assisted by eighty warriors of the Snoqualimich and Skokomish tribes, and, also, a chief called John Taylor. The United States navy at that time rendered most valuable services in repulsing Indian attacks along the shore-line of Puget Sound. Working in conjunction with the land forces of the whites the guns of the ships at times did terrible execution among the painted savages. On the morning of October 22, 1856, a party of Indians surrendered to the com- mander of the Massachusetts and we're taken to Victoria. It was generally supposed that the severe treatment accorded unfriendly Indians on the Sound would result in the abandonment of depredations in that vicinity. But on August 11, 1857, a party of savages landed at Whidby Island, killed a man named I. N. Eby, decapi- tated him and looted his house before an alarm could be given. Nor was this the extent of later depredations. It became necessary for vessels heavily armed to cruise in the sound and through Fuca Strait. Our territorial limitations demand that we return to the Yakima country where Indian hos- tilities were renewed. In October, 1855 rumors were rife of a combination of Oregon and Yakima Indians. It was reported, also, that the Des Chutes, Walla Wallas and Cayuses were inclined to be unfriendly. To prevent such a combination Indian Agent Olney had been sent from The Dalles to Walla Walla. It was con- strued as an unfavorable circumstance that Peupeumoxmox should have been found on the north side of the Columbia. Other signs indi- cated the truculency of Peupeumoxmox, and he even denied that he had ever sold the Walla Walla valley. To Olney it seemed apparent that the chief was preparing to join the Ya- kimas in a war against the whites. It was de- cided in conference between Agent Olney and McKinlay, Anderson and Sinclair, officers of the Hudson's Bay Company, to destroy the amunition in Walla Walla to prevent it from falling into the hands of the Indians. It was, therefore, thrown into the river. All whites were then ordered to leave the country, and this order included Sinclair, who abandoned prop- erty in the fort valued at $37,000. To a winter campaign against the Indians in the Yakima valley, Colonel Nesmith was stoutly opposed. He directed attention to the fact that his horses and men were exhausted, some of the latter being severely frost-bitten and otherwise unfit for duty. One hundred and twenty-five of them had been discharged. How- ever, Governor Curry ordered Major M. A. Chinn to proceed to Walla Walla and join Nesmith. This order was followed by a general uprising of the Indians. Chinn resolved to fortify the Umatilla agency, and await rein- forcements, believing it impossible to form the contemplated union with Nesmith. Accord- ingly Chinn, who had arrived at the agency November 18, 1855, where he found the build- ings destroyed, erected a stockade and named the same Fort Henrietta, in honor of the wife of Major Haller. Later Kelly arrived and suc- ceeding reinforcements gave him four hundred and seventy-five men. The first sally from Walla Walla was made on December 2. The force of three hundred and ninety-nine men was met by Chief Peupeumoxmox. who carried a white flag at the head of a band of warriors. Following a conference the Indians were held as prisoners and, during a subsequent attack on Waiilatpu, were killed. The truculent chief of the Walla Wallas met his death earlv in the 42 GENERAL HISTORY. insurrection of which he was the instigator. The fight at Waiilatpu continued through the 7th, 8th and 9th, the fortunes of war being tem- porarily with the Indians. Reinforcements for Kelly arrived on the 10th, from Fort Henrietta, thus enabling the whites to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat, and continue the pursuit of the Indians until nightfall. Kelly then built Fort Bennett, two miles above Waiilatpu. It is impossible to attempt a description of the battle between the upper and lower cascades of the Columbia river without being brought face to face with another blunder of General Wool. However valuable may have been his services during the Mexican war, and no one could justly censure any portion of his career in those campaigns, truth compels the state- ment that General Wool's knowledge of Indian warfare was limited. Undoubtedly his inten- tions were the best, but he appears singularly unfortunate in a number of his military orders while at the head of the troops in Washington and Oregon. About the middle of December, 1855, Kelly received news of the resignation of Colonel Nesmith. The latter was succeeded by Thomas R. Cornelius, and Kelly, anxious to return to civil duties, gave his command to Davis Layton. A. M. Fellows took the place of Captain Ben- nett, Fellows being succeeded by A. Shepard, and the latter by B. A. Barker. Thus was effected a partial reorganization of the volun- teer forces in the Walla Walla valley. On the return of Governor Stevens, who arrived in camp December 20, he expressed himself as highly gratified by the assistance rendered us by the Oregon trooops. During the ten days he remained in the Walla Walla valley, a com- pany of home-guards, composed of French Canadians, was formed and officered by Sidney E. Ford, captain, Green McCafferty, first lieu- tenant. It was decided, after discussion with the Oregon volunteers, to intrench Walla Walla and hold the same until the regular trooops were prepared to prosecute another campaign. Similar means of defense were provided for the Spokane and Colville. Before his return to Olympia Governor Stevens expressed his appreciation of the serv- ices of sixty-nine Nez Perce volunteers in a substantial manner. He directed that they be cordially thanked, mustered out of service and their muster rolls forwarded to Olympia for future payment. No one can gainsay this judicious measure, for it was of the utmost im- portance to retain the friendship of any tribe of Indians disposed to be at all friendly toward the whites. In return for the generous treatment by Governor Stevens the Nez Perces coven- anted to furnish horses with which to mount the Oregon volunteers. The return of Governor Stevens and Kelly, the one to Olympia, the other to Oregon City, was marked in each instance by a series of pub- lic ovations from the people. January 19, 1856, the governor was received with a salute of thirty-eight guns; Kelly was given a public banquet and escorted to the hall, an honor worthily bestowed on one who, without doubt, had prevented a dangerous coalition between the Indians of Northern Washington and Southern Oregon. But the praiseworthy efforts of Oregon were not to cease at this point. A proclamation was issued by Governor Curry on January 6, 1856, asking for five companies to be recruited in Yamhill, Polk, Clackamas, Marion and Linn counties, supplemented by forty men to round out the skeltonized company of scouts under Captain Conoyer. These troops arrived at Walla Walla about March 1. Nine days later the campaign was opened by Colonel Cornelius who started with six hundred men. The plan was to proceed along the Snake and Columbia rivers to the Palouse and Ya- kima; thence to Priest's Rapids and down the east bank of the Columbia to the mouth of the Yakima. During this march a few Indians were found, but no heavy engagement followed, and the command reached the Yakima March 30. Here ominous reports were received. Be- -i H 1. 1 1 .l.ltLI.lii -^;mmmm5! ; ;i---^"""^'" The \V hitman Monument Tomb of Marcus Whitman GENERAL HISTORY. 43 tween the two cascades of the Columbia were a number of settlements. These had been at- . tacked by hostile Indians. One blunder of General Wool's, to which attention has been called, was made at this junc- ture. On his arrival from California he had found at Vancouver three companies of in- fantry. He ordered two of these to repair to Fort Steilacoom. The territory of the hostile Klikitats and Yakimas adjoined a portage be- tween the cascades, on which portage a large quantity of government stores was exposed. This was a strong inducement to the Indians to attack the point, and it should have been heav- ily guarded. On the contrary the company at the Cascades, on March 24, was sent away, with the exception of eight men under com- mand of Sergeant Matthew Kelly. The latter was a member of the 4th infantry. The upper and lower ends of the portage were connected by a wagon road. The stream above the port- age was named Rock Creek, on which was a saw mill. In this vicinity were a number of families and the trading post of Bradford & Company. An island in the river was con- nected with the mainland by a bridge. The first steamer to run on the Columbia, trading be- tween The Dalles and the Cascades, was the Mary. This craft was at her landing near Rock Creek. The block-house was] located about midway between the two cascades and near it lived the families of George Griswold and W. K. Kilborn. General Wool, after giving his orders, which resulted so disastrously, had returned to California. The force of Colonel Wright had moved from The Dalles; his rear left un- guarded. At the upper settlement of the Cas- cades, on the morning of March 26, a force of Klikitats and Yakimas appeared with hostile demonstrations. Some of the settlers had gone to their daily avocations, but the hour being early, the crew of the Mary had not reached the boat. The Indians who had taken their po- sition under cover of darkness opened the fight, if such an attack on almost defenseless settlers could be termed a fight, with a rapid rifle fire from the brush. One of the whites was shot dead and a number wounded at the first volley. It developed into an Indian massacre accompanied by all the horrid features inci- dental to such scenes, and those who fell vic- tims to rifle balls were immediately toma- hawked and scalped. Among the first to fall was the family of B. W. Brown. Himself, wife, a young boy and his sister, eighteen years of age, were slain and thrown into the river. Bradford & Company's store, a log struc- ture, appeared to be the only place of refuge, and to this fled the workmen on the bridge and a number of settlers. Then began the memor- able siege of the Cascades. Of the forty people gathered in the store building eighteen were able to make a defensive showing, and armed with nine government rifles which, with some ammunition, had been left of the store to be for- warded to Vancouver, they replied to the fire of the enemy to the best of their ability. All ad- vantages of position were with the hostiles. They were concealed on higher ground and, ap- parently, had the settlers at their mercy. It was in the first onslaught of this savage attack that James Sinclair, one of the Hudson's Bay Com- pany's agents, was killed. He was shot through an open door in a manner similar to the assas- sination of Lieutenant Slaughter. Providentially the steamer Mary was not captured. An attack was made upon the boat and the fireman, James Linsay, shot through the shoulder. A negro cook, having been wounded, leaped into the stream and was drowned. One Indian was shot and killed by the engineer, Buskminister, and John Chance, son of the steward, killed another hostile. To effect the escape of the boat it became necessary for Har- din Chenoweth, the pilot, to manipulate the wheel while lying prone on the floor of the pilot house. The families of Sheppard and Vander- pool ventured from the shore in skiffs, and were picked up in midstream. The gallant little 44 GENERAL HISTORY. Mary was then off up the river for succor. Sev- eral fatalities afterward occurred among the settlers and a number of hairbreadth escapes are recorded. The Indians fired the mill and lumber yards and tried desperately to burn the log store. The absence of water was added to the elements of horror surrounding the be- seiged settlers. Within the store one man was dead, Sinclair, and four others severely wounded. A few dozen bottles of ale and whis- key comprised the liquids available for thirty- nine people, the greater number being women and children. In this dire emergency justice demands that credit be given to a Spokane Indian in the party who risked his life to procure water from the stream. At first he succeeded in getting water only sufficient for the wounded, but the suc- ceeding day he was enabled to fill two barrels and convey them inside the store. Meanwhile the imprisoned settlers were harassed by fears for the safety of the Mary. The capture of this boat meant utter failure to receive reinforce- ments and relief. The attack on the block-house below Brad- ford & Company's store was simultaneous with the assault above. The garrison comprised nine persons, five of whom only were inside the structure at the time of the unexpected attack. The Indians had massed themselves on an ad- jacent hill. One of the garrison who had been caught outside the block-house was shot through the hip, but managed to crawl to the door, where he was admitted. Cannon was brought to bear on the enemy, and soon afterward the neighboring settlers came running to the rude fort for protec- tion. A number of them were killed, but such as reached the fort alive were taken inside. Dur- ing four hours a heavy fire was kept up by both sides, and an attempt to fire the block-house at night was repulsed. The Indians prowled about with horrid yells, and did what damage they could do to surrounding property. Some pro- visions were procured on the 27th from an ad- jacent house by three soldiers. The congres- sional report of "Indian Hostilities in Oregon and Washington Territories," 11-12, gives the names of the plucky garrison of this block- house. They were M. Kelly, Frederick Beman, Owen McManus, Lawrence Rooney (killed in the first attack), Smiley, Houser, Williams, Roach and Sheridan. On the second day of' the fight the latter four went out and returned with the dead and wounded. An attack on the Lower Cascades did not result in loss of lives. Many of the settlers were warned of the assault on the block-house by a half-breed boy, who informed W. K. Kil- born and urged him to leave the neighborhood. Kilborn owned a Columbia river freight boat, and by means of this craft he saved the lives of his own family and those of several others. Ar- riving at Vancouver Kilborn apprised the resi- dents of that place of the outbreak. This news threw the people into consternation, and they expected momentarily to be attacked. The dif- ficult problem presented was to send reinforce- ments to the Cascades and retain, at the same time, sufficient force to protect Vancouver. To the Hudson's Bay Company's fort, for greater safety, Colonel Morris removed the women and children of the garrison. In his "History of Washington, Idaho and Montana," Hubert Howe Bancroft states that Coloneil Morris "refused arms to the captain of the volunteer home guards in obedience to the orders of General Wool." Mr. Bancroft says further : "I take this statement from a correspondent of the Olympia Pioneer and Democrat of April 25, 1856, who says that Kelly, of the volun- teers, went to the officer in command at that post and requested to be furnished with arms, as all the arms in the country had gone to furnish a company in the field — Captain Maxon's. 'He was insulted — told to mind his own business.' A few days later a consignment of arms from the east arrived, for the use of the territory, and the settlers were furnished from that supply." GENERAL HISTORY. 45 If such was the order of General Wool it certainly exhibits a marked degree of hostility toward the volunteers of Washington and Ore- gon, and unpleasantly emphasized one more blunder on the part of the veteran of the Mexi- can war. It will be noted in another portion of this chapter that the brunt of the fighting in the various Indian outbreaks fell upon volunteers. The efforts of the regulars were purely sup- plementary and were not conducted with the success worthy of the most ordinary tactician. Lieutenant Philip Sheridan, of whom we now hear for the first time in connection with military movements, on the morning of the 27th left on the steamer Belle for the Cascades. With him were a small detachment of one company assigned by General Wool for the protection of Vancouver. Fugitives were met, in the river; some of them on a schooner, others in a batteau. The men among these settlers, flying for their lives, immediately volunteered to re- turn and participate in the punishment of the hostiles, an exhibition of manliness which fully illustrates the spirit which invariably animated the Washington and Oregon volunteers, despite the severe and unwarranted strictures of Gen- eral Wool. A reconnoitre was made by Sheri- dan on arriving at the lower end of the portage, and the condition of affairs at the Cascades and the block-house was gleaned from some Cas- cade Indians. On the Washington side of the Columbia ' Sheridan landed his men ; the boat being sent back for more ammunition to Van- couver. Two of Sheridan's men were shot down while effecting a landing. Relief of the block-house was not effected immediately as the party was unable to advance during the day. On the steamer Fashion another relief party was enroute from Portland. Thirty men had been recruited by Benjamin Stark and H. P. Dennison on the 26th, and this number was in- creased by other volunteers from Vancouver. It was midnight, the 26th, that Colonel Wright received news of the attack on the Cascades. He had removed from The Dalles with his troops to Five-Mile Creek, where he was en- camped. With two hundred and fifty men he went back to The Dalles, boarded the steamers Mary and Wasco, and reached the Cascades on the morning of the 28th. At the latter place it was the belief of the garrison that the Mary had been captured by the Indians. With only four rounds of ammunition left, and in ignor- ance of the arrival of Sheridan, the settlers in their desperation had determined to board a government flat-boat and go over the falls rather than fall into the hands of the Indians. The pleasure with which they caught sight of the Mary and Wasco rounding the bend of the river can be better imagined than described. With the timely arival of these troops the In- dians disappeared. Under command of Colonel Steptoe two companies of the 9th infantry, a detachment of dragoons and the 3rd artillery advanced to the block-house and from this point to the landing below. Lieutenant Sheridan's command coming up at the same time alarmed the Indians and they vanished with remarkable celerity. Colonel Steptoe lost one soldier and one hostile was killed. Subsequently nine In- dians who were identified as having engaged in the massacre at the Cascades were captured and executed. It was the opinion of Governor Stevens, formed after his return to Olympia, that Indian hostilities in the immediate future were to be confined to the Yakima country and Walla Walla valley. January 21, 1856, in a special message addressed to the legislative assembly, he dwelt with great earnestness on the desirabil- ity of acquiring title to the country unincum- bered by Indian claims. This had been the mo- tive of his recent trip to the country of the Nez Perces, Coeur d'Alenes and other tribes far to the eastward of the Cascade range. He said that nearly all the different tribes whom he had interviewed had been, apparently, quite willing to concede this point. But the governor added that he had been deceived in this respect, and that it would now be necessary to send soldiers 46 GENERAL HISTORY. from the Sound into the Indian country east of the Cascades. Furthermore he was opposed to treaties and favored extermination. In this conclusion Governor Stevens was, as events subsequently proved, greatly de- ceived. So far from confining their depreda- tions to the Walla Walla valley the Indians were even then making preparations to raid the coast of the Sound. Althogh the ensuing Avar was, for a period, confined to the country north of the Steilacoom, terror ran riot in other iso- lated and unprotected localities. Many mur- ders were committed and a great deal of valu- able property destroyed by the remorseless sav- ages. Then it was that Governor Stevens re- turned to Olympia and ordered a portion of the southern battalion to the Sound country, During the spring of 1856 a decisive engage- ment with the Indians was had at White river, resulting in the complete rout of the savages, although they outnumbered the whites two to one. Governor Stevens proclaimed martial law. Fighting occurred on John Day river and in June, 1856, Major Layton captured thirty- four warriors. A spirited engagement between the Indians and Colonel Shaw took place on the Grand Rond, but following this the hostiles broke up into small bands, but sufficiently ag- gressive to create considerable activity among the troops. One of the most effective methods adopted to dishearten the enemy was that of stopping supplies and capturing the Indians' horses in various raids. Some of the savages were neutral; nearly all of them needy; and during a vigorous march through the country overtures made by the United States were, in a large number of cases, accepted. Of the Wasco, Des Chutes, Tyghe and John Day tribes, nine hundred and twenty-three surren- dered, and four hundred of the more truculent Yakimas and Klikitats surrendered to Colonel Wright. Following this they received gov- ernment aid. While these scenes were being enacted on the Sound it had been impossible for Governor Stevens to deploy troops east of the Cascade range. Of this fact the Indians in that country took advantage. It required the best diplomatic efforts of Lieutenant-Colonel Graig to hold the Nez Perces and Spokanes to their allegiance, and finally, July 24, Captain Robie informed Colonel Shaw that the Nez Perces had become recalcitrant, declared hostile intentions and re- fused all offers of government supplies. It was at this annoying juncture of affairs that Gov- ernor Stevens decided to go to, Walla Walla and hold a council. He found conditions de- cidedly worse than had been reported. Al- though Colonel Wright had been pressed to join the council he declined, urging that it would be better to establish at Walla Walla a strong military post with Stepoe in command. This council was not crowned with the most satisfactory results. The Cayuses, Des Chutes and Tyghes, although they arrived in the vicinity of the meeting place, were disposed to be sullen and unfriendly. They refused to pay a visit to Governor Stevens, exhibited signs of hostility by firing the grass and otherwise gave evidence of malevolence. Kamiakin and Owhi, Yakimas and Qualchin, of the Cceur d'Alenes, also refused to attend and passed their time sowing seeds of dissension whenever and wherever opportunity offered. On the nth of September the council opened and closed dis- mally on the 17th. It became necessary for Governor Stevens to remove to the immediate vicinity of Steptoe's camp through fear of vio- lence from the Indians. No pipe of peace was smoked and no satisfactory results achieved. The Indians demanded to be left in peaceful possession of all the country claimed by them as "domains," and declared most emphatically that no other terms would be accepted. It was with no little difficulty that Governor Stevens succeeeded in getting out of the country alive. His train was attacked on its way back to The Dalles and two of the escort killed. Following this humiliating repulse of the governor, and after his return to the Sound, Colonel Wright GENERAL HISTORY. 47 marched to Walla Walla and ordered all the chiefs to meet him in council. It was, evident- ly, the intention of Wright to adopt drastic measures, but few Indians attended the coun- cil, and, like the preceding" one, it bore no fruit. Those who came said, sullenly, that they were opposed to confirmation of the Walla Walla treaty. Troops were at once thrown into the various posts, including Mill Creek, Fort Dalles and the Cascades settlement, and preparations made to secure all from invasion during the approaching winter. •■ Throughout this summer and while at- tempts were being made to pacify the Indians east of the Cascade range, hostilities continued on the Sound. The Puyallups and Nisquallies, at a council held at Fox Island, August 4th, convinced Governor Stevens that an injustice had been done them through the limitations of their reservation. An enlargement was recom- mended by the governor, and a resurvey or- dered, which absorbed thirteen donation claims. Subsequently congress appropriated $5,000 to- ward improvements. The story of the capture and execution of Leschi is, perhaps, one of the most sensational Indian episodes in the career of Governor Ste- vens. Leschi, together with Nelson, Stahi, Quiemuth and the younger Kitsap, had been ringleaders in the attack on the Decatur, in the Sound, and now Governor Stevens desired to try them for murder. These Indians had at- tended the council with Colonel Wright, in the Yakima country, and Wright had paroled them. At that period an attempt was being made to quiet the Indians east of the Cascade range. In the opinion of Wright, of whom these five savages had been demanded, it would be unwise at this juncture to give them over to certain ex- ecution, but the governor was insistent in his demands, and again made requisition for the hostiles. To this demand nearly all the army officers were opposed, believing the policy to be unwise. In November Leschi was arrested. Slug- gia and Elikukah, two of his own people, be- trayed him into the hands of the whites. At that period Leschi was an outcast and, practi- cally, outlawed by both Yakimas and whites. The traitorous Sluggia and Elikukah found him and handed him over to Sydney S. Ford who forwarded him on to Olympia. Leschi was now to stand trial for the killing of A. B. Moses. At the first trial, November 14, the jury failed to agree. March 18, 1857, a sec- ond trial was had, resulting in conviction June 10 was the day set for his execution. The attorneys engaged for Leschi's defense appealed the case to the supreme court, and this appeal served as a stay of proceedings and de- ferred execution beyond the day assigned. However, the verdict of the lower court was sustained and January 22, 1858, was set as the day for the hanging of Leschi. McMullin, who had succeeded Stevens, was now governor of Washington. Friends of Leschi appealed to him for pardon; seven hundred settlers vigor- ously protested. The execution was to be at Steilacoom and on the day set there was a large audience. This time, however, the death pen- alty was delayed by friends of the condemned by a most peculiar legal manipulation. Shortly before the time for the execution the sheriff and his deputy were placed under arrest by a Uni- ted States marshal. The charge against the prisoners was that of selling liquor to Indians. In vain an attempt was made to reach the sheriff and secure the death warrant, without which it would be impossible to strangle Leschi legally. But that officer was retained in close custody until the period set for Leschi's hang- ing had passed. The "United States marshall" in these proceedings was Lieutenant McKibben, stationed at Fort Steilacoom, who had been ap- pointed for that express purpose. All in all this coup was in the nature of a ruse on the part of the regular army, between whom and the citizens of the territory there was at all times considerable friction. Indignation at this perversion of justice and 48 GENERAL HISTORY. palpable miscarriage of law ran high among the people. Public meetings of protest were held and the legislature appealed to. This body pro- ceeded to adjust matters in a most strenuous manner, repealing certain laws and enacting new ones until the legal coils around Leschi were deemed sufficiently strong to insure his punishment. Again the prisoner was tried and, although his counsel demurred to the jurisdic- tion of the court, he was overruled and Febru- ary 19, 1858, the Indian who had so success- fully fought off the hounds of law was hanged. It is a matter of historical record that few of the more active Indian participants in the vari- ous outbreaks on the Sound escaped. Three of them were assassinated by white men in re- venge for the murder of friends ; a number were hanged at Fort Steilacoom; one of his own people killed Kitsap in June, 1857, on Muckleshoot prairie, and Leschi's friends re- venged themselves by taking the life of the treacherous Sluggia. Comparative peace was restored to the Sound country, yet the horrors of the outbreak were long remembered. To the Puyallup and upper White River valley many of the settlers did not return until 1859. Patkanim, the horrible blood-hunter, who, for American gold, trafficked in human heads as nonchalantly as he would deal in wolf-pelts, did not long survive the war. The following estimation of this barbarian is given by the Pioneer and Democrat under date, January 21, 1859 : "It is just as well that he is out of the way, as, in spite of everything, we never be- lieved in his friendship." Indemnity claims following Indian troubles on the Sound amounted to some twelve thous- and dollars, which sum was appropriated by congress. But the actual expenses incidental to the conduct of this war, a war in 'behalf of the peace and prosperity of Washington and Oregon, approached quite nearly six million dollars, or exactly $5,931,424.78, divided as follows: Washington, $1,481,475.45; Ore- gon, $4,449,949.33. Payment of $1,409,- 604.53 was ma de to the Oregon, and $519,- 593.06 to the Washington volunteers. At that period the eminent editor and publicist, Horace Greeley, had not advised the young men of the country to "go west," and he was unkind enough to say, in the New York Tribune: "The enterprising territories of Oregon and Washington have handed into congress their little bill for scalping Indians and violating squaws two years ago. After these (the French spoliation claims) shall have been paid half a century or so, we trust the claims of the Oregon and Washington Indian fighters will come up for consideration." The scene of Indian troubles now removes itself to a point in eastern Washington more immediately identified with the limitations of this history. In April, 1858, the mines in the vicinity of Colville had become attractive to "stampeders," and two white men pushing on into the "gold country," had been slain by a party of savages belonging to the Palouse tribe. A petition for troops, signed by forty residents of Colville, had been forwarded to Colonel Steptoe. The latter informed General Clarke of the fact and advised that an expedition be sent north to punish the savages and protect the settlers. Adding to the crime of murder the Palouses had gone down into the Walla Walla country and driven away a band of gov- ernment cattle. The Palouses who, it was claimed, had killed the Colville miners, were found by Colonel Steptoe at the Alpowah. Steptoe had left Walla Walla May 6, 1858, with one hundred and thirty dragoons en route for the country of the Nez Perces. On ap- proach of the whites the Indians fled. Because Steptoe placed no confidence in a report he re- ceived on the 1 6th that the Spokanes were making arrangements to attack him he, unfor- tunately, found himself surrounded with a force of six hundred miscellaneous "braves," includ- ing warriors of the Cceur d'Alenes, Palouses, Spokanes and Nez Perces. They were attired in war paint and had chosen a position where Xi co-a-h co-a-h cotes-Mm, no horns on his head GENERAL HISTORY. 49 from three sides they could assault Steptoe's detachment of troops. During a short parley the Spokanes confirmed the reports that they were on the war path, and announced that they purposed to do considerable fighting before the whites would be permitted to ford the Spokane river. Doubtless the Indians were emboldened in their conduct by the fact that these dragoons of Steptoe's were without other means of de- fense than their small arms. For this inexcus- able blunder no reason has ever been assigned, and none could be that would, at this day, be acceptable to a military man. The savages rode along side by side with the troops and hurled at them insults and cries of defiance. At nightfall the chiefs demanded to know the reason for this invasion of their country. No explanation was made that in any way pacified the chiefs, although Steptoe said that, having learned of trouble near Colville he was on his way thither to inquire into the cause of it. The chiefs pointed out the fact that he was not on the Colville road at all. Unfortunately he had been led astray by a guide, Timothy, by name. Without suitable arms, and otherwise unprepared for fighting, Steptoe decided to re- treat. He began his return to the Palouse on the 17th. A few miles away a party of Coeeur d'Alenes were gathering roots, and to them the Spokanes appealed asking their assistance in bagging an enemy whom the Spokanes, par- ticularly, did not intend to allow to leave the country alive. A Coeeur d'Alene chief, named Vincent, attempted to hold a parley with Colo- nel Steptoe, but firing was commenced by the Palouses and the skirmish soon resolved itself into a general engagement. Encumbered by a pack train, which it was necessary to guard; passing over ground rough and most favorable for Indians and their mode of warfare Step- toe's command labored under a serious disad- vantage, and were in no condition for any effective fighting. The savages charged a com- pany commanded by Lieutenant Gregg, but the prompt support given by Lieutenant Gas- 4 ton repulsed the Indians and they suffered se- verely at this point. Twelve of them were killed, including Jacques Zachary, brother-in- law of Vincent: James and Victor, the latter one of the powerful chiefs of the Coeur d' Alenes. Later on, while attemping to reach a stream of water, Lieutenant William Gaston and Captain Oliver H. P. Taylor were killed. The result of this "Battle of Steptoe Butte," fought at a place seven miles from the present town of Colfax, must be, impartially, recorded as a defeat for the whites. On the morning of the 19th the retreating troops reached Snake river and from this point continued on to Walla Walla. The animosity of the Indians exhibited in this disaster has been variously explained. The most plausible reason for it lies, probably, in the fact that the Cceur d' Alenes had been told of the proposed government road through their country, from the Missouri to the Columbia river. This was subsequently completed by Lieutenant Mullan, from Fort Walla Walla to Fort Benton. In June, 1858, active preparations were made to avenge the defeat of Steptoe. Quite a large body of troops were mobilized at Fort Walla Walla, some of them being brought from San Francisco and other California points; some from the Sound. Here for a period of time they were industriously drilled in the tactics of Indian warfare. This was to be an expedition against the Coeur d' Alenes and Spokanes ; another was being put in motion against the Yakimas. The campaign plan was to have Major Garnett move toward Colville with three hundred men, co-operate with Cap- tain Keyes, and "round up" the tribes of In- dians. Major Garnett was to leave August 1 5 ; Captain Keyes left Walla Walla on the 7th. Fort Taylor was built at the junction of Tucannon and Snake rivers, which, with its six hundred and forty acres of reservation, was intended as a permanent post. Here Colonel Wright arrived August 18. The expedition 5o GENERAL HISTORY. consisted of one hundred and ninety dragoons, four hundred artillery and ninety infantry, the latter armed with Sharpe's rifles. Seventy-six miles north from Fort Taylor Indians appeared on the hills and fired on a company of Nez Perces Indians who had been enlisted as volun- teers by the whites and uniformed as regular soldiers. Soon afterward the hostiles retreated. They reappeared on September i, in force, and one of the most important battles of this particular Indian war was fought. The victory was plainly with the whites, the savages losing twenty killed and many wounded. But the Indians were desperate. Colonel Wright resumed his march September 5th, and was again attacked by the enemy. Shells from the howitzers burst among them ; the fire of the whites was deadly, and defeat of the Indians complete. On September 10 the Cceur d'Alenes surrendered, and the redoubtable Vincent was not the least active in inducing this submission. They had attempted to stay the progress of civilization through their wil- derness and civilization would not be stayed. Whatever of home or country they once had was gone. Henceforth enterprise, industry and intelligence were to supplant barbaric ignorance and Indian squalor. CHAPTER VII. TERRITORY AND STATE. "The West" of the days of the Revolution was embraced within the limits of the Atlantic coast and longitude 89 degrees west from Greenwich, or 12 degrees west from Washing- ton, D. C. Compare this narrow strip of terri- tory with the magnitude of the Northwest of to- day and remember, also, that the geographical center of the United States, from east to west, lies at a point in the Pacific Ocean six'hundred miles west from San Francisco, California. From the latter fact we are enabled to obtain a fair comprehension of the extreme western ex- tension of our Alaskan possessions. States have increased, territorially, since the surrender of Lord Cornwallis. The "midgets," smaller than many western counties, lie along the Atlantic shore. Washington, the "Ever- green State," of whose stirring and romantic past this history treats, is more than three- fourths the size of New York and Pennsyl- vania, combined, or more than equalling the size of all Kentucky, Connecticut, Massachu- setts, Delaware and Maryland. Its area is 69,994 square miles. Its entire western boun- dary is washed by the waves of the Pacific ; the great "ill-tasting lake" of the Indians; discov- ered by Balboa and once claimed in all its sub- lime immensity by Spain as her own national property. From British Columbia it is sep- arated by the Strait of Juan de Fuca, which forms its boundary until it reaches a point where the 49th degree of north latitude crosses the strait. Thence the northern boundary line of Washington runs east on the 49th parallel two hundred and fifty miles nearly to the 1 1 7th de- gree of longitude west from Greenwich, and thence south to the 46th degree of latitude; thence west on that degree until the Columbia river is reached, where Klickitat, Walla Walla and Yakima counties converge, the Columbia river then forming its southern boundary on to the coast. The Puget Sound Basin and the great val- ley of the Upper Columbia combine to greatly GENERAL HISTORY. 5i diversify the topography of Washington. Be- tween these two distinctively marked territor- ies runs the Cascade Range of mountains, north and south, separating "The Inland Empire" from "The Coast," or variably, "The Sound Country." This mountain range is, in its en- tirety, one of the most imposing on the North American continent. Creeping upward from the far south, for hundreds of miles but a suc- cession of low hills, or chain of buttes, the range grows bolder, in contour and height until to the far north Mount St. Elias accentuates its most imposing altitude. Volcanic, snow-capped cones rise to heights of fifteen and twenty thousand feet, and a number of the highest of these are within the boundaries of Washington. In a preceding chapter outlining the "Ore- gon Controversy," it was noted that in 1846, when the southern line of British Columbia was finally determined, all that remained south of that boundary to the 42d parallel was called Oregon. In 1849 a territorial government was granted covering all the original Oregon. It was then an indefinite region embracing the lands lying between the Rocky Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, and north of the 42d parallel. In 1 85 1 steps were taken toward dividing Ore- gon. All that portion north and west of the Columbia river was thrown into a new territory, supplied with a distinct territorial government. No opposition having appeared either from the Oregon legislature or from congress the con- summation of this division was effected in 1853. Then Washington embraced the rather indefinite territory of Idaho. Oregon became a state in 1859. Washington, then including Idaho, was under territorial government, re- maining thus until March 3, 1863, when the territory of Idaho was set off by congress. The eastern portion of Washington, from a line near the 117th degree of west longitude, and portions of Montana, Dakota and Nebraska combined to form the creation of Idaho at that period. Of the first inroads of civilization, aside from the Hudson's Bay Company, into the ter- ritory of Oregon, then including Washington, Archibald M'Vickar writes: The earliest emigration from the United States for the purpose of settlement in this territory was in 1832. Three years afterward a small party went out by land with Nathaniel Wyeth, of the Boston Fishing and Trading Company under the direction of Rev. James Lee and David Lee, who established a mission settlement among the Callopoewah Indians, on the Willamette river. This colony afterward received some small accessions, and in November, 1839, Rev. James Lee sailed from the United States for the Columbia river with a party of fifty-four persons, among them six missionaries and a physician, with their families. This party arrived safely out, and the annual report of the missionary society of the Methodist Episcopal church, in May, 1841, presents a favorable account of their labors among the Indians. Some parties of young men had started for the Columbia from states bordering on the Mississippi. The whole number directly attached to the mission is only sixty-eight, including men, women and children. The first settlers along the river, accord- ing to Mr. Parker, who visited the country in 1835, consisted of Canadian Frenchmen formerly in the em- ployment of the Hudson's Bay Company. "The Oregon Controversy," and "Tragedy of Whitman's Mission," preceding chapters, have traced in outline the more important de- tails of this early settlement. Western Wash- ington, on the coast, was the first portion of the territory settled. The advantages of sea coast fishing and fur-trading, of course, account for this fact, together with its accessibility by voy- ages around the Horn, and proximity to the more fully developed settlements of California-. The name, "Puget Sound" was much more familiar to eastern people and students than the coasts of Oregon or Washington. Thus, in a general way, the resources of western Wash- ington became gradually known to a certain limited number of the inhabitants of the ex- treme east. Concerning the various enterprises of these pioneers of Washington Hubert Howe Bancroft has pertinently said in his "History of Washington, Idaho and Montana-" "In the previous chapters I have made the reader ac- quainted with the earlier American residents of GENERAL HISTORY. the territory north of the Columbia, and the methods by which they secured themselves homes and laid the foundation for fortunes by making shingles, bricks and cradling machines, by building mills, loading vessels with timber, laying out towns, establishing fisheries, explor- ing for gold and mining for coal. But these were private enterprises concerning only indi- viduals, or small groups of men at most, and I now come to consider them as a body politic, with relations to the government of Oregon and to the general government." The plan of this history demands that we pursue the same course in the treatment of our subject, and also to show how narrowly Wash- ington escaped being called "Columbia." The provisional government of Oregon adopted in 1843 cn d noi include the terrritory north of the Columbia river. So late as 1845, at tnc time of the Hudson's Bay Company made a compact with this provisional government, there existed no county organizations north of that river with the exception of Tualatin and Clackamas "dis- tricts," which claimed to extend northward as far as 54 degrees 40 minutes. But these dis- tricts were not peopled by American citizens, and not until the compact went into effect was there established an American settlement in the region of Puget Sound, and a new district created called Vancouver. The first judges were M. T. Simmons, James Douglas, and Charles Forrest. John R. Jackson was sheriff. Lewis county was created December 19, 1845. Primarily its northern limit extended to 54 degrees, 40 minutes, or was supposed to, comprising territory north of the Columbia, and west of the Cowlitz, rivers. In 1846 it was represented in the legislature by W. F. Tolmie ; Vancouver county by Henry N. Peers, the lat- ter described as "a good versifier and fair leg- islator." He was an attache of the Hudson's Bay Company. The initial agitation for a new territory north of the Columbia was made July 4, 185 1. At Olympia a number of American citizens of the Sound had assembled to appro- priately celebrate the day. In his oration Mr. Chapman alluded eloquently to "the future state of Columbia." His remarks awakened an enthusiastic response, and the same evening a meeting was held, the avowed object of which was to procure a separate territorial govern- ment. Of this meeting Clanrick Crosby was chairman ; A. M. Poe, secretary. H. A. Golds- borough, I. N. Eby, J. B. Chapman and C. Crosby addressed the audience. Their speeches were followed by the appointment of a commit- tee on resolutions which recommended that a meeting to be held August 29 at Cowlitz land- ing, the object of which "to take into care- ful consideration the present peculiar position of the northern portion of the territory, its wants, the best methods of supplying those wants, and the propriety of an early appeal to congress for a division of the territory." The convention thus called was attended by twenty- six delegates. It adjourned the following day, having defined the limits of twelve intended counties, requested the benefits of donation lands, petitioned congress for a plank road from the Sound to the mouth of the Cowlitz, and a territorial road from some point on Puget Sound to Walla Walla, and otherwise memorializing congress on the important sub- ject of division. It was the expressed inten- tion of the delegates to move, should their re- quest be denied, for immediate admission into the union as a state. It is needless to say that enthusiasm ran high at this meeting on the Cowlitz. At that period the population of the territory under consideration was less than four thousand souls. Nothing tangible resulted from this meet- ing, although The Columbian, a weekly news- paper, published at Olympia, continued the agi- tation for territorial division and independent organization. November 25, 1852, a conven- tion was held at Monticello, on the Cowlitz river, at that period an enterprising munici- pality of Northern Oregon. Congress was GENERAL HISTORY. 53 again memorialized and the document for- warded to Hon. Joseph Lane, territorial dele- gate. This memorial contains so concise and graphic a description of early territorial condi- tions that it is deemed best to reproduce it in full : To the Honorable, the Senate and House of Repre- sentatives of the United States, in Congress assembled: The memorial of the undersigned, delegates of the citizens of Northern Oregon, in convention assembled, respectfully represent to your honorable bodies that it is the earnest desire of your petitioners, and of said citizens, that all that portion of Oregon Territory lying north of the Columbia river and west of the great northern branch thereof, should be organized as a saparate territory under the name and style of the Terri- tory of Columbia, urging these reasons : In support of the prayer of this memorial, your petitioners would respectfully urge the following, among many other reasons, viz. : First: That the present Territory of Oregon con- tains an area of 341,000 square miles, and is entirely too large an extent of territory to be embraced within the limits of one state. Second: That said territory possesses a sea coast of 650 miles in extent, the country east of the Cascade mountains is bound to that on the coast by the strongest ties of interest; and, inasmuch as your petitioners be- lieve that the territory must inevitably be divided at no very distant day, they are of the opinion that it would be unjust that one state should possess so large a sea- board to the exclusion of that of the interior. Third : The territory embraced within the bound- aries of the proposed "Territory of Columbia," contain- ing an area of about 32,000 square miles, is, in the opinion of your petitioners, about a fair and just medium of territorial extent to form one state. Fourth : The proposed "Territory of Columbia" presents natural resources capable of supporting a popu- lation at least as large as that of any state in the union possessing an equal extent of territory. Fifth : Those portions of Oregon Territory lying respectively north and south of the Columbia river must, from their geographical position, always rival each other in commercial advantages, and their respective citizens must, as they now and always have been, be actuated by a spirit of opposition. Sixth : The southern part of Oregon Territory, hav- ing a majority of voters, have controlled the territorial legislature, and benefit from the appropriations made by congress for said territory, which were subject to the disposition of said legislature. Seventh : The seat of the territorial legislature is now situated, by the nearest practicable route, at a dis- tance of four hundred miles from a large portion of the citizens of Northern Oregon. Eighth : A great part of the legislation suitable to the south, is, for local reasons, opposed to the interests of the north, inasmuch as the south has a majority of votes, and representatives are always bound to reflect the will of their constituents, your petitioners can enter- tain no reasonable hopes that their legislative wants will ever be properly regarded under the present organiza- tion. Ninth : Exiprience has, in the opinion of your petitioners, well established the principle that in states having a moderate sized territory, the wants of the people are more easily made known to their representa- tives there is less danger of a conflict between sectional interests, and more prompt and adequate legislation can always be obtained. In conclusion your petitioners would respectfully represent that Northern Oregon, with its great natural resources, presenting such unparalleled inducements to immigrants, and with its present large population, and rapidly increasing by immigration, is of sufficient im- portance, in a national point of view, to merit the foster- ing care of congress, and its interests are so numerous and so entirely distinct in their character, as to demand the attention of a separate and independent legislature. Wherefore your petitioners pray your honorable bodies will at an early day pass a law organizing the district of country above described under a territorial government, to be named "The Territory of Columbia." Done in convention assembled at the town of Monti- cello, Oregon Territory, this 25th day of November, A. D., 1852. G. M. McConaha, President. R. V. White, Secretary. This memorial was signed by forty-one other delegates. Congressional Delegate Joseph Lane earnestly supported the bill for the formation of Columbia Territory subse- quently introduced. February 10, 1853, the bill, amended by Mr. Stanton, of Kentucky, striking out the word "Columbia"' and insert- ing in lieu thereof "Washington," passed the house by a vote of 128 to 29, and on March 2, without further amendment, it was passed by the senate. It should be taken into considera- tion that the bill, as passed by both houses, did not limit the new Territory to the boundaries prescribed by the memorial of the Monticello convention. Our national legislators took a broader view of the matter, and continued the line of partition from a point near Walla Walla, east along the 46th parallel to the Rocky Mountains. This was a far more equal di- 54 GENERAL HISTORY. vision, and included what is now the "Pan- handle" of Idaho, an area considerably larger than the present state of Washington. At that period, according to a census taken in 1853 by Marshal Anderson, the counties in the new Washington Territory contained the following population: Clarke, 1,134, Island, 195, Lewis, 616, Jefferson, 189, King, 170, Pierce, 513, Thurston, 996, Pacific, 152; total, 3,965. Of these 1,682 were voters. The first Territorial governor of Washing-' ton was Isaac Ingalls Stevens, who was ap- pointed to this office and, also, made ex officio Superintendent of Indian Affairs of Washing- ton Territory, and by the secretary of war was given charge of an exploration and survey of a railroad from the headwaters of the Mississippi to Puget Sound. In a communication to A. A. Denny, dated at Washington, D. C, April 18, 1853, Governor Stevens said: "Herewith you will find a printed copy of my instructions from the secretary of war, by which you will see an exploration and survey of a railroad from the headwaters of the Mis- sissippi to Puget Sound is entrusted to me * * * A military road is to be built from Fort Walla Walla to Puget Sound. Captain McClellan, an officer distinguished for his gal- lantry in Mexico, has command of the party who will make the exploration of the Cascade range and the construction of the military road. His undertaking of the task is a sure guarantee of its accomplishment. I expect to pierce the Rocky Mountains, and this road is to be done in time for the fall's immigration, so that an open line of. communication between the states and Sound will be made this year." Isaac Ingalls Stevens was born in the his- toric and classic town of Andover, Massachu- setts, and educated at West Point, from which military institution he was graduated with hon- ors in 1837. For several years the young of- ficer was in charge of the New England coast fortifications. During the war with Mexico he was attached to the staff of General Scott. Four years preceding his appointment as Ter- ritorial Governor of Washington he was asso- ciated with Professor Bache in the coast sur- vey. It will be seen that the duties assigned to Governor Stevens were manifold and ardu- ous. Aside from the appointive office of gov- ernor of a young, though important Territory, he was to superintend the construction of a mil- itary road from the Sound to the Rockies ; sur- vey the line of what eventually became the great transcontinental highway, the Northern Pacific Railroad, and at the same time superin- tend the complicated affairs of the savage and turbulent Indian tribes between the coast and the Rocky Mountains. Certainly a heavy re- sponsibility to be placed upon the shoulders of one man. The sagacity and efficiency with which he met these heavy responsibilities have been recorded in preceding chapters of this work. It was his destiny to be called hig-her. In May, 1861, news was received at Olympia of the surrender by Major Anderson of Fort Sumter. "The Irrepressible Conflict" be- tween North and South had for years worn heavily on the patriotic spirit of Governor Stev- ens. He was a pro-slavery democrat, yet he loved his country and placed her national and indisoluble interests above party or purely sectional benefits. In reply to a speech wel- coming him home from his perilous expedition among hostile tribes of Indians he said : "I con- ceive my duty to be to stop disunion." These were brave words, for at this period the Terri- tory of which he was chief executive wag thickly populated with avowed secessionists. Dissensions were rife in his own party. Assaults were made by the press upon his pa- triotism and even his personal character was assailed. He was accused of attempting a coali- tion with Lane and Grim for the purpose of forming an independent Pacific republic. Vis- ionary and chimerical as was this scheme; im- possible for one of the sterling patriotism of Governor Stevens to cherish for a moment, the charge found many professed believers among GENERAL HISTORY. 55 his opponents. With the darkening of war clouds Stevens, who had intended to stand for re-election, renounced the project and hastened to Washington to offer his services to the gov- ernment. July 31, 1 86 1, he was appointed col- onel of the 79th New York Infantry, and was among the first of the defenders of Washington and Arlington Heights. In March, 1862, he received a commission as brigadier general, and on July 4, was made a Major General of vol- unteers. Such was his rapid rise by promotion in the army. His death was a fitting close of a heroic life. At the battle of Chantilly he seized the flag which had fallen from the dead hand of a color sergeant, and was shot in the forehead, dying upon the field. Sudden was the revul- sion of feeling in Washington Territory when news of his death was received. The legisla- ture passed resolutions in his honor, and crape was worn by the members ten days. He died at forty-four years of age. In a letter touching upon the character of Governor Stevens, writ- ten by Professor Bache, of the coast-survey, he said : "He was not one who led by looking on but by example. As we knew him in the coast- survey office, so he was in every position of life. * * * This place he filled, and more than filled, for four years, with a devotion, an en- ergy, a knowledge not to be surpassed, and which left its beneficient mark upon our organ- ization. * * * Generous and noble in im- pulses, he left our office with our enthusiastic admiration of his character, appreciation of his services, and hope for his success." The apportionment for the first Washing- ton Territorial legislature was made by Gov- ernor Stevens soon after his arrival from the east. The proclamation concerning the same was made November 28, 1853, designating January 30, 1854, as the day for election of legislative members. February 27 was the time set for the meeting of the legislature and Olympia the place. Nine members composed the original council : Clarke county, D. F. Bradford, William H. Tappan; Lewis and Pacific counties, Seth Catlin, Henry Miles; Thurston county, D. R. Bigelow, B. F. Yantis; Pierce and King counties, Lafayette Balch, G. N. McConaha; Jefferson and Island counties, William P. Sayward. Twice this number of members composed the house, viz : Clarke county, F. A. Chenow- eth, A. J. Bolan, Henry R. Crosbie, A. C. Lewis and John D. Biles; Thurston county, C. H. Hall, L. D. Durgin, David Shelton and Ira Ward, Jr. ; Island county, Samuel D. Howe ; Pierce county, H. C. Moseley, L. F. Thompson and John M. Chapman ; Jefferson county, Dan- iel F. Brownfield ; King county, A. A. Denny ; Lewis county, H. D. Huntington and John R. Jackson ; Pacific county, John Scudder. In this legislative membership we have a fair roster of the pioneer statesmen of Wash- ington Territory. The most of them have been stricken by the hand of death, but the work they did in laying the foundation of Washing- ton's future territorial and commonwealth im- provement can never be stricken from the pages of history. One of these members, Hon. A. A. Denny, representative from King county, in a paper read before the Historical Society, at Tacoma, said : At the time of the Monticello convention, Thurston county embraced all the territory north of Lewis county to the British line, and the session of the Oregon legis- lature, just prior to the division of the territory, formed out of Thurston county Pierce, King, Island and Jeffer- son counties, making a total of eight counties in Wash- ington Territory when organized, Clarke county at that time extending to the summit of the Rocky Mountains. The first session of the legislature formed eight new counties. Walla Walla was formed at this session, em- bracing all the territory east of the mouth of the Des Chutes river and running to the forty-ninth parallel on the north and the parallel of forty-six degrees thirty minutes eastward to the summit of the Rocky Moun- tains, and I well remember that a board of county officers was appointed and representation in the legislature pro- vided for, but when the succeeding legislature convened, no members from Walla Walla appeared, and it was found that no organization of the county had been made for want of population, and the widely scattered condi- tion of the few who then inhabited that vast territory. 56 GENERAL HISTORY. It will be recalled that so early as 1852 the impetuous members of the Monticello conven- tion were determined to demand admission to- me union as a state should congress deny terri- torial division. But thirty-seven years were destined to pass before the culmination of such an event. And yet, during a large portion of the last half of this period Washington was a state in all but name. Her statesmen and poli- ticians indulged in commonwealthian struggles much the same as those at present exploited by older states in the union. In 1859-60 a cer- tain faction plotted for the removal of the Ter- ritorial capital from Olympia to Vancouver. It was secretely arranged by legislative manipu- lation to apportion Territorial institutions as follows : to Vancauver the capital ; to Seattle the university; to Port Townsend the peniten- tiary. An act to this effect passed both bodies of the legislature. It carried, however, two fatal defects ; no enacting clause was inserted, and it violated the terms of the organic act by attempting a permanent location of the capital. Consequently the law fell to the ground of its own legal impotence. As in Louisiana, in 1872, two legislatures were in session in Wash- ington, or rather the regular body at Olympia and a "rump" organizing at Vancouver. The supreme court's decision on the removal law brought the factions again together at Olympia. In 1 86 1 the corner stone of a university was laid at Seattle, A. A. Denny donating eight, and Edward Lander two, acres of land for that purpose. In this circumstance, also, the Ter- ritory of Washington assumed many of the ef- fects of modern statehood, through subsequent "mismanagement" of university funds. Truly a state in all but name ! Quite similar in point of contention for the capital was the strugle for the possession of the custom-house between Port Townsend and Port Angeles. In August, 1861, Victor Smith arrived from Washington, D. C, with creden- tials as collector of United States revenue. Possessing the confidence of the national ad- ministration he was accused of utilizing it to further an intrigue for removal of the custom- house. It was openly charged that he was speculating in Port Angeles real estate and working for his personal financial interests. Be- sides this Smith was one of the original "car- pet-baggers," even at that early day detested by the democracy in Washington Territory, which party was, numerically, quite powerful. Removal of the custom-house from Port Townsend to Port Angeles was recommended by Secretary Salmon Portland Chase, and in June, 1862, congress passed a bill making the change. A subsequent act of congress was in the nature of "a bill for increasing revenue by reservation and sale of townsites." It was at this point that the crux of Smith's real estate enterprises became apparent. Port Townsend citizens were wild with excitement. They ac- cused Smith of a defalcation of $15,000, but he promptly repaired to the national capital and showed conclusively that the alleged crime was nothing more than the transference of one fund to another. This custom-house imbroglio continued for some time, in the course of which the guns of the revenue cutter Shubrick were shotted and brought to bear on the town of Port Townsend. Finally, after many serious complications, involving numerous arrests and much ill-feeling, the custom-house was re- moved from Port Townsend to Port Angeles. George B. McClellan, afterwards general commanding the army of the Potomac, had re- ported favorably upon the change of location. Here the institution remained until December 16, 1863, when the town of Port Angeles was washed away, causing the death of Inspector William B. Goodell and Deputy Collector J. W. Anderson. In 1865 the custom-house was taken back to Port Townsend, and the same year Victor Smith was lost in the wreck of the steamship Brother Jonathan, wrecked near Crescent City, involving the loss of three hun- dred lives. For a number of vears the residents of GENERAL HISTORY. 57 Washington had been engaged in various wars with Indians. Therefore it was not unusual that some most excellent fighting material was to be found among the ex-volunteers of the Cayuse war, Steptoe's invasion and the im- portant battle of White River. In May, 1861, news of President Lincoln's call for volunteers was received at Olympia. Henry M. McGill was acting-governor; Frank Matthias adju- tant-general. The latter appointed enrolling officers in each county in the Territory, at this period comprising twenty-two, east and west of the Cascades. The same summer Wright, now brigadier general, was placed in command of the department of the Pacific, and Colonel Albermarle Cady of the district of the Colum- bia. Colonel Justin Steinberger came to the coast in January, 1862, and enlisted four in- fantry companies, one each from Port Madi- son, Walla Walla, Port Townsend and What- com. From the Olympia Standard, of July 20, 1 86 1, it is learned that a company had prev- iously, in May, been enlisted at Port Madison, designated at the Union Guards, consisting of seventy men, officered as follows : William Fowler, captain; H. B. Manchester, first lieu- tenant ; E. D. Kromer, second lieutenant ; non- commissioned officers, A. J. Tuttle, Noah Falk, William Clendennin, Edgar Brown, S. F. Coombs, R. J. May, J. M. Grindon, John Tay- lor. The Lewis County Rangers, mounted, were organized in June, 1861, Henry Miles, captain; L. L. Dubeau, first lieutenant; S. B. Smith, second lieutenant. To the four com- panies enlisted by Colonel Steinberger four more were added from California, General Al- vord assumed command in July, and Colonel Steinberger went to Fort Walla Walla, where he relieved Colonel Cornelius, of the Oregon cavalry. These troops were stationed at Walla Walla and Fort Pickett. In i860 the discovery of valuable aurifer- ous deposits at Pierce City, Oro Fino, Oro Grande and other points along the Clearwater, in what is now Idaho, but was then included in Washington Territory, created a stampede which his seldon been equalled in the history of gold discoveries in the territory. At that period a treaty with the Nez Perces existed which, theoretically, estopped travel across the Indian country. Practically it did nothing of the sort. From a few hundred the number of miners increased to thousands. On the Colum- bia river lines of steamers plied between the western portions of the Territory to old Fort Walla Walla, conveying men and freight as near as possible to these seductive placer mines, where pay dirt was found averaging one hun- dred dollars a day to the miner. In May the steamer Colonel Wright came up the Columbia and Clearwater to within forty miles of Pierce City. At this landing was founded the "spas- modic" mining town of Slaterville, with its canvas saloons and rough board shanties. In July five thousand men were prospecting the country, or washing from ten to one hundred and fifty dollars a day from the earth. "Town lot" people and merchants reaped a substantial reward for their industry. It is stated that the weekly receipts of gold dust at Portland from the Clearwater district was $100,000. Deady's "History of Oregon" says: "The Colville and Oro Fino mines helped Portland greatly; and in 1 861 built up the Oregon Steam Navigation Company. Loaded drays used to stand in line half a mile long, unloading at night freight to go in the morning, that involved a fortune." It was but natural that the steadily increas- ing tide of immigration to this district should materially affect the political status of the Ter- ritory. From west of the Cascades the pendu- lum of political power swung to the east; to the vicinity of Shoshone and Walla Walla counties. More judges were required east of the mountains. District courts were estab- lished at the county seats. It was, however, the destiny of Washington Territory to lose the richest portions of these mining districts. Con- gress passed an act, which was approved by President Lincoln, March 3, 1863, organizing 58 GENERAL HISTORY. the Territory of Idaho out of all such territory of Washington lying east of Oregon and the 117th meridian of west longitude. The popu- lation of the remaining Territory of Washing- ton was then only 12,519. Yet in i860 it had been less than half this number. Twelve years before the admission of Washington into the union agitation concern- ing this subject was precipitated. Congres- sional Delegate Jacobs in December, 1877, in- troduced a bill for admission, and when it was fully realized that a constitutional convention was to be ordered, the old question of 1852 sprung to the front, "Washington" or "Col- umbia"? June 11, 1878, the convention as- sembled at Walla Walla. By the constitution then adopted a new eastern boundary was marked for the proposed state, including the Idaho "Panhandle" and much of the mineral territory lost in 1863. Twenty- four days were passed in "concentrating" and "smelting" the various provisions of this document, and, al- though no enabling act had been passed by Congress, the constitution was adopted by the people at the succeeding November election for delegates. As the entire proceedings of this convention were void and nugatory, it is need- less to devote space to their consideration. As illustrative of patriotic zeal and alert progres- siveness, however, the attitude of the people at this period is worthy of record. The administration of Governor Watson C. Squire was one especially worthy of commen- dation. He was appointed in 1884, succeeding William A. Newell. Squire was a man of rare executive ability, a veteran of the Civil war, and became one of the most prominent factors in advancing the interests of the Territory and promoting its progress toward statehood. He was born May 18, 1838, at Cape Vincent, New York, and in 1861 enlisted in the 19th New York Infantry as a private, rising to the rank of first lieutenant. He then resigned, was graduated from the Cleveland law school, in 1862, and then recruited a company of sharp- shooters of which he was given the command, being assigned to the Army of the Cumberland. He served on the staffs of both Generals Rose- cranz and Thomas and was, after the war, agent for the Remington Arms Company. In 1879 he located in Seattle, and ten years there- after was elected president of the statehood committee, holding its meeting in Ellensburg in January of 1889. In framing memorials afterward presented to congress in behalf of statehood he was most assiduously employed and his efforts met with cordial appreciation from the people of the Territory. During the administration of Governor Squire occurred the "Chinese Riots," on the coast, opinion of his policy in the Territory be- ing at that time divided. But it is certain that his courageous attitude in behalf of law and order won the approval of a large majority of the most influential and intelligent citizens of the nation at large. It was at this period, 1885, that the first attempts, under auspices of the Knights of Labor, were made to expel China- men from the Territory. Riots occurred; Chinese were killed and bloodshed and dis- order ensued at Seattle among the coal miners. Governor Squire, November 5, 1885, issued a proclamation commanding the establishment of peace, and to this so little attention was paid that disorder increased rather than subsided, and several Chinese houses were fired and the occupants driven away. Troops were promptly forwarded from Vancouver and, the secretary of war being informed of the conditions, Pres- ident Cleveland issued a proclamation couched in more drastic terms than had been that of Governor Squire. Its effect was temporary; in February, 1886, other outbreaks took place and in efforts to protect the "celestials" a num- ber of lives were sacrificed and conditions re- solved themselves into overt rebellion. Gov- ernor Squire declared martial law. Its pro- visions were carried out with firmness, if not severity. Order was restored, but the execu- tive found himself placed between the hostile GENERAL HISTORY. 59 attacks of the proletariat, and the hearty com- mendation of President Cleveland, his cabinet and the members of the Territorial legislature. Squire's administration was marked by healthy progress and steady improvement in the various industries and material welfare of the Territory. During his incumbency the penitentiary was built at Walla Walla, an addi- tion made to the penitentiary at Seatco, and an insane asylum erected at Steilacoom. At the close of 1885 the Territory was free from debt and with a surplus of $100,000. That his best efforts were ever directed to further the inter- ests of Washington is amply proven, not only by gratifying results, but by his carefully pre- pared and luminously written official reports. The one forwarded to the secretary of the in- terior in 1884 was a concise and valuable his- tory of the Territory for several years ante- rior to his administration, embracing much in- formation that had been ignored by preceding executives. In explaining his object in thus voluminously presenting these valuable statis- tics Governor Squire said : "I have diligently corresponded with the auditors and assessors of all the counties of the Territory, furnishing them with printed blanks to be returned, and with all the managers of various educational and business institutions. Besides drawing on my own knowledge of the Territory, gleaned during a residence here dur- ing the past five or six years, I have gathered and compiled a variety of important facts from leading specialists in reference to the geo- graphical, geologic, and climatic characteris- tics, the coal and iron mining, horticultural, agricultural, and manufacturing interests, the fisheries and the flora and fauna of the Terri- tory. The data thus offered, together with the summary reports of our charitable and penal institutions, and an exhibit of the financial con- dition of the Territory, if published, will not only be of great service in encouraging and stimulating our people, but will furnish re- liable information to the intending immigrant, and will indicate to congress the rightful basis of our claim for admission into the union of states." In the last paragraph of this quotation may be traced the central thought which appears to have actuated Governor Squire in his untiring efforts. To accomplish the admission of Wash- ington he spared no labor in collecting an ar- ray of statistical information that could be molded into powerful arguments for state- hood. And to these reports is due largely the great volume of immigration which flowed into the Territory on the wheels of the Northern Pacific railway. From 75,000 in 1880, the population increased to 210,000 in 1886. In the latter year this pioneer railroad company operated four hundred and fifty-five miles of railway within the boundaries of Washington; the Oregon Railroad and Navigation Company two hundred and ninety-five miles ; the Colum- bia and Puget Sound Company forty-four miles, and the Olympia and Chehalis Company fifteen miles, which, together with other com- pleted lines, gave to the Territory eight hun- dred and sixty-six miles of railroad. The ef- fect on all industries may be easily conceived. The building of shipping tonnage was stimu- lated on the coast; the output of produce east- ward increased wonderfully. The wheat mar- ket was, at that period, still in the east, and in 1886 the Northern Pacific Company trans- ported 4,161 tone of wheat and 1,600 tons of other grains to the Mississippi river; the Ore- gon Railroad and Navigation Company took out 250,000 tons of wheat, flour and barley to southeastern points. These appear, at this date, insignificant figures compared with the present volume of grain business, but eighteen years ago they gave indubitable proof to the people of the eastern states of the remarkable fertility of the soil of Washington Territory. Associated with Governor Squire in the Territorial offices were R. S. Greene, chief jus- tice; J. P. Hoyt, S. C. Wingard and George Turner, associate justices ; N. H. Owings, sec- 6o GENERAL HISTORY. retary. The delegate to congress was Thomas H. Brents. The federal officers were John B. Allen, United States district attorney; Jesse George, United States marshal; C. Bash, cus- toms collector; C. B. Bagley and E. L. Heriff, internal revenue collectors ; William McMicken, surveyor-general ; John F. Gowley, registrar, and J. R. Hayden, receiver of the United States land office at Olympia; F. W. Sparling, regis- trar, and A. G. Marsh, receiver, of the Van- couver land office ; Joseph Jorgensen, registrar, and James Baden, receiver, at Walla Walla; J. M. Armstrong, registrar, and John L. Wilson, receiver, at Spokane, and R. R. Kinne, reg- istrar, and J. M. Adams, receiver, at Yakima. Governor Squire was succeeded in 1887 by Eugene Semple. Although a republican, he had won the confidence of a democratic admin- istration at Washington, , D. C., and was re- tained in office long after his place could have been conveniently supplied with a democratic partisan. His attitude during the Chinese riots had done much to establish him in the estima- tion of President Cleveland. At the time of Semple's accession the questions of statehood and woman suffrage were agitating the people. Affairs were somewhat disquieted. The suff- rage question had been defeated by popular vote in 1878, but the legislature of 1883-4 had passed an act conferring this privilege upon women, and the act had been declared unconsti- tutional by the courts, but not until the women of the Territory had enjoyed the benefits of voting, holding office and serving on juries for two years, were they disfranchised. In 1886 woman suffrage became an exceedingly lively party issue ; the republicans favoring, the dem- ocrats opposing the same. There had, also, been a "capital removal" scheme injected into the campaign, and strong "North Yakima" and "Ellensburg" factions developed in the "In- land Empire." A large number of those favor- ing statehood had assumed, upon what logical grounds is rather obscure, that with admission into the union the "panhandle of Idaho, lost in 1863, would be restored to the state. This remote probability was, however, employed as an argument in favor of capital removal, but the strenuous "coasters" of the extreme west stoutly opposed a location of the seat of gov- ernment east of the Cascades, and the hopes of the Yakima Valley people were doomed to dis- appointment. During the second term of Gov- ernor Semple, Charles S. Voorhees succeeded Congressional Delegate Brents, and James Shields succeeded Hayden in the Olympia land office. N. H. Owings continued as secretary, R. A. Jones was chief justice, Frank Allyn, George Turner and W. G. Langford associate justices. The fight for admission continued bravely. In 1886 the Tacoma board of trade resolved that "The commercial independence of Wash- ington Territory acompanying the completion of the Northern Pacific railroad to tide-water should be supplemented by its political inde- pendence as a state of the American union. Ad- mission can not in decency be delayed many years longer, whatever party influences may sway congress. The census of 1890 will show a population within the present limits of the Territory exceeding 200,000, and a property valuation of at least $200,000,000." Prev- iously the claims of Washington for admis- sion had been urged by Governor Squire in one of his reports, in forceful language, assigning among other reasons "the sterling, patriotic, and enterprising character of its citizens; its present and prospective maritime relations with the world ; its position as a border state on the confines of the dominion of Canada, the most powerful province of Great Britain; its wealth of natural resources and growing wealth of its people ; the efficiency of its educational system, requiring that its school lands should be allotted and utilized; its riparian rights should be set- tled, capital and immigration encouraged, and the full management and control of municipal GENERAL HISTORY. 61 and county affairs should be assumed by the legislature, which is not allowed during the Territorial condition." According to the report of Governor Semple for 1888 the population of Washington Territory was 1 67,982 ; the taxable property was $84,621,182; the revenue produced by a tax of two and one-half mills, $212,734.92 ; the amount of coal mined, 1,133,801 tons; the lum- ber output 320,848,203 ; the estimated capacity of - the combined mills 1,043,796,000 feet; the total railway mileage 1,157.3, broad-gauge, and 40 miles narrow-gauge. The same year an insane asylum at Steilacoom was completed at a cost of $100,000 and $60,000 appropriated for a hospital for the insane at Medical Lake. The citizens of Vancouver donated land, and the legislature appropriated money for the erection at that point of a school for defective youth. The national guard consisted of two regiments of infantry and one troop of cavalry. Such, in rough outline, was the material condition of the Territory of Washington on the eve of statehood. On the anniversary of President Washington's birthday, February 22, 1889, congress passed an enabling act pro- posing the terms on which the Territory might be admitted into the union. By these pro- visions the governor was, on April 15, 1889, to call for the election of seventy-five delegates on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in May, to meet in constitutional convention at Olympia on July 4, 1889, for organization and formulation of a state constitution. The en- abling act by virtue of which Washington Ter- ritory was permitted to call a constitutional convention embraced other territories. Its title was as follows : "An act to provide for the division of Dakota into two states and to en- able the people of North Dakota, South Da- kota, Montana and Washington to form con- stitutions and state governments, and to be ad- mitted into the union on an equal footing with the original states, and to make donations of public lands to such states." The land grant to Washington was : "For the establishment and maintenance of a scientific school, one hundred thousand acres; for state normal schools, one hundred thousand acres ; for public buildings at the state capital, in addition to the grant here- inbefore made, for that purpose, one hundred thousand acres; for state charitable, educa- tional and reformatory institutions, two hun- dred thousand acres." To defray the expenses of the constitutional convention the sum of $20,000 was appropri- ated by congress. It was further provided that tjhere should be appointed one district judge, United States attorney, and United States marshal ; the state to constitute one judicial dis- trict to be attached to the ninth judicial dis- trict; the regular terms of court to commence in April and November ; the clerks of the courts to have their offices at the state capital; the judge to reside in the district and receive a salary of $3,500 per annum, and the courts of the state to become the successors of the terri- torial courts. On July 4, 1889, the delegates elected to the constitutional convention proceeded to bus- iness at Olympia. Following is the represen- tation of the several counties : Stevens, S. H. Manley, J. J. Travis; Spokane, C. P. Coey, George Turner, J. Z. Moore, J. J. Browne, T. C. Grimtts, H. F. Suksdor, Hiram E. Allen; Lincoln, H. W. Fairweather, B. B. Glascock, Frank M. Dal- lam; Kititas, J. A. Shoudy, A. Mires, J. T. McDonald ; Whitman, J. P. T. McCloskey, C. H. Warner, E. H. Sullivan, J. M. Reed, James Hungate, George Comegys; Adams, D. Buchanan; Garfield, S. C. Cosgrove; Franklin, W. B. Gray; Columbia, M. M. Goodman, R. F. Sturvedant; Walla Walla, Lewis Neace, D. J. Crowley, B. L. Sharpstein, N. G. Blalock; Yakima, W. F. Prosser; Clarke, Louis Johns, A. A. Lindsley; Skamania, G. H. Stevenson; Pacific, J. A. Burk ; Wahiakum, O. A. Bowen ; Cowlitz, Jesse Van Name; Mason, Henry Winsor, John McReavy ; Chehalis, A. J. West ; 62 GENERAL HISTORY. Jefferson, Allen Weir, George H. Jones, H. C. Wilson; Skagit, James Power, Thomas Hayton, H. Clothier; Whatcom, J. J. Weisen- berger, E. Eldridge; Snohomish, A. Schooley; Island, J. C. Kellogg; Kitsap, S. A. Dickey; King, R. Jeffs, T. T. Minor, T. P. Dyer, D. E. Dwrie, John P. Kinnear, John P. Hoyt, M. J. McElroy, Morgan Morgans, George W. Tibbetts, W. L. Newton; Pierce, T. L. Stiles, P. C. Sullivan ; Gwin Hicks, H. M. Lillis, C. T. Fay,R. S. Moore, Robert Jamison; Thurston, John T. Gowey, T. M. Reed, Francis Henry; Lewis, O. H. Joy, S. H. Berry. J. Z. Moore, of Spokane Falls, was elected temporary chairman of the convention, and Al- len Weir, of Port Townsend, was chosen tem- porary secretary. Permanent organization was effected by the election of John P. Hoyt, of Seattle, president, John I. Booge, Spokane Falls, chief clerk, and Clarence M. Bartin, Tacoma, reading clerk. The deliberations of the session occupied fifty days. At the election of October i, 1889, the constitution framed by these seventy-five delegates, representing twen- ty-eight counties, was adopted by the people. All in all it was an instrument fairly well adapted to the requirements of the people of Washington. Although not extravagant the salaries allowed state officers were liberal; the corporations were treated impartially; it pro- vided for five supreme judges and ordained su- perior courts in all the counties ; fixed the num- ber of representatives at not less than sixty- three nor more than ninety-nine ; and the senate at nor more than half nor less than a third of that number; and claimed all tide-lands except such as had been patented by the United States. The question of woman suffrage, prohibition and capital removal were voted upon separately. Of the votes cast 40,152 were for adoption of the constitution and 11,879 against it. Pro- hibition was defeated by a vote of 31,487 to 19,546; woman suffrage was again laid aside by 34,513 votes against, and 16,527 for, that question, and for location of the state capital Olympia received 25,490 votes; North Yakima, 14,718; Ellensburg, 12,833; Centralia, 607; Yakima, 314; Pasco, 120; scattering, 1,088. At this initial state election John L. Wilson was chosen for congressman and Elisha Pyre Ferry for governor. The other state officers elected were Charles E. Laughton, lieutenant governor; Allen Weir, secretary of state; A. A. Lindsley, treasurer; T. M. Reed, auditor; William C. Jones, attorney general; Robert B. Bryan, superintendent of public instruction; W. T. Forrest, commissioner of public lands. Ralph O. Dunbar, Theodore L. Stiles, John P. Hoyt, Thomas J. Anders and Elman Scott were elected to the supreme brench. All of these succeessful candidates were republicans. Of the one hundred and five members of the legis- lature elected one senator and six representa- tives were democrats. Following is the per- sonnel of the first Washington state senate and house of representatives Senate — F. H. Luce, Adams, Franklin and Okanogan ; C. G. Austin, Asotin and Garfield ; C. T. Wooding, Chehalis; Henry Landes, Clallam, Jefferson and San Juan; L. B. Clough, Clarke; H. H. Wolfe, Columbia; C. E. For- sythe, Cowlitz; J. M. Snow, Douglas and Ya- kima; Thomas Paine, Island and Skagit; W. D. Wood, J. H. Jones, O. D. Gilfoil, John R. Kinnear, W. V. Reinhart, King; W. H. Knee- land, Kitsap and Mason; E. T. Wilson, Kittitas ; Jacob Hunsaker, Klickitat and Ska- mania; J. H. Long, Lewis; H. W. Fair- weather, Lincoln; B. A. Seaborg, Pacific and Wahkiakum; John S. Baker, L. F. Thompson, Henry Drum, Pierce; Henry Vestal, Snoho- mish ; Alexander Watt, E. B. Hyde, B. C. Van Houton, Spokane; H. E. Houghton, Spokane and Stevens; N. H. Owings, Thurston; Piatt A. Preston, George T. Thompson, Walla Walla; W. J. Parkinson, Whatcom; John C. Lawrence, J. T. Whaley, A. T. Farris, Whit- man. House — W. K. Kennedy, Adams; Will- iam Farrish, Asotin; L. B. Nims, J. D. Med- GENERAL HISTORY. 63 calf, Chehalis; Amos F. Shaw, John D. Geoghegan, S. S. Cook, Clarke; A. B. Luce, Clallam; A. H. Weatherford, H. B. Day, Col- umbia; Chandler, Huntington, Jr., Cowlitz; E. D. Nash, Douglas ;.C. H. Flummerfell, Frank- lin; W. S. Oliphant, Garfield; George W. Morse, Island; Joseph Kuhn, Jefferson; J. T. Blackburn, W. C. Rutter, W. H. Hughes, Alex. Allen, W. J. Shinn, George Bothwell, F. W. Bird, F. B. Grant, King; M. S. Drew, Kit- sap ; J. N. Power, J. P. Sharp, Kittitas ; Bruce F. Purdy, R. H. Blair, Klickitat ; S. C. Herren, Charles Gilchrist, Lewis; P. R. Spencer, T. C. Blackfan, Lincoln; John McReavy, Mason; Henry Hamilton, Okanogan; Charles Foster, Pacific ; George Browne, A. Hewitt, George B. Kandle, Oliff Peterson, James Knox, Stephen Judson, Pierce ; J. E. Tucker, San Juan ; J. E. Edens, B. D. Minkler, Skagit ; George H. Stev- enson, Skamania; Alexander Robertson, A. H. Eddy, Snohomish; J. W. Feighan, J. E. Gandy, S. C. Grubb, J. S. Brown, A. K. Clarke, E. B. Dean, Spokane ; M. A. Randall, Stevens ; W. G. Bush, Francis Rotch, Thurston; Joseph G. Megler, Wahkiakum ; Joseph Painter, Z. K. Straight, James Cornwall, Walla Walla; R. W. Montray, George Judson, Whatcom ; J. C. Turner, E. R. Pickerell, J. T. Peterson, R. H. Hutchinson, B. R. Ostrander, Whitman; John Cleman, Yakima. On joint ballot the republican majority of the legislature was ninety-six, thus insuring the election of two United States senators. Wat- son C. Squire and John B. Allen were elected, their respective votes on joint ballot being sev- enty-six and seventy-one. In the United States senate Mr. Squire drew the short term, expiring March 4, 1891, and Mr. Allen served the long term, expiring March 4, 1893. In January, 1 89 1, Mr. Squire was re-elected for six years. The omission of the signiture of Governor Mason to a certificate accompanying a copy of the constitution adopted, caused a delay in the proclamation of President Harrison, and in consequence of this the legislature had assem- bled before Washington was actualy a state. On November n, 1889, the proclamation was issued by the President, attested by James G. Blaine, secretary of state, and Washington stepped into the ranks of that sisterhood at whom she had long looked with rather envious eyes. During the past fifteen years her course as a state has been one fulfilling the most san- guine expectations of her sponcors. Indeed, a retrospective glance shows scarcely one unwise step taken by the leading factors in her political and industrial history from the first agitation for territorial division until to-day. At the date of admission into the union Washington had, approximately, a population of 200,000. The census of 1900 accords the state 518,103, and the past four years have ma- terially increased these figures. From twenty- eight counties at the period of admission the state now has thirty-six, and Indian reserva- tions to the number of fourteen. We can not more fittingly close this portion of our history than with the words of the late Julian Ralph, written ten years ago : "Washington is in every material way a grand addition to the sisterhood of states. With the easy and rich fancy of the west, her people say that if you build a Chinese wall around Washington, the state will yield all that her inhabitants need without contributions from the outer world." Hee-oh ks-te-K.in, the Rabbit s Skin Lecfgms PART II HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY CHAPTER I CURRENT EVENTS— 1805 TO 1855. In the introductory chapters of this volume we have trenched upon the exploring expedi- tions of Captains Meriwether Lewis and Will- iam Clark; that is, so far as their exploits impinged on what was the "Oregon" and is now the State of Washington. On this "first across the continent" trip of one hundred years ago, this adventurous party traversed the pres- ent Walla Walla county. Therefore it is not our present purpose to again refer to their peri- lous journey, a journey crowned with such glorious results to Our nation, only as it im- mediately affected the territory of southeastern Washington of which we write. During the autumn of 1805, on their out- bound pilgrimage, the expedition struck the present territory of Washington State at the junction of the Snake and Clearwater rivers. This is where Lewiston, Idaho, now is ; with Clarkston, Washington, just on the opposite side of the river. From this point they won their way down the Snake river, in rudely con- structed boats, to the Columbia ; from there, by -the same mode of travel, down the Columbia to the Pacific Coast. It is evident, however, to any one who has coursed over any portion of this stream, that such means of travel con- 5 veyed to the explorers only a general and con- fused idea of the country through which they were passing. Their return trip was made overland, from near the mouth of the Walla Walla river to the junction of the Clearwater and Snake. Then it was that they traversed by land the terri- tory comprising the present counties of Walla Walla, Columbia, Garfield and Asotin. We re- produce in full the journal c»f these inde- fatigable explorers covering this portion of their journey homeward : Sunday, April 27, 1806: We were detained until nine o'clock before a horse, which broke, loose in the night, could be recovered. We then passed, near our camp, a small river called/ Youmalolam; proceeded through a continuation, till at the distance of fifteen miles the abrupt and rocky hills, three hundred feet high, return to the river. These we ascended, and then crossed a higher plain for nine miles, when we again came to the waterside. We had been induced to make this long march because we had but little pro- visions, and hoped to find a Walla Walla village, which our guide had told us we should reach when next we met the river. There was, how- ever, no village to be seen, and as both the men and horses were fatigued we halted, and collect- ing some dry stalks of weeds and the stems of a plant resembling southern wood, cooked a small quantity of jerked meat for dinner. Soon after 66 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. we were joined by seven Walla Wallas, among whom we recognized a chief by the name of Yellept, who had visited us on the 19th of Octo- ber, when we gave him a medal with the promise of a larger one on our return. He " appeared very much pleased on seeing us again, and in- vited us to remain at his village three or four •days, during which time he would supply us with the only food they had and furnish us with horses for our journey. After the cold, inhospitable treatment we have lately received this kind offer was peculiarly acceptable, and after a hasty meal we accompanied him to his village, six miles above, situated on the edge of the low country, and about twelve miles below the mouth of Lewis river. Immediately on our arrival, Yellept, who proved to be a man of much influence, not only in his own but in the neighboring nations, col- lected the inhabitants, and after having made a harangue, the purport of which was to induce the nations to treat us hospitably, set them an ex- ample by bringing himself an armful of wood and a platter containing three roasted mullets. They immediately assented to one part, at least, of the recommendation, by furnishing us with an abundance of the only sort of fuel they employ, the stems of shrubs growing in the plains. We then purchased four dogs on which we supped heartily, having been on short allowance for two days past. When we were disposed to sleep, the Indians retired immediately on our request, and, indeed, uniformly conducted themselves with great propriety. These people live on roots, which are very abundant in the plains, and catch a few salmon trout; but at present they seem to subsist chiefly on a species of mullet, weighing from one to three pounds. They now informed us that opposite to the village was a route which led to the mouth of the Kooskooskee, on the south side of Lewis river; that the road itself was good and passed over a level country, well supplied with water and grass, and that we should meet with plenty of deer and antelope. We knew that a road in that direction would shorten the dis- tance at least 80 miles, and as the report of our guide was confirmed by Yellept and other Indians, we did not hesitate to adopt that course; they added, however, that there were no houses or permanent residences of Indians on the road, and it was, therefore, deemed prudent, not to trust wholly to our guns, but to lay in a stock of pro- visions. In the morning, Monday, 28th: Therefore, we purchased ten dogs. While this trade was carrying on by our men, Yellept brought a fine white horse and pre- sented him to Captain Clark, expressing at the same time a wish to have a kettle; but on being informed that we had already disposed of the last kettle we could spare, he said he would be con- tent with any present we should make in return. Captain Clark therefore gave his sword, for which the chief had before expressed desire, adding one hundred balls, some powder, and other small articles with which he appeared perfectly satis- fied. We were now anxious to depart, and re- quested Yellept to lend us canoes for the purpose of crossing the river. But he would not listen to any proposal of leaving the village. He wished us to remain two or three days; but would not let us go today, for he had already sent to invite his neighbors, the Chimnapoos, to come down this evening and join his people in a dance for our amusement. We urged in vain, that by setting out sooner we would the earlier return with the articles they desired; for a day, he observed, would make but little difference.. We at length mentioned that as there was no wind it was now the best time to cross the river, and would merely take the horses over and return to sleep at. their village. To this he assented, and we then crossed with our horses, and having hobbled them, re- turned to their camp. Fortunately there was among the Walla Wallas a prisoner belonging to the tribe of Shoshonee, or Snake Indians, resid- ing at the south of the Multnomah, and visiting occasionally the heads of the Walla Walla creek. Our Shoshonee woman, Sacajaweah, though she belonged to a tribe near the Missouri, spoke the same language as the prisoner, and by their means we were able to explain ourselves to the Indians, and answer all their inquiries with respect to ourselves and the object of our journey. Our con- versation inspired them with much confidence, and they soon brought several sick persons, for whom they requested our assistance. We splintered the broken arm of one, gave some relief to another whose knee was contracted by rheu- matism, and administered what we thought bene- ficial for ulcers and eruptions of the skin on various parts of the body, which are very common disorders among them. But our most valuable medicine was eyewater, which we distributed, and which, indeed, they required very much, the com- plaint of their eyes, occasioned by living on the water, and increased by the fine sand of the plains, being now universal. A little before sunset the Chimnapoos, amount- ing to one hundred men and a few women, came to the village, and joining the Walla Wallas, who were about the same number of men, formed themselves in a circle around our camp and waited very patiently until our men were disposed to dance, which they did for about an hour to the time of the violin. They then requested to see the Indians dance. With this they readily com- plied, and the whole assemblage, amounting, with the women and children of the village, to several hundred, stood up and sang and danced at the HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 6 7 same time. The exercise was not, indeed, very violent nor very graceful, for the greater part of them were formed into a solid column, round a kind of hollow square, stood on the same place and merely jumped up at intervals to keep time to the music. Some, however, of the more active warriors entered the square and danced round it sideways, and some of our own men joined in the dance to the great satisfaction of the Indians. The dance continued till ten o'clock. Tuesday, 29th: The next morning Yellept sup- plied us with two canoes in which we crossed with all our baggage by eleven o'clock, but the horses having strayed to some distance we could not collect them in time to reach any fit place to camp if we began our journey, as night would overtake us before we came to water. We there- fore thought it advisable to encamp about a mile from the Columbia, on the mouth of the Walla Walla river. This is a handsome stream, about fifty yards wide and four and one-half feet in depth; its. waters, which are clear, roll "over a bed composed principally of gravel, intermixed with some sand and mud, and though the banks are low they do not seem to be overflowed. It empties into the Columbia about twelve or fifteen miles from the entrance of Lewis river, and just above a range of high hills crossing the Columbia. Its sources, like those of the Towahnahiooks, Lapage, Youmaloam and Wollawallah, come, as the Indians inform us, from the north side of a range of Mountains which we see to the east and south- east, and which, commencing to the south of Mount Hood, stretch in a northeastern direction to the neighborhood of a southern branch of Lewis' river, at some distance from the Rocky mountains. Two principal branches, however, of the Towahnahiooks rise in Mount Jefferson and Mount Hood, which, in fact, appear to separate the waters of the Multnomah and Columbia. They are now about sixty-five or seventy miles from this place and although covered with snow, do not seem high. To the south of these mountains the Indian prisoner says there is a river running toward the northwest, as large as the Columbia at this place, which is nearly a mile wide. This account may be exaggerated, but it seems to show that the Multnomah must be a very large river, and that, with the assistance of a southeastern branch of Lewis's river, passing around the eastern extrem- ity of that chain of mountains in which Mounts Hood and Jefferson are so conspicuous, waters the vast tract of country to the south, till its re- mote sources approach those of the Missouri and Rio del Norte. Near our camp is a fish-weir, formed of two curtains of small willow switches matted together with wythes of the same plant, and extending across the river in two parallel lines six feet asunder. These are supported by several parcels of poles, in the manner already described as in use among the Shoshones, and are either rolled up or let down at pleasure for a few feet, so as either to suffer the fish to pass or detain them. A seine of fifteen or eighteen feet in length is then dragged down the river by two persons, and the bottom drawn up against the curtain of willows. They also employ a smaller seine like a scooping net, one side of which is confined to a semi- circular bow five feet long and half the size of a man's arm, and the other side is held by a strong rope which, being tied at both ends to the bow, forms the cord to the semi-circle. This is used by one person, but the only fish which they can take at this time is a mullet of from four to five pounds in weight, and this is the chief subsistence of a village of twelve houses of Walla Wallas a little below us, on the river, as well as of others on the opposite side of the Columbia. In the course of this day we gave small medals to two inferior chiefs, each of whom made us a present of a fine horse. We were in a poor con- dition to make an adequate acknowledgment for this kindness, but gave several articles, among which was a pistol, with some hundred rounds of ammunition. We have, indeed, been treated by these people with an unusual degree of kindness and civility. They seem to have been successful in their hunting during the last winter, for all of them, but particularly the women, are much better clad than when we saw them last, both sexes among the Walla Wallas, as well as the Chimnapoos, being provided with good robes, moccasins, long shirts and leggings. Their orna- ments are similar to those used below, the hair cut in the forehead, the queques falling over the shoulders in front of the body; some have some small plaits at the earlocks, and others tie a bundle of the docked foretop ini front of the forehead. They were anxious that we should repeat our dance of last evening, but as it rained a little and the wind was high we found the weather too cold for such amusement. Wednesday, 30th: Although we had hobbled and secured our new purchases, we found some difficulty in collecting all our horses. In the meantime we purchased several dogs and two horses, besides exchanging one of our least valu- able horses for a very good one belonging to the Chopunnish who is accompanying us with his fam- ily. * * * we have now twenty-three horses, many of whom are young and excellent animals, but the greater part of them are afflicted with sore backs. The Indians in general are cruel masters; they ride very hard, and as the saddles are so badly constructed that it is almost im- possible to avoid wounding the back, yet they 68 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. continue to ride when the poor creatures are scarified in a dreadful manner. At eleven o'clock we left these honest, worthy people, accompanied by our guide and the Chopunnish family, and directed our course north 30 degrees east, across an open, level, sandy plain, unbroken except by large banks of pure sand, which has drifted in many parts of the plain to the height of fifteen or twenty feet. The rest of the plain is poor in point of soil, but throughout is generally short grass interspersed with aromatic shrubs, and a number of plants, the roots of which supply the chief sustenance of the natives. Among these we observe a root something like the sweet potato. At the distance of fourteen miles we reached a branch of Walla Walla river (Touchet), rising in the same range of mountains, and emptying itself six miles above the mouth of the latter. It is a bold, deep stream, about ten yards wide, and seems to be navigable for canoes. The hills of this creek are generally abrupt and rocky, but the narrow bottom is very fertile, and both possess twenty times as much timber as the Columbia itself; indeed, we now find, for the first time since leaving Rock fort, an abundance of firewood. The grow r th consists of cottonwood, birch, the crim- son haw, red and sweet willow, choke cherry, yel- low currants, gooseberry; the honeysuckle with a white berry, rose bushes, sumac, together with some corn-grass and rushes. The advantage of a comfortable fire induced us, as the night was come, to halt at this place. We were soon sup- plied by Drewyer with a beaver and an otter, of which we took only a part of the beaver and gave the rest to the Indians. The otter is a favorite food, though much inferior, at least in our estima- tion, to the dog, which they will not eat. The horse, too, is seldom eaten, and never except when absolute necessity compels them to eat it, as the only alternative to prevent their dying of hunger. This fastidiousness does not, however, seem to proceed so much from any dislike to the food as from attachment to the animal itself, for many of them ate very heartily of the horse-beef which was given them. Thursday, May 1, 1806: At an early hour in the morning we collected our horses, and after breakfast set out about seven o'clock and fol- lowed the road up the creek. The low grounds and plains presented the same appearance as that of yesterday, except that the latter were less sandy. At the distance of nine miles the Chopun- nish Indian, who was in front, pointed out an old unbeaten road to the left, which he informed us was our shortest route. Before venturing, how- ever, to quit our present road, which was level, and not only led us in the proper direction but was well supplied with wood and water, we halted to let our horses graze till the arrival of our other guide, who happened to be at some distance be- hind. On coming up he seemed much displeased with the other Indian, and declared that the road we were pursuing was the proper one; that if we decided on taking the left road it would be neces- sary to remain until tomorrow morning and then make an entire day's march before we could reach either water or wood. To this the Chopunnish assented, but declared that he, himself, meant to pursue that route, and we therefore gave him some powder and lead which he requested. Four hunters whom we had sent out in the morning joined us while we halted, and brought us a beaver for dinner. We then took our leave of the Chopunnish at one o'clock, and pursued our route up the creek, through a country similar to that we had passed in the morning. But at the distance of three miles the hills on the north side became lower, and the bottoms of the creek wid- ened into a pleasant country, two or three miles in extent. The timber, too, is now more abundant, and our guide tells us that we shall not want either wood or game from this place as far as the Kooskooskee. We have already seen a number of deer, of which we killed one, and observed great quantities of the curlew as well as some cranes, ducks, prairie larks and several species of sparrow common to the prairies. There is, in fact, very little difference in the general face of the country here from that of the plains of the Missouri, ex- cept that the latter are enlivened by vast herds of buffalo, elk, and other animals which give it an additional interest. Over these wide bottoms we continued on a course north 75 degrees east, till at the distance of seventeen miles from where we dined, and twenty-six from our last encamp- ment, we halted for the night. We had scarcely encamped when three young men came up from the Walla Walla village with a steel trap which had been left behind inadvertently, and which they had come a whole day's journey in order to- restore. This act of integrity was the more pleas- ing because, though very rare among Indians, it corresponded perfectly with the general behavior of the Walla Wallas, among whom we had lost, carelessly, several knives which were always re- turned as soon as found. We may, indeed, justly affirm that of all the Indians whom we have met since leaving the United States, the Walla Wallas were the most hospitable, honest and sincere. Friday, May 2d: We dispatched two hunters ahead; but the horse we had yesterday purchased from the Chopunnish, although closely hobbled, contrived to break loose in the night and went back to rejoin his companions. He was, however, overtaken and brought to us about one o'clock, and we then set forward. For three miles we followed a hilly road on the north side of the creek, oppo- site to a wide bottom, where a branch falls in HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 69 from the southwest mountains which, though cov- ered with snow, are about twenty-five miles dis- tant and do not appear high. We then entered an extensive level bottom, with about fifty acres of land well covered with pine near the creek, and the long-leafed pine occasionally on the sides of the hills along its banks. After crossing the creek at the distance of seven miles from our camp, we repassed it seven miles farther, near the junction of one of its branches from the northeast. The main stream here bears to the south, toward the mountains where it rises, and its bottom then be- comes narrow, as the hills are higher. We fol- lowed the course of this northeast branch in a direction north 45 degrees east, for eight and three-quarters miles, when having made nineteen miles, we halted in a little bottom on the north side. The creek is here about four yards wide, and as far as we can perceive it comes from the east, but the road here turns from it into the high, open plains. The soil of the country seems to im- prove as we advance, and this afternoon we see in the bottoms an abundance of quamash (camas) now in bloom. We killed nothing but a duck, though we saw two deer at a distance, as well as many sand-hill cranes, curlews and other birds common to the plains, and there is much sign of both beaver and otter along the creeks. The three young Walla Wallas continued with us. During the day we observed them eating the inner part of the young, succulent stem of a plant very common in the rich lands on the Mississippi, Ohio and its branches. It is a large, coarse plant with a tunate leaf, the leaflets of which are three-leaved, and covered with a woolly pubescence, while the flower and fruitiflcation resembles that of the parsnip. On tasting this plant we found it agree- able, and ate heartily of it without any inconveni- ence. Saturday, 3d: We set out at an early hour and crossed the high plains, which we found more fertile and less sandy than below; yet, though the grass is taller there are very few aromatic shrubs. After pursuing a course north 2 5 degrees east for twelve miles we reached the Kinnooenim. This creek rises in the southwest mountains and, though only twelve yards wide, discharges a con- siderable body of water into Lewis's river a few miles from the narrows. Its bed is pebbled; its banks low, and the hills near its side high and rugged; but in its narrow bottoms are found some cottonwood, willow and the underbrush which grows equally on the east branch of the Walla Walla. After dining at the Kinnooenim, we re- sumed our journey over the high plains in the direction of north 45 degrees east, and reached at the distance of three miles a small branch of that creek about five yards wide. The lands in its neighborhood are composed of a dark, rich loam; its hillsides, like those of the Kinnooenim, are high; its bottoms are narrow and possess but little timber. It increased, however, in quantity as we advanced along the north side of the creek for eleven miles. At that distance we were agreeably surprised by the appearance of Weahkoonut, or the Indian whom we had called the "Bighorn," from the cir- cumstance of his wearing a horn of that animal suspended from his left arm. He had gone down with us last year along Lewis's river, and was highly serviceable in preparing the minds of the natives for our reception. He is, moreover, the first chief of a large band of Chopunnish, and hearing that we were on our return he had come with ten of his warriors to meet us, and we con- tinued up the bottom of the creek for two miles, till the road began to leave the creek and cross the hill to the plains. We therefore encamped for the night in a grove of cottonwood, after we had made a disagreeable journey of twenty-eight miles. During the greater part of the day the air was keen and cold, and it alternately rained, hailed and snowed; but though the wind blew with great violence, it was fortunately from the southwest and on our backs. We had consumed at dinner the last of our dried meats and nearly all that was left of the dogs, so that we supped very scantily on the remainder, and had nothing for tomorrow. Weahkoonut, however, assured us that there was a house on the river at no great distance where we might supply ourselves with provisions. We now missed our guide and the Walla Wallas who left us abruptly this morning and never returned. After a disagreeable night we collected our horses at an early hour. Sunday, 4th: We proceeded with a continua- tion of the same weather. We are now nearer to the southwest mountains, which appear to become lower as they advance toward the northeast. We followed the road over the plains north 60 degrees east, for four miles to a ravine, where was the source of a small creek, down the hilly and rocky sides of which we proceeded for eight miles to its entrance into Lewis's river, about seven miles and a half above the mouth of the Kooskooskee. Near this place we found the house of which Weah- koonut had mentioned, and where we now halted for breakfast. It contained six families, but so miserably poor that all we could obtain from them were two lean dogs and a few large cakes of half- cured bread made of a root resembling the sweet potato, of all which we contrived to form a kind of soup. The soil of the plain is good, but it has no timber. The range of the southwest mountains is about fifteen miles above us, but continues to lower, and is still covered with snow at its base. After giv- ing a passage to Lewis's river, near the north- HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. eastern extremity, they terminate in a high, level plain between that river and the Kooskooskee. The salmon not having yet called them to the rivers, the greater part of the Chopunnish are now dispersed in villages throughout this plain, for the purpose of collecting quamash and cows, which here grow in great abundance, the soil being ex- tremely fertile, and in many places covered with the long-leafed pine, the larch, the balsam-fir, which contribute to render it less thirsty than the open, unsheltered plains. After our repast we continued our route along the west side of the river, where, as well as on the opposite shore, the high hills approach it closely, till at the dis- tance of three miles we halted opposite to two houses. The inhabitants consisted of five families of Chopunnish, among whom were Tetah, or Sky, the younger of the two chiefs who accompanied us in the autumn to the great falls of the Columbia, and also an old pilot who had conducted us down the river to the Columbia. They both advised us to cross here and ascend the Kooskooskee on the northeast side, this being the shortest and best route to the forks of that river, where we should find the Twistedhair, in whose charge we left our horses, and to which place they promised to show us the way. We did not hesitate to accept this offer, and therefore crossed with the assistance of three canoes; but as the night was coming on we purchased a little wood and some roots of cows, and encamped, though we had made only fifteen miles today. The evening proved cold and disa- greeable, and the natives crowded around our fire in such numbers that, we could scarcely cook, or even keep ourselves warm. ******* Monday, 5th: We collected our horses, and at seven o'clock set forward alone; for Weahkoo- nut, whose people resided above on the west side of Lewis's river, continued his route homeward when we crossed to the huts. Our road was across the plains for four and one-half miles to the entrance of the Kooskooskee. Mr. Olin Wheeler in his entertaining "Trail of Lewis and Clark" states that the medal presented to Yellept was found in 1892 on an island near the mouth of the Walla Walla river. He continues : "In the work of Rev. Gustavus Hines, entitled, 'Exploring Expedition to Ore- gon,' published in 185 1, and treating of life in Oregon in the 'forties, I find referred to at length what must be beyond doubt the incident of Yellept's death and burial. Yellept is not mentioned by name, but as 'the most successful warrior and renowned chief- tain of which the Walla Walla cotdd ever boast.' No wonder that the Lewis and Clark party recorded that 'we may, indeed, justly affirm that of all the Indians whom we have met since leaving the United States, the Walla Wallas were the most hospitable, honest and sincere.' "In going from the mouth of the Walla Walla to the Kooskooskee river, the expedition followed first the Touchet river to Waitsburg and Dayton - * * * thence slightly north- east from Dayton to a point a few miles below the junction of the Kooskooskee and Lewis, or Snake rivers. They crossed the latter stream between four and five miles below the junction. When about half way between Day- ton and Lewiston they met their old friend Weahkoonut, who, having heard that they were approaching, hastened out to meet them." Only a few years following this visit of Lewis and Clark the members of the British Hudson's Bay Company began to make history in the territory of the future Walla Walla county. They penetrated all portions of the Pacific Northwest ; the very atmosphere was permeated by a strong flavor of Hudson's Bay people's furs and skins ; several years before they built Fort Walla Walla their voyageurs and trappers passed up and down the Columbia river. On one of these expeditions, so early as 181 3, a clash occurred between the whites (Hudson's Bay Company's em- ployes), and Indians. The former were slowly poling their way up the Colum- bia. At a broad reach of the river, some distance below the mouth of the Snake, the water shoaled for a considerable space. The Indians came out from the shore, stopped the leading batteau, and demanded a present. To- bacco was given them ; they levied the same tribute on the next batteau, more natives wad- ing out from the shore. Thus it was continued HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 7* to the other batteau; the Indians continually augmenting in numbers, and all apparently surly, turbulent and dissatisfied. Congregating still closer around the boats some began han- dling various articles, and laid hands on the crafts, rocking them and evincing a threaten- ing disposition. This precipitated a fight; two of the Indians were killed and the rest of the band dispersed. But the whites dared not pro- ceed ; stopping on an island they remained there some days. As time passed the Indians were seen gathering in constantly increasing num- bers along the shore ; it became clear that they did not purpose to let the trappers go without further trouble. The whites at length decided, unwisely, on a policy of war, unfit as they were to prosecute it at this time and place. They could not stand a protracted siege on the island, and forming in order they marched to the north shore of the river, and were soon confronted by a large band of mounted and painted sav- ages of many tribes, through whom it seemed there could be no passage without fighting. The numbers of the hostiles were increasing; suddenly there came riding down the Indian line a young warrior, all animation and enthus- iasm. He at once began haranguing the as- sembled and fast increasing force of braves. So penetrating was his raucous, strident voice that he was plainly heard by the whites, and his words were rendered by an interpreter. It was a forceful specimen of Indian eloquence; it showed the manner in which chiefs secured and held their influence ; and the motives that were silently working arhong the more intelligent Indians. This oratorical warrior was against fighting the white men A free translation of his arguments is as follows : "My countrymen, what is this that you would do ? But three winters ago we were a miserable people at the mercy of our enemies. Our warriors were killed, our lodges burned, our wives enslaved. Now we are fed and clothed ; now we have horses by the thousands, and sweet sleep at night. Now our hearts are strong within us. What brought the change? The white man. For our horses and furs he gave us hatchets and guns, and taught us how to use them. These make our security for us; these make us a nation. Then why kill the white man? You would rob him, but did he ever rob you? Know you not that he is strong? That if you harm him he will come in force and cut you off, or else will say that you are bad men and will not come at all; then you shall be left to the mercy of your foes. Take what they offer for your dead; and be it known to you if there is to be fighting I will fight on their side." Reduced to a concise statement his appeal was to the effect that the whites were a benefit to the red man. The chief who made this address was a young warrior of the Walla Wallas, and was known as the Morning Star. Many scalps of his enemies he also boasted, especially the Snakes, from an expedition against whom he had recently returned with nineteen of these ghastly trophies. At once the sentiment of the Indians veered around; they agreed to accept the indemnity offered for the two slain Indians and promised unmo- lested navigation to the trappers. It was in 181 7 that a brigade of eighty- six men left Oregon for the "upper country." It had been determined by McKenzie to occupy the Snake river country, accessible as it was to valuable fur-producing territory. But at that period the Snake Indians were offensively disaffected. And yet, accompanied by eight men only, McKenzie successfully trapped in the Shoshone country. In fact, the magnates of the Hudson's Bay Company, then residing in Canada, had directed him to build a fort at some point near the confluence of the Snake and Columbia rivers. At a spot a little above the mouth of the Walla Walla river he decided to erect his rude fortification. To parties trav- eling between Forts Okanogan, Spokane and Kamloops, it would afford a convenient halt- ing place; also to those going- between the 72 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY Columbia, Clearwater and Nez Perce country, to the east, and the Grande Ronde and Snake river country, southeast. But the partners at Astoria did not support McKenzie, although he was quite in earnest in his design. It is a historical fact that at this period the people at Astoria were nearly ready to abandon the Northwest Coast altogether, to say nothing of building new forts. The Canadian end of the company was not of this mind. Positive orders came in 1818 to the commandant at Astoria to furnish McKenzie men and means to prosecute to a conclusion work on the fort. Up the river with one hundred men went McKenzie. What is now Wallula he selected as the site of the fort. It is on the left bank of the Columbia. On the fringe of an im- mense sage brush plain was the fort; the Blue mountains fifty miles away, to the eastward. An unlimited plain stretched to the northward from the river, at this point nearly a mile wide. Not a green tree was in sight; the pebbly shingle of the river shore was more or less covered with drift wood. The high doors of the Walla Walla bluffs permitted the passage to the west of the river, green with grass only in the late winter or early spring; dun or sober gray were they for the rest of the way, when not powdered with snow. Truly it was, and is, a peculiarly picturesque spot. Driftwood, picked up along the shore was the only material accessible for building this proposed fort. Better timber was required ; a few of the men were dispatched one hundred miles up thef river to find it. Sullen and suspicious Indians gathered about the rising structure in daily augmented numbers. For whatever the whites wanted the savages de- manded pay, particularly for the driftwood which they considered their especial perquisite. In truth, it was quite valuable to them as their only supply of firewood. Considerable con- cern was felt by the whites because supplies of food were withheld. But at last the fort was completed ; quite a sufficient defense and by no means a mere palisade. One hundred feet square it was, surrounded by an outer wall of planks, whipsawed, thirty inches wide; six inches thick and twenty feet long. A balus- trade four feet high was at the top, provided with loop-holes and slip doors ; a gallery inside enabled a guard to pace the wall and keep an eye on the surrounding country. Twelve feet high, of sawed plank, was an inner wall. The houses, one of stone, and the rest built of drift- wood, were within this wall. At each angle was a tank to be drawn upon in case of fire, and there were two bastions. All in all Fort Walla Walla was substantial considering sur- rounding conditions. Indians were compelled to transact their trading at a small window, from the outside ; none was allowed within the fort. In after days here were enacted many stirring historic scenes ; some of the most prom- inent pioneer traders were at different times located at this strategic point. With the sus- picious Walla Wallas friendly relations were finally established ; the whites were to be per- mitted to hunt and trade; a remarkable inci- dent was the agreement of the Walla Wallas to make peace with the Snakes. With this latter tribe trouble had been stirred up by a band of Iroquois hunters, a large force of whom were employed as trappers by the Hud- son's Bay Company. Fort Walla Walla was built with a particu- lar view to strength. Originally it was called Fort Nez Perce. The attack by Indians on Ogden's party at this point is fully described in the chapter relating to Wallula. The tanks at the angles mentioned contained 200 gallons, each, of water. Practically it was a fort within a fort. There were two gates, one of them moved by a pulley; the main entrance was guarded by double doors. Despite all precau- tions, however, fire at last obtained the mastery ; when it was rebuilt adobe took the place of timber. This was in 1843. Ten years later it was abandoned by Captain James Sinclair, HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 73 who feared it would fall into the hands of the Indians, and the location remained unsettled until 1 860- 1, when it became a steamboat land- ing and was renamed Wallula. W. H. Gray, who in company with a party of missionaries, visited the Hudson's Bay Com- pany's post in 1836, thus describes it in his history of Oregon : Old Fort Walla Walla, in 1836, when the mis- sion party arrived, was a tolerably substantial stockade, built of driftwood taken from the Co- lumbia river, of an oblong form, with two log bastions raised, one on the southwest corner, com- manding the river front and southern space be- yond the stockade; the other bastion was on the northeast corner, commanding the north end and east side of the fort. In each of these bastions was kept a small cannon, with a good supply of small arms. These bastions were always well guarded when any danger was suspected from the Indians. The sage brush, willow and grease wood had been cut and cleared away for a considerable distance around to prevent any Indians getting near the fort without being discovered. Inside the stockade were the houses, store and quarters for the men, with a space sufficiently large to corral about one hundred horses. The houses and quarters were built by laying down sills, placing posts at from eight to v twelve feet apart, with ten- dons on the top, and the bottom grooved in the sides, and for corner posts, so as to slip e'ach piece of timber, having also a tenon upon each end, into the grooves of the posts, forming a solid wall of from four to six inches thick, usually about seven feet high from roof to ceiling, or timbers overhead. The roofs were of split cedar, flattened and placed upon the ridge pole and plate-like rafters, close together, then grass or straw was put on 4he split pieces, covered with mud and dirt, and packed to keep the straw from blowing off. The roofs were less than one-fourth pitch and of course subject to leakage when it rained. For floors split puncheons were used in the chief trader's quar- ters. In the corner of the room was a comfortable fireplace, made of mud in place of brick. The room was lighted with six panes of glass, seven inches by nine, set in strips of wood, split with a common knife, and shaped so as to hold the glass in place of a sash. The doors were also of split lumber, rough-hewn, wrought iron hinges and wooden latches; the furniture consisted of three benches, two stools, and one chair (something like a barber's chair, without the scrolls and cushions) ; a bed in one corner of the room upon some split boards for bottom; a rough table of the same material roughly planed. These, with a few old cutlasses, shot-pouches and tobacco sacks (such as were manufactured by the Indians about the post), constituted the room and furni- ture occupied by P. C. Pambrun, Esq., of the Honorable Hudson's Bay Company. In this connection it may be of some in- terest to note the personnel of the Hudson's Bay Company as organized on American soil. With the exception of the London governor and directors, there were nine grades of office and service. The local governor was first. He resided in America; his first headquarters being at Prince of Wales Fort; subsequently at York Factory, and later at Fort Garry. Over all the various establishments of the company his jurisdiction extended. The second chief factors might assume charge of a department, or of a factory, supplying the smaller forts of a district. Chief traders fell into the third class. Of some single, but important post they were usually in charge. Chief clerks who were frequently dis- patched with a crew of voyageurs or expedi- tions, or placed in charge of minor posts, were in the fourth class. Then there were a kind of forest midshipmen ; raw lads fresh from home or school, who attended their seniors; they were, in fact, apprenticed clerks and were in the fifth class. Postmasters, generally pro- moted for good behavior from the ranks of the laborers, comprised class sixth. Small sta- tions or outposts were placed in their charge. The interpreters fell into the seventh class. Usually they were laborers who had acquired a smattering of native dialects. Voyageurs and boatmen were in class eight; laborers em- ployed in various lines of work, chopping, carrying, mending, trapping, fishing, black- smithing, rough carpentering or boat building, were all in class nine. No higher than post- master could the laborer rise. But a chief factor or even governor might become an ap- prenticed clerk. The latter, after five years of faithful, intelligent service, was entitled to a clerkship; from ten to twenty years further 74 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. service would place him in line for a chief tradership. The latter was a half shareholder, and might become within a few years chief factor, or full shareholder. As a rule the chief factor directed the affairs of the company; the chief trader acting - under him, managed the extensive traffic with the natives. Usually a rather tame existence was fort life. It was. perforce, passed in a bleak and dreary wilderness, the howl of the coyote and the warning rataplan of the rattlesnake the only bucolic music ; wild beasts and savages the only adjacent neighbors. However, there were exceptions to this rule. Convenience and home- like order prevailed in a few of these estab- lishments. At dawn bells were rung for the commencement of the diurnal toil of the labor- ers; again at eight or nine o'clock for break- fast; at one for dinner and six for supper. Then work was suspended. Separate tables were laid for officers and laborers. At certain factories tbe latter drew rations from the steward, as in the army. The sole and ultimate object of all was "strictly business," and all were busy. And when some isolated post- keeper was caught with no winter occupation on hand. then, indeed, did time drag wearily among these earliest of American pioneers. In 1857 the House of Commons printed a report on the Hudson's Bay Company, in which it was stated that Fort Walla Walla was fre- quented by 300 Indians. The year 1 834 was accentuated by an event of historical importance to the Walla Walla country. That year Captain B. L. E. Bonne- ville penetrated the interior so far as Fort Walla Walla on the Columbia river. At the close of a winter journey that had been at- tended with many hardships, Bonneville and his party reached the fort March 4th. His object was to secure information concerning the country and the Indians with a view to the establishment of a trading post somewhere on the lower reaches of the Columbia river, "so as to participate in the trade lost to the United States by the capture of Astoria." By the representative of the Hudson's Bay Company at that post Bonneville was kindly received. But when he expressed a desire to purchase supplies that would enable him and his companions to return to the Rocky moun- tains he found it impossible to do so. The agent in charge of Fort Walla Walla explained that, however much he, personally, might feel disposed to serve him, he felt bound by his duty to the company he represented to do nothing which would facilitate or encourage the visits of other traders among the Indians in that part of the country. Only two days longer Bonneville remained at Fort Walla Walla ; his destitute condition, combined with the late- ness of the season, made it imperative that he should return immediately, only after in- credible hardships and privations he reached the rendezvous for his various expeditions. Of the Whitman massacre at Waiilatpu a full account is given in the general state his- tory of this volume. The character and con- dition of the Whitman Mission have not, how- ever, been so fully treated,. Undoubtedly the most important event in the earlier history of Walla Walla county was the founding of this mission by Dr. Marcus Whitman. Vivid and illuminating rays of light are thrown upon this episode by the diary of Mrs. Whitman, extracts from which we now, with pleasure, reproduce : "December 26, 1836: Where are we now, and who are we, that we should be thus blessed by the Lord? I can scarcely realize that we are thus comfortably fixed and keeping house so soon after our marriage, when considering what was then before us. "We arrived here on the 10th; distance 25 miles from Fort Walla Walla. Found a house reared and the lean-to enclosed, a good chim- ney and fireplace, and the floor laid. No win- dows or doors except blankets. My heart truly HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 75 leaped for joy as I alighted from my horse, entered and seated myself before a pleasant fire (for it was now night). It occurred to me that my dear parents had made a similar be- ginning and perhaps a more difficult one than ours. "We had neither straw, bedsteads or table, nor anything to make them of except green cottonwood. All our boards are sawed by hand. Here my husband and his laborers (two Owyhees from Vancouver, and a man who crossed the mountains with us), and Mr. Gray had been encamped in a tent since the 19th of October, toiling excessively hard to accomplish this much for our comfortable residence dur- ing the remainder of the winter. It is, indeed, a lovely situation. We are on a beautiful, level peninsula formed by the branches of the Walla Walla river, upon the base of which our house stands, on the southeast corner, near the shore of the main river. To run a fence across to the opposite river on the north from our house — this, with the river would enclose three hundred acres of good land for cultiva- tion, all directly under the eye. "The rivers are barely skirted with timber. This is all the woodland we can see. Beyond them as far as the eye can reach, plains and mountains appear. On the east, a few rods from the house, is a range of small hills cov- ered with bunch grass, very excellent food for animals and upon which they subsist during winter, even digging it from under the snow." T. J. Furnham, who wrote a book of "Travels Across the Great Western Prairies and Rocky Mountains," visited the Whitman Mission in September, 1839. He says: "I found 200 acres enclosed and 200 acres under good cultivation. I found forty or fifty Indian children between the ages of seven and eighteen years in school, and Mrs. Whitman an indefatigable instructor. One building was in course of construction and a small grist mill in running order. * * * It appeared to me quite remarkable that the Doctor could have made so many improvements since the year .1836; but the industry which crowded every hour of the day, his untiring energy of char- acter, and the very efficient aid of his wife in relieving him in a great degree from the labors of the school, enabled him, without funds for such purposes, 'and without other aid than that of a fellow missionary for short in- tervals, to fence, plow, build, plant an orchard, and do all the other laborious acts of opening a plantation on the face of that distant wilder- ness, learn an Indian language, and do the duties, meanwhile, of a physician to the asso- ciate stations on the Clearwater and Spokane." Dr. Jonathan Edwards says, in speaking of the Whitman Mission in 1842: "The Indians were cultivating from one-fourth to four acres of land, had seventy head of cattle, and some of them a few sheep." Mr. Nixon, in his book, says : "Up to the year 1838 the principal meat used as food by the mission was horse flesh. The cattle were ■ too few to be sacrificed in that way. In 1837 Mrs. Whitman writes in her diary : 'We have had but little venison furnished by the Indians, but to supply our men and visitors we have bought of the Indians and eaten ten wild horses.' " Joseph Drayton, who was a member of Commodore Wilkes' exploring expedition to the northwest in 1841, said of the mission at that date : "All the premises looked comfortable; the garden especially fine, vegetables and melons in great variety. The wheat in the field was seven feet high and nearly ripe, and the corn nine feet in the tassel. The Indians are great rovers, rarely staying at home more than three months at a time. * * * They are off after buffalo, off after salmon; not more than fifty or sixty remain during the winter." In the summer of 1852 a movement was set afoot to open a road over the Cascade moun- tains toward Walla Walla. A route was ex- plored up the Snohomish river by R. H. Lands- 76 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. dale, via the Snoqualimich fork of the great falls ; thence eastward to the base of the moun- tains, where it followed up the south fork of the "Dewamps, or Black River," to the summit of the mountains. Directly toward the headwaters of the middle fork of the Yakima the trail turned, thence trending down the mountains toward the Columbia. By citi- zens of the United States this appears to have been the initial survey of the Yakima pass. An old Indian trail was a portion of this route. Landsdale resided on Whidby Island. It was his intention to begin the construction of the road the following spring. This would have deflected immigration to the lower part of the Sound. From that district Ebey was the member of the Oregon legislature. His efforts to obtain the approval of that body to establish a Territorial road from Snohomish Falls to Walla Walla resulted in failure. Per contra the assembly memorialized congress for a mili- tary road. However, a road law was secured by Ebey for the counties on Puget Sound; this partially accomplished the object in view. It provided for the accumulation of a road fund from a tax of four mills on the dollar, which, with the assistance of persons interested, would be sufficient to construct a good wagon road from the mouth of the Cowlitz to Olympia, and of another across the Cascade mountains. However, news was received, before work- could be begun in the spring, that congress had appropriated $20,000 for a military road from Fort Steilacoom to Fort Walla Walla. But the people determined to go ahead and work for themselves; they were afraid of govern- ment delay in furnishing the monev : they de- cided to have a road ready for the expected immigration, direct to Puget Sound. As a further invitation for congressional aid the people endeavored to bring the road to Fort Steilacoom, thereby securing a terminus near Olympia. Of the Naches Pass a survey was made, and the road brought down the vallev of White, to the junction of Green river, where it turned south across the Puyallup to Fort Steilacoom. About fifty men enlisted for this work, and the road company proceeded to its task. One hundred and fifty subscribers to the fund promised that they should be paid. Government surveyors were in the field before its completion. They were under McClellan, then at the head of the western division of the Stevens exploring expedition. The secretary of war, under date of May 9, 1853, had in- structed McClellan to use every exertion to open a road over the Cascades in time for the anticipated autumn immigration. It was past the middle of June before McCellan arrived at Fort Vancouver. July 7th he left and pro- ceeded northward, dividing his party and ex- amining both sides of the Cascade range. The sum total of McClellan's enterprise was to guarantee the payment of $1,300 earned by men working on the last division of the road west of the mountains ; promise to recommend the payment of $5,700 by congress, still due the citizens' company, and give his approval of the pass selected. Over this road a small immigration passed with wagons and cattle. With less suffering and discomfort than usual they won their way to their destination. But these pioneer road- makers were never reimbursed by congress. Richard Arnold, the next summer, exhausted the $20,000 appropriation without materially improving the road, making only a single change to avoid the steep hill on the Puyallup, where it had been customary to lower wagons by ropes and chains. Frankly, a miserable af- fair it was, like all other "military" roads on the coast. Quite soon it fell into disuse ; the people were unable to complete it; it was sub- sequently sealed up by a succession of Indian wars. The visit of Isaac Ingalls Stevens, first Territorial governor of Washington, to the Walla Walla country, in the autumn of 1853, is replete with historical interest. The party was then prosecuting its memorable exploring HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 77 tour of that year, seeking a route for a rail- way line from St. Paul, Minnesota, to the Pacific Coast. This was a portion of the duties that had been assigned Governor Stevens, aside from those of governor of Washington Terri- tory. The governor's account of this visit to the Walla Walla country, in part, is as fol- lows : At two p. m. (November 1st) we arrived at the mouth of the Palouse, and crossing Snake river, we encamped on its southern bank, several Palouse Indians acompanying us, and among them a chief from a band but a few miles distant from our camp, Wi-ti-my-hoy-she. He exhibited a medal of Thomas Jefferson, dated 1801, given to his grandfather, as he alleges, by Lewis and Clark. November 2d: * * * Although in great suffering I determined to move with Garry from Snake river to Fort Walla Walla today, leaving Mr. Stanley to come on with my party and train in two days. I desired to save a day in order to collect information at Walla Walla, and to visit the Walla Walla valley. Accordingly we set off. It required me three hours to get my courage up to the sticking point, so that I could bear the pain growing out of traveling at a gait faster than a walk; but getting warm in the saddle, we in- creased our speed, and on reaching the Touchet we dismounted for a slight halt. Pushing on a little before two o'clock, we reached Fort Walla Walla at sundown, moving the last twenty-five miles at the rate of about eight miles an hour, and were there hospitably received by Mr. Pambrun, the factor in charge, and after a little conversa- tion I refreshed myself with reading some late papers. On the road my time was much occupied with studying the deportment of the mountain ranges in view, and all the peculiarities of the country about me, to judge something of its win- ter climate and the probable fall of snow, and on reaching Walla Walla I became satisfied from these things, and especially from a view of the highest spur of the Blue mountains in sight, that the snows of the Cascades could not be so formidable as they had been represented. I accordingly de- termined to search thoroughly into this matter at Walla Walla. November 3d, 8th: I remained in the Walla Walla country during these days, spending two days up the valley, and the remainder at the fort. Mr. Stanley, with the train, reached the fort on the 3d. November 4th: We started upon the trip through the valley, riding upon our horses. Arriv- ing at the Hudson Bay farm, we exchanged them for fresh ones. This farm is eighteen miles from Walla Walla, and is a fine tract of land, well adapted to grazing or cultivation. It is naturally bounded by streams, and is equivalent to a mile square. There is the richest grass there that we have seen since leaving St. Mary's. From this we went to McBane's house, a retired factor of the company, from whence we had a fine view of the southern portion of the valley, which is watered by many tributaries from the Blue mountains. Thirty miles from McBane's lives Father Chirouse, a missionary of the Catholic order, who with two laymen, exercises his influence among the sur- rounding tribes. November 5th: We remained with Mr. Mc- Bane over night, and returned to the fort today by way of the Whitman Mission, now occuiped by Bumford and Brooke. They were harvesting, and I saw as fine potatoes as ever I beheld, many weighing two pounds, and one five and one-half. Their carrots and beets, too, were of extraordinary size. Mr. Whitman must have done a great deal of good for the Indians. His mission was situated upon a fine tract of land, and he had erected a saw and grist mill. From Bumford's to the mouth of the Touchet are many farms, mostly occupied by the retired employes of the Hudson's Bay Company. On our return we met Peu-peu-mox-mox, the Walla Walla chief, known and respected far and wide. He possesses not so much intelligence and energy as Garry, but he has some gifts of which the latter is deprived. He is of dignified manner and well-qualified to manage men. He owns over two thousand horses, besides many cattle, and has a farm near that of the Hudson's Bay Company. * * * Peu-peu-mox-mox has saved up a large amount of money (probably as much as $5,000); still he is generous and frequently gives an ox and other articles of value to the neighbors. Some of his people having made a contract to ferry the emigrants across the river, who crossed the Cas- cades this year, and then having refused to exe- cute it, he compelled them to carry it out faith- fully, and, mounting his horse, he thrashed them until they complied. He has the air of a sub- stantial farmer. The proceedings of the first Washington Territorial legislature were unique. Among other counties created was Skamania. The bill passed was as follows : An act to create and organize the county of Skamania: Section 1. Be it enacted by the Legislative Assembly of the Territory of Washington, that all that portion of Clarke county lying east of Cape Horn, be, and the same is, hereby organized into a county with all the powers, rights and priv- 78 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. ileges of other counties in the territory; and that it shall be bounded as follows: Commencing at a point due north of a rock on the south bank of Columbia river, called Rooster Rock; running thence north to the parallel of 46 degrees, 30 min- utes north latitude; thence along said parallel east to Rocky mountains; thence along base of Rocky mountains to southeast corner of the Territory of Washington; thence down along the line of Oregon and Washington to place of beginning. Sec. 2. Said county shall be called Skamania. Before this session closed nearly all of Skamania comity was taken, and embraced in a new county to be known as Walla Walla, or Walla-Walla, as it was invariably written by the early legislators. The enabling Act as passed by the legislature of 1854 is as follows : An act to create and organize the couniy of Walla-Walla: Sec. 1. Be it enacted by the Legislative As- sembly of the Territory of Washington, That all that portion of Skamania county within the follow- ing described boundaries, to wit: Commencing at a point opposite the mouth of Des Chutes river, on the north bank of Columbia river, thence running north to forty-ninth parallel; thence along said parallel to summit of Rocky mountains; thence south along summit of Rocky mountains to forty- sixth degree of parallel; thence west along said forty-sixth parallel to where it crosses the Colum- bia river; thence along said Columbia river to place of beginning, be, and the same is hereby constituted and organized into a separate county, to be known and called Walla- Walla county. Sec. 2. That all the Territory embraced within said boundaries shall compose a county for civil and military purposes, and shall be under the same laws, rules, restrictions and regulations as all other counties in the Territory, and entitled to elect the same county officers as other counties are enti- tled to elect. Sec. 3. The said county shall be attached to Skamania county for judicial purposes. Concisely stated the county of Skamania as first set off from Clarke, comprised all of eastern Washington Territory lying- east of Cape Horn, in the Columbia river. From this territory was set off and established the county of Walla Walla. Without minutely going into the history of the somewhat complicated features of early county organizations in Eastern Washington, a few facts relating to the territory of which we treat are absolutely necessary. Walla Walla county as created by the first Washington Territorial Legislature, in 1854, included all of what is now northern Idaho and western Montana ; most of the pres- ent Klickitat and Yakima counties, and all the rest of the territory in Eastern Washington. The ensuing January (in 1855), the Territorial Legislature once more, but unsuccessfully, at- tempted to organize this county, at that period comparatively void of any but Indian popula- tion. It will, also, be recalled that the legisla- ture of i860, by the creation of Spokane county, made Snake river the north and east boundary line of Walla Walla county, leaving with it (Walla Walla county), all except Klickitat county, lying between the Cascade range and the Columbia river. In January, 1863, the legislature sliced off another portion west of the Columbia, along the borders of the British possessions, and north of the Wenatchee river, out of which Stevens was created, and attached to Spokane county, for judicial pur- poses. But, as a matter of fact, this county of Stevens, officially created by the legislature of 1863, was never organized. It and the original Spokane county were combined and became known as Stevens county. The terri- tory described was, however, taken from Walla Walla county, and the "mother of counties" was reduced to the territory now comprising Walla Walla, Columbia, Garfield and Asotin counties. Of this monster county the population was small and widely scattered, so that it became expedient to attach it to Skamania county, con- tiguous, on the west, for judicial purposes. This district was presided over by Judge Obadiah B. McFadden. One member of the legislature was allowed Walla Walla, Skamania and Clarke counties. Following is .the act to appoint officers for Walla Walla county : An act to appoint officers for Walla Walla county. Sec. 1. Be it enacted by the legislative assem- J~ - 1 sfe . i ■ ■ Bf* ■ iT * 0**'l I BBMBBE Fort Walla Walla HISTORY GF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 79 bly of the Territory of Washington, That George C. Bumford, John Owens and Dominic Pambrun he, and they are hereby constituted and appointed the board of county commissioners; and that Nar- cies Raymo be, and is hereby appointed sheriff, and that Lloyd Brooke be, and is hereby oppointed judge of probate, and shall have jurisdiction as justice of the peace, all in and for the county of Walla Walla. Sec. 2. And be it further enacted, that the county commissioners appointed in the first sec- tion of this act, shall have power to fill all offices not provided for in the first section of this act. Sec. 3. That the persons hereby constituted officers by the first section of this act shall, before entering upon the discharge of their duties, qualify in the same manner and with like restrictions, as those elected at an annual or general election. Following is the act locating the county seat at Walla Walla : An act to locate the. county seat of Walla Walla: Sec. 1. Be it enacted by the legislative assem- bly of the Territory of Washington, That the county seat of Walla Walla be, and the same is hereby, located on the land claim of Lloyd Brooke. Of the appointment of these pioneer county officers the history of Frank T. Gilbert, pub- lished in 1882, speaks as follows: "Some of these officers never knew of the honor that had been cast at their feet; and Mr. Pam- brun, in 1882, insisted to the writer that hitherto he had been ignorant of this early application to himself of Shakespeare's fancy, when he wrote that 'Some men are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them.' None of these parties acted officially in the positions to which they were chosen; and their appointment, in a region including less than a dozen American citizens, was a legislative ab- surdity." In the political chapter relating to Walla Walla county will be found full and complete data concerning future county officials, and further attempts to organize the county. CHAPTER II INDIAN WAR AND CURRENT EVENTS— 1855 TO 1863 It is not our intention to here give a recapi- tulation of the Indian outbreak of 1855 in the Walla Walla valley. That event has been pretty exhaustively covered in the general state history prefacing this volume. There is one feature, however, the killing of Peu-peu-mox- mOx, which we feel called upon to treat more fully in detail. This chieftain, in 1855, had seized and plundered the old Hudson's Bay Company's fort at the present town of Wallula, which at that period had no garrison to pro- tect it, and distributed the goods there found, including a considerable supply of Indian goods, among his followers. In return for this the savages performed a war dance in front of his lodge, around a white's fresh scalp. These Indians, with the Umatillas and Cayuses, then drove the settlers from the Walla Walla valley, destroyed their houses and improve- ments and killed or ran off the stock. Again this country, which for the preceding three years had a scattered white settlement, passed into the blood-stained hands of the natives, and Walla Walla was without a resident. Of the death of Peu-peu-mox-mox, over which so much bitter controversy has taken place, the following account given by Mr. War- field, the man who actually killed him, is prob- ably the most authentic of any. At the re- quest of the writer he furnished the following statement : "Amos Underwood and I were guards over 8o HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. the six Indian prisoners, Peu-peu-mox-mox, Klickitat Jimmy, or Wolfskin, Nez Perce Billy and three others. About four o'clock in the evening there were a number of soldiers around the guard and prisoners. Word was sent two or three times for those soldiers to come to the front ; but they did not go. Finally Colonel Kelly came and ordered them to the front. I said to the colonel, 'I want to go to the front. What will we do with these prisoners?' He replied, 'Tie them and put them in the house, if they will submit to you; if not. put them in anyhow." Major Miller was there present among the wounded, having been shot in the arm. Just at that time Wolfskin pulled his knife from his legging and struck at Major Miller, cutting his arm as it was thrown up to ward off the blow. In an instant someone broke a musket over the Indian's head, killing him. Then the fight began. Five of the Indian prisoners were killed, being either shot or struck over the head with the guns, Peu-peu-mox-mox being the last one. I showed him how to cross his hands so that I could tie him and put him in the house as the colonel had told us, when he grabbed my gun and tried to wrench it around so as to shoot me. I jumped back and grabbed him by the collar and threw him down, still keeping hold of my gun. I also shot at him, but missed, he being too close. He caught me by the breeches leg and tried to regain his feet. I again jumped back from him as he tried to get up, and struck him over the head with my gun, settling him for all time." To the writer one of these volunteers in after years confessed that so excited was he over the killing and wounding of the whites that he lost his head completely, and rushed back shouting, "Shoot the Indians and kill them!" Doubtless this, and the attempt to tie their hands inspired the savages with a belief that they were, certainly to be murdered, and incited their resistence. Speaking of Peu-peu-mox-mox it falls into line to give a correct translation of his Indian name. Major Lee Moorhouse, of Pendleton, who has given much attention to the history of the aborigines of this region, informs the writer that the name Peu-peu-mox- mox means Yellow Bird, and not Yellow Ser- pent, as a malicious half-breed French inter- preter, who had a grudge against this chief, translated it to the whites. The chief is de- scribed by A. P. Woodward as a man of middle age, six feet two inches tall, straight as an arrow, with piercing eye and a nose like a hawk — hence his name of Yellow Bird, or Hawk. An account of the battle of Walla Walla on the 8th of December, 1855, the day suc- ceeding the killing of Peu-peu-mox-mox, is thus given by Colonel Kelly in his official re- port : Early on the morning of the 8th, the Indians appeared with increased forces, amounting to fully six hundred warriors. They wei-e posted as usual in the thick brush by the river — among the sage bushes and sand knolls, and on the surrounding hills. This day Lieutenant Pillow, with Company A, and Lieutenant Hannon, with Company H, were ordered to take and hold the brush skirting the river and the sage bushes on the plain. Lieuten- ant Fellows, with Company F, was directed to take and keep possession of the point at the foot of the the hill. Lieutenant Jeffries, with Company B, Lieutenant Hand, with Company I, and Captain Cornoyer with Company K, were posted on three several points on the hills, with orders to maintain them and to assail the enemy on other points of the same hills. As usual, the Indians were driven from their position, although they fought with skill and bravery. On the ninth they did not make their appear- ance until about ten o'clock in the morning and then in somewhat diminished numbers. As I had sent to Fort Henrietta for Companies D and E, and expected them on the 10th, I thought it best to act on the defensive and hold our positions, which were the same as on the 8th, until we could get an accession to our forces sufficient to enable us to assail th'eir rear and cut off their retreat. An attack was made during the day on Companies A and H, in the brushwood, and upon B on the hill, both of which were repulsed with great gal- lantry by those companies with considerable loss to the enemy. Companies F, I and K also did HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 81 great honor to themselves in repelling all ap- proaches to their positions, although in doing so one man in Company F and one in Company I were severely wounded. Darkness, as usual, closed the combat, by the enemy withdrawing from the field. Owing to the inclemency of the night the com- panies on the hill were withdrawn from their several positions, Company B abandoning its rifle pits which were made by the men of that company for its protection. At early dawn of the next day the Indians were observed from our camp to be in possession of all points held by us on the pre- ceding day. Upon seeing them, Lieutenant Mc- Auliff, of Company B, gallantly observed that his company had dug those holes, and after breakfast they would have them again; and well was his declaration fulfilled, for in less than an hour the enemy was driven from the pits and fled to an adjoining hill which they had occupied the day before. This position was at once assailed. Cap- tain Cornoyer, with Company K and a portion of Company I, being mounted, gallantly charged the enemy on his right flank, while Lieutenant Mc- Auliff with Company B dismounted, rushed up the hill in face of a heavy fire and scattered them in all directions. They at once fled to return to this battlefield no more, and thus ended our long contested fight. In making my report I can not say too much in praise of the conduct of the officers of the sev- eral companies and most of the soldiers under their command. They did their duty bravely and well during those four trying days of battle. To Second Major Chinn, who took charge of the compa- nies in the bush by the river, credit is due for brav- ery and skill; also to Assistant Adjutant Monroe Atkinson, for his efficiency and zeal as well in the field as in the camp. And here, while giving to the officers and men of the regiment the praise that is justly due, I can not omit the name of Hon. Nathan Olney, although he is not one of the vol- unteers. Having accompanied me in the capacity of Indian agent, I requested him to act as my aid on account of his admitted skill in Indian warfare; and to his wisdom in council and daring courage on the battle field, I am much indebted and I shall ever appreciate his worth. Companies D and E having arrived from Fort Henrietta on the evening of the 10th, the next morning I followed with all the available troops along the Nez Perce's trail in pursuit of the Indians. On Mill Creek, about twelve miles from here, we passed through their village, numbering one hundred and ninety-six fires, which had been deserted the night before. Much of their provis- ions were scattered by the wayside, indicating that they had fled in great haste to the north. We pursued them until it was too dark to follow the track of their horses, when we camped on 6 Coppei creek. On the 12th we continued the pur- suit until we passed some distance beyond the stations of Brooke, Noble and Bumford on the Touchet, when we found the chase was in vain, as many of the horses were broken down com- pletely and the men on foot. We therefore re- turned and arrived in camp on yesterday evening with about one hundred head of cattle which the Indians left scattered along the trail in their flight. On the 11th, while in pursuit of the enemy, I received a letter from Narcisse Raymond by the hand of Tintinmetzy, a friendly chief which I en- close, asking our protection of the French and friendly Indians under his charge. On the morning of the 12th I dispatched Cap- tain Cornoyer with his command to their relief. Mr. Olney, who accompanied them, returned to camp this evening, and reports that Captain Cor- noyer will return tomorrow with Mr. Raymond and his people, who now feel greatly relieved from their critical situation. Mr. Olney learned from these friendly Indians what before we strongly be- lieved, that the Palouses, Walla Wallas, Umatillas, Cayuses and Stock Whitley's band of Des Chutes Indians were all engaged in the battle on the Walla Walla. These Indians also informed Mr. Olney that after the battles the Palouses, Walla Wallas and Umatillas have gone partly to the Grande Ronde and partly to the country of the Nez Perces; and Stock Whitley, disgusted with the manner in which the Cayuses fought in the battle, has abandoned them and gone to the Yakima coun- try to join his forces with those of Kamiakin. We have now the undisputed possession of the country south of Snake river, and I would suggest the pro- priety of retaining such possession until such time as it can be occupied by the regular troops. The Indians have left much of their stock behind, which will doubtless be lost to us if we go away. The troops here will not be in a situation for some time to go to the Palouse country, as our horses at present are too much jaded to endure the jour- ney, and we have no boats to cross Snake river, no timber to make therfl nearer than this place; but I would suggest the propriety of following up the Indians with all possible speed, now that their hopes are blighted and their spirits broken. Unless this is done they will perhaps rally again. Today (December 14, 1855), I received a letter from Governor Stevens, dated yesterday, which I enclose. You will see that he is in favor of a vigorous prosecution of the war. I must earnestly ask that supplies be sent for- ward to us without delay. For the last three days none of the volunteers, except the two com- panies from Fort Henrietta, have had any flour. None is here and but little at that post. We are now living on beef and potatoes, which are found en cache, and the men are becoming much dis- 82 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. contented with this mode of living. Clothing for the men is much needed as the winter approaches. Tomorrow we will remove to a more suitable point, where grass can be obtained in abundance for our worn out horses. A place has been selected about two miles above Whitman's station, on the same (north) side of the Walla Walla, consequently I will abandon this fort, named in honor of Captain Bennett of Company F, who now sleeps beneath its stockade, and whose career of usefulness and bravery was here so sadly but nobly closed. Very respectfully your obedient servant, JAMES K. KELLY, Lieutenant Colonel Commanding Left Column, W. H. FARRAR, Adjutant of Regiment, O. M. V. One of the coldest and most trying winters ever known in this country was that following the battle of the Walla Walla. Among the volunteers the veterans have left on record accounts of their sufferings; they are strong testimony that war in an Indian country is by no means a summer day's picnic. W. C. Painter has graphically described the exper- ience of sleeping, or trying to sleep, with scarcely any covering, and the mercury at twenty degrees below zero. As already noted Governor Stevens had negotiated a treaty with the Indians at Walla Walla in June. 1855. Thence he had passed on to the Blackfoot country, and into the lands of other tribes, where he was eminently suc- cessful in closing treaties with a number of bands of erstwhile hostile savages. That por- tion of Governor Stevens report as it bore on the situation in the Walla Walla valley, is as follows : The country between the Blue mountains and the Columbia was overrun with Indians, number- ing one thousand to twelve hundred warriors, in- cluding the forces at Priest Rapids under Ka- maiakin, who had sworn to cut me off; it was completely blocked up. One effect of the campaign of the regulars and volunteers in the Yakima coun- try under Major Rains, was to drive Kamaiakin and his people on our side of the Columbia river, and thus endanger our movement from the Spo- kane to the Nez Perce country. Thus we had been hemmed in by a body of hostile Indians through whom we could only have forced our way with extreme difficulty and at great loss of life. We might all have been sacrificed in the attempt. To the opening of the way to my party, I am solely indebted to the Oregon volunteers. Peu-peu-mox- mox, the celebrated chief of the Walla Wallas, en- tertained an extreme hostility toward myself and party, owing to imaginary wrongs he supposed to have been inflicted upon him in the treaty con- cluded with the Cayuses and Walla Wallas last June, and had been known repeatedly to threaten that I should never reach The Dalles. He was the first to commence hostilities by plundering Fort Walla Walla and destroying a large amount of property belonging to the United States Indian de- partment. * * * At Walla Walla I found some twenty-five set- tlers — the remainder having fled to The Dalles for protection. With these were one hundred friendly Indians. Special Indian Agent B. F. Shaw, colonel in the Washington Territory militia, was on the ground, and I at once organized the district, placed him in command and directed him, if necessary, to fortify, at all events to maintain his ground should the Oregon troops be disbanded before another force could take the field. The Nez Perce auxiliaries were disbanded and returned home. Thus we had reached a place of safety unaided, excepting by the fortunate movements of the Ore- gon troops. Not a single man had been pushed forward to meet us, although it was well known we should cross the mountains about a certain time, and arrive at Walla Walla about the time we did. Why was this? Arrangements had been made with Major Rains by Acting Governor Mason, to push forward a force under Colonel Shaw to meet me at Spokane about the time of my arrival there. A company had been enlisted, organized and marched to Fort Vancouver to obtain equipments, rations and transportation, which Major Rains had promised both Governor Mason and Colonel Shaw should be promptly furnished them. Some little delay ensued, and in the meantime Major General Wool arrived who immediately declined equipping the company, as promised by Major Rains, and stated that he could not in any manner recognize volunteers or furnish them equipments or trans- portation, and declined to supply their place with regular troops, of whom, at Vancouver, alone, were some three hundred and fifty men. * * * Mr. Secretary — Major-General Wool, command- ing the Pacific Division, neglected and refused to send a force to the relief of myself and party, when known to be in imminent danger, and believed by those who were less capable of judging, to be com- ing on to certain death, and this when he had at his command an efficient force of regular troops. He refused to sanction the agreement made be- tween Governor Mason and Major Rains for troops to be sent to my assistance, and ordered them to HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 83 disband. It was reserved for the Oregon troops to rescue us. The only demonstration made by Major Rains resulted in showing his utter incapacity to com- mand in the field. As has heretofore been said, his expedition against the Yakimas effected noth- ing but driving the Indians into the very country through which I must pass to reach the settle- ments. I therefore prefer charges aginst General Wool. I accuse him of utter and signal incapacity, of •criminal neglect of my safety. I ask for an inves- tigation into the matter, and for his removal from ■command. As a summary, having allowed Governor Stevens to tell his own story, vitriolic as it is, we may say that in the final struggle the In- dians obtained something the best of it. They secured what they wanted and the great Walla Walla war of 1855-6 must go down in history as an Indian victory — a victory obtained in the main through the crass incapacity of Major General Wool. By Wool's order Steptoe issued a proclamation that no whites should return to Walla Walla, except Hudson's Bay people and missionaries. October 19th Wool issued a general order expressing the hope that Wright, "warned by what has occurred, will he on his guard against the whites and prevent further trouble by keeping the whites out of the Indian country." With his eyes partly •opened by the sensational events of the season Steptoe ventured to suggest that a good, in- dustrious colony be _ permitted to settle in the Walla Walla valley On this suggestion Wool promptly stepped. "The Cascade range," he said, "formed, if not an impassable barrier, an excellent line of defense; a most excellent line of separation between two races always at war when in contact. To permit settlers to pass The Dalles and occupy the natural reserve is to give up this advantage, throw down the wall, and advance the frontier hundreds of miles to the east, and add to the protective labors of the army." This much did General Wool against the best interests of Walla Walla valley. And at the same time he was inveighing against wars in the eastern portion of the Territory, be- tween Indians and whites, the savages west of the Cascades were preparing for a bloody series of uprisings, as if in mockery of the bombastic vaporings of a general who knew less about Indians and Indian fighting than the most humble private in the ranks of the Oregon volunteers. Thus, at the close of 1856 the Walla Walla valley was, by military order, remanded to barbarism. In 1857 the present Fort Walla Walla was established and a force in charge of Lieutenant Colonel Steptoe lay inactive at the fort. When, in 1855, Governor Stevens and party met in the Walla Walla valley to treat with the Indians, the governor at once re- quested the military authorities to establish a fort in the valley. Says Hazard Stevens in his "Life of Isaac I. Stevens :" "The second day after reaching the valley Governor Stevens, hearing that Governor Wool had just arrived at Vancouver, wrote him a letter urging the importance of supplying the Walla Walla valley with a strong military force, preferably of cavalry, pointing out the central location of the point, and its strategic advantages for protecting the emigrant road, the trails to the Missouri on the east, the Puget Sound on the west, and for controlling the dis- affected Indians, particularly the Cayuses and Snakes. This, like other sound and, indeed, necessary measures recommended by the gov- ernor, was ignored by the self-sufficient Wool and his officers, until they were obliged to adopt them from necessity." At the council with the Walla Wallas, held in June, 1855, Governor Stevens had urged Colonel Wright to be present. He also re- quested him to send three companies of regu- lars, including all his mounted men, to the Walla Walla valley for that occasion. This courteous invitation to participate in the council was declined by Wright, but the latter signified his intention of sending Colonel Steptoe to Walla Walla for the purpose of establishing 84 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. a post in that country. Thus the fort was at last built, in 1857, on Mill Creek, one and one- half miles west of the town of Walla Walla, and six miles from the junction of Mill Creek with the Walla Walla river. The necessary buildings were completed before November 20th. It is needless to say that the autocratic atti- tude of General Wool was extremely distaste- ful to the whites. The following- resolution relative to citizens and settlers in Walla Walla county being driven from their homes and claims by the military authority of Washing- ton Territory, was passed by the Legislative Assembly January 15, 1858: Whereas, Certain officers of the United States army, commanding in the county of Walla Walla, have unlawfully assumed to issue orders prohibit- ing citizens of this territory from settling in cer- tain portions thereof, and in accordance with said orders have driven citizens and settlers from their claims and homes, acquired under the laws of the United States, to their great injury; therefore, he it Resolved, by the Legislative Assembly of the Territory of Washington, That in our opinion the said orders are without the authority of law, and that the acts done under said orders are a high- handed outrage upon the rights and liberties of the American people. Resolved, That the Governor be requested to give the proper authorities at Washington all necessary information on the subject of the out- rageous usurpation of the military over the civil authority. Resolved, That we believe the above usurpation to be the very worst form of martial law, pro- claimed by tyrants, not having feeling in common with us, nor interests identified with ours. Resolved, That a copy of the above resolutions be forwarded to our delegate in congress, and that he be requested to present the matter to the proper department at Washington City, to the end that the evil may be corrected. There was now, at this critical juncture, an impending change. September 13, 1858, the war department issued an order by which the department of the Pacific Coast was divided, the southern portion to be designated 3.s the Department of California, although it included the Umpqua district of Oregon. The Department of Oregon was the name of the northern division. This embraced Oregon and Washington. Headquarters were at Van- couver. To California General Clarke was as- signed ; General W. S. Harney, fresh from a campaign in Utah, assumed command of the Oregon department. October 29th the latter arrived in Oregon. He issued an order, two days later, opening the Walla Walla country to settlement. By the legislative assemblies of both Washington and Oregon resolutions were adopted con- gratulating the people on the creation of the Department of Oregon, on the accession to command of General Harney, an old Indian fighter who understood the Indian character, and on the order reopening the country east of the Cascades to settlement, harmonizing with a recent act of congress extending the land laws of the United States over that por- tion of the territories. Meanwhile the short but vigorous campaign of General Wright had effectually subjugated the hostile Indians of Eastern Washington, and secured peace. Im- mediately the country commenced to develop. Along the lakes and streams rich tracts of land were taken by farmers; the extensive grazing lands were occupied by cattlemen. There was already a waiting population, and with the removal of the military interdict it poured into the Walla Walla valley. Public lands were surveyed. So early as April, 1859, 1,000 people had become actual settlers. The whole of Eastern Washington was alive to opening opportunities. Mining discoveries awakened a keener interest, even, than agricul- tural inducements. No intervening legislation had abridged the limits prescribed by the legis- lative act of 1854 creating Walla Walla county. January 19, 1859, the legislature passed an act appointing officers for the county. This lawfully reorganized the county as an entity, though still unorganized, March 15, 1859, a quorum of the county commissioners named in the act appointed necessary officials to carry HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 85 on a county organization. Other officers were appointed at subsequent sessions of the board. Following is the text of the act of January 19th: Sec. 1. Be it enacted by the Legislative As- sembly of the Territory of Washington, That John Mahan, Walter Davis and John C. Smith be, and they are hereby appointed county commissioners lor Walla-Walla county, and Edward Pearce is hereby appointed sheriff of Walla-Walla county, and that R. H. Reighart be and he is hereby appointed audi- tor of Walla-Walla county, and that Samuel D. Smith be and is hereby appointed probate judge for Walla-Walla county, and that J. L. Simms be and is hereby appointed justice of the peace in Walla- Walla county. Sec. 2. The officers named in the foregoing sec- tion shall, before entering upon the duties of their respective offices, qualify as required by the laws of this Territory, and shall hold their offices until the next annual election, or until their successors are elected and qualified. Sec. 3. This act to take effect and be in force from and after its passage. The county of Walla Walla was formally organized March 15, 1859. At last, after five years of war and delay, the county for "which provision had been made so early as 1854, had at last a government. On the 15th there assembled in the town of Walla-Walla (the place is thus described in the record of the commissioners' proceedings, although it had first been called Steptoeville), John Mahan and Walter R. Davis, two of the county com- missioners. Little business was transacted aside from the appointment of one or two of- ficers, and setting the machinery in motion for the first county government in Washington Territory east of the Cascades. James Gal- breath was appointed auditor and Lycurgus Jackson, sheriff. These officers having quali- fied the board adjourned to meet March 26th. James C. Smith, the third county com- missioner was present at the second meeting of the board. Mr. Mahan was elected chairman. Other county officials were appointed, mention of whom will be found in the political chapter. Into two precincts the county was divided ; clerks of election were appointed. Whitman road district was created, and of this Narcisse Raymond was appointed road supervisor. This district included "the road as it now runs from Steptoeville to old Fort Walla Walla." While in many cases the Legislative As- sembly was woefully unsuccessful in inducing newly created counties to organize, it mani- fested a commendable spirit of perseverance. In short, the activity and energy of these pioneer legislators created new counties in- discriminately. One of these which concerns the territory of which we are writing was Klickitat. This county (first spelled Clickitat), was created by act of the Legislative Assembly, passed December 20, 1859. The boundaries were as follows : Commencing in the middle of the Colum- bia river, five miles below the mouth of the Clickitat river ; thence north to the summit of the mountains, the divide between the waters of the Clickitat and Yakima rivers ; thence east along said divide to a point north of the mouth of Rock creek; thence south to the middle of the Columbia river ; thence along the channel of said river to place of beginning. June 31, 1 86 1, the northern boundary line of Klickitat county was extended as far north as the northeast corner of Skamania county, from which point it was to run due east to a point from which, by running due south, it would strike the northeast corner of the prev- ious boundary of Klickitat county. The county was not organized until early in 1867. In 1859 the assembly passed an enabling act creating Spokane county, but no organi- zation was perfected. Another enabling act was passed in i860; this time the county was organized. It included all that territory north of Snake, and east of the Columbia river; Walla Walla was reduced to the territory now included in the counties of Walla Walla, Columbia, Garfield and Asotin, a small corner of Stevens, Ferry, Okanogan, the greater part of Chelan, and a portion of each of Kittitas, Yakima and Klickitat. Bv the creation of 86 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. Stevens county, in 1863, which absorbed the previously created county of Spokane, Walla Walla county lost that portion of its territory lying north of the Wenatchee river, and west of the Columbia, embracing the northwest corner of the present Stevens, the whole of Ferry and Okanogan and the greater part of Chelan counties. Following the missionaries the first settler in Eastern Washington was Henri M. Chase. He entered the Walla Walla valley in 1851. Soon he was followed by Lloyd Brooke, George C. Bum ford and John F. Noble, these three for a time occupying the Whitman Mis- sion. Owing to Indian hostilities they were compelled to leave for a period between 1855 and 1858. So large was Walla Walla county at a certain period in its romantic and stirring history, that one of its commissioners lived only about sixty miles from the present site of Missoula, Montana. It would have taken him six weeks- to make the trip. He did not qualify. But in 1863 Llaho Territory was cut off, and by the terms of a bill approved March 3. 1863. "all that portion of Wash- ington lying east of Oregon and the 117th meridian of west longitude" was thrown into Idaho. By an act of the Legislative Assembly passed January 27. i860, a district court for Walla Walla and Spokane counties was pro- vided, "to be held at the town of Walla Walla." A wonderful impetus was given to immi- gration by the rich gold discoveries in Orafino district in i860. With the opening of the year 1861 mining excitement was at fever heat. From all points of the compass flocked in adventurous prospectors. But although it was a typical stampede for the yellow metal, misfortunes were more in evidence than suc- cesses. An exceptionally severe winter was that of 1861-2. Almost incredible hardships were suffered by gold seekers, and, indeed, the settlers of Eastern Washington did not escape. For a short period only did the in- flux of population cease. The first small waves were swelled to a human sea in 1862. It was estimated that from five to fifteen, some said twenty, thousand people came in. However, a new civilization sprung from the harrowing misfortunes of this almost unparalleled gold fever; it really initiated the marvelous development which has taken place in the upper Columbia country. Early in 1862 Lewiston, at the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater rivers, was surveyed and platted. But during the decade following 1863 the increase in population north of the Smke river was slow. Only a few scattered settle- ments were in this region, not including the United States troops. For a number of years subsequent to the opening of the country in 1859, Walla Walla contained the only settle- ment worthy of mention. Among those who located in this section during the closing months of 1858 may be mentioned Thomas P. Page, James Foster, Charles Russell, J. C. Smith, Christopher Maier, John Singleton, John A. Simms and Joseph McAvoy, all of whom long continued their residence there, being well known pion- eers. Mr. Simms subsequently became In- dian agent at the Colville reservation. Many settlers filed claims in 1859, along the various streams as far north as Dayton, on the Touchet river, now in Columbia county. But as yet Walla Walla county was stumbling along- with essentially no political organization. Following is the text of the act locating Walla Walla as the county seat: Sec. 1. Be it enacted by the Legislative As- sembly of the Territory of Washington, That it shall be lawful for the citizens of the county of Walla Walla to vote at the next annual election for a site on which to locate the county seat of said county. Sec. 2. It is hereby made the duty of the county commissioners of said county, at their holding of the first term of court, to designate twa or more places or sites to be voted for at the election aforesaid. The site or place having the highest number of votes shall be adopted as the site or place on HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY 87 which the county seat of said county shall be lo- cated; hut this act shall not exclude the citizens of said county, when the interests, or majority wishes of the people of said county may demand, hy legislative enactment, another place or site for said county seat. Sec. 3. The county commissioners of said county shall issue in their order, at the next an- nual election, with other orders, for an expression of the people of said county, upon the county seat hy their votes. Sec. 4. All acts and parts oi acts conflicting with this act be, and the same are hereby repealed. Passed February 1, 1860. In detailing the earlier transportation facilities of this district, it becomes necessary to indulge in a retrospective glance. The Oregon Steam Navigation company, by legis- lative act, was created December 19, i860, "for the purpose of navigation and transporta- tion in the state of Oregon and Washington Territory." J. C. Ainsworth, Daniel F. Brad- ford, R. R. Thompson and J. S. Buckle were the incorporators. Following is the text of the bill : An act to incorporate the Oregon Steam Navi- gation Company. Sec. 1. Be it enacted by the Legislative Assem- bly of the Territory of Washington, That J. C. Ainsworth, Daniel F. Bradford, R. R. Thompson and J. S. Buckle, and their associates in the asso- ciation known as the "Oregon Steam Navigation Company," and the successors, are hereby declared a body politic by the name and style of the "Ore- gon Steam Navigation Company," for the purpose of navigation and transportation in the state of Oregon and Washington Territory. Sec. 2. Said corporation shall have power to purchase and receive in all lawful ways, own and possess boats, vessels, lands, goods, chattels and effects of every kind; the same to use and dispose of in all lawful ways at pleasure; to contract and he contracted with, to implead and be impleaded, sue and be sued, in all courts; to have a common seal and the same to use and change at pleasure, and to ordain and establish such by-laws and regulations as it may deem expedient for its own government, and the efficient management of its own affairs, consistent with the constitution and laws of the United States and the laws of this Territory. Sec. 3. The capital stock of said corporation shall not exceed one million of dollars, and shall be divided into shares of not less than five hundred dollars each, transferable as their by-laws may provide. Sec. 4. Said corporation shall receive, possess and enjoy all the property, interests and rights of said association, and shall hold and have, and may enforce by legal remedies, all claims and obli- gations due or to become due, given or that may be given to said association, for the debts of said corporation each member thereof shall be person- ally liable to the extent of the amount of stock owned, held or subscribed for by him, for any debts contracted while he was such member. Sec. 5. This act to take effect and be in force from and after its passage: Provided, That noth- in herein contained shall be so construed as to prevent the amendment or repeal of this act by any future Legislative Assembly: Provided, also, That all steamers and other vessels belonging to said corporation company shall be registered and subject to taxation in this Territory- Passed December 19, 1860. LYMAN SHAFFER, Speaker House of Representatives. PAUL K. HUBBS, President of the Council. It proved a most fortunate venture. Soon afterwards news was received of gold dis- coveries on Oro Fino creek and other tribu- taries of Snake river. A cloud of eager miners nocked to the district in 1861. So great was their amount of freight that the new trans- portation company was swamped with the volume of traffic. A complete reorganization of the Oregon Steam Navigation Company was effected; it secured additional capital and absorbed the Oregon Transportation Line. Then the new chief stockholders were J. C. Ainsworth, R. R. Thompson, L. W. Coe, D. F. Bradford, Ladd & Tilton, J. S. Buckle, Henry Olmstead and G. S. Reed. So soon as they could be built or purchased new boats were put on the river. The superintendent of construction was J. W. Brazee. The Oregon Steam Navigation Company made the first attempt to navigate Snake river in April, 1862. The Tenino was dispatched from the mouth of the Des Chutes river; freight way-billed to Lewiston. Low water prevented her going above a point eight miles above Wallula. But one trial did not dis- 88 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. courage the promoters of this undertaking. On the second attempt the boat reached Lewis- ton, at the confluence of the Snake and Clear- water rivers. The first steam railway lines in the north- west were the portage lines of this company. The first, of six miles in length, was on the north side of the river at the Cascades, and the second, of fifteen miles, was on the south side, between The Dalles and Celilo. Though a decided monopoly, the Oregon Steam Navi- gation Company was a great affair, and old settlers enjoy pleasant recollections when they call to memory the owners, captains, pursers, and even some of the deck liquids. Memory easily conjures up the polive, and yet determ- ined Ainsworth, the brusque and rotund Reed, the bluff and hearty Knaggs, the frolicsome and never disconcerted Ingalls, the dark and powerful Coe, the patriarchical beard of Stump, the loquacious Commodore Wolf who used to joint out the "diabolical strata" of the Columbia river banks to astonished tourists, the massive figure of Strang, the genial Dan O'Xiel. the suave and graceful Snow, the handsome Sampson; McNulty, with his rich, Scotch brogue. "Little Billy," the bold and much experienced Baughman, and es- pecially two of the "kid captains" of that early epoch, and even then, though boys, considered the best pilots on the river. Will Gray and John Thorp. After the inauguration of the steamboat lines to Wallula and Lewiston, in 1861, traffic by prairie schooners began between Walla Walla and Wallula, in 1862-3. But the com- pletion of the portage railroads gave the Ore- gon Steam Navigation Company such an ad- vantage that they were unable to make a com- promise by which they were given the ex- clusive right to the Columbia and Snake rivers, while the opposition line was to have a monop- oly of the Willamette. After the compromise had been effected the following schedule of charges was established: Freight from Portland to Wallula, per ton, $50; freight from Portland to Lewiston, per ton, $90; fare from Portland to Wallula, $18; fare from Portland to Lewiston, $28. The only means of transportation between Oregon and Washington and the outside world were, for many years, the line of boats and pieces of railway on the Columbia river, owned and operated by the Oregon Steam Navigation Company. Bottled up was the country; the company held the cork. High freights were the rule; little produce was shipped out of the country seaward; the cost of carriage was too great and an enormous freight bill went along- neck and neck with the merchant's stock oi goods. Yet despite this almost prohibitive tax the country con- tinued to develop its enterprises. A writer in the Columbia Chronicle of Dayton, said: "But its (the O. S. N. C), overpowering capacity prevented it from seeing what was for its own interests. * * * True,, the owners got rich, but it was not through any broad and liberal business policy. It was rather by grinding the very life out of the country. This policy had the tendency to make the settlers in the interior feel anything but kindly toward the company. It was no un- common thing in the '60s to hear it denounced in no complimentary terms on account of its outrageous freight charges." Another writer in the Chronicle under date November 20, 1897, said: "The old Oregon Steam Navigation Com- pany, a Portland institution, is yet a memory, a very clear memory, indeed, with a strong ac- cent on the 'dear'. Those were the days when it was a saying that it was not the first cost of a cambric needle, but the freight that made it sell so high in the interior. We were bottled up in those days. But in spite of the heavy tribute you levied upon us we prospered and became large producers of wheat. Every fall there was an increasing bulk of grain to be moved to the seaboard. The farmer was al- HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 89 ways anxious to get his wheat off his hands so soon after harvest as possible, so as to get ready for another crop." In 1 860- 1 the citizens of Walla Walla be- gan to cast about for means to advance the interests of their town and county. The fol- lowing is a copy of a memorial asking that the new land office created by congress for Wash- ington Territory be located at Walla Walla : To the President of the United States: Your memorialists, the Legislative Assembly of the Territory of Washington, would respectfully represent that owing to the great distance of the land office at Olympia from the recently surveyed lands east of the Cascade mountains, it has become a matter of necessity that the new land office pro- vided for in the law creating an additional land district for Washington Territory, should be lo- cated in the country east of the Cascade moun- tains. If the settlers of that region should be, as they are now, compelled to transact business at the land office at Olympia, the expenses of such attend- ance, in many cases, will amount to more than the first cost of the land. In order to relieve them of this great expenditure of time and money, your memorialists would respectfully pray that the new land office be located at the town of Walla Walla. Passed January 24, 1861. LYMAN SHAFFER, Speaker House of Representatives. PAUL K. HUBBS, President of the Council. December 6, 1861, the editor of the Wash- ington Statesmen wrote as follows concern- ing the Walla Walla country as it appeared to him upon his first visits in 1855-6, and again, contrasted, at the time of writing : Six years ago, while on a trip to the upper country, we stopped an hour at old Fort Walla Walla, then a Hudson's Bay trading post under the charge of Mr. James Sinclair. We found little there of interest, and felt that nothing but sheer necessity could ever induce us to take up our abode in such a place, or anywhere in the neighborhood. At that time the Hudson's Bay Company were doing a flourishing business there, trading with the Indians, and Peu-peu-mox-mox and his dusky followers held undisputed sway over the fertile valley. The Indian trade was the only business carried on in the country, and as all the profits derived from it went to enrich the coffers of a pow- erful monopoly in a distant land, but little benefit accrued to the country around. Though the com- pany had occupied the country for upward of twenty years, there were no evidences of improve- ment beyond the immediate grounds of the fort, and to the stranger, at least, the place presented an uninviting appearance. The following year we returned and found the place rendered even more desolate in appearance. An Indian war had broken out and the fort, with the exception of the old brown walls, had been burned to the ground. The Indian king had fallen, a victim to his own indiscretion, before the more powerful arms of the white man, while the remnant of his tribe, sounding their war-cry, had sought refuge in the surrounding mountains. Travelers were then com- pelled to trail over the country by stealth and at night, lest some wandering Indian should cross their paths, and claim their lives as a ransom for those of their brethren who had fallen before the rifles of the hardy volunteers. The white man then claimed a residence here, and Mother Nature reared her own crops undisturbed, and distributed her bounty alike to the bands of Indian horses and wild animals that roamed over her prairies. Five more years have passed and we return astounded to witness, and scarce able to realize the changes that have been wrought. The Hud- son's Bay Company claim no "possessory rights" today, and we find their fort rebuilt and occupied by the more enterprising American; the savage bands have been allotted homes upon reservations, beyond which they can claim no rights, and their former hunting grounds are now dotted over with the residences of hundreds of industrious and thrifty farmers, while the streams that furnished them with fish now sound to the click of the mill. Six years ago this country was described as a barren wild, unfit for the home of the white man, and beyond the reach of civilization. Today we see on every hand evidences of civilization and progress. Steamboats plow the Columbia to the old fort, carrying weekly their hundreds of pas- sengers, en route to and from the rich mining dis- tricts, beyond, and there we are met by a line of stages to convey us to this city, a town numbering its one thousand inhabitants and rivaling in busi- ness importance and population any point in the Territory. No one who then visited this country could in his wildest imagination have predicted that such a city would exist here today. The contrast is certainly great, yet, judging the future by the past, it may with certainty be said that the day of our prosperity is but just dawning. Situ- ated as we are, in the midst of a rich agricultural country, and in the direct route to the rich mining districts to the north and eastward, we have every 9 o HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. assurance that whatever advantages other points may possess, Walla Walla is not behind them in any essential particular. The following, from the session laws of 1 86 1 -2. are three memorials, one asking for a land office at Walla Walla city; the others requests for a weekly mail route into the Walla Walla country. It does not appear that any of these earlv requests for a land office at Walla Walla eventuated in anything tangible until 1 87 1. an account of which is given in succeed- ing chapters : To the Honorable, the Senate and House of Repre- sentatives of the United States, in Congress assembled: Your memorialists, the Legislative Assembly of the Territory of Washington, represent that great inconvenience exists to the settlers on the public lands in the counties of Walla Walla, Spokane, Shoshone, Missoula, Nez Perce and Idaho, by con- sequence of their remote situation from any land office of the United States, and you are hereby respectfully petitioned to establish a land office at the city of Walla Walla, Walla Walla county. Passed Januuary 6, 1862. JAS. LEO FERGUSON, Speaker of the House of Representatives. A. R. BURBANK, President of the Council. To the Honorable, the Postmaster-General of the United States: Your memorialists, the Legislative Assembly of the Territory of Washington, would respectfully represent that the people now living in the eastern portion of this Territory are laboring under great inconvenience and expense from the fact of there being no mail facilities to the northward and east- ward of the town of Walla Walla. The great extent and richness of our gold fields, together with the unequaled grazing and farming lands east of the Cascade range of mountains, justi- fies the belief that there will soon be many thou- sand permanent settlers engaged in farming and mining in that portion of our Territory. In view of these facts your memorialists would pray that a weekly mail route be established between Walla Walla and Pierce City, via Lewiston. A weekly mail should also be established between Lewiston and Florence City, situated in the far-famed Salmon River mines. We would also respectfully request that a daily mail route be established between Vancouver City and Walla Walla, thus connecting with the over- land daily mail between Sacramento City, Cal., and Olympia, W. T. Passed January 6, 1862. Memorial to the Postmaster-General in refer- ence to the mail routes east of the Cascade moun- tains: To the Honorable Postmaster-General: We, your memorialists, the Legislative Assem- bly of the Territory of Washington, do respectfully represent that, whereas, there has been a weekly mail route between The Dalles and Fort Colville, via Walla Walla, and that that portion of the service on the route between Walla Walla and Colville has been discontinued, we do respectfully present the following facts for your consideration, viz.: Walla Walla County has now about one thou- sand inhabitants. There are five thousand men in the country north of Colville, whose only American office is that of Colville. There are now at least five thousand miners in the Nez Perces country east of Walla Walla, and, That there will be fifty thousand people in the country east of the Cascades before the close of the ensuing summer: There has been a semi-weekly line of steamers running with through connections between Port- land and Walla Walla, which semi-weekly line is to be increased to a daily line on the reopening of navigation on the Columbia in February. We would, in view of these facts, respectfully urge upon the postoffice department the increase of the present mail service between Portland and Walla Walla to a daily line. The increase of the mail service between Walla Walla and Colville to a semi-weekly line. The establishment by congress of a new mail route from Walla Walla via Lewiston and Pierce City to Elk City, distance 200 miles, and a branch route from Lewiston to Florence City, distance 85 miles, with provisions for carrying a weekly mail on all the lines extending east from Walla Walla. Also a semi-weekly service between Walla Walla and the Hell Gate Ronde, distance 350 miles, over the road recently constructed by Lieu- tenant John Mullan. Passed January 13, 1862. In the latter part of 1862 a line of stages was put on to pass over the emigrant road to Boise, and the Garrison City lost much of the trade advantage of the new region because of this fact; but, notwithstanding this, the energy and activity of her merchants secured a large portion of it. Two daily stage lines HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 91 ran between Walla Walla and Wallnla were crowded with passengers at $5 fare, while freight between those two places was $20 per ton. July 1st, a tri-weekly mail from The Dalles was started, and the Statesman com- plained in August because the carrier was drunk at Umatilla and failed to get a mail through for over a week. January 28, 1862, the Legislative As- sembly passed an act declaring Walla Walla City to be the county seat of Walla Walla county. On the same date the assembly passed another act legalizing the acts of the county commissioners of Walla Walla county, thus avoiding possibility of the illegality of the acts because of the fact that the sessions had been held at Walla Walla City before it had been named as a county seat, but had been named, arbitrarily, by them, Walla Walla. The winter of 1861 and 1862 was ex- cessively severe. January 25th the Statesman said : "For four weeks past the weather has been constantly cold, continuing almost uni- formly so even through the middle of the day — the thermometer ranging from a freez- ing point down to as low as 29 degrees below zero. This was on Thursday of last week (Jan. 16) at five o'clock in the morning. At twelve o'clock of the same clay the thermometer stood at 20 degrees below, and at six in the evening it was at 24. This was the coldest day we had by several degrees ; the average cold was probably about 10 degrees below zero." February 26, the same paper added : "Out of the 30,000 head of cattle supposed to be in this valley last fall, it is doubtful whether 5,000 head are living, and the numerous bands of sheep have almost disappeared. Out of one lot of 1,700 head only 300 are alive. At a moderate estimate this valley alone has sus- tained, by loss of stock, one million of dollars." A charter was granted to the "Walla Walla Railroad Company" by the legislature on Jan- uary 28, 1862, for the construction of a rail- road from Walla Walla landing on the Colum- bia river (Wallula) to the town of Walla Walla. The incorporators named in the charter were A. J. Cain, B. F. Whitman, L. A. Mullan, W. J. Terry, C. H. Armstrong, I. T. Abbott, I. T. Reese, S. M. Baldwin, E. L. Bonner, D. Craig, William A. Mix, Charles Russell, J. A. Simms, Jesse Drumhaller, James Reynolds, D. S. Baker, George E. Cole, S. D. Smith, J. J. Goodwin, William Way, Neil McGlinckey, J. G. Sparks, W. A. George, J. Van Syckle, W. W. DeLacy, A. Seitel, Will- iam Ball, B. F. Stone, J. W. Schwabacher, B. T. Standifer, T. Brown, Tatem and W. W. Johnson. In his history of Walla Walla county, published in 1882, Frank T. Gilbert says : It was estimated in advance of a survey that the road would cost from $6co,oco to $750,000. During the summer the "Washington Statesman" endeavored to spur the people on to action in the matter, urging them to subscribe enough tp en- courage capital from abroad to invest in the enter- prise. They were advised to organize under the charter, and December 22, 1862 it published a letter from Captain John Mullan, from New York, in which he stated that $250,000 could be easily procured on Wall street for the project and, if necessary, the whole amount could be raised there. It then stated that during the year 1862 an aver- age of 150 tons of freight per week was landed at Wallula, and from 50 to 600 passengers weekly. On the last day of the year a meeting was held at Walla Walla, with E. B. Whitman, president, and W. W. Johnson, secretary, when committees were appointed to solicit subscriptions in New York, Washington, Portland, Vancouver, San Francisco, The Dallas, Wallula and Walla Walla, and another committee to draw up articles of association and by-laws. March 14, 1863, the by-laws were adopted. Nothing definite was accomplished, and the time ' allowed for making a survey was per- mitted to lapse, and thus work a forfeiture of the charter. ) By November, 1874, this road was com- pleted, the time of the franchise having been extended in 1864. The complications of this railroad company are detailed later on in an- other succeeding chapter. In 1862 the on speeding tide of gold- 02 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. seekers failed not to trail in its wake a due quota of permanent settlers. The Walla Walla valley awakened a more grateful ap- preciation. Along the creeks and rivers, skirt- ing the base of the Blue mountains at the north and west quite a large number of immigrants located. Little to sell was produced by the ranchers; prices remained high. Another lli mring mill was erected by A. H. Reynolds on Yellowhawk creek. Originally this was known as the Frontier Mill ; later as the Star. In command of the emigrant escort of eighty men crossing the plains in 1862, was Captain Medorem Crawford. His statements, con- sidered as authentic as any data now available, estimated the number of wagons on the road en route for Washington Territory and the State of Oregon, at 1,600; the number of per- sons at 10,000. The Grande Ronde valley was settled principally by people from Iowa, of sterling worth and invincible courage, true basic elements of a prosperous commonwealth. At the head of this valley a sawmill was lo- cated; the town of LaGrande came into exist- ence, having, in the autumn of 1862, about fifteen houses. Per hundred-weight flour found ready sale at fifteen dollars. The town of LaGrande, in 1862, on the authority of the Washington Statesman, had a population of one hundred, two stores, one hotel and a blacksmith shop. Lewiston was surveyed and laid out as a town in March, [862; the following month Wallula gained a similar prestige. Less than one hundred houses had Walla Walla at the close of the year 1862. LaGrande, in the mountain val- ley ; the military trading post at The Dalles ; Pinkney City (Colville), then in Spokane county, constituted, with Walla Walla and Lewiston the village settlements between the Rocky mountains and Cascade range. There were, of course, aside from these primitive mining camps in the mountains. CHAPTER Hi CURRENT EVENTS— 1863 TO 1880. The tide of emigration to the new mines, which had been discovered in the Boise basin, in what is now the state of Idaho, set in in the spring of 1863, and this led to the estab- lishment of a new town at the confluence of the Columbia and Umatilla rivers, the name of the latter stream being given to the new 7 village. From that point a line of stages was put in operation over the emigrant road to the Boise basin, and though Walla Walla suf- fered somewhat from this deflection of travel and traffic, yet the energy and enterprise of her merchants and citizens generally proved adequate to maintain her trade prestige to a large extent. This attracted many from ' the but slightly more direct route to the mines. Two stage lines afforded a daily service be- tween Walla Walla and Wallula, and these were taxed to their uttermost to accommo- date passengers who paid five dollars fare, while the transportation of freight between the two points was at a cost of $20 per ton. After July 1st a tri -weekly mail was received from and dispatched to The Dalles. Some idea of the amount of freight passing through the country may be gleaned from the fact that, upon the completion of their thirteen-mile Dalles and Celilo railway, the Oregon Steam Navigation Company sold to the government for the sum of $43,000 the teams they had used for the transportation of freight. The early spring of 1864 ushered in after HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 93 an exceptionally mild winter, contributed a spontaneous revival to the trade and mining industries east of the Cascades. The first line of stages between Walla Walla and the Boise basin was put in operation in the spring of this year by George F. Thomas & Company, though within the preceding year three dif- ferent companies had been operating express business over the route in question. Near the headwaters of the Columbia river, in the British possessions, the Kootenai mines had been discovered, and this soon diverted much of the emigration from Boise to the new mines. All this tended to beget a greater confidence in the future of the Walla Walla valley, which was growing to be regarded as a most favor- able place for permanent settlement. The progress of the War of the Rebellion entailed an enrollment for a draft in the county in 1864. This enrollment indicated that there were 1,133 men in the county subject to mili- tary duty. But the Democrats made the claim at the time that fully three hundred of this number had been improperly enumerated, be- ing simply transients en route to the mines. However, this enumeration, taken in connec- tion with the ballot list of the last election, offers the only available data relative to the population of the county in 1864. The Statesman was authority for the in- formation that the debt of the county at the close of the year 1864 aggregated $17,000, of which $3,000 should be charged to defaulting officials, and $4,500 to loss by depreciation in the value of county scrip issued to pay for the county jail. The assessment rolls of the year give the property valuation of the county at $1,545,056— an increase of more than $400,000 over that of the preceding year. What was perhaps the most important event of the year, as bearing upon the develop- ment and substantial growth of this section of the country, was the fortunate discovery which is referred to by another writer as follows : "It was also found in 1864 that the uplands of the Walla Walla country would produce grain, one of the farmers having harvested 33 bushels to the acre from a field of 50 acres. This had been sown the previous fall on the hills that heretofore had been considered use- less for the purposes of agriculture. This was a more important discovery that that of the mountain gold fields, for it was a bread-mine opened for millions that are yet to come. The drouth of 1864 did not prevent a bounteous wheat harvest, and a larger surplus of grain than ever before in the valley, much of which was sold at from one and a half to two cents per pound." The early spring of 1865 was marked by a renewed rush of emigrants to the mining dis- tricts in the north. As early as February it was reported that there were more than a thousand miners congregated in Portland. Here they awaited the opening of navigation on the Columbia that they might make their way onward to the mines of the "upper coun- try." They were followed by many other eager searchers for the hidden aurific deposits. Gradually agriculture was advancing in extent and importance in the Walla Walla country, and prices still continued high. In June eggs were selling in Walla Walla for forty cents per dozen and in September wheat commanded one dollar and a quarter a bushel. The States- man of December 22, 1865, sa id : For nearly a week, with occasional intervals, snow has continued to fall until at this writing the whole valley of Walla Walla is covered to a depth of from fourteen to eighteen inches. This was unprecedented; teamsters on their way out of the mountains, caught by the storm in Grande Ronde valley, left their wagons and made all possi- ble dispatch with their teams for safety. A large amount of stock on Powder river perished. Jan- uary 16th, following, a storm commenced that lasted three days and deposited in the valley eighteen inches of snow, and February 9th a chinook wind cleared the country of this fleecy carpet. On the 2 2d of the same month news reached Walla Walla that the Columbia river, be- ing cleared of ice, navigation was opened through to Portland. 94 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. There was a great rush to the Montana mines in the spring of 1866. The Statesman of April 13th, this year, conveys a fair idea of the prevailing conditions of the country at this sensational epoch as follows : "In the history of mining excitements we doubt whether there ever has been a rush equal to that now going on to Montana. From every point of the compass they drift by hundreds and thousands, and the cry is, 'still they come !' The excitement promises to depopulate por- tions of California and from our own Terri- tory, as well as Oregon, the rush is unprece- dented. The stages that leave here go out loaded down with passengers, all bound for Blackfoot. In addition to the usual convey- ances men of enterprise have placed passenger trains on the route between Walla Walla and Blackfoot, and those trains go out daily with full passenger lists. The fare, with provisions furnished, is $80." It was not until 1867 that Walla Walla county owned a court house and jail. Up to March nth, of that year, throughout its en- tire history it had never been supplied with sufficient and proper accommodations. Only a skeleton was the jail; prisoners escaped at will, especially those confined on serious charges. The only method of preventing this was by ironing the prisoners, which was cruel and unjust to men charged simply with crimes, or misdemeanors of which they might be en- tirely innocent. It should be said, however, that this was resorted to only in extreme cases, and the jail deliveries continued merrily on. Ever and anon the grand jury would call attention to this deplorable condition of af- fairs. In 1866 an effort was made to patch up the old structure. For the privilege of using this "jail" the city of Walla Walla built a high fence around it, while the county ex- pended a small sum in plugging up the holes made by escaping prisoners, and in fitting up a room over the cells for the jailer to occupy. No better off was the county in the matter of offices. In 1864 the grand jury in its report had said : "We, the grand jury, find that it is the duty of the county commissioners to furnish offices for the different county officers. This we find they have not done. Today the offices of the officers are in one place, tomorrow in another, and we do hope at the next meeting of the board of county commissioners, that they will, for the sake of the integrity of Walla Walla county, furnish the different county of- ficers with good offices." No effort was made to do this until the meeting of March n, 1867, when a building was purchased of S. Linkton, on the corner of Alder and Third streets, to be paid for in thirty installments of $100 each. This was fitted up at an expense of $500 for county purposes, and for the first time since its organization Walla Walla owned a court house, although in appearance it was a structure deficient in everything calculated to impress the beholder or excite pride in the breasts of the citizens. One important feature of 1867 was the be- ginning of the exportation to the coast of flour, the one manufactured product of Walla Walla county. As an experiment a few barrels of this article were forwarded. For some rea- son the Oregon Steam Navigation Company advanced the rate of freight. This drew the following expostulation from the Statesman : "At a time when the rates of transportation are being lowered, and low freights are the order of the day, it will surprise the public to learn that the Oregon Steam Navigation Com- pany had advanced the rate on flour shipped from Wallula to The Dalles, from $7.50 to $17.50 per ton. It is only a few weeks since the business of shipping produce from this place was fairly inaugurated, and now before the experiment can fairly be said to have had a trial, the Oregon Steam Navigation Com- pany, by means of an exorbitant tariff, en- deavors to stifle the movement in its infancy." That the company had no such intention HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 95 was proved by a reduction in April of the rate of clown freight. The amount of flour shipped to The Dalles and Portland from April 19th to June 2d, 1867, was 4,735 barrels, the charges being $6 per ton to both points. This was the beginning of the outward movement of the products of Walla Walla county, made as an experiment, under circumstances that proved the practicability of a steady exporta- tion of flour by the millers of this valley, and a consequent market for the vast quantities of grain it was capable of producing. Ex- periments were also made in shipments of wheat later in the season by Frank & Wert- heimer, merchants of Walla Walla. This firm forwarded 15,000 bushels with so satisfactory a result that it proved that wheat could be shipped down the Columbia at a profit. The year 1868 was accentuated by the first organized effort to secure a railroad to facil- itate transportation of the constantly increas- ing products of the valley. Experimental flour shipping was continued. Fifty barrels were shipped to New York by Philip Ritz (later of Ritzville, Adams county), selling at $10 and returning a profit of $1.55 per barrel. The cost of shipping wheat to San Francisco w r as $28 per ton ; at 40 cents per bushel in Walla Walla it would not pay for shipment, as it required $1.20 per bushel in San Fran- cisco to pay expenses. Of this expense $6 per ton, or 17 cents per bushel was the freight from Walla Walla to Wallula. Thus it was natural that the question of a railroad between the two points should occupy the attention of business men. Finally, after considerable dis- cussion and a number of public meetings, the Walla Walla & Columbia River Railroad Com- pany was organized. The right of way was secured from congress by Delegate Flanders; permission was given the county to subscribe $300,000, provided an election on the propo- sition should prove favorable. But beyond this initiative no progress was made for several years ; development of the county was seriously retarded by lack of an outlet for its products. Slight change in the condition of the valley was witnessed during 1869, with perhaps the exception that it had no surplus grain or flour to export owing to a drouth, universal on the coast. In Walla Walla county half a crop was harvested; wheat was worth 75 to 80 cents per bushel; flour ranged from $5.50 to $6 per barrel. At such prices down river shipments were impracticable. However, a market was furnished at these prices by the miners for all that the short yield would provide. The total aggregate value of crops was about the same as the year before when wheat was worth only 40 cents. For a number of years the financial con- dition of the county had been seriously im- paired. Like the sword of Damocles there hung over the county a debt of from $5,000 to $20,000 constantly. To improve this de- plorable condition of the treasury the last board of county commissioners had gone reso- lutely to work. They demanded a thorough and more satisfactory discharge of their duties by the various officers. By May 1, 1869, they had so far succeeded that the obli- gations of the county amounted to $9,569.13, against $9,209.18 of cash on hand. One of the shadows over this very flattering result was the fact that in November, 1868, Sheriff Seitel had resigned while indebted to the county, according to the report of the board, in the sum of $3,373.82 for delinquent taxes collected. Monday, July 14, 1869, was punctuated by a thunder storm of tropical severity. Within the valley a number of houses were struck by lightning and several people severely shocked, although no lives were lost. So far as concerned the white inhabitants of the county it was the heaviest storm they had ever experienced in that section of the county. Due appreciation of the official dignity in- volved incited the town of Waitsburg to yearn for county seat honors. This was in 1869. 96 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. At that period an area of 3,420 square miles included Walla Walla, Columbia, Garfield and Asotin counties. This was an extensive county, territorially ; had it been thickly settled it might have been umvieldly. Far from the geographi- cal center, in one corner, was located the county seat, in the midst of the most populous district. A grist mill, saw mill, hotel, several stores and an excellent school building were at Waitsburg. Ambitious and enter- prising was this little town, but having no paper of its own its "concensus of opinion" was voiced by the Walla Walla journals. Had the upper portion of the county been settled as it was a few years later, division might have been desirable. Yet, even should that eventuate Waitsburg's locale was in too close proximity to Walla Walla to ever become an acceptable county seat, being necessarily, situ- ated in the extreme corner of the proposed new county. That this was true and that it would be only a few years before the seat of justice would be removed to another place in a more central location, were facts recognized by many of the business men of that village. Despite this condition, however, a petition was signed by 150 residents and presented to the legislature in October, 1869, a delegation of citizens of the aspiring town accompanying it to Olympia. The proposed division would segregate about one-half the area, and one- third the population and assessed valuation. The legislature declined to take any action in the matter, Waitsburg was not a natural center and no other existing town was ; the upper por- tion of the county was not thickly enough set- tled to demand a separate government, a com- bination of reasons sufficient to cause any con- servative legislative body to give pause. The dream of county seat honors was over; Day- ton sprang up a few years later and thoroughly convinced Waitsburg that her success would have been of a transitory nature. The short crop of 1869 was not repeated m 1870. Once again was the surplus of grain and flour for export a large one. Much of this was sent down river, yet so great was the expense that the price in Walla Walla county remained quite low. The court house square on Main street, which had, originally been set aside for this purpose, was by the city council of Walla Walla, deeded to the county commis- sioners in August, 1870. Quite properly the commissioners had declined to expend any money on a court house structure until the county possessed a clear title to the land; yet they again became dilatory after receiving a deed. The census taken this year contributed the following interesting statistics of Walla Walla county : Number of dwellings, 1,149; families, 1,150; white male inhabitants, 2,999; white female inhabitants, 2,111; colored male in- habitants, in; colored female inhabitants, 81. Total population of county, 5,302. Average wages of farm hands, with board, $35; laborers, without board, $2.50; laborers with board, $1.50; wages of carpenters, $4; female domestics per week, $7 ; average price of board for laborer per week, $5 ; number of farms in county, 654; acres of improved lands, 52,620; bushels of spring wheat, 190,256; winter wheat, 2,667; corn, 25,487; oats, 114,813; barley, 21,654; pounds of butter, 99,780; cheese, 1,000; tons of hay, 6,815; number of horses, 5,650; mules, 627; milch cows, 4,772; work oxen, 292; other cattle, 8,046; sheep, 5,745; hogs, 4,768. Certainly this is a most flattering exhibit by Walla Walla county as the result of only ten years' growth. Taken in connection with the fact that there was no debt the people had real cause for satisfaction. In 1870 a memorial was forwarded to con- gress by the legislature of Oregon asking that such portion of Washington Territory lying south of Snake river be annexed to Oregon. Until this memorial was presented to congress the people in the region most interested in such The Historic Walla Walla River Scene on Mill Creek HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 97 action were entirely ignorant of the movement. To a majority of them the proposition was dis- tasteful. They expressed their opinion freely and forcibly, and it may be added, effectually. The same session a bill was introduced to prepare for the admission of Washington and a portion of Idaho into the Union by permit- ting: the citizens to frame a constitution with that end in view. But neither of the measures was seriously considered by congress; for a time they were set aside. Again the question of transportation be- came a live issue in 1871. Only a little had been accomplished in this direction when the Northern Pacific Railroad Company made a proposition to survey a route from Wallula to Walla Walla provided the citizens would sub- scribe $2,000 toward expenses of such sur- vey. The plats and notes were to be turned over to the Walla Walla & Columbia River Railroad Company if the Northern Pacific Company decided not to build. For June 26, 1 87 1, the county commissioners called an elec- tion. It was a question of subscription in county bonds, under the act of 1869. But this order for an election was revoked before the arrival of the appointed day. It became too evident that it would be a useless expense to hold it. But an election was held September 18, 1 87 1 ; the result was adverse to the propo- sition. The Northern Pacific Company having decided not to build, had James Tilton, its chief engineer, report to the Walla Walla & Columbia River Railroad Company, in May, 1871. This report showed the length to be 31^ miles; maximum grade 59 feet; estimated cost, $673,236.71, or $21,271.30 per mile. At that period the principal stockholders of the W. W. & C. R. R. R. Co. were Dr. D. S. Baker, H. M. Chase, L. Morris, William Stephens, J. F. Boyer, B. L. Sharpstein, and other citizens of Walla Walla. The incentive to the unsuccessful election of September 18, 1 87 1, had been a proposition from the W. W. & C. R. R. R. Co. for the delivery of $300,- 000 in bonds to construct a T-iron road within a year; to place in the hands of the county commissioners all moneys received front dozvn freight as a sinking fund, and to give the board permission to fix the rates on such freights, provided that it should not be placed at less than $2, nor so high as to exclude freight from the road ; to give a first mortgage on the road to secure the county; and to give security that the bonds would be legitimately ' used in constructing the road. The defeat of this proposition on Septem- ber 1 8th came as a great surprise to the com- pany. The chief reason for the road was a demand for shipment of produce from the county; the regulation of dozvn freights was to be placed in the hands of the representatives of the people, who could fix it at $2 if so de- sired. This was less than one-quarter of the cost at that period for conveying grain from Walla Walla to the river. By the act of con- gress a favorable vote of two-thirds was re- quired; so far short of this did it fall that a majority of eighteen against the measure was cast, the total vote being 935. The bulk of the stock was owned by Dr. Baker; he decided to build and control the road himself; grading was commenced at Walla Walla in March, 1872. Interwoven with this were a number of other railroad propositions; several public gatherings were held for the discussion of rail- road projects; a railroad from Walla Walla to La Grade was surveyed as far as Umatilla river and then abandoned. The founding of the town of Dayton in 1872 was an event of no small importance. S. M. Wait and William Matzger, the fall before, had begun the erection of a large flour- ing mill on the Touchet; a town blossomed in the spring; by autumn it had ripened several stores, a hotel, a flouring mill, sawmill and five hundred people. An account of the burglary of the county safe in April, 1872, is recited in the history of Walla Walla. 9 8 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY The railroad question remained paramount during the years 1873 and 1874. Many pro- jects were placed afoot that eventually failed to materialize. Some of them, however, were pushed to completion. Mass meetings were held for the purpose of discussing various propositions of various companies. Among these were the Seattle & Walla Walla, The Portland, Seattle & Salt Lake, Dayton & Columbia River, and a company for the im- provement of navigation by a railroad and canal at The Dalles and Cascades. In survey- ing these various lines considerable money was expended; the only actual work of construc- tion was carried on by the Walla Walla & Columbia River Railroad Company, which touched the Touchet, a distance of fifteen miles from Wallula, in March, 1874. It soon be- gan receiving grain for shipment. Merely to obtain an expression of the tax- payers a vote was taken on the question of building a court house There was quite a large minority vote, but the commissioners de- cided to abide by the will of the majority. Plans were prepared; in February, 1873, those by F. P. Allen were accepted, for a brick court house on a stone foundation. The design was for a main building, with an ell, that would afford ample accommodation for all the county officers, court and jury rooms, and in the base- ment a jail with twelve cells. Two stories were above the basement ; the whole was surmounted by a dome, making a structure of considerable architectual beauty. As has been shown before the county now had a clear title to the court house square on Main street. Several people who desired to advance the value of their property on the city's outskirts, offered to donate land to the county upon which to erect buildings. All of these offers were considered, rejected, and court house square selected as the site. But there remained a disagreeable surprise for the citizens of Walla Walla county. Two weeks later the commissioners rescinded the court house square order and accepted the offer of four blocks of land between Second and Fourth streets, and one-fourth mile north of Main street. Some of the citizens declared that they did not want "a court house located where it would take a Sabbath day's journey to reach it." Then the board altered the plans, reduced the size of the building; took off the dome, and stripped it of all ornamental features. In appearance it resembled, on paper, a huge barn. Finally and farcically the com- missioners decided to erect no building at all. There was a stampede for gold in October, 1873. Alleged discoveries were made on the Swank, a tributary of the Yakima river. Many visited the "mines" only to find that "all that glitters is. not gold." In 1874 the universal topic of discussion was the annexation of a portion of Idaho to Washington and admission of the whole as one state into the Union. This was especially favored by the people of Walla Walla county. It would increase the strength of the country east of the Cascades; enable the resident to demand and enforce rights that residents west of the mountains were inclined to ignore Peo- ple on the Sound fell in line with the project because it would increase the population and aid materially in securing admission. Residents of the interested section of Idaho favored it for the same reason ; they would become a portion of a real State. Mlass meetings were held in Walla Walla county and in Idaho; memorials were forwarded to congress. Yet the question of holding a constitutional convention was sub- mitted to the people and decided adversely. It was the general opinion that the movement was premature. In Walla Walla county 260 votes were cast on the proposition ; 24 of them only favored it. The year 1875 witnessed the completion of the Walla Walla & Columbia River Rail- road from Wallula to Walla Walla. By private capital the project had been pushed ahead slowly. Citizens of Walla Walla county had subscribed $26,478; in October they had HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 99 the satisfaction of seeing shipments of grain from Walla Walla over this line. Other rail- road propositions were in the air. ■ Mass meet- ings were held at Dayton and Waitsburg to consider the question of a road from those towns to Walla Walla. The P. D. & L. Com- pany's, and the Columbia River Improvement Company's schemes alternately elevated the people to a high pinnacle of expectancy, or dashed their hopes. From Walla Walla to Baker City a telegraph line was one of the improvements of 1875. January 21, 1875, will long be remembered owing to a sad accident that occurred that day. It was a fatal snow slide. That morning a man named Tate left his home at the base of the mountains. Returning in the evening he found it demolished by an avalanche. His wife and two children had been killed; the baby was found unharmed slumbering peace- fully in the only part of the building that had •escaped destruction. The main structure had been swept away by the resistless force of the slide. The poor mother had, evidently, ex- tricated herself and then, digging the two chil- dren out, had laid them in the shed. The girl's neck had been broken; the mother had laid her on her back with her little hands crossed over her breast. The boy was found lying on his face with his back and one leg broken. It was thought that he must have been alive, when taken from the ruins by his mother. The wife had her jaw and one arm shattered besides receiving internal injuries. Yet desperately had she struggled to save her children. She had started for help; so deep was the snow that she had fainted and was compelled to abandon the attempt. Efforts to , return to her children had been unavailing; she had sunk exhausted in the snow and died. Such was the melancholy greeting for the father and husband on his home coming. In 1869 Waitsburg had made an abortive attempt to divide the county. In 1875 this was repeated by Dayton with more success. In the upper end of the county during those six intervening years settlement had steadily progressed. Very valuable for agricultural purposes were found to be the high bench lands; hundreds of families had settled upon them. Dayton was now a place of considerable commercial importance. It ■ was located far enough from Walla Walla to be relieved of the disadvantages under which Waitsburg had struggled in its efforts to become a county seat. The history of Columbia county will afford the reader an account of the slicing of Walla Walla county under the act of Novem- ber 11, 1875. In a highly prosperous condition the Cen- tennial year found Walla Walla county. And yet it had lost two-thirds of its territory. The assessed valuation in 1875 was $2,792,065, while in 1876 the property left in the county following the division was assessed at $2,296,- 870. There were reported 239 mules, 5,281 horses, 11,147 cattle, 13,233 sheep, 4,000 hogs, 1,774 acres of timothy, 700 of corn, 2,600 of oats, 6,000 of barley, 21,000 of wheat and 700 fruit trees. The Walla Walla & Columbia River railroad was carrying wheat and the product of six flouring mills from the county, and signs of prosperity were visible on every hand. The county treasury contained $5,271.61 on the first of May, while only $2,816.56 were due on outstanding warrants. The commissioners raised the roof of the court house on Alder street five feet, and built a two-story addition 20x24 feet. They also constructed three brick vaults for the preserva- tion of the county records. We now approach the second attempt of Oregon to secure the territory then known as Walla Walla county. No little dissatisfaction had been aroused among the people of Walla Walla and Waitsburg by the division of the county in the fall of 1875. It had been accom- plished by the votes of members of the legis- lature living west of the mountains. It was at this critical juncture that the Walla Walla and (■hOFC, IOO HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. Waitsburg people were in a mood to sever all connection with the residents of the Sound country. They declared emphatically that the Sound people cared nothing for Eastern Wash- ington beyond the amount of tax that could be raised here. Financial, political and other ills might be effectually cured by annexation. In the mouths of many this was a strong argu- ment. Several newspapers in the coveted territory which, when a previous attempt had been made to annex Walla Walla county to Oregon, had strenuously opposed it, now warmly advocated the project. There was, undoubtedly, a strong undercurrent of feeling in favor of leaving Washington Territory and becoming a part of the old State of Oregon. It was in vain that the Idaho people protested that such a step would leave them entirely un- provided for. They were told that Walla Walla purposed to look to its own interests first and those of its neighbors afterwards. They declared that they had become convinced that many years must elapse before Washing- ton could be admitted as a state, even with a portion of Idaho added, and they purposed to secure the advantages of a state government at once by joining themselves to Oregon. When the proposed scheme was unfolded to the people of the Sound their indignation knew no bounds. They stoutly declared that such a step would delay admission to the Union indefinitely. In reply the Walla Walla people asserted that this region had been used by them simply as a source of revenue long enough and that if annexation could be secured it would be had at all events, no matter what the opinions of the Sound people might be. At this period Hon. James K. Kelly, of Oregon, was United States senator from that state. In the senate he introduced a bill pro- viding for a submission to the voters of Walla Walla and Columbia counties the question of their annexation to Oregon, thus including all territory south of Snake river. But there was a strong demurrer; Dayton citizens who had favored division of the county, were re- calcitrant when it came to the question of an- nexation to Oregon. They did not join in the loud cry for separation voiced by Walla Walla. They could see no reason for it that had not existed before, in fact, not so much in view of the rapid settlement of the country which would soon secure admission to the Union on the old plan. To think was to act with the enterprising Columbians. They at once memorialized congress protesting against the bill introduced by Senator Kelly. Walla Walla, also, became active. It bestirred itself ; held mass meetings and also forwarded a memorial to Washington, D. C, in hearty sup- port of the bill. But it failed to pass. Repre- sentative Lane, of Oregon, in the house intro- duced a bill of similar import, naming the next' November election as the day on which to vote upon the question. The committee on Territories reported favorably on this meas- ure, but it did not pass the house. Undoubtedly many people were, for the time, bitterly disappointed. But they had by this time cooled off considerably and their better judgment told them that they had been in error. Walla Walla county concluded to get back into the traces and work heartily with the rest of the Territory for admission as a state. During these two years the financial status of the county was excellent. The report of the year ending April 30, 1877, showed the re- ceipts to have been $46,657.11, and the ex- penditures $43,797.99. The cash on hand was $8,130.73, while but $746.55 we're due on county warrants. A population of 5,056 and 901 dwellings were reported by the assessor. The report in 1878 showed $46,800.43 re- ceipts, $33,436.07 expenditures, $21,468.09 cash on hand, and $894.80 outstanding war- rants. During the years 1877 and 1878 the minds of the people were engrossed by the usual number of railroad schemes. Promineint- HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. IOI among these was the Seattle & Walla Walla road. This company sought to obtain sub- sidies from the county. At the Cascades a survey of a canal was made in the spring of 1877, for which purpose an appropriation had been made by the government. During the autumn of the same year the Walla Walla & Columbia River Railroad Company also sur- veyed an extension of its line from Whitman Junction to Weston. The Northern Pacific Railroad Company, in the summer of 1878, surveyed a route across the Cascade moun- tains, and government work on the canal at the Cascades was begun. In the development of Walla Walla county these projects played no unimportant part and became topics of ab- sorbing interest to the people. In the ship- ment of products great advance had been made, and all branches of industry were con- stantly expanding. This is shown by the amount of freight handled by the railroad in Walla Walla county in 1877. There were received 8,000 tons, of which 3.500 tons were agricultural implements. There were for- warded 19,884 tons of wheat, 4,653 of flour, 917 of oats and barley, 326 of flaxseed, 81 of wool, 172 of bacon and lard and 280 tons of miscellaneous freight, footing a total of 26,- 313 tons sent out of the country tributary to Walla Walla. Dayton people and others in that vicinity and further east, shipped via the Snake river. While the matter of transportation through the Walla Walla country is worthy of a chap- ter by itself, we propose to deflect the thread of our narrative sufficient to give a short re- capitulation of traffic affairs from 1863. Through the establishment of an overland mail route in 1864, between Walla Walla and Salt Lake City, a new departure was made in the postal service. Ben Holladay secured this contract, and he' put on stages connecting with his other overland line from California. Over this route the first mail left Walla Walla July 1, 1864; the first mail received from the east came on the 20th. Great impetus was given to trade and travel in this section by dis- coveries in the rich Montana mines in 1865-6, and new markets for products were opened. It is undeniable that about this period the Oregon Steam Navigation Company discrimin- ated against Walla Walla. In April, 1867, they raised the rate from The Dalles to Wallula from $32.50 to $35 per ton. Many teamsters, accordingly, began hauling to Walla Walla, but this competition between mule teams and steamboats was short lived. Owing to rapid increase of settlement in the county there was a surplus of products over and above the demands of the home market. But owing to extremely high freight rates there was small encouragement for farmers. This was, also, the case with flour and wool, the other great staple products. Wheat was worth $1.25 per bushel in Walla Walla in 1865 ; two years later increased production had lowered it to thirty cents. The same year flour was emoted at $10 per barrel; in 1868 it was shipped to New York and sold for the same price. Thus it will be seen that shipping wheat at thirty cents per bushel and flour at $5.30 per barrel was by no means a lucrative business. What was the remedy ? Reduction in the cost of transpor- tation. Therefore it appeared reasonable that the building of a railroad between Walla Walla and Wallula was of vital moment. One article published in the Statesman advocated a horse railway if nothing better could be secured. But an account of the construction of the Walla Walla & Columbia River Railroad has been re- lated in an earlier portion of this chapter. The Grande Ronde & Walla Walla Railroad Company was incorporated in the spring of 1872. The same year a line was surveyed to the Umatilla river, thirty-six miles, where work was stopped for the winter and never resumed. A bill was introduced in congress in the spring of 1873 granting the right of way for a road from the Northern Pacific line at Spokane river via Penawawa, Dayton, Waitsburg, 102 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. Walla Walla, LaGrande, Baker City and Boise City to some point on the Southern Pacific road. But this bill failed to pass. On the Sound, in 1873, tne Seattle & Walla Walla Railroad Company was organized. In August A. A. Denny and J. J. McGilvra vis- ited Walla Walla in the interests of this road. At Walla Walla, Waitsburg and Dayton mass meetings were held. Through the Snoqualmie pass the Cascade mountains were to be crossed ; the road was to be 260 miles long; the estimated cost was $4,500,000. Men who a few days later declared their inability to raise $40,000 to aid in completing a road from Wallula, grew optimistic and even enthusiastic over a road to cost above four millions. They agreed to raise five-thirteenths of the money provided Walla Walla was made the ferminus, and they were permitted to name five of the thirteen directors. Accordingly the incorporation was amended ; S. Schwabacher, W. F. Kimball, Jesse N. Day, W. P. Bruce and W. M. Shelton were chosen the five directors to represent this region. Several days after this new project had been taken up, September 22, 1873, a meeting was held at Walla Walla to consider a proposition made by Dr. Baker. At first, utilizing wooden rails, he had been quietly and slowly building his road. Then he placed strap-iron on the wood, and he now proposed to strap-iron it to Walla Walla provided the people would subscribe $40,000 to the capital stock, or take that amount of bonds. But so full of big railroads and million dollar propositions were the heads of the people that they would give no money to the little, unostentatious road, in reality the only one that had exhibited any sign of vitality. Alone and unaided Dr. Baker plodded along. The minds of the people of Walla Walla county were, also, diverted from the little road by another project. For several years The Portland, Dalles & Salt Lake Railroad Com- pany had been organized. It proposed to cheapen transportation on the Columbia in op- position to the Oregon Steam Navigation Com- pany and to build a road from Umatilla, or some point on the river, to the Central Pacific railway near Ogden. Eastern Oregon and Idaho, as well as Walla Walla, favored this enterprise, and it was from the latter place that it was the intention to build a branch to some point on its main line. Congress was asked to guarantee the interest on this company's bonds, in the spring of 1874, to the amount of $10,000 per mile; the company offered to carry the United States mail free of charge. This bill was introduced by Senator Mitchell, of Oregon, but did not pass. In 1875 another strong effort was made to secure congressional aid for this road, but again the measure was defeated. But another bill providing for a preliminary survey of the road became a law. A dispatch was received March 13, 1875, to the effect that arrangements had been made with English capitalists to furnish $18,000 per mile to finance the road, which was to be com- pleted within five years. Throughout the Walla Walla country jubilees were held and there was much rejoicing until it was learned that this contemplated arrangement had totally collapsed. In August, 1874, the Dayton & Columbia River Transportation Company filed articles of incorporation. A narrow gauge road from Dayton to Wallula via Waitsburg and Walla Walla, thence by steamer and rail portages at The Dalles and Cascades continuing their line to the mouth of the Columbia, was the end in view. This enterprise, however, was beyond the means of its projectors, although it would, doubtless, have proved of great advantage to Walla Walla county and vicinity. It was in March, 1874, that the Walla Walla & Columbia River Railroad Company completed its track from Wallula to theTouchet, a distance of fifteen miles. From this stream, the same year, it carried 4,021 tons of wheat and brought in 1,126 tons of merchandise. Then began a transportation "see-saw" and shilly-shally, but which eventually resulted in HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 103 something tangible. The company proposed, in January, 1875, to at once complete the road if the people would subscribe $75,000 to the capital stock. Such a sum could not be raised, was the decision at a meeting held at Walla Walla. Another and final proposition was sub- mitted by the company. They would immed- iately connect Walla Walla with the Columbia river by rail if the people would give them title to three acres of ground for depot and side-tracks, secure the right of way for nine miles west of the depot, and subscribe $25,000. This proposition was accepted at a mass meet- ing held January 26, 1875, and a committee named to raise the amount. After $20,065 had been subscribed the matter began to cool. Then the journals in the vicinity threw a scare into the community by insinuating that the road might find terminal facilities at Whitman station six miles below, which would be dis- astrous to Walla Walla; the subscription was immediately increased to $26,478.05, many farmers turning in wheat at 30 cents per bushel. A number of meetings were held at Dayton and Waits,burg to consider the practicability of connecting these towns with Walla Walla by a narrow gauge railway; nothing eventuated. October 23, 1875, the road was completed to Walla Walla with 25-pound T-iron. The same year 9,155 tons of wheat were hauled over it. At Walla Walla, in 1876, a war between the people and the railroad was inaugurated. From $5 to $5.50 per ton freights were advanced. Although this was less than one-half the amount charged prior to the completion of the road, feeling on both sides was bitter. In an article headed "Citizens vs. Railway Rates," Mr. Frank T. Gilbert says : It was claimed that the $25,000 bonus given to complete it had been worse than thrown away; that the sum would have completed a good wagon road, which would always have served as a check upon the railroad and compelled its construction to Walla Walla without subsidy. The wagon road to Wallula was a bad one, and the papers urgently renewed the demand they had been making for several years, for the county commissioners to put it in good condition. An appropriation of $5,000 was made for that purpose in February, and a committee of merchants waited upon Dr. Baker to ask for a reduction of down freight. He con- vened the board of directors, who voted not to grant the request. The business firms to the num- ber of fifty-three, nearly every one of consequence in the city, then endorsed a resolution passed by the Grange Council, not to ship by the railroad, nor trade with any firm that did so. The Grangers also investigated the question of a canal from Whitman Mission to Wallula.' Several hundred tons of wheat were forwarded in wagons by the merchants for $5 a ton, and merchandise brought back at the same rate. The people of Dayton and vicinity hauled their grain to the mouth of the Tucanon, where the Oregon Steam Navigation Company received and took it to Portland for $8 per ton. It cost $4.50 to put it on the boat. Special arrangements were made to receive freight at the mouth of the Tucanon, where a little place called Grange City sprang up. The Oregon Steam Navigation Company, which had been alternately flattered and abused, was now looked upon for a time as a good institution, because, in its own interest, it was endeavoring to draw freight Jo the river above Wallula. Still, when Captain J. T. Stump offered to build a boat suited to the Snake river trade, and carry freight in opposition to that company, the Grangers aided him with money for that purpose, the firm of Paine Bros. & Moore sup- plying the funds. This boat, the "Northwest," was run as an opposition by Captain Stump and Smail Brothers until 1878, when it entered the Oregon Steam Navigation Company's service. The attempt to compete with the Railroad by teams was soon abandoned as impracticable, as it was found that even if the road was making too much profit at $5.50 per ton, it was a cheaper rate than the teamsters could afford to haul for. The Ore- gon Steam Navigation Company received at Wal- lula in 1876, 16,766 tons, 15,266 of which came by Baker's railroad and 1,500 by other convey- ances. It delivered 4,034 tons of up freight, of which the railroad forwarded all but 513. Two- thirds of the shipments were of wheat and the balance was flour, bacon, wool, etc. In the fall of 1876 a number of other new railroad projects appeared on the transporta- tion horizon. In March the Walla Walla & Dayton Railroad Company was incorporated. The object was to connect these two points with Dayton the headquarters. The trustees named were Jesse N. Day, E. Ping, A. H. Reynolds, io4 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY S. M. Wait, and H. M. Chase. Still, nothing permanent resulted from this organization. At Portland, in September, the Oregon Pacific Railroad Company was incorporated. It pro- posed to construct a line from Portland along the Columbia to Umatilla county; thence east- ward through Idaho to the Union Pacific road near Ogden. Wealthy capitalists of Portland were the incorporators. Practically this line was the successor of The Portland, Dalles & Salt Lake Company and was to follow nearly the same route. In the Oregon legislature a bill was introduced to lend this company $24,000 for each 20 miles of track completed. The measure did not pass and the company vanished. In September, 1877, it was suc- ceeded by The Portland, Salt Lake & South Pass Railroad Company, organized to accom- plish the same object and to secure advantage of the laches of the Northern Pacific Railroad Company, whose extended land grant was about to expire. From the Walla Walla country shipments by rail largely increased in 1877: They con- sisted of wheat, 22,200 tons ; flour, oats, barley, flaxseed, wool, bacon, lard, etc., 6,606 tons, of which two-thirds were flour. Of up freight there were 8,368 tons. Of this 3,500 tons were agricultural implements. There were 8,500 tons of wheat exported in 1878; 6,514 of flour, etc., and 10,450 tons of merchandise im- ported. Via Wallula the average railway freight was $4.50 per ton. Dr. Baker refused to sell the Walla Walla & Columbia River Railroad to the Oregon Steam Navigation Company. The latter or- ganization wanted it badly. It was their in- tention to build a general system of roads in this region. However, negotiations were con- tinued until January, 1879, when Dr. Baker disposed of six-sevenths of his stock to Cap- tain J. C. Ainsworth, W. S. Ladd, S. G. Reed and C. E. Tilton. At that period there were 32 miles of this road valued at $10,000 per mile, with 100 cars and four locomotives. The purchasers of this stock had bought it as in- dividuals, although they were chief owners of the Oregon Steam Navigation system. But the two companies neither combined nor be- came dependent on each other. Dr. Baker, in the fall of 1877, na d had a survey and estimate made of an extension of his road from Whit- man Junction to Weston ; under the new man- agement work was commenced. During the autumn of this year a last effort was made by the Seattle & Walla Walla Rail- road Company to secure financial aid to throw its line across the Cascades, thus forestalling the Northern Pacific Company, then about to resume active operations. Under suspension of the rules, during the closing hours of the legislature, in November, a bill in its interests was passed. This measure provided that the Seattle & Walla Walla road should amend its articles of incorporation so as to continue the road from Walla Walla through Dayton to Colfax. There was, also, provision for a special election to be held April 9, 1878, to vote on the question of a subscription to its stock by the various counties, the amount of each being designated ; an adverse decision by both King and Walla Walla counties was to nega- tive the whole matter. Before a vote was reached, however, opinion obtained that author- ity had been exceeded by the legislature, the organic act of the Territory containing a clause forbidding the legislative assembly to issue or authorize the issuance of any obligations ; the matter dropped into oblivion. Quite an important transportation for a number of years was the Northwestern Stage Company. In 1871 it ran through Washing- ton, Oregon, Idaho, Nevada and Utah, con- necting the Columbia river with the Pacific Railroad in Utah, and carrying passengers, the United States mail and Wells, Fargo & Company's express. It lost the government contracts in 1878, and passed out of existence. Beyond Boise City it was not running at that period. Of daily stage line it had been operat- On a Walla Walla County Ranch HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 105 ing 435 miles; from Boise to Umatilla, 290 Miles; Umatilla to The Dalles, no miles; and a branch from Cayuse to Walla Walla, 35 miles. It employed 300 horses, 22 coaches; had 34 stations, about 150 employes, and con- sumed annually 730,000 pounds of grain and 825,000 pounds of hay. From Kelton, Utah, to The Dalles, connecting at Pendleton for Walla Walla was the route of the new con- tractor. To other parties was let another route from Walla Walla to Colfax via Waits- burg, Dayton, Pomeroy and Almota, and one from Dayton to Lewiston. At various points shorter routes branched out from the main lines. In 1878 a couple of projects to cheapen transportation were placed afield. U. B. Scott & Company, of Portland, who had been run- ning opposition boats on the Willamette river, in May of this year, offered to place a complete line on the Columbia including railroads at The Dalles and Cascades, provided a company with a cash capital of $350,000 was organized. A meeting was called at Walla Walla, but the business men declined to attend it. Another convention to be composed of delegates from each election precinct east of the Cascades was called at the same town, for June 8th, but they never assembled. That summer a proposition to the people of the upper Columbia was made by Governor David P. Thompson. He offered to construct railroads at The Dalles and Cas- cades, with necessary wharf boats, etc., to cost $300,000, provided they would subscribe half that sum. All freight offered he agreed to carry around the Cascades for $1 per ton, and around The Dalles for $2 ; wheat and flour to be taken at half that rate. This idea of the Scott people was the same one that had prompted the Baker combination in 1864; that facilities for portage being thus in the hands of a common carrier compelled to accept all freight and passengers offered, would enable independent boats to multiply on the river to an extent that would materially reduce freight rates. It was urged that rates then collected by the Oregon Steam Navigation Company would show the following sharp contrasts : O. S. N. Co. New Rate. Portland to The Dalles $10.00 $4.00 Portland to Umatilla 20.00 8.00 Portland to Wallula 25.00 9.00 Portland to Palouse 32.40 10.00 Portland to Almota 37.50 11.00 Portland to Lewiston 40.00 12.00 The sum of $150,000 was greater than could be raised here, although the scheme was regarded with high favor. The idea was abandoned by U. B. Scott & Company, who turned their attention in other directions. One of the phenomenal enterprises that have swelled to vast proportions under the in- fluence of unlimited capital, is the Oregon Railroad & Navigation Company. It is not within our province to record the history of this great system in its entirety, but simply to treat such portion of it as impinges on Walla Walla county. With the creation of this system through the business genius of Henry Villard, it secured control at the outset of all rivers, ocean lines, portage roads and the road from the Columbia river to Walla Walla. These became the nucleus of that great rail- way and navigation system that now traverses the ocean, the rivers and Puget Sound. Within a trifle over three years this company con- structed new railway lines from Portland to Walla Walla and beyond to Snake river at Riparia, with a branch to Waitsburg and Day- ton. Great improvement in shipping facilities was afforded Walla Walla in 1879 and 1880 when the Walla Walla & Columbia River road was sold to the Oregon Railroad & Navigation Company, who changed the line to a broad gauge and otherwise improved the equipment. Today it is the principal road through the county. It now falls within the province of this chapter to tell a portion of the story of the io6 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. great Northern Pacific Railroad since 1863. Its anterior history, or rather the history of its inception, is related elsewhere. By the Act of July 2, 1864, the Northern Pacific Rail- road Company was incorporated and granted a right of way. In aid of its construction the company was given the odd numbered sections of public lands lying within ten miles of the road in the states, and within 20 miles in the territories. In ineffectual efforts to secure a sufficient amount of capital, and to induce the government to guarantee bonds of the com- pany, several years were subsequently spent. With Jay Cooke & Company, in 1870, a con- tract was made to serve as financial agents of the road and procure money for its construc- tion. One year before this, in the summer of 1869, a party of gentlemen, officials and en- gineers of the Northern Pacific road, passed from the Sound east, across the continent. As pioneer inspectors of the route we find them communicating the following expressions of appreciation of a Walla Walla citizen and his efforts in the interest of the Northwest. It is an extract from a private letter, dated at Camp No. 6, six miles north of Spokane river, is signed by Thomas H. Canfield, W. Milnor Robeson, Samuel Wilkeson, W. A. Johnson, W. E. C. Moorhead and is in the following language : During the few weeks we accompanied each other in the important reconnaissance we are now making, we have seen more than we have ever before met with in the same space of time; and we are glad to have it in our power to say that your glaring statements of the natural advantages of this wonderful region on the Pacific Slope have not been overstated — that - so far as we have advanced from Puget Sound on our way to the summit of the main divide between the Pacific and Atlantic waters they are fully sustained. At no distant period, when the Northern Pa- cific Railroad shall have become a fixed fact, and when trains of cars shall be daily passing between Puget Sound and the Atlantic cities, your name, will ever be honorably associated among the pio- neers who have been instrumental in securing pub- lic attention to this remarkable route, and in has- tening the actual construction of a grand trunk continental railroad over it. To Philip Ritz this letter refers, and to him it was written. In this connection it may be stated that as early as 1866 Mr. Ritz com- menced investigation by exploration of this northern route, making several trips across the mountains in that direction. So thoroughly im- pressed was he with its importance and feasibil- ity that, in the winter of 1867 and 1868 he de- termined to visit Washington to urge the pro- ject. For that purpose he crossed the con- tinent in a stage coach in mid-winter. At the instance of the directors of the Northern Pacific road, in March, 1868, he con- tributed to the press an article entitled, "The Agricultural and Mineral Resources of the Northwestern Territories on the Line of the Northern Pacific Railroad." Upon the desk of every member of congress a copy of this letter was laid; it was extensively circulated throughout the country and referred to in a number of speeches made on the subject. Mr. Ritz was informed by General Cass and Will- iam B. Ogden, two of the earliest and wealthiest directors, and to whom the great enterprise is mainly indebted for its existence, while visit- ing this country a number of years afterward, that his letter was the means of attracting their attention to the scheme of building a railroad along the northern route. Of Mr. Ritz the editor of the Helena (Mont:) Herald, which journal published his letter, said : More than any other man he has endeav- ored to further the interest of the country about which he writes. He has ever been a warm advo- cate of the immediate construction of the Northern Pacific Railroad, and by his many able expositions of the importance of this grand enterprise, he has *been greatly instrumental in direct- ing the attention of railroad corporations and capitalists to this route. He is thor- oughly familiar with the region of the North- west, of which he is one of the pioneers. This fact, combined with his ability as a writer, and his peculiar faculty of making intelligent observa- tions during his travels, renders his views regard- HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 107 ing the opening of lines of communication between the various prominent points of the Territories re- ferred to, valuable for reference or information to our people and outside capitalists, as well as entertaining to the general reader. It cannot fail to interest all of our readers and we com- mend it to their attentive perusal. October 21, 1880, the Oregon Improve- ment Company, capitalized at $5,000,000, was incorporated. Its powers and scope included the owning and management of any kind of property that might invite investment. This corporation became interested in the Walla Walla country in a rather peculiar manner. Enterprising citizens of Walla Walla and Day- ton, realizing the demand for lumber and tim- ber for fuel, fencing, and building purposes, inaugurated business projects that included the ownership of timber land and lumber mills in the adjoining mountains and the construction of water flumes to connect their saw mills with the valley, down which to float lumber, fire- wood, railroad ties, etc. But they had under- taken more than they could carry through ; they became insolvent. By their failure progress of the country and completion of railroads was delayed. Realizing this condition the Improve- ment Company took over considerable of their property, including the flume to Dayton, in Washington Territory, and then the one to Milton, Oregon, each nearly thirty miles in length. To a successful conclusion they carried both enterprises. Incomplete would be this synopsis of rail- road connections in Walla Walla county were no reference made to the Great Northern line. True, it does not penetrate the county, yet through its traffic arrangements with the Ore- gon Railroad & Navigation Company it af- fords, practically, the benefit of another trans- continental line. At times Walla Walla has been handicapped by the fact of not being on either one of the main lines, but there has been steady improvement during the last half de- cade; with confidence she may look to the future with well-founded anticipations of cheap and satisfactory transportation facilities. CHAPTER IV CURRENT EVENTS— 1878 TO 1905 recognition. Eleven years prior to the admission of Washington to the Union, there was rife a demand from the people for such And yet, when a constitution had been framed and the machinery for admission was running smoothly, many of these same peo- ple voted stoutly against the adoption of the constitution. The vote in Walla Walla county was 89 only, for the constitution ; 847 against it. Reference to the political chapter will show that a much smaller majority was cast against the convention at the county election of Novem- ber 7, 1876. This heavy vote against a con- stitution is, however, readily explained by the status of the annexation scheme at that period. It was Territorial Delegate Jacobs who, during the congressional session of 1877-8, first urged the passage of .a bill admitting Wash- ington as a state. It was within the scope of his plan to include the three northern counties of Idaho. At that period these counties were Kootenai, Shoshone and Nez Perce. Latah, has since been cut off from Nez Perce county, and the Idaho territory that was to accompany Washington into the Union now comprises four counties. With great persistence Dele- gate Jacobs urged the issue, supporting his position by arguments to the effect that the people of Washington Territory were about to frame a constitution, and were sufficiently io8 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. strong, financially and in point of population, to maintain a state government. But about this time another memorial was presented to congress by Senator Mitchell ; a revival of the old annexation scheme, which had been only "scotched," not killed. The Walla Walla L T nion was still heartily in favor of the annex- ation of the county to the state of Oregon and earnestly voiced its sentiments. But congress neither passed the admission bill nor took action on the annexation plan. This failure, or indifference rather, on the part of congress did not deter the people of Washington from their purpose to frame a con- stitution. The Territorial legislature passed a bill in November, 1877, providing for a special election to be held April 9, 1878, to select delegates to a constitutional convention to meet in Walla Walla the second Tuesday in June. Fifteen delegates from Washington and one from Idaho were to comprise the per- sonnel of this assembly, although the Idaho delegate was not given a vote. Only about half the popular vote of the Territory was cast, 4,223. The members of this convention were : W. A. George, Walla Walla, at large; Edward Eldridge, Whatcom, at large; S. M. Gilmore, Klickitat, at large; S. M. Wait, Columbia, First judicial district; B. F. Denni- son, Columbia, Second judicial district; C. H. Larrabee, Columbia, Third judicial district ; C. M. Bradshaw, Jefferson, Clallam Island, Jefferson and San Juan ; Henry B. Emery, Kitsap, Snohomish and Whatcom; L. B. An- drews, King; D. B. Hannah, Pierce, Pierce, Chehalis and Mason; Frank Henry, Thurston, Thurston and Lewis; A. S. Abernethy, Cow- litz, Pacific and Wahkiakum ; G.- H. Steward, Clark, Clark, Skamania, Klickitat and Yakima ; O. P. Lacy, Walla Walla, Walla Walla ; J. V. O'Dell, Whitman, Columbia, Whitman and Stevens ; Alonzo Leland, Nez Perce, Idaho. At 12 o'clock m., Tuesday, June 1-1, 1878, the delegates assembled at Science Hall, Walla Walla. They were called to order by W. A. George. A temporary organization was ef- fected by the election of A. S. Abernethy, presi- dent. This was succeeded by a permanent or- ganization with Mr. Abernethy still president, W. B. Daniels and William Clark, secretaries, and Henry D. Cock, sergeant-at-arms. The convention was in session forty days ; a con- stitution had been framed for submission to the people at the next general election. But little enthusiasm was manifested by the electors ; the total vote on the constitutional question fell 3,000 short of that cast for Territorial Dele- gate, being 6,462 for, and 3,231 against, in a total of 9,693. The reason assigned for this apathy was that the people considered the movement premature. The Bannock war of 1878, as it affected Washington Territory, has been fully treated in the general history chapters of this volume. The center of interest:, however, was in Uma- tilla county, Oregon. Yet it cannot be denied that, during the progress of this uprising, there was considerable excitement and uneasiness throughout Walla Walla county. The Bannocks of Southern Idaho and Eastern Oregon went on the war-path in June. Meanwhile Chief Moses, who had been com- porting himself in a rather cavalier manner for several years, became at this critical juncture an object of suspicion. The presence of Gov- ernor Elisha P. Ferry, who had come to Walla Walla and kept himself posted on the condition of affairs, exerted a soothing effect on the peo- ple; apparently they were waiting for him to become first excited. Consequently the "scare" of the year previous was not. repeated; the actual danger was far greater. When the hostiles came upon the Umatilla reservation it was supposed that they were moving steadily north, and with the intention of crossing the Columbia. This, if true, was a doleful prospect; they would mingle with the tribes of the Upper Columbia, already restless and uneasy, inject the virus of discontent and win them, also, over to the war-paint and the HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 109 war-path. It cannot be denied that this pros- pect was alarming. Under W. C. Painter forty volunteers hastened from Walla Walla to Wallula where Major Kees assumed com- mand of them. They patroled the Columbia in a steamer; this prompt action effectually blocked the anticipated crossing-. These Walla Walla volunteers, however, were within a few days relieved by a company of soldiers that had been ordered to the scene, and returned to Walla Walla. Thus was this county brought into direct touch with the Bannock war of 1878. The new transportation features presented in 1879 and 1880, were the sale of the Walla Walla & Columbia River Railroad to the Ore- gon Railroad & Navigation Company, and its change to a broad gauge line. Of great ad- vantage to this county was the increase of facilities for handling freight; assurance of greater improvement in the future was afforded by the magnitude of the new company; all kinds of business received the stimulus of new life and vigor; there was increased activity among manufacturers and producers, a con- dition that heretofore had been seriously handi- capped by low markets and limited shipping facilities. The years 1881 and 1882 were marked by an extension of the lines of the Oregon Rail- road & Navigation Company through W^aits- burg to Dayton; the construction of a line to Texas Ferry and an extension from Whitman Junction toward Weston. Through these enter- prises the county of Walla Walla was rapidly developed; settlers flocked in and each one of them became a potent advertiser of the county's resources. A narrow gauge line up Mill and Dry creeks, constructed by Dr. Baker, mater- ially aided in the development of that section of the county. During the past two years the Oregon Railroad & Navigation Company had been extending its line down the Columbia river with a view of affording direct communi- cation with Portland. The Northern Pacific Company was running a line east to meet the extension from that direction. The agricultural feature of Walla Walla county is, doubtless, the most prominent in the history of this rich and productive alluvial section. To satisfactorily cover our ground it becomes necessary to here recapitulate condi- tions and events since 1863 and through suc- ceeding years. East of the Cascades, in 1864, the great Pacific drouth was felt, and felt rather severely. No rain fell in the Walla Walla country in July or August. This fact evoked from the "Statesman" the remark ^'Notwithstanding the long-continued dry weather there will be some corn raised in the valley." Thirty days later the editor added : "Farmers have an abundance this year, many having sold their grain at from one and one-half to two cents per pound, while others are holding for better figures." It was in this memorable year, under discourag- ing conditions, that the discovery was made that hill lands would produce grain. This was a truth that was now gradually unfolding throughout the whole of Eastern Washington, and portions of Oregon awakened to the fact later on. This discovery was made by a farmer whose name, unfortunately, has been lost from the historic annals of Walla Walla county. But in the fall of 1863 he sowed fifty acres on the highlands; he harvested 1,650 bushels of excellent wheat in 1864. Concerning the flour product and recent improvement in quality of both flour and wheat grown and manufactured in the Blue mountain region the "Statesman" in November, 1864. said: "The flour now manufactured by the Walla Walla valley mills is fully equal in quality to any which finds its \vay into the market from Oregon, and the 'extra superfine' is far superior to much of that put up in the Willamette region. A year or two ago the reverse of this was true. * * * Our millers have within the last year made all the necessary improve- ments in the way of bolting machines, and no HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. are enabled to manufacture a good article of flour and sell it about as fast as it is put up, at the same rates as flour from the lower coun- try. Our farmers, too, have generally procured good and clean seed wheat in the place of the filthy mixed wheat which was formerly so abundant in the valley, and in this way have contributed immensely toward the improvement of the flour." Eggs were selling for 40 cents per dozen in June, 1865; butter at the same price per pound. Crickets destroyed half the crop along the Touchet Coppei creek. Wheat was sold for $1.25 per bushel in September, and Walla Walla manufactured flour sold at $10 per barrel; ten per cent, less than the California product could be delivered for in the same place. Following are among the Walla Walla products exported in 1865: Flour, 7,000 bar- rels ; hay, 583 tons ; oats and barley, 228 tons ; onions. 29 tons; potatoes, 21 tons; cabbages, lYi tons; bran, 7 tons; wool, 15,504 tons. In the spring of 1866 there was a steady demand for agricultural products to supply the populations in various mines. It was the ex- pressed opinion of the "Statesman" that such markets served "to stimulate our farmers to the utmost, and under this influence the pro- ductive resources of the valley are likely to be taxed to their utmost." Apparently in these days the people little realized the vast resources of this valley and surrounding country, in which the land area cultivated that season was only 17,921 acres, against 62,649 in 1879, and many thousands of acres additional within the past quarter of a century. November 2, 1866, a conservative estimate of the wheat yield between the Cascade and Rocky mountains was made. It gave to 'Walla Walla 200,000, to Grande Ronde valley 100,000, to Powder river, Payette, and Boise valleys, 100,- 000, and to Umatilla, Colville, Nez Perce, Bitter Root and adjoining valleys, 100,000 bushels, the whole totaling half a million bushels of wheat. That year the threshing tolls were, wheat 8 cents, oats 6 cents and barley 10 cents per bushel. July 9th of that year an assemblage of citi- zens gathered at the court house in Walla Walla and organized an agricultural society. These were the initial officers selected: H. P. Isaacs, president ; A. Cox and W. H. Newell, vice presidents; J. D. Cook, treasurer; E. R. Rees, secretary, and Charles Russell, T. G. Lee and A. A. Blanch, executive committee. It was decided to hold a county fair on the 4th, 5th and 6th of the coming October. The executive committee named above were selected as man- agers, and the executive committee for the pro- posed fair were J. D. Cook, H. P. Isaacs and W. H. Newell. The grain product of the Blue mountain region in 1867 rather exceeded the demand, which was purely local. The county, owing to lack of suitable transportation, was threatened with a general paralysis of agricultural in- dustries. An attempt was made to avert this by shipping the surplus down the Columbia to the seaboard. At this period freights on flour were: From Wallula per ton to Lewiston, $15; to The Dalles, $6 ; to Portland, $6. By June 13th there had been shipped by the Oregon Steam Navigation Company 5,311 barrels, divided as follows : To Portland, between May 27th and June 13th, 4,156 barrels; to The Dalles, between April 19th and June 2d, 578 barrels; to Lewiston, between April 18th and May 14th, 577 barrels. From Walla Walla the same year Frank & Wertheimer shipped down the Columbia 15,000 bushels of wheat, really the inception of the great outflow of bread products from the interior. There was a short crop in 1869. This was due to drouth, and farmers had not received sufficient encouragement to induce them to crop heavily. In the light of the sale, of only one lot, by Mr. W. H. Babcock, of $50,000 worth of wheat, for which he received a single check for the amount in the fall of 1.904, and the sale by the Drumheller Bros, of HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. in 93,000 bushels for a check for $63,175 in 1905, it certainly seems strange to read of such dis- heartening industrial conditions in Walla Walla county in 1869. Still, in consequence of this short crop wheat in the county rose to 80 cents per bushel and flour to $5.50 per barrel. Hay sold for $17 per ton in November; oats and barley 2 cents per pound and butter 37K cents. While we have analyzed industrial condi- tions in the county at their gloomiest and most depressing periods, 1868 and 1869, let us glance at some of the causes which led up to a revival of agriculture and the heartening of agriculturists in Walla Walla county. It should not be overlooked that the farmers along the little valleys and creeks nearer the mines than was the vicinity of Walla Walla, were at this period supplying the principal mountain demand; the only hope left, and that rather a barren one, was to ship produce to tidewater. But this had been experimented with and the disagreeable discovery made that with present transportation facilities this was impracticable. Farmers were dolefully reluctant to dip deeply into a non-profitable industry. What was the status ? Simply there was not freight sufficient to warrant the Oregon Steam Navigation Com- pany in placnig extra steamers on the river. In view of these conditions the outlook was, indeed, gloomy. The inevitable result of all this was agita- tion for railway connections, and the result of the agitation was what was familiarly known as "Baker's railroad," at first a wooden rail, strap-ironed concern and narrow gauge at that. And this was Walla Walla's only connection with navigable waters. Of course, primitive as was this little line, it encouraged farmers to sow grain for a surplus ; it encouraged the Ore- gon Steam Navigation Company to increase its facilities for grain shipments; it resulted in a reduction of freight tariffs all along the line; practicably it made it possible for the farmer to inherit his God-given rights and cultivate the soil at a profit. True, our survey of early Walla Walla county agricultural conditions has been brief, but we must leave the subject — a topic upon which might be written a volume that would awaken keen interest among the pioneers of the county. For a pen picture of the topography, soil, climate, of this section the reader' is referred to the "Descriptive Chapter." By an act of congress in the spring of 187 1, the Walla Walla Land District was created! The office was located in the city of Walla Walla. Originally the district embraced all of Washington Territory lying east of the Cas- cade mountains, having been severed from the Vancouver district. Anderson Cox was ap- pointed receiver and William Stephens register. July 17, 1 87 1, these two gentlemen opened their office for business. Mr. Stephens was succeeded as register in 1875 by P. B. Johnson and in 1878 the latter's successor became E. H. Morrison. Upon the death of Mr. Cox in 1872 J. F. Boyer became receiver and in turn was succeeded by W. C. Painter in May, 1876. Mr. Painter was followed in July, 1878, by Alexander Reed. In 1876 this land district was divided, and Colfax District created; but the new office was not opened until April, 1878. The Yakima District was cut off in 1881, ma- terially diminishing its area. Several other changes have since been made, but they are not of great public interest at the present day. Between the Cascade and Rocky mountains the first efforts to grow fruit trees were made by Missionaries Spalding, on the Clearwater, and Whitman at his mission on the Walla Walla river. Both of these experiments were made in the spring of 1837, when seeds were planted. Red Wolf, a chief of the Nez Perce tribe, living at the mouth of Alpowa creek, was the third to make the attempt. The seeds were planted for him by Rev. Spalding possibly in the spring of 1837, but probably in 1838. Dur- ing the spring of 1859 a Mr. Clark set out a nursery about one and one-half miles south of 112 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. the town of Walla Walla, on Yellow Hawk creek. James W. Foster, in the fall of the same year brought fruit trees from over the Cascade mountains and set them out on a ranch. It was thus that Mr. Clark became the initial nursery man and Mr. Foster the first to plant an orchard, after Missionaries Whit- man and Spalding, between the Cascade and Rocky mountains. Mr. A. B. Roberts planted and set out what was subsequently known as the "Ward orchard," within the city limits of Walla Walla. Philip Ritz, coming from Ore- gon in 1 86 1, sold fruit trees to W. S. Gilliam on Dry creek, S. H. Irwin, Dobson and Mc- Kay, Jesse Drumheller, to Robert Moore on the Tumalum and Mr. Short, on the Umatilla, all of whom grew fine orchards. One and one- half miles south of Walla Walla, in 1862, Mr. Ritz opened a nursery of about 60,000 trees. In 1872 this was increased from 500,000 to 1 ,000,000. The first man to graze stock in the Walla Walla valley, after the Hudson's Bay Com- pany, was Dr. Marcus Whitman. In 1836 he brought with him into the valley several cows. Having afterward taken possession of the Whitman Mission for headquarters, Brooke, Bumford and Noble became grazers. Since that early period more or less cattle have lived upon the grass of Walla Walla county. The census returns of 1863 gave to that region 1,455 horses, 438 mules, 1,864 sheep, 3,957 meat cattle and 712 hogs. The same year a wool shipment of 15,000 pounds is noted by the "Statesman," which is too great a quantity of wool for that number of sheep. In 1864 the same paper observes that the recent attention of farmers having been turned to the raising of hogs may help to dispose of some of the surplus grain of the valley, and its issue of January 20, 1865, contains the follow- ing : "As a business hog-raising has been here- tofore almost entirely overlooked by farmers of Walla Walla valley, cattle, horses and sheep having been raised in large quantities. There is not enough to supply home demand for pork, bacon or lard, all of which is shipped from the Willamette." The following paragraph in- cludes stock driven out between 1875 an d 1878 : 1875-6, Shadly & D. W. Lang, 4,000; 1876-7, M. Ryan & D. W. Lang, 4,000; 1877, Everhardy & Spratly, 2,000; Kelly, 4,000; Charles Bush, 6,000 ; Joe Taylor, 2,000 ; Hunt- ington, 2,500; Carpenter & Robinson, 8,000; Auloy, 2,000; Jurden & Lloyd, 2,000; Nails Brothers, 6 ; ooo; Philip & Wilson, 2,000; Wheeler & Russell, 5,000; Gilispie, 4,000; Booth, Thompson & Company, 2,000; Nodine, 4,000; Newman, 4,000; S. Hawes & Evans, 4,000; Echust, 1,000; Taylor & Tinny, 25,000; N. R. Davis, 10,000; Kelley & Everhardy, 4,000; Rand & Brig-gs, 4,000; Dowell & Brother, 6,000; Ora Haley, 2,000; Arthur, 2,000; D. Harrer & Son, 6,000; Joseph Teal, 4,000; Hayden & Scribner, 2,000; Belworth & Cunningham, 2,000; Henry Lovell, 6,000; Thomas Foster & Snodgrass, 4,000; Wyatt & Hubbs, 2,000; G. B. Growe, 1,000; Stewart & Company, 4,000; Taylor, 1,000; Scott & Hank, 4,000; Russell & Bradley, 4,000; Daley & Kirkman, 4,000; P. T. Giverson, 400; 1877-8, M. Ryan & D. W. Lang, 11,000; 1878-9, M. Ryan & D. W. Lang, 13,000; 1876 to 1880, Insley & Boettcher, 4,000; Sewright & Brother, 20,000; 1879-80, M. Ryan & D. W. Lang; 1876 to 1880, Lee & Blewett, 14,000; 1878, John Wilford, 700. With the admission of Washington to statehood, in 1889, powerful impetus was im- parted to new enterprises everywhere. Es- pecially true was this of the Walla Walla coun- try. Even then the valley was famed for pros- perous farms and well-to-do people. Those who came there to establish their lares et penates remained to grow wealthy. Many new fields for investment were opened ; profits were sure for the sagacious and industrious. With some of the citizens energy and ambition were their sole capital ; the valley did the rest. It is yet a matter of interest and pride to Falls of the Coppei HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. ii3 Walla Walla county to note that the last Territorial Delegate, John B. Allen, and the last Territorial Governor, Miles C. Moore, were citizens of the county's capital. In the conven- tion which was summoned to meet in 1890 for the purpose of framing- a constitution for the new state, Judge B. L. Sharpstein, Dr. N. G. Blalock and-D. J. Crowley represented Walla Walla. It is needless to report, yet creditable to say, that Walla Walla county has always been largely represented in state issues. Of the congressional delegates from 1857 to 1888, four were citizens of the county. These were George E. Cole, elected in 1863; Alvin Flanders, in 1867; Thomas H. Brents, in 1878, 1880 and 1882, and John B. Allen, in 1888. A trio of distinguished Walla Walla citizens, J. D Mix, B. L. Sharpstein and N. T. Caton were nominees of the democrats but not elected. In 1880 the population of Walla Walla county was 8,716. In 1890 it had risen to 12,224, an d in 1900 it was accorded by the United States census a population of 18,680, divided among the precincts as follows : Baker, 737; Clyde, 521; Coppei, 283; Dixie, 544; Eureka, 312; Frenchtown, 246; Hadley, 229; Hill, 237; Lower Dry Creek, 146; Lower Touchet, yy; Mill Creek, 231; Prescott, 657; Ritz, 1,310; Russell Creek, Small, Waitsburg, co-extensive with Waits- burg City, 1,011; Walla Walla City, 10,049; Wallula, 437; Washington, 497. Following is the nativity : males, 9,419; females, 6,071; males, 1,827; females, 741; colored males, negro descent, Chinese, Japanese and Indians, males, 528; females., 43. Negroes, males 38; females, 13. The year 1901 in the county was enlivened by considerable real estate business. Accord- ing to the records of Auditor McLean there were filed in his office during that year 1,185 deeds to farm and city property. For the same year the mortgage records were, in many re- spects, remarkably satisfactory. Satisfactions Native born foreign born to the number of 365 were filed during the year, showing that on an average, one man a day, including Sundays, cleared his home of incumbrance during the entire year. Yet against this flattering record must be certified the fact that the same year 435 mortgages were filed, or a number slightly in excess of the relinquishments. But when we give pause, and consider the large amount, of land newly set- tled upon, and that fully half these mortgages were placed on such lands, and also that many of them were renewals, at reduced amounts, the record is really one of solid and increasing prosperity, and certain reduction of indebted- ness. October 1st to 7th, 1900, inclusive, was held the Fourth Annual Fruit Fair of the Walla Walla valley. This was the most successful and satisfactory exposition in all respects ever before exploited in southeastern Washington. This applied to the financial results equally with the rare quality of fruit displayed. For the latter feature, of course, nature was responsible, as she is and ever has been, for so much that makes for the prosperity of Walla Walla county. The fair of 1899 had con- tinued six days, but this year there was devoted to it a full week. The attendance exceeded that of 1899 by over three thousand paid ad- missions. Not restricted to Walla Walla and its immediate vicinage were the visitors ; from Waitsburg, Dayton and other neighboring localities came fully one thousand ; five hundred from Pendleton, Milton, Athena and various points in Oregon. The scope of this annual exposition was broadening; exhibits were be- ing received from an evei increasing extent of territory. Of this fourth annual fair the gross pro- ceeds were over seven thousand dollars ; eleven hundred of this was net profit. A Seattle mili- tary band, T. H. Wagner's provided music, giving concerts each afternoon and evening. The solo vocalist was Mrs. Jennie Houghton Edmunds; Herr Rodenkirchen, then famous ii4 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. east and west, was the cornet soloist. An Indian war dance was one of the features of this fair. Half a dozen squaws and a score of bucks were the performers. They were in from the Uma- tilla reservation, and the proximity of these redskins awakened memories in the minds of some of the visitors of days when the presence of Indians was something to be seduously avoided. This year the woman's department was under the direction of Mrs. John B. Catron ; it formed the most interesting' and tasteful dis- play at the fair. Indian curios and relics were features, and this display was always crowded with sightseers. Also on exhibition were many of Lee Moorhouse's photographs of Indians and scenes on the Umatilla reservation. S. C. Wingard and E. A. Coull presided over a Belgian hare exhibit, a feature not before seen at these fairs. It contained hundreds of dol- lars' worth of Belgian hares and fancy stock ; perhaps the most valuable at the fair, and of great interest owing to its novelty. A most 'active interest was taken in this exposition by railroads centering, or transacting business in Walla Walla. The Northern Pacific and Washington & Columbia River Railways took the cue of the Boxers, and they designed an attractive fashoda. Near the band pavilion this structure was erected ; for accommodation of ladies and children seats were provided. The fashoda was constructed of native woods and artistically finished with moss brought from Tacoma. Electricity added its illumination to the evening attractions. To Manager McCabe and Passenger Agent Calderhead, of the Wash- ington & Columbia River Railway Company, is due the credit for this idea. Near the main entrance to the grounds was the booth of the Oregon Railroad & Navigation Company. It was a neatly planned, square building, finished and trimmed with grains and fruits taken from the company's experimental farm near Walla Walla. Of a variety of hand- somely colored wools in the unwoven state, was the ceiling ; they blended with artistic effect. With attractive pictures were hung the walls of this booth ; chairs and choice reading matter offered rest and entertainment to all who de- sired to avail themselves of these privileges. In charge of General Agent Burns and C. F. Van De Water was this booth. For the year 1900 the officers of the asso- ciation were : W. A. Ritz, president ; C. F. Van De Water, secretary ; O. R. Ballou, super- intendent ; Mrs. John B. Catron, superintendent of the woman's department. By the statistician in the office of the secre- tary of state the population of Walla Walla county in 1905, was estimated at 29,570. This estimate is based on the school census. Very little of historical interest transpired in this county between the closings of the years 1 90 1 and 1905. Wheat remains king, and to the cultivation of this standard cereal are de- voted the energies of a majority of the resi- dents of Walla Walla valley. Recent bumper crops and good prices have tended to swell the volume of commercial transactions, and the enterprise and industry of the people will continue to hold Walla Walla county in the front rank among the political divisions of the state of Washington. Main Street in Walla Walla Main Street in Walla Walla, 1877 CHAPTER V THE CITY OF WALLA WALLA Here we stand on historic ground. Much that is interwoven in the romantic story of the uplifting of the grand state of Washington centers in this picturesque locality. It has been the chosen council ground from time im- memorial of all the great Indian tribes whose habitat was between the Cascade range and the western spurs of the Rocky mountains. Here fore-gathered the Walla Wallas, Spokanes, Yakimas, Nez Perces, Cayuses and many less important tribes; kindled their council fires; smoked the pipe of peace or swirled in a fine frenzy through the fantastic evolutions of the wild war dance. There was no town of Walla Walla in 1858; there was in 1859, and it came into existence through the expartc ruling of the first board of county commissioners. The first two meetings of this board were held March 15th and 26th, 1859. In their official record the place was referred to as Walla- Walla. And then, without further notice, we find that at their subsequent meetings, January 6th and July 2d, it was called "Steptoeville." In the record of the meeting of the last named date appears the following: "On motion the name of the town of Step- toeville was changed to Wieletpn." Despite this official action we find that at the meeting held September 5th, the county seat town is still referred to as Steptoeville. But at the next meeting, November 7th, the town is spoken of as Walla-Walla, and the following proceeding is recorded in regard to the name : "On motion the town of Wieletpu was changed to Walla- Walla." The definition of Waiilatpu, or Wieletpu, is "the place of rye grass." The moving spring of this action on the part of the county com- missioners was, doubtless, the following peti- tion presented to the board asking for the change in name from "failetpu" to Walla- Walla. In the spring of i860 this petition was spread upon the county records, although it had been, doubtless, presented to the board the preceding fall, previous to the actual change : To the Honorable Board of County Commissioners: Gentlemen — The undersigned petitioners do pray of you to alter the name of the town of Failetpu to Walla-Walla. E. B. Whitman, I. T. Reese, W. A. Ball, J. Foresyth, Baldwin & Brother, P. J. Bolte, Dr. D. S. Baker, William Stephens, James Buckley, Charles H. Case, Frank Stone, Robert Oldham, Charles Albright, Richard War- mack, John M. Cannady, John M. Silcott, Francis Pierre, R. H. Regart, Samuel F. Legart, H.' H. Hill, S. T. Moffitt, D. D. Brannan, A. D. Pambrun, William McElhaney, N. B. Dutro, John Cain, F. M. Archer, R. Powel, Neil, McGlinchey, Louis A. Mullan, Patrick Markey, William B. Kelly. Recorded March the twelfth, A. D., I860, one thousand eight hundred and sixty. I. T. REESE, County Auditor and Recorder. From the establishment of Fort Walla Walla — not the old fort at Wallula — may be dated the birth of what subsequently grew into the city of Walla Walla. This was in 1857. Naturally the first business of the re- gion was supplying goods and produce to the post. The first trader in the place was William McWhirk. He pegged up a tent for a store near the present corner of Main and Second streets in the spring of 1857. Another tent n6 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. store was opened in the autumn of that year by Charles Bellman. This was located near what was subsequently known as Jack Daniels' saloon. Concerning the erection of the first actual building there is some difference of opinion. By certain ones it is claimed that Mc- Whirk built a cabin on the north side of what is now Main street in the summer of 1857. However, in the fall of that year Charles Bell- man constructed a rude building of poles and mud a trifle farther to the east. A slab and shake structure was run up in April of the succeeding year, by Louis McMorris. This was built for Neil McGlinchey, and was located on the southwest corner of Main, near the present corner of Third street. Various other primitive structures were erected in the fall of 1858; some for residence purposes, some for saloons, by James Galbreath, W. A. Ball, Harry Howard, Michael Kinney, William Terry, Mahan & Harcum, James Buckley and Thomas Riley. On what is now the northwest corner of Main and Third streets was erected the first building that contained a floor, doors and glass windows. R. Guichard and William Kohl- hauff owned this structure. For this budding town of Walla Walla there were then two rival sites. Bellman, Mc- Glinchey and McWhirk had one on the point of the creek ; the other was at a cabin built by Harry Howard, half way between Mill Creek and the fort, and known as the Halfway House. Properly and technically speaking, Walla AYalla dates its municipal birth from November 7, 1859. Prior to that time, although the place had been dc jure, the county seat of Walla Walla county for several months, it had had no official existence ; was not de facto, the capi- tal of the county, and was without a name that would remain the same over night. Following is a petition asking for a survey of the town as it was presented to the board of county com- missioners. It was recorded March 12, i860, but had, doubtless, been presented the preceding fall before the survey was ordered : To the Honorable Board of County Commissioners: Gentlemen — We, the undersigned petitioners, do pray of you to grant us the order of a survey of the town of Waieletpu in the territory of Wash- ington and county of Walla Walla. Charles H. Case, N. A. Ball, B. Stone, Joseph Hilmuth, I. T. Reese, P. J. Bolte, E. B. Whitman, J. Foresythe, F. L. Borden, Baldwin & Brother, D. D. Baldwin, Dr. Thomas Wolf, Dr. D. S. Baker, William Stephens, R. G. Moffit, D. D. Brannan, Patrick Markey, Neil McGlinchey, James Buckley, Frank Stone, Robert Oldham, Charles Albright, Richard Warmack, John M. Cannady, John M. Silcott, Francis Pierre, R. H. Reighart, W. B. Dutro, N. Eastman, A. D. Pambrun, William M. Elrag, J. Clark, John May, A. G. P. Nardle, James Mc- Auliff. Recorded March 12, A. D., 1860, one thousand eight hundred and sixty. I. T. REESE, County Auditor and Recorder. The new county seat was on government land ; therefore no title to the property could be obtained without some kind of government provision over the territory in question. To remedy this and make possible the founding of a town, the county commissioners, on Novem- ber 7th, spread upon their record the following preceedings which, while somewhat unique, answered all purposes : On motion there was a county seat ordered to be located (boundaries as follows): Commenc- ing in the center of Main street at Mill creek; thence running north four hundred and forty yards; thence runing west one half mile to a stake; thence running south one-half mile to a stake; thence running north to the point of commenc- ment. On motion the town of Wailetpu was changed to Walla Walla. On motion I. T. Reese was appointed town re- corder. However, despite this record, James Gal- breath was appointed town recorder, vice Reese, resigned, to take effect November 5, 1 86 1. We continue the proceedings: On motion T. S. Worden, Samuel Baldwin and Neil McGlinchey were appointed town trustees of the town of Walla Walla. HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 117 On motion the price of town lots in the town of Walla Walla was set at five dollars and record- ing the purchase of same one dollar. On motion no person or persons shall be al- lowed to purchase more than two lots. On motion sixty feet front and one hundred and twenty feet deep to be the size of town lots in the Walla- Walla. On motion ten acres shall be reserved in the center of the town platt for the purpose and benefit of a public square for the erection of county build- ings. On motion the survey of the town of Walla Walla shall run parallel with Main street. On motion the width of the streets of Walla Walla were ordered to be one hundred feet, run- ning east and west, and cross streets to be eighty feet, running north and south. November 8th further proceedings were had concerning the town, as follows : The county surveyor was ordered to survey the town of Walla-Walla by the first of December, A. D. 1859. On motion the survey of the town of Walla- Walla was ordered to be comenced at the center of the street, on the bank of Mill creek. On motion the purchasers of lots are required to fence them within six months, and build upon them within twelve months. On motion the county surveyor was ordered to furnish the town with a town platt, to be kept in the recorder's office. November 30, 1859, the commissioners re- duced the area of the public square from ten acres to one block, and selected block nine, ac- cording to the plat of the survey, which had then been made. H. H. Case surveyed the townsite. By those who had built in the vicinage of the Halfway House it was thought, for a time, that a thriving town might be established at that place. Among those builders were Michael Kenny, saloon, William Terry, the Bank Ex- change saloon, Mahan & Harcum, a store, James Buckley and Thomas Riley, a saloon, and Thomas Riley, a saloon, and a bakery by one Meyo. A plaza was laid off ; facing it were the buildings mentioned. For a while the prospect was quite flattering for the suc- cess of the Halfway House site; but the peo- ple on Mill Creek had the advantage and main- tained it. In the fall of 1858 they were joined and reinforced by James McAuliff, J. D. Bald- win, Frank Warden, James Galbreath, E. B. Whitman, Frank Stone, P. J. Bolt, a tinner named Bogart and others. Then it was dis- covered that packers and freighters were de- termined to go to Mill Creek to camp ; there they would trade at the nearest store or saloon ; this condition forced both stores and saloons from the Halfway House to the creek locality, and this commercial situation ended the divi- sion on a townsite. I. T. Reese was the first purchaser of real estate; he bought lot 5, block 13; Edward Everts bought lot 2, in the same block, and both sales were recorded November 30, 1859. The same year, December 22c!, the survey of 150 acres of land into town property was re- corded by Thomas Wolf and L. C. Kinney. January 10, i860, the former disposed of his interest in the land. The original plat Of the town, not having been preserved, these recorded entries of location are referred to as evidences of this early survey. The original- plat was, doubtless, lost in the fire of 1865 ; the earliest survey on record was a plat by W. W. John- son, made in October, 1861. It purports to be a correction of the work of H. H. Case. This is the order of the board of county commission- ers authorizing the survey : "That the balance of the eighty acres upon which the town now stands be surveyed in ac- cordance with the original plan and survey of said town, as surveyed by H. H. Case, except that portion of said town at or near the cross- ing of Mill Creek on Main street, which shall be surveyed to correspond with the survey of the addition of A. J. Cain; and W. W. John- son be, and he is hereby appointed to make such survey, and report the same to this board at its next regular session, provided that the county surveyor be absent or unable to make the survey." n8 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. E. H. Baron was appointed justice of the peace to succeed W. P. Horton, October 14, i860. November 1, 1861, the survey, made in accordance with the above order, was de- clared official. During the autumn of this year the matter of obtaining title to the lands upon which the town of Walla Walla was builded was a live issue November 6th the board of county commissioners appointed At- torney Wyatt A. George an agent for the county to apply to the United States land ofhce for the pre-emption and entry of the land upon which the town was situated. Mr. George was authorized to obtain the title in fee by pre- emption and entry of the same in the name and in behalf of Walla Walla county, in trust, for the establishment of a seat of justice therein, or that he apply for and secure the title to the land as a townsite in trust for the use and benefit of the occupants of the land. Mr. George's duties were also to look after the interests of the county in all matters and con- troversies between the county and inhabitants of the town in regard to the town lands and the public streets and alleys. W. W. John- son was also appointed an agent of the county to visit the land office at Vancouver to take necessary measures to secure title to the lands. He failed to do so, and thus temporarily ended operations by the county to conduct a city gov- ernment, or 1 procure title to land where they had located the county seat. The historian, Hubert Bancroft, is re- sponsible for the statement that Walla Walla "from its first settlement was the business center of the region east of the Cascades, whence radiated routes to the mines, and later to all the other points in that division of the country." To partially recapitulate : In October, 1861, by order of the com- missioners, Walter W. Johnson, a civil en- gineer, surveyed the original townsite of Walla Walla, on the south half of the southwest quarter of section 20, township 7 north, range 36 east. The site consisted of 17 full blocks and parts of twelve others. The streets as laid out in the original survey, were Bireh, Poplar,. Alder, Main, or Nez Perce, Rose and Sumach, running northeast and southwest; while those northwest and southeast were First, Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth. Although the original survey was made in 1 86 1 and the town built in accordance with it, the plat was not filed until several years later. The city clerk had the site resurveyed in 1865, as the following official papers will testify : • Territory of Washington, City and County of Walla Walla, ss.: I, H. M. Chase, City Clerk of the City of Walla Walla and Territory aforesaid, do hereby certify that the within plat is the original map of said city as made and surveyed by W. W. Johnson, Esq., city surveyor of said city, in the month of July, A. D., 1865, and the said plat was duly approved and received by the board of common council of said city, and that the deeds of conveyance here- tofore made and executed by the said city authori- ties to the inhabitants of said city, were based upon the same. Witness my hand and official seal herto affixed this 25th day of September, A. D., 1866. H. M. CHASE, City Clerk. This plat was filed and recorded in the office of the county auditor on July 5, 1867. It did not differ from the one of 1861, except that names to three short streets, which had been unnamed in the former plat, were given names. These streets were East, Seventh and Cherry. On the second map prepared the principal street is labeled Main, the Nez Perce substitute hav- ing been dropped. The following is from the record of the county commissioners' proceedings of October 14, 1861 : "On motion it was ordered that the balance of the eighty acres upon which the town now stands be surveyed in accordance with the original plan and survey of said town, as sur- veyed by H. M. Chase, except that portion of said town a!c and near the crossing of Mill creek, on Main street, which shall be surveyed HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 119 to correspond with the survey of the addition of A. J. Cain, and W. W. Johnson be, and he is hereby appointed to make such survey and re- port the same to this board at its next regular session, provided that the county surveyor be absent, or unable to make the survey." This survey was made by Mr. Johnson, and his plat was accepted as the official plat of the town. From the initial issue of the Washington Statesman, published in November, 1861, Ave are enabled to glean an idea of the general business of the town at that period. In the first few issues of the paper the advertisements of local firms were represented by H. C. Coul- son, attorney at law; Dr. I. H. Harris, phy- sician and surgeon ; Dr. L. Danforth ; W. A. George, attorney at law; Dr. J. A. Mullan; Dr. R. Bernhard; Walter W. Johnson, civil engineer ; L. Terry, physician and surgeon ; R. T. Allen, auctioneer; Moss & Brooks, con- tractors ; W. Phillips, hardware, etc. ; J. R. Cardwell, visiting dentist ; Way, Bush & Com- pany, lumber dealers; Kohlhauff & Guichard, general merchandise; I. N. Smith, attorney at law; Miller & Blackmor, proprietors Walla Walla & Dalles Stage Company; J. McCrarth, wholesale and retail liquor dealer ; J. C. Abbott, livery stable and proprietor stage line to the old fort (Wallula) ; L. C. Kinney, physician and surgeon ; M. L. Frank & Company, whole- sale and retail cigars and variety store ; Dr. D. G. Campbell ; Mastin & Fisher, grocery and provision store; Dr. J. G. Craig, druggist; John Selby. proprietor Blue Mountain Hotel and Restaurant; E. Meyer, proprietor City Brewery and Bakery; S. M. Nolan, proprietor Cosmopolitan Restaurant; Edward E. Kelly, news depot ; D. S. Baker, wholesale and retail general merchandise ; Kyger & Reese, depart- ment store; Brooks & Cranston, general mer- chandise; Mossman & Company, express line to Nez Perce mines and all parts of Oregon ; E. M. Sammis, photographer; Jacobs & Com- pany, wholesale and retail general merchandise ; Marony & Cosgrove, Bank Exchange Saloon; Wheeler & Ralston, Arcade Saloon; Mathison & McKinney, Snug saloon ; Graham & Ryan, Brook saloon. The first issue of this paper was well filled with attractive advertisements. Portland, The Dalles and San Francisco houses were, also, well represented. In the fall of 1861 the city of Walla Walla claimed a population of 1,000 people. This included the soldiers at the fort. Some idea of the amount of business transacted may be gleaned from the fact that between forty and fifty thousand dollars 3 worth of goods had been sold to the Salmon river trade within the space of one week. Of this amount three houses alone disposed of upwards of $15,000 worth. All of these were cash sales. And within that same week 1 50 pack animals loaded with goods, and four large wagons, conveying goods and provisions, left for the mines. January 11, 1862, there was passed in the Legislative Assembly a bill granting a city charter to Walla Walla. The boundaries, as described in the act, were : "That portion of land known and designated upon the surveys of the United States, in the Territory of Wash- ington, as the southwest quarter of section number twenty, in township number seven, north of range number thirty-six east, Willa- mette Meridian." The government of the city was vested in a mayor, recorder and a common council of five members. Other elective officers were to be a city marshal, assessor, treasurer and surveyor, while provision was made for the appointment of a city attorney. The first officers of the city, named by the legislative assembly, were : B. F. Standerfer, mayor ; James Galbreath, recorder; H. C. Coulson, B. F. Stone, B. F. Whitman, D. S. Baker and Mr. Schwabacker, members of the council; George H. Porter, marshal. No salary was to be al- lowed for the services of mayor and council until the city had gained a population of 1,000; the salaries of the other officials were to be fixed by the city council. 120 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. The charter granted by the Legislative As- sembly provided that the first election in the city of Walla Walla should be held on the first Tuesday in April of each year. In 1862 this fell on April 1st. The initial meeting of the city council, the members of which had been appointed by the assembly, had been held March 1, 1862. There were present all the members of the council with the exception of Messrs. Schwabacker and Coulson; the former was ineligible ; ' the latter a non-resident. In their stead James McAuliff and George E. Cole were appointed. S. F. Ledyard was named clerk of the board. April 1st, under the charter, occurred the first city election in Walla Walla. There were cast 422 votes. The following served as offi- cers of election : John G. Sparks, E. L. Bridges and B. F. Robinson. It was claimed at the time that of these 422 votes, 300 only were deposited by legitimate voters residing within the limits of the city, and that transient strangers and men in town from the country had been permitted to cast votes unchallenged, thus giving the city an apparent voting popula- tion far in excess of the actual number. Fol- lowing is the official canvass : For Mayor — E. B. Whitman, 416. For Councilmen — I. T. Reese, 415; J. F. Abbott, 410; R. Jacobs, 413; B. F. Stone, 412; B. Sheideman, 400. For Recorder— W. P. Hcvton, 239 ; W. W. De Lacy, 183. For Marshal — George H. Porter, 289; A. Seitel, 136; A. J. Miner, 17. For Attorney — Edward Nugent, appointed. For Assessor — L. W. Greenwell, 413. For Treasurer — E. E. Kelly. 219; D. S. Baker, 200. For Surveyor — A. I. Chapman, 305 ; W. W. Johnson, no. For Clerk — S. F. Ledyard, appointed. April n, 1862, W. Phillips was appointed councilman in place of J. F. Abbott. The council minutes of January 20, 1863, note J. Helmuth as councilman in place of B. F. Stone. W. P. Horton resigned January 20, 1863. J. W. Barry was chosen at a special election held January 31, 1863. The Washington States-' man of February 28, 1863, notes H. B. Lane as assessor. April n, 1862, Henry Howard was appointed treasurer, and the same day W. W. De Lacy was appointed surveyor. The council minutes of January 20, 1863, note H. B. Lane as clerk. It is, perhaps, well in a vein of retrospec- tion, to reflect that at this pioneer period Walla Walla was by no means the beautiful place of residence we see it to-day. Business was transacted in small frame structures or log houses instead of handsome and expensive brick blocks that now impart such an appear- ance of solidity to Main street. In place of broad, inviting lawns and ample shade trees which now contribute so much to the orna- mentation of the city, there was then to be seen only a dry, cheerless plain, with but a slight fringe of trees along the streams. It was regretfully observed by the Statesman in May, 1862; "Some very tasteful and well ar- ranged private dwellings adorn the city ; but in all our periginations about town we have not noticed a rose bush or shrub of any kind about any of them." The profusion of flowers, vines and trees now in evidence affords a sharp con- trast to conditions in- 1862. Through the streets of Walla Walla, on the night of June n, 1862, for the first time echoed the dread cry of "fire!" To the scene of this sudden and baleful illumination citizens hastened rapidly; they discovered the theater of J. B. Robinson wrapped in flames. For subduing them there were no available facil- ities ; the structure was burned to the ground ; it was the forerunner of hundreds of similar cases in the Territory and State of Washing- ton, utter lack of fire-fighting apparatus. Only about one year previous had this building been erected ; its destruction was supposed to have been the work of an incendiary. The energetic HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 121 Mr. Robinson at once fitted up Buckley's hall, which was thrown open to the public in Octo- ber of the same year. The advisability of devising some means of fire protection was suggested to the business men of Walla Walla by this costly blaze. A subscription paper for the purpose of securing funds with which to purchase a fire engine was circulated by Joseph Helmuth. A meeting for the purpose of organizing an engine company was called for October i8th. Still, citizens re- mained apathetic; they could not yet fully realize the necessity for action. But Mr. Hel- muth persevered; he was indefatigable. Sub- scriptions were received to the amount of $1,600; a hand engine and hose to cost $2,100 was ordered; it arrived in December. It was simply an old Hunneman tub engine, and was purchased in San Francisco, having gone there second-hand from Massachusetts. Of this archaic machine the Washington Engine Company was organized to take charge. How- ever, this company fell off in membership, languished and was twice reorganized, up to the spring of 1867; then the fierce blaze on Alder street revived determination to have a competent company of fire-fighters, and the Washington Engine Company became a "fire department," of which the foreman was made chief. Although it falls somewhat out of our chronology, it may be best to here trace the fire department history of Walla Walla a few years ahead of other events. The city pur- chased a Silsby steam fire engine, No. 3, in the summer of 1871, which, with two hose-carts, cost $9,000. Tiger Engine Company No. 2 was organized in 1872 to take charge of the hand engine. Then the city council passed an ordinance to the effect that John G. Justice be elected chief engineer; in 1873 he was suc- ceeded by P. Bentley. In 1874, after a bitter contest, in which considerable rivalry was manifested, A. J. Kay was elected by a small majority. As the council had threatened to re- peal the ordinance creating the office of chief engineer, Mr. Kay resigned. In retaliation for the action of the council Tiger Company met April 23d, passed resolutions censuring the council for its action, turned their engine over to the city authorities and disbanded. It was not again reorganized until 1875. Vigilant Hook and Ladder Company, No. 1, was organized in 1879. Ordinances 53 and 54 were passed in September of that year, pro- viding for a fire department. December 20th these were annulled by ordinance 66, which provided for a fire department to consist of a chief engineer, first and second assistants, presi- dent, secretary, treasurer, and a board of dele- gates composed of two from each company. January 12, 1880, the first election was held for officers to serve until the following Octo- ber, resulting in the selection of John G. Justice, chief engineer; A. R. Tyler and C. T. Thompson, first and second assistants. Under the former ordinance the delegates had been elected. They were M. F. Colt and John N. Fall, Washington No. 1 ; C. E. Whitney and Sherman B. Ives, Tiger No. 2 ; F. M. Thomp- son and Robert Crane, Vigilant No. 1. John N. Fall was chosen president, James A. Jacobs, secretary, and John Lux, treasurer. 188 1 : R. M. McCalley, chief engineer, A. R. Tyler and Richard Kelling, assistants; H. H. Brodeck, president; Henry Kelling, secretary; M. F. Colt, treasurer ; N. T. Caton and C. F. Craft, delegates Washington No. 1 ; W. C. Painter and H. H. Brodeck, of Tiger No. 2 ; Robert Stott and Robert Crane, of Vigilant No. 1. 1882: Jacob Betz, chief engineer; P. Bentley and J. H. Miller, assistants; H. H. Brodeck, president; E. P. Edson, secretary; M. F. Colt, treasurer; N. T. Caton and C. F. Craft, dele- gates of Washington, No. 1 ; H. H. Brodeck and John Alheit, of Tiger No. 2 ; Robert Stott and H. AYentler, of Vigilant No. 1. In 1882 the department was 169 strong. That year a new Silsby engine. No. 4, was purchased for the use of Washington Company. 122 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. The price was six thousand dollars, a sum larger than the city could pay or become re- sponsible for, as it would increase the city debt beyond limits provided by law. To pay the first installment due the citizens subscribed $ 1,000. The revenue of Walla Walla for the first six months of 1862 totaled $4,283.25. One- third of this was from taxes ; balance from fines and licenses. Gaming- and liquor licenses alone amounted to $1,875. This year the city nearly doubled the number of its buildings and ma- terially increased in population. During this and succeeding seasons several thousand pack animals were constantly employed in carrying goods from Walla Walla to the Oro Fino, Boise, Salmon, Powder River, Owyhee, Kootenai and. finally, the Blackfoot mines. October 18, 1862, the Statesman said: "In a walk about town the editor counted upwards of fifty buildings that had been erected in Walla Walla during the summer, and thirty more that were in process of erection. At the head of Second street A. J. Miner is erecting a planing mill, sash and door factory, a much needed institution. The streets as far back as the claim of Mr. Sparks, are dotted with new buildings, and beyond the city limits in that direction, Mr. Meyer has erected a large brewery. Cain's addition, which boasted of only eight dwellings last fall, has now more than double that number. A new warehouse just erected by Mr. Cain, adjoining his resi- dence, gives that side of the street a busi- ness air, and with the completion of the bridge across Mill Creek, other buildings of a like character will doubtless follow. The improve- ments of the present season exceed by far those of any former year." The same season a line of stages was es- tablished from Wallula, another having prev- iously been started from The Dalles ; in April express offices were opened at Walla Walla and in the mines, by the Wells-Fargo Company, and the same month a line of stages was put on between Walla Walla and Lewiston. The great military highway, known as the "Mullan Road," to Fort Benton, was opened in 1862, and congress established mail routes from Walla Walla to Elk City, via Lewiston and Pierce City, and to Hell Gate by the way of Antoine Plant's and the Coeur d'Alene Mission. Three miles below Walla Walla was laid out the Pioneer Race Course. In November of this year Waiilatpu was the name of the postoffice at this point. Then it was changed to correspond with that of the town it represented. The city's revenue for the last quarter of this year was $2,714.19, derived chiefly from licenses, but expenditures had been so large that New Year's Day, 1863, found only $4.39 in the city treasury. Green- backs in those parlous days of Civil War were at a heavy discount and taxes were paid in gold. The assessed value of city property in 1862 was $300,000; the 3ucceeding year this was increased to $500,000. There was only one ticket in the field at the city election of 1863, and the vote was, con- sequently, light. It was held April 7th, and resulted in the choice of the following gentle- men; Mayor, J. S. Craig; councilmen, R. Guichard, A. Kyger, E. E. Kelly, W. J. Terry and G. Linkton ; recorder, E. L. Massey ; marshal, A. Seitel ; assessor, H. B. Lane; treasurer, J. W. Cady ; surveyor, W. W. John- son. E. L. Bridges was appointed city at- torney and H. B. Lane, clerk. Mr. Massey resigned November 10, 1863 and W. P. Horton was chosen to succeed him at a special elec- tion in November of the same year. Novem- ber 17th the city council abolished the office of city attorney. In the council minutes of October 6, 1863, we note the name of A. L. Brown as city clerk in place of H. B. Lane, elected. Steady, substantial growth was a marked feature of Walla Walla during the year 1863. New People settled here, new buildings were erected, new business houses established. All HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 123 J. W. Cady; sur- A. L. Brown was, public and private enterprises were in a most prosperous condition; the immense inland traffic with the mines continued. Still, it must be candidly admitted that the city was overrun with thieves and gamblers ; socially below par. In mining parlance it was decidedly a "lively camp." Since the opening of the mines this unwholesome condition had existed. The purification of the moral atmosphere came only through the vigorous and drastic measures of a vigilance committee of which we shall have more to say further on in this chapter. Similar to the election of 1863 was that of April 5, 1864; only one ticket appeared in the field. The result was as follows : Mayor, Otis L. Bridges; councilmen, George T. Thomas, Dr. A. J. Thibodo, J. F. Abbott, George McCully and P. M. Lynch ; recorder, W. P. Horton; marshal, A. Seitel ; assessor, A. L. Brown ; treasurer, veyor, W. W. Johnson, also, named as city clerk. Philip Shouble's addition to the city of Walla Walla was recorded April 14, 1864. It was the first recorded addition to the original townsite and was on the west side of Mill Creek. An addition on the extension of Main street, across the creek, had been previously surveyed for A. J. Cain, but the plat was not recorded until November 5, 1865. The first fire of grave consequence oc- curred on the evening of May 8, 1864. Ex- cellent work was clone by the engine company ; for two hours the flames were fought and checked in time to save the city hall. There were destroyed in this conflagration eight buildings, including the court house, entailing a loss of $12,000. There were numbered among the industries of the city this year, two breweries, a distillery, three flouring mills, a tannery, one planing mill and sash factory, and a number of blacksmith, harness, shoe and carpenter shops. For the first time, in Septem- ber, the city was visited by a circus. A line of stages was put on from Walla Walla to Boise City in the spring of 1864; there was opened in July an overland mail route from Walla Walla to Salt Lake. The city council decided in the spring of 1865, to unite with the county in the use of the county jail. Forty dollars a month they had been paying for a building prior to that time. This matter, however, has been fully covered in the chapters relating to the county history. The city was out of debt at the close of the municipal year. The amount of taxable property had been small during the first two years of corporate existence, and expenses large ; the city had run behind financially, but in 1864 the lost ground was fully recovered. At the spring election of that year, April 4, 1865, the result was as follows: Mayor, George Thomas ; councilmen, Fred Stine, S. G. Reese, William Kohlhauff, W. A. Ball, E. H. Massam; recorder, S. B. Fargo; marshal, E. Ryan; assessor, A. L. Brown; treasurer, H. E. Johnson ; surveyor, W. W. Johnson; clerk, A. L. Brown.. The baleful influence of adjacent mines was felt in Walla Walla. Scant respect was paid to the Sabbath ; as good a day as any other on which to transact business was Sunday; for the saloons a much better one. It was finally decided by the business men to change this state of affairs ; in May all signed a paper pledging themselves to close their business house on the Sabbath. This exerted an immed- iate effect on the morals of the people and order of the city. April 3, 1865, Walla Walla was visited by a conflagration of great magnitude. A little after noon it broke out in the City Hotel, on the north side of Main between Third and Fourth streets. Despite exertions of citizens and the fire department fully one-third of the city was destroyed; the loss was estimated by the Statesman at $184,500. On either side of Main, from Third street to the jail, nothing was left standing. City records, county assess- 124 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. ment rolls and plat books were burned. Though the merchandise stocks destroyed were valu- able, the building's in which they were con- tained were mainly small, wooden structures of little account. It was impossible to check the flames in blocks of such buildings, closely huddled together, and at that time everything was as dry as tinder. It was in 1864-5 tnat the Vigilantes or- ganized. It has been admitted that, like every other city in the northwest in those tumultuous days, Walla Walla had its quota of gamblers, thieves and all-around toughs and thugs. To adequately cope with these evil doers courts were powerless. There were a number of well-organized gangs of cattle thieves; they formed into relays a little distance apart, be- tween which stock was driven, and thus swiftly, but surely, run out of the country. But with the formation of this vigilance committee the trees of Walla Walla county began bearing a strange, if somewhat ghastly fruit. A com- mon sight it was to see dead men dangling from their limbs. Thirty-two were reported to have been mysteriously hanged within the space of one month. When once the Vigilantes had marked a man it appeared impossible for him to escape their clutches. One old pioneer ob- served : "There was only one way to get out of their hands when once they had started for you, and that was to literally fly." A negro, Slim Jim, was hanged for having assisted to liberate two garroters confined in the county jail; Ferd. Patterson was shot to death in a barber's chair for having killed a young captain in the Union army. These are but two incidents of many, but the whole list would prove only repulsive and ghastly reading. • The sentiments of the Vigilantes found ex- pression in politics. With the opening of the Civil War southern sentiment was entirely in the ascendancy in Walla Walla. To speak in favor of the Union was almost worth a man's life. But one of the striking facts in regard to that period in Walla Walla's history was the degree to which politics were determined by the business men of the place. These men became framers of political ideas and policies ; they came in daily contact with people of the town and vicinity in the lines of trade; they were familiar with the business interests of their customers as well as with the community in which they had cast their lot. A majority of this class of men were of northern origin and sympathies, and though for a period they were outnumbered, in time the political pendulum swung to the Union side and they became more and more influential in political affairs. So potent was this influence that they converted many to a belief in the policy of the Union administration. Prominent in the management of both busi- ness affairs and politics may be mentioned J. F. Boyer, Dr. D. S. Baker, I. T. Reese, A. Kyger, the Schwabacher Brothers, William Stephens, Abraham Sig, Louis B. Scheideman, Judge Guichard, the Adams Brothers, Fred and William, B. F. Stone, Hollon Parker, Frank and John Paine, M. C. Moore, H. P. Isaacs, and the Jacobs Brothers, Richard and Samuel. Stronger than the newspapers or law- yers were these individuals in managing poli- tics. It is by reference to the names of these men of sterling character and unquestioned probity that we appreciate the fact that the city of Walla Walla was not, in pioneer days, entirely given over into the hands of thugs, thieves and gamblers. During the winter of 1865-6, by order of Colonel Curry, the military post was aban- doned, with the exception of a small, detach- ment under Captain Noble to preserve it from destruction. Quite a severe blow was this to the city; the presence of a large body of troops is generally beneficial to any business center. At the close of the fiscal year of 1866 it was found that the revenues of the city were $15,358.97 of which $9,135.13 had been de- rived from licenses. Expenditures exceeded HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 125 receipts by $93.10. The chief revenue of the city at this formative period was secured from liquor, hurdy-gurdy saloons and gaming houses; about one-half of the total receipts of the city. Per contra, police and jail ex- penses were the heaviest ever borne by the city. Following are the city officials elected at the spring election of April 2d : Mayor, E. B. Whitman ; councilmen, Colonel P. Winesett, J. J. Ryan, J. W. McKee, George Baggs, Fred Stine; recorder, W. P. Horton ; marshal, W. J. Thompkins ; assessor, O. P. Lacy ; treasurer, H. E. Johnson ; clerk, J. L. Roberts. Councilman J. J. Ryan was killed November 29, 1866, and B. N. Sexton was appointed in his place. J. W. McKee resigned February 19, 1867, and William Phillips was appointed. The seat of George Baggs was declared vacant February 19th, and B. F. Stone was appointed, -Fred Stine re- signed and R. Guichard was named in his place December 13, 1866. The vote for assessor having been a tie between H. L. Boyle and O. P. Lacy, the latter was appointed by the council. September 18, 1866, the clerk's office was declared vacant and H. M. Chase was ap- pointed. This spring I. T. Reese erected another flouring mill and a distillery. Main street was graded the following summer; Whitman Seminary was built ; Hartman's Hotel and a large number of business houses and private residences were erected. The first attempt was made this season to establish water works. H. P. Isaacs, J. D. Cook and H. Kyger were granted a water franchise to remain effective twenty years; above the city they began the construction of a reservoir. This plant, how- ever, consisting of a few small pipes on Main street, was quite an inconsequential affair. The military post was, temporarily, reoccupied in November by a company of cavalry in com- mand of Lieutenant Converse. July 4th a fire occurred on Alder street destroying a planing mill, the Masonic hall and several buildings be- tween First and Third streets, entailing a loss of about $40,000. A destructive flood raced through Walla Walla during the last three days in January, 1867. Damage to property amounted to $18,000. Warm rains on the mountains precipitated the melting snow into Mill Creek which soon overflowed its banks, converted the lower end of the town into a lake and wrought general havoc. Previously floods had occurred annually, but had seldom clone much damage ; this one was unprece- dented. Financially the city had been running be- hind during the past two years; in April, 1866, its debt stood at $2,898.25 ; in 1867 it had risen to $4,982.48. Of the year's receipts, $19,137.90, $8,324.39 had been expended in street improvements, and $3,222.75 for police service. The burning issue for the spring cam- paign of 1867 was retrenchment; the vote was the heaviest cast for several years. Result : Mayor, James McAuliff; councilmen, C. P. Winesett, William Kohlhauff, N. Brown, I. T. Reese and J. F. Abbott; recorder, O. P. Lacy; marshal, E. Delaney; assessor, M. Leidy; treasurer, H. E. Johnson; surveyor, W. L. Gaston. The council appointed H. M. Chase city clerk, and January 17, 1868, appointed Frank P. Dugan city attorney. Two thousand dollars' worth of property was destroyed by a fire April 12, 1867, on Alder street. Conditions attendant upon the fighting of this fire were adverse; citizens were compelled to man the engine as the fire com- pany had disbanded. Steady growth and com- parative prosperity marked the city's progress this year. An eight-passenger Concord coach was completed by Fred Stine, doubtless the first manufactured on the coast outside of San Fran- cisco ; certainly the first in the Columbia dis- trict. There was a revision of the city charter of Walla Walla in 1868; the date of election was changed from April to July; the recorder was made ex officio clerk and other changes were 126 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. made in the conduct of the municipality. A light vote was polled July 6th, with results as follows : Mayor, James McAuliff ; council- men, A. Kyger, J. F. Abbott, Fred Stine, Will- iam Kohlhauff and H. Howard ; recorder and clerk, L. Day ; marshal, E. Delaney ; assessor, C. Leidy; treasurer, H. M. Chase; surveyor, Charles Frush. Governor Marshal F. Moore visited Walla Walla in May of this year, and being the first governor who had thus honored the place he was received with unbounded enthusiasm. Following is the result of the election of July 12, 1869: Mayor, Frank Stone; councilmen, James Jones, W. S. Mineer, Thomas Tierney, P. M. Lynch and Thomas Quinn ; recorder and clerk, O. P. Lacy; marshal, E. Delaney; attorney, Frank P. Dugan, appointed ; assessor, J. E. Bourn ; treasurer, H. E. Johnson ; sur- veyor, A. H. Simons. All lines of trade were active in 1869. Pack animals with heavy loads trailed along the routes between Walla Walla and the Blackfoot mines, Kootenai, Missoula and other points. Flour, a home product and chief staple, was the principal commodity transported by packers and freighters. There is an important event to record of the spring of 1870. With Portland via Wallula, telegraphic communication was established; Mayor Stone sent the initial message : To the Mayor of Portland — Greeting: Allow me to congratulate you upon the completion of the telegraph that places the first city of Wash- ington Territory in direct communication with the first city of Oregon, and to express the hope that it is hut the precursor of the iron rail that is to unite us still more indissolubly in the bonds of interest and affection. To this an appropriate response was made by the mayor of Portland. There were chosen at the election of July nth: Mayor, Dr. E. Sheil; councilmen, J. F. Abbott, N. T. Caton, H. M. Chase, William Kohlhauff and G. P. Foor ; recorder and clerk, W. P. Horton ; mar- shal, E. Delaney; assessor, James Rittenhouse; treasurer, H. E. Johnson; surveyer, A. H. Simmons. The City Hall association was incorporated in the fall of 1870. Capital stock to the amount of $10,000 was subscribed to build a hall to be utilized as- a theater and for public gather- ings. The building was completed in January, 1 87 1, and opened by a series of dramatic per- formances by Carrie Chapman, Lon McCarty, Annie and Minnie Pixley and Ned Campbell. B. F. Stone, H. Howard, A. Frank, F. Epstein and F. W. Paine were officers of this associa- tion. A census of the city in 1870 gave a popula- tion of 1,394, divided as follows: white males, 802; white females, 544; colored males, 37; colored females, n. Chinese and Indians are not included. There were 361 dwellings and 345 families. During the mining excitement there had been a much larger population, but composed mainly of a floating element, creating nothing but public expense. This summer the Washing-ton Territory Agriculture, Mining and Art Fostering Society laid out fair grounds three miles from Walla Walla. A series of fairs began that year which continued until 1873. But these grounds were considered too far from the city ; they were subsequently sold. The Walla Walla Land District was created, by act of congress, in the spring of 1871. All of Washington territory east of the Cascades was first embraced in this district; since then the Yakima and Colfax districts have been cut off. The election of July 10, 1871, resulted as follows: Mayor, E. B. Whitman; council- men, R. Jacobs, P. M. Lynch, N. T. Caton, G. P. Foor and F. Orselli ; recorder and clerk, W. P. Horton ; marshal, E. Delaney ; assessor, M. W. Davis ; treasurer, H. E. Johnson ; sur- veyor, A. L. Knowlton. The board appointed F. P. Dugan city attorney. In the fall of 1871 the city was threatened with an epidemic of small pox; careful measures prevented this, and, having claimed HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 127 five victims, the scourge was stamped out. June 11, 1872, fire destroyed William Stephens' warehouse, occupied by Paine Brothers & Moore and Joseph Freeman's blacksmith shop, on the north side of Main street in Cain's addition; loss $6,000. With the exception of mayor, treasurer and surveyor all the offices were contested at the election of July 8, 1872. Result : Mayor, E. B. Whitman ; councilmen, Sig. Schwabacher, M. C. Moore, N. T. Caton. J. H. Foster, John Stahl ; re- corder and clerk, O. P. Lacy; marshal, John G. Justice; attorney, Thomas H. Brents, ap- pointed; assessor, M. W. Davis; treasurer, H. E. Johnson ; surveyor, A. L. Knowlton. A bill was passed by congress in the spring of 1872 providing for the sale of the military reservation at Walla Walla and permitting the secretary of the interior to divide it into lots, blocks and streets. This was done although no lots were offered for sale. Following the Modoc War of the spring of 1873 the com- mandment of the department advised the re- tention of this post as being one especially adapted for. reaching points of possible Indian troubles. The wisdom of this opinion was fully demonstrated in the Indian wars of 1877-8. The post was not sold ; six companies were on garrison duty there. From a commercial view point it is of inestimable value to Walla Walla. At 10:03 p. m. Saturday, December 4, 1872, Walla Walla experienced a seismic dis- turbance lasting half a minute. No damages resulted with the exception of broken glass and crockery, although buildings rocked danger- ously from southwest to northeast. Pell-mell into the street rushed affrighted people, many of them in their night clothes. More severe than in Walla Walla was this earthquake shock felt in British Columbia, Oregon, Idaho and Montana. The erection of a large, three-story brick hotel was commenced in the spring of 1883, on the corner of Fourth and Main streets, by Fred Stine. It was known as the Stine House. In July, 1874, it was opened with eclat by Mr. O'Brien, the proprietor. For several years the city's finances had been in a far from satis- factory condition. In 1872 the debt had reached $10,862.64. That year it was reduced by rigorous economy to $4,352.61. Receipts of the treasury had been $24,995.70. In the spring of 1873 tne assessment valuation amounted to $988,682. Following is the result of the city election of July 14, 1873; Mayor, E. B. Whitman ; councilmen, N. T. Caton, William Neal, J. H. Foster, J. N. Fall, M. C. Moore; recorder and clerk, J. D. Laman; mar- shal, J. G. Justice; attorney, E. C. Ross, ap- pointed ; assessor, M. W. Davis ; treasurer, H. E. Johnson ; surveyor, A. L. Knowlton. Mr. Johnson resigned April 7, 1874, and F. Kim- merly was appointed. Mr. Knowlton, not be- ing- a resident of the city at the time of the elec- tion, the office was declared vacant, and he was appointed August 18, 1873, to ^ u tne vacancy. August 9, 1873, Walla Walla was visited by another disastrous blaze. It broke out, about eight o'clock in the evening, in a feed stable on Fourth, near Main street, and the flames, fanned by a strong wind, reached a number of neighboring frame structures. • By the united efforts of two engine companies this fire was confined to the block in which it orig- inated. The flames wiped out Colley's stables and Wintler's shop, the entire loss approximat- ing - $10,000. The one hundred soldiers who came from the fort did yeoman's service in fighting this conflagration. In 1874 there was a pressing demand for an adequate water system. In June, W. N. Horton, of Olympia, made a survey with a view to conveying- water from Mill Creek to a supply reservoir above town, thence to be conducted through large wooden pipes to the bridge at Main street, thus giving it a head of 100 feet. Smaller mains were to run thence through the city. Mr. Horton offered to complete this work for $10,000 in city bonds. As the city had no power to issue bonds of any description, 128 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. this offer was, perforce, declined. The city debt was still further reduced June 30, 1874, by $2,243.07, and, by a change in the charter, the city was divided into four wards ; one coun- cilman was allowed to each. From the office of recorder the duties of clerk were severed, and the council was authorized to appoint a clerk who would be ex officio auditor. With the exception of marshal there was a complete change of city officials at the election of July 13, 1874. Result: Mayor, James McAuliff; councilmen, first ward, F. P. Allen; second, Z. K. Straight; third. William Kohlhauff; fourth, E. C. Ross ; recorder, O. P. Lacy ; mar- shal, J. G. Justice; attorney, W. A. George; assessor, James B. Thompson ; treasurer, C. T. Thompson ; surveyor, P. Zahner ; clerk and auditor, C. E. Whitney. There was a tie vote between Z. K. Straight and James Jones, which was decided in Mr. Straight's favor by the council. In the summer of 1874 Main street was converted into a Broadway by being widened to 100 feet. For the year 1874-5 the revenue of the city was $11,438.38. Owing to street improvements and other large drafts on the treasurv enough warrants were issued to con- sume this and increase the debt of the city to $10,358.88. The city election of July 12, 1875, resulted as follows : Mayor, James McAuliff ; councilman, first ward, O. P. Lacy, second, D. C. Belshee; third, William Kohlhauff, fourth, E. C. Ross; recorder, J. D. Laman; marshal, J. G. Justice ; attorney, W. A. George, appointed ; assessor, S. Jacobs ; treasurer, F. Kimmerly; surveyor, P. Zahner; clerk, C. E. Whitney. Mr. Ross resigned and A. H. Rey- nolds was appointed March 7, 1876. A race track was fitted up this summer by C. S. Bush, also fair grounds about one mile up the creek from Main street. Then was formed the Walla Walla Agricultural Society; in October was held the first fair in the county since 1872. For the purpose of promoting immigration a society was formed by the citi- zens of Walla Walla in 1875. But beyond the printing and circulation of literature little was accomplished. The Walla Walla Water Com- pany constructed a reservoir on Mill Creek some distance above town the same summer. Six-inch log pipes were laid to the city limits, and in October they were connected with the iron mains previously laid on Main street. On Monday, October 18, 1875, occurred the most extensive fire that had visited the city for years. That this was of incendiary origin is, doubtless, true, as efforts had been made to shut off the water supply from the new water works. The flume leading from the creek to the reservoir had been cut ; no water could flow into the latter and it had become drained by use in the city. Flames burst from the rear of the Oriental Hotel about 8 o'clock p. m. ; the alarm of fire echoed through the streets. Quickly the engines were at work ; firemen and citizens fought with desperation; women worked heroically ; Chinamen volunteered their aid. In strong contrast to this was the "hoodlum" ele- ment; they refrained from working, but abused the Chinamen, several of Avhom were injured. At City Hall, which was saved, the fire was checked. The total loss footed $25,000; Oriental Hotel, $8,000; William Stephens, $5,000; Wertheimer Brothers, $2,000; Harry Howard, $2,000, and $8,000 distributed among other parties. January 8, 1876, the "Statesman" said: With the month of July, 1872, the affairs of this city passed under the control of a "ring" that from that day to this have plucked and robbed the city much after the style of Boss Tweed and his ring of thieves. Up to the advent of the ring the entire expenditure on account of police did not exceed $100 per month, and other city expenses were graduated on a like economical scale. In this way the expenditures were kept down and the outlay was always proportioned to the revenue. This was the condition of affairs when the ring took office, but with their advent the rule of economy came to an end. The appropriation on account of police was run up to nearly $300 per month, and pickings and stealings added consid- erably over that amount. To add to the plunder HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 129 new offices were created and a regular reign of thievery inaugurated. This extravagance at once swelled the city expenditures from the modest sum of $7,000 per annum to over $15,000, and this without having any substantial improvements to show for the money. The result of all this is, that at the end of a period of less than four years the city treasury is sucked dry, and we have an out- standing indebtedness estimated at $12,000. With a knowledge of these facts, the late legis- lature acted wisely in prohibiting the imposition of a license tax upon the various branches of business. By cutting off the revenue the ring thieves are forced to practice economy, and to that extent their grasp upon the pockets of tax-payers is relaxed. We make this explanation in order that our readers may understand the origin of the muddle that now taxes the ingenuity of the ring, and has brought our local Boss Tweed and all his followers to grief. But during the Centennial Year of 1876 the city debt was reduced $2,141.20. The revenue of that year was $11,042.77. The of- fice of recorder was abolished and the duties were discharged by a justice of the peace. The following officers were chosen at the city elec- tion of July 10, 1876: Mayor, James McAuliff ; councilmen, first ward, O. P. Lacy'; second, G. P. Foor; third, William Kohlhauff ; fourth, A. H. Reynolds; marshal, J. G. Justice; attorney, W. A. George, appointed; assessor, S. Jacobs; treasurer, H. E. Holmes; surveyor, P. Zahner; clerk, C. E. Whitney. In Walla Walla the Centennial Fourth of July was observed with appropriate demonstra- tions. Within the city limits was a population of 2,500, nearly double that accorded by the census of 1870. In all elements of material prosperity had Walla Walla advanced, aside from population. Assessment rolls showed property valuations to the amount of $1,023,- 595 ; to the townsite a number of large addi- • tions had been made ; building operations rad- iated from the city's center in all directions; there were one furniture factory, two broom factories, two large planing mills, one cooper shop, four breweries, two excellent hotels, shops, stores and offices in abundance and the railroad depot and warehouse. - The year 1877 saw the city's revenue re- duced to $8,830.75. Still, the debt was de- creased $1,500. Result of city election, July 9, 1877:- Mayor, M. C. Moore; councilmen, first ward, W. P. Winans; second, W. P. Adams; third, J. A. Taylor; fourth, A. H. Reynolds ; marshal, J. G. Justice ; attorney, W. A. George, appointed ; assessor, Samuel Jacobs ; treasurer, H. E. Holmes ; surveyor, P. Zahner ; clerk, C. E. Whitney. So far as the Nez Perce war of 1877 was concerned Walla Walla had little to do with it. But there was a general "scare" throughout the whole of eastern Washington. Thomas P. Page, L. K. Grim and J. F. McLane com- manded a company of volunteers that served two weeks in Idaho. From the outlying settle- ments many refugees flocked into Walla Walla. A man named Ritchie was killed north of Snake river by a renegade Snake Indian June 23d. This occurred soon after the massacre in Idaho, and it started a report on the wings of rumor that all northern Indians had taken the war path. N. A. Cornoyer rode into Walla Walla with twenty-nine unarmed Indian chiefs and leaders of the Umatilla and Cayuse tribes, with the citizens they conversed freely and as- sured them of their friendliness. This com- mendable effort to allay excitement among the whites was successful in so far as fear of these tribes was concerned. But reports of an out- break north of Snake river floated in within a few days, and the "scare" temperature again rose to fever heat. Ranges were deserted by the stock men on Crab creek; later a band of Columbia River Indians on their way home from digging roots on Camas prairie, found houses deserted and pillaged them. Returning settlers saw in this signs of a "raid"; again sped the report of an Indian uprising-. Two men came in to Walla Walla and stated that Chief Moses was at the Spokane with 200 painted warriors. The only report with the least foundation was that of the defeat of Idaho troops and many deaths among the soldiers. 13° HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. All sorts of rumors were humming through the air ; a mass meeting was convened and the following dispatch forwarded to the governor : Walla Walla, W. T., July 6, 1877. Gov. E. P. Ferry — Dispatches today from the Indian war show that Lieutenant Rains, ten sol- diers and two citizens have heen killed. Moses with a large band of armed Indians said to be encamped at Spokane bridge. Walla Walla is filled with refugees, panic stricken, from Crab creek and other portions of Whitman and Stevens counties. Indians are driving off stock and com- mitting depredations of every character. Author- ize some citizen to raise two companies of men each for immediate service. Your presence here is most urgently requested, that you may become fully acquainted with the position. Also forward immediately such arms and ammunition as may be within your power. The indications are that the militia will have to be called out. Answer. Done at a meeting of 2 00 citizens. MILES C. MOORE, Chairman. Meanwhile business was stagnated; travel obstructed. But finally quiet was restored; settlers returned to their homes ; the country reverted to its normal condition. The war never crossed Snake river; it never entered this territory. Just east of the city cemetery the Masonic and Odd Fellows' lodges purchased four and one-half acres of land, in the spring of 1878. They here laid out two fraternal burial places which they tastefully improved and ornamented. June 7, 1878, a special elec- tion was called to decide the question of abandoning the old city charter and or- ganizing under the provisions of an "Act to Provide for the Incorporation of Cities," passed in 1877. This would increase the new council to seven ; confer more ample powers in governing ; permit it to pledge the city's credit to the amount of $15,000, no more, and to appoint all minor officers except the marshal. By a vote of 163 for, 121 against, this new form of government was adopted. Under this law the election of city officials resulted as fol- lows : Mayor, James McAuliff ; councilmen, first ward, Fred Stine, W. P. Winans; second, F. W. Paine, Z. K. Straight ; third, John Tay- lor, William Kohlhauff; fourth, M. F. Colt; marshal, J. G. Justice. The following were appointed: J. D. Laman, justice of the peace; J. D. Mix, attorney ; Samuel Jacobs, attorney ; H. E. Holmes, treasurer ; P. Zahner, surveyor ; C. E. Whitney, clerk; J. E. Berryman, street commissioner; Dr. J. M. Boyd, health officer. Professor Clark of the Wheeler United States Surveying Expedition, in August, 1878, erected a monument in the court yard, giving the exact location of the city. The latitude is 46 degrees, three minutes, 55^ seconds north; longitude 41 degrees, 17 minutes, 5 seconds west from Washington ; difference in time be- tween it and the national capital, 2 hours, 45 minutes and 8K seconds; altitude above sea level, 915 feet. Chief Moses was arrested in December by the sheriff of Yakima county. This caused something of a flutter; it was feared his band would take the war path and, consequently, troops were held in readiness for immediate service. Under marching orders, also, were the Walla Walla guards ; their serv- ices were not required. In August of this year the city council re- ceived an application from John Burgess for a street railway franchise. This was granted him in January, 1879, authorizing him to run a line from the foot of Main street to the race track, with exclusive rights for thirty years. It was stipulated that the road was to be com- pleted within four years, but nothing was done at that time to utilize this right. The city of- ficials elected and appointed July 14, 1879, were these : Mayor, James McAuliff ; councilmen, first ward, A. S. Legrow, H. M. Chase; second, J. M. Welsh, A. Jacobs ; third, William Kohl- hauff, William Harkness, George T. Thomas; marshal, John McNiel; appointive officers; E. B. Whitman, justice of the peace; J. D. Mix, attorney ; Samuel Jacobs, assessor ; H. E. Holmes, treasurer; H. D. Chapman, surveyor; C. E. Whitney, clerk ; J. B. Brooks, street com- missioner; J. E. Bingham, health officer. HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 131 Into three wards had the city at this date been divided, instead of four. To the first and second wards two councilmen each were ac- corded, and three to the third. Of these gen- tlemen four were elected to serve one year, and three two years. The terms of all councilmen thereafter were two years. The largest vote ever cast in Walla Walla was polled July 8, 1880. Result: Mayor, James McAuliff; coun- cilmen, first ward, L. Ankeny ; second, R. Jacobs ; third, William Kohlhauff , John Dovell ; marshal, J. G. Justice ; appointed, O. P. Lacy, justice of the peace; J. T. Anders, attorney; Samuel Jacobs, assessor; H. E. Holmes, treas- urer; H. D. Chapman, surveyor; J. L. Sharp- stein, clerk ; J. B. Brooks, street commissioner ; J. E. Bingham, health officer. The citizens of Walla W T alla still opposed water works in 1881. The vote of July nth was small, resulting as follows : Mayor, James McAuliff; councilman, first ward, William Glassford; second, Edward Baumeister; third, A. H. Reynolds; marshal, J. G. Justice; ap- pointed: O. P. Lacy, justice of the peace; W. G. Langford, attorney ; Samuel Jacobs, as- sessor ; H. E. Holmes, treasurer ; H. D. Chap- man, surveyor; Le F. A. Shaw, clerk; J. B. Brooks, street commissioner; A. N. Marion, health officer. For water works, 130; against '95- An elegant court house, costing $60,000 was erected in 188 1-2; the Catholics built a handsome brick church at an expense of $20,000, a number of residences and stores were erected at a cost of from $1,000 to $12,000, and illuminating gas was introduced. Charles M. Patterson organized the Walla Walla Gas Company, at whose head was A. Pierce, president and chief stockholder. The sum of $25,000 was expended in laying mains and supply pipes, and fitting up a plant. At first the gas was made from pitch pine. Headed by the energetic and enterprising Dr. Baker, the Mill Creek Flume and Mill Company was another valuable addition to the city. In 1882 another heavy vote was polled, the office of marshal being the storm center of interest. Result : Mayor, James McAuliff : councilmen, first ward, W. P. Winans ; second, Thomas J. j Fletcher; third, N. T. Caton, John Dovell; J marshal, J. G. Justice; appointed: O. P. Lacy, justice of the peace; W. G. Langford, attorney; Samuel Jacobs, assessor; Richard Jacobs, treasurer ; John B. Wilson, surveyor ; Le F. A. Shaw, clerk ; J. B. Brooks, street commissioner ; Dr. T. W. Sloan, health officer. In 1880 the population of Walla Walla was 3,588. In 1882 it was estimated at fully 4,000. At the latter date the various industrial, pro- fessional, educational and religious interests and institutions were classified numerically as follows : General merchandise stores, 4 ; drug stores, 3 ; dry goods stores, 8 ; gun stores, 2 ; music stores, 2 ; agricultural implement stores, 5 ; . furniture stores, 3 ; furniture factories, 2 ; saddlery stores and shops, 6; paint and oil stores, 3 ; hotels, 9 ; lodging houses, 3 ; livery stables, 10; millinery stores, 3 ; breweries, 5; photographic studios, 2 ; blacksmith shops, 8 ; barber shops, 7; grocery stores, 10; hardware stores, 4; jewelry stores, 3 ; crockery stores, 1 ; book and stationery stores, 3 ; fruit, tobacco and confectionery stores, 10; boot and shoe stores and shops, 6 ; junk stores, 2 ; liquor stores, 3 ; restaurants, 7 ; saloons, 26 ; under- takers' establishments, 3 ; meat markets, 4 ; wagon shops, 4 ; paint shops, 3 ; cooper shops, 1 ; carpenter shops, 3 ; plumber shops, 2 ; plan- ing mills, 2 ; flour mills, 3 ; soap factory, 1 ; steam dye works. 1 ; wood yards, 2 ; hide depot. 1 ; insurance and real estate offices, 5 ; attorneys, 15; newspapers, daily, 3; banks, 2; private schools and seminaries, 5 ; brick buildings, 38 ; tailor shops, 4; tin shops. 4; foundry, 1 ; chop mills, 2 ; bag factory, 1 ; lumber yards. 2 ; brick yards, 2 ; sewing machine offices, 3 ; Chinese laundries, 9; physicians and dentists. 16; newspapers, weekly, 4: public school buildings, 3 ; churches, 7. The United States land office must be added 132 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. to these as well as the post, express, telegraph, stage offices; gas and water works. Court House, City Hall and station house, Odd Fel- lows' Temple, warehouse, flume. United States military post and garrison, two railroad offices, office of the Oregon Improvement Company, fair grounds, three fire and two militia com- panies, free library, club room and fourteen secret societies. During the 1883 session of the Legislative Assembly the city of Walla Walla was rein- corporated, the bill being approved by the gov- ernor November 28th, and bearing title, "An act to incorporate the city of Walla Walla, and to particularly define the powers thereof." As this charter was the only one of the kind then in the territory, it is of peculiar interest. The result of this year's election was as follows : Mayor, T. R. Tannatt ; councilmen, first ward, William Glassford; second ward, H. Winder; third ward, A. S. Bowles; marshal, T. J. Rob- inson ; attorney, W. G. Langford ; treasurer, F. W. Paine; health officer, Dr. A. M. Marion; surveyor, J. B. Wilson ; street commissioner, J. B. Brooks ; assessor, William Harkness ; clerk Le F. A. Shaw. February 22, 1884, ordinance No. 185 was passed by the city council. It was entitled, "An ordinance to divide the city of Walla Walla into wards, and apportionment of councilmen." Following is the text of the ordinance : Sec. 1. The city of Walla Walla shall be and is hereby divided into four wards, to be known as the first, second, third and fourth wards. Sec. 2. The first ward shall, be bounded as fol- lows: Commencing at a point where the center of Main street intersects the center of Third street, thence southerly along the center of Third street to the center of Birch street; thence easterly along the center of Birch street to the center of Second street; thence southerly along the center of Second street to the south boundary of the city; thence along the south boundary of the city easterly to the southeast corner of the city; thence northerly along the east boundary of the city to the center of Mill creek; thence down Mill creek to the center of East Main street; thence along the cen- ter of East Main and Main streets in a westerly direction to the place of beginning. Sec. 3. The second ward shall be bounded as follows: Beginning at the intersection of Main and Third streets; thence southwesterly along the center of Main street to the west boun- dary line of the city; thfence south along the west boundary line of the city to the southwest corner of the city; thence easterly along the south boundary of the city to the center of Second street; thence northerly along the center of Sec- ond street to the center of Birch street; thence west along the center of Birch street to the center of Third street; thence northerly along Third street to the place of beginning. Sec. 4. The Third ward shall be bounded as follows: Beginning at the center of Main and North streets where they intersect, thence running northerly to the center line of North Third street to the center of Elm street; thence northeasterly on the center line of Elm street to the center of North Second street; thence northerly on the cen- ter line of North Second street to the northern boundary line of the city; thence east along said northern boundary line of the city; thence east along said northern boundary line of said city to the northeast corner of the northwest quarter of section twenty (20), in township seven (7) north, range thirty-six (36) east; thence south to the northeast corner of the southwest quarter of the northeast quarter of said section twenty (20); thence east to the northeast corner of the city; thence south to the center of Mill Creek; thence down the center of Mill creek to the center of East Main and Main streets to the place of begin- ning. Sec. 5. The fourth ward shall be bounded as follows: Commencing at the center of Main and North Third streets where they intersect, thence run- ning northerly to the center line of said North Third street to the center of Elm street; thence north- easterly to the center line of Elm street to the center of North Second street; thence northerly on the center line of North Second street to the northern boundary line of the city; thence west on said northern boundary line to the northwest cor- ner of said city; thence south along said boundary line to the United States military reservation; thence easterly and then southerly on the line of said military reservation to the center of Main street; thence easterly on the center line of Main street to the place of beginning. Sec. 6. The number of councilmen to which each ward is entitled shall be as follows: First ward, two councilmen; second ward, two council- men; third ward, two councilmen; fourth ward, one councilman. And they shall be elected as is provided in section 7 of this ordinance. Sec. 7. There shall be elected from the first, second and third wards each at the next general election and at ever general election thereafter, one HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 133 councilman, and in the fourth ward at the next general election and thereafter biennially, one coun- cilman. Sec. 8. All ordinances and parts of ordinances, so far as they conflict herewith, are hereby re- pealed. The city was then divided into eight elec- tion precincts, designated as follows : Lewis, Clark, Whitman, Steptoe, Mullan, Fremont, Stevens and Simms. Result of the city elec- ion of 1884: Mayor, T. R. Tannatt; council- men, first ward, A. M. Porter; second, Will- iam O'Donnell; third, Thomas Ouinn; fourth, W. H. Kent; marshal, T. J. Robinson; clerk, Le F. A. Shaw; attorney, W. G. Langford; treasurer, O. P. Lacy; justice of the peace, E. B. Whitman; health officer, W. G. Alban; street commissioner, J. B. Brooks; sexton, J. A. McNeil. Between the years 1884 and 1900 the his- tory of Walla Walla city was uneventful. "Wheat was king," and to its cultivation a majority of the farmers devoted their attention, prospered and were contented. It is, however, important to give the list of city officials who served terms from 1885 to 1905 inclusive. Here they are : 1885 — Mayor, J. M. Boyd; councilmen, first ward, J. W. Esteb; second, J. Picard; third, L. H. Bowman; marshal, T. J. Robin- son; clerk, Le F. A. Shaw; justice of the peace, J. D. Laman ; attorney, W. J. Langford ; treas- urer, Joel Chitwood; surveyor, J. B. Wilson; street commissioner, J. B. Brooks; assessor, J. B. Wilson; health officer, W. G Alban; sex- ton, J. A. McNeil. 1886 — Mayor, J. M. Boyd; councilmen, first ward, William Stine; second, John Manion; third, J. M. Hill; fourth, H. G Tobin ; marshal, T. J. Robinson ; clerk, Henry Kelling ; treasurer, R. G Parks ; attorney, J. L. Sharpstein; surveyor, L.' A. Wilson; justice of the peace, J. D. Laman; street commissioner. Charles Berg; assessor, William Harkness; health officer, H. R. Keylor; sexton, J. A. Mc- Neil. 1887 — Mayor, James McAuliff; council- men, first ward, D. W. Small ; second, John Picard ; third, George Dacres ; marshal, T. J. Robinson ; clerk, Henry Kelling ; attorney, J. L. Sharpstein; treasurer, R. G Parks; justice of the peace, A. J. Gregory; assessor, M. H. Paxton ; surveyor, J. B. Wilson ; street com- missioner, Charles Berg; health officer, H. R. Keylor ; sexton, Henry Sanderson. 1888 — Mayor, G. T. Thompson; council- men, first ward, W. H. Upton; second, John Manion ; third, J. M. Hill ; fourth, R. M. Mc- Calley ; marshal, T. J. Robinson ; clerk, Henry Kelling ; attorney, J. L. Sharpstein ; treasurer, R. G. Parks; justice of the peace, A. J. Gregory; assessor, M. H. Paxton; surveyor, A. J. Anderson; health officer, Dr. Y. C. Blalock; sexton, Henry Sanderson. 1889 — Mayor, Dr. N. G Blalock; council- men, first ward, D. W. Small and J. H. Stock- well (unexpired term) ; second, Z. K. Straight; third, J. L. Roberts and J. F. Brew'er (unex- pired term); marshal, T. J. Robinson; treas- urer, R. G Parks; clerk, Henry Kelling; at- torney, J. L. Sharpstein; justice of the peace, John A. Taylor; assessor, M. H. Paxton; sur- veyor, W. G Sayles; health officer, Y. C. Blalock ; sexton, Henry Sanderson. 1890 — Mayor, N. G Blalock; councilmen, first ward, J. H. Stockwell ; second, John Picard; third, A. H. Reynolds; fourth, R. M. McCalley; marshal, T. J. Robinson; clerk, Henry Kelling; attorney, J. L. Sharpstein; treasurer, R. G Parks ; justice of the peace, V. D. Lambert ; assessor, M. H. Paxton ; sur- veyor, L. A. Wilson; health officer, Dr. Y. C. Blalock ; street commissioner, D. A McLeod ; sexton, Pardon Bentley. 1891 — Mayor, John L. Roberts; council- men, first ward, H. S. Young; second, Jacob Betz; third, A. J. Evans; marshal, T. J. Robin- son; treasurer, R. G Parks; clerk, Henry Kelling; attorney, W. T. Dovell ; justice of the peace, John A. Taylor; assessor, M. H. Paxton ; surveyor, L. W. Loehr ; health of- 134 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. ficer. Dr. Y. C. Blalock ; street commissioner, D. A. MlcLeod; sexton, Pardon Bentley. 1892 — Mayor, John L. Roberts; council- men, first ward, B. D. Crocker; second, J. G. Muntinga ; third, E. H. Massam ; fourth, J. L. Jones; marshal, T. J. Robinson; clerk, Henry Kelling ; attorney, W. T. Dovell ; treas- urer, R. G. Parks; justice of the peace, T. T. Burgess; assessor, M. H. Paxton; surveyor, L. W. Loehr; health officer, W. G. Alban; street commissioner, W. PI. Brown; sexton, Pardon Bentley. 1893 — Mayor, John L. Roberts; council- men, first ward, Daniel Stewart ; second, Jacob Betz; third, N. F. Butler; marshal, T. J. Rob- inson ; clerk, Henry Kelling ; attorney, W. T. Dovell; treasurer, R. G. Parks; justice of the peace, W. T. Arberry ; assessor, J. B. Wilson ; surveyor, E. S. Clark ; health officer, W. M. Ely ; street commissioner, W. H. Brown ; sex- ton, P. D. Bentley. 1894 — Mayor, John L. Roberts; council- men, first ward, Milton Evans; second, M. Martin; third, E. H. Massam; fourth, Stephen Ringhofer; marshal, Yv. F. Halley ; clerk, Henry Kelling; attorney, W. T. Dovell; treas- urer, R. G. Parks ; justice of the peace, W. T. Arberry; assessor, T. H. Jessup; surveyor, E. S. Clark ; health officer, W. G. Alban ; street commissioner, W. H. Brown ; sexton, P. D. Bentley. 1895— Mayor, John L. Roberts; council- men, first ward, A. K. Dice; second, Jacob Betz; third, J. D. Lamb; marshal, M. Ames; clerk, Alex. McKay; attorney, W. T. Dovell; treasurer, R. G Parks ; justice of the peace, H. W. Eagan; surveyor, E. S. Clark; street commissioner, D. A. McLeod ; health officer, W. G. Alban; sexton, P. D. Bentley 1896 — Mayor, Jacob Betz; councilmen, first ward, Milton Evans; second, J. P. Kent; third, E. H. Massam; fourth, V. D. Lambert; marshal, M. Ames ; clerk, J. E. Williams ; at- torney, C. M. Rader; treasurer, John M. Mc- Ghee, Jr.; surveyor, E. S. Clark; street com- missioner, W. H. Brown ; health officer, W. G. Alban ; sexton, P. D. Bentley. 1897- — Mayor, Jacob Betz; councilmen, first ward, A. K. Dice; second, F. M. Pauley; third, Oliver Cornwell ; marshal, J. J. Kauff- man; clerk, C. N. McLean; attorney, H. S. Blandford ; treasurer, J. W. McGhee, Jr. ; justice of the peace, J. J. Huffman ; surveyor, E. S. Clark ; street commissioner, W. H. Brown; health officer, W. G Alban; sexton, P. D. Bentley. 1898 — Mayor, Jacob Betz; councilmen, first ward, E. H. Nixon; second, Marshall Martin; third, J. F. Brewer; fourth, Albert Niebergall ; marshal, J. J. Kauffman; clerk, C. N. McLean; attorney, H. S. Blandford; treasurer, John W. McGhee, Jr. ; justice of the peace, J. J. Huffman; assessor, Fred A. Colt; surveyor, E. S. Clark ; street commissioner, D. A. McLeod; sexton, P. D. Bentley. 1899 — Mayor, Jacob Betz, councilmen, first ward, G W. Babcock; second, Fred M. Pauly; third, E. S. Isaacs; marshal, J. J. Kauff- man ; clerk, P. P. Reynolds ; attorney, H. S. Blandford; treasurer, Le F. A. Shaw; justice of the peace, William Glasforcl ; assessor, W. L. Cadman ; street commissioner, W. H. Brown ; surveyor, E. S. Clark; health officer, W. G. Alban ; sexton, P. D. Bentley. 1900 — Mayor, Jacob Betz; councilmen, first ward, J. F. McLean ; second, Marshall Martin ; third, J. F. Brewer ; fourth, Albert Niebergall ; marshal, J. J. Kauffman ; clerk, R. P. Reynolds ; treasurer, Le F. A. Shaw ; attorney, H. S. Blandford ; justice of the peace, William Glasford; assessor, W. L. Cadman; surveyor, E. S. Clark ; street commissioner, H. H. Crampton; health officer, W. E. Russell; sexton, P. D. Bentley. 1901 — Mayor, G W. Babcock; council- men, first ward, John F. McLean, W. A. Will- iams; second, M\ Martin, J. Z. Smith; third, J. F. Brewer John Kirkman ; fourth, A. Nieber- gall ; clerk, R. P. Reynolds ; attorney, H. S. Blandford; treasurer, Le F. A. Shaw; mar- io6 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 135 shal, J. J. Kauffman ; justice of the peace, Will- iam Glasford ; street commissioner, H. H. Crampton ; health officer, W. G. Alban ; sur- veyor, Edwin S. Clark; sexton, P. D. Bentley; poundmaster, H. A. Crowell ; chief fire de- partment, Y. C. Blalock. 1902 — Mayor, Gilbert Hunt; councilmen, first ward, John F. McLean ; second, J. Z. Smith, W. P. McKean; third, J. F. Brewer, John Kirkman ; fourth, F. W. Martin ; clerk, . R. P. Reynolds; attorney, H. S. Blandford; treasurer, Le F. A. Shaw ; marshal, J. J. Kauff- man; justice of the peace, William Glasford; street commissioner, H. H. Crampton ; health officer, W. G Alban ; surveyor, Edwin S. Clark; sexton, P. D. Bentley; poundmaster, I. A. McKenzie; chief fire department, William Weber. 1903 — Mayor, Gilbert Hunt; councilmen, first ward, John F. McLean, William Glasford ; second, J. Z. Smith, W. P. McKean ; third, J. F. Brewer, Eugene Boyer ; fourth, F. W. Martin; clerk, R. P. Reynolds; attorney, H. S. Blandford;' treasurer, Le F. A. Shaw; mar- shal, Alvah Brown; justice of the peace, J. J. Huffman; street commissioner, H. H. Cramp- ton; health officer, C. P. Gammon; suryevor, Edwin S. Clark ; sexton, P. D. Bentley ; pound- master, I. A. McKinzie; chief fire department, Robert J. Wolf. 1904. — Mayor, Gilbert Hunt; councilmen, first ward, J. G. Bridges, William Glasford; second, J. Z. Smith, W. P. McKean; third, D. H. Cox, Eugene H. Boyer; fourth, F. W. Martin; clerk, R. P. Reynolds; attorney, H. S. Blandford; treasurer, R. G. Parks; mar- shal, Alvah Brown ; justice of the peace, J. J. Huffman; street commissioner, H. H. Crampton ; health officer, J. W. Ingram ; sur- veyor, J. B. Wilson ; sexton, P. D. Bentley ; mounted policeman, George Roff ; assessor, R. J. Berryman ; chief fire department, William Metz ; assistant chief, Robert J. Wolf ; water registrar, R. F. McLean ; park commissioner, J. F. McLean. I 9°5 — Mayor, Gilbert Hunt; councilmen, first ward, J. G. Bridges, William Glasford ; second, Alfred Bachtold, W. P. McKean ; third, D. H. Cox, W. H. Kirkman; fourth, F. W. Martin; clerk, R. P. Reynolds; attorney, H. S. Blandford; treasurer, R. G. Parks; marshal, Alvah Brown ; justice of the peace, J. J. Huff- man; street commissioner, H. H. Crampton; health officer, J. W. Ingram; surveyor, J. B. Wilson ; sexton, P. D. Bentley ; mounted police- man, George Roff ; assessor, R. J. Berryman ; chief fire department, William Metz ; assisstant chief, Robert J. Wolf; water registrar, R. F. McLean; water superintendent, E. A. Knight; park commissioner, J. F. McLean. A year of unusual prosperity was that of 1 90 1. As there are so many indirect methods of computation it is unnecessary to revert to the details of the private business of indi- viduals. Suffice it to say that the concensus of opinion of the city's business men was one story of the increase of sales and healthier col- lections. Evidences of prosperous times abounded on every hand ; new business houses and residences were erected in all quarters of the city. By far the greater majority of them were paid for in cash. It was estimated by the Statesman that between 80 and 100 residences were built this year. A number of large and handsome business blocks were completed ; a greater length of asphalt sidewalk was laid than ever before in the same period of time; a complete sewerage system 25 miles in length was finished and accepted by the city at a cost of $100,000. Street grading was an important feature of the numerous municipal improve- ments of 1 90 1. This year, and it is a conserva- tive statement, the volume of Walla Walla business increased 25 per cent. As given by the United States census of 1890, the population of Walla Walla was 4,709. By wards it was : ward 1, 1,427 ; ward 2, 1,349 ; ward 3, 954; ward 4, 979. By 1900 the popu- lation had risen to 10,049. According to the statistical department of the secretary of state's 136 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY office the population of the city of Walla Walla in 1905 — an estimate based on the school census — is 17,000, a very material increase in the last half decade. A franchise has been granted for a street railway, and the tracks are, at this writing, being laid. Walla Walla has a history covering half a century. During the greater portion of that period it has been an important business center. On a level tract of fertile land, elevated 915 feet above sea level, it is pleasantly situated on Mill Creek, a tributary of Walla Walla river. It is ornamented with fine shade trees, tasteful lawns and handsome and ornate residences, the city surrounded on all sides with well improved farms and lying almost under the shadow of the Blue mountains. It appears to lack little that could be desired in the way of nature's handiwork. THE STATE PENITENTIARY. Concerning the Washington State Peni- tentiary, Professor W. D. Lyman has written a graphic description of this institution, which was published in 1901. We quote: The penitentiary became a Walla Walla insti- tution in 1887, having been removed to this place from Seatco. It was largely due to the persistent interest of Mr. Frank Paine that this step was taken. Walla Walla people raised $5,000 toward expenses of removal. Governor Squire was favora- ble to it. The various wardens in charge, up to 1900, in order of service, are as follows: F. L. Edmiston, John McClees, J. H. Coblentz, Thomas Mosgrove, J. B. Catron. * * * A farm of 165 -acres, with 40 acres additional to be deeded to the state by the federal government, is now de- voted to the uses of the institution. On this farm is raised a considerable part of the food supply of the penitentiary. The value of the products raised during the last year was $6,646.20. Had it not been for an unfortunate attack of hog cholera it is estimated that the income of the farm would have amounted to about $9,000. We find within the enclosure of the peniten- tiary a large number of well-equipped and well- furnished buildings, together with a jute mill and brickyard, the output of which constitutes a great item in the income of the penitentiary. * * * We discover the population of the prison on Feb- ruary 21, 1901, to be four hundred and fifty. About three-fourths of the entire number are white males. During the past two years there have been but five females consigned to the penitentiary. Nearly half of the convicts are between the ages of twenty and thirty. Of four hundred and five convicts on September 30, 1900, thirty-two only were illiterates. There were two college gradu- ates and one graduate of a theological seminary. * * * So far as we can judge the whole ten- dency of the prison discipline and management is humane and sympathetic. Discipline is, of necessity, firm and, when occasion demands, se- vere. The state has been liberal in appropria- tions for comforts and conveniences in the peni- tentiary. The most important structure made dur- ing the past year was the new dining hall and kitchen. This cost but six thousand dollars, and the results are truly surprising. We find a brick building, first class in every respect, one hundred and sixty-five feet long and forty-three feet wide, with a ceiling of paneled steel, both substantial and artistic. This same building is also employed as a prison chapel. On January 7, 1900, it was dedicated to this purpose with appropriate re- ligious and musical services. We find an excellent hospital and a prison library of seven hundred and seventeen volumes. The convicts also have the convenience of bath rooms and suitable lighting and heating. * * * The most important industrial feature of the penitentiary is the jute mill. This is the result of the thoughtful observation of Messrs. F. Paine and W. K. Kirkman, who observed the evil effects on the prisoners of lack of exercise and occupa- tion. Messrs. F. Paine, P. Preston and Loudon were the commissioners at that time, and to them is due the jute mill. This is one of the most completely equipped manufactories of grain bags and other jute fabrics in the country. When oper- ated to its full capacity the jute mill employed two hundred and forty-five hands. The output of the mill averages about one hundred and forty thou- sand grain bags per month, at the same time con- siderable quantities of hop cloth, mattings, special bags, twine, etc. For the period of two years ending September 30, 1900, the sales of jute fab- rics, together with stock on hand, amounted to a total of $142,195.07, being a profit of $10,548.37. The output of the brick yard was for the same two years $3,854.39, representing a net profit of $647.64. State Penitentiary CHAPTER VI WALLA WALLA'S CHURCHES AND SOCIETIES A city of churches as well as homes is AYalla Walla. The former embrace the Meth- odist Episcopal, Methodist Church, south, First Presbyterian, Congregational, Cumberland Presbyterian, Baptist, Catholic, Episcopal, Lutheran, German Congregational, German Methodist, Seventh Day Adventist, Christian Science and Salvation Army. From one of the oldest pioneers we have been handed some reminiscences from which it appears that the first religious organization in the city was a Catholic church built in 1859. The "McGillivary place" was its location. It was a primitive affair constructed of poles in- serted in the ground and covered, walls and roof, with rough shakes. Its seating capacity consisted of one long bench ; it was without a floor. On the corner of Fifth and Alder streets was erected the second church, Methodist, built by members of that denomination, headed by Father Berry. Subsequently this rude structure was moved and utilized as a house for the hose cart of the fire department. But its degenera- tion and humiliation were not yet complete ; it was afterward, by the addition of a second story, converted into the celebrated "Blue Front," burned a few years prior to 1900. Among the first denominational edifices of permanence may be mentioned the Church of St. Patrick, Catholic. This was the second church of that denomi- nation and was erected in 1861. Near the present St. Vincent's Academy was its loca- tion. Under the general supervision of Rt. Rev. Bishop Blanchett was it built ; Rev. A. Younger was the first resident parish priest. The latter was succeeded by Rev. J. B. Brouil- let, who had been in the Walla Walla coun- try a large portion of his time since 1847. He it was who established St. Vincent's Academy, in 1864, a full account of which will be found in the chapter devoted to education in Walla Walla county. St. Mary's hospital was added, in 1870, to the already large interests of the Catholic church. With untiring energy, crowned with eminent success, Father Brouillet conducted these allied and growing interests - of his growing parish. Having - at intervals been relieved by Revs. Halde and Manz, in 1875 he resigned to assume charge of the In- dian bureau at Washington, D. C. His suc- cessor was Rev. Thomas Duffy. But beyond the limits of the then existing church the con- gregation had expanded ; a more commodious edifice was a necessity. During the summer of 1 88 1 the present elegant structure was erected. Father Duffy, owing to precarious health, re- signed and retired to California, where he died ; Rev. Father Flohr succeeded him. Events which attracts large audiences are the Catholic church programs for Christmas and Easter, where superb musical numbers are offered to the accompaniment of a fine organ. Concerning' the First Methodist Church a valuable brochure was issued in 1900. It was entitled "Historical Report of the First Meth- odist Episcopal Church at Walla Walla, Wash- ington : Its Organization and Work as Re- ported and Adopted by the Second Quarterly Conference held at Walla Walla February 7, 138 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 1900, by J. M. Hill and E. Smith, Committee." We reproduce this report in full : On page seventy-four of Rev. H. K. Hines' "Missionary History of the Pacific Northwest," we find that the first sermon preached west of the Rocky mountains was delivered by Rev. Jason Lee at Fort Hall, on Sunday, July 27, 1834. And in a book entitled "Wild Life in Oregon," on pages 176-7, we find that the first Methodist sermon preached at, or near, Walla Walla was by the Rev. Gustavus Hines, on May 21, 1843, at Dr. Whitman's mission, six miles west of this city. Rev. Gustavus Hines also preached at Rev. H. H. Spalding's Lapwai mission, Sunday, May 14, 1843. We find that the first Methodist Episcopal church organization that was perfected in Walla Walla, or in that part of the country known as eastern Oregon or eastern Washington, was in 1859, and at that time the Walla Walla valley was just commencing to be settled up with stock- raisers and traders. The town of Walla Walla was the principal or most important point, the United States military post being located here, and this section having become the wintering place for miners, packers and freighters from the mines north and east of this country. The Oregon conference of the Methodist Epis- copal church, having jurisdiction over the church work in this section, took up the matter of sup- plying it with the gospel, and at the annual con- ference held at Albany in August, 1859, appointed Rev. J. H. Wilber at presiding elder of this field, calling it the Walla Walla circuit, which took in most of that part of the country east of The Dalles, Oregon, comprising the Grande Ronde, Walla Walla, Snake river and Columbia river valleys as far north as the British line and east to the Rocky mountains, and appointed Rev. G. M. Berry as pastor for Walla Walla circuit. Brother Wilber and Brother Berry at once started for their field of labor. They came to Walla Walla and commenced the work by holding meetings at different places, at the homes of some of the people and at times in the old log court house at the corner of Main and Fifth streets. Soon after taking up the work Brother Wilber and Brother Berry decided to organize a class at Walla Walla, and on Monday, October 11, 1859, met and organized the first class in the district; also held their first quarterly conference. The quarterly conference was called to order by the presiding elder, Rev. J. H. Wilbur, and opened with singing and prayer. The pastor, Rev. G. M. Berry, was appointed secretary of the meeting. The follow- ing named brothers were elected as the first board of stewards: S. M. Titus, William B. Kelly, John Moar, A. B. Roberts and T. P. Denny. A. B. Rob- erts was elected as the recording steward. In January, 1860, the class decided to build a church in the town of Walla Walla, and appointed a building committee to undertake the work, con- sisting of the pastor, Rev. G. M. Berry, Brother Thomas Martin and Brother John Moar. At a meeting held in April, 1860, the committee re- ported that they had selected for a church site lots 6 and 7, block 10, at the corner of Alder and Fifth streets, and that Rev. G. M. Berry had made ap- plication to the board of county commissioners ask- ing them to donate the lots to the church. At a meeting held on May 21, 1860, the first board of trustees of the church of Walla Walla was ap- pointed, being Brothers T. P. Denney, S. M. Titus, John Moar, Thomas Martin and William B. Kelly; and on May 22, 1860, lots 6 and 7 of block 10 of the original town of Walla Walla were transferred to the above named trustees for the church by the board of county commissioners of Walla Walla county. The building committee — the pastor, Rev. G. M. Berry, as its chairman — with the few members, at once took up the work of building the church, which was completed in the fall of 1860. It was the first church of any denomination built in Walla Walla, and was built at a cost of $1,046.52, with unpaid bills of $131.02. These items are taken from the report of the auditor of the accounts of the building committee as reported at the third quarterly conference, held at Walla Walla on June 24, 1861, by Andrew Keys, auditor. The pastor, Rev. G. M. Berry, has practically been Sunday- school superintendent, as well as pastor, ever since the organization of the class until the church was completed. We fail to find any record of the dedi- cation of this church. The Oregon annual conference of 1861 created the Walla Walla district and appointed the Rev. John Flinn as presiding elder and pastor at Walla Walla. At the Oregon annual conference held in 1867, the Walla Walla district was divided into one station and four circuits, viz.: Walla Walla station, Waitsburg, Grand Ronde and Umatilla circuits. In 1868 the class having become strong, and desiring a new location for their church build- ing, the board of trustees procured lots on the cor- ner of Poplar and Second streets. Bought on May 30, 1868, from W. J. and Abel Arner, for $250, and deeded to the following named trustees: H. Parker, T. P. Denney, J. L. Reser, Joseph Paul and John W. McGhee. The. old church was removed to the new location, repaired and enlarged, and a parson- age was fitted up just east of the church, facing on Poplar street. At the Oregon annual conference held at Eu- gene, August 5th to 9th, 1869, all the membership and appointments formerly denominated Walla Walla station, Walla Walla circuit and Dry Creek, HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 139 were formed as one charge and called Walla Walla circuit, to which Rev. John T. Wolf was appointed as pastor and Rev. Charles H. Hoxie as assistant pastor. Rev. James B. Callaway was presiding elder of the district and on September 18, 1869, called together at Walla Walla all of the official members of the new circuit and organized the first quarterly conference, electing the following board of trus- tees: Charles Moore, T. P. Denney, D. M. Jesse, M. Enerick, Benjamin Hayward, A. H. Simmons, M. McEverly, William Holbrook and Oliver Gal- laher. At the Oregon annual conference held at Vancouver August 25, 1870, Walla Walla station was again made a station, separating it from the Walla Walla circuit, and Rev. H. C. Jenkins was appointed as pastor. Early in the spring of 1878, under the leader- ship of the pastor, Rev. D. G. Strong, the class undertook the erection of a new church building. The old church was sold to Mr. J. F. Abbott, for two hundred and fifty dollars, and moved off of the lots, and through the efforts of the pastor and his board of trustees, consisting of B. F. Burch, J. E. Berryman, H. Middough, John Berry and O. P. Lacy, together with the faithful members and friends, the new church was completed at a, cost of about ten thousand dollars, receiving from the church extention society a donation of one thou- sand dollars and a loan of five hundred dollars. The loan in due time was paid back. After the completion of the new church Rev. W. G. Simpson was the first pastor and Brother E. Smith was the first Sunday-school superintendent. For some reason not on record the church was not dedicated until August, 1879. The collection and services at the dedication were in charge of Bishop Haven, he being the bishop for the annual conference held at Walla Walla August 7th to 12th, 1879. It having been discovered in 1883 that the board of trustees had never been incorporated un- der the laws of the Territory of Washington, the quarterly conference directed that articles of in- corporation should be prepared. B. L. and J. L. Sharpstein, attorneys, were employed to prepare incorporation papers, and on February 9, 1883, they were signed and acknowledged by the follow- ing board of trustees: Donald Ross, C. P. Head- ley, S. F. Henderson, J. M. Hill, H. C. Sniff, H. C. Chew, E. Smith and G. H. Randall, and filed with the Territorial auditor and the auditor of Walla Walla county. At the first meeting of this board of trustees they elected the following officers: J. M. Hill, president; Donald Ross, secretary; C. P. Headley, treasurer. During the summer of 1887 the class under the leadership of the pastor, Rev. Henry Brown, with the ladies of the church and the trustees, con- sisting of J. H. Parker, C. P. Headley, S. F. Hen- derson, J. M. Hill, H. C Sniff, H. C. Chew, G. H. Randall and E. Smith, undertook the building of a new parsonage, and with the bequest of five hun- dred dollars from the estate of our departed brother, E. Sherman, designated by him to be used for a new parsonage, and $596.47 raised princi- pally by the efforts of the ladies T parsonage com- mittee, a two-story, seven-room parsonage was erected on the grounds of the old parsonage, facing Poplar street, and this was turned over to the board of trustees free of debt and fairly well fur- nished. During 1887, through the efforts of Rev. J. H. Wilber, a small church was built in the eastern part of the city and called Wilber Chapel. Brother W. J. White donated a lot for that purpose, three hundred dollars being received from the church extension society, part of the balance being sub- scriptions from friends; but the greater part being given by Rev. J. H. Wilber himself. The church cost one thousand five hundred dollars, and was deeded to the trustees of the First Methodist Episcopal church of Walla Walla, viz.: J. H. Parker, J. M. jHill, C. P. Headley, S. F. Henderson, H. C. Sniff, H. C. Chew, G. H. Randall and E. Smith. The church was sold to the German Luth- eran society for the sum of one thousand six hun- dred dollars, on September 5, 1892, returning to the board of the church extension about four hun- dred dollars due them in principal and interest. The dedication of Wilber Chapel was by Rev. N. E. Parsons, presiding elder, assisted by Rev. J. H. Wilber and Rev. Henry Brown. During 1894 the church under the leadership of Rev. V. C. Evers, the pastor, with the trustees, enlarged the present church by extending it to the north line of the property, increasing the seating capacity of the church with lecture room to five hundred and twenty-five persons. Our church property at this time is free from debt and consists of one church building and lot, value $11,500; one parsonage and fraction of lot, value $2,000; total, $13,500. The following are the names of the pastors at Walla Walla and time of service: 1859 to 1861, Rev. George M. Berry; 1861 to 1863, Rev. John Flinn; 1863 to 1865, Rev. William Franklin; 1865 to 1866, Rev. -James Deardoff; 1866 to 1867, Rev. John L. Reser; 1867 to 1869, Rev. John T. Wolfe; 1869 to 1870, Rev. C. H. Hoxie; 1870 to 1872, Rev. H. C. Jenkins; 1872 to 1873, Rev. J. W. Miller; 1873 to 1874, Rev. S. G. Havermale; 1874 to 1875, Rev. G. W. Grannis; 1875 to 1876, Rev. S. L. Burrell; 1876 to 1878, Rev. D. G. Strong; 1878 to 1880, Rev. W. G. Simpson; 1880 to 1882, Rev. G. M. Irwin; 1882 to 1883, Rev. A. J. Joslyn; 1883 to 1884, Rev. W. C. Gray; 1884 to 1885, Rev. J. D. Flenner; 1885 to 1886, Rev. D. G. Strong; 1886 to 1889, Rev. Henry Brown; 1889 to 140 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 1892, Rev. W. W. Van Dusen; 1892 to 1896, Rev. V. C. Evers; 1896 to 1899, Rev. W. C. Reuter; 1899 to 1900, Rev. Lee A. Johnson; 1900 to 1901, Rev. M. H. Marvin; 1901 to 1902, Dr. Whitefield; 1902 to 1903, Dr. H. Brown; 1903 to 1904, Dr. Whitefield. The following are the names of presiding elders of Walla Walla district and time of service: 1859 to 1861, Rev. J. H. Wilber; 1861 to 1864, Rev. JohnFlinn; 1864 to 1866, Rev. Isaac Dillon; 1866 to 1869, Rev. J. B. Calloway; 1869 to 1870, Rev. W. H. Lewis; 1870 to 1874, Rev. H. K. Hines; 1874 to 1878, Rev. S. G. Havermale; 1878 to 1882, Rev. D. G. Strong; 1882 to 1885, Rev. W. S. Tur- ner; 1885 to 1886, Rev. Levi L. Tarr; 1886 to 1888, Rev. N. E. Parsons; 1888 to 1892, Rev. D. G. Strong; 1892 to 1898, Rev. T. A. Towner; 1898 to 1900, Rev. M. H. Marvin; 1900 to 1905, Rev. E. E. Gibson, Rev. Gabriel Sykes. The membership of the church in 1901 was over three hundred. January 17, 1872, St. Paul's Episcopal church was organized : Rev. Lemuel H. Wells, subsequently bishop of the diocese of eastern Washington, was the first rector. So early as 1864 services of the Episcopal church were held in AValla Walla in church edifices of other denominations. They were led by Bishop Scott, of Portland, and Rev. T. A. Hayland. In the old court house, later the Star Brewery, corner Alder and Third streets. Rev. Wells conducted services. Later an edifice was built at the corner of Third and Poplar streets, cost- ing $5,400. Not more than a dozen persons did the congregation number, and not more than half of these were Episcopalians. But within a short time the court house was in- adequate to the wants of the church ; the neces- sity for more room overshadowed the desire for more comfortable and convenient quarters. In a proportionate ratio to the increases of the church congregation was the Sunday school gain. Phenomenal workers were these little Christian soldiers ; in many ways they aided in furnishing the church ; they contributed gen- erously to the bell fund. Sometimes their Easter offerings exceeded one hundred dollars. For ten years Rev. Wells continued as rector. with the exception of one year and one-half. which interregnum was filled by Rev. J. D.~ Conkey. Rev. Dr. Lathrop succeeded Rev. Wells. He was followed by Revs. McEwan, Tichnor, Dr. Nevins White, Goss, Dr. Law, Palmer and Bard. The financial condition of St. Paul's Church is excellent; the vestry is composed of enterprising men whose manage- ment of church affairs is eminently satisfactory. The church is supplied with a very fine pipe organ. From a publication entitled "Manual of the First Congregational Church, of Walla Walla, Washington," issued in 1894, contributing a complete history of the church, Ave take the following excerpt : The story of the life of the First Congrega- tional Church of Walla Walla is not a story of uninterrupted ease on the part of its members, or of continuous success and steady advancement on the part of the organization itself. It came into existence as the logical result of the most extraor- dinary efforts by its founders and it has lived only by the sacrifice and earnest prayer and labor of its members. In May, 1864, Rev. P. B. Chamberlain settled in Walla Walla for the purpose of occupying the field. This purpose he fulfilled by preaching occa- sionally in the Methodist church and by conduct- ing a school. The growth of this school and the need of a place of worship led Mr. Chamberlain to buy ground and erect thereon a building for a school and religious worship, a little west of the house now occupied by our good Deaconess Cham- berlain. In this Congregational cradle the Congre- gational infant of Washington, rocked by Con- gregational hands and fed on wholesome Congre- gational food, thrived until July 11, 1868, when the little church which represented such great sacrifice on the part of its builders, was destroyed by fire. January 1, 1865, the First Congregational church of Walla Walla, and the first in the State of Washington, was organized by Rev. Cushing Eells and wife, Rev. P. B. Chamberlain and wife, J. W. McKee and wife and Edwin Eells, and the "Sacrament of the Lord's Supper was adminis- tered to the new church and to the other Chris- tians present." The church grew slowly but steadily in numbers and strength, and when its place of worship was destroyed had sufficient en- ergy to immediately undertake the task of build- ing a new structure. The result of its labors, augmented by generous contributions from the citizens, we are now enjoying. HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 141 The society was incorporated January 16, 1869, by Cushing Bells, John B. Stowell, G. W. Somerin- .dyke, Robert Thompson, P. B. Chamberlain and Edwin Eells, the first board of trustees be- ing composed of G. W. Somerindyke, J. B. Stowell and Robert Thompson. Edwin Eells was the first church clerk. The church flourished for a year or two till, from the removal of mem- bers and other causes, its fortunes changed, and from 1870 its cause waned and weakened, and in 1880 its doors were closed, to remain so until the arrival of Rev. N. F. Cobleigh in the spring of 1882. Interest was somewhat restored and the church prospered under his leadership for several years, until he was called to the missionary field of East- ern Washington. The most notable official event during his pastorate was the election of the first deacon of the church, Dr.' A. -J. Anderson, who was chosen to fill the office for three months. Rev. Ezra Haskell succeeded to the pastorate July 8, 1894, soon after which the church seemed to receive a new inspiration and a new life, every member working vigorously and successfully for its interests. During this pastorate the amount subscribed for the pastor's salary was raised from $40 to $60 per month, the amount asked from the missionary society being correspondingly reduced. It was during this pastorate, too, that the Chris- tian Endeavor Society was formed, that valuable auxiliary to the church work being the result of special effort on the part of the pastor and the then few young people of the church. By reason of disagreement between the pastor and the church the spiritual health of the latter became impaired and the relation of pastor and people ceased at the end of the second year. September 8, 1886, Rev. H. R. Foster, one of God's most gifted and consecrated servants, was called to the pulpit, but was compelled to resign because of ill health on June 20th of the next year. During this short pastorate the spiritual power of the church was increased most marvel- ously and it seemed to the members that God was, indeed, smiling on their efforts. However, this was but God's preparation for the future condi- tions. . In the early years of the pastorate of Rev. E. R. Loomis, who was next called to be our leader, the cause flourished to the great satisfaction of the members. Many important modifications were adopted during this period, notable among which were the adoption of the new constitution of the church; a reincorporation by which the women were given the privilege of becoming members of the corporate body; the relief of the mis- sionary society from the burden it had so long generously and faithfully borne; the formation of a Junior Endeavor Society; and the closer union of the church and Sunday-school. After the resignation of Mr. Loomis the pulpit was supplied by him for some time, and afterwards for a few months by Rev. Mr. Hague, of Maine. The church was fortunate enough to have among its members several preachers who con- ducted the services until we were blessed by the arrival among us of our present pastor, Rev. E. L. Smith, whose labors speak for him and require no comments. Here we are in the year 18 9 4, as a strong man to run a race, well equipped for the work, earnest to do the Master's bidding, laboring for the salva- tion of souls and desirous of building up the Chris- tian sentiment of the community in every way possible, but especially in the way of building a solid foundation and superstructure of Congrega- tionalism in this part of the great Northwest. Subsequent work of the church fully real- ized these hopes. Until 1898 Rev. E. L. Smith continued to minister spiritual advice to the congregation ; he was succeeded by Rev. Aus- tin Rice. On the corner of Palouse and Alder streets an elegant church edifice was built in 1899, and the same has been occupied since January, 1900. The latter year the Sunday school was under the superintendency of Presi- dent S. B. L. Penrose. In 1901 the officers of the church were : Standing Committee, Daniel Burr, A. H. Reynolds, John Baker, Mrs. Isabel Kirkman, Mrs. Eva Williams and Miss Anna Hill. Trustees : W. D. Lyman, A. H. Reynolds, F. J. McGougan ; Clerk, W. S. Clark ; Treasurer, Jay Williams. At that period the total membership was two hundred and twenty-three. An organization of the First Cumberland Presbyterian Church was effected January 5, 1873. Those primarily interested in this move- ment were Rev. Harrison W. Eagan and seven members ; the first elders of the church were Joel Hargrove, J. M. Reed and W. B. Simon- ton. Until January 1, 1882, Rev. Eagan min- istered to the church. More than two hundred members were received during the decade of his pastorate. Rev. J. N. Crawford followed him, and he, in turn, was succeeded by Rev. J. C. Van Patten. During two years Rev. W. 142 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. VV. Peck presided over the destinies of the society, his pastorate beginning in 1886. For five years thereafter Rev. E. G. McLean, D. D., was pastor, and he was succeeded by Rev. R. F. Powell, who was followed by Rev. Duncan Wallace. The latter resigned in 1900, and re- moved to California. Rev. G. A. Blair sup- plied his place, and the membership at that period was two hundred. To every moral and spiritual interest this church has ever been signally awake ; 'its collateral organizations are active and beneficient ; these include the Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor, the Pilgrim and Missionary societies. In igoi- the officers of the church were : Elders, W. P. Winans, N. F. Butler, J. W. Armstrong, W. S. Offner, Dr. N. G. Blalock, G. H. Sutherland and A. M. Cation ; Deacons : H. E. Johnson, George Startett, J. F. McLean, A. J. Evans, A. J. Beard, P. M. Winans, Samuel McBride, Marvin Evans and M. E. Brewer. Originally the services of this church were held in the old court house. At the expiration of a year space was inadequate to accommodate the society ; a requisition was made on the City Hall. In 1876 an edifice was erected on a lot on the southwest corner of Third and Poplar streets, at a cost of $6,000. January 4, 1880, this building was dedicated free from debt. The money required for the erection of this church was subscribed by the citizens of Walla Walla, a worthy testimonial of their liberal and broad-minded character. In the autumn of 1878 the Christian Church comprised an organization of eight people. A permanent organization of eleven members was effected March 31, 1879. Clerk of this church was Judge N. T. Caton ; the membership in- creased to thirty-two within one year. No regular minister served the church for several years, but the Waitsburg pastor occasionally visited it, as well as other ministers who chanced to pass that way. Frequently Brother Neal Cheetem was here. From time to time meetings were held in several of the old church buildings. Later, for a short period, the old opera house was used. Then, until the church moved into its new building, on Third, between Birch street and Stahl avenue, Baumeister's hall was used for devotional services. July 31, 1 89 1, under the name of the First Christian Church of Walla Walla, Washington, the or- ganization was incorporated. The first trustees were S. C. Calvert, F. N. Bowman and William Preston. Those who served as pastors previous to the building of the new church, were Neal Cheetem, A. H. Foster, J. H. Hollis, J. B. Johnson and R. H. Lotz. At the conclusion of his sermon, Sunday morning, September 20, 1891, Pastor Lotz announced that Judge J. A. Lasater offered the congregation a suitable lot for building purposes, providing the members would erect a church edifice. Immediately steps were taken to avail themselves of this liberal offer. The building committee were S. G. Calvert, chairman, F. M. Bowman, E. W. Thornton, B. W. Schell and William Pres- ton. They at once entered upon the work of collecting funds and securing plans for the prospective new edifice. A cash donation of $500 was contributed by A. C. Dickinson, of the Waitsburg congre- gation; a loan of $1,000 was secured from the Church Extension Society of the Christian Church. Liberal contributions were made by the members and friends of the church; soon after Judge Lasater' s offer the building was commenced. April 2d, of the following spring, the edifice having been completed, William F. Cowden, missionary in the northwest for the American Home Board of the Christian Church, dedicated the handsome and commodious build- ing. The congregation rapidly increased ; the loan against the building was repaid. Since the dedication of the church edifice the following served as pastors up to 1901 in the order named: J. B. Daisley, C. P. Smith, J. F. Ghormley, O. J. Gist, L. O. Herrold. In 1901 the board of trustees comprised C. J. Hall, Henry Lasater and D. W. Coward. HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 143 So early as 1870 services according to the forms of the Baptist church were held in Walla Walla. Rev. W. H. Pruett presided. But a formal church organization was not perfected until nearly a decade thereafter. In August, 1896 the Walla Walla "Union" published a historical edition in which appeared the fol- lowing : To attempt to write a history of a church now in the zenith of its glory is like trying to write the biography of a great and good man while he is still in the prime of his usefulness. The history of the First Baptist Church of Walla Walla is a history of trials and triumphs. This church, like most of the western churches in early days, had a hard struggle for existence. The Baptists were late in effecting an organization in this city, which caused a great deal of hard work and patience to obtain a foothold. Many of the prominent families of the city were Baptists and had be- longed to Baptist churches in the east, but on coming to Walla Walla found no Baptist church organization, so joined churches of other denomi- nations. On May 11, 1879, the First Baptist Church of Walla Walla was organized with five members, and Rev. J. L. Blitch, of Dixon, California, be- came the first pastor and served the church -for a year and a half. After remaining pastorless for several months the church extended a call to Rev. D. J. Pierce, of Laramie, Wyoming, which was accepted. Mr. Pierce was well known on the coast, having served the First Baptist Church of Portland, Oregon, previous to this. It was dur- ing the two years of Mr. Pierce's pastorate that the present church edifice was erected, at a cost of $4,500, not including the lot, which cost about $2,000. With but twenty-seven members, Mr. Pierca commenced the work of building, and car- ried it through to completion. After leaving Walla Walla Mr. Pierce became pastor of the First Bap- tist church of Seattle. Rev. A. B. Banks, pastor of the First Baptist church of Laramie, Wyoming, succeeded Mr. Pierce as pastor. During the two years of Mr. Banks' pastorate the church con- tinued to increase in membership and influence. At the close of his pastorate the church extended a call to Rev. S. W. Beavan, during whose pastor- ate of a year and a half the church was greatly strengthened. Mr. Beavan was succeeded in his pastorate by his brother, Rev. J. H. Beavan, who served as pastor for five and one-half years with great success. The church then extended a call to Rev. J. W. Neyman, but at that time it was not accepted. A call was then given to Rev. M. C. Cole, of New Orleans, which he accepted. Mr. Cole served the church as pastor for nearly three and one-half years. This church has made a steady growth from the first. The church has always been liberal in its gifts to carry on mis- sion work at home and in foreign lands. The property of the church is valued at about $9,000, including the parsonage. The call extended to Rev. J. W. Neyman in 1896 was accepted. The church exhibited a healthy growth in all branches of work under his pastorate; it increased in membership; this has been true, also, during the pastorates of his successors, Rev. J. F. Huckleberry, who was in charge seven months, and Rev. H. B. Turner. A mission chapel is maintained at the corner of Ninth and Rees streets. Thoroughly vital in the discharge of their various functions are the auxiliary organizations maintained by the church society. In October or November, 1875, the Meth- odist Episcopal Church, South, was organized by F. W. D. Mays. At first it was a class limited to a small membership. Among them were the old pioneers, J. M. Jesse and J. M. Gose, and their wives. For quite a period F. W. D. Mays used the United Brethren Church building for religious services, their class being then without a pastor. Their property was for sale ; Mr. Mays made arrangements to pur- chase it. The Board of Missions in Nashville, appropriated the necessary money. However, the officers of the United Brethren church de- cided not to dispose of the property ; the funds donated by the Nashville board were used to buy two lots on Fourth and Sumach streets. There was a dwelling still standing on one of these lots ; the lower front of this was converted into a hall for church services. They were here held for two years. Rev. Mays was returned in 1876 by con- ference appointment. The annual conference assembled in Walla Walla in 1876 in this hall, Bishop H. N. McTyiere presiding. As pastor for the ensuing year J. W. Compton was ap- pointed. F. W. D. Mays again appeared as 144 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. pastor in 1878. He sold the lot, in 1879, on which stood the building, and erected the pres- ent church edifice which, however, was not completed until several years subsequently. A number of pastors served the charge during the succeeding twenty years. Among them were J. S. Burnett, W. T. Haggard, P. M. Bell, M. V. Howard, E. G. Michael, W. M. Fancher, A. Y. Skee, C. T. McPherson and E. P. Greene. J. W. Compton was again named as pastor in 1900; in 1901 the board of trustees comprised T. F. Ladd, J. B. Cash and J. M. Keeler. To provide for the maintenance of German preaching in Walla Walla the first religious denomination was the Methodist Episcopal. In its endeavor to sustain these services it was for a number of years alone. It was in 1884 that the German Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in the city of which we write. The first pastor was Rev. William Esslinger; Rev. F. Baum the first presiding elder. The membership was small at first; they were un- able to erect an edifice of their own; services were held in the First Methodist Episcopal church. But the German population and mem- bership increased rapidly; the necessity for a building of their own became urgent. An effort was made and persistently maintained to secure the required funds. Eventually the society owned a handsome, commodious edifice entirely free from debt. In 1901 this building and grounds were valued at $5,000. Rev. C. A. Wentsch was, at that period, pastor. There arrived in Walla Walla, June 24, 1877, Revs. E. N. Condit, F. M. Boyd and Robert Boyd, graudates of Princeton Theologi- cal Seminary. By the Presbyterian Board of Home Missions they had been commissioned. Active work was immediately commenced by Rev. Mr. Condit. His object was the organiza- tion of a church; but after preaching along these lines for six weeks, with good prospects of success, another field of labor called him away. Robert Boyd, however, continued this work so 'well planned and begun; August 12, 1877, ne preached for the first time in Walla Walla in the court house. Finally an organiza- tion was effected by Rev. W. H. Stratton, synodical missionary for the Synod of Colum- bia, assisted by Rev. Boyd. This constituted the First Presbyterian church of Walla Walla. Nineteen persons comprised the total member- ship. From November, 1877, until January, 1882, services were held in the court house; then until 1884 in the building of the United Brethren church, at which period the First Presbyterian church was completed. Rev. Robert Boyd served as pastor from the organization of the church until March, 1886. Rev. T. M. Gunn succeeded him, March, 1886, to June, 1888; Rev. E. M. Sharp from June, 1888, to March, 1891 ; Rev. M. L. Belden from then until November, 1894. Until January, 1897, the church was without a pastor, the pulpit being supplied occasionally as the session could find means and men to do so. Rev. E. N. Condit, in January, 1897, accepted a call from the congregation, remaining until his death, in June, 1900. FRATERNAL AND OTHER ORGANIZATIONS. There are many fraternal and social or- ganizations in Walla Walla ; the affairs of each, with few exceptions, are in a flourishing con- dition. Throughout the city the various social and benevolent organizations exercise their several functions ; numerically with the popu- lation of the "Garden City" they are in harmony. In Walla Walla the ancient and honorable order of Free Masons is represented by two blue lodges, one chapter, a commandery and a chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star. Walla Walla Lodge, No. 7, F. & A. M., came into existence in i860. August 18, 1859, Grand Master McElroy issued a dispensation to Alvin B. Roberts, W. M. ; Charles Siever- man, S. W. ; Henry Bruning, J. W. ; Charles HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA . COUNT Y. 145 R. Allen, J. Friedman, Brazille Grounds, Thomas P. Page, R. H. Reigart and William Whitney to open a lodge to be called Walla Walla, No. 7, but as only eighteen days would elapse before the annual communication of the grand lodge, the dispensation was made re- turnable in the following year. The unique position of this lodge and the vastness of its jurisdiction are worthy of remark. The lodge nearest it was one hundred and forty miles to the west, at The Dalles, Oregon. The nearest lodges to the south were in California; to the east in Nebraska and Minnesota; and to the north, beyond the north pole! The charter was granted on September 3, i860. The name of William Whitney had then disappeared from the role of those to whom the dispensation was granted and the following names were added : J. M. Cannady, William B. Kelly, C. A. Brooks, William V. Woolridge, A. D. Super, W. H. Babcock, A. Barnet, A. J. Cain, James Galbreath, C. Leyde, G. Silver- man and J. Whiting, Master Masons; M. B. Davis, C. Frush, Ninevah Ford, C. C. Holcum, A. Jacobs, S. D. Smith and W. J. Terry, Fel- lowcrafts; and Elias B. Whitman, Entered Apprentice. The first officers of the lodge under the charter were Alvin B. Roberts, W. M. ; C. Silverman, S. W. ; Henry N. Brunning, J. W. ; J. M. Cannady, treasurer; William B. Kelly, secretary ; C. A. Brooks, B. D. ; Thomas P. Page, J. D. ; and William V. Woolridge, tyler. The lodge erected a two-story building in 1864, corner of Third and Alder streets. This structure was destroyed by fire two years later; for a period the lodge assembled in Odd Fellows' Temple. In the Dooley block, on East Main street, rooms were at a later date fitted up, and were known as Knights Templar Hall: In 1901 this lodge had a membership of sev- enty-five, the officers being: T. S. Steel, wor- shipful master; Wellington Clark, senior warden; L. S. Wilson, junior warden; Rev. Duncan Wallace, chaplain; Joel Chitwood, treasurer; R. C. Gastob, secretary; H. J. Jones, 10 senior deacon; S. E. King, senior steward; J. D. Jones, junior steward; Maurice Murphy* tyler. Blue Mountain Lodge, No. 13, F. & A. M., was organized in 1868. Members of Walla Walla Lodge had withdrawn for that purpose. On March 28, 1868, Grand Master Biles issued his dispensation for the new lodge at Walla Walla, to Fred Stine as W. M. ; Lewis Day, S. W. ; William O'Donnell, J. W. ; Benjamin L. Sharpstein, John F. Boyer, Ralph Guichard, James D. Laman, E. S. Crockett, William P. Adams, J. Bauer, E. Brown, Charles Herzog, Henry Howard, A. Kyger and P. T. Shupe. The first meeting was held April 20, 1868. Quite strong, financially, is this lodge, and in 1 90 1 it numbered a membership of one hun- dred. In that year its officers were : F. M. Pauly, worshipful master; J. S. Schrock, senior warden; J. H. Stockwell, junior warden; H. E. Johnson, treasurer; Y. C. Blalock, secretary; Richard McLean, junior deacon; William Van Patten, senior steward; R. A. Horn, junior steward ; James Dorr, tyler. Regular meetings are held in Masonic Hall on the first and third Mondays of each month. A chapter of the Royal Arch Masons, Walla Walla Chapter, No. 1, was organized Septem- ber 20, 1 87 1, with the following charter mem- bers : E. S. Kearney, J. H. Blewett, A. B. Elmer, Z. K. Straight, P. A. Preston, T. J. Peabody, A. B. Carter, J. B. Dexter, Alfred Thomas and H. C. Paige. Of this capitular body the original officers were: E. S. Kearney, high priest; E. B. Whitman, king; W. P. Adams, scribe; E. S. Crockett, captain of the host; A. B. Carter, principal sojourner; R. P. Olds, royal. arch captain; Fred Stencil, master of the third veil ; W. S. Mineer, master of the first veil ; J. Shepherd, master of the second veil; Z. K. Straight, guide; W. P. Adams, treasurer ; R. Guichard, secretary. A member- ship of one hundred was claimed for this chap- ter at this period, and it then owned consider- able property. The 1901 officers of the chapter 146 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. •were : J. H. Stockwell, high priest ; Levi An- keny, king ; F. W. Rees, scribe ; W. P. Winans, treasurer ; W. E. Russell, secretary ; Y. C. Blalock, principal sojourner; Henry Osterman, captain of the host; D. T. Kyger, royal arch captain; J. S. Schrock, master of the third veil : F. M. Pauly, master of the first veil ; Maurice Murphy, tyler. By a dispensation granted April 19, 1882, Washington Commandery, No. 1, K. T., was formed. It was issued by M. E. Grand Master Benjamin Dean, of Massachusetts. The com- mandery was instituted a short time afterward with a good charter membership. In Decem- ber, 1900, the officers were as follows: J. L. Jones, eminent commander; Henry Osterman, generalissimo; F. M. Pauly, captain of the guard ; G. W. Babcock, treasurer ; Y. C. Blalock, secretary; G. H. Chamberlain, senior warden; W. E. Russell, junior warden; D. T. Kyger, standard bearer; Levi Ankeny, sword bearer; G. H. Snell, warder; Maurice Murphy, sentinel. May 21, 1892, at Walla Walla, was or- ganized Alki Chapter, No. 25, Order of the Eastern Star. The following were charter members : Le F. A. Shaw, Emma E. Shaw, C. L. Whitney, J. L. Roberts, Ollie Roberts, G. H. Snell, Clara J. Snell, D. T. Kyger. Addie Kyger, F. M. Pauly, Mary Pauly, E. R. Parkes, Laura B. Parkes, Mary Masterson, Sadie R. McLean, J. C. Lewis, Mary E. Lewis and H. E. Yannatta. In 1901 the chapter num- bered one hundred and one members, and was in excellent financial condition. On the first and third Tuesdays of each month regular con- vocations of the chapter are held in Knight Templars' Hall. In December, 1900, the of- ficers were : Nettie M. Gibson, W. M. ; F. M. Pauly, W. P. ; Ida McLean, A. M. ; Stella M. Hawley, conductor; Nora S. Russell, A. S. ; D. T. Kyger, treasurer; W. E. Russell, secre- tary; Laura B. Parkes, chaplain; Ferdinanda Horn, Adah; Clara J. Snell, Ruth; Gertrude Parmela, Esther ; Elizabeth Hill, Martha ; Luti M. Stiles, Electa; Sarah J. Smith, warder; W. E. Graham, sentinel ; Addie Kyger, mar- shal ; Flora C. Stockwell, organist. A strong and enthusiastic following has Odd Fellowship in the city of Walla Walla. Here is located the Odd Fellows' Home of the state. It is a w^ell-managed, finely equipped institution. In Walla Walla there are three lodges of this order, one encampment, one can- ton and two lodges of the Daughters of Re- bekah. Here was established the second lodge of Odd Fellows in the Territory of Washington. This was forty-two years ag _ o. From its in- ception until the present date it has enjoyed uninterrupted prosperity. Other organizations equally representative in nature have sprung from this mother lodge. As No. 1, instead of No. 2, this Walla Walla lodge merits the dis- tinction, and for this reason : Olympia Lodge, No. 1, the first in the Territory, had sur- rendered its charter in 1861, and until 1865 did not resume it. January 24, 1863, A. G. Hovey, grand master of the grand lodge of Oregon, signed a dispensation authorizing and empowering Messrs. A. H. Purely, James McAuliff, William B. Kelly, L. A. Burthey and Meyer Lazarus to organize Enterprise Lodge, No. 2. February 23, 1863, the lodge was duly instituted with the above named gentlemen as charter members.. The first officers of Enterprise Lodge were : James McAuliff, noble grand ; William B. Kelly, vice grand ; A. H. Purely, secretary and treasurer. E. B. Whitman was the first district deputy grand master and the first -representative to the grand lodge. Of this pioneer fraternal society Mr. Alexander McKay, in 1897, wrote as follows : As above stated the first charter was issued by the grand master of Oregon, but the souvereign grand lodge subsequently decided that Oregon had no rights in a Territory, so on September '26, 1865, granted a new charter, under which the lodge worked until Washington became a state, when a new charter was issued from our own grand lodge, / ^^^H £3^1 f JT=T T" :: ' ■■ r Odd Fellows Home HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 147 -while H. E. Holmes was grand master and Le F. A. Shaw grand secretary. When Enterprise Lodge was ushered into exist- ence Odd Fellowship was a comparative stranger in the great northwest. Our first meeting was held in James Conlan's building on Main street, near Fourth. Here we were burned out in 1864, without serious loss. We then removed to what was then known as Robert's Grove, where we rented a building jointly with the Masons, but this being remote from the city, Brother J. F. Abbott fixed us up a lodge room on the premises now known as the Cayuse stable. Here the lodge was very prosperous for a time. Candidates were numerous and our sick few. Everybody had money then, and if perchance we found one poor and destitute, he was usually so from choice. Since that time things have changed. In 1865 the Ma- sons built a fine hall on the corner of Third and Alder streets, and as our quarters were becoming too small, we moved to this new hall, and again for a short season were prosperous and happy, until on the Fourth of July, 1865, a fire broke out which swept away that hall, together with our records, paraphernalia, and all we possessed, ex- cept our written constitution, signed by the mem- bers as they were initiated. We then secured new quarters over Brechtel's bakery, procured a new outfit, and the good work continued. We hus- banded our means, put our money where it did the most good and finally, in 1880, were enabled to build our present fine Temple on the corner of Main and Fifth streets, at a cost of about $20,000, which is at present worth at least $26,000. But it is not for sale, for it is a monument which En- terprise Lodge has raised with its own hands and every Odd Fellow has cause to feel proud of it. The erection of the ■ building was commenced in July, 1880 (the corner stone was laid July 4th), under the supervision of the committee from the lodge consisting of E. W. Eversz, Samuel Jacobs, D. J. Coleman and Julius Wiesick, assisted by the trustees of the lodge,' H. Wintler, Edward Baumeis- ter and Charles Able. The building was completed in December, 1880, and in January, 1881, we held our first meeting in our new hall, Brother H. E. Holmes, N. G., presiding. The lodge then had one hundred members, and the present membership is one hundred and fifty-three. Since the organiza- tion of Enterprise Lodge four hundred and five members have signed the roll. Of the pioneer members few are now left, viz.: E. B. Whitman, Charles Besserer, Charles Able, Edward Baumeis- ter, John Rehorn, H. Wintler and W. H. Brown. The pioneers and past grands who took a promi- nent part in the early history of the lodge, and who have died since 1890, are: A. Schumacher, November 7, 1890; Peter Erickson, August 10, 1891; E. W. Eversz, January 3, 1892; D. J. Cole- man, June 19, 1893; John Goudy, June 20, 1895; John F. Abbott, March 13, 1896. Among those who may be classed as pioneer Odd Fellows, who have been initiated or joined Enterprise Lodge by card, and are still active members, are: E. B. Whitman, Charles Besserer, Henry Kaseberg, H. E. Holmes, S. F. Henderson, Alex McKay, C. C. McCoy, Jacob Betz, Charles Able, W. H. Brown, John Rehorn, H. Wintler, Charles Cooper, James Mclnroe, Thomas Taylor, John H. Stahl and James Bryan. At present the lodge has a number of young members who joined the order since 1880, many of whom are past grands, and all of whom take an active part in the workings of the lodge. The officers of Enterprise Lodge for 1900 were : W. Jessup, noble grand ; Thomas Taylor, vice grand; Levi Ankeny, treasurer; Burt Moore, secretary and John Cauvel, permanent secretary. March 17, 1881, a dispensation was granted for the organization of Washington Lodge, No. 19, Odd Fellows, in Walla Walla. This lodge was formally instituted on the 19th of the same month, with the following charter members : Le F. A. Shaw, James McAuliff, Christian Sturm, Joseph Cherry, W. G. Alban, A. McAllister and L. J. Shell. The first of- ficers were James McAuliff, noble grand ; Christian Sturm, vice grand ; Joseph Cherry, secretary. May 11, 1882, a regular charter was granted to the lodge. Its membership in 1900 was one hundred and twenty; its affairs were in an exceedingly prosperous condition. The officers In 1900 were: G. E. Bamett, noble grand ;C. W. Scott, vice grand; J. W. McGhee, Jr., recording' secretary, and Le F. A. Shaw, financial secretary. Trinity Lodge, No. 121, Odd Fellows, was instituted April 30, 1892. Special Deputy Grand Master W. G. Alban assumed the chair. He, assisted by Le F. A. Shaw, grand secre- tary, and past grands from Enterprise Lodge, No. 2, and Washington Lodge, No. 19, con- ducted the work of institution. Charter mem- bers of this organization were : Past Grand James P. Goodhue (who was a member of the jurisdiction of British Columbia), C. C. Gose, 148 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. W. H. Flagg, F. W. Kaser, F. D. Kimmerly, M. H. Gilliam, P. B. Hawley,C. W. Fredericks and J. Carter Smith. Fifty-one propositions for membership by initiation, and two by card were received after the new officers had taken their chairs, and acted upon. The two were admitted by card, and forty-seven candidates initiated and given all the degrees. The first officers of Trinity Lodge were : W. H. Flagg, noble grand ; F. D. Kimmerly, vice grand ; J. Carter Smith, secretary ; and P. B. Hawley, treasurer. Both numerically and financially the organization has flourished from the beginning; there were eighty names on the roll in 1900. For the term ending December 31, 1900, the officers were as follows : Alvin Boston, noble grand ; W. A. Koontz, vice grand ; J. Carter Smith, secretary; Victor Hunziker, treasurer. To a large extent this lodge is composed of young men who, in its work, manifest an enthusiastic interest. Walla Walla Encampment, No. 3, is the local camp of this branch of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. March 28, 1881, it was organized by W. D. Plants with these as charter members : E. W. Eversz, H. E. Holmes; Edward Baumeister, Samuel Jacobs, W. H. Brown, J. Q. Osborn, John Goudy and Charles Abel. This encampment is in a prosperous condition financially and otherwise, having in 1900 one hundred and thirty members. The officers for 1900 were: O. T. Cornwell, C. P. ; J. A. Riffley, H. P.; T. N. Bryan, S. W. ; Alvin Boston, J. W. ; Le F. A. Shaw, scribe; W. A. Koontz, treasurer. Canton Walla Walla, No. 1, Patriarchs Militant, was instituted April 12, 1886, by H. E. Holmes, grand Patriach, assisted by W. C. Alban, grand representative, and Le F. A. Shaw, past representative and grand scribe. The following charter members were officers : W. G. Alban, captain ;F. D. Boyer, accountant; N. Castleman, sentinel ; and C. H. Kaseberg, picket. In 1900 the officers were W. H. Meyer (acting) captain; Charles L. Whitney,, clerk ; Le F. A. Shaw, accountant. October 31, 1885, Narcissa Rebekah Lodge, No. 2, was instituted by H. E. Holmes, then deputy grand master; the charter mem- bership was thirty-five. In 1900 it had risen to one hundred and five, and the officers at that date were : Mrs. Ratie McClees, noble grand ; Mrs. Mary McKean, vice grand; Mrs. Lizzie Bellingham, recording secretary; Herbert Os- good, financial secretary; Mrs. Sarah Gray,, treasurer. March 1, 1895, Bee Hive Rebekah Lodge,. No. 70, was instituted by Mrs. Emma E. Shaw, past president of the Rebekah Assembly- There were twenty-three charter members. In 1 90 1 the membership was one hundred and twenty. The same year the lodge was officered by : Mrs. Alma L. Krack, noble grand ; Mrs. Marguerite Mullinix, vice grand; Mrs. Mary G. Vinson, secretary; Mrs. May Boston, treasurer. Although without the limits of Walla Walla city, it is appropriate to include here a brief sketch of the Odd Fellows' Lodge, of Dixie, Welcome Lodge, No. 117. May 26, 1892, it was instituted. The first officers were: W. J. Cantonwine, N. G ; R. G. Clancy, V. G. ; Marion Koger, R. Sec. ; Charles Cochran, Per. Sec. ; Adelbert Cochran, treasurer ; R. A. Stockdale, warden; J. E. Myers, conductor; Joseph Reed, R. S. N. G; J. M. Sanders, L. S. N. G; N.'j. Walters, R. S. V G; A. A. Magrunn, L. S. V. G ; B. C. Roff, inside guard; G. W. Sanders, outside guard; L.. Lanning, R. R. S. ; Isadore Cochran, L. S. S. The other members were P. Demaris, J. W. Davis, Samuel Brooks, W. H. Johnson, Orin Demaris and Orlando Demaris. From its organization the lodge continued to prosper, numbering fifty-nine members in good standing in 1900. In 1893 a more com- modious hall was erected for its housing, size, 30x65 feet, two stories in height, the upper portion being used exclusively for lodge HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 149 purposes ; the lower for a general merchandise store and doctor's office. Completed this build- ing cost $35,000, furnishings included. It was on March 24, 1893, that the Re- bekah branch of Dixie lodge was instituted. The original membership was eighteen; in 1900, fifty-eight. The noble institution which we are now called upon to review crowns the system of Odd Fellowship in the State of Washington; the Odd Fellows' Home, of Walla Walla. A special committee was appointed at a session of the grand lodge in 1893, to consider the ad- visability of establishing this magnificent in- stitution. At the annual session of the grand lodge this committee rendered its report. Such a home as had been suggested was recom- mended. With slight modifications of minor details this report was adopted. To estab- lish and maintain this home a semi annual per capita tax on subordinate lodges was recom- mended, and it was, also, suggested, that en- campments, lodges and individuals might make voluntary contributions in aid of the proposed home. The session elected a board of man- agers consisting of five members, to be known as the "Board of Trustees of the Odd Fellows' Home;" to them were entrusted the super- vision and management of all matters pertain- ing to the home, but under the grand lodge's direction, to which the board was required to make an annual report. There were, also, formulated definite plans for securing neces- sary funds for pushing forward the work. A series of ten resolutions was. also, adopted, "defining the mode of proceedings to the es- tablishment of the home." We quote a portion of them : pi rs t — Resolved, That there is hereby author- ized to be established and maintained in this juris- diction an Odd Fellows' Home for the care and support of the aged, infirm and indigent members of the order, who shall be in good standing in their respective subordinate lodges in this jurisdiction. Ninth — Resolved, That any member of a subor- dinate lodge domiciled in the Odd Fellows' Home as a beneficiary thereof, shall not be entitled to receive from his lodge the usual benefits paid by his lodge to sick and disabled members; neither shall he be required, while remaining at the home, to pay dues to his lodge. When a beneficiary mem- ber withdraws from the home, he shall, as other active members, be subject to all provisions of the constitutions and by-laws of his lodge. Tenth — Resolved, That while a member of a subordinate lodge remains a beneficiary member of the home, he shall continue to be a silent, or honorary member of his lodge, unless suspended or expelled for cause, under the laws of the order, and his lodge shall be exempt from the payment of dues on his account for grand lodge revenue. Resolved, That for the beginning of the estab- lishment of a fund for an Odd Fellows' Home, there be and hereby is levied a special semi-annual tax of ten cents per capita on each subordinate lodge in this jurisdiction, the first payment being due and payable December 31, 1894, on its mem- bership for the preceding term ending June 30, 1894. The following were the members of the board of directors : J. M. Swan, Z. M. Beebe, F. A. Twichell, E. L. Powell and W. P. Harris. When organized Mr. Swan was chosen presi- dent and Mr. Twichell, secretary. In 1896, at the session of the grand lodge, the report of the board of trustees was sub- mitted. Among other matters it recommended that the grand lodge should at that session select, or authorize to be selected, a site loca- tion for the home, and also "authorize such proceedings as may be necessary to establish and prepare the home for the reception and care of inmates." To a special committee of five members this report was referred, and they, in reporting to the grand lodge recommended that the board of trustees be authorized and empowered to receive and accept the best prop- osition, in their judgment, that may be offered for the location of the home. That one trustee be chosen from the Rebekah Assembly was, also, recommended. Later Emma E. Shaw, past president, was elected, and such action reported to the grand lodge. Her term of of- fice was named as five years. Propositions for home sites were received from Tacoma. Cen- tralia and Walla Walla. IS© HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. By a vote of four to one the Walla Walla proposition was accepted at a meeting of the board of trustees, in Tacoma, September 5, 1896. Plans and specifications were soon in hand ; the contract for the erection of the home trustees. For the reception of inmates it was was immediately pushed. J. M. Swan was chosen to have charge of the institution follow- ing- its completion. This was in the summer of 1897, and it was duly accepted by the trustees. For the reception of inmates it was opened in December of the same year. Well within the city limits this home is located, the land being on Boyd avenue, and having a frontage of four hundred and sixty-five feet. The premises, extending southward, include six and one-half acres of ground. About two- thirds distance from front to rear, Mill Creek crosses the grounds. The soil is rich and pro- ductive. Originally the building, 42x90 feet in size, was constructed by N. F. Butler, for $5,609; many costly and handsome additions have since been made to the initial structure. Into convenient rooms and apartments the first floor is suitably divided, viz : seven bed- rooms, a reception room, a spacious dining room, and a large, well lighted room for gen- eral use of inmates as library, card room, smok- ing room and general sitting room. There are convenient bath and toilet rooms, with ex- cellent water and sewerage systems. During the regime of Mr. Swan Mrs. Dora Busbridge officiated as matron; in 1900 E. J. Calvin was superintendent, and Mrs. Calvin, matron. The local council of the Young Men's In- stitute was organized January 15, 1896. The charter membership was thirty-two ; the first officers : D. J. Morton, president ; N. S. Sulli- van, vice president; J. McQuade, second vice president ; T. S. Scally, recording secre- tary; Byron Lutcher, financial secretary; Adolph Bischoff, corresponding secretary; John Kremer, treasurer ; Joseph McBride, in- side sentinel ; W. H. Weber, John Dunnigan and M. J. Brennan, executive committee. Crescent Assembly, No. 66, United Ar- tisans, was organized at Walla Walla June 20, 1896, by Dr. Farnham. There were twen- ty-two charter members. In 1900 there was a membership of fifty, officered as follows : J. E. Ireland, D. G. M. ; Mrs. Etta Macy, P. M. A. ; W. A. Williams, M. A. ; Delia Johnson, S. ; G. F. McGhee, I.; J. C. Jones, secretary; J. F. Stack, treasurer; Mrs. Lena White, S. C. ; A. S. McDaniels, J. C. ; Ralph White, M. C. ; Dr. W. E. Russell, M. E. The National Union is a fraternal insur- ance organization established in March, 1897. A. H. Fowle was the organizer. The name by which the local body is known is Marcus Whit- man Council, No. 730. The membership in 1900 was forty; the principal officers were: Fred Forrest, president; T. N. Bryan, vice president ; Herbert Osgood, secretary ; C. E. Gilbert, treasurer. Firmly established in Wall 1 Walla in 1900 was the young order of the Pioneers of the Pacific Coast. The supreme lodge was at Pendleton, Oregon. The local lodge was known as Walla Walla Encamp- ment, No. 22 ; the charter was issued February 23d, by H. K. Hines, supreme commander. The first officers were: Lillie M. Cox, com- mander ; Edwin G. Cox, captain ; Candace C. Bishop, chaplain; A. A. King, treasurer; Her- bert Osgood, scribe; Emiline J. Mabry, north scout; C. M. Pence, south scout; Nelson D. Cox, ancient guide ; Addie Rasmus, messenger : Wesley Bailey, sentinel; Mary F. Jett, picket. Other charter members', were: Nelson I. Blalock, Walter M. Ely, W. B. Morgan, Ruth Hales, Carrie Rudd, Charles Eagan, Milton B. Johnson, J. N. Jensen, Orsen R. Smith and others. Membership was not confined to the first settlers on the Pacific Coast; its degree work is commemorative of life on the plains during pioneer clays. In 1901 the four princi- pal officers were: E. G Cox, commander; Mrs. Lillie M. Cox, captain ; Herbert Osgood, scribe ; A. A. King, treasurer. March 17, 1880, at Walla Walla, was in- stituted Integrity Lodge, No. 26, Ancient HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. I5i Order United Workmen. The charter bore the same date. The first officers and charter members were : Le F. A. Shaw, P. M. W. ; H. H. Brodeck, M. W. ; H. D. Chapman, F. ; J. F. McLean, O. ; C. R- Whitney, Rec. ; C. T. Thompson, Rec'r. ; C. S. Boyer, financial secretary; M. Wagner, G. ; F. J. Starke, I. W. ; C. Sturm, O. W.;.A. S. Nichols, A. L. Loren- zen, W. B. Clowe, Charles Abel, E. S. Kellogg, J. C. Painter, William Jones, E.H. Morrison, M. Ryan, E. L. Heriff, P. B. Johnson, R. P. Reynolds, R. W. Mitchell, C. M. Johnson, H. M. Porter, H. G. Mauzey, R. Stoot, Thomas Taylor, J. B. Welch, B. L.- Baker, B. W. Taliaferro, J. W. Gray, J. H. Smith, A. Brodeck, W. C. Painter, J. N. Fall and William Vawter. In 1900 there was a mem- bership of two hundred and seven, and the officials that year were : A. J. Gillis, G R. ; D. Wertheimer, Fin. ; H. A. Blackman, master; J. W. Fielder, P. M.; Samuel Maxon, Fore. ; P. P. Pearson, Rec. The charter of Ida Lodge, No. 9, Degree of Honor, bears date April 12, 1893. ^ ' s signed by Oliver Hall, grand master workman, and J. M. Pickens, grand recorder. Originally the charter was granted to : Amelia Brodeck, P. C. of H.; R. Wertheimer, L. of H. ; Allie E. Sloan, recorder; Jannie Sampson, receiver; K. B. Webber, I. W. ; Ida K. Parks, C. of H. ; Mary B. Eichler, C. of C. ; D. Deane, financier ; Agnes Vinson, S. U. ; Mary Stern, O. W. In October, 1891, was instituted Walla Walla Lodge of the Woodmen of the World. These were the officers : C. B. Stewart, C. C. ; Victor Wilson, A. L. ; R. T. Madrell, B. ; S. W. White, C. ; W. C. Durham, E. ; T. S. Flowers, G. In December, 1900, the officers were: D. J. Fry, C. C. ; J. R. Street, A. L. ; H. N. Hed- rick, B. ; C. I. Hall, C. ; M. Stiles, E. ; J. Vin- son, W. ; J. W. Cookerly, S. ; board of man- agers, G C. Harris, W. T. Kirkman and M. Stiles. Woody Glen Circle, No. 176, Women of Woodcraft, had its inception February 4, 1898. The organizer was Mrs. Carrie Van Orsdell, of Pendleton, Oregon, grand guardian. There were twenty-four names on the charter. The personnel of the 1901 officers was as follows: Mrs. Eliza McDonald, past guardian; Mrs. Catherine Munson, guardian neighbor; Mrs. Nancy Koontz, banker; Mrs. Lutie M. Stiles, .clerk; Mrs. Ollie Burke, advisor; Mrs. Virgie Bacon, magician ; Mrs. May Vinson, musician ; Mrs. Katie Hall, attendant; Mrs. Elizabeth Cooper, inside sentinel; Z. Dimmick, outside sentinel ; H. M. Hedrick, captain of the guard. In January, 1896, Court Evening Star, No. 35, Foresters of America, was organized at Walla Walla with a charter membership of twenty-five. First officers were : J. W. Cook- erly, C. R. ; Marvin Evans, S. C. R. ; A. Mellin, treasurer ; J. E. Thomas, F. S. ; Herman Krack, R. S. In 1900 the court owned prop- erty to the amount of $1,200 ; the officers were : A. K. Durant, C. R. ; J. H. McDonnell, S. C. R. ; Henry Sampson, treasurer; J. C. Cauvel, F. S. ; H. Osgood, R. S. The first coast city north of San Francisco to be favored by the establishment of a subordinate lodge of the Knights of Pythias was Walla Walla. It was known as Ivanhoe Lodge, No. 1, but of its early history little can be related as it has long since surrendered its charter and its records are not available. The second society in this system in Walla Walla is known as Columbia Lodge, No. 8, instituted Ocotber 8, 1882. The organizer was Past Chancellor Joseph Weitz, of Friedship Lodge, No. 9, of The Dalles, assisted by members of old Ivanhoe Lodge, No. 1. The charter con- tained forty-two names ; more than one hun- dren members were in good standing in 1901. Within the jurisdiction it is one of the wealthiest lodges. The first officers were : Past Chancellor, S. A. Deckard ; chancellor commander, W. M. Geddes ; vice commander, H. S. Young; prelate, Robert Gerry; master of finance, P. P. Pearson; master of exchequer, 152 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. Robert G. Parks ; keeper of records and seal, E. P. Edsen ; master at arms, William Leslie. April 6, 1900, Mistletoe Temple, No. 23, Rathbone Sisters, was instituted by Mrs. Mary Baker, of Colfax, M. Ex. G. C, of Washing- ton, assisted by members of Waitsburg Temple. The following officers were the first : Most excellent past chief, Sarah Lambert; most excellent chief, Lizzie Cames; most ex- cellent senior, Susan Kees ; most excellent junior, Annie Clement; M. of T., Gilliam Bart- ness; M. of R. and S., Agnes Halter; M. of F., Bertha Hart; G of I. T., Maggie Mclnroe; G. of O. T., Elizabeth Scbubert. Mrs. Catherine Powers, state deputy, or- ganized Garden City Hive, No. 48, Ladies of the Maccabees, February 1, 1899. There were twenty-eight charter members, the charter be- ing dated November 5, 1900, and granted to the following officers : Mary M. Woodworth, past commander; Amy A. Rogers, lady com- mander; Mrs. Mary Evans, lieutenant com- mander ; Mrs. Viola Harding, record keeper ; Mrs. Lida Bentley, finance keeper; Mrs. Sally Smith, chaplain; Mrs. Abbie Caldwell, ser- geant; Mrs. Maden, mistress at arms; Mrs. Martha Ebert, sentinel ; Mrs. Abbie Thom- paso, picket. October 29, 1897, there was established in Walla Walla a branch of the largest of all fraternal insurance companies, Mountain View Camp, No. 5,096, Modern Woodmen of Amer- ica. Forty-three persons were initiated the first evening. Since its inception the camp has steadily increased numerically. In 1901 the officers were: J. Jennings, venerable coun- sel; B. F. Wadsworth, venerable advisor; G S. Bond, clerk; C. S. Buffum, banker; Charles G. Shumway, escort; Drs. Russel, Owens and Stiles, camp physicians; A. C. T. Shelden, watchman; John E. Johnson, sentry; L. L. Reynolds, delegate to head camp. Walla Walla Tribe, No. 23, Improved Order of Red Men, was instituted May 18, 1898, organized by J. L. McMurray, deputy great incohone. There were sixty-eight names on the charter. The first officers were: J. M. Hill, sachem; John R. Stockton, senior saga- more; A. W. Bennet, junior sagamore; Le F. A. Shaw, P. G. S. prophet; J. Carter Smith, chief of records; John Bachtold, keeper of wampum. Ioka Council, No. 10, Degree of Poca- hontas, was instituted April 14, 1900, by John M. Hill, great sachem of the reservation of Washington. The charter membership num- bered thirty-four. The first officers were: Emma E. Shaw prophetess; Elizabeth B. Hill, Pocahontas ; Flora C. Stockwell, Wenonah ; Lula M. Schwarz, keeper of records; Fannie Bachtold, keeper of wampum. May 4, 1896, Walla Walla Lodge, No. 1594, Royal Arcanum was instituted. On the 26th of the same month the charter was issued, granting to John N. McGhee, Jr., Allen H. Reynolds, Joseph C. Scott, Albert L. Willis, William R. Criffield, Edwin S. Clark, Oliver T. Cornwell, William H. Kirkman, Ernest R. Stending, Walter M. Ely, John A. Beard, Osias P. Jaycox, William C. Dibblee, Harry O. Kelso, Herbert C. Gregg, Charles E. Bur- rows, Bazil W. Schell, Amos K. Dice, Thomas L. H. Bowman, Lewis L. Tallman, Arthur E. Cornwell and Charles E. Nye the right to initiate persons who may be accepted for mem- bership by ballot, and to transact other busi- ness pertaining to a lawfully constituted body of the Royal Arcanum. During the fall of 1899 Morning Star Lodge, No. 236, Independent Order of Good Templars was instituted. Its charter, dated September 4, 1899, was given to the following persons; M. E. Brewer, Duncan Wallace, Eva Westfall, Nancy Wallace, J. C. Cornwell, Burt Owens, Mrs. A. M. Hannaman, W. J. White, F. Warren Jessup, J. L. Baldwin, Mrs. A. C. Guinn, Victor Wilson, Hattie Chew, Maude Brewer, J. W. Brewer, Fannie Gholson, Jose- phine Parker, George Hausrrian, Allen L. Winans, E. L. Waldron, Corwin Waldron, J. HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 153 Kissler, Joseph Wallace and Emma May Bald- win. The first officers were : Merton E. Brewer, chief templar; Nancy Wallace, vice templar; Duncan Wallace, chaplain; F. War- ren Jessup, secretary; George Hausman, as- sistant secretary; J. Kissler, treasurer; E. L. Waldron, marshal ; Joseph Wallace, deputy marshal ; J. L. Bauldwin, guard ; J. W. White, lodge deputy; Mrs. A. M. Hannaman, superin- tendent Juvenile temple ; Burt Owens, past chief templar. February 8, 1881, there was organized in Walla AYalla, by J. H. Smith, A. Lincoln Post, Grand Army of the Republic. On the charter appear the following names : John H. Smith, John F. McLean, Parish B. Johnson James M. Coolidge, R. P. Reynolds, Abram Ellis, James Howe, John A. Neil. O. F. Wil- son, H. O. Simonds, Samuel Nulph, Charles Heim, Isaac Chilberg, A. D. Rockafellow, Will- iam Leslie, F. F. Adams, F. B. Morse, R. M. Comstock and Ambrose Oldaker. The first officers were : J. H. Smith, commander ; P. B. Johnson, senior vice commander ; J. F. Mc- Lean, junior vice commander; O. F. Wilson, quartermaster; H. O. Simons, officer of the day ; Isaac Chilberg, officer of the guard ; R. P. Reynolds, adjutant. In April. 1886, there was organized in Walla Walla. A. Lincoln Relief Corps, No. 5. There were twenty-five charter members, the officers in charge of the initiatory ceremonies being : Mrs. Jane Erickson, president ; Mrs. Nancy Gregg, secretary; Mrs. Lizzie Crowe, treasurer. June 5, 1900, a charter was granted to thirty-three persons, forming Schiller Lodge, No. 12, O. D. H. D. ; Sons of Herman. Since its inception the order has flourished and en- joyed a healthy growth. . In December, 1899, Whitman Union, No. 19, Order of Washington, was instituted in Walla Walla. The charter, dated the 26th, was issued to Nancy Koontz, past president; Walter B. Brook, president ; Daniel Macy, vice president; James Z. Smith, secretary; William Koontz, treasurer; William Powell, chaplain; Emma E. Rogers, Mar)' ; Mrs. Margaret Mullinix, Martha; John A. Wallace, con- ductor ; Donna L. Thomas, assistant con- ductor; Eva Magumm, assistant guard: Thomas D. Foster, sentinel; Dr. Walter M. Ely, medical examiner; John H. Bruerstatte, Matthew Wilkinson and John W. Foster, trustees. Company I, Washington National Guards, assembled Thursday evening, May 24, 1900, at Armory Hall, Walla Walla, and organized General Lawton Post, Spanish-American War Veterans, with the following officers : Com- mander, W. B. Buffum ; senior vice com- mander, T. D. S. Hart; junior vice com- mander, D. H. Roche; adjutant, L. P. Con- way; quartermaster, Benjamin Goldman; chaplain, Kenneth McDowell; officer of the day, G. W. O'Neil ; officer of the guard, C. S. Preston ; trustees, C. F. Buffum and C. S. Timmons. It was on June 18, 1899, that Walla AValla Aerie, No. 26, Fraternal Order of Eagles, was organized. The charter membership was fifty ; in less than a year it had increased to nearly three hundred. In March, 1900, the Walla Walla Gun Club was organized with a large membership. Grounds were procured at Fort Walla Walla on which were fitted up a gun house and targets. In the city council chamber of Walla Walla there assembled June 25, 1890, fifty enterpris- ing citizens of Walla Walla and organized the Walla Walla Club. A carefully prepared con- stitution was adopted and the following of- ficers elected : William Kirkman, president ; F. D. Boyer, treasurer; J. L. Sharpstein. vice president; Henry Kelling, secretary; Messrs. J. G. Paine, H. H. Turner, C. D. Ballon, J. L. Sharpstein, T. R. Eastman, R. G. Parks, 154 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. Frank Foster and Henry Kelling, governing committee. On the third floor of the Rees- Winans building club rooms were opened and stocked with billiard, pool and card tables, reading room, etc. Aside from an excellent public library, housed in comfortable commodious rooms, there is the Woman's Reading Club, the or- ganization of which was perfected in 1894. Among its members is fostered a taste for the best literary productions of the best authors. The Ladies' Relief Society was organized in July, 1 88 1, with Mrs. A. H. Reynolds, presi- dent; Mrs. J. H. Bauer, vice president; Miss Martina Johnston, secretary; Mrs. Rose Bing- ham, treasurer. At the time of organization the membership numbered sixty. This society was duly incorporated under the laws of the Territory of Washington, in 1885. CHAPTER VII THE CITY OF WAITSBURG. A municipality of substantial growth, cumulative enterprise, increasing commerce, as well as "magnificent distances" and handsome location, is Waitsburg. Situated in the ex- treme middle-eastern section of Walla Walla county, it profits materially by the trade of two distinct political divisions, Walla Walla and Columbia counties. Its distance from Walla Walla is about twenty miles, and it lies in the far-famed Walla Walla valley, between the Touchet river'on the north and Coppei creek on the south. These streams, with others which race down the ravine from all sides, form a delta in this little picturesque valley. Truly, the city of Waitsburg is located on an ideal townsite. From all points of the compass the surrounding aclevities slope downward to this valley; numerous draws and ravines open in various directions ; clear, sparkling streams go singing on their way, having first contributed abundance of water to supply all necessities of the inhabitants and materially assisting to give the place the substantial appearance of an all the year round garden spot. The elevation of Waitsburg above sea level is 1,272 feet. To the east one obtains charm- ing glimpses of the Blue mountains; half the year of varying azure hues ; the other half robed in gleaming white. Of the most fertile nature is the farming region round about ; somewhat astonishing to the pilgrim from the east is the yield of grain, fruit and vegetables, and the stock and poultry industry. Here, too, will the eastern tourist find an extraord- inary surplus of exports over imports; during one period of six months, 10,168 tons of freight were shipped out; only 637 shipped in. Here is a fact for the elaboration of the political economist. The name of Waitsburg is in honor of its energetic founder, S. M. Wait. In early days he recognized the obvious advantages of the powerful waters of the Touchet river, and es- tablished here a grist mill. This earlier fabric has since been replaced by one of the largest patent roller mills in the state of Washington. Previously Mr. Wait had been engaged in mill- ing in the Rogue river valley, Oregon; in 1864, learning'that there were 5,000 bushels of wheat in the vicinity of what is at present Waits- burg, which could be purchased for $1.50 per bushel, he erected his first mill with borrowed capital and credit, in May, 1865, and at once began the output of an excellent quality of WILLIAM a PRESTON. HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 155 flour, grinding with one set of burrs. Flour at this period was worth $14 a barrel. However, before the town of Waitsburg was founded there had been pioneer settlements along the Touchet river, Coppei and Whiskey creeks ; at this period these early settlers had no faith in the productive qualities of the high- lands. They raised a modicum of grain for home consumption, reared large numbers of cattle and horses ; many found lucrative em- ployment in freighting to the mines. In 1859 Robert Kennedy located in the forks of the Touchet and Coppei. Somewhat further up the stream Brooks took a claim, disposing of his rights in August to Abner T. Lloyd. Just east of the latter's purchase George Pollard settled. Joseph Star was above him, and be- yond him was a man named Stanton. In July, of the same year, one of his employes. Cole, was killed ; although it was generally supposed that his murderer was one of his fellow work- men, the crime was never brought home to any one. Samuel Galbreath and family occupied the next claim up stream. Below the mouth of Coppei creek, on the Touchet, were James Woodruff, Jonathan Keeny, Edward Kenton, and Potter, who sold to A. J. Lloyd that year, Luke Henshaw, Martin Hober, Andrew War- ren, Lackey and John Foster. The 1859 set- tlers up the Coppei were Jefferson Paine, Will- iam Patten, Morgan, Hewey Bateman, Doo- little and Philip Cox. Others came in i860; made new locations or purchased claims. Among them were Robert Strong, William Walters, Samuel H. Erwin, Isaac Levens, Edward McNall, Hugh O'Bryant and Mr. Atwood. William N. Smith was a pioneer of Waits- burg, and for many years was postmaster. A school teacher, and native of Peoria county, Illinois, he migrated to Oregon, and in 1861 visited Washington Territory. He came to what is now Coppei in 1864, an d i n the spring of 1865 opened a school on the Touchet near Wait's mill. This was Waitsburg' s first edu- cational institution. It was in an old shop building, purchased from William Vawter, one end of which was devoted to school pur- poses, the other to dwelling apartments. It was in April, 1865, that Mr. Smith took the initiative in a work that today is justly the pride of the city. A few days later he organ- ized School District No. 3, which had been preceded only by Walla Walla and French- town districts. The new district at that period contained about eighty persons of school age. Mr. Smith was succeeded as pedagogue by Mr. Gibbs, followed by Mrs. N. J. A. Sim- mons. A new building was erected in 1869, in which a school was taught first by O. T. Porter, with Mrs. Simmons as assistant. It was then known as Waitsburg Academy. Of other earlier teachers were Miss Lizzie Clay- ton, William Maniner, Miss Miles and Miss Mary Johns. The original name of the little village which grew up around Wait's mill, was Delta. Until 1868 it was so recognized. Then by a vote it was decided to name the postoffice Waitsburg, and that year the postal authorities admitted the claim. A small building was run up on the north side of the river in the sum- mer of 1865, near the site of P. A. Prestoivs house. In this a store was opened by Hag- gerty & Repplier. The rush to the Blackfoot mines occurred that summer; hundreds of packers flocked into town to purchase flour and other commodities. Having taught one year Schoolmaster Smith opened another store in his old building. The stock of Haggerty & Repplier was closed out in the fall of 1865, and a man named Crabtree opened a saloon in the building formerly occupied by them. Wait's mill, the little house then occupied by him, and the saloon, at that period comprised the settlement of Waitsburg. South of the stream were the new school house and Smith's store. June 30, 1865, the Walla Walla "Statesman" said : "Waitsburg is the name of a town just beginning to grow up at Wait's 156 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. mill, on the Touchet. The people of that vicinity have resolved to celebrate the coming 4th, and are making arrangements accordingly. W. G. Langford, of this city, has accepted an invitation to deliver the oration." This cele- bration was attended by 400 people, many of them from Walla Walla. The old store building in Coppei was pur- chased by Mr. Smith in the spring of 1866, and moved to Waitsburg. It was located 100 feet north of ground subsequently occupied by Powell's brick block. Mr. Smith stocked up with new goods, attaching the old build- ing to the rear of the store, and converting' it into a dwelling. Near his mill Mr. Wait erected a large house, increased the size of his mill, sold a half interest to W. G. and P. A. Preston, and a store was opened in a portion of the building. A small log hotel was built near the river by G. W. Cantonwine. The postoffice was established in 1866 with Mr. Smith as postmaster. Until the latter selected the name of Delta, the place had sailed under various cognomens, including Wait's Mill, Waitsburg and Horseshoe City. One of the earlier school teachers of Waitsburg, in after years, told as follows of his first visit to the place : I entered Waitsburg April 30, 1866, coming from Walla Walla in an old lumber wagon with one of the neighbors who had come there to trade. As we came in sight of the little village, L. C. Bond, who was in the wagon; pointing with his finger, said: "Do you see that white house among the trees over yonder? That is the school house, and that white one a little this way is Anderson Cox's house — and that is the 'burg.' " In the afternoon I took a stroll to see the "burg." I found besides the school house, and near by it, next to the bridge, a log house 16 x 24, honored with a rough sign, "Entertainment." This was the hotel. It had two rooms, kitchen, and dining room. Mr. Cantonwine was the proprietor. His family consisted of wife and four children. There was, also, a small house of two rooms be- longing to W. N. Smith. Nearly opposite to this was Mr. Smith'si store, in the upper story of which lived Mr. Smithfs family. Besides there was the Purdy house which was still unfinished. This was the "burg." There was a log house way back in Mr. Cox's field, but that was in the "suburbs." Across the Touchet were Mr. Wait's mill and house, D. Willard's unfinished house, the blacksmith shop and Ike Crabtree's saloon. The school house was the pride of the village. Its dimensions were 30x50 feet, well finished inside and out, painted white. It stood in the middle of what is now Main street, the door fronting the bridge. One of the principal events of 1867 was the construction of a bridge across the Touchet, which was done by the citizens. This structure was washed out two years later. The bridge was replaced twice within the next few years, but each time it encountered the fate of the first one. Not until about 1880 was a bridge erected by the county at a cost of $3,000, which stood the test of high water. So far no effort had been made to lay out a townsite. Mr. Bruce had sold land in various quantities, but had made no effort to create a town upon his property. In land and money he had contributed liberally toward the mill, school, bridges, and other enterprises, but he did not seem particularly anxious for the es- tablishment of a town. But on February 23, 1869, Mr. Bruce platted the townsite. The same month the plat was recorded. In 1872 a new survey was made, and the amended plat recorded. Additions have since been platted as follows : W. P. Bruce's addition, September 30, 1 87 1 ; Whitcher'sl (addition, August 24, 1878; Bruce's second addition, February 23, 1879; Cannon's addition, February 23, 1879; Bruce's third addition, February 27, 1883 ; Small's addition, April 16, 1883; Bruce's fourth addition, October 20, 1883; White's addition, November 1, 1889; Powell's park ad- dition, March 26, 1892; W. G Preston's addi- tion October 12, 1900; Pleasant View addi- tion, September 18, 1902. In 1870 the' United States census gave Waitsburg a population of 109; 66 white males, 38 white females and five colored men. One year later Mr. Wait disposed of his en- tire interest in the flouring mill and removed HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. _ 157 to Dayton. E. L. Powell, in 1874, entered into partnership with Mr. Bruce in the general merchandise business; later he was associated with the Preston Brothers. In July he became proprietor of the Pioneer Supply depot, which became the largest business enterprise in town. Subsequently he completed a fine brick build- ing; the first store erected in Waitsburg for that particular purpose. Anderson Cox, one of the most energetic pioneers of Waitsburg, died in March, 1872. In 1880 the population of Waitsburg was 248. In the spring of the same year the town was visited by a blaze, in no way equal, how- ever, to the conflagration which ravaged the town on the 13th of the succeeding Septem- ber. While the fire in the spring caused the loss of two buildings, besides the carpenter shop in which it originated, the September fire, within less than three hours, destroyed, with their contents, 37 buildings, entailing a total loss of $125,000. At twelve o'clock that night, flames burst from the kitchen of the Pearl House; they had been caused by the lamp of a stupified Chinaman who had been smoking opium. With alarming rapidity spread the flames. With no facilities for fire fighting was the town provided. Buckets and wet blankets only were at hand ; but with these the flames were checked at the Hanaford House, which was saved. From that point to the Pearl House the wraith of flame had utterly destroyed the west side of Main street, in- cluding all the leading business houses of the town. But serious as was this disaster it by no means crushed out the spirit of the citizens. They at once began to rebuild; soon all traces of the disaster were obliterated; the business of Waitsburg was established on a firmer foot- ing than ever before. February 8, 1881, Waitsburg was incor- porated. This was under the act of Novem- ber 29, 1871. The county commissioners, in response to a petition, called an election for town officers to be held February 28th. Fol- lowing is the result : George W. Kellicut, chairman; William Fudge, Alfred Brouilet, M. J. Harkness and E. L. Powell, trustees. J. C. Smith was appointed clerk. The latter was succeeded by W. S. Mineer. The other appointees were W. H. George, marshal; J. W. Morgan, treasurer. Another election was held May 2d of the same year, resulting in the retention of the same officials. In a decision handed down by Judge Win- gard, in 1881, he held that only two towns in Washington Territory, Walla Walla and Seattle, were legally incorporated. Steps were at once taken in Waitsburg to reincorporate; in November mass meetings were held with the object of securing a charter from the Legis- lative Assembly then in session. A draft was made and presented to that body; the bill was passed. The officials named in the act to serve until their successors were elected were: Will- iam G. Preston, mayor; W. S. Mineer, city clerk and recorder; George W. Kellicut, Will- iam Fudge, Martin Weller, Menzo Harkness and • Alfred Brouilet, councilmen. Under the new charter the first election was held May 1, 1882; result: G. W. Kellicut, mayor; William Fudge, A. L. Kinnear, P. A. Preston, D. W. Kaup, M. J. Harkness, councilmen. The limits of Waitsburg, as defined by the new charter, began at the northeast corner of section 14, ran north 160 rods; thence west on a line parallel with section lines 480 rods; thence south 240 rods; thence east 480 rods; thence north 80 rods to the place of beginning, all in township 9 north, range 37 east of Willamette meridian. In 1880 the population of Waitsburg was conservatively estimated at 300. The town contained two hotels, four saloons, four gen- eral stores, one furniture store, two drug stores, one hardware store, one variety store, one brewery, one harness and saddlery shop, two livery stables, two blacksmith shops, one jewelry store, one meat market, one flouring mill, one castor oil mill, one corn meal mill, Masonic Hall, postoffice, express and telegraph offices, depot, school house, two churches and i58 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. many residences. As an important business point, permanent and prosperous, the future of Waitsburg was assured. It was at the con- fluence of two streams ; each afforded most ex- cellent water privileges. By a vast extent of fertile, rapidly improving agricultural country it was surrounded, and for which it was the most accessible shipping point. With the gradual development of this adjacent pro- ductive territory it had kept even pace. It was still in pressing need of a suitable system of water works. July 7, 1 88 1, the first railway train into Waitsburg arrived over the Dayton branch of the line of the Oregon Railroad & Navigation Company. In an appropriate manner this event was celebrated by the citizens of this thriving town. Rapid progress was made by Waitsburg during the year 1882. It was estimated that during that year the town's population in- creased 300. Permanent improvements for the same period were $23,000, half of which amount was represented by brick business blocks. In 1887 the population, according to the census of the assessor, had reached 473. A most prosperous year was that of 1888. A number of new brick buildings were erected; the place emerged from a country village to a flourishing little city. Largely this was the result of constantly increasing immigration to the Walla Walla country during that year. November 30th the "Times" said : "During the present year, there have been erected in our little city twenty or more resi- dences and six business houses. These are all substantial improvements, to meet the demands of the place, and not the result of any boom, or unnatural or superficial growth. While such growth may appear small to many of our readers, we can assure them that it is very gratifying to the citizens of this town, and that we are inclined to be proud of it." The population had increased to 758 in 1889. Half a dozen more substantial brick buildings were erected this year, costing from. $2,000 to $12,000 each. Within the same period something like fifty dwellings and other modern structures were built. The price of town lots doubled the same year. To go back a few years, politically, the election of May 7, 1883, resulted in the choice of W. N. Smith, mayor; P. A. Preston, Martin Weller, W. P. Bruce, B. F. Winkler and B. H. Brink, councilmen. In 1884 there were chosen W. S. Mineer, mayor; T. C. Taylor, W. P. Bruce, W. N. Smith, William Fudge and C. R. Hanaford, councilmen. E. L. Powell was elected mayor, and H. G. Shuham, T. H. Jessup, W. P. Bruce, William Fudge and L. B. Sanders, councilmen, in 1885. In May, 1886, P. A. Preston became mayor, and T. H. Jessup, J. B. Caldwell, Frank Parton, E. S. Burgan and J. C. Smith, councilmen; J. W. Morgan, treasurer. In 1887 Mr. Pres- ton retained the mayor's chair, Mr. Morgan was still treasurer and Frank Parton, J. H. Morrow, George Brown and E. S. Burgan, councilmen. The election of 1888 resulted in the choice of P. A. Preston for mayor, Mr. Morgan, treasurer, and Frank Parton, E. S. Burgan, J. H. Morrow, George Brown and J. C. Smith, councilmen. There were some changes in the city government of Waitsburg in 1889. C. N. Babcock became mayor; there was no displacement in the treasuryship, and J. H. Morrow, C. P. Jordan, T. H. Jessup, J. H. Hudgin and E. W. McCann served as councilmen. Late in this year the Oregon & Washington Territory Railway, known as the "Hunt Road," was completed to Waitsburg and the town now had two railroad lines. The effect of increased railway transportation facilities was soon felt in commercial avenues, and in by the United States Census Bureau as 817. 1890 the population of the city was given in by the -united States Census Bureau as 817. The result of the April election this year placed S. W. Smith in the mayor's chair; J. W. Morgan remained as treasurer and Frank Parton, E. W. McCann, F. J. Boyer, J. H. HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 159 Hudgin and C. N. Babcock became council- men. S. W. Smith was retained as mayor in 1 89 1 ; Hamilton Hazelhurst became treasurer, and P. A. Preston, E. W. McCann, W. A. Laidlaw, J. H. Morrow and H. C. Schuham were councilmen. Frank Parton became mayor in 1892; G. M. Rice was elected treasurer, and J. W. Morgan, T. H. Jessup, J. H. Morrow, P. A. Preston and H. G. Schuham served as councilmen. The spring election of 1893 placed J. H. Morrow in the mayor's chair; G. M. Rice remained treasurer, and P. A. Pres- ton, J. B. Caldwell, L. H. Macomber, J. W. Morgan and W. G. Mitchell were councilmen. In 1893 the city of Waitsburg installed a system of water works at a cost of $25,000. For this municipal improvement agitation had begun so early as 1891. August 18th of that year a special election was held and the propo- sition to bond the city to that amount was carried six to one. However,- a flaw in the technicalities of the election proceedings was discovered, and this necessitated a temporary abandonment of the project for the time be- ing. Then followed numerous vexatious de- lays ; but the city authorities remained un- daurited; undismayed by the numerous ob- stacles thrown in their way they continued steadily on. Finally they succeeded in secur- ing an order for another election ; this time the bonding proposition carried eight to one, clearly demonstrating that public interest in the project had not flagged in the least. May 2, 1892, all contracts were let for the con- struction of the system; January 11, 1893, water was turned on; on the 14th the system, or plant, was accepted by the city of Waits- burg. The result of the election of 1894 placed J. W. Morgan in the mayor's chair ; G. M. Rice still remaining treasurer. Members of the city council were L. H. Macomber, George Lloyd, D. V. Wood, W. B. Schaffer and J. E. Maxwell. In 1895 J- W. Morgan remained mayor; G. M. Rice, treasurer and the council was composed of L. H. Macomber, George Lloyd, D. V. Wood, J. E. Maxwell and VV. B. Schaffer. T. J. Hollowed was chosen mayor in 1896, Mr. Rice remaining treasurer. Coun- cil : J. W. Bruce, F. T. Keiser, J. F. Kirby, W. B. Schaffer, D. V. Wood. An electric lighting plant was installed in Waitsburg in October, 1896. The capital stock of the enterprise was all subscribed by local parties. Following is a roster of the city officials up to 1906: 1897 — Mayor, D. V. Wood; treasurer, G. M. Rice; councilmen, T. J. Hollowed, C. F. Smith, S. A. Ferguson, D. W. Tyler, L. H. Macomber. -Mayor, E. W. McCann; treasurer, C. H. Kingman; councilmen, G. M. Lloyd, C. T. Smith, William Chenoweth, J. L. Harper, J. B. Caldwell. 1899 — Mayor, E. W. McCann; treasurer, J. W. Morgan; councilmen, J. L. Harper, H. G. Shuham, C. B. Richardson, G. M. Lloyd, A. T. Dickinson. 1900 — Mayor, J. H. Morrow;, treasurer, L. E. Johnson; councilmen, B. M. Kent, J. B. Caldwell, J. L. Harper, C. M. Taylor, W. J. Honeycutt. 1901 — Mayor, T. M. McKinney ; treasurer, L. E. Johnson ; councilmen, R. E. Butler, Arthur Roberts, J. D. Laidlaw, J. A. Ingram, E. L. Wheeler. 1902 — Mayor, T. M. McKinney; treas- urer, L. E. Johnson ; councilmen, E. L. Wheeler, W. B. Brooks, A. Roberts, J. A. Ingram, E. M. Denton. 1903 — Mayor, E. L. Wheeler; treasurer, W. G. Shuham; councilmen, G. M. Lloyd, W. S. Guntle, S. D. Stoufer, L. E. Johnson, E. M. Denton. 1904 — Mayor, C. W. Preston; treasurer, W. G. Shuham; councilmen, W. S. Guntle, S. D. Stoufer, G. M. Lloyd, E. R. Henderson, George Freeman. 1905 — Mayor, D V. Wood; treasurer, W. G. Shuham; councilmen, Frank McCown, W. i6o HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. J. Earnest, M. H. Keiser, T. J. Hollowell, E. R. Henderson. WAITSBURG CHURCHES. Of the Methodist Episcopal denomination was the pioneer church of Waitsburg. By Rev. George M. Berry it was established. Like other early church organizations it held serv- ices in school houses for some time; in 1871 a handsome church edifice was erected. It was in the fall of 1859 that Rev. Berry was sent to Walla Walla by the Willamette District conference. Early in the following year he held services according to the Meth- odist Episcopal denomination in Waitsburg. Soon after this a church organization was ef- fected, John W. McGhee and A. T. Hard serving as stewards. The church prospered. It included, at that period, all the settlements within a radius of ten miles. Since then, how- ever, there have been formed from it organiza- tions at Dayton, Columbia, Coppei and Wash- ington school houses. In 1881 a Sunday school of some forty scholars was maintained under the superintendance of Mr. Nelson. In 1877 Rev. T. M. Boyd was the moving spring in the establishment of a Presbyterian church. Four miles from Waitsburg, in Spring Valley, a Christian church was or- ganized in 1876. Rev. Neil Cheatham, who subsequently took quite an active part in popu- list politics, was the first pastor. In 1880 a Christian church was established in Waitsburg, itself. Still later a United Presbyterian church was founded. Emphatically Waits- burg is a church town, and conversely, not a good saloon town. True, there are compara- tively few saloons in the city, but they are kept under rather more strict surveillance than elsewhere. There are at present four churches, with a large attendance, and great activity is manifested by each. FRATERNAL SOCIETIES. The pioneer fraternal societies of Waits- burg were Waitsburg Lodge, No. 16, F. & A. M., organized March 23, 1870; Touchet Lodge, No. 5, Independent Order Odd Fel- lows, instituted September 12, 1871 ; Pioneer Lodge, No. 16, Independent Order Good Templars, organized July 20, 1867, and Occi- dental Lodge, No. 46, Ancient Order United Workmen. These fraternal orders have devel- oped with equal pace with the rest of the town. The lodges of the Masons and Odd Fellows each own a fine, two-story brick building. Waitsburg Lodge, No. 16, F. & A. M., was organized March 23, 1870, under dis- pensation granted in February. The pioneer officers were S. M. Wait, W. M. ; James Tor- rence, S. W.; H. J. Hollingsworth, J. W.; Looney C. Bond, S. D. ; Anderson Cox, J. D. ; Samuel Ellis, T. ; Piatt A. Preston, S. ; Leroy Reynolds, tyler. Touchet Lodge, No. 5, I. O. O. F., was in- • stituted with the following charter members : M. D. F. Olds, N. G., F. A. Bingham, V. G. ; J. Jacobson, T. ; A. Brouilet and Wallace Wood. The first secretary, although not a charter member, was S. C. Day. In -1873 this lodge purchased land for a cemetery. At the period of its organization the Good Templars' lodge was officered as follows : L. C. Bond, W. C. T. ; N. J. A. Simons, W. V. T.; T. J. Smith, W. S.; A. B. Bower, W. F. S. ; Mary Wait, W. T. ; Anderson Cox. W. M.; Winnie Abbott, W. D. M.; Rev. J. W. McGhee, W. C; Matilda Cox, W. I. G.; A. T. Lloyd, W. O. G.; Lissa Cox, W. R. H. S.; Mary Cox, W. L H. S. ; G. W. Cantonwine, P. W. C. T., and Robert Duncan. September 14, 1880, the lodge lost its hall, regalia and library, valued at $500, by fire. At that time it enjoyed a membership of one hundred and twelve. Professor W. D. Lyman wrote, in 1900: "Such is a general view of the pioneer life of Waitsburg. Having it in mind we are pre- pared to compare the present city with the past. We find, as we stroll through the pleasant town that it has become an exceptionally well- HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 161 built and well-equipped place of (according to United States census of 1900) 1,059 ^ n ~ habitants. We discover a $16,000 public school building of brick, in which seven teach- ers are employed, and there is an enrollment of 345 students. There is a high school de- partment in connection with the common school work. The school, also, possesses a library of over two hundred volumes and an excellent equipment of physical apparatus. "We visit Waitsburg Academy and find it equipped with an elegant new building, erected in 1899, at a cost of $20,000. The academy is provided with an efficient and devoted faculty. We discover, also, four commodious and well- ifurnished churches, and these organizations are unusually influential in Waitsburg and vicinity. We see, ' also, an excellent system of water works owned by the town, which derives its supply of water from Coppei creek, and which, being a gravity system, furnishes the town perfect protection against fire and a bountiful supply for domestic use. Telephone and electric lights are among the more recent acquisitions of Waitsburg. "We find in Waitsburg the following list of stores and other business establishments : Three general merchandise stores, two grocery stores, two hardware stores, one furniture store, two jewelry stores, two drug stores, two saloons, two newspapers, one bank, a planing mill, two lumber yards, one bakery, two livery stables, three blacksmith shops and two hotels. An especially attractive feature of Waits- burg is the profusion of flowers and trees throughout the town. Especially to one hav- ing come across the dry and treeless plains to the north, the freshness and luxuriance of the town on the Coppei presents a striking and attractive contrast." EDUCATIONAL AFFAIRS. A simple story, inseparably connected with the establishment of the United Presbyterian 11 church is the history of the founding of Waits- burg Academy. For the evangelization of Washington Territory, there was, in the early 'eighties,, an active movement among nearly all the religious bodies of the eastern states. A deep and lasting impression had been made on the popular mind by rumors of vast resources and genial climate. The work was considered too heavy for the colonists alone; church and school buildings should be erected, and pastors and teachers adequately supplied. Thus the United Presbyterian church in response to the general call for missionary and educational work in this region, in the autumn of 1884 sent out the Rev. Joseph Alter as general missionary to Eastern Washington. In organizing- church work he was successful in different locations ; one of these was Waits- burg. By appointment of the Home Mission Board Rev. W. G. M. Hays was sent in the early spring of 1886. The conviction was forced upon him, during the first few months Dr. Hays was in the field, that Waitsburg needed a high grade Christian school- of sec- ondary instruction — a grade sufficiently com- prehensive to afford training for the ordinary walk of life; to fit students for advanced col- legiate work. To this work Dr. Hays lent himself with assiduity. He says in a short historical article, written by himself : "We counseled with friends; some shook the head doubtfully, others of a more sanguine temperament said that they would like to see it tried, for they believed that such a school, properly managed, would succeed. We de- cided to put the matter to a practical test and laid our plans accordingly." Therefore, upon request, the Board of Education of the church made a preliminary appropriation of $600 for the first year. In charge of the work was Professor J. G. Thompson, A. B. Two hundred dollars were guaranteed by business men of the city. Thus was accumulated the nucleus of a fund. Sep- 1 62 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. tember 14, 1886, the Waitsburg Academy opened its doors to the public. The first year's session was held in the church building-. And all this was without any formal organization of either Board of Directors or Trustees. This splendid effort was crowned with pronounced success. The infant educational institution was adopted by the Presbytery of Oregon ; later it was taken under the fostering care of the synod of the Columbia of the United Presbyterian church of North America. Finally it became a corporate body under Washington Territorial laws. The incorpor- ators were: Revs. Hugh F. Wallace, W. G. Irvine. W. A. Spalding, W. G. M. Hays, J. H. Niblock and Messrs. A. W. Philips, David Roberts, Edward F. Sox, T. J. Hollowell and John E. Evans. There was organized in May, 1887, a joint stock company whose object is expressed in the following preamble to its constitution : "We, the citizens of Waitsburg and vicin- ity hereby form ourselves into a joint stock company for the purpose of erecting an academy building, assisting in the maintenance of the school for three years, beginning Sep- tember 1, 1887, and effecting an organization with the United Presbyterian church of North America for the permanent establishment of said academy." Nearly six thousand dollars were raised by this company, four thousand dollars of which were used in the erection of a frame building; the remainder was expended for the support of the school during the three follow- ing years. An endowment fund equivalent to the sum raised by the citizens for the erection of a building Dr. Hays undertook to secure. At the instance of the presbytery of Oregon Rev. W. R. Stevenson was, in the autumn of 1889, sent east, where he succeeded in raising the endowment to four thousand dollars. Miss Ina Robertson was principal of the academy in 1892. That year she, also, journeyed east- ward and secured the remaining one thousand dollars, together with six hundred dollars for the improvement of the building. Again this resolute lady went east in 1894, and raised funds necessary for the erection of the new- building. This structure is of brick, com- modious and entirely suitable for the work of the school. In the closing months of 1896 this building was completed. Under the following heads, or courses, the work done by this academy is grouped : Academic, normal, business, preparatory and music. Complete in itself is each of these courses and eminently practical. Of any of these courses the time required for completing them varies from two to four years, dependent upon the course, previous schooling and natural ability of the student. The highest course is the academic; upon its completion the graduate receives a diploma. The class of 1890 was the first to be grad- uated from the academic department. It com- prised Misses Mary A. Dixon, Anna Flinn, Emma McKinney and Mr. Robert Jones. The following decade it graduated from this course, including the class of 1901, a total of thirty- two. It should be remembered that this does not include graduates from other departments. In all principal walks of life are found these graduates — business, medicine, law, teaching, the ministry and the army — many of them having completed a course at some higher or more technical school. Following is a list of the principals, with their respective terms of service up to 1901 : J. Given Thompson, A. B., 1886-1889; T. M. McKinney, A. B., 1889-90; W. G. M. Hays, A. M., 1890-91; Ina F. Robertson, B. S., 1891-94; Rev. J. A. Keener was principal subsequent to 1894 Two generous friends in the east who ma- terially assisted in this work should not he forgotten; they are Mr. James Law, Shushan, New York, and his sister, Miss Mary Law. The energy, faith and enthusiasm of Dr. Hays HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY 163 and Miss Ina Robertson will long be remem- bered by the people of Waitsburg in connec- tion with this truly commendable work. Friday, June 2.2, 1900, the "Waitsburg Times" published an article concerning this thriving city from which we take the follow- ing excerpts : A mistaken idea prevails that society in the northwest is different from what it is in older commonwealths of the country. This was partly true in days gone by, but happily it is no longer the case, only in the particular that it is only those of an enterprising turn of mind who seek homes in a new country; consequently the general spirit of the new west is more active and liberal than the staid old commonwealths of the east. Most of the people who have settled in Waits- burg, and none of whom are idle of necessity, came here after they had attained mature growth and the habits of life and thought become fixed. Many of those now here came from the older east and northeast, and they brought with them col- lege educations, and eastern culture, and they have lost nothing unless it be the narrow pride of section, which arises from a lack of knowledge of what lies beyond the narrow limits of that sec- tion in which they were born and reared. They, in conjunction with the sons and daughters of the pioneers, have established schools and churches and social relations. In no section are these want- ing in number or inferior in quality to similar sections of the east. The churches of the city, four in number, embrace as many denominations. They are Christian, Methodist, First Presbyterian and United Presbyterian. All of them own well- appointed, spacious houses of worship. The ma- jority of the people of Waitsburg are church-goers and the churches are strong, vigorous, healthy societies. They compare favorably with similar bodies in any city of equal size in other states. The stranger within our gates may worship ac- cording to the dictates of his own conscience and find himself in company with those of his own be- lief. An estimate of the population of Waits- burg in 1905 is 1,600. Such are the figures furnished by the statistician of the secretary of state's office, and this estimate is based on the school census. This would indicate an in crease of over fifty per cent within half a decade, the city having had a population of 1,011 in 1900. CHAPTER VIII OTHER TOWNS. WALLULA. This is an euphonious, musical name, Wallula. Though of a different Indian dialect, its signification is the same as Walla Walla, "an abundance of water." Originally Wallula was one of the nine forts established or ac- quired by the English fur companies at various points throughout their extensive domain. It was founded by the Northwest Fur Company. With due regard to their commercial and strategic importance they were established, as an examination of a map will readily reveal. Vancouver, Okanogan, Colville, Kootenai, Walla Walla, Boise, Umpqua, Nisqually and Hall comprised the entire list of these forts in what was then Oregon Territory. At first Fort Walla Walla was called Fort Nez Perce. Peter Skeen Ogden established it in 1 8 18. Of the Northwest Fur Company he was a member at that time ; after the union of that organization with the Hudson's Bay Com- pany he became, and for many years continued to be, the chief factor of the company in this part of their territory. From its inception the immediate vicinity of Fort Walla Walla ap- pears to have been the scene, periodically, of war, turbulence and general disorder. On the bank of the river, near the house formerly occupied by Joseph Merchant, the original fort 1 64 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. was built. Up to within a few years some of the remains of the buildings existed ; the dis- astrous flood of 1894 carried them away. Im- portant at one period as a halting place for freighters, it never obtained prominence as a trading point. It was, however, important as a position of defense against Indians. About an acre of land, enclosed by pickets, with a platform inside from which all approaches could be commanded comprised the original fortification. Bastions were constructed at the northeast and southwest corners. On these were mounted small cannon. There were four buildings within this en- closure. They were one story in height, made of logs and adobe bricks. A dairy farm of about twenty acres, twenty miles up the Walla Walla river, afforded subsistence for the garri- son of the fort. This was in the region now known from that farm, as Hudson's Bay. The Indians of the Walla Walla tribe at- tacked Mr. Ogden and his men soon after the establishment of Fort Walla Walla. The little garrison was compelled to retreat to an island in the Columbia river nearly opposite. Here they made a stand, routed the savages and after this for an extended period there were no farther attempts made upon the fort. Sub- sequently this fort was the scene of many sen- sational events and thrilling adventures. In 1834 old Fort Walla Walla was visited by Captain Bonneville and Nathaniel J. Weyth. Under. the joint occupancy treaty of 1818, between England and the United States, Americans as well as Englishmen were per- mitted to visit the fort. But the Americans were not so well treated. While Agent P. C. Pambrun, at the fort, received Booneville with formal courtesy, he refused to sell him pro- visions with which to equip his party for further exploration. But exploration was just what the Hudson's Bay people dreaded. The advance guard of American missionaries came later in the same year. They were Jason Lee, Daniel Lee, Cyrus Shepherd and P. L. Ed- wards. Dr. Samuel Parker came the follow- ing year, and in 1836 the fort was visited by Dr. Marcus Whitman and Rev. H. H. Spald- ing, accompanied by their wives. They were all treated with the same formal courtesy ac- corded Booneville; but it was also against the policy of the monopolistic fur company to en- courage either missionaries, traders or ex- plorers; the Hudson's Bay Company were as afraid of competition as a modern trust of the year of our Lord, 1905, or if not competi- tion, interference with their peculiar business operations of swindling the Indians out of their furs and peltries. June 15, 1846, the treaty between England and the United States was ratified ; Oregon became the territory of the latter, and all Washington was then Oregon. Until such time as they could make a safe disposition of their property the Hudson's Bay Company was permitted to retain possession of Fort Walla Walla ; in fact, all the forts then occupied by them. It was six years after the Whitman massacre before the company evacuated Fort Walla Walla, in 1853. Until the beginning of settlement in 1 860-1 the old fort remained dis- mantled and in the midst of a desert. Then it began to be known as Wallula.. The Columbia river steamers landed there. In 1 86 1 the Oregon Steam Navigation Com- pany's boats made regular trips to Wallula. Lines of stages made runs from there to Walla Walla in 1862. The town of Wallula was platted in 1862 by J. M. Vansyckle and S. W. Tatem. Three days later the plat was recorded in the auditor's office. Of 35 blocks lying - along the Columbia river on the site of the Hudson's Bay Company's old fort the townsite consisted. The streets running north and south were First, Second, Third, Fourth and Fifth; those trending east and west were named in honor of men prominent in history- making periods of Walla Walla county. They were Mullan, Steptoe, Ross, McKinley, Wright and Stevens streets, and Fort Avenue. The HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 165 new town was surveyed by W. W. Johnson. In the dedication of these different streets to the public use by Messrs. Vansyckle and Tatem, the condition of old Fort Walla Walla is hinted at. One sentence of the dedication reads : "And we, the said grantors and donors, aforesaid, reserve the original improvements in houses and fort walls and bastions now- jutting out into different streets, and they are to remain as long as they will stand, or until we, our heirs, executors, administrators or as- signs may remove them at their pleasure, but not removable by any other authority." At that period Mr. Vansyckle had a ferry in operation at this point across the Columbia river. Another townsite covering 38 blocks was laid out the same year by W. W. John- son. That Wallula would eventually become a great tity many believed at that time; it never became much more than a transfer point. The cold truth is Wallula was at no time the most attractive place in the world, with its burning- heat and drifting sand; at times during its early history its inhabitants had the reputation of being about as hard as the natural features of the locality. The Walla Walla & Columbia River Rail- road was begun in 1872; in 1875 large quanti- ties of freight began to pass by this road from Walla Walla to Wallula to be shipped down the Columbia. In 1882 the junction of the Northern Pacific and the Oregon Railroad & Navigation line became an important event in Wallula' s history. In 1880 the population of the town was 142. Still another event in the history of this town was the building of the cut-off line of the Oregon Railroad & Naviga- tion Company up the Snake river to Riparia ; it is over this line that the main business of the railroad now passes. Like a barren desert is the appearance of the country around Wallula; but when irri- gated it is of an exceedingly fertile character and susceptible of high cultivation. In the en- tire state no finer peaches are raised than those from a fruit ranch at the mouth of the Walla Walla river. Twenty miles above Wallula is a vineyard from which were gathered grapes that won the first prize at the Chicago World's Fair in 1893. The population of Wallula in 1890 was given as 518. Of Wallula Professor W. D. Lyman has recently written : "But from this Van Winkle sleep it has sprung again to the beginnings of a new life by the recent inauguration of irrigation projects. One who has been the transforming and regenerating power of water cannot doubt that the drifting sands around the historic site of Wallula will sometime bud and blossom like the rose; in fact, that the whole of the sage- brush and sand desert along the lordly Colum- bia will become one of the garden spots of the state. The new town of Two Rivers, seven miles from Wallula, is laid out in the midst of a great plain to which water is being brought at this writing, and is in itself in the midst of the bustling activity which always marks the birth of a new Western town. We may be sure that 9k! Wallula, after all its ris- ings and fallings, will, whenever it rises again, stay 'riz.' " New Wallula was platted March 8, 1887, by W. S. Mendenhall. The site consisted of 20 blocks. Wallula Junction was platted by Louis McMorris, November 3, 1883. Novem- ber 10th, of the same year, John Doak platted an addition, and on the 27th C. P. Chamber- lain platted another. March 24, 1884, A. E. Reid platted an addition, and Doak's second addition was platted January 11, 1886. Lyons' addition, by Edward Lyons, was platted January 4, 1888, and the same year, April 14th, Reid's second addition was platted by A. E. Reid. Edward Lyons platted a sec- ond addition October 1st, of the same year, and the Riverside addition was platted May 17, 1889. by George F. Savage. May 21st of this same year J. H. Reid platted another addition. 1 66 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. TOUCHET. This town lies at the junction of the Touchet and Walla Walla rivers, in a fertile section of country. Entirely the result of irri- gation is its recent development ; of fine quality is the surrounding soil ; only water is needed to make it productive. Two weeks earlier than at Walla Walla fruits and vegetables mature. There are here a number of school houses, stores and shops. Messrs. A. and John Zar- ing, Woodson, Janies and Will Cummings, and Messrs. Gardner, Burnap and Cunning- ham are among the energetic men who have done much in the way of upbuilding Touchet. The town was platted by John M. Hill, April 12, 1884. The original site consisted of five blocks only. The streets, east and west were Main, First and Second ; those north and south. Willow, Birch, Balm and Maple. Hanson's addition was platted by H. H. Hanson, Eva Williams, C. M. Long, Wood- son and Jermima Cummings, March 10, 1904. PRESCOTT. This thrifty, busy little town lies eighteen miles north of Walla Walla. Two churches, a large flouring mill, a fine school with four teachers and about 150 pupils, three stores and about 500 well-to-do, intelligent people, with pleasant and attractive homes, comprise this community. In 1882 Prescott was founded. This was at the period of the extension of the Oregon Railroad & Navigation Company's line from Walla Walla northward. The town was platted May 12th of that year, by the Oregon Improvement Company, of which J. N. Dolph was president and Joseph Simon assistant secretary. May 15th the plat was filed with the county auditor. The town is situated on section 33, township 10 north, range 36 east. The original plat consisted of 45 blocks. Addi- tions since have been Buck's addition, by Charles F. Buck, December 20, 1882; Fair- view addition, by C. F. Buck, April 14, 1893; Paine's addition, by F. W. Paine, April 26, 1883, and the Oregon Improvement Com- pany's first addition, June 11, 1883. In 1890 the population of Prescott was given by the United States census as 313. This townsite was first occupied, in 1859, by Rev. H. H. Spalding. Until 1862 he lived here ; then he went to Lapwai as Indian agent. In the history of Prescott the most prominent event was the erection, in 1883, by H. P. Isaacs, of the great North Pacific Fouring Mills, at that period the most extensive in the state. A well-built and attractive village is Pres- cott. The mercantile establishment here trans- act a business entirely disproportionate to the size of the town, for the surrounding country is prosperous, fairly well settled, and its trade is quite heavy. A source of pride to the peo- ple of Prescott are the schools of that place. The town is well supplied with churches of various denominations, hotels, livery stables, stores and shops. DIXIE. Herman L. Actor was the first settler in Dixie. At this point he located a homestead. The following incident gives the derivation of the name of the town. In the emigrant train with which they crossed the plains were three brothers, Kershaw, by name. They had won their way to considerable celebrity as music- ians. Among the people of that particular emi- grant train, "Dixie" was the favorite song. The Kershaw brothers vocalized this popuhr Southern melody almost every evening, to the great edification and gratification of the immi- grants. Soon the Kershaw brothers became known as .the "Dixie Boys." In the immediate vicinity of where Dixie now is the Kershaws located; the crossing of the creek was first known as Dixie Crossing ; the first school HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 167 building was called Dixie school house; Dixie cemetery followed; a postoffice named Dixie was established, until at last Dr. Baker's rail- road stopped at Dixie Station, and the evolu- tion of the town of Dixie was complete. The village lies in a hollow, on the pictur- esque Dry Creek, with high, rolling prairies rising rather abruptly two or three hundred feet above. This lofty prairie is quite fertile and, located as it is, close to the Blue Moun- tains, the rainfall is plentiful. The productive capacity, as a result, is of the highest order. A typical American farming village is Dixie, as it was originally a genuine American frontier village, true to the ideal of an early establishment of schools, churches, postoffice and other elements of an American community. Messrs. Granville, Gholson, W. H. Robbins, Bailey, Hamilton and Hastings were among the pioneer preachersi John Ross was the first school teacher. In 1901 the corps of teachers comprised J. E. Myers, Elmer Chase and Mrs. F. B. Faris. The various fraternal societies are well represented in Dixie, the Odd Fellows being the leading organization. In 1901 the population of the town was 250, and at the present writing it is considerable more than that. OTHER TOWNS AND STATIONS. The town of Pleasant View was platted by W. C. Painter, November 26, 1894. It con- tained three blocks only. It is the northern terminus of the Washington & Columbia River Railroad, and one of the notable shipping points for grain. It is located in that famous wheat district known as Eureka Flat. In this vicinity the most important stations are Eureka Junction, Clyde and Pleasant View. The former place was platted June 7th, 1904, by Mrs. A. B. Blanchard. April 5, 1905, Gardina was platted by the Walla Walla Irri- gation Company, and it is the latest townsite in Walla Walla county. CHAPTER IX DESCRIPTIVE. Included in the descriptive chapters of Columbia, Garfield and Asotin counties, component sections of this work, will be found carefully compiled analyses of soil, climate, topography, geology and precipitation. It is sufficient to state that in the main these descrip- tions apply equally to the county of Walla Walla. Yet the "Valley of Waters" certainly possesses other distinguishing features, and it is with these that we shall here concern our- selves, for there is more of the "infinite variety" in Walla Walla valley than in the Other localities mentioned, It should be noted, however, that in regard to climate the region of this valley is slightly warmer, being at a less altitude, than that of the three counties mentioned, the annual precipitation about the same. The city of Walla Walla is one of the oldest pioneer points in the state. From this ancient social and business cen- ter havd radiated an innumierable (variety of industries. Year by year agricultural en- terprises have been pushed ahead, like the en- croaching wavelets of an incoming tide, until now the entire valley is covered with broad, fertile and well-cultivated ranches, devoted to 1 68 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. wheat, stock, fruit, hay and a goodly num- ber of specialties in the line of general hus- bandry. There are other localities in the state of Washington that advance the claim of being the "bread-basket" of the Pacific Northwest — if not the world. 'Tis well. Local pride and local patriotism may condone all such exuber- ance. But the Walla Walla valley, after all other sections have been exploited, may justly, and without fear of reasonable contradiction, lay claim to being the garden spot of the Inland Empire. Indeed, its fame may be traced back into darker ages of tradition and legendary story. The following romantic tale of the long ago, fabulous in conception, yet the acme of brilliant imagination, naively relating in metaphor and hyperbole how this county be- came the most beautiful and fertile in the state, was published in a special edition of the Walla Walla "Statesman," March 4, 1899: "Once, long ago, when the world was young and Dame Nature still in her 'teens, there was a beautiful lake. Brightly its blue waters gleamed in the sunlight, or moved responsive to the wooing of the winds. Above its shining surface circled the eagles and from out its wooded shores the swarthy savage pushed his bark canoe. About it, held close by strong encircling arms, stood the mountains, stern, unyielding, eternal. "Long had the lake been captive here. Vainly had it beat against the rock for liberty, now in anger, now in soft entreaty. The mountain heard in stony silence the pleading at his feet. "For many years the lake in patience waited. The sun kissed it, the winds caressed it, yet always did it long for freedom. One day the mountain's vigilance relaxed; a tiny rift appeared within the rock and silently the lake crept through; all the night so softly did it flee, the mountain did not know, but kept watch in peace until dawn revealed his deso- lation, "Great was the lamentation; seamed and seared with grief, the mountain gazed upon the naked valley upon whose bosom so late the lake had slept. Slowly great rivulets of tears rolled down the rugged face. One by one in pitying silence the valley gathered them upon its bosom, until the time should be the mountain might forget his grief and find com- fort in its beauty. "As the years went on the valley grew so fair with the shining waters, worn like jewels on its breast, that day by day in the heart of the mountain the memory of the past grew dim, until at last the image of the lake was lost. Gladness spread over the face of the mountain; joy reigned in the heart of the val- ley. Then, was the land of many waters fair as the day to look upon." Much has been written about the Walla Walla country and but little in the line of ex- aggeration. Certainly, the most optimistic prognosticator of years agone fell far short of the possibilities, yes even the actualities of Walla Walla county. The name, itself, is world-wide. Travelers in England, Italy, China, Japan, South America, Africa, Alaska, Philippine Islands and British Columbia re- port the name of Walla Walla on many a pile of flour sacks, and one traveler asserts that he saw a Filipino belle adorned in garments advertising in glaring letters that they once held flour from the Preston Mill of Waitsburg, Washington. Many wonderful valleys there are in the world, famous for features and conditions, and the names of them are known among all civil- ized peoples. . But in all that contributes to the beautiful the picturesque and the practical, none exceeds the varied attractions of Walla Walla county in all that gots to make up natural beauty and natural wealth. Its possi- bilities are illimitable, practically, because it is an empire in itself. Not prepossessing is the direct approach to this valley from the west, That road is lined HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 169 with sand dunes similar to those abutting on an ocean beach. The most enthusiastic pilgrim might experience a certain sense of oppression while drifting onward and eastward. But like Christian in Bunyan's "Progress," wearily- winning his way through the Slough of Despond, let him press forward. Far behind him stretch away the miles of sand and, be- hold ! before him lies the promise of fairer things. Enthusiasm again lifts up his heart and he enters the valley with mounting spirits, to find a wealth of satisfaction in the unfolding beauty and fertility of the Walla Walla valley. As an agricultural center the fame of this region has been justly won. Unparalleled any- where in the United States is its record of the production of wheat and other cereals. The plains of the Dakotas must be relegated to second place compared with the wheat yields of the Walla Walla valley. Annually millions of bushels of this standard cereal are sacked from the fields and sent humming onward to the Coast — to the Orient ; scattered throughout the bread-eating world. It is slightly em- barrassing to describe to eastern people the profusion of these acreage yields. One's A'eracity remains under a cloud ever after. An average of twenty-five bushels to the acre is a modest figure. But this is an average, re- member. Raise this twenty bushels higher, and then you have not reached the record yield in the valley of the Walla Walla. Equally well grow other cereals. Immense yields of oats, rye, barley and buckwheat are annually garnered. Barring the strictly tropi- cal products all species of vegetation grow luxuriantly here. For the successful cultiva- tion of corn the climate of Washington is not adapted. Too cool are the nights, with an absence of humidity- True, a few farmers raise it, although it is a treacherous crop, in the main, but some of the finest varieties of sweet corn are successfully grown; yet among the great diversity of crops in this county corn plays a decidedly small role. But how with grasses? With admirable success all kinds are raised. The largest yields, of course, are from the alfalfa meadows. Two and three crops may annually be cut; in rare instances, four. From two to three tons per acre yield clover and timothy. There are native grasses in profusion. The southern states boast of their "winter gardens," in which different varieties of the hardier truck are grown. But here vegetables appear to grow all the year round for never are the local markets without a supply of "green stuff." Here vegetables mature early. Radishes, lettuce, cauliflower, asparagus and all the green grocer's stock of edibles are marketable cmite early in the season. The truck gardner clears good, fat profits. In 1893 Julian Hawthorne and Colonel G. Douglas. Brewerton published a history of Washington. The following excerpt from that work is worthy of reproduction : Walla Walla county, still Indian, and, alas, but too suggestive, as we turn the pages of Washing- ton's blood-stained history, of the warwhoop and the scalping-knife, comes next under our review. Its Astoria, Walla Walla and Vancouver are house- hold words in the story of territorial strife and struggle and indellibly associated with the darkest of her early days. They are to the natives of Washington "to the manner born" what the Tower of London is to the Englishman — the repository of dreadful deeds and by-gone sorrows — for we make history more rapidly in our days than in those vaunted "good old times." As we breathe the name, the syllables of Walla Walla trip glid- ingly over the tongue with the musical step of many another Indian appellation, as, for instance, Minnehaha; it is appropriate, withal, for as the latter means "laughing water," so Walla Walla signifies "valley of waters," which is even better for we have seen Minnehaha in the arid season when it laughed not at all. It is derived from "Walatsa," meaning "running," — for it carries both the interpretations — but this is the less mel- lifluous Nez Perce, the Walla Walla or Wallula meaning the same thing, being taken from the language of the tribe whose name it bears — the Walla Wallas. This region is, indeed, well named the "valley of waters." From whence, we wonder, does the "Siwash" get his poetical inspiration, for it would oftimes puzzle the paleface to better 170 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. either the beauty or appropriateness of his nomen- clature. It can not be inherent, still less inherited. It is, we fancy, unconsciously absorbed from the surroundings (natural, we mean, not artificial) of his everyday life. However he gets it, it may not be denied that the divine afflatus is held in most repulsive vessels, the filthy, unwashed jar of the red man's human clay. Of a surety poor Pegasus was never prisoned in a filthier stall. The area of Walla Walla county is 1,277 square miles. The valley proper is a large belt of agricultural land lying south of Snake river and extending across the Oregon line on the south. It comprises the valley lands, the Eureka Flat country, a lofty plateau where wheat grows as naturally as weeds, the upper or foothill lands near the mountains and all of the lower bottom lands, used mostly for gardening. A concise description of the val- ley as it is today is a vast belt of rich land producing millions of bushels of wheat and barley and hundreds of car-loads of fruit and vegetables annually, capable of maintaining a population of a million souls. The United States census of 1890 gave Walla Walla county a population of 12,224; the census of 1900 allowed it 18,680. It has now about 24,000. The climate partakes of the same general features as the rest of the Inland Empire; it has a higher average tem- perature, less snow and earlier seasons than any other portion of the state with the excep- tion of those other parts that immediately border the Snake and Columbia rivers. The average annual rainfall is 16.77 inches. The average number of days with rain or snow is 116 annually. January is the coldest month with a mean of 32 degrees; August the warmest with a mean of 72 degrees. Oc- casionally it is quite hot, the thermometer hav- ing a record of 1 1.3 degrees in the shade ; nights are invariably cool; the number of ex- tremely warm days comparatively few. Farm- ers plow until Christmastide ; crops are sown in the fall of the year. By March usually, often as early as February, work is again re- sumed, and from then on there is mild, de- lightful weather with occasional rains. For a month or two, or possibly three, the weather is warm and rains do not prevail. Owing to dust — not sand — but a superabundance of the most fertile and arable soil on earth — travel- ing is a bit disagreeable and discomforting. But where may be found a climate with utter absence of defect? In the line of recapitulation Walla Walla county derives its wealth from the ground. We are told that the original empire of Walla Walla was recognized as a garden spot even long before some other regions where the soil was equally good, were deemed desirable. It is said to produce more money's worth of grown products than any other county in the state. It is exceedingly well watered, being bounded on the north and west by Snake and Columbia rivers. The southern boundary is irrigated by the Walla Walla and tributary streams. The southern boundary of the county is Oregon; Columbia county bounds it on the east. The foothills of the Blue Mountain spur impinge on the southeastern corner of the county. As apropos to our attempt to present a comparatively lucid description of Walla Walla county, and her infinite resources, we reproduce the following tribute to "the beauti- ful Walla Walla valley" from the Inland Em- pire of August, 1900: When the unerring hand of nature made the fertile hills and beautiful valleys which comprise the territory now known as the Walla Walla val- ley, and the All-Seeing eye looked upon them and said they were good, nothing short of infinite wis- dom could have made an attempt at telling any- thing of the greatness and value to the world which future generations would bring to the seem- ingly insignificant part of creation, and, even today when we look out upon a well-developed country, when we see thousands of happy homes and prosperous farmers and business men, when we behold about us a rising generation of patriotic and energetic young people, and looking toward the setting sun we note the opening of a new era of expansion in commerce and- new avenues of HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 171 industry, we have as little real idea of how future years will develop it as had our ancestors of hun- dreds of years ago. The past we have seen and heard of; the future is all hidden in mystery and expectation. Centuries passed and man in all his wisdom and enterprising exploration passed from the banks of Plymouth Rock to the westward across a country peopled by wild men, enduring all the hardships of pioneer experience, before the hand of fortune pointed the way to the section of country of which we speak, and almost discouraged with the wilds of the west, the early pioneer could not make up his mind to cast his lot in so lonely a place. But when once he had tested nature and found the fertility of the soil, the abundant sup- ply of pure and wholesome water, the balmy cli- mate and beautiful natural surroundings, he changed his mind and remained for a season. Im- bued with the fact that he had made no mistake, at the end of the year the sturdy pioneer found himself more content and the future looked brighter and more promising. Others of like sturdy nature came and made friends with him, and behold the change! Where but yesterday was a vast expanse of hills and valleys, unproduc- tive and worthless, today are seen the foundations of homes, of firesides and of fortunes. The constant and untiring tread of progress was westward and northward. Yet nature had so far set apart from the other portion of the country the little valley that it was not found as readily as some other places, and when found was more isolated and difficult of approach. Surounded by high mountain ranges, traversed by rivers, which, with the means at hand, could not be crossed, the valley was so set apart that its neighbors were be- yond the mountains and must be ever so. Rugged natural conditions made the construction of high- ways and railroads a difficult matter, and at first the progress of the new country was slow and made under great tribulation. But the people came, they saw, they conquered. Fifty years ago a band of sturdy soldiers pitched their tents where today is the city of Walla Walla. They were sent by the government to protect the few white inhabitants from the in- cursions of the Indians, who abounded in all parts of the valley. These soldiers were good judges of conditions, and when they found an ideal camp- ing spot there they stopped and waited. The gov- ernment ordered erected a garrison, and soon the busy mechanic was placing together the rough timbers which were to constitute the first Fort Walla Walla. The signs of life brought to the place by the new order of things induced men of enterprise and foresight to come and establish themselves in the trade they saw in the new terri- tory. Men came and began to build a city. Year after year they worked, and each recurring twelve- month made great improvements in conditions and business. The little band of pioneers was strength- ened and it grew into a community. The com- munity became a village, and the village developed into a town. Then the town became the leading trading place in the whole section of country from which it drew its business, and for hundreds of miles the name of Walla Walla meant the hub of commerce to the people as fully as New York does to us of this generation. Success always brings decadence or lethargy in its wake. And for years after success had come to Walla Walla the tinge of lethargy fastened itself upon the community, and it ceased to grow and expand as it had in days past. Then a new era of progress and development came, and of that we of today know about all there is to be told. New life was infused into the city and growth took the place of dormant energies. New People came and made new homes, new industries took the places then vacant. After a few ye,ars of this energetic development we have the Walla Walla of today. Great-hearted nature has done a great deal for the places which man has tried to build up. In fact, nature always lays the foundation and man comes along and erects the superstructure. New York was given a harbor, New Orleans a great river opening to the gulf, San Francisco was given the Golden Gate to the Pacific, Seattle and Tacoma were presented with a Pudget Sound, Spokane, the queen of the northwest, was tendered by nature a wonderful cataract, yet Walla Walla was not neglected. The gifts were not parceled out parsi- moniously, yet in the distribution Walla Walla was given her share. No spot in all the broad land, no city within the borders of our country has received from a kind nature more smiles than has our city. Surrounded by a most fertile sec- tion of country, stretching scores of miles in every direction, at the confluence of sparkling mountain streams affording a bountiful supply of water for domestic, irrigation and industrial purposes, the location is ideal. The Blue mountains frown down upon the city in grim sturdiness, reminding one of the great sturdy men and women who have taken such an active part in the progress and de- velopment of the valley. With mountain and stream, the rugged hills and pleasant valleys pre- sent a landscape which for real beauty and pictur- esqueness of effect is rarely equalled and never excelled. With the passing years the lack of fruit was in the nature of a hardship to the early- settler in the valley. In the current chapters of this work we have traced the progress of 172 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. this industry from the time Rev. H. H. Spald- ing and Red Wolf, the Nez Perce chief, made the initial attempt at orcharding. But years subsequent to this Walla Walla county people were anxiously considering' the possibilities of orchards and looking forward with fond an- ticipation to the day when they could pluck, on their own ranches, the lucious peach and the "big red apple." Limited was the market; the territory which could be drawn on neces- sarily circumscribed. Small encouragement for the ardent desciple of Pomona. But orchards were planted ; from them has sprung the vast horticultural interests of this section of today. Extensive orchards have replaced small and scattered tracts of fruit trees; hun- dreds of acres of land and scores of men and boys are employed in the production and pack- ing of fruits for markets which have now widened until the supply falls far short of the demand. Yearly hundreds of carloads of fruits and berries are shipped to many points in Washington and to Idaho, Montana and British Columbia. One of the largest fruit farms west of the Missouri and outside of California, is the Blalock ranch, two miles west of Walla Walla; within its scope is the most productive tract in the county. In 19^4 three hundred carloads of fruit and vegetables, one hundred of alfalfa, twenty tons of jelly, one hundred and eighty barrels of cider, six- teen hundred cases of honey, aside from a large number of cattle and hogs were shipped from this vast Pandora's box of general agri- culture. In the volcanic soil of Walla Walla county there exists the right proportions of chemical elements to make its adaptability to fruit culture perfect. And the right amount of the right kind of moisture, absorbed by the rootlets, imparts a most lucious flavor to the fruits and just the right quantity of sun- shine serves as a natural pigment to paint the fruit in brilliant scarlet or golden yellow. During the year 1904 it is claimed that Walla Walla county produced about fifteen hundred carloads of fruits and vegetables. Two hun- dred and twenty-five dollars is the average price of a carload of vegetables, and three hundred and twenty-five dollars for fruit. While the stock-raising- industry of the county is not so extensive as in many other sections of the state, the quality of such stock as is pastured upon the limited ranges is un- excelled. The mild climate, abundant water, succulent clover and alfalfa, when well irri- gated green almost the whole year round ; the plentiful supplies of timothy and wheat hay; cheap grains and feeds of all descriptions; large quantities of root crops, all combine to make stock-raising a most lucrative industry. Within the limits of Walla Walla county there are about thirty well-equipped dairy ranches. Each carries from twenty to thirty cows of high grade. As side issues, to a greater or less degree, there are many other ranches that keep up milch cows. About sixty-four hun- dred milch cows in the county is the estimate of one of the best authorities in dairying. The Walla Walla Creamery is the most ex- tensive establishment handling dairy products. Twelve thousand pounds of milk per day, or four million pounds a year, are the receipts of the lacteal fluid. And from this it turns out in round numbers 177,600 pounds of butter annually. Forty per cent, of this is consumed by the local market; the rest is forwarded to other points within and without the state. At three different places in the valley this cream- ery has branches. Walla Walla county, once the home of the cowboy and his branding iron, has, in the gen- eral progress yielded to the intensification and consolidation of business ; no longer has it room or range for large bands of cattle. Yet there is a class of cattle here that far outrun the purely local demand ; they are stall, or corral-fed stock. One of the chief markets for this beef is Puget Sound. The same may be said of hogs and poultry. It should not be overlooked that in all these lines there has HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 173 been a careful and judicious grading up in breeds; some of the finest products in the west are shown at the Walla Walla stock fairs. In the highlands of the eastern portion of the county, and the dry lands of the western, large bands of sheep are still ranged. Sixty thousand is the present estimate of the total number of sheep. The county of Walla Walla has good reason to be proud of its horse flesh. Consequently admitting observers are drawn to the autumnal horse races and stock shows from all portions of the northwest. Here are seen racers, trotters, draft horses and road- sters of superior breed. During the past few years the introduction of fine breeds of horses into Walla Walla has rapidly progressed; so favorable are climate and environments that few regions in the state equal Walla Walla for breeding purposes. This is the home of Del Norte and other speedy equines. But Wheat is King ! We have touched upon this cereal several pages back, but so impregnated is the circumambient atmosphere of the Walla Walla country with wheat, that it is difficult for the descriptive writer to tear himself away from the subject. From the first the Walla Walla country appears to have been ordained a producer of the staff of life. The lava dust drifted through ages ; the grass roots rotted; imprisoned lakes deposited their sedi- ment; the rich, rolling prairie now before us was ready for its predestined utility. Gone are the hunting and pastoral stages ; dairying and horticulture are hanging close upon the flanks of agriculture. But wheat is still king, the standard cereal, as gold is the standard coin, of the world. It is true that the same volcanic soil underlies the whole of the Inland Empire, containing ingredients requisite to wheat more completely than any other soil in the United States. Still, there are certain advantages in the magnificent belt eighty miles by twenty-five skirting the Blue mountains from Pendleton, Oregon, to Dayton, Washing- ton. More level is the land; the sowing and harvesting seasons longer and better for both fall and spring seeding; the rainfall more timely than elsewhere. It is, certainly, on a vast scale that this industry is prosecuted. Traction engines for plowing and combination harvesters, moving kitchens, armies of horses, headers steered like ships through heaving billows of golden grain. About one-third of the county's population is engaged in wheat raising. The crop of 1904 amounted to 4,500,000 bushels. On all sides evidences are multiplied to prove that wheat culture in this section of the state is, on the whole, a most profitable industry. To-day the city of Walla Walla is a monument to the vast wealth that has been sucked from the ground through the golden mediums of wheat straws. "Wheat money" has purchased the elegant homes of the city and commodious farm houses of the country ; wheat money has placed in these homes pianos and organs; wheat money has bought the blooded horses and handsome carriages; in wheat money is found "the price"' for groceries, clothing, books, papers, outlays for education and wide- extended travel. Millions of dollars' worth of assessable property represent so much banked up wheat money. Allusion has been made elsewhere to the annual precipitation. It is not heavy, ranging from about ten inches at the northwestern ex- tremity of the county to probably forty inches in the most elevated part of the mountain sec- tion; at the city of Walla Walla it ranges be- tween eighteen and twenty inches. But so judiciously is this rainfall distributed that it is abundant for the rapidly maturing cereal. The months of heaviest rainfall are November, January and May. And these are the months in which such natural irrigation can accom- plish the greatest good. In a previous history of Walla Walla county Professor W. D. Lyman has written : 174 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. In general terms it may be said that thus far the main industries which are revealed before us are those of stock, agriculture and fruit i-aising. Walla Walla is essentially a farming country. As we view the "lay of the land" and as we learn by examination something of the geological history of the country, we see that it was fore-ordained to be one of the food-supplying regions of the world. Like nearly all of the Columbia valley the Walla Walla country is of volcanic origin. At some time, thousands of years ago, indeed, yet recent in geological history, prob- ably in the Miocene or Pleiocene ages, there were prodigious overflows of lava, with the Cascades and Blue mountains as the centers of overflow. After the era of fire was one of flood, or more probably there were successive eras of volcanic outflow and mountain elevation, alternating with successive floods. Many curious Indian legends indicate the traditional condition of this country- Among these is the flood legend of the Yakimas. They say that ages ago, in the time of the "Wateetash," be- fore" the Indians existed, there was a beaver named Wishpoosh that inhabited Lake Kichelas or Lake Cleelum at the head of the Yakima river. Wish- poosh was of enormous size, half a mile long, his scales glittering like gold, and he was so rapacious that he devoured animals and plants indiscrimi- nately, and even the rocks of the lake shore. Speelyei, the great Coyote god, perceiving the destructiveness of the beaver, determined to kill him in order to save the rest of creation. So he harpooned him, or some say, caused him to swallow a coal of fire, which made him very "hot." In his fury Wishpoosh tore his way through the banks of the lake, and let the water down into what is now the Kittitas valley, which was then a great lake. In like manner he tore out the banks of that lake, then he tore out the gap where Yakima City is now situated, and so the waters of all that upper chain of lakes became united with the vast lake which covered pretty much all that now constitutes the Walla Walla country. But Wish- poosh was not content to leave that inland sea undisturbed, and so the Umatilla highlands below Wallula were severed and the waters of this upper region went on down to the sea, and so the beaver found himself in the ocean, and according to his old methods, he began to devour whales and other denizens of the deep. Speelyei, perceiving that all creation was threatened by the monster, en- tered the sea, and after a dreadful struggle, slew him. The huge carcass was cast up on Clatsop beach, and from it Speelyei proceeded to form the various Indian tribes. Thus this legend accounts for the existence of the Indians and for the obvious facts that Walla Walla county, like the famous McGinty of a few years ago, was once under the sea. ! As in many other localities in the state of Washington the subject of irrigation is one of absorbing- interest. While it is not so im- portant relatively as in more arid regions it must, certainly, have a potent influence on the future of the western portion of this county. An ample water supply is furnished by the Walla Walla river and its tributary streams. Along these creeks have small, individual ditches; in other localities neighbors combine to divert the streams and use them under the co-operative system. Several larger enter- prises with ample capital have been developed within the past few years. Chief of these are the Burlingame Ditch, taking water from the Walla Walla river near Freewater, Oregon, which is conducted over a magnificent body of land ; the Columbia Ditch, leading a large, stream from Walla Walla river upon the arid, but fertile belt adjoining Wallula; and the Two Rivers Canal, which conducts water from Snake river toward Wallula. There are, also, three smaller ditches irrigating the extensive tracts of land adjoining the town of Touchet and extending from that point up and down both the Walla Walla and Touchet rivers. Almost beyond the reach of imagination are the possibilities of increasing the productive capacity of land in the lines of fruit, alfalfa and vegetables. In the county there are prob- ably one hundred thousand acres of land capable of irrigation. As affording a sharp contrast between present industrial conditions in Walla Walla county and those antecedent by a number of years, we reproduce the following from a history of Walla Walla county, written by Mr. Frank T. Gilbert and published in 1882 : An agricultural society was organized in July, 1866, by an assemblage of citizens at the court house, on the 9th of that month, where laws and regulations were adopted, and the following offi- cers chosen: H. P. Isaacs, president; A. Cox and W. H. Newell, vice-presidents; J. D. Cook, treas- urer; E. R. Rees, secretary; and Charles Russell, T. G. Lee and A. A. Blanchard, executive com- HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 175 mittee. For the fair to be held on the 4th, 5th and 6th of the ensuing October, the last three gen- tlemen became managers, and the following the executive commitee: H. P. Isaacs, J. D. Cook, J. H. Blewett and W. H. Newell. In 1867 the grain yield of the Blue mountain region exceeded the demand, and prices that had been falling for several years, left that crop a drug. It was sought to prevent an entire stagna- tion of agricultural industries, by shipping the surplus down the Columbia river to the seaboard. Freights on flour at that time were: From Walla Walla per ton to Lewiston, $15; to The Dalles, $6; to Portland, $6, and the following amounts were shipped: To Portland between May 27th and June 13th, 4,156 barrels; to The Dalles, between April 19th and June 2d, 578 barrels; to Lewiston, between April 18th and May 14th, 577 barrels; total to June 13th by Oregon Steam Navigation Company, 5,311 barrels. The same year Frank & Wertheimer shipped from Walla Walla 15,000 bushels of wheat down the Columbia, thus starting the great outflow of bread products from the interior. In 1868 Philip Ritz shipped fifty barrels of flour from the Phoenix mills in Walla Walla, to New York, with the following results (It was the first Washington Territory products seen in the east ) . First cost of flour, $187.50; sacks for same, $27; transportation to San Francisco, $100; freight thence to New York, $107.80; total cost in gold, $422.30; profit realized on the transac- tion, $77.46, or $1.55 per barrel. Wheat had fallen to 40 cents per- bushel in Walla Walla, because of the following scale of expenses of shipping to San Francisco: Freight per ton to Wallula, $6; thence to Port- land, $6; thence to San Francisco, $7; drayage, $1.50; commission, $2, $3.50; primage and leak- age, $1; bagging, $4.50, $5.50; total expense to San Francisco, $28. The great development of all forces of in- dustry in this country resulting from the building of railroads in the 'eighties was es- pecially marked in the wheat business. Wheat became recognized as the staple product of this valley. Walla Walla wheat began to seek the markets of the world, and every year marked a vast increase in the output from these rich, Blue mountain foothills and from the great rolling plains adjoining. But this had already occurred even before the railroad era. The increase in acreage in the staple crops in "early times" is indicated in the fol- lowing records from the assessor's books : 1863 1868 1874 1879 Acres of wheat Acres of corn Acres of oats . . Acres of barley 4,782 9,249 20,760 46,557 .1,515 2,136 3,640 .4,515 5,086 4,786 2,995 .1,486 985 3,896 11,271 From these figures some interesting facts may be deduced. Between 1874 and 1879, it should be borne in mind. Walla Walla had been diminished by the creation of Columbia county, to less than half of its former pro- portions. To obtain a clear view of the growth of that period it is safe to add at least a half more to the figures of 1879. It will be noticed that in earlier times corn was quite extensively cultivated. Then it fell off to a trifling amount. It was considered that the nights were too cool and the climate too dry to ob- tain satisfactory results with corn. But in 1900 and for three or four years previous, corn reasserted itself and became a crop to be reckoned with ; fields of forty, eighty and one hundred acres in Walla Walla and Uma- tilla counties being of common occurrence. Oats, it appears, were at first a much greater crop than barley ; yet barley was far in the lead in 1879; the gap has widened ever since. The reason that oats w'ere so largely cultivated at first was that they were, and still are, the staple horse food in the Willamette valley, be- ing peculiarly adapted to that climate. But it was shown by experience that in this dry climate barley was a more lucrative crop than oats; moreover the rapid extension of the brewing industry created a growing demand for barley. So far we have given no detailed account of the truck garden business in the vicinity of Walla Walla. It is sufficient to say that many of the richest spots in the neighborhood of the county seat are worked by Italians and China- men. In this particular line of industry both of these nationalities seem to have greater ability than Americans; they produce a pro- 176 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. digious quantity of all the common table vege- tables, both for local supply and shipping. Like the fruits of the "garden city" the vege- tables are noted for excellence as well as quantity. Of the locations and character of the markets for fruits we have, so far, said but little. A few years ago Mr. W. S. Offher, than whom no one was better qualified to im- part information on this subject, prepared a statement for the Walla Walla "Union" con- cerning this important subject. As conditions have not materially changed since then we reproduce it : The markets for Walla Walla fruits and prod- uce are world wide, as the past season has proven. Our market in days gone by has been confined to a small scope of country, owing to a lack of proper transportation facilities; the fruit industry being in its infancy, we are known only to our local markets in our own state and portions of Idaho and Montana. However, as our orchards and gar- dens have increased, so have our transportation facilities, and today we practically have four through, or transcontinental lines, viz.: the Union Pacific, Northern Pacific, Great Northern and the Burlington route, carrying our fruits into other states. This gives us a choice of the above named routes to all eastern markets. All these roads make every effort possible to supply us with suita- ble cars and accommodations for handling our fruits. Our early fruits and vegetables are marketed principally in what we term our local market — Washington, Idaho and Montana, the latter two being a good market the entire season. As stated before, we furnish a large portion of our own state with early fruits and vegetables. As is well known of our valley, owing to its mild climate and early springs, we are able to bring our produce into the market from two to three weeks earlier than other parts of the state. Thi& gives us a great advan- tage, especially with strawberries, allowing us to ship the bulk of the berry crop before they are in market elsewhere in the state. We have, until the past season, marketed most of our berries and cherries in the local market, but experience has shown us that we have a market for berries in car-load lots in Denver, Omaha, Kansas City, St. Paul, Minneapolis and other eastern cities. Our berries ripening at the time they do, do not come in competition with the home grown berries in Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Minnesota. When we come to our larger fruits, especially the prune, pear and apple, for which our valley is particularly adapted, I repeat the foregoing asser- tion that "our market is the world," having dem- onstrated the fact by shipping a number of cars of prunes and pears to St. Paul, Minnesota, Chicago, Kansas City, Indianapolis, Philadelphia and New York. We have had calls from many other eastern cities for our fruits that we can not supply as yet, our output being too limited to supply the demand. Another market unknown to us until last season is British Columbia. They have been calling upon us for our fruits, and a great many cars of apples found their way to these markets the past year, which only made the purchasers give us orders which we were unable to fill. Right here I will state that the greatest trouble the fruit or commission men have is to get sufficient quan- tities of fruit to fill their orders. While the past season's fruit shipments from this valley have been numbered by the hundred cars, had we had a suffi- cient quantity of the right kind of fruits our car shipments would have numbered by the thousands. With increased production and better facilities for transportation to the eastern markets, we will soon be shipping our fruits by the train-loads instead of car-loads, for it is a fact wherever our fruits have been tested they have met with favor and have created a demand which we have been unable to supply. Other markets opened to us are Texas, Arizona and Mexico, for it is a well known fact that warm countries do not grow good apples, and even Cali- fornia, with all her wealth of fruit, orange groves, famous vineyards and big orchards in other fruits, comes to us in the spring for our fancy, well-kept winter apples. While California and Mexico may send us their gold, oranges and lemons, we will send them in return the famous winter apples of the Walla Walla valley. Last but not least comes our market in England for apples, some having already been shipped there. When our apples are once well known we will have a market for more than can probably be raised in the state, as our winter apples we would be glad to compare with the fruit of the most favored parts of the United States. As to our fruit drying, it is yet in its infancy; we have beenj able so far to dispose of our fruit in a green state. There were several cars of prunes dried here last season and they were eagerly sought for in our eastern markets. Our Italian prune (which is mostly raised here) commands a higher price than the famous California French or Petit prune, as it grows much larger and is of superior quality. An interview with any of the commission men of this city will undoubtedly verify the facts that I have heretofore set forth and there is no question that we will find a market for all the HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 177 fruit we can possibly raise in the Walla Walla valley. Flouring mills are so intimately connected with acricultural interests that it does not seem amiss to take them from the various towns which it will be ours to describe, and in which they are represented, and touch upon them in this descriptive chapter. Let us first glance at existing conditions before entering into the history of the flour industry of Walla Walla county. The largest flouring mill in the county is the Preston, of Waitsburg. It has a capacity of 400 barrels per day. The Prescott Mill, at the town of that name, comes next in order, and then follows the Eureka Mill, at Walla Walla, each putting out 250 barrels per day. At the latter city the Isaacs Mill grinds 75 bar- rels; then one at Riverside 65, and the Walla Walla Mill on Yellowhawk creek, 40 barrels per day. Thus about 1,800 barrels per day represent the total capacity of these six mills. To produce this amount of flour about 5,000 bushels of wheat are required. Allow three hundred working days in the year and we have the transformation of a million and one-half bushels of wheat into flour and feed. The electric process of flour making is utilized at the Isaacs and Eureka mills. This is said to do much in the way of "enlivening" the flour. Breakfast foods like farina, germea, etc.. are also manufactured. It was supposed in earlier pioneer days, although Walla Walla county now surpasses any other region of equal population in wheat production, that no land except the creek bot- toms Avould produce grain. From Indiana, Illinois, Missouri and other states, where low, damp, black "bottom lands" are the productive parts, came the earliest settlers ; by them the high, dry, rolling prairies of W'alla Walla county were distrusted. So early as 1859, however, sufficient wheat was produced on the two or three pioneer ranches to justify Mr. A. H. Reynolds in erecting a small and primitive mill on Yellow- 12 hawk creek. This was the first one built in the Inland Empire, if we except the rude and crude "flour factories" of those indefatigable mis- sionaries, Whitman and Spalding. Subsequent- ly this old mill was utilized by a Mr. Whit- ney as a store house. A second mill was built by Mr. Reynolds in 1862 on the Yellowhawk; this was known as the Star Mill. In the eastern portion of what is now Walla Walla, in 1862, H. P. Isaacs erected the North Pacific Flouring Mills. This was the beginning of his long and successful career as a miller in this county. The mill at Prescott was erected by him in 1883. At that period it was the largest in eastern Washington. Another pioneer mill man was Andrew McCalley. He came to the county in 1872 as superintendent of the North Pacific Mills. I. T. Reese had built a mill in 1866 west of town. This was purchased by Mr. McCalley, and when it burned down he rebuilt it and the business was maintained by himself. After his death in 1891, it was conducted by his sons until the property was sold to W. H. Gilbert. It was burned in 1897. The Eureka was first known as the Agate Mills. They were built by Rotz and Schnebly and conducted by W. C. Painter. Welch and Schwabacher purchased this plant and subse- quently sold it to Dement Brothers in 1880. Wherever used the grades of flour manu- factured by this mill have become famous, finding markets in all parts of the world. In 1865 the Washington Roller Mill was estab- lished by S. M. Wait, founder of the "burg." He sold it to Preston Brothers; they enlarged and improved it. Mr. Wait's stock was pur- chased by Paine Brothers & Moore, which stock they subsequently sold to Preston Brothers. Flour from these Walla Walla county mills finds its way to England, China, Japan. Italy, South America, Philippine Islands, Alaska and British Columbia. Scholl Brothers erected the City Mills on Palouse street, Walla Walla, in 1898. I7& HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY Of course, to be fully appreciated, Walla Walla county should be visited, traversed, tested. Pen pictures convey but shadowy glimpses of the wealth, possibilities and actual- ities within the grasp of its citizens. How- ever, a brief sketch of some of the more at- tractive portions of this beautiful valley cer- tainly comes within our province, and to the best of our ability we will attempt to portray some of the more prominent of them. The cities of Walla Walla and Waitsburg will be found by themselves in separate chapters. The Walla Walla county of to-day was in- cluded in the sweeping generalization made by old time army officers when they dubbed the greater portion of the country west of the Missouri river the "great American desert." "Give a dog a bad name and it will stick to him" is a proverb older than Walla Walla county. Small wonder, then, if the early set- tlers in all parts of the country fell into the egregious error of believing that the most of this country could never be farmed, much less become orchards and gardens. As expressed by one of the pioneers, so imbued were they with the theories of the old time military men, that they fairly fought against the idea that the country would ever be worth anything ex- cept as a vast stock range. The belt of prairie immediately adjoining Walla Walla city had demonstrated its capacity for wheat ; even then the farmers were cock-sure that no grain would ever grow on Eureka Flat. But Eureka Flat developed into a wonderful wheat producing section ; then the cry was taken up that nothing could mature on Touchet, hills. Yet both these condemned sections have led all the rest in productiveness. The Touchet hills in the northern part of the county are the roughest and most broken portions of the county. But the rougher the land the richer. And what is the result of this gradual con- quest of the soil? There have been founded in that region some of the finest farms in the county. Consequently Prescott is a lively, progressive village ; a trade center for this prosperous community on lands once held a? useless. Prescott is surrounded on all sides by a vast and fertile wheat belt. Perhaps the most productive of all the tracts in its immed- iate vicinity is Whetstone Hollow, northeast of the town. Farther to the east, upon the road extending from Prescott to Lyons Ferry, on Snake river, are a number of old established places which have long been noted for their large grain production. In the center of this great area lies the Malloy ranch. M'any well known and progressive places lie up and down the Touchet river from Prescott. A belt of land twenty-five miles long and about five miles mide is Eureka Flat. It ex- tends through the northwestern part of the county, and within that entire county it is the greatest grain-growing section. Through the whole length of the flat from Eureka Junc- tion to Pleasant View extends a branch of the Washington & Columbia River Railroad. On this line are a number of stations ; around two of them, Eureka Junction and Clyde, there have grown up pleasant little towns. From these points are shipped enormous quantities of grain. To Clyde belongs the distinction of shipping more grain than any other point in the county ; the place has a record of 750,000 bushels in one season. The traveler will see, by even a cursory glance, that the history of Eureka Flat is that of a canyon filled with soil blown or washed from the surrounding volcanic hills. To a depth of two hundred feet the soil has been found to extend unchanged, at some points. No soil is more fertile, but owing to the dryness of the climate and fre- quent winds, it bears a poor comparison as a home land to the werdant, well-watered tracts in the southern portion of the county. Despite all this the most extensive wheat ranches in the state are found on Eureka Flat. Here lies the 10,000-acre ranch of W. H. Babcock, the" HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 179 "wheat king" of Walla Walla county. Other separate areas denominated as ranches run into the thousands of acres. The rainfall of Walla Walla county is sufficient to mature the standard crops ; the western portion is semi-arid. At just about the eastern edge of the dry belt, and at the junction of the Walla Walla and Touchet rivers, lies the largest area of irrigated land in the county. A magnificent body of rich, level land is this; when irrigated it produces some- times five crops of the finest alfalfa, aside from a plethora of fruit, vegetables, berries and melons of the best quality, and a week earlier than at Walla Walla. Here center three ex- cellent irrigation systems. In the very heart of this well-watered and pleasing region lies the pleasant little town of Touchet. The land surrounding Dixie is a high prairie; the most fertile soil known; the loca- tion is close to the Blue mountains ; the rain- fall is plentiful. As a result the productive capacity of the region is of the highest order. In the near vicinity of Dixie grow magnificent orchards. While not so well adapted to the more delicate fruits as the warmer lands further west, the late apples, cherries and pears there produced are wonderful. Immediately below Dixie, in the valley, is one of the largest fruit ranches in the county — the Clancy fruit farm. It is planted on a north hill slope of the richest, deepest soil, and thus far its develop- ment would seem to- justify the opinion held by many that the finest fruits of the valley will be found in the foothills, where there is a sufficient amount of rainfall to dispense with irrigation. On Dry Creek, below the Clancy place extends a series of the finest farms in the county. There is another magnificent body Of farm- ing land, in a belt about seven miles wide by ten long, lying along Mill and Russell creeks. These are the oldest, wealthiest and most highly cultivated of all the farming lands of the county, indeed, of the state. It is safe to say that few bodies of grain land have yielded as much money to their owners as has this extraordinary body of about seventy or eighty miles square. The country around Wallula is, when irri- gated, of a fertile character, and susceptible of high cultivation, although to the transient tourist it has the appearance of a barren desert. Possibly the earliest and finest peaches come from a ranch at the mouth of the Walla Walla river! The new town of Two Rivers, seven miles from Wallula, is in the midst of a great plain to which water is brought by ditches. A buggy drive from Whitman Mission up the valley of the Walla Walla will pass through a line of beautiful gardens and orchards extending almost without a break to Milton. The country between Whitman Sta- tion and Walla Walla, and for a number of miles south of the road joining the two, is rapidly becoming the garden of Walla Walla county. Eight miles north of Walla Walla we reach Valley Grove, on Dry Creek. A beautiful scene of verdure stretches up and down this valley, in sharp contrast with the bare hills flanking either side. The term "bare hills," however, is scarcely admissable; they are almost unbroken wheat fields. North and east of Valley Grove are found some of the most substantial farms in the country. In ascending the Alto hill by rail, the tourist will view a tract of country, although quite elevated and somewhat broken, of the most fertile soil and capable of producing im- mense quantities of grain. Long a "terror"' to railroad men has been the grade from the summit of this hill down to Starbuck. It averages over one hundred feet to the mile. Upon this portion of the road a number of serious accidents have occurred. It was largely the danger and expense of this hill which led the Oregon Railroad & Navigation Company to build their line from Riparia directly down Snake river to Wallula. i8o HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. For desciples of Isaac Walton and Nimrod there is a most attractive field in Walla Walla county. After satisfying- his curiosity con- cerning soil, climate, industrial conditions, etc., of a new country, the next question usually is, from the prospective settler, "how about fishing and hunting?" Washington in general is one of the best game countries in the world. But to-day Walla Walla county is too thickly settled to afford the opportunity for wild life it did in the days of the buck-skinned pioneer, when the deer and elk shook the dew from the rye grass and rose bushes at almost every turn along the picturesque shores of the Walla Walla and its tributaries, and when these same streams were almost clogged with trout. Still, a marvelously fine game county is Walla Walla yet. Superb trout streams are the various creeks, and even now, fished as- siduously as they are, rare sport with rod and reel may be found with a little time and patience. Four species of trout are found in these streams; the gamy mountain trout, rather small, but the finest flavored food fish of all; the rather sluggish Dolly Varden, or "bull trout," which is a radiently beautiful fish; the magnificent rainbow trout, one of the most beautiful of fish, weighing frequently two or three pounds, and lastly, largest of all, the salmon trout. Up Miill creek, into the very limits of Walla Walla, salmon have been known to force themselves and have even floundered into the crystal waters of "spring branches." Deer, bear and cougars make their habitat in the high mountains, but numerous hunters, and especially the keeping of sheep in these parts, have driven nearly all the large game to wilder and more sequestered regions. There are plenty of game birds ; the common varieties are prairie chickens, grouse and pheasants; innumerable wild geese feed on the young wheat. Thoroughly protected by law until 1907 the "bob white" quail feeds and whistles in comparative safety from the artful designs of the fowler. That handsomest of all game birds, the beautiful Mongolian pheasant, is rapidly increasing, being still under the pro- tecting aegis of law. For a country so popu- lous as Walla Walla, all in all, it is a rarely good game county. The Walla Walla river rises in the Blue mountains. These lie in the southeastern por- tion of the state of Washington, and the north- eastern corner of the state of Oregon. This range of mountains, having an elevation of about 2,000 feet above the surrounding coun- try, is dissected with canyons cut by the head- waters of the tributaries of the Walla Walla river on the west, and Grande Ronde river on the east. In a generally western direction the upper portion of the former river flows until diverted northward by the plateau north of Pendleton, Oregon. A number of tributaries enter in the vicinity of Whitman, Washington, and the river flows thence to its mouth at Wallula, where it joins the Columbia river. The course of the Walla Walla is nearly due westward. A northerly course have the headwaters of the Touchet river until they unite at Dayton and Waitsburg. Thence for fifteen miles the course is westerly, when the river is diverted southward and a short distance below enters the main stream. Walla Walla river is a sur- face stream from the point it leaves the moun- tains until a short distance below Whitman. Then it gradually sinks below the level until, for the lower five to seven miles of its course it is from seventy to eighty feet below that level. From Walla Walla to Wallula, a distance of 30 miles, the fall is 625 feet. A peculiar stream is Mill Creek on which is situated the city of Walla Walla. From the foothills it emerges on to the plain about eight miles above the city. This creek divides three miles farther down, a portion of the water continuing down Mill creek and a part clown the Yellowhawk. Another bifurcation occurs one and one-half miles farther down, in the Yellowhawk, and a new stream is formed, HW HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 181 Garrison creek. These three streams do not come together, but enter Walla Walla river separately. This formation, in a county with such an accentuated slope, sixty feet to the mile, is peculiar, and to more or less litigation it has given rise. Outside of the corporate limits of Walla Walla there are four attractions which might be termed ''show places ;" the Whitman Monu- ment, the "Pen," the Fort and "Bill" Raser's elk. State Senator Raser owns an extensive and most eligibly located farm six miles south of Walla Walla. It contains three thousand acres of rich, arable land, and is itself, well worthy a visit by the Walla Walla county tourist. Here are traction engines, ele- gant and commodious buildings, and a tremenduous annual yield of grain, all typical in the highest sense of Walla Walla county's most prominent industry. It is on a portion of this land that Mr. Raser's band of fourteen stately elk are ranged. Several young of these magnificent animals were captured by him a number of years ago. To several zoological gardens and museums he has contributed a number, but there are still left fourteen beauti- ful specimens. They are well worth a journey of many miles to see ; they are there in all their statuesque gracefulness, with wide, branching antlers and tawnv skins. CHAPTER X POLITICAL In the opening current chapters of this work have been related the various attempts to set in motion the political machinery of the county of Walla Walla. Had this important political division of the state been organized in 1854, in accordance with the act creating it, George C. Bumford, John Owens and Dominic Pambrun would have served as the initial commissioners; Narcies Raymo, sheriff, and Lloyd Brooks, judge of probate, and the other officials would have been named by the county board. However, the act of January 19, 1859, named John Marian, Walter Davis and John C. Smith, county commissioners ; Edward Pearce, sheriff; R. H. Reighart, auditor; Samuel D. Smith, probate judge, and J. L. Simms, justice of the peace. When, two months later the county was organized, the three commissioners named were the ones we find serving in the capacitv of county law makers, but for some occult reason none of the others named qualified; at their first and second meetings the board appointed a full set of officers. March 15, 1859, there were appointed by the county commissioners James Galbreath, auditor; and Lycurgus Jackson, sheriff. On the 26th to these were added E. H. Barron, judge of probate; Neil McGlinchey, treasurer; William B. Kelly, school superintendent. In addition to the office of sheriff Lycurgus Jack- son was named as assessor. For a brief period only did Mr. Galbreath serve as auditor. July 2d he resigned and August Von Hinkle was appointed. At this meeting the name of Step- toeville was changed to Waiilatpu. At the second meeting of the board, March 26, 1859, two voting precincts were formed, Dry Creek and Steptoeville. As judges of election for Dry Creek precinct, E. Bonner, J. Mose and Cragie were named, and William Link and William W. Wiseman, clerks. For Steptoeville precinct J. A. Simms, W. B. Kelly 182 II] STORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. and William McWhirk were judges, and R. H. Reighart and Thomas Hughes, clerks. For Dry Creek precinct the place of election was the residence of J. C. Smith, and for Step- toeville, the house of W. J. Terry. At a sub- sequent meeting, June 6th, a short time previous to the election, the polling place for this latter precinct was relocated at the church at Steptoeville. A third precinct, the north country, was taken notice of at a meeting held July 2d. This was referred to as Spokane county, which had been created by the last legislature. This had not yet been organized, and was therefore a portion of Walla Walla county. The election judges named for "Spokane County" were Dickinson. Murrey and Dutro. Unfortunately the result of this initial election held in the summer of 1859 cannot be definitely ascertained. It is learned, however, from scattering records that the following served as the new officers of Walla Walla county, their terms beginning, probably, in July : William McWhirk, chairman ; John Mahan and Charles Russell, commissioners; J. T. Reese, auditor; Lycurgus Jackson, sheriff; Neil M'cGlynchey, treasurer; Thomas P. Page, assessor and H. H. Case, surveyor. The commissioners, at a meeting of the new board, September 6th, balloted for the terms of office. Mr. Russell was the unfortunate (or possibly fortunate) one, as he received the one-year term ; Mr. Mahan the two-year term and Mr. McWhirk the three-year term. For the election of i860, at a meeting of the board of commissioners held May 7th, the following officers were appointed for Dry Creek precinct: W. S. Gilliam, M. J. Noyse and E. L. Bonner, judges; Richard Eddy and William Mcllroy, clerks. The place of voting was changed from Sergeant Smith's residence to the house of G. W. Salings, on Dry Creek. A new precinct was established with the voting place at George Pollard's residence, ''including all the country from the mouth of Copaeye (Coppei) east, to be known as the eastern precinct on the Touchet." George Pollard, S. L. Galbreath and J. N. Day were named as judges of election and D. J. Whit- aker and A. T. Lloyd, clerks. Another precinct known as Western pre- cinct on the Touchet was ''established on the western portion of the Touchet, commencing at the mouth of the Copaeye, running down the river to the canyon." For this precinct Andy Warren, William H. Patten and Hamil- ton Lackey were named judges of election. Steptoeville precinct took the name of Walla Walla precinct for this second July general election. Judges were appointed as follows : Thomas Martin, William B. Kelly and C. C. Hareum. Snake river precinct was established at this time, the polling place being at the residence of Cyrus McWhirk. The judges were Cyrus MicWhirk, Thomas Wright and O. N. Jack- man. The result of this election was as fol- lows: Auditor and recorder, James Galbreath; sheriff, James A. Buckley; surveyor, M. J. Noyse; assessor, L. Langley; coroner, Almiron Daggett ; justices of the peace, William J. Horton, John Sheets, Horace Strong, Elisha Everetts and William B. Kelly. Of the transactions of this official corps no trace of record can be found, but at the county election held in July, 1861, the board of county commissioners consisted of W. H. Patton, S. Maxon and John. Sheets. Novem- ber 5th Sheriff Buckley was appointed county assessor, S. Owens, who had been elected to the office in 1861 having failed to qualify. The sheriff had been by virtue of his office tax collector, and his appointment as assessor was a consistent action on the part of the board. There was little partisan spirit manifested in the election of 1862. Whether a man was democrat or republican cut but small figure. There were in Walla Walla county at this period graver issues at stake. Lawlessness and crime walked side by side with rectitude HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY 183 and virtue. Many rough characters were at- tracted to the mining districts, and a large proportion of these had slight regard for the value of human life or personal probity. Under such conditions political affiliations had little weight. For the various county offices only men of ability and sterling worth were in demand. Therefore a call was issued for a mass convention June 21, 1862, to which call the following names were affixed : R. H. Archer, J. D. Agnew, Quin A. Brooks, C. S. Bush, D. S. Baker, W. A. Ball, J. Buckley. O. L. Bridges, S. Buckley. A. J. Cain, H. J. Cady, E. P. Cranston, F. A. Chenoweth, W. W. DeLacy, J. P. Goodhue, H. M. Hodges, W. P. Horton, J. Hellmuth, H. Howard, J. B. Ingersoll, W. W. Johnson, R. Jacobs, Kohl- hauff & Guichard, E. E. Kelly, A. Kyger. S. Linkton, M Lazarus. N. Xorthrop, E. Nugent. J. M. Norton. W. Phillips. W. H. Patton, R. R. Rees, I. T. Reese, A. B. Roberts, B. Schwabacker, John Sheets, D. J. Schnebly, J. Van Dyke and D. Young. Owing to some unexplained cause this con- vention failed to place candidates in the field. But, as shown by the records there were a number of aspirants for office. The election was held July 14th with the following result : For Representative — N. Northrop, 355; S. D. Smith, 317; H. ML Chase. 302; F. A. Chenoweth. 132. For District Attorney — Edward Nugent, 3/i- For Sheriff — James Buckley — Appointed. For Treasurer — James McAuliff, 385. The rest of the ticket was elected as fol- lows : Assessor, H. M. Hodgis ; surveyor, W. W. Johnson; school superintendent, J. F. Wood ; coroner, L. C. Kinney ; county com- missioners, James Van Dyke, John Sheets, S. S. Galbreath. February 7, 1863, Isaac L. Roberts was appointed sheriff. He resigned March 17th and E. B. Whitman was appointed the same day. Mr. Van Dyke resigned as county commissioner in August of the same year, and H. D. O' Bryant was appointed Sep- tember 5th. S. S. Galbreath failed to qualify, but was appointed August 5, 1862. A Delegate to Congress was to be elected in 1863. The Civil War was in progress; voters took sides politically, and the campaign was a warm one. George E. Cole, a resident of Walla Walla was placed upon the demo- cratic ticket as a candidate for delegate. Mr. Cole received 398 votes while the republican candidate J. O. Raynor, received 146. By the vote of the Territory Cole was ul- timately elected. The only Republican elected on the ticket was S. B. Fargo, prosecut- ing attorney. The other officers elected were as follows : Joint councilman, Daniel Stewart ; representatives, S. W. Babcock, F. P. Dugan, and L. S. Rogers ; sheriff, W. S. Gilliam, independent ; auditor, L. J. Rector ; assessor, C. Leyde. The latter removed from the county later on, J. H. Blewett being ap- pointed to succeed him, February 1, 1864. L. Danforth was elected coroner and Thomas Page, county commissioner. May 18, 1864, the democrats of Walla Walla county assembled in convention and passed resolutions indicating their loyalty to the Union. There were, of course, some dis- senters, but they were compelled to vote the ticket, vote with the republicans or become dis- franchised, a three-horned dilemma not at all agreeable. Under the title of the "Regular Democratic Ticket" the democrats placed a legislative and county ticket in the field, the opposition being represented by a ticket whose caption was '"Unconditional Union Ticket." The election was held June 6th ; there were cast 628 votes — a gain of 26 only over the number polled in 1863. It was claimed that fully 100 legal voters failed to avail them- selves of the franchise. James McAuliff who was later, and for many years, mayor of the city of Walla Walla, was candidate for the office of treasurer on both tickets. The result of the election was as follows : 1 84 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY For Prosecuting- Attorney — J. H. Lasater, dem., 357; S. B. Fargo, rep., 219. For Representative — A. L. Brown, dem., 373; F. P. Dugan, dem., 324; E. L. Bridges, dem., 337; O. P. Lacy, dem., 325; B. N. Sexton, rep., 280. The only republican elected on the ticket was Alvin Flanders, for joint representative, by a vote of 269, he, apparently, having had no opposition. The other democrats elected were as follows: Councilman, W. G. Lang- ford, 344; probate judge, J. H. Blewett, 346; treasurer, James McAulifr. 581 ; assessor, William H. Patton. 323 ; surveyor, Charles White, 352; coroner, A. J. Thibodo, 341; commissioner, H. D. O'Bryant, 345. For special tax, 230; against special tax, 365. In 1865 the political situation awakened keen party interest. A gain in numerical strength was claimed by the democrats owing to late immigration. A thorough organiza- tion was effected by the republicans. Repub- lican delegates to the Territorial convention were instructed to support Elwood Evans for congressional delegate ; the successful candi- date for this nomination was Arthur A. Denny who had been register of the land office at Olympia for four years.- In the democratic county convention at Walla Walla it was conceded that political ex- pediency demanded the selection of a con- gressional delegate resident west of the Cas- cades. Despite this, however, the convention instructed their delegates to present the name of James H. Lasater for the nomination in the event of a disagreement among the west- siders. But James Tilton was the nominee of the Territorial convention. The election was held June 5th with the result as follows : Office. Name. Politics. Vote. Delegate Arthur A. Denny. . .Rep. 336 Delegate James Tilton Dem. 406 Prosecuting Attorney S. B. FaTgo Rep. 345 Joint Councilman. . . Anderson Cox Rep. 364 Representative J. D. Mix Dem. 396 Representative James McAuliffe ..Dem. 392 Office. Representative Representative Representative Joint Representative Sheriff Auditor Assessor Surveyor Schocl Supt Coroner County Commiss'ner Name. Politics. Vote. A. G. Lloyd Dem. 368 T. G. Lee Dem. 362 B. N. Sexton Rep. 354 J. M. Vansykle ...Dem. 367 A. Seitel Rep. 407 J. H. Blewett Dem. 399 H. M. Hodgis Dem. 393 T. F. Berry 359 J. L. Reeser bem. 386 A. J. Miner Dem. 384 D. M. Jessee Dem. 396 The total vote cast within the county was 749, a gain of 122 over the number of ballots cast at the preceding election. In this total the several precincts were represented as fol- lows : Walla Walla, 539; Wallula, 54; Upper Toucher, 96; Lower Touchet, 39; Pataha, 16; Snake River, 5. As has been stated in our current history chapters within the year 1866 an unsuccessful attempt was made to annex Walla Walla county to Oregon, memorials having been pre- sented to congress and the Oregon legislature advocating such assimilation. This movement was inaugurated by Anderson Cox, to whom reference has been made in connection with the election of 1865. He succeeded in pushing the enterprise through the Oregon legislature, and held it in the background in that of Wash- ington. This scheme was blocked in large part through the efforts of Hollon Parker, who visited Washington, D. C, for this especial purpose. It is a fact worthy of note that the annexation of the region south of Snake river to Oregon would have resulted in swelling the democratic vote of Oregon sufficient to have given the state to Samuel Jones Tilden instead of Rutherford B. Hayes, and the election of 1876 would have placed the former in the presidential chair. At the annual election held June 4, 1866, the democratic party elected every candidate, the result being as follows: Joint councilman (for Walla Walla and Stevens counties), B. L. Sharpstein; representatives. D. M. Jessee, R. Jacobs, R. R. Rees, H. D. O' Bryant and HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY 185 Thomas P. Page; treasurer, James McAuliff; assessor, H. ML Hodgis ; school superintendent. W. G. Langford ; county commissioners, T. G. Lee and H. A. Livingston. W. L. Gaston was appointed county surveyor the following December. Commissioner Livingston met an accidental death on the 24th of August, and on the 3d of December Elisha Ping was ap- pointed to fill the vacancy. There was remarkable activity in the ranks of both the democratic and republican parties during the campaign of 1867. Interest centered in the selection of a delegate to con- gress. Hitherto this office had gone to the Sound country ; the people east of the Cascades felt that they were now entitled to the honor. The names of five democrats and two republi- cans in the eastern section of the Territory were prominently mentioned in this connec- tion. An uninstructed delegation to the Terri- torial convention was sent by the republicans of Walla Walla county, still a vigorous effort was made in favor of the candidacy of Judge J. E. Wyche. The democratic county convention in- structed its delegates to support AY G. Lang- ford, of Walla Walla. Another instruction given them was to vigorously oppose any candidate favorable to annexing Walla Walla county to Oregon. In the Territorial conven- tion Frank Clark, of Pierce county, received the democratic nomination. The republican Territorial convention named Alvin Flanders, a merchant of Walla Walla, who defeated three strong candidates. Owing to the agitation of the vigilance question, referring to diverging opinions of the citizens as to the proper method of ad- ministering justice, the politics of Walla Walla county were in a peculiarly disrupted and disorganized condition ; the Vigilance issue exerted an unmistakable influence on the election. This was illustrated by the many and varigated peculiarities brought to light when the returns were fully canvassed. The democrats of the county were particularly desirous of electing certain of their county candidates, and it is stated that the republi- cans were able to divert many democratic votes to their candidate for delegate to con- gress by trading votes with democrats and pledging their support to local democratic candidates. The fact that such bartering took place is assured ; for while the returns gave a democratic majority of about 250 in Walla Walla county for all other officers, the dele- gate received a majority of only 124. This action on the part of the Walla Walla demo- crats secured the election of the republican candidate, whose majority in the Territory was only 96. The result of the election in the county, held June 3d, was as follows : Frank Clark, the democratic candidate for delegate, received 606 votes, and Alvin Flanders, republican, 482. The other officers elected were : Prose- cuting: attorney, F. P. Dug;an ; councilman, W. H. Xewell ; joint councilman (Walla Walla and Stevens counties), J. M. Vansyckle representatives. W. P. Horton, E. Ping, J M. Lamb, P. B. Johnson and B. F. Regan probate judge, H. M. Chase; sheriff, A. Seitel auditor, J. H. Blewett ; treasurer, J. D. Cook assessor, C. Ireland ; surveyor, W. L. Gaston superintendent of schools, C. Eells ; coroner, L. H. Goodwin; county commissioners, S. M. Wait, D. M. Jessee (evidently an error in returns, as W. T. Barnes, a democrat, was elected), and A. H. Reynolds. The sheriff resigned on the 7th of Novem- ber, 1868, and on the same day James Mc- Auliff was appointed to fill the vacancy. A. H. Reynolds resigned as commissioner in May, 1869, Dr. D. S. Baker being appointed his successor. Of the successful candidates noted in the above list, all were democrats except P. B. Johnson. J. D. Cook, C. Eells. S. M. Wait and A. H. Reynolds. There was to be chosen in 1869 another delegate to congress. This year the democrats 1 86 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. of Walla Walla county insisted upon the nomination of a candidate resident east of the Cascade range — the same desideratum sought at the preceding election. In the convention F. P. Dugan. J. D. Mix, B. L. Sharpstein and W. H. Newell, all of Walla Walla, were balloted for ; the nomination was secured by Marshall F. Mfoore, ex-governor of the Terri- tory. Selucius Garfielde, surveyor general of the Territory, received the republican nomination. The names of Dr. D. S. Baker and Anderson Cox, two Walla Walla citizens, were presented before this convention. Quite unsatisfactory was the nomination of Garfielde and there was considerable dissension in the ranks of the republican party. Fifty signatures of promi- nent republicans were appended to a circular addressed to the "Downfallen Republican Party."' Among these names were those of the delegate to congress and the chief justice of the Territory. A radical reorganization of the party was demanded. However, the dis- affected contingent did not nominate another candidate; Mr. Garfielde was elected by the slender majority of 132. In Walla Walla county he received 384 votes; his democratic opponent, Mr. Moore, was given 740. The result of the Walla Walla county election for 1869 was as follows: Prosecuting attorney, A. J. Cain ; repre- sentatives, N. T. Caton. Fred Stine, H. D. O'Bryant, J. D. Mix, J. H. Lasater, Thomas P. Page: probate judge, R. Guichard; sheriff, James McAuliff ; auditor, H. M. Chase; treas- urer, A. Kyger ; assessor, M. C. McBride ; surveyor. J. Arrisan; superintendent of schools, William McMicken : coroner, L. H. Goodwin ; county commissioners, W. T. Barnes, Daniel Stewart, C. C. Cram. The county cast 286 votes in favor of a constitu- tional convention and 24 only in opposition. Political events of 1870 were of a highly inflammable character. Delegate Garfielde had recommended the decapitation of a large number of recalcitrant office holders in Wash- ington, and the president had paid heed to his suggestions. Within the part}' - ranks feeling- against Garfielde was consequently bitter. A change in the law made the election of a dele- gate this year a necessity. Heroic efforts were made by the protesting republicans to prevent the renomination of Garfielde, but they were unavailing. He was renominated and re- elected by a majority of 736 over J. D. Mix, his democratic opponent. The Walla Walla county election, held June 6th, resulted as fob lows : Prosecuting attorney, N. T. Caton ; councilman. Daniel Stewart; joint councilman (Walla Walla, Stevens and Yakima counties), X. T. Bryant ; representatives, Davis Ash- paugh, James H. Lasater, John Scott, A. G. Lloyd, Elisha Ping and T. W. Whetstone; probate judge, R. Guichard; sheriff, James McAuliff; auditor, H. M. Chase; treasurer, A. Kyger ; assessor, A. C. Wellman ; surveyor, A. H. Simmons (he was succeeded by Charles A. White, who was appointed to the office May 1. 1871); school superintendent, J. L. Reser ; coroner, L. H. Goodwin ; county com- missioners. C. C. Cram, F. Louden and I. T. Reese. The officials selected at this election did not assume their respective offices until the succeeding year. The year 1872 witnessed the memorable "greenback campaign" which was second only in interest to the free silver agitation of 1896. Delegate Garfielde was renominated by the republicans. The democrats and "liberals," Greeley supporters, however, combined on O. B. McFaclden, as against Garfielde, and the former was elected by a majority of 709, nearly as great as that received by Garfielde in 1870. In Walla Walla county Garfielde was given 666 votes to 889 for McFadden. The county also gave a majority of 752 against holding a constitutional convention. At this election the people voted in favor of a countv court house and jail by a majority of HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 187 212. The officers elected in the county were: Prosecuting attorney, T. J. Anders ; coun- cilman, Fred Stine; joint councilman (Walla Walla, Stevens, Yakima and Whitman coun- ties), C. H. Mjontgomery; representatives, N. T. Caton, O. P. Lacy, E. Ping, C. L. Bush, John Bryant and H. M. Hodgis ; probate judge, I. Hargrove ; sheriff, B. W. Griffin ; auditor, R. Jacobs; treasurer, R. R. Rees; assessor, William F. Gwynn ; surveyor, A. L. Knowlton ; school superintendent, A. W. Sweeney ; coroner, A. J. Thibodo ; county com- missioners, D. M. Jessee, W. P. Bruce and S. L. King. The last named commissioner re- signed his position on the 4th of May, 1874, W. T. Barnes being appointed to fill the vacancy. The year 1874 found the Territory of Washington eligible to two delegates to con- gress. Consequently a colleague of Mr. Mc- Fadden must be elected. Orange Jacobs was the nominee of the republicans ; the democrats presented as their candidate B. L. Sharpstein, of Walla Walla, Judge Jacobs, Territorial ma- jority was 1,260. In Walla Walla county Mr. Sharpstein received 923 votes against 626 for Jacobs. The county election was held Novem- ber 3d. There were three tickets in the field. The democrats won the offices of a purely local character, while the republicans elected their candidate for prosecuting attorney and a few members of the legislature. These were the officials named : Presocuting attorney. T. J. Anders; coun- cilman, E. Ping; joint councilman, W. W. Boon; representatives, R. G. Newland, J. B. Shrum, P. M. Lynch, John Scott, H. M. Hod- gis and A. G. Lloyd; probate judge. R. Guichard ; sheriff, George F. Thomas ; auditor, R. Jacobs; treasurer, R. R. Rees: assessor, Samuel Jacobs; surveyor, A. L. Knowlton (who resigned in November, being succeeded by P. Zahner) ; school superintendent, A. W. Sweeney: coroner, A. J. Thibodo; county commissioners, Charles White, C. S. Brush and C. C. Cram. The coroner resigned in November, being succeeded by O. P. Lacy, who in turn resigned the office in November, 1875, V. D. Lambert being appointed to fill the vacancy. Commissioner Charles White resigned in November, 1875, his successor be- ing Frank Louden. The county's vote on the question of a constitutional convention was 24 in faVor of the convention to 236 against it. In 1876 John P. Judson, the democratic nominee for delegate to congress, was defeated by a small majority by Judge Jacobs. The vote in Walla Walla county stood, Judson, 545 ; Jacobs, 393. The election, held Novem- ber 7th, resulted in a sweeping victory for the democrats, the one republican elected being the county surveyor; his name appeared on both tickets. The officials elected were : Prosecuting attorney, T. J. Anders ; coun- cilman, Daniel Stewart; representatives, W. T. Barnes, William Martin, A. J. Gregory and H. A. Vanscykle; probate judge, R. Guichard: sheriff, George F. Thomas ; auditor, Thomas P. Page : treasurer, William O'Donnell ; as- sessor, Samuel Jacobs; surveyor, P. Zahner; school superintendent, A. W. Sweeney (who resigned in the following May, being suc- ceeded by L. K. Grim) ; coroner, L. H. Good- win : commissioners, D. J. Storms, James Braden and Dion Keefe. In the county 85 votes were cast in favor of the constitutional convention and 292 in opposition. In 1878 the candidates presented for con- gressional delegate were both well known lawyers of Walla Walla. The nominee of the republicans was Thomas H. Brents; the demo- crats presented N. T. Caton. Mr. Brents' majority in Walla Walla county was 146. This was the first time the county had given a majority for a republican candidate for dele- gate to congress. The county officers elected were as follows : Prosecuting attorney, R. F. Sturdevant ; councilman, J. H. Day ; representatives, John A. Taylor, D. J. Storms, J. M. Dewar and 1 88 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. Mark F. Colt; probate judge, R. Guichard; sheriff, J. B. Thompson ; auditor, W. C. Painter; treasurer, J. F. Boyer; assessor, Samuel Jacobs; surveyor, P. Zahner (who re- signed in February, 1880, F. F. Loehr being appointed to fill the vacancy) ; school superin- tendent, C. W. Wheeler ; coroner, J. M. Boyd ; commissioners, M. B. Ward, Amos Cummings and Samuel H. Erwin. The vote in the county in favor of the adoption of the constitution was 89; against the proposition, 847. In 1880 Delegate Brents was again nom- inated by the republicans ; the democrats pre- sented Thomas Burke. Mr. Brents was re- elected, receiving in Walla Walla county a majority of 118. The election was held No- vember 2d; the republicans secured a majority of the offices. These carried the county : Member of the board of equalization, T. C. Frary; councilman, B. L. Sharpstein ; joint councilman, Jacob Hoover ; representatives, R. R. Rees and W. G. Preston ; joint representa- tive, J. M. Cornwell ; probate judge, R. Guichard ; prosecuting attorney, George T. Thompson ; auditor, W. C. Painter ; sheriff, James B. Thompson ; treasurer, J. F. Boyer ; assessor, Samuel Jacobs ; surveyor, Francis F. Loehr ; school superintendent, C. W. Wheeler ; coroner, Dr. H. G. Mauzey; commissioners, M. B. Ward, Amos Cummings and S. H. Erwin; sheep commissioner, Asa L. LeGrow. At this election the question of levying a tax for the purpose of building a suitable court house and jail, compatible with the wealth and dignity of the county, came up for de- cision. The vote was 1,468 in favor of the proposition; 158 were cast against it. Again in 1882 Judge Thomas H. Brents was re-elected delegate to congress, receiving in Walla Walla county 1,131 votes. The fol- lowing county officials were elected : Representatives, H. H. Hungate, A. G. Loyd and Milton Evans; attorney, George Thompson: auditor, William C. Painter; sheriff, J. B. Thompson; treasurer, J. F. Boyer; assessor, Walliam Harkness; surveyor, F. H. Loehr; superintendent of public schools. J. W. Brock; judge of probate, R. Guichard; commissioners, Amos Cummings, ML B. Ward and S. H. Erwin; sheep commissioner, A. S. LeGrow; coroner, W. B. Wells. The Walla Walla county officials elected in 1884 were these: Representatives, J. F. Brewer, William Fudge and J. M. Dewar; at- torney, E. K. Hanna; auditor, William C. Painter; sheriff, A. S. Bowles; treasurer, J. F. Boyer; assessor, L. H. Bowman; surveyor, J. B. Wilson; superintendent of schools, J. W. Morgan ; judge of probate, R. Guichard ; commissioners, Amos Cummings, W. P. Reser and W. G. Babcock; sheep commissioner, A. S. LeGrow; coroner, H. R. Keylor. The record of the election of 1886 is here noted : Representatives, P. A. Preston and W. M. Clark; auditor, L. R. Hawley; sheriff, A. 5. Bowles; treasurer, J. F. Boyer; assessor, M. H. Paxton; surveyor, J. M. Allen; school superintendent, Ellen Gilliam; probate judge, R. Guichard; commissioners, T. C. Taylor, Joseph Paul and Edwin Weary; sheep com- missioner, Timothy Barry; coroner, H. R. Keylor. From this date, 1888, the political records of Walla Walla county become more complete, and we will be enabled to show the trend of political sentiment by figures taken from au- thentic returns, thus contrasting majorities and pluralities through the successive cam- paigns. Walla Walla county has now fallen into the republican column, as a rule. The official returns of the election of November 6, 1888, give the following results: For Delegate to Congress — John B. Allen, rep., 1,321; Charles S. Voorhees, dem., 1,051; Rodger S. Green, pro., 87. For Councilman — James M. Duvor, rep., 1,178; B. L. Sharpstein, dem., 1,171; W. G. M. Hayes, pro., 104. For Prosecuting Attorney — T. J. Anders, .rep., 1,340; Marion D. Egbert, dem., 1,048. HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 189 For Representatives— E. L. Powell, 1,254; William H. Upton, 1,179: James Cusker, 1,130; L. T. Parker, 1,139; J. W. Brock, 95; C. W. Freleigh, 75. For county Auditor — L. R. Hawley, rep., 1,313; Henry Kelling, clem., 1,061; C. W. Wells, pro., J j. For Sheriff— J. M. McFarland, rep., 1,308; A. S. Bowles, dem., 1,084; H - M - Bagley, pro., 63. For County Commissioners — M. McMana- mon, rep., 1,357; Edwin Weary, rep., 1,208; J. W. Morgan, rep., 1,283; James McAuliff, dem., 1,108; Frank McCown, dem., 1,083; O: J. Laman, dem., 1,053; Horace Hart, pro., 91; H. C. Gniff, pro., 92; J. M. Nixon, pro., 78. For Probate Judge — V. D. Lambert, rep., 1,038; H. W. Eagan, dem., 1,367. For Treasurer — John F. Boyer, rep., 1,364; C. A. Hungate, dem., 998; E. Smith, pro., 93. For Assessor — M. H. Paxton, rep., 1,378; A. S. Merry, dem, 1,077. For School Superintendent — J. B. Gehr, rep., 1,260; J. L. Dumass, dem., 1,105; C. G. Harwood, pro., 80. For Surveyor — L. W. Loehr, rep., 1,401'; J. M. Allen, dem., 963. For Coroner — Dr. W. G. Albon, rep., 1,177; Dr. Y. C. Blalock, dem., 1,184; Dr. E. W. Croup, pro., 100. A special election was held May 14, 1889, to name delegates to the constitutional con- vention. For this purpose the state had been subdivided into districts, composed of pre- cincts. Following is the vote for delegates from the 10th district, including the precincts of Baker, Dry Creek, Frenchtown, Hill, Lower Touchet, Miill Creek, North Walla Walla, Russell Creek, Small, South Walla Walla and Wallula : For Delegates — D. J. Crowley, rep., 750; P. B. Johnson, rep., 530; B. L. Sharpstein, dem., 680; N. G. Blalock, dem., 722; H. P. Isaacs, pro., 92; W. S. Gilliam, pro., 68. From the 9th district, including the pre- cincts of Coppei, Eureka Flat, Prescott and Waitsburg, the vote stood : For Delegate — M. M. Godman, dem., 155; Lewis Neace, rep., 230; R. F. Sturde- vant, rep., 170; Edward C. Ross, dem., 139. October 1, 1889, was held the first state election in Washington. The objects sought were to adopt the new constitution, select a state capital, elect state officials, members of state legislature and county clerk, which of- fice had been provided for under the state con- stitution. In Walla Walla county the result was as follows : For Congressman — John L. Wilson, rep., 1,437; Thomas C. Griffiths, dem., 1,179. For Governor — E. P. Ferry, rep., 1,433; Eugene Semple, dem., 1,186. For Judge Superior Court for Walla Walla and Franklin Counties — W. H. Upton, rep., ^336 ; William C. Langford, dem., 1,257. For State Senators — George L. Thomp- son, rep., 1,432; P. A. Preston, rep., 1,343; N. G. Blalock, dem., 1,264; Edward Mc- Donnell, dem., 1,164. For Representatives — Joseph C. Painter, rep., 1,473; James Ml Cornwell, rep., 1,410; J. K. Straight, rep., 1,390; A. V. Marion, dem., 1,040; David Roberts, dem., 1,220; W. H. Babcock, dem., 1,231. For County Clerk — E. B. Whitman, rep., 1,311; C. C. Gose, dem., 1,292. For Constitution, 996; against, 1,422. For Permanent Location of State Capital — Olympia, y^y; Ellensburg, 846; North Yakima, 755; Walla Walla, 87; Pasco, 20; Coppei, 1 ; Seattle, 1 ; Gauven, 1 ; Clyde City, 3 ; Pleasant View, 3 ; Berryman, 3 ; Riverside, 1 ; Taeoma, 1 ; Wallula, 1 ; Waitsburg, 4 ; Huntsville, 3 ; Prescott, 1 ; Bolles Junction, 1 ; scattering, 17. The general election of November 4, 1890, produced the following results : For Permanent Location of Capital — Ellensburg, 312; Olympia, 1,320; North Yakima, 264. 190 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. For Congressman — Robert Abernathy, pro., 129; Thomas Carroll, dem., 979; John L. Wilson, rep., 1,116. For Representative, nth District— C. C. Johnson, pro., 62; J. H. Paul, rep., 476; J. L. Sharpstein, dem., 698. For Representative, 12th District — E. W. Croup, pro., 57; D. E. Hedger, dem., 415; J. C. Painter, rep., 569. For County Attorney — H. S. Blandford, dem., 1,167; W. M. Clark, rep., 1,062. For County Clerk — H. A. Davis, pro., 103; H. W. Eagan, dem., 1,237; E. B. Whit- man, rep., 952. For Auditor — J. V. Crawford, pro., 126; W. B. Hawley. rep., 1,257; T. H. Jessup, dem., 878. For Sheriff — J. W. Bower, pro., 125; James McAuliff, dem., 846; J. M. McFarland, rep.. 1,361. For Treasurer — A. C. Dickinson — pro., in; R. Guichard, dem., 1,234; R. G. Parks, rep., 967. For County Commissioner, 1st District — J. W. Esteb, dem., 1,030; J. Ml. Hill, rep., 1,046; W. Thomas, pro., 156. For County Commissioner, 2d District — Milton Aldrich, rep., 1,1 11; E. W. McCann, dem., 945; J. Smylie. pro., 123. For County Commissioner, 3d District — Frank Louden, dem., 1,154; O. N. Wheeler, rep., 968; V. Wilson, pro., 112. For School Superintendent — J. B. Gehr, rep., 1,139; W. G. M. Hayes, pro., 139; Walter Lingenfelder, dem., 977. For Assessor — M. Hart, pro., 157; J. S. Houtchens, dem., 960; M. H. Paxton, rep., 1. 138. For Surveyor — L. W. Loehr, rep., 1,619. For Coroner — Y. C. Blalock, dem., 1,635; L. S. Sturdivant, pro., 381. The presidential election of 1892 resulted in the small plurality of 65 for the republican ticket, the Harrison electors receiving 1,378 votes against 1,313 for Grover Cleveland. The people's party polled 88 votes; the pro- hibitionists, 126. For Congressmen — John L. Wilson, rep., 1,357; William H. Doolittle, rep., 1,304; Thomas Carroll, dem., 1,300; James A. Mun- day, clem., 1,248; J. C. Van Patten, people's party, 68; M. F. Knox, pp., 61; C. E. New- berry, pro., 128; A. C. Dickinson, pro., 135 For Governor — John H. McGraw, rep. 1,211; Henry J. Snively, dem., 1,322; C. W Young, pp., 88; Roger S. Green, pro., 276 For Representative, nth District — A Cameron, rep., 759; L. T. Parker, dem., 750 For Representative, 10th District — Piatt A. Preston, rep., 684; David Miller, dem., 802 J. V. Crawford, pro., 63. For Representative, 12th District — Joseph Merchant, rep., 617; James Mlclnroe, dem., 585 ; H. A. Davis, pro., 55. For State Senator, 9th District — John L. Roberts, rep., 673; H. S. Blandford, dem., 593; Thomas H. Brents, pro., 1. For Superior Judge — William H. Upton, rep., 1,636. For County Clerk — Le F. A. Shaw, rep., 1,137; Harrison W. Eagan, dem., 1,565; Charles H. Bennett, pro., 112. For County Attorney — J. O. Ross, rep., 1,281 ; Miles Poindexter, dem., 1,449. For Auditor — This resulted in a tie vote between W. B. Hawley, rep., and J. J. Huff- man, dem., each receiving 1,359 votes. It was a two years' term and each of these gentle- men served one year. E. E. Kelso, the pro- hibition candidate received in votes. For Sheriff — George T. Berry, rep., 1,161 ; C. C. Gose, dem., 1,444; D. J. Colman, pro., 247; H. H. Hungate, 1. For Treasurer — M'ilton Aldrich, rep., 1,383; H. H. Hungate, dem., 1,423. For County Commissioner, 1st District — A. Zaring, rep., 1,282; Edward McDonnell, dem., 1,317; Joseph Braden, pro., 105. HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 191 For County Commissioner, 2d District — S. W. Smith, rep., 1,202; J. B. Caldwell, dem., 1,236; Joel Wood, pro., 122. For County Commissioner, 3d District — A. J. Peefer, rep., 1,083; Frank M. Louden, dem., 1,489; H. G. Hart, pro., 120. For School Superintendent — Edwin L. Brunton, rep., 1,393; Walter Lingenfelder, dem., 1,309; H. L. Hunt, pro., 101. For Assessor — M. D. L. Barston, rep., 1,218; T. H. Jessup, dem., 1,433; T. F. Dice, pro., 125. For Surveyor — J. B. Wilson, rep., 1,366; G. W. Winkle, dem., 1,366. For Coroner — Dr. S. M 1 . White, rep., 1,162; Dr. Charles B. Stewart, dem., 1,412; Dr. C. W. Croup, pro., 145. Politically the year 1894 was marked by republican ascendency. The election of two years previous had been close in Walla Walla county, with a slight advantage with the demo- crats. This year conditions were reversed, the democrats securing but two of the county of- fices, the sheriff and the commissioner from the second district. The result: For Congressmen — Samuel C. Hyde, rep., 1,127; W. H. Doolittle, rep., 1,130; N. T. Caton, dem., 753; B. F. Heuston, dem., 719; J. C. Van Patten, pp., 314; W. P. C. Adams, pp., 250; Lawrence E. Doyle, Ind., 4. For Representative, 12th District — Joseph Merchant, rep., 604; William Martin, dem., 453; O. Osborn, pp., 127; W. H. Davis, pro.. 13. For Representative, nth District — J. W. Morgan, rep., 707; F. A. Garrecht, dem., 705; J. B. Gehr, pp., 124; W. H. Fletcher, pro., 125. For County Attorney — R. H. Ormsbee, rep., 1,287; Mtiles Poindexter, dem., 1,248; Prof. R. M. Horner, pp., 209; R. H. Horner, pro-, 53- For County Clerk — Le F. A. Shaw, rep., 1,307; Henry Kelling, dem., 1,140; Roland Yeend, pp., 285 ; C. H. Bennett, pro., 46. For Auditor — A. H. Crocker, rep., 1,351; James J. Huffman, dem., R. McGahey, pp., 197; H. D. Eldredge, pro., t>7- For Sheriff — James S. Haviland, rep., 1,269; William Ellingsworth, dem., 1,311; H. H. MlcClain, pp., 214; John McCausland, pro., 45. For Treasurer — M. H. Paxton, rep., 1,3 14; John W. McGhee, Jr., 1,217; W. W. Walters, pp., 203; H. G. Hart, pro., 37. For School Superintendent — E. L. Brun- ton, rep., 1,714; J. V. Steele, dem., 801; H. A. Davis, pp., 224. For Assessor — J. B. Wilson, rep., 1,587; T. H. Jessup, dem., 1,097; H. L. Storey, pro., 42. For Surveyor — E. S. Clark, rep., 1,533; George W. Winkle, dem., 1,015; J- V. Craw- ford, pro., 42. For Coroner — S. M. White, rep., 1,262; Charles B. Stewart, dem., 1,169; Jack Allyn, pp., 178; E. W. Croup, pro., 60. For County Commissioner, 2d District — W. J. Cantomonie, rep., 225 ; Frank Nalder, dem., 253; D. B. Gerking, pp., 113; James Kershaw, pro., 13. For County Commissioner, 3d District — Amos Cummings, rep., 261 ; George Struthers, dem., 203; R. W. Griffin, pp., 60; H. N. Bag- ley, pro., 6. As was the rule throughout the entire United States the presidential election of 1896 in Walla Walla county was what might be termed "excessively sultry." The contest was close and there was strict fusion between the people's party and the free silver democrats. Bryan carried the county by the slender plural- ity of 56 votes, the McKinley electors receiv- ing 1,596 votes to 1,652 for the Bryan repre- sentatives. The Palmer and Buckner ticket, "gold democrats," received 72 votes; the pro- hibition ticket 2>7 an( i the National ticket 4. Other candidates : For Congressmen — S. C. Hyde, rep., 1,532; W. H. Doolittle, rep., 1,526; J. Hamil- ton Lewis, pp., 1,698; W. C. Jones, pp., 1,674; 192 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. C. A. Sayler, pro., 34; Martin Olsen, pro., 31 ; Charles E. Mix, Nat., 7. For Governor — P. C. Sullivan, rep., 1,538; John R. Rogers, pp., 1,691; R. E. Dunlap, pro., 61. For State Senator, 9th District — William T. Dovell, rep., 747; John I. Yeend, pp., 693. For State Senator, 10th District — S. C. Wingarcl, rep., 840; David Miller, pp., 982. For Representative, nth District — J. C. Storey, rep., 816; A. Mathoit, pp., 985. For Representative, 12th District — J. H. Marshall, rep., 794; Obediah Osborn, pp., 633. For Judge Superior Court — Thomas H. Brents, rep., 1,665; T. P. Gose, pp., 1,617. For County Attorney — Lester S. Wilson, Rep., 1,538; F. B. Sharpstein, pp., 1,734. For Auditor — A. H. Crocker, rep., 1,689; Richard MeGahey, pp., 1,589. For County Clerk — Le F. A. Shaw, rep., 1,565; J. E. Mullinix, pp., 1,701. For Sheriff — Emmett Henderson, rep., 1,564; William Ellingsworth, pp., 1,746. For Treasurer — M. H. Paxton, rep., 1,675 > M. McCarthy, pp., 1,603. For Surveyor — E. S. Clark, rep., 1,665 ; B. C. Camp, pp., 1,591. For Assessor — J. B. Wilson, rep., 1,631; William Gholson, pp., 1,660. For School Superintendent — G. S. Bond, rep., 1,654; Walter Lingenfelder, pp., 1,602. For Coroner— W. D. Smith, rep., 1,673; M. A. Nelms, pp., 1,586. For County Commissioner, 1st District — Delos Coffin, rep., 1,615; Milton Evans, pp., 1,656. For County Commissioner, 3d District — Amos Cummings, rep., 1,435; Oscar Drum- heller, pp., 1,811. In Walla Walla county the election of November 8, 1898, completely reversed the results of the sensational events of 1896. Both republican candidates for congress car- ried the county ticket, and the democratic candidate for treasurer alone was successful on the balance of the ticket. The official canvass : For Congressmen — F. W. Cushman, rep., 1,584; W. L. Jones, rep., 1,584; J. Hamilton Lewis, dem., 1,177; W. C. Jones, dem., 1,076; C. L. Haggard, pro., 36; A. C. Dickinson, pro., 39; Walter Walker, 17; M. A. Hamil- ton, 18. For Representative, 12th District — Chris- topher C. Gose, rep., 682; John F. Brewer, dem., 531. For Representative, 4th District — Grant Copeland, rep., 930; Frank McCown, dem., 6>5- For Sheriff — A. Frank Kees, rep., 1,539; Hugh S. Young, dem., 1,373. For County Clerk — Schuyler Arnold, rep., 1,452; J. E. Mullinix, dem., 1,391. For Auditor — Clark N. McLean, rep., 1,619; George A. M'cGuire, dem., 1,248. For Treasurer — Asa L. LeGrow, rep., 1,390; J. W. McGhee, Jr., dem., 1,463. For County Attorney — Oscar Cain, rep., 1,629; Francis A. Garrecht, dem., 1,252. .For Assessor — AValter L. Cadman, rep., 1,528; N. S. Gholson, dem., 1,322. For School Superintendent — Grant S. Bond, rep., 1,872; Mary Gilliam, dem., 980. For Surveyor — W. G. Sayles, 1,961. For Coroner — Y. C. Blalock, rep., 1,640; J. W. Cookerly, dem, 1,217. For Commissioner, 1st District— Delos Coffin, rep., 1,545 ; Philip Yenney, dem., 1,280. For Commissioner, 2d District — Daven- port C. Eaton, rep., 1,594; M. H. Keiser, dem., 1,130. The presidential election of November 6, 1900, was another sweeping victory for the republicans of Walla Walla county, the ma- jorities and pluralities running far higher than in 1898. M'cKinley carried the county by a plurality of 639 over Bryan, receiving 2,119 votes to 1,480 for the Bryan electors. One democrat, William P. Reser, candidate for state senator from the 10th district, won out HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 193 over his republican opponent, Joseph Betz, and this was all. Official canvass : For Congressman — F. W. Cushman, rep., 2,064; W. L. Jones, rep., 2,072, F. C. Robert- son, dem., 1,450; T. T. Ronold, dem., 1,449. For Governor — J. M. Frink, rep., 1,907; John R. Rogers, dem., 1,676. For State Senator, 9th District — O. T. Cornwell, rep., 901; Robert Gerry, dem., 611. For State Senator, 10th District — Jacob Betz, rep., 954; William P. Reser, dem., 1,157. For Representative, nth District — Grant Copeland, rep., 1,174; R. A. Stockdale, dem., 852. For Representative, 12th District — John Geyer, rep., 890; E. J. Purdy, dem.. 581. For Superior Judge — -Thomas H. Brentz, rep., 2,324; Thomas Phelps Gose, dem., 1,299. For Auditor — Clark N. McLean, rep., 2,098; John F. Brewer, dem., 1,502. For Sheriff — A. Frank Kees, rep., 2,215; Emil Sanderson, dem., 1,439. For County Clerk — Schuyler Arnold, rep., 2,174; Frank Nalder, dem., 1,432. For Treasurer — William B. Hawley, rep., 1,931; John W. McGhee, Jr., dem., 1,690. For County Attorney — Oscar Cain, rep., 2,007; Thomas M. McKinney, dem., 1,594. For Assessor— Walter L. Cadman, rep., 1,945; N. S. Gholson, dem., 1,659. For Superintendent of Schools — J. Elmer Myers, rep., 2,150; R. B. Smith, dem., 1,451. For Surveyor — Willis G. Sayles, rep., 2,028; Lewis A. Wilson, dem., 1,557. For Coroner — Samuel A. Owens, rep., 1996; William Ml Van Patten, dem., 1,598. For County Commissioner, 2d District — Edward Cornwell, rep., 2,041 ; Campbell Robinson, dem., 1,536. For County Commissioner, 3d District — Amos Cummings, rep., 1,975; Cris J. Bowers, dem., 1,594. Election of the fall of 1902 : For Congressmen — F. W. Cushman, rep.. 1,849; W. L. Jones, rep., 1,807; W. E. 13 Humphrey, rep., 1,807; George F. Cotterill, dem., 1,121; O.. R. Holcomb, dem., 1,117; Frank B. Cole, dem., 1,116. For Representative, 12th District — John B. Wilson, rep., 718; James Mclnroe, dem., 674; George Cummings, pro., 18. For Representative, 13th District — A. Frank Kees, "rep., 906; Edward M. Denton, rep., 851; William H. Dunphy, dem., 756; Campbell Robinson, dem., 733 ; James Ker- shaw, pro., 20. For Sheriff — Charles S. Painter, rep., 2,224; Patrick Donovan, dem., 859. For County Clerk — Oliver O. Breeze, rep., 1,463; Arthur A. Hauerbach, dem., 1,550; Charles Ballard, pro., 37. For Auditor — James Z. Smith, rep., 1,374; W. T. Honeycutt, dem., 1,680. For Treasurer — William B. Hawley, rep., 1,831; Harry Lasater, dem., 1,187; E. G. Ohsfeldt, pro., 33. For Prosecuting Attorney — Lester S. Wil- son, rep., 1,663; Timothy A. Paul, dem., 1,375. For Assessor — Richard A. Berryman, rep., 1,643; C. C. Maiden, dem., 1,320; Horace G. Hart, pro., 61. For School Superintendent — J. Elmer Myers, 2,337; scattering, 7. For Surveyor — Lewis W. Loehr,- 1,990. For Coroner — Winfield D. Smith, rep., 1,624; J. W. Cookerly, dem., 1,356. For County Commissioner, 1st District — Frank E. Smith, rep., 1,511; George E. Struthers, dem., 1,437; W. P. Hershey, pro., 36. For County Commissioner, 3d District — T. N. McCaw, rep., 1,508; W. W. Maxwell, dem., 1,399; W. E. Grose, pro., 38. The presidential election of 1904 showed in Walla Walla county an increase in the republi- can majorities over the democratic ticket. However, Judge George Turner, democrat, carried the county for governor, against Albert E. Mlead by a vote of 1,976 to 1,883, while at the same polling Roosevelt beat Parker for 194 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. president by a majority of 1,868, the Roosevelt electors receiving 2,824 votes; the Parker ele- ment only 956. With the exception of gov- ernor the entire republican state ticket was carried by pluralities ranging between 600 and 700. Official canvass : For Congressman — William E. Humphrey, rep., 2,498; W. L. Jones, rep., 2,479; F. W. Cushman, rep., 2,517; Howard Hathaway, dem., 1,236; James J. Anderson, dem., 1,237; W. T. Beck, dem., 1,231. For Governor — A. E. Mead, rep., 1,883: George Turner, dem., 1,976. For State Senator, nth District — Charles T. Hutson, rep., 993; J. Oscar Adams, dem., 698. For State Senator, 12th District — Fred W. Pauley, rep., 1,093; William P. Reser, dem., 1,046. For Representative, 12th District — Will- iam H. Weber, rep., 968; H. H. Hungate. dem.. 752. For Representatives, 13th District — Will- iam A. Rudio, rep., 1,135 ; Emmett R. Hender- son, rep., 1,147; William A. Ritz, dem., 938; Charles W. Taylor, dem., 921; J. L. Keiser, pro., 21. For Judge Superior Court — Thomas H. Brents, rep., 2,807. For Sheriff — Charles S. Painter, rep., 2,412; William Ellingsworth, dem., 1,428; A. M. Boowell, pro., 43. For County Clerk— Dorsey M. Hill., rep., 2,293; Louis Scholl, Jr., dem., 1,533; A. S. Merry, pro., 28. For Auditor — Le F. A. Shaw, rep., 1,686; W. J. Honeycutt, dem., 2,146; G. E. Oshfeldt, pro., 30. For Treasurer — Philip B. Hawley, rep., 2,228; James Mclnroe, dem., 1,581; H. P. Bruch, pro., 33. For County Attorney — Lester S. Wilson, Rep., 2,161; W. H. Dunphy, dem., 1,677; Oscar Cain, 1. , For Assessor — Richard J. Berryman, rep., 1,958; Michael Toner, dem., 1,864; W. H. Davis, pro., 27. ■ For School Superintendent — Grant S. Bond, rep., 2,594; W. N. Davis, dem., 1,212. For Surveyor — Lewis Loehr, 2,694. For Coroner — Winfield D. Smith, rep., 2,011; J. W. Cookerly, dem., 1,815. For County Commissioner, 1st District — Frank E. Smith, rep., 1,878; George Struthers, dem., 1,936. For County Commissioner, 2d District — Edward Cornwell, rep., 1,832; John H. Mor- row, dem., 1,914; Horace Hart, pro., 38. At the election of 1904 the following was the number of votes cast in the different pre- cincts of Walla Walla county for president: Baker, 137; Clarke, 249; Clyde, 156; Coppei, 54; Dixie, 142; Eureka, 99; Fremont, 292; Frenchtown, 88; Hadley, 37; Hill, 103; Lewis, 293; Lincoln, 112; Lower Dry Creek, 48; Lower Touchet, 37; Mill Creek, 55; Mullan, 98; Prescott, yj; Ritz, 294; Russell Creek, 39; Small, 230; Simms, 152; Steptoe, 139; Stevens, 305; Wallula, 103; Washington, 108; Whitman, 231. Total vote, 3,923. CHAPTER XI EDUCiVTIO'NAL. Consistent with the progress of settlement in Walla Walla county, the first educational in- stitution found its home in the embryo town of Walla Walla. It was not a public school, but entirely of a private character. It was in the winter of 186 1-2 that Mrs. A. J. Minor taught some forty pupils in a store building on Main street. The first superintendent of pub- HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. *95 lie instruction was J. F. Wood, and he was succeeded by William B. Kelly. The latter granted Mrs. Minor a certificate and her school was changed into a public one. March 15, 1862, the Washington "Statesman" said editorially : "It is time that steps were taken by the citizens of this city for the erection of a public school house. Hitherto the interests of education have been neglected. There have been temporary schools, it is true, but no permanent system of educating the young has been established." Following the publication of this para- graph one teacher was employed in District No. 1, embracing the whole city, a room being rented for its accommodation. Still, no efforts were put forth to erect any description of a public building for educational purposes for nearly three years subsequently. A majority of the children received instruction in several private and select schools. This school district to which we have alluded, No. 1, the first one organized in Walla Walla county, was bounded as follows : "Commencing at a point about one mile north of Mill Creek, on the line between Russell's and Simpson's ranches, thence running west to the east line of township No. 7, range 35 east, thence south to the Yellowhawk creek, or the branch of Mill Creek, upon which is Simpson's mill; thence following this creek to the line between Russell's and Simpson's ranches; thence north to the place of begin- ning." Anions the records of Walla Walla county is an account kept by the early day superin- tendents of the expenditures and receipts of the schools from the organization of the county, in 1859, to 1864, inclusive. This ancient record is published more as a his- torical curiosity than as a statistical basis of fact, but it certainly contradicts Mr. Hubert Bancroft who states : "The first private school taught in Walla Walla was opened in 1864 by P. B. Chamberlain and wife. There was, also, a public school of 63 pupils." It is a matter of record that private schools antedated the public educational institutions, as has been shown in the case of Mrs. M'inor. Following is the record : To amount paid on scholars $631.78 1859 Delinquent tax 146.98 1860 Delinquent tax 175.54 1861 Delinquent tax 305.62 Dr. by Sheriff Jackson 261.67 Dr. by Sheriff Buckley 209.30 July 1. Paid county y 2 of excess of last allow- ance to M. B. Kelly from Supt. . 21.87% July 7. Order to E. E. Kelly for this account book 1.75 Loaned the county ordered by the county commissioners 38.12% Due the school fund by M. B. Kelly.. 50.00 1862. Dec. 1. To order school district No. 1 520.00 To order school district No. 7 397.00 To, order school district No 8 346.00 To order school district No. 9 176.00 1864. Dec. 1. To order to district No. 1 1263.00 To order to district No. 8 647.00 To order to district No. 9 273.00 To order to district No. 10 149.00 To order to district No. 11 180.00 To order to district No. 12 168.00 To order to district No. 13 441.00 To order to district No. 15 255.00 1865. No. 7 is entitled to an order for 354 dollars soon as May 17, then three months' school is completed now in progress. Cr. . 1859. By assessment roll $308.17 1860. By assessment roll 624.51 1861. By assessment roll 932.80 Amount of fines received 161.00 Oct. 1. By amount due from W. B. Kelly 50.00 1862. By amount due from assessment roll. .$1179.20 Dec. 1. By amount of fines imposed by dis- trict court 130.00 1863. Oct. 22. T3y amount of assessment roll 2226.55 Fines imposed at April term of court 50.00 Dec. 1. Amount of school fund in treasury... 2183.00 1864. Dec. 1. Amount of fines levied 3090.00 Amount of fines assessed at term 30.00 Amount of money in treasury 3,732.00 A meeting was held in the fall of 1864, 196 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. and the directors of District No. 1 were in- structed to obtain money for a school house by subscription. At that period only 93 of the 203 children in the district were enrolled. At a subsequent meeting held December 12th it was decided to levy a tax of 2J/2 mills on the dollar for that purpose. Superintendent Wood in his report for that year said: "Even the town, that has always been behind in school matters, until recently, is seriously taking steps that will eventually culminate in the erection of a public school house." The block of ground bounded by Cherry, Palouse, Spokane and Sumach streets was purchased by the directors for $200. They thereupon erected a building 30x60 feet in size. Only 200 pupils could be accommodated and there were 250 in the city. The tax levied had netted only $1,183; another levy was absolutely necessary as the building cost nearly twice that amount. In this new edifice school was opened in March, 1866; a nominal tuition fee was charged the parents of pupils. However, all this was economy most un- wise. Quite soon the district was unable to accommodate the demands of the children for seating capacity. A new district was set off including the residents of the southwestern portion of the city. It was numbered 34, and was organized August 1, 1868. I. T. Reese, George F. Thomas and William Kohlhauff were made trustees, and H. M. Chase, clerk. School was opened in a building subsequently used by the Catholics ; in this instruction was dispensed until the completion of a new build- ing in 1 87 1. On the corner of Willow and Eighth streets three lots were purchased and a frame structure costing, with the land and furniture, $3,741.89, was erected. Only $2,237.52 had been realized by the six-mill tax; an additional five mills were voted. More room was required in the spring of 1877. For the accommodation of primary pupils the United Brethren church was rented. Efforts to add to the size of the school house failed. But a room, costing $1,000, was added in 1879. Still, the demand for more ample ac- commodations grew apace. Three lots and a dwelling house were purchased in 1881. They cost the directors $1,500. At an additional expense of $422 the house was remodeled and converted into a commodious school room. Such was the condition of District No. 34 when it was consolidated with No. 1 by act of the territorial legislature. For a number of years after 1868, when District No. 34 was set off from the parent dis- trict of the county, its school accommodations were ample ; in time this ceased to be the case. That the districts should reunite was the opinion of many. In that event a commod- ious building might be erected in which a thor- oughly graded school could be established. This question was duly considered at a meet- ing held in District No. 1, in December, 1876. Nothing was accomplished. Another meeting was held November 11, 1878. It was reported by a committee that it would cost $15,000' to erect a suitable building, in addition to the cost of the grounds, if a location near the center of the city was desired. The question of consolidation was submitted to the legalized voters January 28, 1879, an( l decided ad- versely. This compelled District No. 1 to pro- vide additional accommodations single-handed. But this was only temporary relief, and the greater question of a commodious school build- ing remained in abeyance. For the sum of $450 ground was purchased at the corner of Park and Whitman streets ; at a further cost of $2,000 a building was erected. Although defeated at the polls many of the residents of District No. 1 could not re- linquish the idea of consolidation. However, relief was at hand. It was provided by the legislative act of December 1, 188 1, that each incorporated city or town should constitute one district, and in such as contained more than 300 children a graded system of schools should be adopted. And thus consolidation HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 197 was effected in Walla Walla. It was provided by the act that directors of both districts should be combined in one board until the following election in November. The consolidated board comprised D. M. Jessee. H. E. Johnson, B. L. Sharpstein, William O'Donnell, N. T. Caton and F. W. Payne. The new district was called No. 1, also, and E. B. Whitman was clerk. By a vote of 245 to 74 a tax of $17,000 was levied for the purpose of erecting a building on the block occupied by the old first school house. The building, of brick, was completed in 1882 and became known as the Baker school build- ing. The handsome Lincoln school building appeared in 1888; the College Place public school house was added in 1897; the Sharp- stein school building was erected in 1899. Among the citizens of Walla Walla who have contributed much of their time and thought to the burdensome duties of school directors may be found some of the busiest and most active citizens. The names of two especial veterans in the service, Paine and Sharpstein, are fittingly preserved in two of the school buildings above mentioned. In the way of recapitulation it is interest- ing to note the steady increase of pupils and districts in Walla Walla county between 1865 and 1873. These figures are taken from the records of earlier superintendents. From the report of 1865 we find that there were in the county 1,037 scholars entitled to apportion- ment of school money, and 13 districts that filed requisitions and were entitled to appor- tionment. The amount of money apportioned that year was $3,360. In 1866 there were 1,087 scholars, 14 dis- tricts; in 1867, 1,392 scholars, 21 districts; in 1868, 1,609 scholars, 29 districts; in 1869, 1,852 scholars, 41 districts; in 1870, 1,983 scholars, 43 districts; in 1871, 2,444 scholars, 44 districts; in 1872, 2,974 scholars, 47 dis- tricts; in 1873, 3.282 scholars, 52 districts; in 1873, second apportionment, 3,465 scholars, 58 districts. Under the superintendency of Professor R. C. Kerr the Walla Walla High School was inaugurated in the year 1889. At its incep- tion it was located in the Baker school build- ing; in 1890 it found permanent quarters in the Paine school. In 1893 ^ graduated its first class. By 1900 the High School had graduated 80 pupils and annually since many more have retired from their ahna mater with honors. At first the prescribed course was three years ; it now offers four years of thorough study. This excellent preparatory course enables graduates to enter Whitman College on a sure foundation from which they can, if in earnest, advance to the highest degree of classic attainment. Pre-eminently Walla Walla is the educa- tional center of the state of Washington; throughout the entire county there is an atmos- phere of culture and educated refinement. Aside from Whitman College, one of the noted educational institutions of the union, a memorial to Dr. Marcus Whitman, martyr of Waiilatpu, there are Walla Walla College, College Place ; Waits-burg Academy, Waits- burg; St. Paul's School; St. Vincent's Acad- emy, for girls; De La Salle Institute, for boys; Kindergarten ; Empire Business College and seven commodious and ornate public school buildings in the city of Walla Walla, while the county is well supplied with handsome and convenient country school buildings. The history of Whitman College is the record of a labor of love. Twelve years after the massacre Father Eells visited the grave of his murdered friend and co-worker in the missionary field, and while there reverentially standing with uncovered head, he resolved to found a school of higher learning for the youth of both sexes ; a memorial which he felt that his martyred friend would prefer, could he speak, to the costliest monument of marble. We quote from Professor W. D. Lyman : ! In pursuance of his plan Father Eells purchased the section of land on which the missionary tragedy- had been enacted and there he prepared to erect the building and start Whitman Seminary. It soon be- 198 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. came evident, however, that the town was going to grow about the fort, six miles east, and there, Father Eells decided, would be the proper place for his cherished enterprise. Father Eells was entirely alone in the work, except for the equally devoted and faithful efforts of his wife and two sons. They plowed and reaped, cut wood, raised chickens, made butter and devoted the proceeds, aside from that necessary to the essentials of life, to accumulate a fund for starting the seminary. It was a slow, dis- heartening task, with every external circumstance againjst them. It is (hard to conceive of a more pathetic history than that of Father Eells and his family, slowly, patiently, saving every scrap se- cured by /their wearisome toil, in order to give it away for this purely unselfish purpose. Permission to prosecute this enterprise, had been secured from the Territory. Following is the act of the legislative assembly, passed De- cember 20, 1859, providing for the establish- ment of Whitman Seminary: Sec. 1. Be it enacted by the Legislative Assem- bly of the Territory of Washington, That there shall be established in Walla Walla county an institution of learning, for the instruction of persons of both sexes, in science and literature, to be called the "Whitman Seminary;" and that Elkanah Walker, George H. Atkinson, Elisha S. Turner, Erastus S. Joslyn, W. A. Tenney, H. A. Spalding, John C. Smith, James Craigie and Cushing Eells and their successors, are hereby declared to be a body politic and corporate, in law, by the name and style of the President and Trustees of Whitman Seminary. Sec. 2. That the corporation before named shall have perpetual succession and power to acquire, pos- sess and hold property, real, personal and mixed, and the same to sell, grant, convey, rent, or otherwise dispose of at pleasure; and they shall have power to contract and be contracted with, sue and be sued, plead and be impleaded, in all courts of justice, both at law and equity; they shall have and use a com- mon seal, with power to alter it at pleasure; and they may exercise all the powers and enjoy all the privileges of other institutions of learning in this Territory. Sec. 3. That the corporate concerns of said Whitman Seminary shall be managed by themselves as a board, consisting of the nine members, and that a majority of the members of the board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business; said trustees shall elect one of their number to be president of their board, and they shall have power to fill all vacanciesi in their body, as these may from time to time occur, by resignation, expulsion, death or otherwise, and shall have power to make and put in force such by-laws and regulations as shall from time to time be deemed necessary for the govern- ment of said corporation. , Sec. 4. That the board of trustees shall have power to appoint subordinate officers and agents, and to make, ordain and establish such ordinances, rules and regulations as they may deem necessary for the good government of said institution, its officers, teachers and pupils, and for the manage- ment of the affairs of said corporation to the best advantage. Provided, That they shall not contra- vene the constitution or laws of the United States, or the laws of this Territory. Sec. 5. That all deeds and other instruments or conveyances shall be made by order of the board of trustees sealed with the seai of the corporation, signed by the president, and by him acknowledged in his official capacity in order to insure their validity. Sec. 6. That the capital stock of said institution shall never exceed one hundred and fifty thousand dollars, nor the income or proceeds of the same be appropriated to any other use than for the benefit of said institution as contemplated by this act. Sec. 7. That this acfl to take effect and be in force from and after its passage. Passed December 20, 1859. The Seminary, now termed Whitman Col- lege, was located on ground donated by Dr. D. S. Baker. Five years had been consumed in accumulating four thousand dollars. The original edifice was completed two years later, and dedicated October 13, 1866. Truly, this old Seminary did a noble work in uplifting the characters of its students and upholding lofty standards of scholarships. A new charter was granted in 1883, an( J the institution be- came "Whitman College" with a curriculum entitling it to hold the name, and under the presidency of Dr. A. J. Anderson the institu- tion began the growth that has made it known throughout the west as an exponent of ad- vanced ideas in the educational force of the state. Rev. S. B. L. Penrose became president in 1895. He entered into the work with ardor which today is in nowise abated. The future of the college has been made sure by the gen- erous endowment of Dr. D. K. Pearsons, of Chicago, who contributed $50,000 with the proviso that $150,000 be found elsewhere. HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 199 This was accomplished through strenuous ef- forts of the trustees, faculty and friends of the college. Whitman Memorial Building, Reynold's Hall (the girl's dormitory), Bill- ings' Hall (young men's dormitory), and the gymnasium, buildings of stone and brick, have been erected through further aid from Dr. Pearsons and others, Walla Walla, herself, contributing generously. There are three col- lege courses, classical, scientific and literary. And the best institutions in the east possess no superior grades than these. The number of students for the year 1904-5 was 393. Twelve professors are included in the faculty; five instructors in the literary, and six in the musical, department. In all the leading occu- pations throughout the land the alumni of Whitman College have taken high rank. Bishop Wells, some 35 years ago, planned to erect a high grade boarding school for girls. The real estate donated for the purpose was a picturesque bit of nature's landscape. Then began the work of the mason who laid $3,000 worth of stone in the foundation. Another $3,000 was pledged by the citizens of Walla Walla. Apparently success was assured. But Tacoma, then the leading Sound city, had in contemplation a similar institution. Strong inducements were offered Walla Walla to abandon the local project in favor of the Tacoma enterprise. In this effort Tacoma was successful. But Dr. Lathrop, then rector of St. Paul's Church, would not abandon the home enterprise. While he failed to complete the magnificent edifice first contemplated, he utilized the old buildings to the greatest ad- vantage, and soon they were crowded with young lady boarders from the surrounding country. But although Mrs. Appleton made a donation of $3,000 as the nucleus of an endow- ment fund, the departure of Dr. Lathrop re- moved, as it were, the soul of the enterprise and the doors of St. Paul's School were closed for two years. It is to the revivifying in- fluence of Miss Imogen Boyer, a graduate of the institute, that St. Paul's School owes its existence today. And since that period St. Paul's has steadily progressed. It is under the control of the Episcopal Church, is sur- rounded by beautiful grounds, has excellent and well appointed buildings, and during the year 1904 had a faculty of five teachers with fifty pupils. It is a school for girls. Through the zealous endeavors of their pastors and their own generous co-operation, the Catholics of Walla Walla have for the past forty years been enabled to procure for their children the advantages of a Christian education. Where now stands St. Miary's hospital there was opened in 1864, by the Very Reverend J. B. A. Brouillet, a Catholic school for girls. By the Sisters of Providence it was conducted. St. Patrick's Academy, a school for boys, opened its portals one year later. Mr. H. L. Lamarche was the first teacher, and he presided over its destinies fifteen years. Mr. A. M. Sommers, Mr. J. J. Donovan, Miss Tina Johnson and Miss Eliza Sexton were among the other teachers. A company of cadets was organized by Mr. Donovan, and later a brass band was estab- ished in connection with the school. To ac- commodate the ever increasing numbers ap- plying for admission a new building was erected. A magnificent bequest was made by Miss Marie O'Rourke, and thus munificently aided the Very Rev. M. Flohr was enabled to erect an elegant school building. In May, 1899, it was blessed by the Right Rev. E. J. O'Dea. There arrived in Walla Walla from San Francisco, August 15, 1899, three Broth- ers of the Christian Schools, to manage the new enterprise henceforth to be known as De La Salle Institute, in honor of St. J. B. De La Salle, founder of the congregation of which the brothers were members. The in- stitute opened December 4, 1899, with 100 pupils; the second year commenced with an attendance of 130 ; during 1904 there were 123 pupils and three instructors. The Catholic school for girls is St. Vin- cent's Academy. Next to Whitman College 200 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. it is the largest private educational institu- tion in Walla Walla county. During 1904 it had an enrollment of 225 pupils instructed by five teachers. It was as early as 1864 that St. Vincent's Academy was founded by three sisters of charity from Montreal, Columbay, Paul Miki and Nativity. With years the work increased, and today many of the representa- tive women of the northwest prove their gratitude to their alma mater by lives of high- est Christian purpose; for them St. Vincent's has proved an inspiration. In 1879-80 the present building was erected. It is well-appointed, spacious, sup- plied with all modern improvements and ap- paratus, and all in all is one of the finest structures in the state. In the center of a flourishing, prosperous community is located Walla Walla College. One hundred acres of the townsite of College Place are owned by this institution. It has gained a prominent position among the edu- cational organizations of the west since it was founded in 1892. It is situated three miles from Walla Walla, and represents the Ad- ventist denomination and their educational work in the Pacific Northwest. At present there are eleven teachers and about 150 pupils. Although denominational in character its doors are open to all young people of moral character. A substantial brick structure is the col- lege building, four stories in height and of modern design and architecture. With the main building two brick dormitories are con- nected ; herein non-residents reside. An ex- tensive and well-kept campus surrounds these buildings, fringed by orchards and gardens on every side. Owing to its eligible location the most conspicuous edifice in Walla Walla val- ley is Walla Walla College. And a thrifty little city is College Place, which has grown up with the growth of the educational in- stitution. The Empire Business College at Walla Walla, was founded in 1887 by A. M. and J. L. Cation, and J. R. Stubblefield. Four years later the projectors disposed of the property to Merwin Pugh. During the succeeding four years it was conducted by him, and in 1895 J. W. Brewer became owner and manager. At present it is in charge of Professor W. P. Underwood. Instruction is given to 90 pupils and two teachers are employed. No other similar institution in the state supplies a better service in the way of a practical busi- ness course. We have reserved the history of Waits- burg Academy, one of the oldest and best educational institutions in the state, for the chapter devoted exclusively to Waitsburg, where it is treated in extenso. We now revert to the public schools of Walla Walla county and their present con- dition. Aside from the rural districts where one department only is maintained, there are schools at Walla Walla, Waitsburg, Petty- john, Prescott, Touchet, Dixie and Wallula in which two or more departments are main- tained. There are ten graded schools in the county, including the several in the city of Walla Walla. Ten districts in the county are supplied with free text books. The following statistics concerning the public schools of Walla Walla county are from the superin- tendent's report for 1905 : Children of school age (5 to 21), 6,212; enrolled in public schools, 4,627 ; average daily attendance, 3,122; average number of months school was maintained during the year, j x / 2 ; average number of days, 142 ; num- ber of departments, rooms or schools main- tained during the year, 133; whole number of teachers employed during the year (male, 32, female, no), total 142; average monthly salary for male teachers, $80; female, $57; number of pupils first year's course, 874; sec- ond, 624; third, 593; fourth, 680; fifth, 500; HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 201 sixth, 407; seventh, 310; eighth, 323; ninth, 172; tenth, 88; eleventh, 33; twelfth, 23; number of pupils attending private schools during year, 569 ; school houses now in county, frame, 60, brick, 7, stone, 1, total, 68; total seating capacity, 5,492; total value of all pub- lic school property, $444,019.60; number of districts in county, 62, joint districts, 7; graded schools in county, 10; high schools, 3; number of teachers employed during\the year holding state or territorial certificates, 22 ; from normal department state university, o ; elementary certificates from normal schools, 3 ; advanced course, o ; first grade certificates, 33; second, 46; third, 18; temporary certifi- cates from school superintendent, 19. FINANCIAL EXHIBIT FOR 1905. Receipts — Balance in hands county treasurer begin- ning of year July 1, 1904 $22,413.64 Amount apportioned to districts by county superintendent, State funds 56,427.48 County funds 5,340.35 Amount received from districts having spe- cial levy 44,641.07 Amount received from sale of bonds 10,000.00 Amount received from all other sources . . . 352.32 Expenditures- Amount, paid for teachers' wages $48,893.14 Amount paid for rents, repairs, fuel and other incidentals 17,237.68 Amount paid for sites, buildings, furniture, apparatus and libraries 38,512.09 Amount paid for interest on bonds 4,814.11 Amount paid for interest on warrants 3,432.96 Amount for all other funds paid 78.12 Balance on hand end of year, June 30, 1905 26,206.76 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES WALLA WALLA COUNTY HENRY S. COPELAND is one of the oldest of Walla Walla county's pioneers and is, too, one of the first settlers here, coming as early as i860. Since that day he has been closely identified with the development and progress of the country and now, having spent nearly half a century here, is looked up to as a venerable and substantial patriarch, which, indeed, he is. He has passed four score years and more and has traveled across the continent as well as to many other places, and during his lifetime there have been brought out most of the modern inventions that have so changed the complexion of the world. The remi- niscences of his boyhood days can hardly be realized by the youth of the present time, and they are highly interesting and historic, in- deed. These fathers of the country are eminently deserving of the honor which the American people are so quick to give and -truly no greater praise could be extended to them than the works their hands have ac- complished in transforming the wilderness to the fertile farms of today, in enduring the hardships and braving the dangers to turn back the savages and guard against the wild beasts, while they planted their stakes and builded the foundations broad and deep for the spread of the realm of the stars and stripes. All honor, we repeat, to those patriarchs and it is most pleasurable to chronicle for the generations to come, their deeds and to add our word in exploiting the adventures so that the peoples unborn may know the stamina, the principle, the unflinching courage, the resourcefulness, and the aggressiveness of the true American pioneer and pathfinder. And what race, we ask, has produced better specimens for this noble work than the dwellers on the Emerald Isle? Surely Ireland's sons are found in the forefront all over the world and they are numbered among the most staunch patriots and substantial men who do honor to the stars and stripes. Thomas Copeland, the father of our sub- ject, was born in Ireland from the true stock and came when a young man to Canada where he did farming. Later he removed to Ver- mont and married and there remained until his death. He and his wife both died when Henry S. was a young child, he having been born in Vermont, in 1824. Our subject re- ceived the education to be secured from the common schools and then took up farming as his father before him had clone. Steadily he continued at the work until the early sixties, when he was led by a purpose long cherished to see the great west. No railroads spanned the continent then, as now, no bridges held the pilgrim across the streams, and, in fact, only here and there were there even paths or trails to the land of the Pacific slope. He arrived, however, at Walla Walla, in due time and without more than ordinary incident by the way. It was not long before he had pur- chased a home place and soon thereafter, he 204 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. took a homestead and gave his attention to the cultivation of the soil and this has em- ployed him constantly since that time. How- beit, r he has, also, paid considerable attention to raising stock and in both lines has been blessed with splendid success. Walla Walla county has been his home since those days and much splendid achievement of improvement and building up has been accomplished by his worthy and untiring labors, so -wisely put forth in the intervening years. Now, Mr. Copeland has passed the time for man to work and it is pleasant to see him enjoying the good things his industry provided. He has the esteem and good will of all and has the pleasure of knowing that he has many warm and admiring friends. Mr. Copeland married Miss Mary Ann Morton, who was the daughter of William and Catherine Morton, of Illinois. Nine children were born to this union, only four of whom are now living. Mir. Copeland is a member of the Masonic lodge and has been for many years. JACOB KIBLER, a venerable pioneer of Walla Walla county, is, also, one of the large real estate owners of this region and is well known throughout the Touch et valley, being a man whose industry and careful procedure in the matter of handling the business of grow- ing wheat has won him the smiles of dame fortune in no uncertain manner. He has taken part in all that has tended to build up the country since the early days of his settle- ment here, and has shown himself a man not afraid to do the pioneer's part nor wanting in those substantial qualities that combine to make the loyal and wise citizen and the success- ful business man. At present he owns sixteen hundred acres of excellent wheat land besides other property and is rated as one of the heavy wheat producers of the county. It was as early as 1853 that Mr. Kibler started for the west, and after the hardships of a journey so great in those days, he decided to locate near Walla Walla and shortly thereafter took a quarter section of land. That was the be- ginning of his now large estate. He has devoted himself to farming and in it has won a splendid success. He has acquired his estate by purchase at various times, from the be- ginning showing his faith in the ultimate out- come of this favored country. Mr. Kibler' s father, William Kibler, was a native of Shenandoah county, Virginia, and by occupation a farmer. He lived to be four score years old and died in his native place, a man highly respected and well known. He had served in the War of 181 2 and was a leading pioneer in Virginia. He married the daughter of a prominent Virginia pioneer and to this union our subject was born September 30, 1 82 1, while they were still living in Shenandoah county. Owing to limited school facilities, Jacob had little opportunity to study, but early learned the way to rely on himself in a pioneer country. In 1852 he journeyed to Clark county, Missouri, and there purchased land. The next year, however, as stated above, he came west and since that time Walla Walla county has claimed him as one of her sub- stantial citizens. He married Miss Louise Buroker, a native of Ohio and they have be- come the parents of six children, namely, Charles F., David, William H. and Frank, all farmers, Sarah E., who died in infancy, and Annie M., living at home. Politically, Mr. Kibler is a Democrat, although not partisan, being liberal minded in such matters. He and his wife belong to the Methodist church and are consistent and good people. FRANK G. ENNIS, who resides one mile northwest from Walla Walla, was born on Oak street, Walla Walla, on December 15, 1879, an d nas s P ent hi s entire life in this place. He is a young man of integrity and worth and HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 205 has demonstrated his ability by the success he has achieved in financial affairs. His father, Christopher Ennis, is mentioned in another portion of this work. His mother, Miss Annie McManamon in maiden life, is a native of Iowa, and his brothers and sisters, all younger than himself are, Mary, Thomas, Adelia, Mar- tha, Christopher, Katie, Alice, Margaret, and John, who is deceased. Reverting more particularly to the immed- iate subject of this article, we note that Frank G. Ennis was educated in the schools of Walla Walla and then was associated with his father in the meat business for two years. After that, he spent four years on the farm under his father's direction and then he leased the old Holbrook farm for twenty years, where he now resides. The place consists of four hun- dred and eighty acres and is a fine estate. Mr. Ennis is conducting the same in a very fine manner and in addition to grain raising, handles about one hundred head of cattle. On May 19, 1902, Mir. Ennis married Miss Mary Scally, who was born in Los Angeles, California on December 25, 1879. The wed- ding occurred in Walla Walla. The parents of Mrs. Ennis are Thomas and Nellie (Sheehan) Scally, natives of Pennsylvania and county Kilkenny, Ireland, respectively. The father's parents were natives of Ireland and are both deceased. He came to California in the early days and followed the hotel busi- ness in Los Angeles until his death. The mother lives in Walla Walla at the present time. Mrs. Ennis has three brothers named as follows, Frank, a merchant in Pocatello, Idaho ; Thomas, a cashier in the office of the O. R. & N. R. R. at Walla Walla; and John, in the employ of the 0-. R. & N. R. R. at the same place. Politically, our subject is a Democrat and always takes a deep interest in these matters. He belongs to the B. P. O. E. and the K. C. Mr. and Mrs. Ennis are well known young people and have the good will and esteem of everybody. They have shown marked industry and uprightness and are numbered among the substantial people of the town. WILLIAM JASPER CORKRUM has spent the major portion of his life in Walla Walla county, and, therefore, is to be classed with the pioneers, while, also, he is, today, one of the substantial and well to do agricul- turists, of which this favored county has so many men who excel in this line of operations. M occupying the position of Calvin W. Preston HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 229 major and inspector general. In 1896, he or- ganized the Texas Society, Sons of the Amer- ican Revolution, and became its first vice presi- dent. He was a member of the K. P., and the B. P. O. E. Many other positions of honor and trust were offered to him, and he always responded to tbe call of duty and performed the duties incumbent on him to the full satis- faction of his associates and with eminent credit to himself. His sterling integrity and worth were promptly recognized upon his ar- rival at Waitsburg, being elected mayor of that city in 1902. During his term of office many needed reforms and improvements were inaugurated, among them, being the plans for the city park. Major Preston was a man of the most genial and generous impulses and be had a host of friends. He had literary taste and his writings show marked ability. As an after dinner speaker, he had few equals and he was always ready to assist in public functions by his ready wit and eloquence. His speeches were impromptu and flowed directly from a true heart, warm with real sympathy and love. No better nor more appropriate tribute could be paid to the memory of our distinguished subject, Calvin Preston, than the words of the bard, "His life was gentle and the elements so mixed in him that Nature might stand up and say to all the world, 'This was a man,' ' Major Preston died suddenly from an at- tack of pleurisy, June 20, 1905, at Waitsburg, Washington. BENJAMIN C. HOLT. Walla Walla may well take great pride that within her limits is located a branch house of The Holt Manu- facturing Company. And, indeed, it is a source of real satisfaction to every individual to be able to point to an industry that has become one of the largest in the northwest. Although the factories of the company are located at Stockton, California, still it is left to the Walla Walla warehouses to transact the banner business of the company. This branch is in charge of Ben C. Holt, and takes care of the business for Washington, Oregon and Idaho in the handling of their line of ma- chinery. At the Lewis & Clark Exposition, Portland, Oregon, the Holt Brothers Combined Harvester was awarded a gold medal. As stated before, the manufactories of the com- pany are located at Stockton, California, and they cover the entire space of seven blocks, besides having large trackage and warehouse accessories. The plant was established in 1883, and in 1892 was incorporated as the Holt Manufacturing Company. They manufacture the well known Holt Combined Harvester as well as all other inventions that excel in their line. This great machine, one of the greatest triumphs of modern skill and inventive genius, is not the result of one man's thought, but em- bodies the labors, skill, brain power, and materialization of some of the best inventors the age has known. The first California har- vester was invented and built by D. C. Matte- son, but Benjamin Holt, the president of the Holt Manufacturing Company, is the man who fitted and brought forth the modern machine with its mighty power for usefulness. He saw at a glance the necessity of such a machine and settled clown to work out the problems of mechanics and construction with an in- ventive genius that has produced for the twentieth century farmer one of the most won- derful machines ever constructed. Think of such a wonder as a machine moving through the golden fields of rich grain performing four distinct operations and delivering to the admir- ing- farmer the bounteousness of the soil sacked and ready for the warehouse. Indeed, in the days of our forefathers, it would have been counted miraculous. But such is what the Holt machines are doing this da}- and such is the triumph of modern skill. Mr. Holt in- vented and applied the famous link belt which has revolutionized all harvester business, and, in fact, has made these modern wonders practi- 230 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. cal. It is safe to assert that the application of the link belt to mechanics was one of the most advanced and advancing steps of any- one point, which in reality is of more valne than the original idea of the harvester, for without this appliance, all else was compara- tively a failnre. Eighteen years ago, this com- pany pnt its first harvester into the field and from that time to the present, they have un- ceasingly labored and striven for the improve- ment and' perfecting of it until they have today the choicest product of modern harvesting ma- chinery. The superiority of the Holt machine over all others consists in its simplicity, its freedom from breakage, yet its light draft, a combination which has cost much deep thought, and the economical manner in which it ac- complishes the desired results. In different parts of the world, under the varying conditions found, much different ma- chinery is needed for harvesting the crops. The Holt people have made a deep and thorough study of the needs and the result is that they are manufacturing for the various necessities the best machinery that is put out, owing especially to its being adapted to the needs of the section where it is to be used. Such, at first thought, may not impress the reader as such a great work, but upon mature consideration, its stupendousness and its real worth dawn on one as in substance the greatest work in mechanics that could be accomplished, for the world rests on the farm, and the farm is enabled to produce the abundance needed, by these mechanical inventions supplied by these practical mechanics and benefactors of their race. They manufacture the Holt Brothers traction engines which are renowned for the wonderful work they perform. Recently foreign markets are being opened for these various products, which adds another source of wealth to our nation. Spain is reaching out for these machines and other fields are opening. It is of interest to those who do not yet under- stand, to speak of how these traction engines draw the plows that prepare the ground for the wheat or other grain, then draw the seeding machines, and lastly, but not least sweep through the field with a modern Holt com- bined harvester which delivers the wheat to the waiting farmer, sacked and ready for the warehouse. The panting steed is harnessed for all the farm work, as summer fallowing, harrowing, and so forth, and when not in vise, requires no feed to maintain his existence. The Stockton improved scraper is another product of this company, but space forbids to speak of all and we would turn to the gentle- man who is in charge of this industry in Walla Walla. Mr. Benjamin C. Holt, the general man- ager of the Walla Walla house, is a young man of pleasing personality, whose business ability is not measured by his years, but by his knowl- edge of the business he is in. He is a man of activity and energy and is always found prosecuting some branch of the business which gives him a practical acquaintance with all essential features of it. MARGARET McGAREY. Having been especially requested by some of the old pioneers of Walla Walla, so to do, we incorporate in this volume, the biography of Mrs. McGarey, who needs no introduction to the people of Walla Walla and the surrounding country and especially to the pioneers. For many years, she was prominent in business in the city as was her husband before his death and many have received cheer and entertainment at her hands. In early clays, her husband was in charge of one of the finest restaurants in this part of the state, which upon his death, she managed successfully and drew the largest trade that the city was able to offer. Margaret McGarey was born in Galway county, Ireland, in 1838, her parents being Daniel and Cecelia (Tracy) McGarey, who were well to do and leading residents of their neighborhood. When a girl of fifteen years HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 231 of age, our subject came from her native coun- try to America and for five years resided in New York city. After that, she took ship for California, arriving in San Francisco, dur- ing the great rush for the gold fields. For two years she was employed in California, then met Luke McGarey, a native of Dublin, Ire- land, and who had come as a young man to New Orleans to seek his fortune in the New World. Shortly after arriving he was pressed into the United States military service and served altogether five years, being in the Mex- ican War. After his honorable discharge, he went to California and there occurred the meet- ing between him and our subject. In due time they were married and shortly after located at Portland, Oregon, where Mr. McGarey es- tablished himself in business. He had the distinction of being in charge of the first in- sane asylum in the state of Oregon. While in Portland, he did a large commercial business and was very successful. As early as 1862, the family moved from Portland to Walla Walla and Mr. McGarey opened a very fine restaurant. He improved it in every way possible and so successfully did he cater to a discriminating public that he enjoyed the patronage of the very best people of the city. His business was a fine success from the start until the day of his death. He was a man of excellent standing and by hosts of friends he was sincerely mourned at the time of his de- parture. Mrs. McGarey assumed charge of the business immediately upon the death of her husband and so skillfully and wisely did she handle it that she not only retained all the former patronage, but succeeded in improving and enlarging her trade. She continued the same until she found it was wearing upon her then she sold out and established for a little while, a very choice and first class boarding house. Finally, she retired from the cares and worries of business in hand to enjoy the competence which her skill and labor had pro- vided bountifully. At the present time she owns a ranch near Lewiston, Idaho, and has some very valuable city property in Walla Walla. To Mr. and Mrs. McGarey five chil- dren have been born, named as follows : Will- iam H, who died at the age of twenty-one; Daniel T. ; Kate, now the wife of R. H. John- son; Lewis; and John C, who died when aged seventeen. Mrs. McGarey is a member of the St. Patricks Catholic church, as was her husband, and she is a devout follower of her faith. Although she has passed nearly three score years and ten, the frosts of winter have settled lightly upon her and her general bearing does not indicate her to be nearly of that age. She is a woman of fine personality and bearing and has won hosts of admiring friends. At the present time, as stated above, she is re- tired from active business and dwells with her daughter, Mrs. Johnson. She is looked up to and respected by everyone and is a very charm- ing hostess. The good things of life are hers to enjoy in generous measure and she is satis- fied in knowing that her own skill and industry have brought about this measure for the golden years of her life. It would not be proper to close this brief statement of Mrs. McGarey's life without al- luding especially to the fact that during her long residence here, she has always been heartily in love with Walla Walla and the sur- rounding country and her efforts have accom- plished much for its advancement and general welfare. She is enthusiastic in the praise of this excellent country, all of which shows her splendid judgment and the breadth of her business ability and keen foresight and it may be said that as far back as thirty years or more, she saw and spoke of the wealth that would be here. All the old timers are well known to Mrs. McGarey and she has a very warm spot in her heart for these pioneers with whom she labored in the years past to bring about the gratifying results now seen in this rich country. 2^2 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. BAILEY H. GROSS. A residence of a quarter of a century in the favored country of Walla Walla and a continuance of industry and integrity for that length of time, entitle a person to he classed as one of the builders of the county and one of the substantial citi- zens of the same. Such a one is Mr. Gross, who is well known as a man who has won suc- cess in Walla Walla county and who has gained a property here which bespeaks the man's ability in financial matters. He has never sought to do brilliant things but has won his way more particularly by carefully at- tending each day to the things that should be done on that day. A review of his life will furnish many points of interest and a careful perusal of the same will be a stimulus to any young man who desires to win the success that has crowned his efforts. Bailey H. Gross was born in Illinois. March 29, 1832, where also he was reared and educated. For twenty-one years, he remained in his native state and Iowa, then, it being 1862, he joined one of the many trains wend- ing their way to the west and journeyed over- land to Nevada. Being impressed with the opportunities to be found at Virginia City, he stopped there and began operations on a dairy farm. For nine years he continued thus, then removed to Modoc county, California and took up stock raising and dairying combined. He prosecuted these enterprises successfully until 1880, when he disposed of all his interests in California and came direct to Walla Walla county. He had learned of this country in various ways and believed that it was the place he was looking for. It soon developed that he was not mistaken in that particular for he soon purchased land and began farming. Mr. Gross is a man who knows how to follow one thing continuously. That is one of the secrets of his success in Walla Walla county. He began farming, has continued farming and has made his money by farming. He has always followed the motto, that "What is worth doing, is worth doing well." His best judgment told him that land that would pro- duce each year many bushels of first class wheat, was a good investment. Accordingly, from time to time, as he had opportunity, he purchased good wheat land. This greatly in- creased his income until he has taken his place among the extensive farmers of Walla Walla count) - ; and right here we wish to state that the ignis fatuus which turns so many Ameri- can youths into slighting present opportunities on account of their appearing small and reach- ing out to possess a fortune quickly, has never had its effect upon Mr. Gross. His course was just the opposite. He improved every op- portunity though it appeared small and made wise investments from year to year and the result is that he has gained a fortune which the poor blinded one rushing on to grasp the luring light has missed. It is one of the pro- found lessons of life, namely, that constant plodding is the one road to sure success. In a very high degree, Mr. Gross has accomplished this and his course is well worthy the medita- tion and study of younger men. In 1857, Mr. Gross married Julia Rice, a native of Ohio, who crossed the plains with her husband and has shared with him his labors and his successes since. They have become the parents of seven children, four sons and three daughters. Mr. Gross is not a politician yet he takes an interest in the campaigns and issues of the day. He labors for general improvement, as good roads, substantial upbuilding, and the forwarding of educational interests. At the present time, Mr. Gross is residing in Walla Walla and although he personally supervises his entire estates, still he is retired from the activities of the farm. This is a retirement well earned and deserved and it is very pleas- ant to see one who has so faithfully pursued the way of the agriculturist in this county so long, thus enabled to enjoy the fruits of his labors. Mr. Gross has many friends and he and his wife are esteemed people of excellent standing. BAILEY H. GROS< HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 233 Mr. Gross and his family are members of the Christian church, and he is a liberal sup- porter of this institution, as well as all worthy enterprises. For the erection of the Christian church building on the corner of Alder and Poplar streets in Walla Walla. Mr. Gross headed the list with a donation of one thou- sand dollars, which is but a sample of his methods of aiding those institutions which ap- peal to him as powers to build up and better mankind. JOHN W. ARMSTRONG. No history of this section would be complete without the mention of the gentleman whose name ap- pears above. He was born on December 25, 1839, in Sagerstown, Pennsylvania. His father, William Armstrong, also a native of Pennsylvania, was a prominent and influential agriculturist and also followed his trade of carpentering. He was an active politician and a leading man in the community, his influence being known far and near. He was a public speaker of force and ability. His death oc- curred in October, 1891, on the old homestead, he being aged eighty-eight. William Arm- strong had married Miss Lucy Pickernell in 1834, who, also, was a native of Pennsylvania, and of German Scotch extraction. She died in 1899. To this union were born ten chil- dren, namely, Alfred B., Sarah, Louis, Mar- garet, Isaac S., Ellen, Josiah, Florence, and Kerney. Louis, Kerney and our subject are the only surviving members of the family. John W. received his primary education in the common schools of his native state, and at the age of sixteen entered the Allegheny Academy at Meadville, Pennsylvania, where he studied for the ministry. After his gradu- I ation, however, he did not follow this line but was employed in a mercantile establishment for four years. In 1863 he entered business for himself, establishing a supply store at Franklin, Pennsylvania, this being during the period of oil discoveries in that state. His ambition to follow a religious calling, for which he was especially adapted and fitted, was realized in 1879, when he was appointed district secretary of the Y. M. C. A. at Louis- ville, Kentucky. In 1880 "he removed to Wichita, Kansas, where he followed merchan- dising and was, also, active in religious work until 1885, when he received a commission of missionary with the American Sunday School Union. In 1890, he was transferred to the state of Washington with headquarters at Walla Walla.- For fifteen years he has labored with untiring efforts in this noble calling, and the work he has accomplished through the Washington mission merits the plaudits of the press and public. In 1862 occurred the marriage of Mr. Arm- strong to Miss Amelia Ridle, a native of Craw- ford county, Pennsylvania. Her father, Peter Ridle, was a prominent farmer, and was born in 1802. He died in 1884 at the age of eighty- two years. Her mother was Miss Susan (Staley) Ridle, also a native of Pennsylavnia, and she died in 1870. To Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong two children have been born, Lloyd W., engaged in the printing business in Walla Walla, and Harrold F., deceased. Mr. Armstrong has been successful finan- cially, and owns considerable property, among which is a fine farm of four hundred acres, located fifteen miles northwest from Walla Walla, and which he is operating and which assures him a competency for the golden years of his well spent life. In political matters Mr. Armstrong is a Republican, and is always keenly interested in matters pertaining to the welfare of the country, and he especially takes interest in educational matters. YANCEY C. BLALOCK, M. D., was born in Mitchell county, North Carolina, on August 3, 1859. His parents are Dr. N. G and Panthea A. (Durham) Blalock, the former residing at Walla Walla and well known 234 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. throughout the northwest. The latter died in 1864. When two years of age our subject went with the balance of the family from his native place to Macon county, Illinois, which was the home until 1873, when they came with teams to Walla Walla which was then a com- paratively new country. Having commenced his education in the Illinois home, Dr. Blalock attended the schools of Walla Walla during the winter and assisted his father on the farm during the summer. Afterward he entered Whitman Seminary and after some time spent in studying there he matriculated, in 1881, at Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia and was graduated from that institution three years later. He immediately returned to Walla Walla and commenced the practice of his profession in this city, being associated with his father. Three years after that, he practiced by himself up to April 1, 1902, when he gave up active work in his profession and accepted the receivership of the United States land office at Walla Walla. He held that office until March 1, 1904. and then resigned, giving up an income of three thousand dollars per annum to again take up the practice of medi- cine. He is a man of influence and standing in the community and is also well known throughout the state. In April, 1883, Dr. Blalock married Julia Sanderson, a native of Walla Walla and to them one son, Jesse N., was born on January 6, 1885, now attending the college of pharmacy. Mrs. Blalock died on November 18, 1885, at her home in Walla Walla. In November, 1890? Dr. Blalock was married to Lillian Ballou, a native of Illinois, and the daughter of Orlando and Elizabeth (Boyd) Ballou, who were born in Cayuga, Illinois, and Watertown, New York, respectively, and are now living just south from Walla Walla in Oregon. To Dr. Blalock and his wife, one child has been born, Phoebe I., on April 4, 1894. In fraternal circles the doctor has been and is very active and prominent. He belongs to Blue Mountain Lodge, No. 13, F. & A. M., and is past master of that lodge; to Walla Walla chapter, No. 1, R. A. M. and is past high priest; to the Washington Commandery K. T. ; and is past Eminent Commander to the Oriental Consistory A. & A. S. R. Spokane, Washington; to the Alki Chapter, No. 25, O. E. S. and is past patron; and to the El- Katiff Shrine, A. O. U. M. S. of Spokane. His wife belongs to Alki, No 25, O. E. S. and is past grand matron of Washington. Dr. Blalock is past grand master of the grand lodge of the state of Washington, F. & A. M. and past grand commander of the K. T. He is also present grand secretary of the grand chapter, R. A. M. and has served in this capacity since 1889. He is past grand com- mander of the grand commandery of the state of Washington. In 1891 he was elected grand recorder of the grand commandery K. T. and has held the office ever since. Dr. Blalock has served three terms as county coroner and four terms as city health officer. He was chief of the volunteer fire department for six vears. Until 1896 the doctor was a Democrat then he assisted with the organization of the Gold- Democratic party and was elected chairman of the county central committee. In 1898 he affiliated with the Republican party and was elected chairman of the county central com- mittee. In 1900 he was reelected and in 1902 lie resigned upon entering the United States land office. He is at present physician to the state penitentiary at Walla Walla. DUNCAN McGILLIVRAY, a retired stockman residing in Walla Walla, was born in Lancaster, Glengarry county, Canada, on July 17, 1837, the son of Donald and Catherine (McDougall) McGillivray, natives of Scot- land and Canada, respectively. The father HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 2 35 was born in Dumnaglass, and died in Canada in 1873. He came from a very old and prom- inent Highland Scotch family. The mother's father was born in Scotland and her mother in Canada, of Scotch parentage. Our subject's mother died in 1901, at the old home in Can- ada, where he was born. The schools of his native country furnished the education for Duncan and he remained on the old place until 1863, when he went to California. In San Francisco he entered the employ of Murphy, Grant & Company, continuing until the fall of 1869. In the following spring he came to Walla Walla, arriving here in March. He soon thereafter entered the employ of Schwa- bacher Brothers and in a short time was man- aging their business, where he continued for five years. During that time, he became in- terested in sheep raising in what is now Adams county, this state. Then he left the position he was occupying and associated himself with Adams Brothers until 1879, when the increase in his general stock interests had been so great that he was obliged to give his entire time to handling the same. He followed that in- dustry until 1902, when he sold his range of thirteen thousand acres and his entire hold- ings in sheep. He handled as high as ten thousand sheep each year. Mr. McGillivray still owns some farm property in Umatilla and Walla Walla counties and also some residences in town. When he landed in Walla Walla he found that he was without capital and in debt some three hundred dollars and everything he now possesses has been the result of his in- dustry and thrift since that time, and he may take a pardonable pride in the splendid suc- cess that he has achieved. His example is certainly worthy of emulation by the rising generation and it is such men as he that have made this country wealthy and prosperous. On November 19, 1870, at San Francisco, Mr. McGillivray married Mary A. Durry, who was born in Williamston, Glengarry county, Canada. Her father, John Durry, who died in Canada in 1867, was a native of Scotland. He married Elizabeth Ferguson, a native of Williamston, Canada. She came to California with her children in 1868 and her death oc- curred in Walla Walla in 1897. Mr. McGilli- vray was one of a family of nine children. Mrs. McGillivray has one brother, Thomas, in Walla Walla and one sister, Elizabeth. To Mr. McGillivray and his wife three children have been born : Maude, the wife of E. D. Garland in Missoula, Montana ; Mabel, married to H. B. Kershaw in Walla Walla; and Cath- erine, at home. Mr. McGillivray is a charter member of Ivanhoe Lodge, No. 1, K. .P., which is the first lodge of that order in Washington. He is past C. C. He also belongs to the B. P. O. E. In politics he is a Republican, though not active Mr. McGillivray enjoys a good standing and the success achieved by his labors be- speaks his ability and his integrity. DANIEL T. KYGER, of the firm of Kyger & Foster, one of the best known dry goods and general furnishing houses in the city of Walla Walla, is the senior member of the firm. He is a representative business man, an accomplished citizen, and one of the stanch pioneers of the county. Between thirty-five and forty years have elapsed since Mr. Kyger first saw Walla Walla and during that long period he has been one of the constant and arduous laborers for the improvement and up- building of the country. He has prosecuted steadily the business in hand , with such sagacity and vigor that his firm stands one of the leading ones in this part of the country. He has shown himself to be a merchant with a wide grasp of business affairs and with an executive ability capable of working out every detail of the business to a splendid success. Daniel T. Kyger was born on November 2 3 6 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 17, 1852, in Kokomo, Indiana, where be re- ceived his education. In 1864 he accompanied his parents to Nemaha county, Kansas, and thence to Missouri, where in 1868, he joined a surveying party and continued in that for one year. The next spring he intended to come to Arizona, but owing to the Indian hostilities then existing there, he changed his plans and on July 3, 1869, landed in Walla Walla. He soon was in the employ of Dr. Baker, who was then contracting the Walla Walla and Columbia River Railroad and joined the first party sent out to raft timbers down the Yakima and Columbia rivers to Wallula. In 1873 ne entered the employ of Paine Brothers & Moore with whom he remained until they retired from business. In the centennial year, he opened a tobacco store for himself and did business in that capacity for two years. At the end of that time he entered the employ of Jackson, Reese & Winans. For thirteen years he was a right hand man in that establishment and so carefully did he handle his earnings that at the end of that time he was justified in pur- chasing the entire business, which he did. Shortly afterwards he disposed of a half in- terest in the establishment to Frank Foster, the style of the firm becoming Kyger & Foster. It has prosecuted a thriving business contin- uously since at their location in the Reese- Winans block on Main and Second streets. Kyger & Foster are known as men of reliabil- ity- and upright principles and on these lines they have conducted their business since with the happy result that they have built for them- selves a reputation for honesty and square dealing that is second to none in the country. Add to this their fine ability as choosers of proper goods and careful buyers in the eastern markets and we have one of the strongest firms and best enterprises in Walla AValla. They have an extensive country trade in addition to that drawn from the city which is veil sup- plied by a very large and well assorted stock of dry goods, clothing, ladies' furnishing goods and so forth. Mr. Kyger is an influential and active Re- publican and carries a strong influence for the support of his party. He is also prominent in fraternal circles, being a member of the masonic lodge, having the honor to be past eminent commander of Washington commandery, No. 1. Knights Templar. In August, 1875, the marriage of Mr. Kyger and Miss Addie Sickler was solemnized and they have been blessed by the advent of six children, four daughters and two sons. The sons were Miles E. and Daniel T., Jr. Miles E. was born in Walla Walla on May 21, 1876, and received his education in this city, graduating from the high schools in the class of 1895. He immediately engaged with his father in business, making himself most helpful by his faithfulness and devotion to the duties in hand. Daniel T. was educated in the business college, expecting to enter upon a commercial life as soon as he had finished his course. They were very energetic and promis- ing young men, exceedingly popular and re- spected by all who admire thrift, industry and sobriety, coupled with fine intellectual powers. When the call to arms was sounded for men to fight the battles of this country in the Philippines, they both enlisted and were sent to Manila. On February 3, 1899, Miles E. succumbed to the terrible disease typhoid fever and five days later, his younger brother also passed away. Thus the family and in fact the entire city of Walla Walla were called to mourn a terrible loss. Although these young men did not die on the field of battle, their self sacrifice and their right to the place among the heroes of the country are fully established, for they promptly enlisted, knowing that they would be sent to a country filled with terrible diseases as well as to face the bullets of the enemy. The entire state mourned at their loss and on every hand were expressions of HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 237 sympathy and condolence received by their family. Even the state senate took cognizance of the same and adopted the following resolu- tions : "In grateful remembrance of our fallen heroes, Sargeant Miles E. Kyger and Daniel T. Kyger, Jr., comrades of Company I, First Washington Volunteers, who died in our coun- try's service at Manila, to the bereaved parents who sacrificed their only sons on the altar of our country, we, the members of the senate of Washington, do extend our deepest sympathy in their hour of affliction.'' ROBERT McCOOL. Among those sturdy pioneers whose efforts have made it possible to develop the present city of Walla Walla into a commonwealth, is the gentleman whose name initiates this paragraph. While Robert McCool has passed to the world beyond his early efforts and struggles will continue to live after him and those who were acquainted with him in life will always remember him as one who assisted materially in the develop- ment of a country that in the early days was not regarded as being so fertile and prolific as time has demonstrated. In those early days no one realized that the Walla Walla valley would eventually be- come the richest wheat growing locality in the country, and had it not been for those men who endured the hardships of life in an unbroken country, it would today be destitute of the agricultural advantages that have made it famous. In writing history it is the aim of the compilers of this work to faithfully portray everything pertaining to the growth and development of the country from its earliest inception, and when we revert to the early history and pioneer days, we find that those hardy settlers, without knowing it them- selves, were the very starters and promoters of every phase of the topic we have to digest. Robert McCool was born in Donegal coun- ty, Ireland, in 18 18, and for forty years there- after he remained on his native soil, living as he had been reared, a faithful Christian and an honest man. In 1858 he decided that America offered better opportunities for acquiring a proper share of worldly goods to which all men are entitled, and he set sail for the new world. and shortly after his arrival, he migrated from New York for the boundless west. His con- nection with Walla Walla dates from his arrival here on April 29, 1859, and from that time until his demise. He was one of the substantial citizens of the community. The land which he acquired upon his arrival here is still in the hands of his fam- ily and it is regarded as one of the very de- sirable pieces of agricultural land in the valley. Its boundary lines extend almost to the limits of the city and his son, Hugh McCool, occupies it. Mr. McCool was a thrifty, industrious man, plain and without any glamor of ostenta- tion. He was married in Barhead, Scotland, in 1847. t0 Mi ss Maggie O'Donnell, who was born in county Donegal, Ireland. To them six children were born : Hugh ; James ; Mary Ann, deceased; Margaret, deceased, who form- erly was the wife of James Monneghan, a capitalist and prominent banker of Spokane : Ellen, deceased, who was in life the wife of Edward O'Shea; and one child that died in infancy. JOHN WESLEY McGUIRE was born in Iowa on October 17, 1859, the son of John McGuire, who was a native of Kentucky. In 1862 the elder McGuire migrated across the plains to the west, finally selecting the Walla Walla country as his permanent settling point. Our subject was then but a lad of three years of age, but remembers some of the incidents of the journey and also is well posted on pioneer days in the Walla Walla country. He began life on the farm and labored for many 2 3 8 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. years in Washington territory before the sound of the steam engine was heard and when the most primitive methods were used in open- ing up and developing the country. In all these good enterprises he had a part and labored steadily on the farm when he was not receiving his education from the schools that the new country afforded. When seventeen years of age, he laid aside the school work and gave himself entirely to the more stern duties of life's work. He continued with his father until the death of that worthy pioneer and then took charge of the estate left. It consisted of two hundred and forty-three acres of good land with the necessary buildings and improvements to make it one of the valuable Washington farms. Later Mr. McGuire sold eighty acres of this original estate, retaining the balance. He has given his attention to the production of the fruits of the field constantly since arriving at manhood's estate and has achieved excellent success in his labors. He owns, in addition to the estate mentioned, a quarter section of land in the wheat section of Franklin county and personally attends to the operation of the same. On November 20, 1881, Mr. McGuire mar- ried Miss Maggie H. Turner, the daughter of James and Harriet Turner of Ohio. Four children have been born to this household, named as follows : Auga, Grace, John and Margaret. ALMOS HOLBROOK REYNOLDS. It is indeed an office of sacred trust, of tender responsibility to speak in memory of one whose life can no longer speak for itself, whose hands have released their grasp upon the burdens of the living and whose heart has ceased to beat. The death of Almos Holbrook Reynolds occurred April 21, 1889, he being then eighty years of age, not only made his own home deso- late but brought sorrow to many other souls. While it is impossible for the writer of of this memoir to chronicle all the good deeds and many other traits of character possessed by the subject of this sketch, it is a pleasure to be able to preserve and hand down to posterity a record of this worthy gentleman, whose individuality has left its impress upon the community and who was so instrumental in the early development and growth of Walla Walla county. He was born in the town of Madrid, St. Lawrence county, New York. His father was a millwright and in the pursuit of that trade, migrated to various places with his family, erecting mills, notably at Churchville, fourteen miles west of Rochester, Aurora and Buffalo, New York. While with his father the deceased became a skillful, self-reliant millwright. In 1837 he left Buffalo and went to Chicago, where he remained a short time, and then journeyed on to the region called the Blackhawk pur- chase, in Iowa, where he built a mill at Weathersfield. On the 9th day of January, 1839, he left Iowa for New York and reached Aurora, Erie county, that state, on the 9th of February, having walked most of the way, as railroads were unknown. The lakes were frozen over and the stage was a very uncertain means of travel. In the spring of 1839 he went back to Iowa, and made his headquarters at Davenport until attacked by "the California fever." In 1850 he removed to California, where he arrived July 14th, and remained until May 20, 185 1, and then moved to Oregon. He built and superintended mills in Oregon until 1859, when he came to Walla Walla to build what was called the "Pioneer Mill" "Simms' Mill" or "Dent's Mill" as the fancy of the speaker suited. The ruins of this old mill, the first flour mill erected in the Walla Walla country, are still to be seen about two miles southerly from the city on Yellowhawk creek. Of late years it has been called "Over- holtzer's Mill." Mr. Reynolds came up on the HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 2 39 second trip of the "Col. Wright," the pioneer steamboat on the Upper Columbia. He paid $16 fare from Deschutes landing, about twenty miles above The Dalles, to Wallula, and reached Walla Walla on the ioth of May, 1859, an d nas res ided here since that time. On the 2 1 st day of May, 1861, Mr. Rey- nolds was married to the widow of Ransom Clark, whose maiden name was Lettice Jane Millican, and by whom he has had two sons, Harry A. and Allen H. Reynolds. Mrs. Rey- nolds was born near Cane Hill, Arkansas, October 3, 1830. Her father, Elijah Millican, was a native of Georgia, but in his early man- hood moved to Tennessee, where he married Lucinda Crisp, whose father, Mansell Crisp, was representative from Texas during Polk's administration. Soon after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Millican moved to Arkansas, thence to Mis- souri, thence to Texas, and from there to Dade county, Missouri. In 1843 they left this place and started on their long and perilous journey across the plains to Oregon, as members of the notable Whitman train. There were born to Mr. and Mrs. Millican ten children of whom Mrs. L. J. Reynolds is the eldest. She was a girl of thirteen summers at the time of starting for Oregon and remembers man}- interesting incidents of the journey. Mr. Whitman was the guiding spirit of the train, sometimes behind, sometimes ahead, but always alert and solicitous for their comfort and safety. Arriving at Whitman station in October, the party rested for two days, then pushed on to Wallula, where they waited until the men could go up the river, cut and raft down enough timber to make boats for the remainder of their journey. The trip down the river was a perilous one. Two men of the party were drowned, and but for the vigilance of Mrs. Millican, all of her family and four others would have been dashed against the rocks in the rapids. The party reached Vancouver in the latter part of November, and remained there during the winter. In the spring Mr. Millican with his family went to LaFayette, Oregon, where he took up a donation claim. In 1844 Lettice Jane Millican married Ran- som Clark. In 1855 Mr. Clark came to Walla Walla and took up the Ransom Clark donation claim just south of the present townsite. Here he remained until the country was closed to the settlers, and owing to the hostility of the Indians all white people were ordered out of the country. He then returned to Portland, where he had left his family, but he soon came back with his eldest son, Charles, whom he left with some men on the place while he went to Portland for his family, but he died soon after his arrival. In 1859 Mrs. Clark came to Walla Walla in company with the family of Capt. Dent, afterward General Dent, a brother of Mrs. U. S. Grant. She remained two weeks and re- turned to Portland, in company with an of- ficer's wife. In the fall she came back to the claim with her two younger children, William and Lizzie. In 1862 Mr. Reynolds erected on the "Clark Donation Claim" what was known for many years as .the "Reynolds Mill." Of late years it has been called "McKinnon's Mill." It was destroyed by fire in the fall of 1888. In 1867 Mr. Reynolds was elected a com- missioner of Walla Walla county, but resigned before his term expired. He was a member of the city council in 1876, again in 1877, and yet again in 1881. As a public official Mr. Reynolds was opposed to all extravagant ex- penditures and every scheme presented for a raid on the public treasury met his well-known emphatic "No" and untiring opposition in and out of office. He was one of the original in- corporators of the Walla Walla and Columbia River railroad, an organization which under the indomitable management of Dr. D. S. Baker became the cornerstone of the modern prosperity of Walla Walla. Mr. Reynolds 240 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. was the chief promoter of the Dayton Woolen Mills, built in 1872. In connection with Dr. J. H. Day. he opened the first bank in Walla Walla in the handsome two-story brick build- ing erected by them at No: 8 East Main, above Second street. At the time of his death Mr. Reynolds was vice-president of the First National Bank of Walla Walla. He left a comfortable fortune. Such is the record made by a modest, exemplary citizen, whose aims in life seemed to be to fear God and deal justly with all men. The world would be better were there more men like him. Since Mr. Reynolds' death in 1889 Mrs. Reynolds has lived her simple quiet life, and many a life has been made brighter and happier because of her sweet influence. ALLEN H. REYNOLDS, a prominent at- torney and business man of Walla Walla, is a son of Almos H. Reynolds, whose biographi- cal sketch precedes this article. In compiling personal mention of men worthy of emulation, in a history of the northwest, it is seldom that we are able to find subjects who are pioneers by birth. Allen H. Reynolds was born in Walla Walla, January 24, 1869. Almost his entire life has been spent in his native city, where today he stands in the foremost ranks of the leading men in professional, business and social life. Mr. Reynolds has been well equipped to carry on the prominent reputation and high esteem which his pioneer parents established for the name of Reynolds, in southeastern Wash- ington and the high characteristics, so notice- able in the father, are perceptible in the son for in more ways than one, he is following in his father's footsteps. Mr. Reynolds' preliminary education and discipline were received in a private school, con- ducted by the late Rev. P. B. Chamberland. He later entered Whitman College from which he was graduated with the class of 1889. De- ciding to adopt the legal profession as his vocation in life, he entered the Boston Uni- versity Law School, in Boston, Massachusetts, from which he graduated with the class of 1893. Returning to Walla Walla he entered upon an active practice of his profession being first as partner with W. H. Kirkman, and to whom he was related by marriage. In the spring of 1900 he formed a professional alliance with Andrew J. Gillis, forming and building up a representative practice. Mr. Reynolds is treasurer of Whitman College, and a member of its board of trustees. He is also vice-president of the First National Bank of Walla Walla and is a member of the executive committee of the Farmer's Sav- ings Bank. On November 7, 1894, Mr. Reynolds was united in marriage to Miss Fanny Kirkman, daughter of William H. and Isabel Kirkman, who are mentioned elsewhere in this volume. Mrs. Reynolds was born in Walla Walla, and like her husband is a descendant of one of the oldest and most prominent pioneer families in the county. Three children have been born to Mrs. Reynolds and her husband, namely, William A., Almos H. and Ruth S. The family are members of the Congregational church. MRS. ANNIE McC. MIX, a highly cul- tured and refined lady, is a native of the sunny south. She was born in New Orleans, Louisi- ana, in the year 1831. Her education was ac- quired in the select schools and under the di- rection of private tutors in Bethlehem, her native state. In 1849 sne was united in mar- riage to Mr. James D. Mix, who was born in Georgetown, Virginia, in 1818. In 1863 Mr. and Mrs. Mix became residents of Walla Walla, and here our subject has since re- mained. She is well known and highly esteemed in the city where so many years of MR S. ANNIE M£ C. HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 241 her life have been passed, and while a true daughter of the sunny south, her deepest and most hallowed memories cluster around her old home here. Mrs. Mix has been a widow for many years, and after the death of her husband she took up the cares and responsibilities of life and assumed the burden of obligations that had been contracted during her husband's life. Her good judgment and business ability en- abled her to maintain that social position in life to which she so justly is entitled. She is now residing at number six, Birch street, in Walla Walla, and while she has accumulated considerable property through her judicious business ability, she has laid aside the cares of commercial life and is living practically retired. JOHN BACHTOLD, who is proprietor of the Elk saloon in Walla Walla, was born in Switzerland, on October 16, 1865, the son of John and Elise (Widmer) Bachtold, also na- tives of Switzerland. They came to the United States in 1882 and the father died in Port- land in 1899. The mother died at Walla Walla, on November 29, 1904. They located in the Willamette valley about 1890, and the father purchased farm land, which he cultivated until the time of his death. The home was fifteen miles out from Portland. After the father's death the widow lived with our subject until her decease. John received his education in his native country and remained in South Dakota, where the family first settled, until 1889 when he came to Oregon. After that he spent two years in Hoquaim, on Gray's Harbor, in Washington, where he took up a timber claim. In 1891 he came to Walla Walla and opened a restaurant which he conducted suc- cessfully for one year. Then he purchased his present place of business and has continued in handling the same since. In 1 89 1 Mr. Bachtold married Miss Annie 16 Schurch, a native of Switzerland, and the daughter of John and Margaret (Limberger) Schurch, also natives of Switzerland and now owning a large farm in South Dakota, where they reside. To our subject and his wife, three children have been born, Annie, Ida and George. Mr. Bachtold has three brothers; Alfred, in the wholesale liquor business ; Albert, a farmer; and Ernest, bookkeeper for the Betz Brewing Company. Mr. Bachtold is a member of the A. O. U. W., the I. O. R. M., the A. O. F., the F. O. E., and the Sons of Herman. He is a Re- publican in politics and is central committee- _ man of the Mullan precinct and has served as delegate to the state and county conventions. He is also vice-president of the Best Brewing and Malting Company and owns considerable farm land in Walla Walla and Franklin counties. GEORGE W. SLATER, senior member of the real estate and loan firm of Slater & Slater, of Walla Walla, is a native of Tennessee, born June 4, 1852. Mr. Slater was the son of Thomas J. and Rebecca (Nicholls) Slater, the former born in Virginia and the latter in North Carolina. The father was a member of the old Slater family which settled in the state of Virginia during the early history of the United States and which has ever been one of the foremost fam- ilies of the Dominion State. Thomas J. Slater and two of his sons, William A. and Henry A., brothers of our subject, were soldiers during the Civil War. The father and William were under General Pemberton of the Confederate •army, and passed through the famous siege of Vicksburg. His son, William M., was a lieutenant in the Confederate army and fell at the battle of Reno, Georgia; the other son was killed during the war by a steamboat ex- plosion. The father at last was killed, afte/ 242 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. the surrender of Vicksburg, while defending his home against guerillas. Our subject's mother died in 1854, when he was a child of two years. She was a first cousin of President Andrew Johnson, and her father was Charles H. Nicholls, of English descent, one of the oldest southern families and a prominent planter and slave owner. Our subject was reared in Tennessee until 1 87 1, when he went to Indiana and two years later he removed to Texas, where he remained two years. He became a man of finished edu- cation, although his early schooling was ac- quired under extreme difficulties, he having many a night pursued his studies by the light furnished by a blazing pine knot. He went to school first in the rude country school houses of the south, but later took a complete course in the Wabash College at Crawfordsville, Indi- ana. After his graduation from this school he returned to Tennessee in 1876, and was there married, August 14, 1877, to Matilda Bailey, a native of Hawkins county, Tennessee, and daughter of Joseph A. and Nancy (Bailey) Bailey, both born in Tennessee. The father came of a wealthy family of Tennessee planters. He died while Mrs. Slater was an infant, and the mother died in 1880. For a time after his marriage Mr. Slater was engaged in farming. While following this pursuit he employed all his leisure time in reading law and finally was admitted to the bar. He entered upon the practice of his pro- fession, which he continued without interrup- tion for more than twenty years. He also en- tered politics, and during his lifetime he has held many political offices, such as sheriff, com- missioner, for his county, justice of the peace, judge of the county court, and so forth, and re- peatedly has been chairman of central com- mittees of his party — the Democratic. In 1891 he sold his property in Hawkins county and removed with his family to Johnson City, Tennessee, where he practiced law and followed real estate business, coming to his present loca- tion in 1 90 1. Here he established his present business in partnership with W. J. Conton- wine, but later he purchased Mr. Cantonwine's interest in the business and took in his son, Edward C. as a co-partner, the firm then be- coming Slater & Slater. Mr. and Mrs. Slater have four children : Dora, wife of Riley D. Henson, Walla Walla; Edward C, now living in Jonesboro, Ten- nessee; Margaret L. ; and Matilda M., living at home in Walla Walla. Mr. Slater is a member of Columbia lodge, No. 8, Knights of Pythias. Both he and Mrs. Slater are members of the Christian church. Mr. Slater has one sister, Sarah Jane, who be- came the wife of Hugh D. Hayns, of Colfax, Washington. GEORGE RETZER is secretary, treasurer and general manager of the Betz Brewing & Malting Company, one of the largest and most up to date breweries in the Pacific northwest. Its establishment dates back to 1882, when Jacob Betz began, in a small way. In 1904, February 5th, it was incorporated with a capital of one hundred and seventy-five thousand dol- lars, divided into one hundred and seventy-five shares, at one thousand dollars each. The first officers of the institution were Jacob Betz, George Retzer, John Bachtold, Albert Nieber- gall, Lucien Genevay and J. F. Talabere. These served until May, 1904, when the following named officers and directors were elected : Jacob Betz, president; John Bachtold, vice- president ; George Retzer, secretary and treas- urer, while Albert Niebergall, J. F. Talabere, J. G. Thomas, and J. G. Stine are directors. Mr. Retzer is, also, general manager of the^ company. The careful management and busi- ness sagacity of the board of directors have been instrumental in making' this one of the largest breweries in the state, it having a capacity of twenty-five thousand barrels an- nually, of a very superior quality of genuine HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 243 lager beer, which is known far and near in this and adjoining states. Their present mag- nificent plant was erected in 1903, and all the most modern and up to date machinery needed in the various departments is installed. The barley used is raised in the vicinity of Walla Walla, while the hops come from the yards of Washington and Oregon, and everything used is of the purest and best quality. George Retzer, Jr., was born in Baden, Germany, on June 21, 1863. His father, George Retzer, is also a native of Germany, and was a farmer by occupation. He migrated to the United States in 1898 and made his way direct to Walla Walla, where he and his wife now live a retired life. Our subject received his educational train- ing in the schools of the Fatherland and when fifteen was apprenticed to a large department store for three years. Having completed that term, he was bookkeeper in a cigar factory for one year, then being possessed of a desire to see the world, he embarked for Philadelphia and in due time was landed on the soil of the new world. This was in 1881. For two yeors thereafter, he was occupied in a bakery and the succeeding five years were spent in a patent medicine establishment. In October, 1890, he came west to Walla Walla and took up the saloon business which he successfully followed for a time. Then he became interested in the brewing company where we now find him, and in 1904 he accepted the offices in this company which have been mentioned. At Elizabeth, New Jersey, on July 28, 1882, Mr. Retzer married Miss Anna Gessner, a native of Hessen, Germany, who landed in Brooklyn, New York, in 1881. Her parents both died in the old country when she was a child. To our subject and his wife six chil- dren have been born, George H., Elsie, Will- iam. Anna, Henry and Christina. Mr. Retzer has four brothers and two sisters, William, Charley, Mrs. Carry Achermann, and Chris- tina, in Walla Walla, and Henry and Conrad in Philadelphia. Fraternally, Mr. Retzer is a prominent member of the Eagles, the Odd Fellows, the Redmen, and the Sons of Her- man. In politics he is a strong Republican. JAMES HARSHY INGRAM was born in Edgar county, Illinois, February 25, 1839, the son of James and Elizabeth (Vanmeter) Ingram. About 1842 the family left Edgar county, Illinois, for Wisconsin, and the father died on the journey from hemorrhage of the hrngs, it being induced by heavy lifting He was buried at Dover City, Wisconsin The bereaved family drove their ox teams on to Sauk City, and settled for a time, later living m Hayward and then in Richland. In 1858 our subject and one brother went to Council Bluffs, Iowa, and cut cordwood for a time. In 1861 they journeyed on to Central City Colorado, and mined and prospected. Two years later they were in Virginia City, Mon- tana, but after a year there they returned to Central City, and Blackhawk, Colorado, but before the year expired, 1863, they were back in Iowa. In 1867, with his wife and one in- fant child, Mr. Ingram joined a train of ok teams and came to Georgetown, Colorado Ihe tram had seventy outfits, and kept close watch against Indians as they were vicious then. Until r8 77 Mr. Ingram remained in Georgetown engaged in mining and prospect- ing. Then he returned to Iowa and shortly afterward, in 1884, came west with his fam- ily, settling on a five-acre tract which he pur- chased from H, P. Isaacs, where they now re- side. Mr. Ingram has spent much time in pros- pecting m various places of the northwest and believes the state of Washington has as fine deposits of gold as Montana and Colorado, but, owing to volcanoes, they are lower down.' On April 29, 1866, in Mills county, Iowa, James H. Ingram married Mary J .Williams' the daughter of Almond M. and Zilpha b' 244 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. (Cilley) Williams. Mrs. Ingram was born on November 5, 1842, in Salem, New York, and a more extended account of her ancestry will be found in the sketch of Milton A. Williams. Their children, four sons and three daugh- ters, received their education from Whitman College. The oldest son, Elmer E., is a min- ister in the Cumberland Presbyterian church, residing at Waco, Texas, Oscar L., court re- porter of Walla Walla, is the inventor of an adding attachment to the typewriter. Jesse W. is a Doctor of Medicine, and practices in Walla Walla. Morton M. enlisted in Com- pany I, First Washington Volunteers in 1898 in the Spanish-American War, and sailed for Manila on the Valencia. He was in the battle of Santa Anna when the Washington volun- teers charged through the rice swamps waist deep and up the hill in the face of the enemy disregarding General King's commands and warning that it would be "simply suicidal" as they were then virtually defeated. General King hearing their shout and seeing their dauntless act said, "There go the American boys and all can't stop them," and charged after them and the day was won. He returned to Walla Walla and entered the employ of the W. & C. R. Railroad, and is agent at Dixie. Carrie married Arthur G. Cornwell, a farmer and brother of Senator Oliver Cornwell and they now reside in Walla Walla. Ellen is a teacher in Walla Walla. Myrtle is a student in the conservatory of music in Whitman Col- lege. HON. WILLIAM G. PRESTON. It is with great pleasure that we now essay the task of outlining the life history of one whom an adventurous spirit led early to the sea, and afterwards kept on the forefront of civiliza- tion's march during the decades of a long and successful career. Our subject has always ben a giant in achievement and one before whom difficulties that would overwhelm a less resolute man vanished like the dews before the morning sun. Mr. Preston was born in Galway, Sara- toga county, New York, on the twenty-third day of November, 1832, and his education was acquired in Galway Academy located in the town of his birth. When eighteen years old he went to live with his uncle, Rev. A. W. Piatt, a Presbyterian minister, residing in Tompkins county, New York, with whom he resided until 1852. He then went to sea, vis- iting New Brunswick, New Orleans, Liver- pool and other points in Great Britain and America, finally returning to Galway, via Bos- ton, in 1854. That year witnessed the opening of settle- ment in the territory of Nebraska and thither our subject went in the fall, making the jour- ney by way of Chicago, Rock Island, down the Mississippi to St. Louis, and up the Missouri river, there being no direct railroad connection in those days. Locating at Bellevue he became captain of Colonel Sarpee's large ferry boat in 1855, and when the capital of the territory was moved to Omaha, and the boat sold to the Council Bluffs and Nebraska ferry company, he went with it to Omaha. In 1857, he re- moved to Steubenville, Ohio, and built the Omaha City, a double engine, side wheel boat, designed to carry freight on the river. In 1858, leaving the ferry industry in charge of his brother, he went to Pike's Peak, Colorado, and was among the first on the site of Denver, building, also, one of the first houses. He was engaged in mining in the Gregory mines for a couple of years, but meeting with only in- different success, he resolved to try his for- tunes in Northern Idaho, then a part of the territory of Washington. He went in by the upper Snake river, crossing the stream in a wagon bed, and by old Fort Lemhi, at the head of the Salmon river. Mr. Preston's connection with the town of Waitsburg dates back to 1866. Shortly after his arrival he purchased an interest in the HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 245 Washington Flouring mills, adding also a general merchandise business. He and his brother, Piatt A., bought out Mr. Wait, the original owner, and he has continued in the business since at times having other associates in both the milling and the merchandise enter- prises. He is a director in the Merchants' Bank, of Waitsburg, a stockholder and direc- tor in the Schwabacher Company's general merchandise store at Walla Walla, was prom- inently connected with the Puget Sound Dressed Meat Company when that was in ex- istence, and is very largely interested in farm- ing lands and stock; while especial evidences of Mr. Preston's wonderful enterprise and great executive ability are to be found in the Washington Mills, which have long been the leading industry of Waitsburg, and which have ever been so successfully managed as to win for their products the first place for excellence and a very enviable reputation the state over. The plant is in all respects equal to the best, and the people of the city are justly proud of it. Notwithstanding the exacting nature of his many duties, in connection with his private business, M'r. Preston has always found time to take an interest in politics, and when called upon to perform the public duties, for which his fine intellectual endowments so well quali- fied him, to attend to the same with faithful- ness and care. When in the state legislature in 1 88 1, he was appointed chairman of the very important committee of Ways and Means. In 1869, Mr. Preston was married to Miss Matilda Cox, a daughter of the noted Ander- son Cox, and perhaps the first white child born in Idaho. Their union has been blessed by the advent of three children, Bert and Dale, in the Preston Grocery Company of Walla Walla, and Charles in the mills in Waitsburg. As an interesting reminiscence, we may record that, in 1862, Mr. Preston and his brother, while on their way to the Idaho min- ing regions, crossed the Snake river above Fort Hall when the stream was swollen by melting snows, using their wagon bed as a boat. The experiment was a very dangerous one, but they managed to thus safely ferry across camp equipments and wagons of a large train of immigrants, swimming the stock. On reaching Fort Lemhi, as wagons could not be taken further, they traded their cattle and wagons to some of those in the train who had become discouraged and turned back, receiv- ing mules for their property. Pack saddles were made and their first experience in the most primitive mode of transportation where beasts of burden are used was had. One of the mules rolled down the mountain and landed in the brush hundreds of feet below, but further than that no great losses were sus- tained. After experiencing such hardships as only a packer knows anything about, they at length reached the Elk City mines, where the search for the key to Nature's treasure vaults began. ■♦ » » LOUIS W. COCHRAN, a retired farmer in Walla Walla and a man well known for his integrity and upright principles, was born in North Carolina, on July 1, 1832. His father, David C. Cochran, was also born in the same house and his father, Daniel Cochran, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Henry county, Virginia, and was in the Revolutionary War. The father of that patriot died when Daniel was a mere lad and he knows little about him. He came from a well to do and prominent Scotch family which settled early in Virginia, and there became a wealthy planter. Our subject's grandfather became wealthy after the Revolution and was a highly respected and influential man. He owned a large estate and fifteen slaves all of which was inherited by his only son, Daniel Cochran. This was in Surry county, North Carolina. Daniel Coch- ran prospered well after the Civil War, sus- taining no loss except his slaves and there died 246 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. in 1883, aged seventy-one. He had married Lucretia Reese, a native of Surry county. North Carolina, where also her parents were born. Their parents were natives of Pennsyl- vania and came from Welch ancestry and all were well to do and prominent people. Both families were people of exceptionally fine standing and there is no record, so far back as is known, that any of the Reeses or of the Cochran's did an act that brought ignominy on the family name. Our subject was reared and lived in Surry county until 1873, then moved to Catawba county, where he remained until 1892, in which year he sold out and came west. In 1862 he enlisted in Company E, Fifty-seventh North Carolina Infantry and was second lieutenant of his company, having assisted to organize the same. He was on detached service for three years from June, 1862, until the end of the war. Then he returned to the home and afterward began to reconstruct his fortunes. Just previous to the war on January 28, 1861, Mr. Cochran married Mary J. Rinehart, who was born in Catawba county, North Carolina. Her father, Henry Rinehart, was a native of the same place and his forefathers were Penn- sylvania Dutch people. He married Elizabeth Finger, also a native of Catawba county, and descended from Pennsylvania Dutch ancestry. The Rineharts were an influential and promi- nent family, both in Pennsylvania and North Carolina. Mrs. Cochran had one brother in the Civil War, being in the same company as our subject. After the war Mr. Cochran bought four hundred acres in Catawba county, and from 1865 to 1873, ne was somewhat un- settled. Then he gave his attention to busi- ness and in 1892, as stated, he came west. He purchased two hundred and forty acres of land, five miles from Dixie, but two years later he met with such reverses that he lost it. Afterward he bought a quarter section and con- tinued in handling the same until recently he sold the property. He is now living in Walla Walla and expects soon to erect a home here. Mr. Cochran has five sons, William H., Edwin W., Alonzo J., Robert F. and Preston L., all farmers in Walla Walla and Lincoln counties, this state. In February, 1896, Mrs. Cochran was called away by death. She died as she had lived, a faithful Christian, and was deeply mourned by all who knew her. Mr. Cochran is a member of the Baptist church as was also his wife, while in politics, he is an active Demo- crat. He has three brothers, George William, who has been register of deeds for the last six- teen years at Newton, Catawba county, North Carolina; John and Meredith J., farmers in that county. The latter has been magistrate for many years. Robert F., our subject's fourth son, is city marshal! at Creston, Wash- ington; William H. the eldest, is an orchardist at Peach. Mr. Cochran received a good educa- tion in Catawba College at Newton, North Carolina, although he did not graduate. He has always been a great reader and is a well informed man. DAVID BASHORE, of 327 W. Alder street, Walla Walla, Washington, came west during the early 7o's and began farming in Umatilla county, Oregon. He arrived there with just $30.00 in his pocket, but he managed his affairs to such a degree of success that he now is able to spend the remainder of his allotted years in ease and retirement. He has one of the most beautiful homes in the "Garden City" and an income sufficient to supply his every want. Mr. Bashore is a native son of Darke coun- ty, Ohio, and the date of his birth was April 27, 1850. He was the son of G. and Christina (Detter) Bashore, natives, respectively, of Pennsylvania and Ohio. Our subject's paternal ancestors originally came from Germany, set- tling in Pennsylvania early in the history of HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 247 this continent. The father removed to Ohio while a young man and soon after his marriage he and his wife removed to Illinois, and dwelt in Springfield from i860 to 1864, then in DeWitt county three years, then located near Cerrogordo in which town they also acquired the ownership of a flour mill. About the year 1870 they went to Kansas, and two years later came to Walla Walla county. The father died here in December, 1893. aged seventy-six years. Mrs. Bashore died in Walla Walla in the year 1892. David Bashore is a man of quite finished education received in the state of his birth and Illinois. As a child he removed with his parents to the latter named state, but later on returned to Ohio to complete his education. Early in the seventies he came to Albany, Ore- gon, remained there one year, then removed to Umatilla county, Oregon, and settled on a farm within nine miles of the city of Walla Walla. He lived upon this farm until 1899, when he came to his present home. He still retains possession of his farm in Umatilla coun- ty, comprising six hundred and forty acres im- proved with the best of farm buildings and in a high state of scientific cultivation. Besides his Alder street home. Mr. Bashore also owns a residence building on Chase avenue. In 1875 Mr. Bashore was married to Mary Kiester, a native of Stephenson county, Illinois, in which state she grew to womanhood and acquired her education. Mr. and Mrs. Bashore were made husband and wife in Illinois and came west together, and it is largely due to the encouragement and wifely assistance on the part of Mrs. Bashore that the subject of this sketch has attained the position in the world that he now enjoys. Mrs. Bashore's father was David Kiester, born in Uniontown, Pennsylvania. His an- cestors were early emigrants from Germany, settling in Pennsylvania. Mr. Kiester was a farmer in his native state, and also in Illinois, to which state he removed during the early days. Mrs. Bashore's mother was Elizabeth Girl, a native of Ohio. JAMES KNOTT is generally considered to be the leading contractor and builder in the city of Walla Walla, and but very few build- ings in which masonry has been required have ever been built in the city that he has not been connected with. Born in England, January 31, 1850, James Knott was the son of James and Ann (Hancock) Knott, both natives of Cornwall, England. The father was the son of Mark Knott, and both were masonry build- ers and contractors, and both were men of in- fluence in their community. The father lived to the age of ninety-four and his father was eighty-nine at the time of his death. The place of Mr. Knott's birth was also in Cornwall, near the county line of Devon- shire. He was liberally educated in private and national schools, and learned stone masonry from his father. When twenty-two years old he came to the United States, re- maining three years in New York city working at his trade. From New York he went to San Francisco, where he remained two years, go- ing thence to Shasta county. The year follow- ing he went to Portland, Oregon, and a few months later he came to Walla Walla, the year being 1878. He came by way of the Columbia and Snake rivers as far as possible, as he preceded the railroad into Walla Walla. He engaged in contracting and building soon after coming here and has continued in that line almost continuously since. He has done the greater portion of all the stone and concrete work for the city government, and has built nearly all of the bulkheads on Mill creek, and at the present time he has a contract to put in a two thousand foot concrete wall on this creek. In 1884 he took a preemption claim on 248 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. Eureka Flat, and from time to time he has added to his original land holdings by pur- chase until now he owns a two thousand acre farm on Eureka Flat, all under cultivation, which is being farmed by his sons, Fred and Edward. In 1889 Mr. Knott erected a hand- some home at 728 Whitman street, Walla Walla, in which the family now lives, com- fortahly situated and one of the most uni- versally respected families in the city. Mr. Knott was married June 24, 1876, at San Francisco, to Josephine Ullberg, a na- tive of Sweden. To this union have been born seven children: Frederick M. ; Edward; A. Everett, a student in Whitman College; Lottie, wife of Rev. Charles Delepine, a Baptist clergyman of Ohio; Louise, Annie and Ruth, who live with their parents. All of the family belong to the Baptist faith. Mr. Knott has one brother, Joseph, a car- penter and farmer in Walla Walla; and two sisters, Mary, wife of George Conibeer, a har- ness merchant of Plymouth, England; and Elizabeth, wife of William White, a mine blacksmith of Plymouth, England. Mrs. Knott has one half-brother, Frederick Gorrensen, an engineer residing in Tacoma, Washington. In political persuasion Mr. Knott is a Re- publican, though he is not an active worker in the ranks of his party. He is considered a man of more than aver- age means, although he has earned all he possesses himself since coming to the city. Besides the property enumerated above, he has one-third interest in the postoffice building, and one-third interest in the Jacox building, both in Walla Walla, besides a few odd blocks of realty in different parts of the city. HON. BENJAMIN L. SHARPSTEIN. In selecting subjects for the biographical de- partment of this work Ave have used our best efforts and every possible endeavor to find men, who, in the various walks of life, have, by their deeds, been most instrumental in con- tributing to the history of southeastern Wash- ington, and who, by their individuality, have left their impress upon the community. We are pleased to be able to record here a brief memoir of Hon. Benjamin L. Sharp- stein, who has made for himself a place in the history of this state that will ever be re- membered, while, also, he has long been known as one of the leading lawyers of Washington. He was until quite recently the senior member of the firm of Sharpstein & Sharpstein and it is due to his individual efforts and judicial knowledge that the firm is one of the strongest legal firms in the Inland Empire. Our subject was born in Bath, Steuben county, New York, October 22, 1827, and is the son of Luther and Abigil (Johnson) Sharpstein, natives of New York state. At the age of seven years he accompanied his parents to Michigan, where he resided until he attained his nineteenth year. During this time the territory of Michigan was admitted into the union as a state, and to this event Mr. Sharpstein refers as the first state he saw made. While doing farm work, for he was reared on a farm, the idea of some day becom- ing a pleader at the bar was his earnest desire, and toward this high mark he bent his ener- gies, never flagging in any of the arduous labor incident to accomplish the desired "end. For a young man on the farm in the wilds of Michi- gan, in those early days, to lay his plans and work his way until he was admitted to the bar with honors was no small undertaking. At the age last mentioned he determined to jour- ney to Wisconsin and in the then Badger Ter- ritory he sought an opportunity to read law, and, finding the same with a good firm, bent his energies to the task with a will. The re- sult was that he was admitted to the bar in 1852 and successfully practiced in Wisconsin until he decided to come farther west. While a resident of Wisconsin that territory was Hon. Benjamin L. Sharpstein George Dacres James Mclnroe Harrison H. Hungate HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 249 made a state and he well remembers the time when it donned the statehood garments and took place with Columbia's other daughters. In May, 1864, having made the preparations for the journey westward, Mr. Sharpstein started across the plains with his family. They joined a train wending its way toward the land of the west and from May until Sep- tember they faced the setting sun and trudged onward over barren plains and rugged moun- tains, fording streams and fighting back sav- ages who seemed to make their appearance on every hand. At last they arrived in Walla Walla where Mr. Sharpstein resumed the practice of his profession. His personality, ability, and knowledge of the law were soon apparent and he arose to prominence almost as soon as he arrived, for his name was put forward as a representative to the legislative council and he was promptly elected to that position. So faithfully and with such ability did he discharge the duties incumbent upon him and with such zealous care conserved the interests of his constituents that twice he was reelected to the same office. Although a Dem- ocrat in his political opinion, and running on the Democratic ticket in a county that was strongly Republican, still he was always fa- vored with a handsome majority. Mr. Sharp- stein was a member of the constitutional con- vention that convened in August 22, 1882. In 1874 he accepted the nomination as representative to the United States congress. He made a thorough canvass of his district which was strongly Republican in sentiment and received a majority of 292 votes in his own county. His opponent, the Hon. Orange Jacobs, chief justice of the territory, was elected by a narrow margin. At the time of this election it was a well known fact that the ter- ritory was overwhelmingly Republican, and it was almost considered a forlorn hope to at- tempt to elect a Democrat. And while Mr. Sharpstein was defeated for the office his ex- ceedingly large vote in eastern Washington and the inroads he made upon the usual Re- publican vote showed his popularity at the time and the esteem in which he was held by the people. In 1889 Mr. Sharpstein was a candidate on the Democratic ticket for the supreme bench of Washington; the returns of the election showed for him 25,468 votes which was about two thousand ahead of his ticket. Yet, notwithstanding the large vote he re- ceived he suffered defeat with the rest of the Democratic candidates on the ticket. The rapid development of our magnificent nation is brought strikingly into relief when we note that Judge Sharpstein has been pres- ent at the birth of three states, and, also, has materially assisted in the development of these commonwealths. In 1890, Judge Sharpstein was appointed by Governor Ferry a member of the board of Tide Lands Commissioners, of which body he was elected chairman three consecutive times, by the unanimous vote of the board which had a Republican majority. During all the deliberations of this important commis- sion, for upon it devolved the proper disposal of all the tide lands of the state, Judge Sharp- stein was one of the leading spirits and his wisdom, his clear sense of justice, and his pro- found judgment were most useful in the proper consummation of their labors. The im- portance of this commission is more fully un- derstood when we consider the fact that they consumed three years in their deliberations be- fore completing their labors. If there has been one object more dear to the judge than any other in the progress of his city, it has been the worthy purpose to make the public schools excel in every respect. For twenty-five years he has faithfully given of his time to accomplish this end, having been constantly on the board of public education, and the intensely practical judgment with which he is so generously endowed, has en- abled him to do much to accomplish the de- sired ends, and as a monument to him and his labors the public schools of Walla Walla stand second to none in the state. As evidence of 2^0 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. appreciation of his labors a large, new and modern school building erected recently was named in honor of him after his resignation from the board. And the Judge has always taken a deep interest in educational matters for in Wisconsin he held the same position on the school board and did much to further the interest of educational facilities for the proper instruction of the rising generations. Among the children born to Judge Sharp- stein and his wife are two, John L. and Frank B., who are attorneys. Upon their ad- mission to the bar, they were received by their father into the firm and with him thev prac- ticed under the style of Sharpstein & Sharp- stein. While the senior partner is now retired and enjoys the fruits of a long career of in- dustry, the firm still remains a monument to the ability and strong personality of Judge Sharpstein, and ranks with the best legal firms of the state. Judge Sharpstein owns valuable city property and considerable agricultural land which is rented. He still oversees his in- terests and is consulting partner in the firm. On December 2.J, 1855, Mr. Sharpstein married Miss Sarah J. Parks, a native of New York state, and later a resident of Wisconsin. Five children have been born to them, J. L, Ada E., wife of C. B. Upton; Arthur P.; Frank G. ; and Charles M. In fraternal associations the judge is a thirty-second degree mason and is past master of the Blue Lodge, having, also, been both junior and senior warden of the grand lodge of Washington. GEORGE DACRES, deceased. The pioneers of Walla Walla are fast passing to the realities of another world, while the newer generations are coming forward to carry out on a more extended scale the labors they have begun in this favored region. Prominent among the people who have passed, is George Dacres. He was a well known and successful business man of Walla Walla and one of the history makers of Washington. Prominent in the various lines which he followed and al- ways a man filled with the true spirit of the path-finder, his career was necessarily replete with adventure and interesting incident and to write a detailed account of the same would form a very profitable chapter of history of the northwest. He was a native son of the Emerald Isle, being born May 30, 1828. He was reared at his birthplace and received a fair education, then his adventurous spirit urged for other fields than those found in the restricted territory of Ireland, so in 1849, ne came to New York. The interest in the dis- covery of gold in California exactly met his aspirations and in a short time he was on his way to the Golden State, traveling via the isthmus. It was 1852, when he landed at his destination and for five years, he was occupied there. First in mining, then as a salesman in a mercantile establishment. Mr. Dacres then determined to try his fortune in the rising ter- ritory of Washington, the star then appearing, one of the brightest on the Pacific coast. About this time came the mad rush to the Fraser region and Mr. Dacres was not a man to be left behind at such a time as that, so once again he turned his attention to gold mining. He participated in all the scenes incident to such an exodus, which are now matters of his- tory but whether he was successful financially, we are not told. However, it is well known that he was one of the most stirring and suc- cessful men generally in those days, which form an epoch in American history. Turning from the Fraser river country, we find him next in the employ of the United States gov- ernment as an assistant in locating the line be- tween the United States and Canada and he was there occupied until i860. For fifteen years after that, Mr. Dacres was one of the head packers to the various mines of the north- west and his train found its way to all the camps then known. What days those were HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 251 when the trails of the pack train were largely the only marks of civilization through the proud expanse of the inland empire. Great days for the pioneer ! Days never to return again and clays in which such stirring char- acters as George Dacres laid broad and deep the foundations for this great northwestern commonwealth, which now is attracting the attention of the civilized world. Fifteen years actively engaged in packing through the wild mountains, the trackless forests, over swollen rivers and amid storms with but the sky for a covering, is a long time, but Mr. Dacres was, even then, slow to give up the matchless free- dom of that occupation. Finally he decided that such time had come, as civilization was beginning to dot the fertile land with the set- tler's cabin, and the steam horse already found its way to the Pacific coast, and he bade fare- well to his old line of business, disposed of his outfit and in- 1875 turned his attention to farm- ing. The same spirit of wisdom that won suc- cess in his former occupation soon placed him in possession of one thousand acres of fine land, lying adjacent to and near the city of Walla Walla. In addition to that, he secured two thousand acres more and some time be- fore his death, increased his holdings to a large amount even above that magnificent domain. Always a progressive man and ready to put into execution his ideas, Mr. Dacres saw in 1899, tne nee( l °f a fi rst c ^ ass hotel in Walla Walla. With him, to see a need was to supply it, and, accordingly, in a short time the Hotel Dacres, known and esteemed by the traveling public in the entire northwest, was in full op- eration in Walla Walla where the genial and kindly welcome he was so well fitted to give to weary travelers was always extended and we may not wonder that his hotel was always wondrously popular both with business people of Walla Walla and with the traveling public. The hotel still stands, a monument to his mem- ory and business ability, one of the choicest places of entertainment in the entire state. In political matters, Mr. Dacres always took an active part and for two years was a member of the city council. He was always a leader in social lines, being a genial, kindly man and a good conversationalist. At Walla Walla, in September, 1864, Mr. Dacres married Margaret Russell, also a na- tive of Ireland. She died in 1887, leaving two children, James, who was born August 1, 1865, and Mary, residing in Walla Walla. In 1889, Mr. Dacres married Margaret Donnelly, also a native of Ireland and to them was born one child, George, now attending one of Walla Walla's excellent educational institutions. From out the confines of a busy life; From the world's ceaseless stir of care and strife; Into the stillness of the Heavenly Guide; As He would have, H& calls His own aside. JAMES McINROE. It is indeed an office of sacred trust, of tender responsibility, to speak in memory of those whose lives can no longer speak for themselves ; whose hands have released their grasp upon the burdens of the living and whose hearts have ceased to beat. The costly stone, the storied shaft, mark the eternal earthly resting place, but in the heart the memory is held and from out the depths of the heart the mouth speaketh. How natural therefore to speak with tenderness of those whose absence make not only their own homes desolate, but have laid bare man)'' of the green spots of the earthly paradise. James Mclnroe was one of the pioneer residents of Walla Walla, and during his life became associated with the business interests of the county. He was born in Corning, New York, March 11, 1841. and was the son of the late Lawrence Mclnroe, a native of West- meath County, Ireland. Lawrence Mclnroe left the Emerald Isle when he was a young lad, to seek his fortune in America. He located in Connecticut, upon 252 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. his arrival on this side of the broad Atlantic, and there followed the occupation that he had selected as his vocation in life — the machin- ist's trade. In 1855 he decided that the western coun- try offered better opportunities than he had found in the east and he emigrated to Wiscon- sin and remained a resident of the Badger State until his demise which occurred in 1871. James Mclnroe, the immediate subject of this memoir, was reared on his father's farm where he remained until his eighteenth year when he struck out for himself and pursuing the lumbering business we find him engaged in the camps in the wilds of Wisconsin until 1864 when he decided to cross the plains and cast his lot with those sturdy pioneers upon whom the present generation may look with pride. In the spring of 1865 we find him in quest of the yellow metal in Montana, but hav- ing struck no bonanza, he abandoned this vo- cation and left the gold fields and for a time resided near Pierce City, Idaho. In 1872 he bought a quarter section of land on Dry Creek, where for nine years he farmed successfully, and at the same time retained some mining- interests that he had become associated with and with which he was moderately successful. Feeling that farming was more lucrative than mining, he disposed of all mining properties that he possessed and devoted his entire time and undivided attention to raising live stock and the cultivation of the grain fields. His farm was one of the largest and most success- ful in the county. His live stock was the best that could be produced. Mr. Mclnroe was a lover of the horse. He was the owner of the famous Caution, who has a mark of 2 124^ and who is the sire of the well known Alexis, with a mark of 2:18 and Limmont, who had earned the bracket of 2 :2c In 1892, Mr. Mclnroe purchased the dwell- ing at 103 Touchet street, Walla Walla, where he resided with his family and passed the residue of his days. In 1882 at her home in Wisconsin, was solemnized the union of James Mclnroe and Jennie Kent. Mrs. Mclnroe was born in Wis- consin and is the daughter of Edward Kent, a native of England. The children born to our subject and his wife are Lawrence O., Frank H., Earl K., James, Lloyd, Maud and Cora. Mr. Mclnroe affiliated with the I. O. O. F. of which order he filled the office of past grand. He was a member of the K. P., the W. W. and the B. P. O. E. Politically his opinions and support were given to the Democratic party and he was selected by the councils of his party on several occasions to represent them as a delegate in their conventions. For years he officiated as a director of the State Peni- tentiary and although he never sought political preferment he was selected by his friends to be a candidate on the Democratic ticket for county treasurer. He was a man whose political opinions were acquired by his deep sense of justice to the community at large and although identified with the Democratic party he never was radi- cal and he always supported whatever candi- date he believed was to the best interests of the community and for the good of the coun- try. His demise occurred on May 3, 1905. The funeral rites took place on Saturday, May 6th, from his late residence. His funeral was one of the largest that Walla Walla has ever known. His numerous friends, associates and lodge brothers gathered from the most remote corners of the county and under the auspices of the ritual of the I. O. O. F. he was laid to rest in. the Odd Fellows' Cemetery with due fraternal honors and glowing orations by the Rev. Date Gantz and the Rev. Andres Bard, both of Walla Walla, who said of him— "Our brother sleeps here, universally loved and ad- mired. Like an oak felled by the lightning in the prime of life he lies here, still and at rest in the bosom of mother earth. Our brother is in the care of a loving God." HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 253 To weary hearts, to mourning homes, God's meekest angel gently comes; No power hath he to banish pain, Or bring us back our lost again. And yet in tenderest love, our dear, And Heavenly Father sends him here; There's quiet in that angel's glance, There's rest in his still countenance. He mocks no grief with idle cheer, Nor wounds with words the mourner's ear: But ills and woes he may not cure, He kindly trains us to endure. Angel of patience, sent to calm Our feverish brows with cooling balm; To lay the stones of hope and fear And reconcile life's smile and tear. The throngs of mourning hearts to still, And make our own our Father's will, Oh, thou, who mournest on the way, With longings for the close of day. He walks with thee, that angel kind, And gently whispers, "Be resigned." Bear up, bear on, the end shall tell, The dear Lord doeth all things well. HON. HARRISON H. HUNGATE, a representative and successful stock raiser and farmer in Walla Walla county, and who has been associated with the interests of south- eastern Washington for more than thirty years, is to be classed as one of the leading citizens and a man of wealth and influence. He is the son of A. Hungate, a native of Washington county, Kentucky. This gentleman removed with his wife and two children to Hancock county, Illinois, while still a young man. He was filled with the adventurous spirit which led his ancestors from England to cast their lot with the earliest settlers in the Virginia colony. The family is an old and very promi- nent English house and dates back to 1425 when one distinguished member was appointed lord of the manor of Sexton. Later another was lord of the manor of Sherburn, under Henry VIII. in York. The book of heraldry gives a very extended mention of the family, and without doubt the records contain full accounts of others before the date given above. A. Hungate dwelt a few years in Hancock county, Illinois, then removed to McDonough county in the same state. For thirty years he was an honored agriculturist there and then returned to Hancock county where he spent the balance of his life. The death call came when he was at the ripe age of four score years and four, and as he had lived, faithful to the requirements of his fellow men and his God, so he passed to the world beyond and was borne to his last earthly resting place with becoming honors, surrounded with loving friends. He had married Miss Elizabeth Ward, who was the daughter of Nathan and Lucy (Fowler) Ward, an old and highly re- spected Kentucky family. Our subject was one of a large family of children and his birth occurred in Hancock county, Illinois, on April 14, 1836. He studied in the little log cabin school house near his father's farm until of an age when he could be of use to his father in working the farm, and then he gave his attention in summers to this employment, studying in winters only. He continued on the old home farm until 1864. He was hungry to see what the west had to show, and accord- ingly, in 1864, with his wife and three chil- dren, having been married while on the farm, he started towards the setting sun and patiently pursued his course until after four months of danger, privation and hardship, the little train pulled up at Sacramento. He selected farm land in the valley and went to work to subdue and cultivate the soil. This occupation en- gaged him until 1873, when, induced by the reports his brother-in-law had sent, that there was lots of grass in the vicinity of Walla Walla for sheep, Mr. Hungate finally decided to come hither. Accordingly, he disposed of his property in California and in the fall of 1873, he landed in Walla Walla. He soon purchased a section of land and went to rais- 254 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. ing sheep. His estate was in Spring valley and for four years he continued there. Then he rented the sheep ranch and embarked in farm- ing and stock raising, and to the management of this business he has given his time and talent since. He has operated on a large scale and his success has been most gratifying. At the present time he is cultivating three thou- sand acres of wheat soil and the returns are all that could be asked even in this fertile re- gion. He also has bands of stock and he is rated as one of the most successful farmers in the state. In addition to what has been mentioned, Mr. Hungate has valuable city property, including a beautiful modern home place. He has erected a modern brick hotel building on Main street and has made it one of the choice structures of the city. Air Hungate married Miss Mary C. Dun- can, and they have the following named chil- dren : Charles A. ; Ida, the wife of J. F. Crope, M. D.; Ella; Elizabeth, now deceased, form- erly the wife of H. A. Gardner ; Laura A. ; and Lulu G. In politics, Mr. Hungate is a Democrat and always takes an active interest in these things. He was a. member of the territorial legis- lature in 1883, and also has served as treasurer of Walla Walla county. In church relations, he and his wife belong to the Baptist denom- ination and are stanch supporters of the faith. Personally Mr. Hungate is a tall, dignified ap- pearing gentleman, and his well built and active body shows little to indicate the sixty- nine years' he has traveled the pilgrim way, while his affability and genial ways bespeak the kind heart and the fellow feeling, which are so highly appreciated, especially among pioneers. FRANCIS M. CORKRUM is a pioneer of 1865 and has since been one of the potent factors in developing the fertile country ad- jacent to Walla Walla. He has given atten- tion all his life to farming and has wrought in that capacity here. His birth occurred in Kentucky, in October, 1834. While still an infant he was called to mourn the death of his father, and then the widowed mother went with her family to Jefferson county, Illinois, and there, Francis grew to manhood on a farm with his uncle, receiving his education from the schools near the home place. When twenty years of age, he went to farming for himself, later rented again and then purchased a farm for himself. Finally he decided that he could be satisfied only by coming to the west, and accordingly, he rigged outfits, the teams being oxen and cows, and started with his family toward the setting sun*. Their in- tention was to go to California or Oregon, but something changed their minds and they landed in the fertile Walla Walla valley in- stead. He purchased the right from a home- steader for twenty dollars in greenbacks, to a claim on Spring branch, and soon began to build a home in - the wilderness. He added other land by purchase and in 1879 so ^ the two hundred and forty acres for over eleven thousand dollars. He then bought the Kennedy ranch of five hundred acres which he has made his headquarters since. When the time of life arrived that Mr. Corkrum should be entitled to retire, his wisdom and thrift had wrought with such excellent success that he had a gen- erous competence and he secured a comfort- able and choice residence in Walla Walla, and there he is residing now, superintending his estates from this point. He owns some other real estate in addition to the farm mentioned and, also, bought a farm for three of his sons. He has shown in the long residence here a splendid business ability, and his walk has been marked with uprightness and integrity, which have won for him many friends and the respect of all. Some ten or fifteen years after arriving in Walla Walla Mr. Cockrum and his wife, together with two children, were converted in the school house which he had assisted to HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 255 erect for the accommodation of the district children. He has since seen all of his children brought into the church, and his cup of joy is full to the brim. Mr. Corkrum has always been a zealous advocate of educational progress and has been instrumental in securing for the rising generation the best equipment for this important part of their preparation for life. In Spring Garden, Illinois, on February 1 1 , 1857, Mr. Corkrum married Miss Mary Kille- brue, a native of Jefferson county, the same state. The following children were born to this union : Sarah, wife! of Jeff Jen- nings, now deceased ; William J. ; Rosa- lie, wife of William York, of Ashland, Oregon; Uriah, a farmer in Walla Walla county; Nora, the wife of Thomas Wilson, a farmer near Dayton; Rado, wife of David Williams, of Adams, Oregon ; Leo ; Eva, at home with her parents ; David, deceased : and two that were taken by death before being named. Mr. and Mrs. Corkrum are happy in the possession of thirty-two grandchildren. BREWSTER FERREL has been a resi- dent of Walla Walla county since 1864, when he came west from the state of Iowa and took a homestead nine miles west from the city. At various times he has added to his original homestead by purchase, making his present farm one of the largest and most valuable individual tracts of land in the county. About ten years ago Mr. Ferrel removed with his family to Walla Walla, where they now have an elaborate home at 333 Birch street. Mr. Ferrel was born in Trimble county, Ohio, August 22, 1838. Ten years later his parents removed the family to Iowa, settling on a farm in Wayne county, which at that time was a very new country and considered by Easterners to be in the far Avest. Our sub- ject grew to manhood on this farm, never leav- ing it until coming west, as above noted. He was married in Wayne county, Iowa, in 1861, to Caroline Bott. Mrs. Ferrel was a native of Zanesville, Ohio, but came to Iowa with her parents dur- ing the early days of that commonwealth. Mrs. Ferrel's parents were George and Caroline (Wright) Bott, both native Germans, who came to the United States early in life and were pioneer settlers in the state of Ohio. The father and mother of the subject of this sketch were Edward and Rosella (Fish) Ferrel, the former a native of Pennsylvania and an Ohio pioneer, and the latter was born in Ohio. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Ferrel has been blessed with the following children: Thomas J., a farmer of Walla Walla county; Mrs. Rosella E. Barnett; Seth A. Ferrel, David B. and Joseph W., also farmers; and Mrs. Fidelia C. Maxon and Minnie M. Ferrel. ALBERT J. HOOPER, whose permanent residence is 527 First street, Walla Walla, Washington, is one of the heavy stock opera- tors of the southeastern part of the state. He spends much of his time in looking after his interests in various places and especially at the headquarters ranch near Hooper. He is one of the successful men of the country and has gained this position entirely through his wise management and careful industry. Possessed of the native thrift of his race, he has displayed it in many ways and is successful where others have failed, owing to this quality. Albert J. Hooper was born in Devonshire, England, on July 29, 1850. and comes from an old and well established family, his father being Henry Hooper, a native of the same shire. The father lived on the family estate, which had been held by his ancestors for sev- eral hundred years. He married Mary Snell, a native of the home county. After being well educated in the Blundells school in Tiverton, 256 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. England, Albert J. went to South Africa, it being then about 1866, and entered the office of his uncle at Durban. He remained in that position for four years then visited his native land, whence, a year later, he journeyed to the United States. He had heard much of the country embraced in the territory of Washing- ton, and so spent little time in getting hither. After careful investigation, he selected a loca- tion in what is now Adams county, and in 1872 brought the first band of sheep that had ever been in the county. He drove them from the Umpqua valley in Oregon. At various times, during his career here, he has added to his estate by purchase until he now has something over ten thousand acres, almost all in the vicinity of Hooper, which was named in honor of him. In addition to handling sheep and raising grain, he also gives special atten- tion to breeding blooded cattle and has many fine specimens of stock at the present time. In everything which he has prosecuted, Mr. Hooper has gained a splendid success and such examples as his are conducive to per- sistent effort on the part of others to gain the same desired goal. Ten thousand acres of land is a large estate even in this country of mammoth holdings and Mr. Hooper in earning" this has shown himself a master hand in finance. In 1880 Mr. Hooper married Lavina Z. Smith, a native of Polk county, Oregon. Her father, Passal E. Smith, was born in Spring- field, Illinois, and crossed the plains with ox teams to the Willamette valley as early as 1845, making settlement near where Salem now stands. For fourteen years he was one of the busy agriculturists in that valley, then re- moved to Puget Sound. Mr. and Mrs. Hooper have the following named children : Mabel, de- ceased ; Mary, the wife of E. A. Taylor ; Alice, married to Grant Copeland; Albert E., Ethel, Helen, Raymond and Walter, all students in Walla Walla. Mr. Hooper has one thousand head of cattle, all accoutrements of every kind and improvements needed in his domain and is possessed also of much other property. In political matters he always takes an active part, although he is not a politician by any means. He maintains an individuality in this as in every other line, which marks him as a man of stamina and sound judgment. He is public minded and generous, has won hosts of friends and is one of the real builders of this part of the state of Washington. JOHN DOOLY. It is ever gratifying to take under review the life history of one who has wrought earnestly and faithfully and has proved a power for good in the various rela- tions of human existence, maintaining a high sense of stewardship and having a constant recognition of the extraneous responsibilities concomitant with personal success. Such a man was he whose name initiates this para- graph, and no compilation having to do with the annals of Walla Walla county, or south- eastern Washington, would be consistent with itself, were there a failure to incorporate a sketch of his faithful and useful career. A native of the old world, having been born on the other side of the broad Atlantic, he was yet a pioneer of the far west of the new world, where he spent the residue of his days honored and respected by all who knew him. Mr. Dooly was born in Killkenny county, Ire- land, and when a child of tender years was brought by his mother to America. They lo- cated first in New York city. Little, if any, knowledge can be gathered relative to his early life, as no biography of him was ever com- piled during his life time. He arrived on the Pacific coast in 1859 and was in the employ of the United States government at the time. For about a year he assisted in the establishing of the boundary line between the United States and British Columbia. After leaving this em- ploy he came to Walla Walla, where, in part- JOHN DOOLY. HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 2 57 nership with James Graham, he bought an out- fit and started for the Kootenai country, in- tending to prospect for mining claims. They soon abandoned their search for the yellow metal, sold their outfits, returned to Walla Walla, purchased several hundred head of cayuse ponies, drove them to the Frazer river country, British Columbia, and disposed of them at good profit. Mr. Dooly and Mr. Graham continued their business relations until 1869 when they dissolved partnership. In 1870, Mr. Dooly bought four hundred head of cattle and proceeded with them to the Ofofino mines in Idaho. In 1871, he returned to Walla Walla and associated himself in part- nership with the late William Kirkman, who is mentioned elsewhere in this volume. He was connected in business with Mr. Kirkman until 1890, during which time the business which they represented became one of the largest and most important concerns in this part of the state. Mr. Dooly was a man modestly conserv- ative in the extreme, and although he had attained a place among those in the highest walks of life, he abhorred any glimmer of ostentation. He did not allow the "left hand to know what the right hand doeth." Friends he had many, but he confided in few. He rarely, if ever, spoke of his personal affairs to anyone but his wife, in whom he placed the most implicit confidence. To her he explained all of his business transactions, and this con- fidence placed in her has enabled Mrs. Dooly to carry on the gigantic business operations that were established during Mr. Dooly's life- time. It is impossible within the limits of a few pages to do justice to and make mention of all the interesting facts which, necessarily, are bound up in the details that mark the career of the subject of this memoir. It is still more difficult for the citizen of today to realize what the early settler endured when he was com- pelled to meet the danger and want and to give up the accustomed comforts of life. Were it within the purpose of our story to reveal the trials of the old pioneer, we must certainly say first that it was an act of heroism to undertake the long and wearisome journey unavoidable to those early settlers who made their homes in Washington when it was a wilderness and practically an unbroken country. Probably no one man in southeastern Washington is more deserving of personal mention in a history of this character than Mr. Dooly. His achievements and successes have been a part of the growth and develop- ment of the state, and there were few, if any, better known, or more appreciated than he throughout the northwest. He has left the impress of his individuality upon the commun- ity, a fact which he never fully realized him- self. In the early days when he came here, he took upon himself the burdens of life without complaining, but with a determination to suc- ceed. He did not meet with success from the very inception of his career here, in fact, for a time, he found it hard to exist. While he be- came what might be termed the "cattle king'' of the west, his start in life had the most meager origin ; and while his latter days were spent in luxury and comfort, he had, earlier in life, followed the herd, especially from Cali- fornia to Washington, driving cattle with only the sky for a roof and mother earth for a couch. These hardships he endured were probably responsible for the wonderful physique, which so characterized him; and the age of three score years and ten and more found him to be a man of dignified presence, erect stature, and unusual vitality. His death occurred July 31, 1902, at his late residence in Walla Walla. The funeral rites were directed under the ritual of the Roman Catho- lic church, to which denomination Mr. Dooly was a liberal contributor during his life. Mr. Dooly was united in marriage to Miss Frances Bracken, the daughter of the late John 17 25§ HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. Henry Bracken, of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Four children were born to this union, Ed- ward, Clarence, Frank and Bracken. Mr. Dooly was one of the organizers, directors and largest stockholders of the Farm- ers' Savings Bank in Walla Walla. Fra- ternally, he affiliated with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. PHILIP CLARK is a retired farmer re- siding at 206 W. Poplar street, Walla Walla, Washington. He is a native of County Cavan, Ireland, born July 10, 1855. He received a liberal education in Ireland, and in 1872 came to Boston, Massachusetts. Three years later he removed to San Franscico, and in June, 1877, he came to Walla Walla. He at once purchased a tract of land in Umatilla county, Oregon, and engaged in farming, which he has followed successfully until the present time. He owns one thousand and eighty acres of land in Umatilla county, nine miles south from Walla Walla, from which he has realized an income sufficient to enable him to retire from active work and spend the remainder of his life in ease and comfort in his beautiful city home. Mr. Clark's parents were Eugene and Mary (Ruckling) Clark, both also natives of County Cavan, Ireland, and both now deceased. The father was a prominent farmer in his native land. During the month of January, 1883, Mr. Clark was married to Elizabeth Perrien, a na- tive of Umatilla county, Oregon. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gus Perrien, who, in early days, made the tiresome journey across the plains by wagon three times. The father was a member of the famous and historic Hud- son Bay company, which was such a prominent factor in the early history of the northwest, and he was one of the very earliest pioneers in the Walla W T alla valley. Mr. and Mrs. Clark have reared a family of nine children, all of whom are livinsr under the parental roof in Walla Walla. Their names in the order of their ages, are; Mary, Agnes, Elizabeth, Maggie, Catherine R., Francis, Dosia and Leo, and Marvin and Rosia, who died in infancy. In closing, it is not out of place to add to the credit of the subject of our sketch that he started in life in Walla Walla county with absolutely no means save his energy and in- telligence coupled with a robust physique. Thus he began at the bottom rung of the ladder of fortune and climbed steadily upward, until, as has already been intimated, he is a man of wealth, and throughout all of his career he has preserved the good will and esteem of everv business and social associate. JASPER N. WILLS is the son of James Wills, who was a native of Indiana and fol- lowed farming. James Wills died in the fall of 1894, being then aged sixty-seven. He had married Elizabeth Gilison, a native of Indiana, who died on June 25, 1905, aged seventy-one. Our subject was the eldest of a family of twelve children, the others being named as fol- lows, William J., John R., Francis M., Mary E., a boy that died in infancy, Charles M., Solista A., Edgar A., Susan C, Isaac W., Hollie A., and Ethel M. Jasper N. Wills was born in Indiana, on July 19, 1855, and in his native country se- cured a good common school education, be- ing privileged to attend various schools until nineteen when he started in life for himself. At that time he entered the employ of A. J. Cortee and for him traveled all through the southern states. While thus engaged he met Miss Sarah Bennett and the acquaintance ripened into a courtship and their marriage occurred. To them was born one son, Wilbur, now aged twenty-two. In 1889 Mr. Wills met the affliction of his wife's death, and shortly HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 259 following that sad event, he removed to the north and for several years was occupied in operating a stage line. After that he went to California and there remained until his ad- vent in Walla Walla county thirteen years since. Soon after arriving here he entered the employ of Mr. W. Babcock and later was with other leading farmers, until he was satis- fied that this was a splendid section for rais- ing wheat, when he took a homestead where he now resides, one mile out from Dry creek. He gave his entire attention to farming and has added five hundred acres to the original homestead. Lately, he has also purchased two hundred and eighty-five acres and also a tract of one hundred and eighty-six acres from the government reserve. Mr. Wills has prospered well since coming here and has a good estate. Fraternally, Mr. Wills is associated with the Masons, the Odd Fellows and with the W. W. Mr. Wills has been twice married, his present wife being in maiden life, Miss Kitty M. Lundy. She is a native of Kansas, her father being Samuel Lundy now of Walla Walla. To this second marriage twin girls have been born. GEORGE F. MOTTET has his city home at 440 Chase avenue. His real estate and stock are at various places in the southeastern part of the state and he is rated as one of the wealthy men of the county. He was born in Embrum, France, on February 12, 1859. Frank Mottet, our subject's father, was born in the same place as our subject and followed farming excepting what time he was captain in the Imperial army. He was a prominent citi- zen in his country and a wealthy and an in- fluential man. He married Virginia Geieu. who was born in the same place as her hus- band and came from a prominent family, her father being a general in the Imperial army. Our subject was well educated in the college of his native city and after completing his school days, enlisted in the French army, be- ing then twenty-one years of age. He served four years and was honorably discharged to enter again the civilian's life. He immediately engaged in farming and dealing in live stock at which he continued until 1886. In that year he took the trip from France to Walla Walla, and soon after arriving here engaged in sheep raising on the Snake river. He had a very small capital to start with, but owing to the wisdom and care manifested in the business, began to prosper from the outset, and soon became one of the wealthy and successful men of the county. He has prosecuted his business with vigor since, and now, although personally supervising his interests, is more or less retired from the activity of the ranch. In 1895 ^ r - Mottet married Mary L. Vin- cent, who was born in the same province of France as her husband, where also she was edit- cated. Her father, John B. Vincent, was also a native of the same place and a farmer and a soldier. He married Rosene Espitalier, also a native of France. To our subject and his wife, two children have been born, George and Anna. Mr. Mottet always takes an interest in political matters and public affairs. S. D. KINMAN, a well known wheat pro- ducer of southeastern Washington is a resident of Walla Walla county, his home being about one mile out from Eureka Junction. A review of his career can but establish in the reader's mind that he is a man of wisdom and stability and the success he has achieved is but the reasonable result of his sagacious activity. His parents are T. L. and Mary Ann (Shotwell) Kinman, residents of Starbuck, Washington. The father was born in Pennsylvania and has always followed farming and milling. The mother is a native of New Jersey. They have 260 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. seen much frontier life and have always shown themselves to be substantial and capable peo- ple, ever endeavoring to forward the interests of the commonwealth where their lot was cast. Our subject was one of a large family of chil- dren, and was born in Illinois on November 9, 1865. He grew up under his native heath until eleven, attending the common schools during the times of their sessions, and then the family removed to Kansas. After spending the inter- vening time in Kansas until he was nineteen, then our subject returned to Illinois and there spent one year. Then he returned to Kansas and dwelt there for two years. At the ex- piration of that period he decided to try the west and selected Milton as the objective point, arriving there in the spring of 1! >> He soon found employment on the farms and for five years was steadily engaged thus. After that time Mr. Kinman came to the Eureka flat coun- try, and there in company with- A. Fuller, he rented a farm of sixteen hundred acres of wheat land. For five years they continued in partnership handling that mammoth estate and then they dissolved the partnership. Now Mr. Kinman handles eleven hundred acres of wheat land besides the various properties which he owns personally. He owns in partnership with Henry Gilbert a section of land in Franklin county, this state, and also has land in Colum- bia county. While Mr. Kinman has thus prose- cuted his labors along these lines to ultimate success, he has not forgotten the social side of life and is affiliated with the M. W. A. and the I. O. O. F., and is a popular and highly esteemed citizen. Mr. Kinman married Miss Myrtle E. Savage, who was born in Ohio, and they have become the parents of five children, named as follows, Charles, Thomas, Jessie Glen, Ruth, and an infant son yet unnamed. Mr. and Mrs. Kinman are members of the Congregational church and are active workers in this realm. Mr. Kinman is superintendent of the Sunday School, and during his life has manifested a lively interest in the proper instruction of the young, as well as in all lines that are for the advancement of the people generally. A parent dear from us is gone, A voice we loved is stilled; A place is vacant in our home, Which never can be filled. CHRISTOPHER ENNIS. Among the prominent and well beloved citizens and pio- neers of Walla Walla who have passed away, and whose memories are held dear. Christopher Ennis stands in the front rank, loved and respected by all with whom he came in contact. He was a kind, generous and honest man, truly religious, and the uni- versal esteem with which those left behind re- gard his memory, speaks for itself, while it is a pleasure to look back through the vista of bygone years and record herein a life, whose every page can bear the scrutiny .of a most criticizing public. Christopher Ennis was born in Reharney, Westmeath county, Ireland, and when eighteen years of age, embarked for America, locating in Wayne county, Pennsylvania, where he re- sided for about seven years. Then he went to Nevada and after working on the railroad for three years, he came direct to Walla Walla. Upon his arrival here he entered the employ of Dooly & Kirkman, a firm engaged in the wholesale and retail meat and cattle business. For five consecutive years he remained with this firm, then resigned from their service to start a like business for himself. A few months later he formed a partnership with his former employers and the style of the firm was The Walla Walla Dressed Meat Company, of which Mr. Ennis was elected president in 1895. In this city, on May 13, 1877, Mt. Ennis was united in marriage to Annie McManamon. a lady of estimable character, and who was. in no small measure, instrumental in securing his subsequent success. CHRISTOPHER ENNIS. HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 261 That our subject was a man of unusual executive ability is demonstrated by the success which has attended everything he ever under- took since his arrival in Walla Walla. He left his family in more than comfortable circum- stances, having considerable real estate, be- sides other valuable property, both real and personal. To Mr. Ennis and his wife, eleven chil- dren were born, ten of whom are living, six girls and four boys, namely, John, Frank, Mary, Thomas, Adelia, Matthew, Annie, Christopher, Katie. Alice and Margaret, all of whom were left to share their mother's sor- row. John is now deceased. Nothing can ever recompense his bereaved family for his loss, but it should be of great comfort to them to know that he was uni- versally loved, and so is universally mourned. "Chris Ennis, - ' as he was best known, was a progressive and energetic man, with a ready hand to assist any worthy enterprise of general benefit to his home town. He assisted to or- ganize the Walla Walla Gas & Electric Com- pany; he was one of the founders of the Gil- bert Hunt Company; and, also controlled the AYalla Walla Dressed Meat Company, as stated above. Fraternally, Mr. Ennis was affiliated with the A. O. U. W., the Y. M. I. and the Knights of Columbus. A friend of Mr. Ennis pays this last tribute : '"It has been truly said of Chris Ennis that he was the most universally esteemed and best beloved citizen of this community. His was, indeed, a splendid character, not adorned by fretted work, but plain, clean and strong. His life was rounded out by kindness and love for all men. His hospitality flowed in a generous stream. His purse was open to all in need, his pity gave ere charity began. He delighted to do good and sought opportunities for its accomplishment. The happiness of others was dearer to him than his own. In every fiber of his being, he was an honest man. His word was his bond and those who knew him best required no other security. In his intercourse with his fellow men he sought to do right to them and to deserve right from them and when he finished his career he left not an enemy on earth. His great heart was consecrated to his family. His affection for his wife and children was ideal. His was the home of peace, confidence and contentment. Xo vain vision of glory or ambition ever lured him from the luster of his fireside or won him away from the calm delights of his hearth- stone. His home was the abiding place of all the domestic virtues, — The spot where angels find a resting place When, bearing blessings, they descend to earth. '"Chris Ennis' private life was without a stain. He was a devout Roman Catholic and from boyhood his was a career of religious fervor. His faith was implicit and sublime. He knew his God as surely as he knew the beauteous stars or the splendid sun. No linger- ing doubt disturbed his belief in the divinity of Jesus Christ and a future state of eternal bliss. To him death was the gateway to an eternity of purity, serenity and joy." The funeral of Mr. Ennis took place from St. Patrick's Catholic church, Saturday morn- ing at nine o'clock, April ninth, 1905, and was conducted by the Rev. M. Flohr. All the county offices and business houses of Walla Walla were closed between the hours of nine and eleven in the morning, in honor of our subject, and his funeral was one of the largest Walla Walla has ever witnessed. Thus Christopher Ennis closed his career, but, though gone from the places that knew him so well, he lives in the hearts of his fellows and his worthy life will be the light to assist many on in the course of integrity and honor. THOMAS DURRY, deceased. Williams- town, Glengarry county. Canada, was the birthplace of Thomas Durry. and April 20, 1849, tne date of that event. His parents were 262 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. native Canadians of Irish and Scotch extrac- tion. His early life was passed in his native place, being much the same as that of the youth of the surrounding country. In 1868, however, being yet under twenty years of age, he was stirred by the spirit of adventure and longed to see the west with all its bright promises. No spot was more enticing to him than California, and thither his travels were bent. How he was impressed with the Golden State is not mentioned, nor is told what oc- cupied his attention. Mining was the order of the day in those times and its spirit pervaded the very air. However, young Durry remained only three years in those regions for in 1871, we note his journey in company with his mother and two sisters, Mary and Isabella, to Washington Territory. Walla Walla became the objective point of their journey and there they settled to select the open door for his efforts. Soon he was decided to take up the stock business in partnership with his brother- in-law, D. McGillivary, and they selected the vicinity of Ritzville for their place of opera- tions. For twenty-five years they labored on together and then by mutual consent the part- nership was dissolved. Mr. Durry continued the business until five years since when he sold his entire holdings in the business. In all his business endeavor he was characterized by a skillful judgment, energy and close at- tention to the matters in hand, which could but result in bringing to him large property in- terests, and he was esteemed one of the very successful men of the Walla Walla country. As his interests centered in this country, he removed to the city of Walla Walla and erected a fine residence at the corner of Birch and Palouse streets, which has been since that time the family home. In 1886 Mr. Durry married Miss Alecia Thomas, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Thomas, of Walla Walla. Two children were born to this union, Homer and Marie, both of whom survive their father. Mrs. Durry is residing at the family home, a highly esteemed lady, cherished by many warm friends. The only other relatives of the deceased are his two sisters, Mrs. McGillivary and Miss Isabella Durry. For some time Mr. Durry had not been in the best of health, but was not taken seriously ill until just before his death. Few, even of his intimate friends, knew of his last illness, so sudden was its attack. On Thursday he was taken to the St. Mary's hospital, as a surgical operation was deemed necessary. So low was his condition, however, that the operation was postponed for several hours. As there seemed to be no immediate improvement, it was de- cided to proceed with the case. But Provi- dence had made another decree, for the reaper was ready with his sickle to garner the sheaf for the final resting place. So, while Mr. Durry was being borne to the operating table, the brittle thread of life snapped and his soul sped to be with his Creator. So sudden was his departure that it came as a great shock to the community and to his wide circle of friends and business associates. The funeral services were held at the Cath- olic church, Rev. Father Flohr officiating, and with appropriate and solemn ceremony was laid to rest, amid deep mourning of many, the cherished form of one of Walla Walla's highly respected and influential business men. Mr. Durry was a quiet unassuming man, faith- ful and kind and won many friends from all classes. MARGARET A. HAZELWOOD, the widow of Richard Hazelwood, was born in Boyden county, Virginia, in October, 1839. When ten years of age she removed with her parents to Ohio, and there, six years later, mar- ried Richard Hazelwood. Her maiden name was Stewart and her people remained in the Buckeye State. She and her husband, how- ever, deeming that better opportunities were HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. '■6$ offered in the west, and desiring, too, with the true spirit of adventure so strong in the Amer- ican breast, to take part in the development of the great country west of the Rockies, made preparations for the extended journey and turned their faces toward the setting sun. For weary weeks they traveled westward, across mountains, plains and deserts, never flinching from the hardships and trials incident to such undertaking. In due time they arrived, weary and worn pilgrims, in the Walla Walla coun- try. Upon search, they decided that a piece of farm land was the best investment at that time, and accordingly, they took a homestead in Oregon. After some years of farm life, it was thought best, for the purpose of educat- ing the children, mainly, to remove to the city of Walla Walla, and they purchased two acres on East Alder street, erected a residence and this has since been the family home. To this worthy couple : fourteen children have been born, seven sons and seven daughters.- Those now living are, John P., Macellus M., William Edward, Joseph, Gertrude Luella and Bes- sie E. One daughter, Cora Estelle May, gradu- ated as valedictorian of her class, 1903, from the Walla Walla high school. Her graduation essay was published by the local papers and was considered a splendid production. She was a brilliant, promising young lady, but soon after her graduation, she was stricken with illness, the effects of over study, it is believed, and soon she was called to pass the river of death. This was a most severe blow to her mother, especially, whose heart had been set on this lovely girl, while her teachers and associates were stunned by the sudden taking of one so beloved and with such bright hopes for the future. Although Mrs. Hazelwood has been called on to mourn for her child, as well as for her husband, she has borne all with fortitude and is discharging the duties of a faithful woman of true heart and right principles, and may well take pride in the fact, thpt she has reared a large family, of whom those living, are a credit to the community and a comfort to her riper years. She is possessed of a generous allow- ance of the goods of this world and lives in comfort in the country where she has labored so faithfully to bring' about its development. ADRIAX MAGALLON, a native of Hautes-Alpes, France, and now residing at 313 Sixth avenue, Walla Walla, is one of the wealthy stockmen of the ■ county. His birth occurred on August 10, 1859, and his father was Joseph Magallon, who was born on the same place as his son. His father was a repre- sentative and wealthy man of his native place and married Melanie Arnault, who was also born in the same place as her husband, and her ancestors for several hundred years prev- ious to her birth, lived in the same section. Our subject was educated in his native place and started in life for himself when very young. As early as fourteen he sailed for the New World and arrived here in California in 1874, where he went to work for wages, con- tinuing thus for some years. In 1882 he came to Walla Walla county and began raising stock on a small scale. Owing to his thrift and good management he was prospered and increased his holdings steadily until he became one of the large stockraisers of this part of Washing- ton. He is handling cattle, sheep and horses and has been very successful in all his ventures. From time to time Mr. Magallon purchased land in Walla Walla county, and now is one of the heavy real estate owners here. Much of his land is producing fine wheat and the in-" come from this and his stock, places him as one of the leading financial men of his com- munity. In 1889 Mr Magallon married Mary Char- rier, who was born in Quebec, Canada, where also she was educated. When fifteen years of 264 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. age she came to Washington with her parents, Joseph and Mary (Couture) Charrier, natives of Quebec, whose ancestors were among the earliest settlers of Canada. To our subject and his wife, five children have been born, Adrian J., Marie V., Lucy A., Armand H., Albert E. Mr. Magallon has shown himself a very progressive man and always takes a deep in- terest, not only in political and educational matters, but in whatever there is worth being- brought forward for the benefit and improve- ment of the country. He is a substantial citi- zen, has many friends and is to be classed among those who have made Walla Walla county what it is at the present time. GEORGE DELANY, one of the active and aggressive agriculturists of Walla Walla county, resides at 422 E. Rose street in Walla Walla. He was born in eastern Tennessee, on March 2$, 1832. His father, Daniel Delany. was a native of the same place and married Elizabeth McGee, a native of Greene county, Tennessee. Our subject's paternal grandparents were native of Ireland and his mother's father was also born there, while his mother's mother, was of German ancestry. Our subject was raised in his native place until ten years of age, when the family re- moved to southwestern Missouri. In 1843 tne father, accompanied by his two sons, Daniel, who is mentioned elsewhere in this work and William, now deceased, crossed the plains with ox teams to Marion county. Oregon. Two years later our subject with his mother and two brothers, David M.. living in Spokane county and James, in Montana, crossed the plains with teams to join those who had come previously. The trips were about as usual in those days and in due time the}- arrived in the Willamette valley. Owing to the fact that our subject was on the frontier most all his life where very little school privileges were offered, he had no opportunity to gain an edu- cation in the ordinary way and in fact was never inside of a school house during session hours. However, he made the best of his op- portunities at home and has been a close ob- server and reader since, which have resulted in his being a well informed man. In 1865, our subject's father was murdered by Peale and Baker, who were afterwards convicted and hanged for the crime. Until 1858 George re- mained in the Willamette valley, then came to Walla Walla and for a while was freighting in the various mines and handling stock as well. He had participated in the Rogue River Indian War in Captain Bob Williams' com- pany. Afterwards he was with Captain O'Neil. In 1864, he engaged in stock raising on quite a large scale in the Grande Ronde valley, Oregon, being one of the first settlers there. In 1870, he went thence to the Crab Creek country, Washington and handled stock until 1880, when he returned to Walla Walla and rented five thousand acres of land, pur- chasing twenty-three hundred acres, besides. The latter tract was just over the Oregon line from Walla Walla and he embarked in grain raising-. Since that time he has been more or less engaged in this occupation as well as in supervising his stock interests and he is known as one of the heavy land owners of the state. At present he has over six thousand acres of land, considerable of which is utilized for grazing purposes. The balance is cropped to wheat. On June 22, 1870, at Salem, Oregon, Mr. Delany married Olive F. Day, who was born in Ohio and whose parents were early California pioneers. To this union, six children have been born, named as follows: Sarah, the wife of George M. Jenkins, at Ellensburg, Washing- ton ; Roxey, single, living at home ; Henry and Burton, handling their father's stock ranch in the Tucanon country: George K., a student at Whitworth college at Tacoma; and Howard, attending high school at Ellensburg. In October, 1863, Mrs. Delany was called George Delany HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 265 away from her husband and children by death. At that time, she was aged fifty-two years/ In politics, Mr. Delany is a Democrat and always takes a marked interest in those affairs. He is a man well acquainted with the frontier and pioneer life and has accomplished a great amount to open up this rich country of the northwest. He is quite deserving of the re- wards he has gained in the financial world, having always manifested an integrity and in- dustry becoming the true American citizen. He has many friends and stands well in the community at this time. FIELDING W. C. HAIL, better known as Sam Hail, is one of the prosperous and promi- nent farmers of the Eureka Flat country. His parents, F. W. and Martha A. (Watson) Hail, are now deceased. The father was a native of Kentucky and crossed the plains in 1863 to Butte county, California, and there he engaged in farming until the time of his deatb. Our subject is the fifth in a family of ten children, and was born in central Kansas on October 19, 1859. When he was four years of age he accompanied his parents across the plains on the arduous journey to California, and in the Golden State, young Hail grew up, receiving meantime his education from the common schools near his father's residence. Also, dur- ing his youthful days, he assisted, his father in the conduct ■ of the farm and learned well the important business of tilling the soil so as to bring the best results. In 1 89 1 Mr. Hail determined to explore the northwest and accordingly set out with bright hopes on the journey. He traveled in various ways until he reached Walla Walla in 1891, and here he decided to locate. He at first rented a farm and then found that his decision was a good one to make the Walla Walla country his permanent home, and he at once began the acquisition of good wheat land. He has continued steadily in the occupation of growing wheat and has bought land betimes until he now owns many hundred acres of choice wheat land, all of which is producing bounteous crops. Mr. Hail deserves the suc- cess he has attained for he is a man who con- stantly attends to business, not alone in its general oversight, but also watches each detail so thoroughly that prosperity could but crown his efforts. He is a brother-in-law of Wiliard W. Babcock, who is mention elsewhere in this work. In addition to his Eureka Flat ranch, Mr. Hail maintains a residence in Walla Walla at No. 13 Idaho street. In fraternal affiliations Mr. Hail is asso- ciated with the M. W. A. Mr. Hail married Miss Mary Bennett, and they are now the pa- rents of six children, Ollie, Clara, Henry, Edith, Leslie B. and Lucy. The family are united with the Presbyterian church and Mr. and Mrs. Hail are estimable and highly re- spected people. ARCHIE DUNNIGAN is residing at 232 McAulif avenue, Walla Walla, whence he oversees and directs his agricultural interests, being a farmer and wheat producer of this county. He was born in county Antrim, Ire- land, on February 22, 1861, and his parents, Michael and Mary (O'Raw) Dunnigan, were natives of that place also. The father followed farming there until he came to America in the early seventies. He returned to Ireland and then came back to Walla Walla in 1891, where he remained until his death, ten years later. The mother died in Ireland in the early eighties. Our subject was educated in his na- tive country and there remained until twenty- four years of age. in which year he came to New York city and sought employment. In 1888 he came to Walla Walla county and worked for wages for six years, then he began operations for himself. His first venture was 266 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. to purchase a small piece of land and began farming" and so successful was he that he soon was in a position to purchase another piece of land. The income of this rapidly increased his holding's and he purchased from time to time until he now owns eleven hundred and twenty acres of fine wheat soil. He has given his attention steadily to wheat raising ever since he has started and every year has seen him far in advance of the year previous. Mr. Dunnigan is a man who understands his busi- ness thoroughly and who has taken advantage of every opportunity which presented itself. The improvements upon and the handling of his land indicate him to be a man of thrift and good judgment and the labors he has per- formed in Walla Walla have augmented the wealth of the country very materially. He has gained a splendid success and it is all due to his own industry and sagacity. In 1889 Mr. Dunnigan married Bridget M. Cullen, the daughter of Patrick and Anna (Butterly) Cullen, natives of Dublin, where also Mrs. Dunnigan was born. She came to Walla Walla county in 1888. The children born to this union are Mary T., Patrick J., Margaret, Archie B., Michael J., and James J. Mr. Dunnigan has always shown himself a public minded, generous man and in connec- tion with handling his business has always evinced keen interest in all things devoted to the building up and advancement of the coun- try and state. He is possessed of that hearty genialty so common to his race and also has the aggressiveness and energy which accom- panies the true Irishman. He has won many friends, stands well in the community and may take pardonable pride in the financial success he has achieved. CHARLES V. WELLMAN has two resi- dences in Starbuck, Washington. He also owns a magnificent estate of eight hundred acres, ten miles west from that place. With his family he spends the winters in Starbuck and the summers usually on the farm. This year he has something over seven hundred acres of wheat and barley and is one of the leading grain producers of the county. In addition to this, Mr. Wellman pays consider- able attention to raising stock, especially thor- oughbred draft horses, having at this time, over fifty fine graded ^orses and forty head of blooded cattle. He has one fine Lomax stallion, J. Henry, one of the best horses in this part of the state. Mr. Wellman has been very successful in breeding fine animals as well as in his farm work and he is one of the well to do men of the county. Charles V. Wellman was born in Ralls county, Missouri, on September 5, 1856. His father, Alfred C. Wellman, was born in Ala- bama on November 3, 1835. When one year old he was taken by his parents to Missouri, where his father became an extensive farmer and merchant. After acquiring a good educa- tion in 1855, he took charge of his father's eleven hundred acre farm. In 1862 his father, the grandfather of our immediate subject, died. ' Mr. Alfred Wellman then started across the plains the next year and came with ox teams to the Walla Walla country. The first winter was spent in Walla Walla, then he took a preemption on Dry creek. After that he engaged in mining in Idaho and located some very rich claims. In 1871 he was elected as- sessor of Walla Walla county and at the ex- piration of that term became • deputy sheriff, serving two years. After that he made a trip east in the interest of a patent calculator which he had invented and then returned to take up mining in Silver City, Idaho, in 1876. Subse- quent to that he located a timber culture on Eureka Flat, and became one of the pioneer agriculturists of that section. In April, 1855, he married Miss Helen M. Merrit, a native of Missouri, and to them have been born seven children, Charles V., Alice C, Richard H., Percy L, Mary J., Mark A. and Al C. HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 267 Mr. Wellman belongs to the Elks, while his wife is a member of the Christian Science church. Returning to the immediate subject of this sketch, we note that he was reared in Missouri until May, 1863, when the family started across the plains, as before mentioned. In 1879 when the father settled on Eureka Flat, our subject also took three claims there, a preemption, homestead and a timber culture, and there he gave his attention to farming until 1895, when he moved to Starbuck. Two years later he sold the Eureka Flat estate and operated a livery for five years in Starbuck. Then he built a large hall for theatrical and lodge pur- poses in Starbuck, being in company with William Goodyear. In 1902 he bought a farm near Eureka Flat, three miles from Pleasant View and ten miles from Starbuck, which is his estate at the present time. In November, 1890, Mr. Wellman mar- ried Flora E. Rayburn, a native of Missouri. Her parents, John R. and Nancy (Baldwin) Rayburn, natives of Indiana, came to this country in 1885 and now live at Starbuck with Mr. Wellman. To Mr. and Mrs. Well- man two children have been born, Victor G., aged twelve, and Ray H., eighteen months old. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and belongs to the Star of Bethlehem order. Politically, he is a Democrat and formerly was very active, being a delegate to the con- ventions, but of late years he has given less time to these things. Mr. W T ellman is a man of reliability and good standing and is pos- sessed of much valuable property . HON. FRED STINE. Among the earlier residents of Walla Walla appears the name of Mr. Stine, and he has been very instrumental in the development and upbuilding of this city for the intervening years, as he is, today, one of the substantial and well known men of the county, a leader in many lines. He has wrought in various capacities, but has always displayed that same strength of character and excellent judgment that characterize him at this time. His life has not been spent in theorizing, but in the highly important accom- plishment of "doing things." Fred Stine was born in Union county, Pennsylvania, on November 24, 1825. The father was a blacksmith and in 1839 brought his family west to Greene county, Ohio. Lo- cation was made at Fairfield and there the father wrought at his trade, and did farming. Our subject was reared on a farm in Ohio, had limited opportunity to secure an educa- tion, but mastered well the art of the black- smith. For several years he engaged at his trade in Fairfield, Ohio, but on the approach of spring in 1852, he together with his broth- ers, John and William, decided to come to the Pacific coast. They were three of a family of fourteen children, eight boys and six girls, and their departure to the little known west was an event of great importance to the house- hold. They started from St. Joseph, Missouri, on the first of May, 1852, and on the second day of July, 1852, they arrived in Sacramento. This is the quickest record of an immigrant party. The train was made up of twenty-six men with the necessary outfits, and our sub- ject was the captain. Shortly after arriving in California, our subject and his brothers went to Maryville, and went to work. A few days later Mr. Stine was taken with the typhoid fever and for sixty clays he languished under that dread disease. Then he recovered and started in business for himself. He burned out in 1854 and the following year he removed to Yreka, California, where he did farminsf and blacksmithing. On February 6, 1862, he sold his property in Yreka and started for the north. It was May 12th of the same year when he landed in Walla Walla, and here he has been ever since. Inside of four days he was in 268 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. business on Main street, Walla Walla, after he arrived, and he did well. On November 3. 1863, he started via Portland, stage to San Francisco, and boat via Panama, to Ohio, for a visit. On April 18, 1864, he started back to the Walla Walla country, making the trip by stage, arriving at his destination on May 25th, of the same year. He at once went to work in blacksmithing and wagon work and maintained a first class shop until September I, 1873. when he retired from business. For nearly thirty-three years Mr. Stine worked at the blacksmith trade, all together, and he knows well the hard toil of life, and the putting into practice the injunction "Thou shalt eat thy bread by the sweat of thy face." During all this time Mr. Stine was an active worker for the advancement of Walla Walla, and was an aggressive, energetic man in all lines. In 1872 he erected the Stine house, the first brick hotel in Walla Walla. In 1880 Mr. Stine pur- chased a farm of five hundred and sixty acres, six miles south of Walla Walla, in Umatilla county, Oregon, and since that time he has actively managed this important estate. He now has nineteen hundred acres of choice land in that locality and last year his yield of wheat was thirty-seven thousand bushels, from half of the land, as he summer fallows half each year. Mr. Stine has always been an active Demo- crat, and takes a keen interest in such matters. In 1869 he was chosen to represent his dis- trict in the lower house of the territorial legis- lature, and in 1873 he went to the tipper house. He was a man who made his presence known and felt in legislative halls and his unerring judgment was of great benefit in many meas- ures. In 1865 Mr. Stine was chosen city councilman, the next year was chairman of the board, and was reelected many times. His popularity on this board was manifest, owing to his excellent care for the welfare and in- terests of the city, and to him, individually, much is due for many important measures. On November 7, 1888, Mr. Stine removed to his present home place, No. 17 Eagan avenue, Walla Walla, where he has a fine residence and one of the choice places of the city. In 1868 Mr. Stine succeeded in getting a lodge of the F. & A. M. established in Walla Walla, and for ten years thereafter, he was master of the same. He also belongs to the chapter. He is deeply interested in fraternal matters and an enthusiastic worker for the advancement of his orders. It is thus seen that in all lines where he has wrought, Mr. Stine has made an enviable success and built for himself a reputation for ability and integrity among the people who know him best, that is very gratifying. For more than forty years he has been in the van guard for the betterment of Walla Walla, and his labors speak for themselves. ALLEN J. LATIMER. Among the pro- gressive and enterprising young agriculturists of Walla Walla county, no one is more de- serving or worthy of mention than the subject of this sketch. He is a man methodical in all details necessary to the success which he is achieving, and while he carries on his business in a most systematic manner and devotes every moment of his time necessary to his business interests, he still does not lose his personality in a social way. He is possessed of those qualities that make him a favorite among his friends. To know him is to like him, and when one has gained his friendship they have secured much more than what is usually implied in the word "friend." George C. Latimer, the father of our sub- ject, was a school teacher by profession and a cultured gentleman. He taught in Illinois un- til the outbreak of the Civil War, when he felt that the federal government required his serv- ices and he enlisted with an Illinois regiment, HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 269 where he served with merit and distinction until he received his discharge, in the meantime hav- ing been promoted to the rank of quartermaster sergeant. In 1894 he brought his family to Walla Walla. His wife, the mother of our subject, was, before her marriage, Elizabeth Hukill. She was also born in Ohio and is still living. Her husband died in 1901, aged sixty- four years. The children born to this worthy couple are Park L. ; Edward ; Bertha, who be- came the wife of William Blivens of Walla Walla county ; Judson E. ; Catherine, deceased ; Lydia, deceased; Burton E.. deceased; and the subject of this article, Allen J. Our subject was born October 22, 1877.. in Illinois. He graduated from the public schools at the age of seventeen, and remained assisting his father on the home farm until they came west in 1894. His first employment in Walla Walla was as clerk for R. Ludwig, where he remained for four years, when he took up a homestead twelve miles from Walla Walla. By purchase he has added to his holdings until they now aggregate one-half section, all under cultiva- tion. In addition to this land which he owns. he is also renting two hundred and fifty acres all of which is sowed to wheat. Mr. Latimer is yet a bachelor and in politics is a Repub- lican. JOHN LEROUX, who descends from a family of French noblemen and was born in the vicinity of Montreal, Canada, October 15, 1862, is now dwelling at Walla Walla, being one of the wealthy men of the county. He owns an estate of about two hundred acres in Walla Walla county, and in addition thereto, is handling two thousand acres of wheat land. His business ability has been displayed in these large enterprises and he has won for himself a splendid property holding. His father, Frank Leroux, was born in the same place as this son and followed blacksmithing. He remained in Canada all his life. He married Esther Yell, who also was born near Montreal. John studied in the schools of his native place until twenty-one years of age, when he began the sterner duties of life for himself. About that time he came to Walla Walla and worked as a baker for a time. After that he did black- smithing, having learned the trade thoroughly with his father and continued at this for six- teen years, being known as one of the skillful mechanics of Walla Walla. Then he took a homestead which he now owns, three miles north from Walla Walla, and since that has been devoting his entire attention to farming - . The large estate that he rents is productive of very bountiful returns and Mr. Leroux is rated as one of the wealthy wheat producers of this part of Washington. In 1883 Mr. Leroux married Julian Leonille Jullien. She was born near Montreal, the daughter of John B. and Julia (Bergeqin) Jullien, also natives of Montreal. Seven chil- dren have come to bless the household, namely, J. Raymond, Frank R., Mary J., Joseph R., J. Lorenzo, James A., Lecetia Viola. It is of interest to know that when Mr. Leroux arrived in Walla Walla he had no capital whatever, but being possessed of two good strong hands, a resolute purpose and good judgment he immediately went to work and the result is that he has now placed him- self among the wealthy men of this very pros- perous county. A reminiscence of his family is very interesting. They were a branch of the French Royal house and when his great-grand- father was a child, he was one day chastized by the nurse for some little misdemeanor. He ran away to the sea shore and was there taken by a captain who kept him aboard his ship un- til he was twenty-one years of age. Then he landed at Montreal, Canada, and never re- turned to the old country. He is the head of the Leroux family in America. Mr. Leroux is a Republican in politics and takes an active interest in the campaigns as 270 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. also in educational matters and in everything' for the benefit of the country. He has an ex- cellent standing and is known as a generous, kind hearted, upright man. LE FEVRE A. SHAW is one of the well known men of Walla Walla. In business, fra- ternal, social and political circles, he has won marked distinction because of his thorough- ness, his genial personality and his unflagging- interest in every line. His life's work is in- separably bound up with the history of Walla Walla county and the state of Washington, and a detailed account would far exceed the limits prescribed. However, it can but prove very interesting reading to the citizens of this part of the state, and we grasp with pleasure the opportunity to give a succinct review of the same. Le Fevre A. Shaw was born in Fall River, Massachusetts, on February 7, 1842. Edwin Shaw, his father, was a native of Midclleboro, in the Bay State, and in early life followed merchandising, while his later years were spent in banking, handling cotton mills and various other important enterprises. During Lincoln's and Grant's administrations, he was for many years postmaster of Fall River and was a very prominent and influential citizen. His death occurred in 1891. He had married Keziah Weston, a native of Midclleboro, Mass- achusetts, also, who died in 1842, very shortly after the birth of our subject. In 1856 the family removed to St. Paul, Minnesota, where they remained four years, then returned to Fall River. Our subject was educated in the public schools and then learned thoroughly, the art of the sign painter, which he followed for a few years in his native place. In 1865 he turned his face to the west and came via the isthmus to San Francisco, arriving on March 15th, in that metropolis. For a while he was engaged at his trade and then took up insurance, which occupied him until 1869, in the fall of which year he came to Portland and there continued as an underwriter until 1872, at which time he was appointed clerk of of the United States custom house. He dis- charged the duties of that office efficiently for five years, at the end of which time he was appointed deputy collector of internal revenue with headquarters at Walla Walla. He was so well pleased with the country and the out- look that he determined to make his home in the Garden City and accordingly went into business, opening up an insurance and general conveyancing office. In 188 1 he was elected city clerk and served in that capacity for six years and he has held various other offices in the county and city, as coroner, county clerk, city treasurer and so forth. However, from the day of opening- his office in Walla Walla, Mr. Shaw has continued as one of the leading underwriters of the state and is better known in that business than in any one line. He writes for the leading companies in the world, and is one of the best posted insurance men in the northwest. His office is No. 13 Third street, and his business is far reaching and extensive. On October 10, 1870, Mr. Shaw married Florence Myers, a native of Vernon, Illinois, and the daughter of Dr. John H. and Rebecca Myers, natives of Pennsylvania. On Febru- ary 5, 1874, at Portland, Oregon, Mrs. Shaw passed the river of death. On July 27, 1878, Mr. Shaw married Mrs. Emma Kellogg, the daughter of Daniel H. Good, a pioneer of 1845. Her mother was Mary E. (Dunbar) Good, also a pioneer of the same year. Mrs. Shaw was born in Oregon City and knows well the pioneer life. By his first marriage our subject has two children. Pearl, the wife of J. C. Astredo ; and Ruby, married to New- ton W. O'Rear. In fraternal affiliations, Mr. Shaw is ex- tensively connected. He belongs to Walla Walla, No. 7, F. & A. M. ; to Columbia lodge HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 271 of Perfection, A. A. S. R. He also belongs to the El-Katif Shrine, A. A. O. N. M. S. Spokane; is past C. C. of the Columbia, No. 8, K. of P. and belongs to Walla Walla, No. 3, I. O. R. M., being past great sachem of the state of Washington. He is present grand master of the grand lodge of the state of Wash- ington for the I. O. O. F., having his mem- bership in the Washington, No. 19, at Walla Walla. For thirteen years he was grand secre- tary of the grand lodge of this order and for the same length of time was grand scribe for the grand encampment and has represented both bodies in the sovereign grand lodge for several years. He is a member of the Walla Walla, No. 287, B. P. O. E. and also is past .master of the A. O. U. W. He belongs to Garden City, 170, Fraternal Aid Society and to Bee hive, No. 70, of the Rebekahs. His local membership for the encampment is in Walla Walla, No. 3. He is a brilliant man in fraternal circles and is an enthusiastic worker along these lines. In politics, he is an active Republican, and takes great interest in the campaigns. Mr. Shaw's membership in fraternal orders dates from 1866 with the Odd Fellows, from 1868 with the Masons and from 1867 with the Red Men. He is a thirty-two degree Scottish Rite Mason and is as well posted in fraternal lore and usages, as perhaps, any other man in the northwest. MILO D. GROSS, who resides at 808 Whitman street, Walla Walla, is one of Walla Walla county's substantial agriculturists and the account of his life is a pertinent part of the history of this prosperous section of the Avest. He was born in Davis county, Iowa, on October 14, 1859. A biography of his father, B. H. Gross, appears in another por- tion of this work and the family history is there recited. Our subject was the second of eight children and when he was but two years old the father decided to come west and accordingly made the trip from their home in the east to Virginia City, Nevada, with teams. Eight years were spent in that vicinity and then the family removed to Modoc county, California, where our subject finished his edu- cation and grew to manhood. When he had reached his majority, he came, in company with his father, to Walla Walla. Soon after his older brother joined them. Milo D. pur- chased land and took a homestead about ten miles north from Walla Walla and commenced the work of raising wheat. The father and other brother also took land and since that day the Gross family has been well known in the county. When Mr. Gross came here his list of worldly property was exceedingly small, and his cash assets were almost a minus quan- tity, but his determination to carve for him- self a fortune and win success was not to be turned aside and he took hold with a will to accomplish that purpose. How well he has suc- ceeded is told when we mention that he is now the owner of eight hundred acres of choice wheat land ; he has a beautiful residence in the city of Walla Walla ; he owns a full equipment of all kinds of machinery and stock for the op- eration of the farm ; and in addition, he has other property. All this splendid holding has been accumulated by the thrift and labor of Mr. Gross and while he has been doing this work he has had some varied and trying experiences. During the panic of 1893. Mr. Gross and his father turned their crop of wheat in bulk over to a banker. J. K. Edmiston, to pay a note of one thousand dollars held against him. A few days later the bank failed and this caused a loss to Mr. Gross of fourteen hundred dollars besides the note mentioned. Shortly after- wards suit was instituted against him to collect the note and if it won, Mr. Gross would have been completely broken up financially. At such a juncture he could but resort to the courts and defend himself. Judge Brents was 272 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. his attorney and it developed that when the suit was called the judge before whom it was to be tried was a director of the bank men- tioned and one of the jurymen was also a director of the bank. Judge Brents so skill- fully conducted his case that these interested parties were disbarred from trying the case and in the end he won the case for Mr. Gross. After this cloud was dispersed, the sun of prosperity shone brighter on Mr. Gross and he has had one continued line of success since. His efforts have been bestowed wisely and his success is but the reward of his wisdom and care of his business. In May. 1886, Mr. Gross was married to Miss Abbie Armstrong, a native of Vancouver, Washington, where her parents were pioneers. Later they removed to California where they both died. To this union one child was born. But two years after her marriage the wife and mother died. On February 12, 1903, Mr. Gross married Minnie M. Woods, and they also have had one child. Mr. Gross is a Republican in politics and although he never seeks office for himself, still he is a strong supporter of the principles of his party. He and his wife are members of the Central Christian church and are people of excellent standing in the community. WILLARD H. BABCOCK. It is very important in reading the history of a country that one should have properly chronicled the deeds of its leading men ; otherwise true his- tory cannot be brought out, for it is the doings of men that make history and in order that these should be seen in their proper light, they must be written up from the standpoint of biography, otherwise the individuality of them is lost, which detracts markedly from the proper light of history. We boldly assert that no proper history of Walla Walla county, or in fact of the state of Washington could be written without embodying at least a portion of the career of the gentleman of whom we now have the pleasure to speak. When we consider the success that has attended his ef- forts, it is certainly demanded that the power which has brought it about be exploited in such manner that others may be bene- fitted. It is well known throughout Wash- ington and far, far in the east too, that Willard H. Babcock is the "wheat king" of the west. The writer of this article has frequently heard both in the east and west his name mentioned in that connec- tion and he is certainly one of the prominent figures of the northwest. Some leading char- acteristics in Mr. Babcock demand especial at- tention before entering upon a detailed ac- count of his career. First, we mention his unswerving integrity, which refuses to be bent in any deal or walk of life. Another thing evident to any one who knows him is his quiet retiring" demeanor, which shines out very markedly now in his prominent position, but none the less true than when he beat the anvil to the stirring tune of honest industry. It may be truthfully said of him that while in the later years his dealings have been in the hun- dreds of thousands, he maintains the same modest demeanor that characterized him when he was laboring at the forge; and another point no less by any means is the fact that Mr. Babcock has never been puffed up by his suc- cess and he has a hearty, kind word for every fellow creature and a helping hand to any brother in distress, as may be testified to by scores of grateful beneficiaries. This is beauti- ful in the character of any man and shines out with added lustre when it comes right from the heart as in the case of Mr. Babcock. It may be said of him that he never turned his back upon real need, that he could supply. If the reader will keep in mind these points as we enter more into detail regarding Mr. Babcock's life, he will have a photograph before him of the real man as he stands todav familiar with WILLARD H. BABCOCK. HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 273 finance in a high degree and yet a man devoid of ostentation, quiet and unassuming. Willard H. Babcock was born in Oswego county, New York, on August 12, 1842. His father was Jonathan Babcock, and he was born in Oneida county, New York. The grandfather of our subject was a veteran of the Revolution and the War of 18 12. The stern material that could fight for the in- dependence of the country and then maintain it, accounts for the qualities that we find in the descendant from this American patriot. Mr. Babcock' s family traces its ancestry among the English, German and French, about equally blended. The father of Willard H. followed blacksmithing and died about 1875, at Parish, New York. He had married Mary Eliz- abeth Bowen, a lady born in Ohio, of English parentage. She died in 1858. She and her husband were both devout mem- bers of the Baptist church. Our subject was reared principally in Oswego coun- ty and gained his education in the graded schools of Syracuse, New York. He learned the blacksmith's trade in his father's shop and also the art of making axes, in Dugway, New York. He followed this strenuous labor until 1864 in the home county, then went to Nash- ville, Tennessee, and did blacksmithing and carpentering for the United States govern- ment in the erection of hospitals. After that, he went to Zilwaukee, Michigan, and followed his trade in the barrel factory. Three months later, he journeyed to St. Louis and then to Atchison, Kansas, from which point he started across the plains to Salt Lake and attended to the shoeing of the mules for the entire route. He arrived at Salt Lake, then returned to Colorado and drove team and attended to the shoeing of the horses of the train through to Golden City. Then he shod horses through to Omaha on another train. Afterwards, he at- tended to the shoeing of the oxen on a train back to Denver. Then Mr. Babcock bought a blacksmith shop at Golden City and conducted it for six months, after which he moved to a camp near Boulder, Colorado, and purchased a half section of land for ten dollars per acre, intending to irrigate it. That is the land on which Boulder now stands. In the spring of 1866, Mr. Babcock sold his property and went to Julesburg, Colorado, where he bought a blacksmith shop and conducted the same for two years. During these two years he put up six hundred and fifty tons of wild hay for the government at seventy-three dollars per ton, but the Indians burned every pound of it and he lost the entire amount. In the fall of 1867, he went to Cheyenne and opened a shop which he sold two months later and took a party to Mexico with a horse team. Then he sold the team and returned by stage to Che- topia, Kansas. He wrought at blacksmithing and wagonmaking there for one year, then drove a four-mule team to Dallas, Texas, and sold the team and located a blacksmith shop in Calvert, that state. Six months later, he returned to Dallas and worked along the line of the Houston and Texas Central Railroad, conducting shops there for three years. Next, we see him in Fargo, Dakota, where he had a contract for blacksmithing on the Northern Pacific railroad and he operated in that capacity along the line for two hundred miles. In the fall of 1872 Mr. Babcock took a flat boat loaded with lumber down the Red river to Lake Winnipeg. He then returned to New York for a few months and went thence to Colon, on the Isthmus of Panama, intending to go on to Vera Cruz, Mexico, in railroad work. Owing to the war, he remained on the Isthmus and followed blacksmithing and gunsmithing. Owing to the fact that spinal meningitis swept away about fifteen hundred people in a short time, he left the country in January, 1873, and came to California by steamer, landing at San Fran- cisco where he wrought at his trade one winter. In the spring, he went to Chico, California, and worked a short time after which he located in 18 274 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. Cana, Butte county. He conducted a black- smith and wagon shop there for seven years. There, on December 30. 1874, Mr. Bab- cock married Mary E. Hail, who was born in Missouri, on November 16, 1857. Her father, Felix W. Hail, was a native of Illinois and served in the Mexican War. He followed farming and came to California in 1863. cross- ing the plains with horse teams. Settlement was made in Butte county, where he died in 1887. He had married Martha A. Watson, a native of Springfield, Illinois, who died in Walla Walla, February 17, 1901. In the spring of 1880, Mr. Babcock sold his home and business in California and came to Wallula, Washington. He worked in the O. R. & N. blacksmith shops for a short time and in August, came to Walla Walla and thence to Eureka Flat where he farmed for two years, after which he selected a homestead preemp- tion, and a timber culture on Eureka Flat. That was the beginning of his career in agri- culture in Washington. He commenced farm- ing and met with such good success that he soon bought more land. He purchased land from time to time until in 1897, he had in Walla Walla county alone over nine thousand acres. He has since sold about two thousand acres, leaving him seven thousand acres on Eureka Flat alone. In 1898, he purchased land in Douglas, Chelan and Kittitas counties and owns in these three counties over one hun- dred thousand acres, the same being utilized for wheat and stock. For twenty-one suc- cessive years, Mr. Babcock operated a thresh- ing outfit in Walla W'alla county, mostly on Eureka Flat. It is evident to even the casual reader by this time, that Mr. Babcock is an intensely practical man. He is one of those men, of whom our president has said, "He is a man who does things," and it is well known that from the merest detail in his busi- ness to the most extensive plans, Mr. Babcock is master of every portion. In addition to the seven thousand acres on Eureka Flat, which he rents mostly, he has a large acreage in wheat in Douglas and Kittitas counties. On the former place, he has a steam plow which turns sixty acres in one day. In addition to that, he has a pumping plant of one hundred horse power on the Columbia river, which irri- gates many acres of alfalfa. He is the presi- dent of and the heaviest stockholder in the Modern Manufacturing Company of Spokane, an enterprise launched in 1905. The company has a large plant in the eastern part of the city, and they manufacture combines, threshers and other farm machinery. It is a very important industry. Personally, how- ever, Mr. Babcock gives his attention largely to stock interests as he owns fifteen thousand sheep, one thousand cattle and one hundred and twenty head of horses. He raises and has raised more wheat than perhaps any other individual in the northwest. His farms are always in the best condition and yields are among the heaviest to be found in any part of the country. Everything connected with his business indicates that unerring judgment and care of details which have won for him his splendid success. There is nothing about the business that escapes his attention or that is neglected. In his dealings, he is a man clean cut and accurate, while among his neighbors, he is known as generous and public spirited. ■ Mr. Babcock is a man who attends to business in business hours, never allows anything to interfere with its course, while socially, he puts in practice the same rule. Air. and Mrs. Babcock are the parents of three children, Jessie M., aged eighteen; Jimmie Elizabeth, aged thirteen and Josephine A., deceased. Josephine was aged eighteen years and twenty days at the time of her death, which was May 21, 1902. She had a sweet character, was beloved by all and a young lady of marked talent. She was a student at the Whitman college during the year of her death and was a leader while there. On one occa- HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. 275 si on, during a basket ball contest, she was in- "jured which injury resulted in her death. Mr. Babcock had two brothers, William H., who enlisted to fight in the Civil War and was never heard of since, and Charles H.. who died in New York from the effects of his service in the Civil War. He also has two sisters, Martha A., the widow of Abraham Petrie in Oswego county. New York, and Ella, who also resided in Oswego county until her death, December, 1904. Mrs. Babcock has the following named brothers and sisters, F. Grundy, owner and editor of a newspaper in Quincy, California; James P., of Chico, Cali- fornia; F. W. Columbus, a farmer on Eureka Flat ; Leonard B., also a farmer on Eureka Flat; Charles L., a retired farmer residing in Walla Walla ; Martha, wife of Richard Burch, a fruit raiser in Chico, California; Susan, widow of P. Vernon, residing in W'alla Walla; Arminta, the wife of Fred Walker, a merchant in Dunsmuir, California; Effie, the wife of Charles Sellick, a farmer in Butte county, California; Luella I., who was the wife of Reverend W. C. Ward. She died at Winnemucca, Nevada, September 9, 1897, aged thirty-five. Mrs. Babcock has always joined heartily in her husband's plans and has assisted materially in their furtherance, supplying that wisdom, discretion, support and sympathy that are the becoming part of the true helpmeet as God has ordered, and together this worthy couple have wrought faithfully during the journey of a third of a century for the success they now enjoy. In political matters, Mr. Babcock, is a Democrat and some fifteen years since was commissioner of Walla Walla county, but in later years he has never accepted office. As would be supposed in his long career on the frontier, Mr. Babcock met with con- siderable difficulty with the Indians at various places. He did some especially hard fighting at Julesburg, Colorado. He always escaped imscathed, however, and was known as a fearless frontiersman and a hard fighter. While laboring faithfully as he has done in years gone by to conserve his business interest, Mr. Babcock has not forgotten the part of the good citizen and is always found ready to assist every enterprise to forward and develop the country. He is a man upon whose judg- ment all rely and who stands among the lead- ing men of Washington. He commenced life barehanded and everything that he possesses at the present time, has been gained as the result of honest endeavor. His wealth has not been wrung from the sweat and blood of others, but has been gained honorably by wise investments, by carefully handling what he had, and by hard and patient industry. He has risen to the top by virtue of genuine merit and business ability and his doing and life are inseparably connected with the history of Washino-ton. GEORGE H. McWHIRK is a native of Walla Walla county, his birth occurring on the old family homestead about six miles east of the present city of Walla Walla on Febru- ary 18, 1 86 1. His parents were Henry and Eliza (Sickler) McWhirk. The father came west in the fifties from his native state, Ohio, and took the homestead above mentioned and there resided till his death, 1862. The mother is a native of Pennsylvania and now resides one-half mile from the old homestead, having married Mr. Thomas Gilkerson. Our subject is an only son, but has four half brothers who reside in this county. Mr. McWhirk claims the distinction of having been the third white boy born in Walla AValla county, and his mother was the first white woman to be mar- ried in this county. The old fashioned sub- scription schools furnished the education of young McWhirk, and three months of each vear sufficed for attendance on the school. The first school he remembers was held in a private house and the seats were slabs smoothed 276 HISTORY OF WALLA WALLA COUNTY. as benches. When sixteen our subject left school and began working out to support him- self. When twenty-one he took the estate his father had left for him and for nineteen years after that he continued on the farm, having some ups and downs as the other early farmers had to encounter. The panic of 1893 was the most severe, still Mr. McWhirk suc- ceeded in passing through the tight times with- out going in debt. In 1900 Mr. McWhirk came to Walla Walla and went into the liquor business at the corner of Colville and East Main streets. Two years later he opened his present place of business, the Kentucky Home saloon, at i6> East Main street, and sold the other about the same time. On November 12, 1882, Mr. McWhirk married Miss Arrah Patterson, a native of Iowa, and the daughter of Abraham and Cynthia (Page) Patterson. The family came to the west in 1872, and the parents now live in the vicinity of Walla Walla. To this mar- riage three children have been born, Mrs. Nettie Martin, Hattie and Carrie. Mr. McWhirk is a member of the A. O. F., the Red Men, and the Eagles. In politics, he is independent. PART III HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY CHAPTER I CURRENT EVENTS— 1805 TO 1878. Undoubtedly the first white men who ever gazed upon the territory now comprising Co- lumbia county were the Lewis and Clark party which passed down the Snake river in October, 1805, one hundred years ago. They had pre- viously conferred the name of "Lewis" upon what is now recognized as "Snake" river; and they camped at the mouth of Alpowa creek (in Asotin county), where five dogs were killed for supper. To them Snake, or Lewis river appeared a succession of shoals and rapids. Doubtless the season had been an exceedingly dry one, with less water in the channel than "has coursed there since. The Tucanon river was called by Indians ""Kim-oo-enim ;" the name of "Drewyer" was given to what is now known as the Palouse river. This was in honor of George Drewyer, a member of the Lewis and Clark expedition, and the Nimrod of the party. In Captain Lewis' diary the Yakima is mentioned as the "Tapsteal," its Indian name. The voyage of the explorers down the Snake, from the junction of the Clearwater river, to the Columbia, was without especial incident otherwise than meeting with Indians, running dangerous rapids and finding it dif- ficult to kill game. From the speculative In- dians they continued to buy dogs, fish and edi- ble roots. The party won its way to the Co- lumbia river October 16, 1805. On the return trip of the expedition they passed through ter- ritory that has since been carved into Walla Walla, Columbia, Garfield and Asotin coun- ties. From the vicinity of what is now the former county, April 29, 1806, the party crossed the country by the trail, east, gaining the Touchet river a trifle north of where the railroad now crosses it. They pursued the course of that stream to a point now occupied by the city of Dayton. Otter and beaver were captured in the Touchet by Sportsman Drew- yer; the country was pronounced fertile, re- sembling the plains of the Missouri. On their second day out reference is made to an incident as fellows, vide Captain Lewis' "Journal :" "We had scarcely encamped when three young men came up from the ll'ollazi'ollah vi'llage (where Wallula now stands, and where the party had previously encamped), with a steel trap which had been left behind incident- ally, and which they had come a whole day's journey in order to restore. This act of integ- rity was the more pleasing because, though 278 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY very rare among Indians, it corresponds per- fectly with the general behavior or the IVolla- wollohs, among whom we had lost carelessly several knives, which were always returned as soon as found. We may, indeed, justly affirm that of all the Indians whom -ice have met since leaving the United States, the JVollawollahs zvere the most hospitable, honest and sincere." "Gamblers' River" was the name given by Lewis and Clark to what is now Coppei creek, and "White Stallion" to the main Touchet, which bears southeast from Dayton, because of the present made to Captain Lewis by the YVallawollah tribe. Following up Patit .creek the party camped at a small bottom two and a half miles from its mouth. At that time they were on the old Nez Perce trail, yet traceable through the country. It trends in the same gen- eral direction as the present stage road be- tween Lewiston and Dayton, which passes along the Pataha and down the Alpowa. Thirty-one years later Missionary Spalding planted an apple orchard, still standing, at the point where Lewis and Clark reached the stream, at the mouth of Alpowa creek, Sun- day. May 4, 1806. The Nez Perce trails across southeastern Washington, which were so familiar to the early settlers, were as old as the hills. The first reference to the trails in history was by the Lewis and Clark expedition which fol- lowed them on the homeward journey in 1806. The course of the trail through the territory we are considering — Entering Columbia county near S. L. Gilbreath's place, where is now Long's station it followed the south side of the Touchet, crossing that river where now stands Dayton, the main street of that city being the trail; thence it followed up Patit creek; near the present town of Pomeroy the trail forked, one branch leading to Snake river, at Almota, and the other to the crossing of Snake river near the mouth of the Alpowa. This trail, or trails, rather, as there were numbers of them all parallel, were used by the Nez Perce Indians from time immemorial, in bringing stock to this country from the south, as far as California and Mexico, where they would go on marauding expeditions. The trail through southeastern Washington was very straight, and very seldom were detours made in the courses of the trails only for exceptionally high hills. The first settlers in Columbia county found these trails well defined, in many places being worn deep by the travels of count- less head of stock upon them. The earlier pioneers invariably located along this trail, and for several years this was the only course of travel through this part of the Territory. Lewis and Clark passed on to the eastward and reaped in fame and pecuniary emoluments the reward of their ardurous toil. They had traversed portions of the territory of Columbia, Garfield and Asotin counties. The next visit of the white men of which we have definite in- formation was the expedition of Captain Bonneville. This was in 1834. Up to that period the Hudson's Bay Company had re- mained sole and undisputed occupants since 1829. Captain B. L. E. Bonneville, with three companions, penetrated the country as far as Walla Walla. Bonneville was a United States army officer. To him had been given permission to lead a party of trappers into the far regions of the then mysterious northwest ; the expedition being endorsed by the govern- ment only to this extent; it was argued that sufficient additional information of this terra incognita would be obtained to warrant the government in according this permit for what was, practically, a private venture. It was in 1832 that Bonneville's party gained the Rocky Mountains. Forty men were sent, in 1833, to California, under com- mand of Joseph Walker. On Christinas of the same year Bonneville left his camp on the Port Neuf river, for Walla Walla, his object being,, as stated by Washington Irving, "To make himself acquainted with the country, and the Indian tribes ; it being one part of his scheme HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 279 to establish a trading post somewhere on the lower part of the river (Columbia), so as to participate in the trade lost to the United States by the capture of Astoria." January 12, 1834, he reached Powder river. Thence he voyaged down Snake river, on the west bank, until he gained the mouth of Alpowa creek. Up that stream the ancient Nez Perce trail was followed, across to the Touchet ; thence to Fort Walla Walla, arriving there March 4. 1834- The scene of a thrilling battle of the Cayuse war, in 1848, was the territory now embraced in Columbia county. It was waged between Oregon volunteers^ under Colonel Gilliam, and a predatory band of Palouse Indians. In this immediate vicinity there were no white men living at that period. The engagement, a hot one, took place on the spot where Dayton is now situated, March 13th. Gilliam's force was encamped at a spring near the Tucanon. Here he received a mes- sage from Tauitan, a chief, who made strong professions of friendship and an intention to abandon his support of the hostile Cayuses. He, also, said that he was encamped on the Tucanon, a little farther above, and that Tarn- sticky had left for Red Wolf's place on Snake river, in the Nez Perce country. The rest of the Cayuse tribe had incontinently fled down the Tucanon under command of Tiloukaikt. It was their intention to cross the Snake river into the Palouse country. These actions on the part of the Indians suggested treachery. But Colonel Gilliam was undaunted. He determined to "act in the living present,'' and take time by the forelock. It was after dark when he marched for the mouth of the Tucanon. arriving before day- break near the Indian camp. Morning dawned and Gilliam advanced, only to" be checked, when within 400 yards of the lodges, by the approach of an old, unarmed Indian. One of his hands was placed on his head ; the other covering his heart in token of friendliness. The camp, so spoke this wily hostile, was that of Peupeumoxmox, an Indian who would not fight American soldiers. The truce seeking old man declared that the murderers were gone — the assassins of the Whitman Mission — and the only recourse for the whites was to take possession of their stock, at that time quietly feeding on the neighboring hills. At the lodges the volunteers found a few warriors, painted and armed, yet to outward appearances friendly. Colonel Gilliam concluded to follow the suggestion of the old patriarch and drive off the enemy's stock ; thus crippling them. Through a deep canyon courses the Tucanon; to win the hills where were the cat- tle, necessitated a toilsome march of a quarter of a mile up a steep ascent. They gained this elevation, but to their surprise and disgust the soldiers saw the cattle swimming across Snake river. Outwitted by a band of painted sav- ages ! Nothing was left but to collect about five hundred head of stock, mainly horses, and return to the Touchet. One mile on their road and they were attacked in the rear by four hundred Palouse hostiles. Then began a run- ning fight; it continued throughout the day; the soldiers were compelled to camp several miles from the Touchet on a small stream. And here, destitute of food or fire, a wretched night was passed. Added to this the Indians kept up a desultory but harrassing fire into the camp. In hope that repossession of their stock would content the hostiles it was turned loose. But in vain. In the morning, when the soldiers were prepared to march out, Indians swarmed about them ; they hung upon the flanks of what was, in reality, a retreating army of American soldiers. A battle must be fought at the crossing of the Touchet. This much was evident. The Indians made a shifty dash to pass the volun- teers and take up a position in the river bottom protected by a cover of scrubby trees and underbrush. This movement was con- tested by the whites ; here desperate fight- 280 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. ing ensued. The Oregon army was a full hour at the ford before it gained the southern side. Unequal though the numbers, the soldiers won a most decided victory; though sustaining a loss of ten wounded, none killed; the Indians lost four killed and fourteen wounded. While crossing the Touchet the Americans were not pursued. Rattle of musketry, whoops and yells ceased for the first time in thirty hours. Then, from the farther side of the stream swelled the plaintive, melancholy death song, chanted by the Indians over the bodies of their slain. March 16th, jaded and famishing, the vol- unteers arrived at Fort Waters. During three days one small colt had been the extent of their commissary stores. The visit of Governor Isaac Ingalls Ste- vens to this locality in 1855 has been described in Part I of this work. Here are added a few details more local in color. June 17th he camped on the Patit, and describes the country as "very beautiful and inviting," and "the whole country in view was well adapted to pur- poses of agriculture and stock raising." At the outbreak of the Cayuse Indian war of 1855-6 we find that there were living in what is now Columbia county Henry M. Chase, who had working for him two transient men, Louis Raboin and P. M. Lafontain. Later in the year 1855 Lloyd Brooke, George E. Bum- ford and John F. Noble, partners, who had lived at the Whitman Mission, erected a house on the Touchet, between the towns of Dayton and Waitsburg. Following the close of the Indian troubles Raboin returned, and settlers coming into the country in 1859 found him with his family living quietly on his place on the Tucanon. He had been driven away in June, 1855, by Indians. Here he was visited by Governor Stevens, who says in his report: In the valley of the Tucanon we found a very experienced and kind hearted mountaineer, Louis Moragne, who, with his Flathead wife and six children, had gathered about him all the comforts of a home. Moragne left St. Louis in 1831, served some years in the employ of the American Fur Company; then went to the Bitterroot valley, but left in consequence of difficulties with the Black- feet. He is the owner of some fifty horses and many cattle. His potatoes were in blossom, and his wheat excellent. He had four acres under culti- vation. He succeeded well in raising poultry, of which he had three or four dozen. Raboin, or Moragne, was of Illinois French stock, and for years was a companion of those brave men who trapped and hunted through the Rocky Mountains from Mexico to British Columbia, and fought Indians from the Missouri to the Sierra Nevadas. Being of an exceedingly lively and active disposition his French comrades called him "Marin- gouin," the French word for mosquito. This was variously corrupted in after years, Governor Stevens calling it Moragne, and the early settlers here knowing him as Marengo. Many years ago he was killed near his cabin, and in later years his property passed into the hands of J. M. Silcott. June 29, 1893, the Dayton Courier pub- lished the following account of the earlier set- tlers. » H. M. Chase, of Barnstable, Massachusetts, was in the city Thursday last. Mr. Chase was one of the first white settlers in what is now the city of Dayton, Columbia county, he, in company with others, having built a fort in the park, close to the place now occupied by the residence of W. H. Van Lew. This was during troublesome times with the noble red man. Here he prepared to take up land and fence it in, but fate decreed other- wise. One by one his companions, tiring of the loneliness and hardships of pioneer life, deserted him until only two were left. One day a friendly Indian called on them and imparted the cheerful information that the next day there would be a large party of his red brothers there to scalp them and burn their house. Their first thought was that they would stay and hold the fort, but upon medi- tation concluded that their scalps would be safer as far as possible from their present abode. Sure enough, the next day a band of five hundred Indians invaded the place, but finding no victims, contented themselves with burning everything in sight. Two years later Mr. Chase returned to claim his property, but found it occupied by others, and after considerable litigation gave up any hopes of retreiving it, and finally returned to the east to live. Of the men mentioned Mr. Gilbert, in his well-written and authentic historv, savs : HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 28 r Henri M. Chase first came, in the latter part of 1851, with William McKay, to Umatilla river, where he wintered. The next summer he joined William Craig in the Nez Perce country, wintered in 1852 at The Dalles, returned to the Nez Perce country in 1853, where he remained with his stock, purchased from emigrants, until 1855, when he became a resident of what is now Dayton. Louis Raboin, was an American of French ex- traction, who had been living in the country east of the Cascades since 1851, and in 1855 lived at the place now known as Marengo on the river Tucanon. P. M. Lafontain, a neighbor of Mr. Chase in 1855, adjoining whom he had taken up a claim, had been a resident since 1852. It may be interesting to know that at this time there were living east of the Cascades not over twenty men, outside of the Hudson's Bay post at Wallula, and about twenty ex- Hudson' Bay Company's men. most of whom had Indian wives. The Kamaikun outbreak occurred in the earlier days of October, 1855. Messrs. Chase, Lloyd, Brooke and Lafontain had started for The Dalles for winter supplies for their ranches near the present site of Dayton. Having passed the agency on the Umatilla river, a horseman overtook them and informed them of the trouble. Returning to the agency they found Mr. Whitney. He had hurriedly come in from where is now the city of Pendleton, Ore- gon, on his way out of the country with his family. He, too. had been warned by a friendly Indian. His wife was in ill health ; he was striving to place her beyond the reach of the scapling knife — or worse. To this sorely harassed husband Mr. Chase generously turned over his team and wagon ; thus aiding him to save his wife and family. It was a span of valuable horses then worth $500. For McKay's cabin on a creek of that name, debouching into the Umatilla, the men then started. Here they took possession of it, de- termined to remain through the night. Again they were warned by a friendly Indian against an oncoming partv of hostiles. They immedi- ately left the dangerous locality and went to Dry creek, in the Walla Walla valley, and passed the remaining hours of an anxious night. Gaining the Whitman Mission they counseled among themselves as to the next course to be pursued. Brooke's house they de- cided to convert into a fort, and Chase and Lafontain returned to their lanches on the Touchet and made preparations for a siege. Three Americans, working for Mr. Chase, de- cided to remain and assist in protecting the property. It was learned, however, that the party left at Brooke's house had abandoned it ; that the whole American population in the country was on the eve of flying for their lives; and they had written Chase a letter ad- vising him to do the same. He declined to do this, declaring that if only one man remained with him the country should not be aban- doned. At this time he lived in a good log house on a claim which included the present site of Dayton. He found his companions en- thusiastic to convert the house into a stockade. A day passed; with evening came reflec- tion; another council was held with the result that all deserted with the exception of the un- daunted Lafontain. At a place called Marengo, on the Tucanon, was then living Louis Raboin. Thus he, and Mr. Chase became the only two Americans in the hostile country after Nathan Olney and his party had left Walla Walla for The Dalles in October. Ex-Hudson's Bay Company's employes, counting upon their mat- rimonial connections to find friends among the Indians were the only other whites remaining. Chase and Lafontain, though not being able to build a stockade, continued to cast bullets and prepare for war. Port holes were cut through the log walls ; flour stored away in the building; communication with the creek was made by a tunnel in order to obtain water, or in event of disaster to afford a possible avenue of escape ; potatoes were placed in the tunnel. Ten days these two determined men stood guard alternately and continued the labor of strengthening their position. Not an Indian 282 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. appeared ; but the ceaseless vigil produced a de- pressing effect that finally caused them to aban- don their stronghold and seek, with their stock, protection of the Nez Perces, the long tried friends of the Americans. On their way they passed one night at the cabin of Raboin ; he joined them, and no longer an American was left in the hostile country.- And the day fol- lowing their escape a horde of savages swept down on the place with intent to capture them ; they found an empty house and burned it to the ground. An account of Colonel Steptoe' battle with hostiles and subsequent retreat is given in Part I of this volume. What immediately affects the vicinity of Columbia county is as follows : On the night of May 17, 1858, the defeated troops under him followed the faithful chief. Timothy. Their lives depended upon his judg- ment and fidelity. It was impossible to carry along the wounded ; perforce they were left to the scalping knife of the savage. The fugitives had but one thought; to gain Snake river and safety. Seventy miles they had ridden twenty- four hours later, reaching the Snake at the mouth of Alpowa creek. Then they passed up the river to Timothy's village ; the chief placed his own people out as guards ; the women of the tribe ferried the worn soldiers and their effects across the stream. On the night of the follow- ing day this passage was completed ; on the 20th Steptoe's party met Captain Dent with supplies and reinforcements on Pataha creek, where the road now leading from Dayton to Pomeroy crosses it. The soldiers went into camp; while there Chief Lawyer, of the Nez Perces, came in and urged the soldiers to re- turn with him and again try titles with the northern savages. They expressed no ardent desire to follow the advice of the friendly chief, but continued on their way to Walla Walla. On their return they passed Tucanon ; here Sergeant Thomas Beall found one Snickster, who had been wounded in the arm at Pine creek on the 17th. He was in a little cabin a short distance below the present site of Marengo. A wonderful story he told. Ser- geant Williams and himself had made their way to the mouth of the Palouse. Here they had attempted to cross Snake river; Williams had been killed by Indians. He had saved him- self only by jumping from a boat into the stream which he swam. Accepting this ac- count as true Colonel Wright subsequently hanged a Palouse Indian who was accused of having killed Williams in the attempted cross- ing of the Snake. There is, however, another side of this story. It was known by Sergeant Kenny that Williams was left by the trail helpless with a broken arm. Kenny says it would have been impossible for him to have reached Snake river in his shattered condition. Further, he de- clared, that a squaw found Williams where he lay and took him to a lodge where within a few days he died. From the squaw and other In- dians this fact was learned years afterward. It was, also, doubted by Kenny that any one would be able to swim Snake river during the high water late in the month of May, with a broken arm. For a number of years the late Hon. J. E. Edmiston noted items of historical interest in Eastern Washington. The following, taken from his collection, and published in the Cour- ier Press, will be of interest to Dayton people : July 13, 1858, W. J. Lindsay, in charge of thir- teen packers, escorted by Lieutenant Wickliff, of Company P, Ninth Infantry, camped on the south bank of the Touchet, opposite the mouth of the Patit. He was packing government supplies from Port Walla Walla to Colonel Wright, who was then on Rock Creek, north of Snake river. About 5 o'clock p. m., 70 Indians came down the hill from the north, near where the reservoir is now located, and in true Indian warfare made a circle, running near the north bank of the Touchet, just where the Brooklyn mills now stand, passing up the Patit and back again to the hill. They were armed with guns and bows and arrows. They fired into camp as they passed, and Lieutenant Wickliff had his men out of camp, which was in a grove of timber, and drawn up near the bank of the HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 283 Touchet, and there in the open field he received and returned the fire of the Indians. He lost two men killed and three wounded. It was his first experience in Indian fighting, and his fifty men were not ahle to stop a single Indian on their first charge. The packers were all Californians and armed with navy revolvers, and some of them were good . shots. On the first attack of the Indians they hid themselves behind their packs, and observing that the Indians in making the circle passed very near the bank of the Patit, which at that point was high and formed a good protection for am- bush. Led by Lindsay they waded the Touchet just above the mouth of the Patit, and ran along up that stream under cover of the high bank and stationed themselves for service during the next charge. They had not long to wait, and after the Indians had discharged their fire at the soldiers and were circling off near .the bank of the Patit, the packers arose from behind the bank and each gave them six shots from their revolvers at short range. The Indians made six or seven charges, but never approached near the Patit after that. As a result of the fight eleven dead Indians and thirteen dead ponies were found on the flat the next morning between the creek and the foot of the hill. During the Indian wars of 1858 the terri- tory now embraced in Columbia count}-, while not the scene of any notable battle, except the one previously described, was patrolled by troops in pursuit of hostile savages. According to Colonel George Hunter, in his book, "Remi- nescences of an Old Timer," in the spring of 1858 after the government troops under Col- onel Steptoe and Major Luginbeale had met their disastrous defeat near the two buttes known afterward as Steptoe and Kamiackun, in what is now Whitman county, they returned to the south. They crossed Snake river at the mouth of the Tucanon. There they built a stone corral, or fort, which they designated as Fort Taylor. The site of this rude fortifica- tion is the present location of Grange City, Columbia county. This defense was erected during the campaign of Colonel George Wright against northern Indians. An examination of Part I of this History will call to mind that after the defeat of Colonel E. J. Steptoe, Col- onel Wright, then stationed at Walla Walla, was ordered to move against the hostile In- dians north of Snake river. His forces com- prised five companies of the First United States Cavalry under command of Major William Greer ; three companies of the Ninth Infantry commanded by Captain F. T. Dent; two com- panies of the Third Artillery, led by Major (after General Ord, and forty Nez Perce In- dians in charge of Lieutenant John Mullan, of the Second Artillery. This expedition moved forward the latter part of July, 1858. In a narrative of this war by Thomas Beall in "Stars and Bars," he says, concerning the founding of this fort : "We left Walla Walla and marched to the mouth of the Tucanon, near where the town of Riparia now is, where we left one company of artillery under Major Wise (Major Wise built a fort there, called- Fort Taylor, in honor of Captain Taylor who fell in the Steptoe fight). There we constructed a ferry boat to cross our supplies, proceeded into what was known as the Tour Lake Country,' and near what is now Medical Lake." Another incident is told by the same nar- rator, upon the return of the forces from this expedition, which took place in what is now Columbia county : "In crossing the Tucanon On Hi. the pris- oner chief, attempted to escape. He knocked down the horse of the guard officer, and be- ing mounted struck out for liberty. He was halted by a bullet from the revolver of a sol- dier called 'Big Ben,' which brought down the horse, and a second shot killed On Hi." This history has recorded the first attempts at permanent settlement of territory now known as Columbia county, by H. M. Chase and two allies and employes, P. M. Lafontain and Louis Raboin, and the building of the cabin by Lloyd Brooke, George C. Bumford and John F. Noble. We have told how they were conpelled to leave their possessions on ac- count of Indian hostilities in 1855. Now the inciting cause of the settlement of 284 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. the upper portion of Walla Walla county, in 1859, was the vigorous campaign prosecuted by Colonel Wright the preceding year. Set- tlers believed they would be protected from In- dian outrages. Prior to this hostiles had been on the war path for a number of years ; settlers did not dare take up a residence in the upper country. Following the crushing blow deliv- ered to the savages by Colonel Wright pioneers began to push further into the interior. True, there were not many in that part of the coun- try now known as Columbia county in 1859, but a beginning had been made; the following year others came feeling comparatively safe from marauding Indians. It was, practically, in 1859 that the regular and permanent settle- ment of the country began — the year that Ore- gon was admitted into the union. A number of claims were taken up along the Touchet, Patit and Tucanon. Then it was that people be- lieved implicitly that only along river bottom lands was there arable soil in this country. A few cabins were built. Frederick D. Schneb- ley had a homestead claim where now is Day- ton, in the autumn of 1859; near him was Richard Learn. John C. Wells, Thomas T. Davis, and Jesse N. Day were located further clown the stream. Above the Milton, or Long's Mill. Lambert Hearn had a claim ; helow him were S. L. Gilbreath, James S. Dill, Joseph Starr. George Pollard, John Fudge and David Whiteaker. Further down were a number of settlers now within the limits of Walla Walla county. One Nash was above Dayton, on the Touchet, on the place formerly occupied by H. M. Chase, later the property of John Mus- tard. Joseph Ruark, or "Kentuck," was above him. Where the Nez Perce trail crossed the Patit was William R. Rexford. He was em- ployed in trading with Indians. On Whiskey Creek Israel Davis held a claim. This was not a great ways from the present site of Hunts- ville. Ten miles down the Tucanon, from Louis Raboin, was O. P. Platter at a point called Platter's Crossing. Joseph Boise had a claim five miles below him. At the crossing of Whisky creek lived Wil- liam Bunten, and with him were George Ives and "Clubfoot George," engaged in trading whiskey for Indian cayuses. These three sold out and went to Montana in the early sixties, where they were shortly after hung by the vigilantes. The prosecution of Ives by Col. Wilbur F. Sanders, who made a fearless speech from the tail end of a wagon, in the face of an angry mob of miners and road agents, has become a noted event in the history of the Northwest. Following is an interview with S. L. Gil- breath, by J. E. Edmiston. In August, 1859, Gilbreath and his wife, in company with John C. Wells and Thomas Davis, both bachelors, came to what is now Columbia county, from the Willamette valley. Wells and Gil- breath had wagons and brought the first wagons over the Nez Perce trails, unless, possibly, the soldiers had a wagon in 1856. Gilbreath located on his present farm at Long's Station in August, 1859. Davis settled just below Dayton. He bought the claim from Freelon Schnebley (Stubbs) for eleven head of yearlings, and built his cabin in the fall of 1859; Wells also bought a location from Stubbs, on which The latter had already built a small cabin; the only cabins on the Touchet at that time were Stubbs' cabin, on the south side of the Touchet, where the China Garden is now located, and a cabin about where Alex Price's residence now is, in Dayton, which had been built by Henry M. Chase and was then occupied by two squaw men by the name of Bailey. "Stubbs," whose name was Schnebley, was a squaw man, and was killed in 1862 at the mouth of the Okanogan river by the soldiers for horse stealing. His brother, F. D. Schnebley, filed on his place on which Dayton is now located, and after proving up sold to Jesse N. Day. In 1859 there was a general camping ground for the Indians where Dayton now stands; there were from 75 to 100 tepee pole frames standing; the grass was eaten out up to the foot-hills. Mrs. Gilbreath was the first white woman to locate in the county, being at that time only sixteen years of age. In October, 1859, Lambert Hearn and wife came up from the Valley and located just above Gilbreath on the Touchet. He bought HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY 28s his location from one of the Forrest boys, who were brothers of Mrs. Jesse N. Day. Jesse N. Day and the Forrest boys came up in 1859, located claims, and returned to the Valley for their fam- ilies, coming back the next year. In 1859 there were no cabins below Gilbreath's on the Touchet, but every half mile four poles were laid in a square with a notice posted on a pole as follows: "This is my claim; I have gone to the Valley for my stock and will be back in three months." These locations were all made in the spring of 1859. Most of these persons came back in the autumn of that year. John Forsythe, a bachelor, located on the first place below Gilbreath, his only capital being a shotgun and a cayuse. James S. Dill, a widower with one boy, located just below Forsythe. James Bennett settled just below on what is now the Bateman place. His wife came a year or so later. Joe Starr settled at the crossing of the Touchet; he was a bachelor. Below him George T. Pollard, a bachelor, came and located in the fall of 1859. Four brothers, David, Joseph, William and Ben Whittaker, came in the fall of 1859 and settled just below Pollard, where Hunts- ville now stands; they were all bachelors. A. B. and Albert G. Lloyd lived just below, across the county line. Missionary Spalding and wife, and Andrew Warren, his son-in-law, came in 1859 and built a cabin on the Touchet at Mullan Bridge, near Pres- cott. Gilbreath and his wife heard Rev. Spald- ing preach in the fall of 1859. Henry B. and Jesse N. Day, brothers, who had been engaged in the cattle business in what is now Douglas county, Oregon, in 1859 first came to the present territory of Columbia county. They drove in a band of cattle, the property of Jesse Day, and located headquar- ters on the Touchet, the present site of Day- ton. Henry Day subsequently returned to Oregon, but the year following came back and settled with his own stock on the Touchet. Already owning 320 acres he could not take up more land, but simply ranged his stock here. Henry Day died in September, 1900. The founder of Dayton was Jesse N. Day, born in what is now West Virginia, in 1828. He crossed the continent at the age of 22 years, locating in the Willamette Valley, after passing some time in the mines of California. The following extract is from a sketch written by the wife of Jesse N. Day : The Indian difficulties having been settled in Washington Territory by treaty, many who had heard of the agreeable climate, fertile soil and rich bunch grass, but had had too great a fear of the Indians to venture among them, came with a view of locating here if the country suited them. Mr. Day was one of these pioneers, coming to this vicinity in March, 1859. He camped on the banks of the Touchet under a pine tree, which still re- mains as one of the oldest landmarks of pioneer days. He explored the surrounding country, but decided to locate a homestead on the land sur- rounding his camp, which is two miles west of here and is now owned by Mr. W. T. Richardson. The present site of Dayton had been occupied ere this, but the Indians had driven the settlers away and burned their dwellings. Mr. Day preferred this to the other location, but feared the owners might return to claim it. They did not return, however, and a few years later Mr. Fred D. Schnebly settled upon it. The land patent dated 1867, bearing the signature of Andrew Johnson is still preserved in Dayton. In 1865 Mr. Day bought the land of Mr. Schnebly and moved his family to the old tavern, which occupied the pres- ent site of Weinhard's brewery. In the time of no railroads and stage coaches this house was a lucrative investment. John, David, James and William Fudge came to Washington Territory in 1859, locat- ing near the point where Huntsville is now. They were young unmarried men, and for the next two years their residence was transitory. At one period John Fudge was a commissioner of Columbia county and was, throughout his life, a highly respected citizen. He died March 3, 1892. It is, undoubtedly true that very few of the earlies settlers came with a view of establishing permanent homes in Washington Territory. Their aim was to graze stock for a few years, raising some grain in the meantime for their own use, and then return east with the profits of their adventure. The following is an in- terview with George W. Miller, describing conditions, and people living in the county at that period, i860. "Myself and father-in-law, Elisha Ping, came to Columbia county in August, i860. At that time there were only two white women 286 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. in the county, Mrs. Gilbreath and Mrs. Hearn. They located on the Patit, just above its junc- tion with the Touchet, and the Ping homestead is now part of the city of Dayton. During the season of 1861 we plowed up that part of Day- ton from the Chase cabin west to Patit creek, and from that creek west to the foothills where Brooklyn now stands, being something over fifty acres, and farmed it for two years. When harvest came the grain was cut with a turkey- wing cradle and bound and shocked. Then it was hauled from the field and the grain tramped out by two yoke of oxen which were used on the farm. Then a scoop shovel was used to throw the grain up in the air that the wind might blow the chaff out. The first crop was sold to George Ives to feed his pack train of mules during the winter of 1861-62, for which not a cent of payment was ever made. When Ives was hung in Montana we felt avenged. We both built log cabins on the Patit, and in the fall of 1862 I built a barn of lumber, being the first lumber structure erected in the count)'. This barn is yet standing on the homestead one mile east of Dayton, and is in a good state of preservation. The lumber was whip-sawed on the Eckler mountain at the big spring near the Fewster pkce. In 1866 a high wind blew the roof off my house, and a rafter was driven through the barn, wounding a horse. The hole is still in the barn, and shows in the picture published in this work. "In i860, Schnebley, called "Stubbs," had a cabin at the crossing of the Touchet, present site of Dayton." The year i860 witnessed the arrival in the Columbia district of quite a number of set- tlers. At the annual reunion of the Old Set- tlers of Columbia county, held at Dayton, De- cember 7, 1893, there were present seven men who had been in the county since i860. Their names, date of arrival and former homes were : George W. Miller, August, Oregon; Robert Ping, August, Oregon ; Frank Ping, August, Oregon; C. F. Miller, August, Oregon; J. N. Day, September, Oregon ; Henry B. Day, Oc- tober, Oregon ; J. F. Yenny, November, Iowa. S. L. Gilbreath's first child was born in March, i860, and was the first white child horn in the county. It was a girl, and died in 1862, and is buried at the Richardson ceme- tery. Celeste Miller, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George W. Miller, now Mrs. J. E. Steen, was the second child born in the county, Janu- ary 24, 1 86 1. Elisha Ping located August 19, i860, on the Patit, a portion of his land being now in the t< iwnsite of Dayton. George W. Miller's claim adjoined Ping's on the east. Ping was in part- nership with his son-in-law, George W. Miller, and they rented the ground that Dayton now stands upon and farmed it two years. Mr. Ping lived in Columbia county thirty years. He died at his home near Covello very sud- denly, August 16, 1890. Among other settlers who came in 1861 were these : R. G. Newland, wife and chil- dren settled in the northern part of Walla Walla, which territory subsequently became Columbia county. He located on what was later known as the "Richardson farm," subse- quently taking up land in another part of the county. Addison Jacobs came in 1861. Thomas W. Whetstone, accompanied by his family, came from Oregon in the autumn of 1 86 1 ; he located in the "Hollow" which still bears his name. Here he continued to live until his death in December, 1888. In the course of the early settlement of the country Mr. Whetstone was compelled to undergo many hardships and suffered many privations. Simon Critchfield crossed the plains in 1861 with Thomas Winnet and sons and spent the next winter on Dry creek. The severe winter of 186 1-2 proved a seri- ous blow to the few settlers in the vicinity of the Touchet, Patit and Tucanon. Cattle died in droves from starvation. With the exception of 65 head Jesse N. Day lost all his stock. His brother, Henry Day, was more fortunate; his HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 287 Stock stampeded for the timbered district and was saved. But it is safe to say that every one then living in the locality lost, practically, all their stock with the exception of Mr. Henry Day. Even the hardy cayuses, generally sup- posed to be able to weather any kind of a severe season, perished by scores. A very few cattle were saved, but at an expense of $20 per hun- dred pounds for oats. It is alleged that one old fellow living on the Tucanon saved a portion of his band of cattle by feeding them a kind of bouillon made from the carcases of dead ani- mals. The Indians suffered the loss of most of their ponies. A party of them coming over the Blue mountains were snowed in ; a large num- ber of ponies they had with them were left along the trail to die, the Indians making' their way down to the valley as best they, could. But in the spring all these tough cayuses were found alive and, comparatively, hearty. The snow was deep, but not crusted ; they had been able to paw it away and reach the grass. For three months the snow invaded Walla Walla county. It fell every day in succession for one month. A slight Chinook caused it to settle ; but it was still 32 inches deep on the level. Farmers burned their fence rails for firewood ; rails sold readily for $30 a hundred ; flour was worth $24 a hundred pounds; for forty days the mercury was 28 degrees below zero. And yet this unusually severe winter had been in- troduced by an autumn singularly mild. No- vember was as balmy as an ordinary May. On mountain ridges the temperature was suffi- ciently low to turn the copious precipitation into snow, covering the ridges to a great depth. During the closing days of November the tem- perature rose almost to summer heat; rains poured along the valleys ; the mountain snows were dissolved in a day; floods swept down every gorge swelling rills into torrents, torrents into vicious, brawling rivers. From Sacra- mento to British Columbia valleys were inun- dated. This remarkable and unseasonable heat suddenly turned to frigidity with the advent of 1862. West of the Cascade mountains the mercury dropped to zero ; east of them many degrees below. In a chain of ice' the hyper- borean winter held the land for three full months. Harships and intense suffering were the lot of Eastern Washington settlers. Im- poverishment was escaped by few. On the open prairie and in among the hills travelers froze to death. At Walla Walla bacon sold for 50 cents, butter $1, sugar 50 cents, beans 30 cents and tobacco $1.50 per pound, with all other necessaries of life in proportion. Yet it was small satisfaction to the settlers of whom we write to know that up in the mines of Sal- mon river these prices were multiplied by three and four. After i860, during the succeeding four or five years, all low ground along the streams was settled and, to a certain extent, cultivated. Little value was attached to the upper bench lands except for grazing purposes. But popu- lation did not increase rapidly. It had been discovered, however, in 1864, that hill soil was equally fertile and valuable for grain raising purposes as that along the streams. This dis- covery proved a great impetus to immigTation ; the succeeding few years, beginning with 1866, saw an influx of settlers whose cabins soon dotted the hills ; and they were soon surrounded with fields of grain. As improvements pro- gressed better houses and more substantial barns were built; the grain fields grew larger; orchards were planted and the entire country wore an air of peace and prosperity. As the population increased schools were established ; property increased in value. Of course, at this period the farmer progressed slowly. Trans- portation facilities were nil; there was no out- let for grain ; the home market could net con- sume fifty per cent of what was raised. Yet land increased in value; farmers raised some grain; bred cattle, sheep and horses, and be- came wealthy despite a serious handicap in the way of transportation. 288 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. There was considerable history made in 1862 throughout the county of which we write. One traveler who made the journey from Walla Walla to Lewiston, Idaho, that year, stated that he saw only four houses, or cabins, during the entire trip. In what has since been carved into Columbia county Robert Winnett this year took up his residence, remaining until his death in September, 1900. This year was, also, accentuated by a wind storm of unusual severity. At that period the country was sparsely settled ; there were few shade trees or fences, and nothing in particular for the storm king to satiate his wrath upon, with perhaps the exception of George W. Miller's residence, which was unroofed. Another important event of this year in the way of industrial enterprise was the build- ing of a wagon road between the city of Walla Walla and Lewiston. It at once became the main traveled route between these two towns; the principal ones at that period in the country. Following are the official proceedings of the Walla Walla board of county commissioners relating to this highway, at their session, Feb- ruary 20, 1862 : "The petition of Henry M. Chase and twenty-five other citizens to locate a county wagon road, commencing at the town of Walla Walla, thence following the present wagon road to the crossing of Dry creek at Aldrich's claim, thence up said creek to Charles Actor's; thence to the left, up a hollow about two miles ; to the intersection of a wagon road ; thence following said road, crossing the Cop- pei at saw mill; thence following the present wagon road to Schnebly's claim, the present crossing, of Touchet (Dayton's location), thence following the old Nez Perce trail, cross- ing the Tucanon at Chase's place (provided that a more suitable route cannot be found), thence with said trail to the line of Indian reservation. ■ 'On motion said road- was located accord- ing to the prayer of said petition, and W. S. Gilliam, E. L. Massey and A. B. Roberts were appointed viewers of said road ; that said view- ers will, with the assistance of E. F. Gray, sur- veyor, commence viewing said road on the 1 5th day of May, A. D., 1862; and will make a report of their proceedings to this board as soon after the survey as practicable." The proceedings of June 2d of the same year in regard to this road reads as follows ". "On motion it was agreed to accept the plat and adopt the road surveyed by E. F. Gray between the cities of Walla Walla and Lewiston, wherein E. L. Massey, A. B. Rob- erts and F. D. Schnebly were viewers of said road." From this it appears that Mr. Schnebly was appointed to take the place of Mr. Gil- liam as one of the viewers. Following are the proceedings of the commissioners in the spring of 1863: "We, the undersigned, petition the Honor- able Board of Walla Walla county, Washing- ton Territory, to grant a relocation, or a change of a certain portion of the Lewiston road in Walla Walla county, Washington Territory, commencing at a point near Whetstone's place, thence on the main used wagon road to Stark's and Freeman's places, on Tucanon, and thence to intersect the old survey on the top of the hill on the south side of Pataha creek. "This March 8, 1863. "Signed by William K. Starks and others. "On motion the location of the proposed change in said road was allowed, and W. K. Starks, William Freemen and O. P. Platter were appointed viewers of said road. No per- son appeared to claim any damages or make any objections thereto, and no remonstrance filed." " Some of the early wagon roads opened by order of the commissioners of Walla Walla county in what is now Columbia county, were as follows : In 1863 — One from Wallula, thence across ta John Manion's claim on the lower Touchet; thence HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 289 up the north side of the Touchet to the crossing of said river to the claim of D. Fudge, in section No. 5, township No. 9 north, range 38 east; thence along the south side of the Touchet to intersect the Lewiston road near the claim of John Forsythe. February term, 1864 — Commencing at A. J. Cain's claim; thence to the crossing of Dry creek at J. Greer's; thence to the Touchet at the crossing of H. D. O'Bryant's; thence by way of J. Dobson's and McKay's ranches; then intersecting the Lewis- ton road at Whetstone's ranch. The petition ask- ing for this road was signed by B. F. Blodgett, A. G. Lloyd, J. C. Lloyd, S. Caldwell, H. D. O'Bryant, J. P. Bowyer, P. R. Rhodes, Isaac Kellogg, Aaron Hardman, J. N. Foster, Robert Mason, James McKay, Elisha Harris, A. Jasper, J. W. Atkinson, James Woodruff, J. P. Perkins, T. W. Whetstone, M. H. Hauber, L. P. Berry, A. J. Cain and John W. Pullman. December term, 1865 — A road through the gulch, known as A. Johnson's hollow, leaving the Lewiston road at Schnebly's ranch, about three- quarters of a mile above crossing of Touchet and up some six miles through the aforementioned A. Johnson's hollow; thence about a mile across through a gulch into Whetstone Hollow, where it will intersect the Walla Walla and Lewiston road. The petition for this road was signed by A. Abel, John Abel, William Montgomery, James Cunning- ham, William Perryman, M. Hatten, Andrew Abel, John Hays & Company, F. Billups, J. M. Hobbs, A. Johnson and Luther Cashow. The advantages of such a road as set forth by the petitioners, were: "First, an outlet for settlers in the aforementioned hollow to either the Wallula or Lewiston roads; Second, as a means of communication between the Wallula and Lewiston roads, and an advantage to travelers." December term, 1866 — Road from Walla Walla to Blackfoot Ferry, on Snake river. Commencing at Walla Walla; thence on the present traveled road to O. Gallaher's ranch, crossing Dry creek at a point between his house and barn; thence direct to the mouth of a hollow, up said hollow to the mouth of Straight hollow; here intersecting the road to William King's ranch; thence by Dicken- son's ranch to bridge on Coppei at A. Cox's ranch; thence to Wait's mill (the present site of Waits- burg), thence up A. Lloyd's to Whetstone Hollow, up the same to the mouth of Sam Smith's hollow, up the 'same, over the summit, and down Boise some four miles; thence on the Platter trail to Platter's bridge, on Tucanon; thence upon Ken- tuck's trail to Blackfoot Ferry. May term, 1868 — Road from Wait's mill up what is known as the Wilson hollow to the Blue Mountains, as follows: From Waitsburg upon the present traveled road to Mark Old's land claim; thence along the east side of said hollow to inter- 19 sect the old road on the east of Moses Wright's house; thence along the same road to Preston Brickley's land claim north of his home, about thirty yards upon the bottom, intersecting the old road again at the northwest corner of Thomas Jasper's field; thence on the old road as now traveled to the rail pens on the Blue Mountains. Session of May 8, 1868 — Road from the Ken- tuck road, near A. C. Dickenson's, to a point in the Blue Mountains near the waters of the Touchet. Session of November 2, 186 9 — Road from a point on the Lewiston road, at Thomas Winnett's house, to Spackman's cabin, in the Blue Mountains. Road from the 30-mile post on the Lewiston road to the home of S. G. Miller, on Patit creek. During the year 1871 numerous roads were opened in the county, and on up to the forma- tion of Columbia county in 1875. Among - those who took up their residences in Columbia county at an early day, and for many years made their homes here, some still living in the county, with the date of their ar- rival and former home, were : Mathias Mathew, September 30, 1862, Iowa; H. C. Montgomery, October, 1864, Iowa; S. D. McCauley, August, 1865, Illinois; John Mustard, 1866, Oregon; John K. Rain- water, August 15, 1869, Oregon; Matt Riggs, May, 1870, Ohio; B.M. Turner, March, 1871, Missouri; Lang Sang, August, 1871, China; Cyrus Davis, October 27, 1871, Wisconsin; Daniel B. Kimball, November 12, 1871, In- diana; Dennis C. Guernsey, November 20, 1 87 1, Wisconsin; A. H. Weatherford, No- vember, 1871, Oregon; W. O. Matzger, March, 1872, Walla Walla; Levi W. Watrous, May 1, 1872, Iowa; Robert F. Sturdevant, November, 1873, Wisconsin. Many of the early settlers of Columbia county were men who had taken part in the different Indian wars and who had been through the country with the army. Among the first settlers who had thus served were : Samuel Love Gilbreath, of Company E, of the First Regiment of Oregon Mounted Volunteers, taking part in the Cayuse Indian war of 1855-6. Other residents taking part in various Indian wars were : Henry Black, 290 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. Jesse Cadwalleder, Daniel Delaney, Simeon D. Earl, Perry G. Earl, in the Caynse war of 1847-8; Daniel Davis, Company E, George T. Pollard, Company F, Lieutenant Archimedes Hanan, Henry Bateman, George W. Miller, and Abel White, Company H, George Hunter and Albert G. Lloyd, Company I, First Regu- lars, Newton G. Curl, Company D, First Bat- tery, Charles Abraham, Company E, Second Regiment, Isaac Carson and Sylvester M.Wait, First Battery to Second Regiment. In the year 1866 enough tillers of the soil had made homes in the vicinity to warrant the erection of a flouring mill. It was built on the site of Long's Station where there was an ex- cellent water power ; the place was then known as "Milton Mills." In 1879 its owners became involved in numerous lawsuits, and the prop- erty was permitted to lie idle ; in the course of time it became, practically, worthless, with the exception of the water power. The old mill- stones decomposed ; the mill-race filled up with debris ; the flume was entirely decayed. Not until 1900 was there another flouring mill on the site of this pioneer "grist mill" of Colum- bia county. It is to be noted that when this new mill was erected, 34 years after the first one, some of the heaviest timbers utilized in the old one, which had been hewn from red fir logs, were used in the new structure, as sub- stantial as on the day the)' were first put in by the early pioneers. In 1869 was made the first attempt to cre- ate a new county from the eastern portion of Walla Walla county. This was due to the ef- forts of citizens of Waitsburg. For their town they were anxious to secure the capital of the proposed new county. At this period Waits- burg had a number of stores, a good school building, hotel, saw and grist mills, and was, in fact, the only town in the proposed new coun- ty. But at this time the upper portion of the territory desired was not thickly settled. An acceptable county seat Waitsburg could not be- come owing to its proximity to Walla Walla, and would, in the event of the proposed divi- sion, be situated in the extreme corner of the county. Despite these handicaps a petition was signed by 150 residents and presented to the legislature in October, 1869. This document was accompanied to Olympia by a delegation of Waitsburg citizens. The proposed division would leave one-half the area and one-third the population in the new county; the assess- ment valuation would be segregated. After con- sidering the pros and cons concerning this di- vision the Washington Territorial legislature declined to take any action in the premises; the dream was over ; the upbuilding of Dayton a few years later convinced the "division" peo- ple that, had their petition been granted, it would have been both unwise and transitory. A bill had been introduced in congress in the spring of 1873 granting a right of way from the Northern Pacific Railroad line at Spo- kane river via Penawawa, Dayton, Waitsburg, Walla Walla, La Grande, Baker and Boise cities, to a point on the Central Pacific rail- road. This measure failed to pass. In 1873 the Seattle & Walla Walla Railroad Company was organized on the Sound. A. A. Denny and J. J. McGilvra, in August of that year, visited this section in the proposed road's in- terest. In Walla Walla, Waitsburg and Day- ton mass meetings were held. Through the Snoqualmie pass the frowning Cascades were to be crossed ; the road was to cost $4,500,000 and be, in length, 260 miles. Five-tenths of this money the Walla Walla people agreed to raise. But in this event it was stipulated that Walla Walla was to be the terminus, with per- mission to name five of the thirteen directors. This proposition was readily acceeded to; the five directors named were W. F. Kimball, S. Schwabacher, Jesse N. Day, W. P. Bruce and William Shelton. But further work on the enterprise ceased; another "hot air" proposi- tion passed noiselessly into oblivion. , There were, however, more "paper rail- roads," for the future. A number of com- HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 291 panies in various parts of Washington were or- ganized to build roads. The Dayton & Co- lumbia River Transportation Company was one of them. It proposed to construct a nar- row-gauge road from Dayton to Wallula via Waitsburg and Walla Walla; thence by steamer and "portage" railroads on to As- toria. Nothing" came of it. Then, in 1875, the energetic Dr. D. S. Baker came to the front and, in the patois of the business classes, there was "something doing." The Walla Walla & Columbia River Railroad was completed from Wallula to Walla W r alla ; the latter city had its first connection by rail with the outside world. It should be observed that it was this year initial attempts were made to secure a railroad into the territory that was, the same year, set off ?s Columbia county. Mass meetings were held at Waitsburg and Dayton ; the matter of securing railroad connection with the then county seat, together with the more important question of county division, was discussed. But this railroad agitation proved fruitless. Not until six years later did the locomotive whistle awaken the echoes of Columbia county. Without minutely going into the details of the somewhat complicated features of the early county organizations of Eastern Washington, we deem it necessary to give a brief summary of the different divisions that a clear under- standing may be had of the evolutions that led up to the formation of Columbia county. In the preceding chapters we have told of the creation of Walla Walla county by the first legislative assembly — that of 1854 — and of the organization of that county a few years later. Then Walla Walla county included all of the present Eastern Washington and a generous share of the present states of Idaho and Mon- tana. Shortly thereafter the disintegration of this mammoth county began. Spokane county was created in i860, taking from the mother county all that vast territory north of the Snake river and east of the Columbia. Then came the creation of Klickitat and Stevens counties, and Walla Walla was reduced to that portion of its original area lying south of Snake river and bounded on the west by the Columbia — a territory including the present counties of Walla Walla, Columbia, Garfield and Asotin. Thus we find conditions when in 1875 Columbia county was formed. Reference has already been made to the attempt of Waitsburg to effect a division of the county in 1869, the effort being unsuccess- ful. But increase in settlement, the rapid de- velopment in agricultural and other industrial lines made the proposition to form a new county not an unreasonable one in 1875. From a previously published history of Columbia county (Gilbert's), we make the following ex- tracts which will show clearly how the division of the county, by the creation of Columbia county, was effected : The springing up of Dayton and great increase of wealth and population of the country surround- ing it, led the minas of people to the idea that a new county should be created. They were a por- tion of Walla Walla county, but were so far from the county seat that it was a matter of great in- convenience and expense to transact official busi- ness. Especially were the citizens of Dayton in favor of a new county and the location of a seat of justice in their midst, as such a step would help the town. Dayton was the only town in the pro- posed new county, yet, as it was near the western verge, those who could see into the future recog- nized the fact that settlement of the Pataha, Al- powa and Asotin country would result in taking the county seat away from Dayton in time, or in creating another county to accommodate the people of that region. This served only to spur them on in their effort to secure the prize for Day- ton, hoping to retain it when the conflict came in the future by creating a new county, thus leav- ing Dayton in permanent possession of what it had gained. The democrats had elected Elisha Ping to the Territorial Council in 1874, and as this gentleman was a resident and property holder of Dayton his services were assured in securing the desired legislation. A petition was circulated and largely signed in 1875, asking the legislature to divide Walla Walla county by a line running directly south from the Palouse ferry, on Snake river, to the Oregon line, thus leaving Waitsburg just within the limits of the new county. The people of waitsburg objected. If they had 292 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. to be the tail to any kite they preferred Walla Walla to Dayton. They delegated Mr. Preston to visit Walla Walla and consult with the people there on this subject. He addressed a large meeting in that city in September, and a remonstrance was prepared which received many signatures, and was forwarded to the legislature. Representatives Hodges, Lloyd, Lynch and Scott, of Walla Walla county opposed a division with earnestness. The cause of Dayton was in the hands of A. J. Cain, who managed it in Olympia, with the assistance of Mr. Ping. The remonstrance sent in by the peo- ple of Walla Walla and Waitsburg called the at- tention of the legislature to the fact that the pro- posed line of division cut off two-thirds of the county, including the bulk of the agricultural land and all the timber, and suggested that if it was necessary to create a new county at all, that a line running from Snake river to the Touchet on the line between ranges 38 and 39, thence up the south fork of the Touchet to the Oregon line, be selected. This was twelve miles east of the other proposed line, and would leave Waitsburg in Walla Walla county, as well as a large belt of agricultural and timber land that otherwise would be set off to the new county. Walla Walla found herself help- less in the matter in the legislature. The members from the western side of the mountains were in the majority, and they were in favor of a division as desired by the people of Dayton. A bill to create "Ping" county was introduced and passed both branches, only to meet with a veto at the hands of the Governor, who objected to certain features of it. Another bill was prepared in ac- cordance with his objections, to create the county of Columbia and was hurried through the legisla- ture in the last days of the season, receiving the governor's signature on the 11th day of November, 1875. The line was a compromise between the two proposed, and struck the Touchet two miles above Waitsburg, then went south six miles, east six miles, and then south to the Oregon line. R. G. Newland, who was a member of the assembly of the Territorial legislature from Walla Walla county, introduced the bill author- izing the creation of Columbia county and by him the name of the new political division was selected. One who has been called the "Fa- ther of Columbia County," was A. J. Cain. He was one of the leading spirits of the di- vision movement, and rendered valuable as- sistance in securing the county seat for Dayton. In 1874 he established the Dayton News, the first newspaper in the county. He died July 6, 1879. Following is the organic act organizing the county of Columbia : An act to organize the County of Columbia in Washington Territory: Section 1. Be it enacted by the Legislative As- sembly of the Territory of Washington, That all that portion of Walla Walla county included with- in Washington Territory, and included within the following limits, be, and the same is hereby known, as the county of Columbia, viz: Commencing at a point in the middle of the channel of Snake river, where the range line between ranges thirty-six (36) and thirty-seven (37), east of the Willamette meridian intersects said point; thence south on said range line to the northwest corner township num- ber nine (9) north, range thirty-seven (37), east, to the northeast corner of said township; thence south on the line between ranges thirty-seven (37), and thirty-eight (38) east of the Willamette meridian, to the northeast corner of township num- ber seven (7), range thirty-seven (37) east; thence along the north boundary line of township number seven (7), north range thirty-eight (38), east, to the northeast corner of said township; thence due south to the line dividing the Territory of Washing- ton from the state of Oregon; thence due east on said dividing line to the dividing line between the Territories of Washington and Idaho; thence due north to a point where the dividing line between the Territories of Washington and Idaho intersects the middle channel of Snake river; thence down the middle channel of Snake river to the point of be- ginning: Provided, That all taxes levied and assessed by the beard of commissioners of Walla Walla county, for the year 1875, upon persons or property within the boundaries of the said county of Columbia, shall be collected and paid into the treasury ot Walla Walla county, for the use of said county ot Walla Walla. Provided, however, That nothing in this act shall be so construed as to deprive the county of Columbia of its proportion of the tax levied for common school purposes for the above named year, and provided further that the county of Columbia shall not be liable for any of the indebtedness of the county of Walla Walla, nor entitled to any por- tion of the property of said county of Walla Walla. Sec. 2. That B. Oliver, Frank G. Frary and George Pollard are hereby appointed a board of commissioners to call a special election for the election of county officers for said county, and to appoint the necessary judges and inspectors there- HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 293 for. Notice of which election shall be given and the said election conducted, and returns made as is now provided by law. Provided, That the returns shall be made to the commissioners aforesaid, who shall canvass the returns, and declare the result in the same manner as county commissioners are re- quired to do by law. Sec. 3. That the justices of the peace and con- stables who are now acting as such in the precincts of the county of Columbia be, and the same are hereby declared justices of the peace and con- stables for the said county of Columbia. Sec. 4. The county seat of the said county of •Columbia is hereby located at Dayton until the next general election, at which a majority of the legal voters of said county may permanently locate the same. Sec. 5. The county of Columbia is hereby united to the county of Walla Walla for judicial purposes. Sec. 6. That all laws of a general nature -applicable to the county of Walla Walla, shall be applicable to the county of Columbia. Sec. 7. Until otherwise provided by law the said county of Columbia shall be entitled to elect two members of the house of representatives of the Legislative Assembly, and the county of Walla Walla, of which it has been heretofore a part, until ■otherwise provided by law, shall elect four members •of said house of representatives, and the said county of Columbia shall, with the counties of Whitman and Stevens, constitute a joint council district, entitled to elect one member of the coun- cil in said Legislative Assembly, and the county •of Walla Walla shall hereafter constitute a council -district, entitled to elect one member of said Coun- cil. Acts and parts of acts providing a different ■apportionment for representation in the Legislative Assembly, than herein contained for the districts of which the said Columbia, while part of said Walla Walla county, was a part, are hereby made to conform to this act. Sec. 8. All acts and parts of acts in conflict with any of the provisions of this act shall be and the same are hereby repealed. Sec. 9. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage. Approved November 11, 1875. Columbia county came into existence on the .29th. day of November, 1875, at 9 o'clock, a. m. At that time F. G. Frary, Eliel Oliver and ■George T. Pollard who had been named in the •enabling act as county commissioners, met at Dayton and entered upon their official duties. The oath of office was administered to each commissioner by William Hendershott, justice of the peace. The first official act after being sworn was the selection of F. G. Frary as chairman, and the naming of D. C. Guernsey as clerk of the board to serve as such until a county auditor should be duly elected and qualified. The date of the first election was set for Tuesday, De- cember 21st, the details of which political elec- tion will be found in the political chapter re- lating to this county. The matter of securing rooms for use of the county officers was decided January 4th, 1876, by the acceptance of a bid of James M. Hunt to furnish rooms at $15 per month for the year 1876. This division of the county greatly dis- pleased the citizens of Walla Walla. They considered that their interests had not been properly safeguarded, and that the people of the Sound had discriminated against the ter- ritory east of the mountains, and, also, deprived them of considerable revenue. It was during this exciting condition of affairs that another annexation scheme was sprung by Oregon, and it was vigorously supported by many who had hitherto, strongly opposed the measure. The accounts of the preceding efforts to annex this territory to Oregon are given in the history of Walla Walla county. United States Senator James K. Kelly, of Oregon, in the senate in- troduced a bill which provided for the submis- sion to the voters of Walla Walla and Colum- bia counties the question of their annexation to Oregon, the territory thus including all south of the Snake river. But the Puget Sound peo- ple believed they had some interest even in the eastern portion of the commonwealth, and they vigorously opposed the measure, as did, also, people in Idaho. Especially bitter were the citizens of Dayton. The latter argued that rapid settlement of the Territory of Washing- ton would soon enable it to be admitted into the union. Loss of well populated districts, like Walla Walla and Columbia counties would greatly retard this movement. 294 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. Accordingly Dayton forwarded to congress a memorial strongly objecting to Senator Kel- ly's bill. But Walla Walla bad other and op- posite views. Her citizens held a mass meet- ing and sent to congress another memorial fa- voring the bill for annexation. But it failed to pass as did, also, the house bill of similar character, introduced by Representative Lane, of Oregon, providing that the question should be voted upon at the coming November elec- tion. It had been reported on favorably by the committee on Territories, but went under be- fore the house. The result was gracefully ac- cepted by Walla Walla county, and it at once fell into harmonious lines with all other sec- tions of the Territory. During the spring of 1876 a railroad war broke out in Walla Walla, that favorably af- fected Columbia county. It was waged be- tween the citizens of Walla Walla and the company whose line extended from that town to Wallula. The railroad company, collec- tively, was declared a robber ; a boycott was de- cided upon ; farmers hauled their grain to Wal- lula ; merchants had their goods shipped back to them by teams. At the mouth of the Tucanon a litle place called Grange City, Co- lumbia county, sprung' up, and here freight was received for river transportation. It was then that the Oregon Steam Navigation Com- pany, heretofore alternately flattered and abused, "looked good to them." In its own interest it was trying to draw freight to the river above Wallula. Yet, singular as it may appear, the offer of Captain J. T. Stump to build a boat adapted to the Snake river trade, and transport freight in direct opposition, to that company, was cordially endorsed by the Volatile Grangers, and they aided him with financial and moral support. This steamer was the Northwest, commanded by Captain Stump. By him and the Small Brothers it was run un- til 1878 — and then was taken over by the Ore- gon Steam Navigation Company and became a part of its service. But it was found imprac- ticable to compete with the railroad by team, and the attempt was finally abandoned. The road was making an immense profit at $5.50 per ton, but that was cheaper than teamsters could afford to haul it. Nothing permanent resulted from the or- ganization of the Walla Walla & Dayton Rail- road Company. It was incorporated in March, 1876, and the trustees were E. Ping, S. M. Wait, Jesse N. Day, A. H. Reynolds and H. M. Chase. Dayton was the principal place of such business of the proposed road as was trans- acted. It never passed the "map" stage. In January, 1876, Columbia county was called upon to furnish six grand jurors and nine petit jurors for the district court for Walla Walla and Columbia counties, in session at Walla Walla, and to the following fell the honor of serving: Grand jurors — Henry Ousley, A. Fuller, J. S. Thomas, Thomas Holowell, George Gib- son and R. G. Newland. Petit jurors — C. P. Griffith, William King, James Skelton, Wil- liam Burge, H. Morris, E. Hastings, David Woods, D. M. Vaughn and T. S. Reynolds. , By the organic act Dayton was named as the county seat of Columbia county to remain such until the next general election, which occurred in November, 1876, when a permanent county seat should be selected by a majority vote of the legal voters of the county. The people of the extreme eastern half of Columbia county knew that their population would rapidly increase, and Dayton was far from occupying a central position. The eastern citizens clamored for another location of the county capital. A meet- ing was called, a townsite was selected on the Tucanon which they named Marengo. There- was an energetic combination against Dayton. At this meeting, held April 22, 1876, at the stage crossing of the Tucanon, 125 represent- ative men assembled in response to the call. T. W. Whetstone was elected chairman ; A. E. McCall, secretary. For a townsite J. M. Sil- cott offered to donate twenty acres of land, HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 295 and ten more for a mill site. The same offer was made by Mr. King of land two miles be- low. Mr. Silcott's offer was accepted by a large majority. To all who would build on them it was decided to give lots within the next three years. Sewell Truax laid out the town ; quite a number of settlers complied with the imposed conditions and accepted lots. In May a store was built by A. C. Short ; preparations went forward for the erection of a mill. But the county seat contest was by no means de- cided; the Marengo people hesitated to make improvements ; three hundred people attended a Fourth of July clebration at the embryo town. But advantages were all with Dayton; it had a large population and thriving business ; Marengo existed chiefly on paper. True, Marengo partisans represented a larger section of agricultural land, but the settlers spread thinly, and when collected for voting purposes fell far short of the number required to over- come the Daytonites. At the fall election the vote was 418 for Dayton; 300 for Marengo — the exact number that had attended the Fourth of July celebration at the ambitious town. The firm grasp thus secured by • Dayton on the county seat she has never lost. The story of the second and last contest, in 1881, will be related in due order. In 1876 the rate of taxation was $1.60; in 1877 property was assessed at $1,122,123, tax rate, $1.50; in 1878 property was assessed at $1,521,434, tax rate, $1.60; in 1879, $1,948,- 016, tax rate, $1.70; in 1880, $2,630,056, tax rate, $1.60; in 1881, $2,747,081, tax rate $1.60; in 1882, $2,726,340, tax rate, $155. It will be seen that assessed values of property gradually increased from year to year. The rate of taxation included a territorial levy, ranging through the different years at from 28 to 40 cents. The memorable event of 1877 was the Nez Perce Indian war. Although to a certain ex- tent it affected the whole of Fastern Wash- ington, so far as the war per se, was concerned, Columbia county had but little connection with it except to furnish a company of stalwart volunteers. June 22d, soon after the massacre in Idaho, a man named Ritchie was killed north of Snake river by a renegade Snake Indian. This originated the report that all northern Indians were on the war path. Exposed settle- ments were deserted, and in the towns prepara- tions were rapidly made for defense on an ex- tended scale. All kinds of sanguinary stories were afloat on the wings of rumor. Absurd and improbable tales were readily believed. It was soon demonstrated that these reports that had caused great agitation, stagnation of busi- ness and obstruction of travel, were false; the people quieted down; settlers returned to their homes and the tumultuous country resumed its normal condition. The war never crossed Snake river ; it was confined to Idaho and Mon- tana. It is undeniable, however, that settlers east of the Tucanon were in great trepidation. Leaving their homes they congregated at Lewiston, Dayton and Walla Walla. It was not so much Chief Joseph's band they feared ; it was reasoned that his outbreak might en- courage other tribes to rise, slaughter and burn. Volunteers came forward from Dayton, Walla Walla and the Pataha country, and served for several weeks with the troops in Idaho, and in scouting through the exposed sections of Washington. April 20, 1877, a conference with General Howard was held at Walla Walla. The volunteers from this town were com- manded by Captain Paige, a little more than 20 strong. The company from Dayton num- bered 45 young men ; they had elected Colonel Geo. Hunter their captain. Levi Watrous was their lieutenant. In his book Colonel Hunter says : "They said they would go to the assistance of the North Idaho people if I would lead them. When this transpired I was some 40 miles away, attending to some business for the Patrons of Husbandry, and had not heard 296 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. of the outbreak until the messenger met me one morning about eight o'clock. Together we hastened to Dayton, arriving there about three o'clock, p. m., where we found tbe boys rushing around, securing horses and all things needed for the trip. "On my arrival I was warmly received by all. The command was tendered to me and I accepted it. It took us but a short time to secure horses, saddles and other articles re- quired, for I told the boys I was sure that the government officers would be glad to receive and arm us. Late in the evening we moved out about seven miles, and encamped near my farm for the night. * * * The following- morning we resumed our march for Lewiston, 55 miles east, where we arrived that night. "The next morning I tendered our services to Colonel Spurgeon, tbe representative of the government there, General O. O. Howard the commander of the department of the Columbia, having gone to the front, leaving Colonel Spurgeon to forward men and supplies as fast as they arrived at Lewiston, by steamer or otherwise. On presenting myself to the colonel I was received in a most courteous manner. He asked me whether I wished to co-operate with tbe United States troops, or go inde- pendently. I told him I was not able to arm, equip and maintain 45 men in the field, nor were any of my command able to do so ; that I proposed to attach my company to General Howard's forces, and to operate in accordance with his orders, and requested him to fit out my company. He said General Howard would be glad to have us with him, and that within a day or two he would have plenty of needle guns and ammunition up from Fort Van- couver; that on their arrival he wished that I, with my command, would escort some army officers up to General Howard on Camas prairie." At the time the Dayton boys arrived in Lewiston a company of about 25 men from Pomeroy, under command of Captain Elliott and Lieutenant E. T. Wilson, arrived there. An attempt was made to consolidate the two companies, but failed and each went alone. While waiting for arms Captain Hunter es- corted a party of" army officers to Lapwai. The steamer carrying the arms arrived in a short time and the Dayton company was armed with 50-calibre needle guns, and furnished suf- ficient rations to last it to Camas prairie. The company at once started on a forced inarch for the front, in company with a small body of mounted soldiers. They moved swiftly to Lapai, and thence up and over Craig's moun- tain. The next day the company crossed the prairie and over the hills to the head of White Bird Creek, the scene of Colonel Perry's defeat a few days before, where soldiers were en- gaged in burying the dead of that disastrous battle. About four o'clock the Dayton volunteers reached General Howard's headquarters on White Bird creek. Captain Hunter reported and formally tendered the company's services, and that night took up a position and put out guards. The following morning the com- mand, all except the Dayton company, moved on to Salmon river, a few miles away. As the Dayton troops had been on a forced march from Lewiston they were left in camp to re- cuperate, but after a short time, the men be- coming restless, they followed to the front. Indians could be seen on the opposite side of Salmon river and it was believed that they were strongly fortitfied and would give battle were an attempt made to cross the river. Reaching the summit of the high hills that overlooked the river, Captain Hunter dis- mounted his men, left a few in charge of the horses and with others ran swiftly down the steep hills to some cabins that had been built years before by miners. There they scouted up the river to where the White Bird trails struck it. Here they found General Howard's headquarters already established, and were soon joined by those who had been left in HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 297 ■charge of the horses. Colonel Hunter con- tinues : "Having obtained permission from General Howard, I, with a part of my company, went up the river a mile or two to where one Mason and others had been killed, and burned up in their cabins. My recollection is that in all there were three killed and burned here. We collected all the remains we could find and buried them. We found an old skiff that had been split in two which we managed to patch Tip; then we made paddles out of boards, and I and one of the boys paddled it down the river to headquarters, the rest of the boys run- ning along the bank, ready to cover us in case of an attack." , After this incident Captain Hunter, First Sergeant John Long, of the Dayton company, and a gentleman named Randall, crossed the river in a skiff and made a scouting tour on the other side. They found no Indians, but plenty of "signs," the hostiles having, appar- ently, just left. That same evening, June 29th, by order of General Howard, the Dayton volunteers reported to Captain Marcus P. Miller, of the Fourth Artillery, for duty. The next day the command crossed the river, the Dayton company being the first over. Captain Hunter then received the following order : SPECIAL FIELD ORDER NO. 22. Captain George Hunter, commanding Dayton Volunteers, will at 6 p. m., tomorrow make a reconnaissance in the direction of Pittsburg Land- ing, and examine the country thoroughly as he proceeds, especially in the direction of Joseph's reported encampment. By order of Brigadier General Howard. (Signed): M. C. WILKINSON. First Lieutenant Third Infantry, Aide de Camp. Concerning the fulfillment of these orders Colonel Hunter in his book says : Pursuant to this order I selected ten or twelve of my best mounted men, and in company with a signal officer furnished by the general to accom- pany this expedition, we pushed on up the moun- tain in the direction of Canoe Encampment. We found the mountain very steep and hard to climb. On reaching the summit we soon struck Joseph's trail, which was broad and easily followed, as Joseph had hundreds of horses with him. These trails we followed some distance, then swung around, and returned by way of Pittsburg Land- ing. Arriving at the summit of the mountain we tried for some time to attract the attention of those at headquarters on Salmon river, twelve or fifteen miles away, but we failed to catch their eye. After fully satisfying ourselves that the Indians had gone toward Canoe Encampment, on Snake river, we returned, having traveled over forty miles over rough mountains, and the most of the way without a trail. The Dayton company then proceeded with General Howard's army on the trail of the hostile Indians, and gained as far as a small rivulet nearly opposite ■ the mouth of Rocky canyon, where they camped. Here news was received that Chief Joseph had made a flank movement and swung around back to Camas prairie, and that he had Colonels Perry and Whipple's commands surrounded near the Cot- tonwood house. These were the troops that had been so roughly handled in the White Bird canyon. They had been sent back by General Howard from Salmon river for ammu- nition and supplies, and were attacked at the Cottonwood house, where brave young Lieu- tenant Raines lost his life. He was out with eight or ten soldiers making a reconnaissance, and was cut off by the Indians, and the whole party killed after making a gallant fight. This news resulted in the company of Dayton volun- teers, of 45 men, and Captain McConville's company of fifteen Lewiston volunteers, being sent on a forced march across the country by way of Rocky canyon to the Cottonwood house to the relief of Colonels Whipple and Perry. The order for this move was as follows : SPECIAL DRDER NO. 23. Captain George Hunter, commanding Dayton Volunteers, will proceed via Rocky canyon to Cottonwood, I. T., reporting upon his arrival there to the commanding officer. As soon as his serv- 298 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. ices can be dispensed with on reaching Lewiston, [. T., Captain Hunter, with his company, is hereby relieved from duty with this command. By order of Brigardier General Howard. (Signed.) M. C. WILKINSON, Aide de Camp. Accompanying this order was the fol- lowing: Headquarters Department of the Columbia, in the field. Camp Raines; Junction of Rocky canyon and Canoe Encampment Trail, I. T., July 4, 1877. Special Field order No. 23. The commanding general of the department takes this opportunity to convey to Captain George Hunter, commanding Dayton Volunteers, and the individual members of his company, his thanks for the hearty, prompt and energetic manner in which they have responded to every call to duty during the period in which they have served in his command. Often sent in the advance under the most trying circumstances they have never failed to answer cheerfully every demand to perilous duty. By command of Brigadier General Howard. (Signed.) M. C. WILKINSON, First Lieutenant Third Infantry, Aide de Camp. I In his book Colonel Hunter says, explain- ing this order relieving his company from duty : "As the most of my command were young farmers who were needed at that time at their homes to care for their crops, and Howard thought he had sufficient United States troops to cope with the hostiles, he sent the order by the men he dispatched for boats to cross us over Salmon river." Continuing Colonel Hunter says : Receiving Special Field order No. 22, McCon- ville's company and mine (sixty-five men all told), made a forced march to Salmon river opposite the mouth of Rocky canyon, and there camped for the night. The next morning the boats reached us about daylight, when we ferried our men and supplies over, swimming our horses, and pushed on over the mountain for Camas prairie. On the top of this mountain we met another courier who stated that fighting was still going on at Cotton- wood. So we hurried on to the prairie where we stopped half an hour to rest our horses and par- take of a lunch ourselves. From an adjacent hill we could see men riding back and forth near the Cottonwood. This assured us that the fight was still going on. Soon remounting we rode across the level prairie as fast as our horses could stand it. At about sundown we were among the low mounds, or hills, a few miles from the Cottonwood house. Then, as we could not see any signs of the Indians, or hear any shooting, we concluded that they had drawn off to attack us, and were lying in concealment among these hills. We be- lieved they could make it warm for us before we were able to reach the soldiers. Having arrived at this conclusion, we called in our advance guards. I told McConville I would do the scouting through these hills myself, and in case he was attacked he had better have our horses shot down and use their bodies for breastworks, for they were so tired it was about impossible to get away from the Indians on them. The Indians would be mounted on fresh, fleet horses or ponies. All must make up their minds to either whip the Indians or themselves be killed to a man. Captain McConville was an old soldier, but without experience in Indian warfare. He was a brave man and a good officer. He requested me, in case of an attack to return and assume com- mand of our men. Getting ready to go forward, I told him to keep his men a few yards apart, and to move only as I should signal to have him from time to time as I passed over the hills, and to always keep a good place in view whereat to make a stand and fight. All being understood I passed rapidly ahead, from mound to mound, closely ex- amining the ground for evidences of the presence of Indiana as I went, and signalling McConville as I proceeded over mound, hill, gulch and flat at as rapid a pace as my "Little Wonder" could carry me; and until in the fast gathering dark- ness I heard a loud voice saying, Don't shoot at the man coming on that white horse; that is Captain Hunter — I know his riding." The sentence was hardly finished when I galloped up the slope, and into the midst of a squad of soldiers who were standing around a gatling gun near some rifle pits. I was soon grasping the hand of Major Bab- bitt and others. This hill had been fortified with rifle pits by the soldiers, who had defended and held it against Joseph's entire force for a day or two. Captain McConville soon came up with our two commands. But our rejoicings at having gotten in so easily were soon turned to exclamations of sadness as we listened to the particulars of the gallant fight that had been made a few hours be- fore our arrival by seventeen Mount Idaho men. * * * It was believed that the Indians had seen me and the command approaching across the prairie, and that the warm reception they had re- ceived at the hands of the seventeen Mount Idaho HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 299 boys was a "pointer" to what they might expect at the hands of sixty-five men of similar habits. At least they drew off in the direction of the Kamai reservation pretty soon. On the arrival of our two commands the boys were soon in camp and listening to different accounts of the happenings of the past few days at and near the Cottonwood house. * * * The next morning I received orders to escort the dead and wounded of the brave seventeen across the prairie to Mount Idaho. Fully expecting the Indians would give us battle when they saw us out in open ground, and as we had never tried our needle guns, I ordered my men to try them at a target. The boys moved out and, to our utter astonishment, not one in twenty of our cartridges would fire, as one after another of the boys attempted to test their guns. Then things began to "rumble," and the air was resonant with "cuss" words as we all began to realize the helpless condition we had unknow- ingly been in while making the dangerous and toilsome marches of the past few days, sometimes almost into the jaws of death, encumbered with heavy belts filled with worthless cartriges, which rendered our guns useless except as clubs, and only a portion of the command provided with small arms. Major Babbitt, who had issued these cart- ridges to my men, being present, he at once had other cases brought out, opened and examined. He said there had been some damaged cartridges discovered before, and by accident we had got hold of some of them. We were all satisfied that it was an unintentional mistake, and could see that the officer who had furnished them to us felt really worse about it than we did. * * * This incident I note to show that sometimes luck favors those who are unable to favor themselves. In other words, "a fool for luck." Being furnished with good cartridges we started across to Mount Idaho with the dead and wounded, arriving there without molestation. The next day we buried the dead. As we were now away from the government troops, and were not likely to be able to join them for some time, and the hostiles being near us, it was thought best to consolidate the Idaho and Washington volun- teers and form a regiment, there being three com- panies of Idaho men and one (my own) from Washington Territory. After some delay we ef- fected an organization by electing Captain Mc- Conville,. colonel; myself, lieutenant colonel, and George Sears, major, of the First Regiment of Idaho and Washington Volunteers. It was at this time that Colonel Hunter was shot in a quarrel with E. T. Wilson, who was at the time a member of Captain McCon- ville's company. The quarrel grew out of jealousy over the selection of the officers of the regiment. Matters were straightened out and Colonel Hunter and Mr. Wilson became warm friends. The volunteers moved on in the direction of Kamai, under command of Colonel McConville, leaving their newly chosen lieu- tenant colonel in the hospital. Within a day or two the volunteers were attacked on a hill where they had made a stand, but the hostiles found them too strongly fortified, and drew off after succeeding in capturing a few horses. Continuing his story Colonel Hunter says : The ball had been extracted from my neck and I was able to move around a little, when the courier arrived at Mount Idaho with the news of the attack. I proceeded forthwith to secure a sufficient number of horses to remount our men and sent them to the command. A day or two later a courier brought in word that the Indians had engaged General Howard in battle at Kamai, and that the volunteers had refused to assist him in the fight, and moved down to Clearwater on their side of the mountain, General Howard being on the opposite side of the Clearwater from Mount Idaho. When I heard this I induced a one-armed courier named George Greer to bring my horse to me, and to fill my canteen with water. Then we quietly left the hospital and Mount Idaho, and went to the scene of battle as fast as we could, armed with only one old revolver between us. On going into the hospital I had loaned my gun and revolver to a party who I believed could make better use of them in the field than I could in bed. Being both well mounted we made good time, and arrived at Kamai just after Howard's cavalry and McConville's command, together with a few Indian scouts, had been repulsed on the Lo-lo trails. * * * The volunteers and cavalry, having found the hostiles too well posted in the- timber and brush, had returned to Kamai. My first inquiry upon meeting General Howard was as to the conduct of the volunteers during the battle of Kamai, of which I had heard the uncompli- mentary report at Mount Idaho. He said there was no blame to be attached to McConville's com- mand; that their showing themselves on the moun- tain was all that could be expected of them under the circumstances; for they, by their presence there, were attracting the attention of the hostiles to a certain extent, and preventing them from flanking Howard and returning to Camas prairie,, where the people were now almost at their mercy. Besides, if McConville had attempted to come 300 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. down with a small body of men, the Indians would have undoubtedly, cut him up badly. Finally, he said, that McConville had used good judgment and done all that was necessary to be done on his ride to the river. To Colonel Hunter General Howard also said that he had given Lieutenant Watrous permission to return with the Dayton volun- teers to Mount Idaho for the colonel and accompany him home. This was subsequently done. Such was the part played by the Dayton volunteers in the war inaugurated by the great Indian strategist. Chief Joseph. The history of the latter reads like a tale of romance, and his death at Xespelim. in September. 1904, awakened many favorable comments, editorial and otherwise, on his life and character. At the time of the organization of Colum- bia county, in 1875, there were not a few who doubted the ability of the people living in the new county to maintain the organization owing to the small population and assessable property. But those who secured the creation of the new political division were far-sighted. And the dawn of prosperity had arrived. Not only was the county organization maintained, but the county was kept out of debt and its scrip was at par. During the first few years the increase in population was so great that, according to the census of 1878, Columbia county had a population of seventy more than the parent county, Walla Walla. In the lan- guage of the Columbia "Chronicle" of August 31, 1878, "Walla Walla is no longer the rival of Columbia ; her rival has crossed over the river." In 1877 tri e air was full of railroad rumors. A road from Dayton, via Waitsburg and Walla Walla, to -Weston, Oregon, was pro- jected but did not materialize, at least, not until the Oregon Railroad & Navigation Com- pany came to the front. In the autumn of this year the Seattle & Walla Walla Railroad Com- pany made a "forlorn hope" effort to secure financial aid to build a line across the Cas- cades, and thus forestall the Northern Pacific Railway Company. At this period the latter corporation was on the eve of resuming active operations. In November, during the closing hours of the legislature, a bill was passed in the interest of the Seattle and Walla Walla Company, under a suspension of the rules. The act provided that the latter road should amend its articles of incorporation so as to continue the road from Walla Walla through Dayton to Colfax. A special election to be held April 9, 1878, was provided for in the measure, for the purpose of voting on the question of a sub- scription to its stock by various counties, the amount for each county being designated. It was provided that an adverse decision by both King and Walla Walla counties should act as a negative to the whole proposition. The or- ganic act of the Territory of Washington con- tained a clause expressly forbidding the Legis- lative Assembly to issue, or authorize the is- suance of any obligations. In view of this it was the general opinion that the legislature had exceeded its authority, and the whole mat- ter was dropped. For the first time, in 1877, Columbia coun- ty was connected with the outside world by telegraph. Between Walla Walla and Dayton was this link with the world's great telegraph chain built, and the name of the corporation was the Dayton & Walla Walla Telegraph Company. It had been organized in the spring of that year. The line was completed and opened for service in July. About $2,000 were advanced by the citizens of Dayton as aid in the construction of the line, they agree- ing to use this amount in telegraphing. Later this enterprise passed into the Western Union Telegraph Company. In the spring of 1879 a telegraph line was constructed from Dayton to Lewiston and Fort Lapwai by the war department. This was for military purposes. On the 17th of June the first message was sent by the citizens HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 301 of Lewiston to those of Dayton, honoring the patriots who had fought at Bunker Hill 103 years before. The line was at once extended from Pomeroy to Couer d' Alene by the way of Colfax. Before Columbia county was penetrated by railroads, and when the only transportation facilities were stage coaches to Columbia river points, and thence by boat to Portland, an ice blockade on the Columbia shut off the county entirely. With each succeeding year the block- ade came, and then the county was dead to the world until the river again opened its channel. An important institution was the North- western Stage Company for a number of years. Through Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Nevada and Utah it began operations in 187 1. It car- ried passengers, the United States mail and the Wells, Fargo & Company's express business. In consequence of losing its government con- tracts in 1878 it was compelled to go out of existence, and at that period its line did not extend east to Boise City. It had been operat- ing 435 miles of daily stage line; from Boise City to Umatilla, 290 miles; Umatilla to The Dalles, no miles; a branch from Cayuse to Walla Walla, 35 miles. In its service were three hundred horses, twenty-two coaches, thirty-four stations and one hundred and fifty employes. Annually it consumed 730,000 pounds of grain and 825,000 pounds of hay. The new contractor's route was from Kel- ton, Utah, to The Dalles, connecting at Pendle- ton for Walla Walla. Another route from Walla Walla to Colfax via Waitsburg, Dayton, Pomeroy and Almota, and one from Dayton to Lewiston were let to other contractors. From the larger ones shorter routes, or spurs, branched out. Concord coaches were employed drawn by four or six horse teams. CHAPTER II CURRENT EVENTS— 1878 TO 1884. During the year 1878 an abortive attempt was made to slice from the Territory of Wash- ington the two rich counties of Columbia and Walla Walla, and annex them to the state of Oregon. Yet this was not the initial raid on Washington territo^, although it was the last assault on the integrity of this commonwealth. Land-lust is not confined to international af- fairs; counties look with the eye of covetous- ness on sister counties; states reach out into adjoining states for the fell purpose of swell- ing their own public domain and increasing their own tax revenue. The temper of the residents of Columbia and Walla Walla coun- ties in regard to this attempt to leave an ugly jog in the southern boundary of Washington Territory is shown by the following editorial published in the Columbia "Chronicle" of April 20, 1878: , "The wise men of Washington have been importuned by Oregon's ambitious senator, Mitchell, to cut a slice from Washington Terri- tory and bestow the same upon Oregon. We stand for the territorial integrity of our coun- try, and grant that the area of our Territory is large, but we do not understand that Ore- gon is so small that it is necessary to divest us of two magnificent counties to magnify her dimensions. Columbia county would very reluctantly and sadly withdraw from her sister counties ; from the Territory. Its broad re- gions of bunch grass, its fertile valleys and 302 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. rolling hills, its meandering streams, its mag- nificent mountains are clear to our hearts. "The pioneers of Columbia county came from many lands, by divers ways, and at the end of weary wanderings nestled down to rest and thrive upon the sustaining bosom of Wash- ington Territory. Memories of the past en- twine around her heart and bind her to these people. For scheming politicians to attempt to make our county the tail-end of Oregon is too much, and a unanimous voice would be heard from every valley and hill-top against such a scheme. It would, certainly, have been well for Mitchell to have waited until the people of Columbia and Walla Walla counties asked for his services and the music of his silvery tongue in regard to annexation. Our county is out of debt, our scrip is worth its face in greenbacks, or silver, neither our county or Territorial taxes are high ; then why should we be annexed to a tax-ridden state like Oregon, whose citizens are groaning under an enormous state debt? It is merely the work of a few political wire-pullers, and they might as well quit now." Statistics gathered in 1878 bearing directly upon the conditions of Columbia county in those early days will, certainly, prove of more than passing interest to the present and future generations. The following were copied from the assessor's books by County Auditor O. C. White : Total number of inhabitants, 5,820; num- ber of voters in Columbia county, 1.705 ; num- ber of voters in the town of Dayton, 251; number of voters in the county east of Tucan- non, 605; total assessment, $1,520,887; per- sonal property, $1,014,235; real estate, $506,- 652; increase in population, 1,944 — over 50 per cent. ; increase in taxable property, $398,- 764 — over 35 per cent. This population of 5,820 made Columbia in 1878 the most densely populated of any county in the Territory, Walla Walla being a close second with 5,701 and King county third, with 5,443. At that period the total population of the state was only 51,333, thus leaving to Columbia county nearly one-ninth of the total number of inhabitants in the Territory. From the assessor's books of that year we find that the total acreage of Columbia county (then in- cluding, of course, Garfield and Asotin), was as follows : wheat, 28,337 acres ; barley, 4,260; oats, 4,260; corn, 555; potatoes, 205; timothy, 633; orchards, 496; alfalfa, 15; flax, 14; clover, 3. With this showing of flattering statistics the Columbia "Chronicle" was moved, May. 18, 1878, to rhapsodise as follows: "The sun-browneel ranks of immigrants move along the highways, some days in almost unbroken columns. Welcome, strangers' to our land of plenty! You will never have cause, we are certain, to regret making- homes in this new and favored country." November 2d, of the same year, the "Chronicle" added : "The unlimited number of immigrants passing through Dayton is astonishing. Where do they all come from ? However, we are con- tent, since a goodly number are finding homes in our midst." It is unquestioned that an immense immi- gration penetrated the confines of Washington Territory during the year 1878, perhaps more in proportion than any other year before or since. Nearly every state in the union was represented ; from the pineries of Maine to the mesquite plains of Texas, and from Missouri they came in shoals. It had fairly dawned upon the minds of many who had made thorough investigation that the first explorers of this marvelous country, and more especially the military officers, had been wrong in their diagnosis of Washington's soil. Practical re- sults had proven them to have been wide of the mark in pronouncing the country a desert, and that what they were pleased to term "sand" was, in reality, soil — soil the most pro- ductive and far more enduring in its productive HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 3°3 qualities than the blacker earth east of the rockies. The Bannock and Piute Indian War of 1878, while not directly affecting any of the southern tier of counties in the Territory of Washington, created no little excitement and trepidation in Columbia county. People were continually on the quivive and a new Indian scare was of almost daily occurrence. The incidents and details of he Nez Perce war of 1877 were still fresh in the minds of the peo- ple and served to swell the volume of terror that swept through Columbia county. Reports of the battle of Willow Springs and the siege of Pendleton had reached the settlers. William Lamar, a school teacher, had been killed, S. I. Landsdon. A. Crisfield, S. Rothschild, G. W. Titsworth, C. R. Henderson, Frank Hannah, Jacob Fraser, J. W. Salisbury and H. H. Howell had been wounded. The body of Lamar had been horribly mutilated; Indians had cut out his heart and roasted it over a slow fire. In this condition it had been found after the savages had retreated. Editorializing upon the sensational conditions of 1878 the Columbia "Chronicle," of May 4th- said: "Evejry now and again sfome wild and bloody rumor starts that the Spokane or Nez Perce Indians are on the war path. We are inclined to the belief that these rumors are manufactured and put into circulation by a class of fellows who would delight to see an- other Indian war. And, in our opinion there are army officers, camp followers, and mule contractors who are now and have been in- dustriously trying to inaugurate another Indian war, notwithstanding the failure of the hymn- book policy; for General Miles preached the true religion to them; his doctrine converted them to the happ)' hunting grounds without prayers or probation. The voice of the Spo- kanes is for peace, if possible, and war if driven to it by fanatics. Nearly all of the straggling, roaming Indians we have seen in this part of the country were well armed. The Indian does not need improved fire arms to kill game. The old-fashioned muzzle-loading rifle or shot gun is all that he needs for that purpose." Two months subsequently, July 6th, the "Chronicle" added : We glean from the Pendleton Independent of the 4th that a strong, hostile force are marching from John Day's river toward the Columbia. The Umatillas met them and have been fighting them, but eventually had to retreat. They appealed for help from the whites, which is being furnished as fast as possible. Four Umatillas and a number of Snakes were killed. General Wheaton has sent all available troops, a battalion of sixty men, down to prevent the Indians crossing north of the Columbia, but turned them to Pendleton which was in great danger. The hostiles are Snakes, Bannocks, Piutes and Shoshones. A dispatch received at Dayton yesterday states that the hostiles have penetrated the Umatilla reservation and are beating the troops and threatening to take Pendleton. Cannon is heard from Weston. General Wheaton has forwarded all the force at his command. It is hoped that the cavalry which passed down yesterday morning will reach the scene of action in time to be of service. It seems that General Wheaton recognizes the situ- ation and is using diligence to meet the emergency. It appears that Howard's forces are in the rear of the Indians pursuing them with all possible dispatch through John Day Valley. I. N. Arment, of the telegraph office, hands us the following re- ceived here the fifth: "Courier in. Reports Indians fighting between Cayuse and Umatilla, and they are licking h — 1 out of the soldiers and settlers, and say they Will take Pendleton this morning by daylight. Courier says you can stand in Weston and hear the can- nons roar; says they have killed several settlers. About the Umatillas holding them is all a farce. A man just came in and reports to General Wheaton that the Indians have killed his brother and wife, and that they threaten to take Pendleton and come through the lower part of the valley. It is reported that there are one thousand Bannocks and Snakes in the mountains at Cayuse; they have burned Cayuse and stolen several stage horses." Preparations in Columbia county for actual warfare culminated on the evening of July 4th. At that time an independent company of rifle- men was organized in Dayton. J. A. Warwick was chosen captain, Newt Thomas, first lieu- 304 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. tenant and R. P. Steen, second lieutenant. This fact was heralded by the "Chronicle" with the additional commentary that this company was composed of "all good men who will stand fire if necessary." By July 6th eighty-two men had been enrolled. It was then announced that the company was ready to meet any emergency that might call them to the defense of their own or their neighbors' homes. On the evening of the 5th Captain War- wick, Jasper Thomas and C. Burge left for the seat of war, their intention being- to report Captain Warwick's command ready for such service as they might be called upon to per- form. It is not recorded that this company was ever thrown under fire, but it may be con- sidered certain, judging from the material of which it was composed, that had the necessity arisen these volunteer riflemen would have given a good account of themselves. Irregular war alarms continued. July 20th the editor of the "Chronicle" frankly stated that: "From all accounts, dispatches and rumors there appears to be no definite 'front' to the Indian war yet. The hostiles are reported here today and there tomorrow. Their numerical strength is variously estimated from eight to sixteen thousand, but General Howard thinks there are about seven hundred warriors. First they broke out at Big Camas Prairie in Idaho ; then they fled to the Stein Mountain country in eastern Oregon ; next into John Day Valtey, and now they are reported making their way to Wollowa Valley, probably intending to get on Chief Joseph's old battle grounds. Reports say that General Howard is passing up Snake river to head them off. For some cause it seems as though the General never catches up with the Indians. It is a great pity for this country that General Crook was not sent up here, but then Crook would have hurt some Indians; and that does not seem to be the program of the United States Army. These Indian troubles will yet have to be settled by volunteers — and then the settlement will last. The discipline and precision of soldiery is a mockery among quick-moving small bands of Indians; while soldiers are brave enough, still they never reach the opportunity. General Howard is, no doubt, a brave soldier, but he is always behind and, as stated above, we believe the slow policy of the army is inten- tional. Goverment would like to protect set- tlers, but does not want to kill Indians." July 20th the editor of the "Chronicle" resumed : "The Indian difficulties are certainly be- coming serious enough to give facts instead of wild rumors. At times in Dayton the air has been blue with sensational reports. It is be- coming so that our people give but little, if any, credit to what they hear unless some citi- zen or reliable traveler brings the news. Of course everybody is anxious to hear the latest news, and for a time false stories created undue excitement, but now positive danger might threaten the border settlements, and people would be slow to believe it. In regard to the wild and inflammatory Indian news that is telegraphed to Dayton and put on the bulletin board, the operators here are not responsible. They take the news off the wire just as it is sent. During the first of an Indian excitement people must allow for many a startling rumor. But this matter is now beginning to injure the country; it is stopping immigration. But all the rumors are almost entirely false, without a shadow of foundation where they originated, other than a big scare. From all the latest news that we can gather before going to press we are led to believe that the Indian news of the week has come to Dayton rather highly colored. During just such an Indian scare as this one it is a difficult task for a country journal to keep on the right track. If we do not give the current news some readers grumble; if we give the news as it comes all are liable to be humbugged. Time will tell how this war goes, and its course. "The 'Chronicle' has all along endeavored HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 305 to keep down undue excitement and unreliable rumors in regard to the Indian outbreak. These Indian troubles grow more serious day by day. The hill-tops and valleys of Eastern Oregon, adjoining our Territory, are made to ring with the murderous war-whoops of red- handed savages. The exact strength of the Indians is not known, but it is quite an army, and no doubt every day they are gathering strength from the renegade bands and dis- affected tribes. It is becoming alarming. They have been murdering, burning and de- vastating the country along their course from the Stine Mountain country in Eastern Ore- gon to the vicinity of Weston and Pendleton. A number of brave volunteers and soldiers have already lost their lives fighting the murderous Bannocks and Snakes. The Indians are practicing more of a pirateering, murderous game than warfare. They are cowardly, yet cunning; they threw General Howard off his guard, and started him up Snake river, then immediately began fighting near Pendleton. "In view of these facts the people in the upper country are beginning to be alarmed. The Palouse Gazette has all along been very guarded against publishing inflammable stor- ies, knowing that a panic in the Palouse coun- try would be almost ruinous to that district. In its last issue the people are assured that they are in no danger. It says that a general Indian war is probable; advises the people of that country to delay no longer, but to effect organization for their own and neighbors' safety. We were told by a gentleman just down from there that Chief Moses had sent word to Colfax that many of his young men and warriors with Coeur d' Alene Indians would soon be on the Avar-path ; that he could hold them in check no longer. "The bad blood of all the Indians seems to be up, and it begins to look as though a gen- eral war is to be the result; and if so it will be sad enough in many localities. As we said last week the people will have to take 20 the matter in hand yet and put an end to these Indian troubles. Just so long as Indian wars are left for the United States army to quell, just so long will they annually occur. What is to become of our Territory? Every sum- mer an Indian outbreak! The soldiers trail around all summer, and then some general like Miles or Crook have to do the capturing; then the Indians are treated as honorable pris- oners of war; petted and honored by the gov- ernment ; these are true facts of Joseph and his band. It is a bid for some ambitious chief to annually go on the war-path ; and the same sluggish policy is annually enacted by the United States army. This thing of keeping the whole border country of Idaho and Wash- ington Territories in a nervous quiver of ex- citement is becoming intolerable; and it is be- coming time for the people to take the matter in hand." In summing up the vast amount of con- flicting evidence concerning these threatening Indian outbreaks one is forced to the conclusion that many of them were instigated and manipu- lated by renegade whites who were familiar with the lasso rope and branding iron. There was at that period a determined stand made by stockmen "throughout the Territory of Wash- ington, as well as the state of Oregon, to frighten the would-be grain raisers from the ranges, and force them to leave the country to the cowboy and maverick. For years the contention was waged between these two repre- sentatives of two conflicting industries. It is on record that at one time in the Crab creek country, Washington, a party of white stock- raisers disguised themselves as hostile Indians and appeared on a neighboring hill for the ex- press purpose of scaring away the agriculturists and their families. But this ruse did not suc- ceed and when the rifles of the husbandmen began to crack on the evening air the masquer- ading stockmen took to their heels and the farmers continued thereafter to sow and har- vest in comparative peace. 306 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. And this Indian outbreak" of 1878 was simi- lar to a flash in a pan of powder ; while it blazed out in all directions, it lacked the co- hesive force and energy of the previous ris- ing- of 1877 under Chief Joseph. Still, the constant tremor of excitement under which men, women and children lived was decidedly uncomfortable. By August, 1878, the war cloud had completely blown over and, as the editor of the "Chronicle" said, "we get no more war news." True, the treacherous hos- tiles had made a rapid, but short raid ; in their trail they had left destruction and death. Ap- parently they had retreated to the Bannock country. While these Indian troubles in Eastern Washington did not result in a series of bloody battles, or sickening massacres in the county of Columbia, they entered largely into the history of the county, and had the effect of retarding to some extent the settlement of the country. Said the "Chronicle" on January 18, 1879: "If we are to have Indian wars every sum- mer ; if the lives and property are to be jeopardized as they have been in the past; if business is to be retarded and crippled by these troubles, then just to such an extent is our development retarded. But if, on the other hand the government adopts such measures and policies as will insure the people that there is no danger, that their homes and lives are safe from attacks of the savages, that business is not liable to be crippled as it has been in some communities, then the immigration will be doubled, and many who understand that no protection is offered, and have heretofore been kept back on this account will flock in and our country will soon become thickly settled." January 11, 1879, the "Chronicle" had said : "A newspaper would be incomplete at the present time unless mention were made of the Indians and the prospect of trouble with the government pets. No further news has been received that would indicate immediate danger of an outbreak ; but recent events have caused steps to be taken which we think will cause our red heathens to be more closely watched in the future. A gentleman who recently passed through Dayton and had been in the vicinity where the excited ones were intending to locate the next Indian war, informs us that little confidence is reposed in the professed friend- ship of Moses, and that he is closely watched by the authorities. Indications are, though there may be cause for anxiety at present, the Indians will wait till summer to carry into execution their usual raids ; and judging from past occurrences the government will find plenty of time at that time, to place in progress a tedious campaign to subdue a few Indians." According to the census of 1878 the popu- lation of Washington Territory was 50,511. During 1879 there was, as shown by certain reports, an increase of 7,273, thus swelling the population to 57,784. The greatest gain was shown by Stevens county, 1,755; Whit- man county came next with a gain of 1,581; while Columbia stood third in the list, having gained 1,074. At that period Columbia coun- ty, despite Indian "scares," still retained the lead in population, having 6,894 inhabitants; Walla Walla being next with 6,215. It is to be noted in this connection that King, Pacific and Wahkiakum counties exhibited a slight decrease in the number of their inhabitants., August 2, 1879, the following items were gleaned from the census and assessment rolls of Columbia county: Population, 6,894; num- ber of dwellings, 1,421; increase since 1878, 244; number of families in the county 1,254; increase during the past fiscal year, 211 ; num- ber of voters, 2,002 ; increase, 292 ; white males, 3,888; increase, 605; females, 2,957; increase, 471 ; number of children born during the year, 239. The legislature of 1878-9 enacted a law changing the boundary line between Walla Walla and Columbia counties by adding to the former township 8,morth range 38 east. The HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 307 township added to Walla Walla county in- cludes the upper Dry creek, Coppei and Whiskey creek countries. It was at this time that the editorially expressed opinion of the Walla Walla Union was that this was " a region that should never have been included in Columbia county." Following is the text of the act : An act to change the line between Walla Walla and Columbia counties. Be it enacted by the legislative assembly of the Territory of Washington: Section 1. That the line now existing between Walla Walla and Columbia counties shall be so changed as to take township No. 8, range 38 east, from the territory of Columbia county, and the same shall become a part of Walla Walla county. Section 2. That all taxes for the year 187 9 shall be paid into the treasury of, and belong to, Columbia county from said township; and the collector of taxes for Columbia county shall have the same power and authority to collect such taxes as he has by law for the collection of taxes in Columbia county. Section 3. This act to take effect from and after the first day of January, 1880. Approved November 13, 1879. Notwithstanding the hearty approval of the Walla Walla Union there was, apparently, a vast difference^of opinion concerning this tak- ing, over of Columbia county territory by Walla Walla county. The "Chronicle," speak- ing of the cutting off of this township from Columbia declared that an injustice had been done Columbia county and the journal blamed the two Columbia county representatives for not having been alert and canny enough to prevent such an outrage, by defeating the ob- noxious legislation. But the Walla Walla "Union" patriotically came to the defense of the act, saying : "The Columbia Chronicle growls because the last legislature performed an act of justice by attaching township 8 north, range 38 east, to Walla Walla county." To which the "Chronicle" replied : "We never growled at the justice, but the injustice of the legislation. Columbia county only wanted justice and that would have been just one-half of the aforesaid township." Continuing: on August 2 1 , 1880, the "Chronicle" said : "The feeling of indignation in relation to the loss of township 8, 38, seems" to be as strong with our people now as it was last winter. And we are informed that this feeling is now being used to advance certain political aspirations. While we greatly regret the change in our boundary and would like to see justice done our county, we are satisfied that if any change is made it must be with the con- sent of Walla Walla, and this, of course, can- not be done without a price. Well informed men say that less than one-half of the voters of the lost township are in favor of a return to this county. Put no confidence in the as- sertions of any man who tells you that he will get that township back if you will only send him to the next legislature. He can't do it. Don't try to send him. During the year 1879 there was marked advancement in Columbia county. Indeed, the people were peculiarly blessed — the harvest was plentiful, the county free from Indian troubles, famine or pestilence, and to the pop- ulation was added an immigration that went far in practical development of a most promis- ing territory. Thus were industrial and social conditions in the county just one decade prior to the admission of Washington into the sister- hood of states. A severe wind-storm in Washington is of such unusual occurrence that it becomes of historical interest. There are no cyclones; seldom, if ever, the devastating hurricanes or tornadoes which afflict some of the eastern and middle western states. But January 9, 1880, Columbia county received a visitation from a wind storm unusual in severity and involv- ing considerable loss to property. The earliest pioneers had never witnessed such a scene; it is certain that it has not since been repeated. For several days previous to the full burst 3 o8 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. of its fury there had been a number of gentle intimations of the approaching storm. The wind began blowing about one o'clock, p. m., gradually stiffening to a strong gale. This continued until six o'clock in the evening. From this hour it gradually decreased, but not until Saturday morning could the citizens approximate their losses. The entire front of Torrance's blacksmith shop, in Dayton, was demolished. The huge addition to Tolbert's livery stable was displaced at the top about four feet. This was barely saved going over into the street. Several buildings appeared minus their roofs, and there were not a few looming up barren of Hues or chimneys. Woodsheds, outhouses and fences served as playthings for the gale. Heavy damage was sustained by Joy's hall. The Baptist church was shaken slightly from its foundation. In the outlying suburbs of Dayton the damage was considerably greater than within the limits of the city. Several houses were blown down and in a number of instances the structures caught fire and soon developed into masses of smouldering ruins. The residence of R. G. Newland, two miles below Dayton, was despoiled of its roof, and a number of barns were destroyed. In marked contrast to the furious, implacable electric storms of the east — the most fearful and awe inspiring phenomena known to those localities — no lives were lost in the Washington storm, although the damage to property in Columbia county was considerable. February 7, 1880, the postoffices in the county numbered eight; Alpowa, Dayton, Pomeroy, Tucannon, Central Ferry, Marengo, Pataha City and Anatone. At that period Columbia included the present counties of Gar- field and Asotin, and with the exception of Dayton, Marengo and Tucannon the other postoffices mentioned were in Garfield and Asotin counties as at present situated. The United States census of 1880 gave the popu- lation of Columbia county as 6,911. Yet from the results of this census the county dropped from first into third place — Walla Walla leading with 8,600 and Whitman being second with 6,957, a difference of 46 between Colum- bia and Whitman. Although Washington, as Territory or state, has never suffered from the devastation of grasshoppers to the extent of Kansas, Ne- braska and the Dakotas, the year 1880 wit- nessed a visitation from this pest in Colum- bia county. These depredations were confined to localities noted for a warm, sandy soil, or along the beds of creeks. The "Chronicle" of June 26, 1880, said: "A. Kneff, nurseryman, fears that he will lose his entire nursery of 175,000 trees. The garden of Mr. Smith, being on Tucanon creek, has been entirely destroyed, and also ten acres of wheat has been eaten as bare as if there had never been any planted. We hear in sev- eral different localities that the grasshoppers have taken small patches of grain, but the in- dications are that they will not take the entire country as was at first feared. May they, like all those who do the country harm, soon emigrate." July 31st the discovery was made that the- grasshoppers were heading the oat crop. The "Chronicle" said : "Ask a farmer if the grasshoppers are hurting his crops and he invariably answers, 'No, not much; only they got away with my garden and are now heading my oats.' ' The hard winter of 1881 will.be recalled by the earlier residents of the county. Yet, it is undoubtedly true that there was consider- able exaggeration connected with the various rumors that floated in from the territory out- lying in the vicinity of Dayton. It was the published opinion of the editor of the "Chronicle" that the loss of stock in Colum- bia county was lighter than had been reported from various localities. Mr. Sargent, of the firm of Morris & Sargent, admitted that their stock loss for the winter had been about HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 3°9 twenty-five sheep from a band of twenty-six hundred. Early in the season they had lost three hundred and fifty head of sheep from poisoning by wild parsnips. Other bands gen- erally fared -worse and in a few instances drowning occasioned considerable loss. Still, ■compared with other counties in the Territory and other years, Columbia was a light sufferer from the memorable winter of 1881. During the late 70's the most important — and serious — problem that confronted the peo- ple of Columbia county was that of transporta- tion. The growth of Columbia county had been marvelous. The question of securing a market for the generous products of the soil liad not yet been satisfactorily answered. There was a plethora of railroad rumors, assertions, contradictions, false alarms and ""hope deferred which maketh the heart sick." Yet nothing definite was promised at this time. Not until 1 88 1 did railway transportation materialize in the vicinity of Dayton. In March, 1879, a i" e port was in circulation to the effect that a route for a railroad was heing surveyed from Walla Walla to Day- ton. The "Chronicle/' however, announced that it had been "unable to learn whether this report has foundation or not, or any further particulars. If it be true we are prone to re- joice, as will all the people of this section. The project is said to be under the supervision •of Dr. Baker." Under date November 22, 1879, the Walla Walla "Statesman" commented on railway •enterprises as follows : Jesse N. Day has been in town the past week stirring things up considerably; he says that citi- zens of Dayton and surrounding country are a unit for a railroad and are determined to have one by some means, and as an inducement they offer to ship $100,000 worth of freight the next season as a starter. Situated as Dayton is, right in the heart of the finest agricultural lands in this beautiful and fertile valley, and with an immense extent of prolific country directly tribu- tary to it, there cannot be the slightest doubt that & railroad connecting it, either with the Northern Pacific at Ainsworth or with the Columbia River Railroad in Walla Walla, would be other than a legitimate and profitable business proposition from the start. There is no section of country in this great interior that more requires an outlet for its pro- ducts through the medium of rapid transit than this; it does not rely merely upon its vast cereal products alone, although that is, as a matter of course, the leading industry and the basis of its prosperity. Dayton possesses, for all practical pur- poses, unlimited water-power facilities and other essentials lying around loose and only waiting to be utilized" to become important factors in build- ing up the great manufacturing center which it is destined speedily to become. In addition to its vast production of cereals and fruits common to this latitude, it annually produces quite large amounts of wool and other products which, even in the present infancy of these industries, and the cramped condition necessarilj entailed upon them by lack of transportation facilities, would, nevertheless, materially enhance the business of a railroad which provides an outlet by rapid transit. We have alluded incidentally to the unrivaled manufacturing facilities possessed by Dayton; the town at present possesses a flouring mill, two plan- ing mills, a soap factory, a brewery and other manufactories necessary to the business of the place; the fame of the materials made in the Day- ton woolen mills has extended from tidewater to the remote territories bordering on the great con- tinental divide, and with speedy communication by rail they could easily supply towns in the countries below that are now tributary to Cali- fornia and the east, and by extending their trade and the basis of their operations, encouragement would be given to other industries, and thus the Walla Walla valley would become not only self- supporting, but would levy tribute upon other sections with fewer natural advantages. When we remember that the citizens of Day- ton have made the place what it is today since 1871, when the town was first laid out, in spite of discouraging circumstances and comparative isolation, which would have disheartened other communities, the finite mind of man can scarcely grasp the immensity of the progress which such An energetic, enterprising people would accom- plish acting under the impetus and encouragement which a railroad invariably brings. Dayton must nave a railroad; it is contrary to every law of nature that a place of its present and prospective advantages, located in the midst of the garden valley of the world, with its granaries full to overflowing, should remain bottled up. The peo- ple of Dayton want a railroad — they must have it and are bound to get it; we commend the enter- 3io HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. prise to Walla Walla capitalists, promising that the citizens of Dayton will give it substantial aid, and the columns of the "Statesman," as a matter of course, are always at the disposal of those who desire to further public enterprises of a character calculated to advance the progress and prosperity of every section of our fair and be- loved Territory. Saturday, December 18, 1879, at Joy's hall, Dayton, a large number of citizens as- sembled to discuss such railway projects as were in sight at that period. The chairman of this meeting was E. R. Burk ; I. E. Palmer was chosen secretary. The object of the meet- ing \\as clearly stated by Chairman Burk It was. also, his opinion that if the citizens desired to secure the benefits of railroad com- munication they must themselves make the supreme effort. Messrs. H. H. Wolfe, R. G. Newland, George Hunter, and a number of others presented their views on various rail- way enterprises now in contemplation. Fol- lowing a comparison of these views it was the concensus of opinion that a line tapping the Northern Pacific railroad at Ainsworth, would be the most advantageous for Columbia coun- ty. Two routes were principally discussed at considerable length : one down the Touchet and across to Ainsworth; the other down the Snake via Grange City. Messrs. E. D. Miner, S. M. Wait, J. L. Smith, I. Carson and J. B. Schrum were appointed a committee to in- vestigate various routes, a report to be made on the same within thirty clays. Another com- mittee consisting of I. E. Palmer, U. S. Brew- ster and E. R. Burk was appointed to gather funds for the purpose of defraying expenses of the former, or investigating committee. January 31, 1880, the Columbia "Chronicle" grew enthusiastic : "We cannot talk railroad too much. In the first place our county needs a road and needs it immediately. In the second place, it will be a paying investment for some enter- prising man or men to furnish us with the much needed facilities of transportation. It is evident that the resources and productions of the country .surrounding Dayton will justify a branch road to this place; and we would be accused of exaggeration if we were to- approximate even at a low figure how a rail- road would multiply the crops already pro- duced." Monday evening, February 3d, there was- held a called meeting of the citizens of Dayton for the purpose of discussing the railroad out- look and comparing notes. Condensed to one burning issue the question resolved itself to this: "Shall Dayton have a railroad or not?" F. G. Frary was selected as chairman. The meeting was addressed by J. N. Day, E. R. Burk, Isaac Carson and others. One promi- nent proposition advanced was for the citizens of Dayton and vicinity to organize a stock company immediately, prepare stock books and articles of incorporation and ascertain, if pos- sible, the sentiment of the Columbia county citizens concerning this problem. It was- ordered by Chairman Frary that the committee appointed at the preceding meeting to look up the most feasible route into Dayton be dis- charged, and the money secured by the finance committee to defray expenses be refunded. Following this action a new committee consisting of U. S. Brewster, Isaac Carson, E. R. Burk and William Matzger was ap- pointed. They were commissioned to confer with prominent railroad men in that section of the country. Their object was to secure reliable data concerning the possibility of in- fluencing aid in the construction of a railroad from the most favorable point to Dayton, pro- vided the citizens of Columbia county would do their full share in furtherance of the pro- ject; also to take such steps as might be neces- sary toward the organization of a joint stock company ; draw articles of incorporation, pre- pare stock-books and report progress in two weeks to Dayton citizens. But it was three months and a half, or in May, 1880, before the true railroad atmos- HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 3" phere began to condense within the limits of Columbia county. Then Henry Villard — whose name became a prominent one in the history of western railroading — appeared on the scene. At that period — before he had be- come identified with the Northern Pacific Com- pany — he was president of the Oregon Rail- road & Navigation Company. Tuesday even- ing, May 1 8th, in response to the request of citizens he came to Dayton. Here he met the railroad committee, heretofore announced, in the parlors of the Columbia Hotel. Aside from the committee a number of leading citi- zens of Dayton had been requested to be pres- ent at this conference, and they had complied. The subject of the proposed railroad was in- troduced by E. R. Burk. He earnestly referred to the great and constantly increasing demand for transportation ; the undoubted benefits that would certainly accrue to the builders of a road to Dayton, and to the willingness of citi- zens of Columbia county to secure a free right of way for the company. Responding to the statements of Mr. Burk Mr. Villard substantially replied that he had been advised of the agricultural resources of Columbia county, and had come prepared to say that it was the intention of the company he represented to build a branch line into Dayton, provided a free right of way and suitable grounds for a depot be donated by the citizens. It is scarcely necessary to say that such assurances were heartily welcomed. Mr. Villard added that it was highly probable a survey would be run within two or three weeks ; that a force of five hundred men would begin work on the Whitman county line to Texas Ferry the following week ; and so soon as the road-bed down the Columbia river was graded, a thousand men and five hundred horses would be brought to the Columbia county side, and the work of grading the main line from Grange City to Walla Walla, and the branches to Pataha and Dayton would be rapidly pushed forward, and that the road might be completed that winter. Still, owing to the immense amount of material and roll- ing stock that must come up the Columbia river that season for the Northern Pacific and his own company, it was doubtftil if the road could possibly be completed and stocked be- fore the coming spring. However he zvould promise that it zvould he completed within one year from that time. It will be readily understood by the reader that this line of argument and generous pro- fessions greatly pleased and encouraged the citizens of Columbia county. Following Mr. Villard's visit the Dayton people immediately went to work to secure the promised right of way. The committee to whom was consigned this task comprised R. G. Newland, S. M. Wait, W. W. Day, John Fudge, H. B. Bate- man, George Boyles, Elias Muncy, George Pollard and S. L. Gilbreath. Railroad affairs rapidly and favorably shaped themselves after the conference with Mr. Villard at Dayton. In August, 1880, grading was commenced from Walla Walla by the Oregon Railroad & Navigation Com- pany, the line extending from the county seat of Walla Walla county to Grange City, and thence via a branch to Dayton. The right of way for this branch was procured by the citi- zens of Dayton. The greater portion of the land was generously and cheerfully donated by the settlers who fully appreciated the promised benefits of the proposed line. Other lands were purchased with money secured by subscription of citizens. In October, 1880, the main body of the graders was transferred from the Grange City road to the Dayton branch; the road was rapidly pushed forward, there being eight camps at one time between Dayton and Waits- burg. The sum subscribed by Dayton citi- zens to pay for the undonated right of way was $2,784. It had been estimated that the total cost of this concession would not rise above $2,000 or $2,500; but the cost was W2 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. swelled to $4,517, or about twice the estimated cost. September 15, 1883, the Columbia "Chronicle'' said : "It is a shame for the citizens of Dayton to allow the men who signed the notes for the right of way for the Oregon Railroad & Navi- gation Company up the Touchet to have to pay the amount that is back out of their own individual pockets. Probably none of them have been benefited by the road more than those who would now stand back and see them pay for the whistle. A note for $1,000 is now due, also about $800 more upon the bond given to the company to secure the original amount subscribed, which was $2,784. About $1,900 of this amount has been paid. It is thought, and we hope they will, that the company will throw off the latter sum and not exact it." July 15, 1881, the railroad track was laid into Dayton. The first passenger train pulled out for Walla Walla at 3:15 p. m., Tuesday, July 19th. Early in December, 188 1, the Oregon Railroad & Navigation Company com- pleted the road to Grange City, and trains be- gan running December 5th. Prior to this period all the trains had been running- over the Dayton branch and that town was for a time the terminus of the road. Several years after the building of the road the Columbia "Chronicle'' said : "The advent of the first railroad into this section of the country marked the beginning of a new era in agriculture. Previous to that time wheat was laboriously hauled to Walla Walla by wagon and sold at twenty-five cents a bushel. At that time, too, but little of the soil was tilled — narrow fields here and there in the bottom lands. Since the coming of the railroads those fields have lengthened and broadened ; have crept down the valleys and up the slopes. And our rugged hills which at that time were considered useless for agricul- tural purposes, now furrowed with the plow- share, heave their brown backs to the sun. With this great agricultural development, fol- lowing immediately upon the completion of the first railroad, have come better farm buildings, better school houses throughout the country, increased activity in business every- where." The year 1881 was fecund with industrial significance in Columbia county. The town of Pomeroy had increased to considerable im- portance; had become ambitious, in fact, for county seat honors. Consequently it organized its forces and waged a war on Dayton. The latter town, as a casual glance at the map will indicate, was far from the geographical center of the county which then comprised the counties of Columbia, Garfield and Asotin. But not for an instant did the Dayton people seriously entertain a proposition for the re- moval of the capital of the county. But so determined were the up-country residents to make Pomeroy the county seat that Dayton, purely in self defence, began agitating the question of county division. This was finally accomplished ; the county of Garfield was formed by the Territorial legislature of 1881 ; the new county then comprising Garfield and Asotin. As this matter relates more particu- larly to the history of Garfield county we shall treat it at length in the portion devoted to that section of the state. With the final settle- ment of the Columbia county seat question the matter of a new court house was brought forth on to the carpet in 1882. Yet it was not until 1886 that the present handsome official building was completed. So early as May, 13, 1883 the "Chronicle" said: Columbia county is now paying a yearly rental of $800 for the county offices and is forced at each term to hold her court in a building orignally intended for other purposes, inconveniently ar- ranged and at some distance from the offices of the officials. The small rooms now in use as county offices are illy adapted for that purpose and afford no accommodations for the transaction of busi- ness. The safes in which are kept the county records are slipshod affairs and are not large enough to contain one-fourth of the important papers that with the growth of the county are rapidly increasing in number and importance. In a few weeks the commissioners propose to sub- HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 313 mit to the residents of the county a petition to secure from them an expression of opinion as to the feasibility and propriety of erecting a court house. The site of the proposed building will be on court-house block, and it is intended to erect the same at a cost not to exceed $4,000. But the entire matter continued to hang fire. October 28, 1882, the optimistic "Chronicle" declared that "at the next elec- tion voters will decide whether or not Colum- hia county will build a $7,000 court house.'' They decided to build neither a $7,000 edifice, nor any other lower-priced structure. By a vote of 447 to 255 the electors of Columbia county defeated the proposition. This election was held November 7, 1882. Tuesday afternoon, December 12, 1882, a heavy rain began falling at Dayton, and con- tinued uninterruptedly about thirty hours. During this period the total precipitation was 4.90 inches. The Touchet river and Patit creek flowed over their banks and the sudden rise was phenomenal. Especially was the Patit higher than ever before since the inception of the town of Dayton. Owing to the extent of the territory submerged by the Touchet it was impossible at that time to ascertain the com- parative height of the flood. But it is known that it did not reach by eighteen inches the high water mark of 1879, on Main street bridge. Yet in other localities a higher mark was indicated than ever before known. At the Park gate indications were about twelve inches higher than in 1879. The damages to property was not so great as might have been expected by one who was in a position to survey the turbulence of these waters. Cellars were flooded and in the upper part of town considerable land was washed away. This was, also, the case with many small bridges and footways. Never before, from rain alone, had such a threatening stage of water been known. The storm had extended far into the mountains, and judging from reports from the various signal stations Dayton must have been in the immediate vicinity of the storm center. Following is the report of rainfall at stations along the line: Lapwai, 3.69 inches; Lewiston, 3.33; Pomeroy, 2.77; Spokane Falls, .48; Coeur d' Alene, .28 ; Dayton, 4.90. The year 1883, in Columbia county, was an era of marvelous crops. Many fields yielded from forty to fifty bushels of wheat to the acre, although this was considerably above the average, some yields not running higher than twenty and twenty-five bushels. And yet this season was, indeed, a trying one, no satis- factory amount of rain having fallen since the middle of May. Again was illustrated the ab- normal, phenomenal and almost supernatural agricultural conditions in Washington ; four months and eight days of hot, scorching weather and still an abundant harvest — a "bumper crop." And it was fortunate that this was so; many merchants throughout the "upper country" had done an extensive credit business ; a poor grain year would have wrought incalcuable disaster. September 18th a refreshing shower of rain fell, and "fall work" was greatly accelerated. July 14, 1883, the figures of the assessor gave Columbia county a population of 5,369. This, of course, was subsequent to the settling off of Garfield county. The following spicy correspondence took place between two rival papers in 1883 relative of another attempt of Walla Walla county to secure Columbia county territory. October 27th the Waitsburg "Times" said : "Almost without exception the citizens re- siding in townships 10, 11 and 12 north, range t>7 east, now a part of Columbia county, are anxious to have the county line so changed as to attach them to Walla Walla county. Walla AValla county is ready to give those townships a hearty welcome, if they want to come in, but how will the idea strike Colum- bia county?" To this specimen of bear-baiting the Co- lumbia "Chronicle" replied: "It strikes us as decidedly thin, and we 3H HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. have grave doubts of the desire being so unanimous. Walla Walla county is sufficiently large and populous to get along without those townships, and we object to Columbia county being whittled down any more to satisfy Walla Walla.' The proposed slicing of Columbia county was not accomplished. The years 1882, 1883 and the earlier part of 1884. in Columbia county, were made memorable by a brutal murder, robbery, a lynching, a legal hanging and the death from frost, hunger and exposure of a third pricipal in the original tragedy. Wednesday, July 26, 1882, William Suttie and John Butterfield, of Pataha City, went to New York Bar for freight. On their arrival they were surprised to find no one in the vicin- ity and, accordingly, they repaired to the ware- house to await the arrival of Eli H. Cummins, agent for the Oregon Railroad & Navigation Company. He did not put in an appearance. Suttie and Butterfield then slept in the ware- house until about two o'clock a. m., when Butterfield entered Cummins' room to ascer- tain the time. It was with horror and con- sternation that he discovered the body of the unfortunate agent lying in his bed and welter- ing in blood. Butterfield ran out, informed Mr. Suttie of his gruesome discovery, and the two men procured a boat and pulled across the river where they gave the alarm. Several men returned with them to the scene of the tragedy and, on entering the room, they pro- ceeded to make an examination. Cummins, with a heavy quilt thrown across his body, another one over his feet, lay on the bed, a frightful gash across his mouth, made with some sharp instrument, like the blade of an ax, another in his cheek and his skull crushed in at the top of his head. Bloody footprints were traced upon the floor. His coin purse was empty ; his currency purse lay on the table, also empty. An ax, stained with blood and covered with hair, was found near the stove, which, undoubtedly, had been one of the in- struments of death. The money drawer was open and rifled of its contents; a pistol scab- bard hung on the wall behind the bed, but the weapon lay on the floor, unloaded and stuffed full of sand. It was estimated that when found Cum- mins had been dead twenty hours, or possibly less, as freight teams had left the bar at 4 o'clock p. m., the previous day. At that time two Chinamen had been at work loading a boat. They were the only ones known to have been with him that night. There was in- disputable evidence that Cummins had been foully clone to death for money which he had collected for the railroad company. Mr. Butterfield hurried away and wired Dayton for the coroner, the murder having been com- mitted in Columbia county. August 5th the Columbia "Chronicle" published the following: "An examination of the house and corpse disclosed the following : The cabin in which deceased was found consists of one room ad- joining the warehouse on the easterly or upper end. In the end toward the warehouse is the door, near which, on the right, sets the stove. Opposite the door is the bed. In the side of the cabin opposite the warehouse is a window which showed no signs of having been dis- turbed. When found the body was lying on the left side on the bed, dressed only in shirt and drawers, with a heavy quilt thrown across him and a doubled quilt over his feet. There was one bullet wound in his hand, one in his right hip, one in the left shoulder, one in the back of his head, on the right side, behind the ear, another in the back of his head and one in his back, under the right shoulder. There was, also, an ax-wound on the top of his head, one across the mouth and one over the eye. The throat had been cut with a knife, the blade of which had entered the left side of the neck and been drawn around to the front, severing the wind pipe and jugular vein. There was a pool of blood and bloody footprints by HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 3i5 the side of the bed, and, also, blood on the bottom of the dead man's feet. "At the examination four battered bullets were picked up in the cabin and one had gone entirely through the wall. Since then two more bullets have been found, making seven in all which it is thought missed the deceased, and as his body showed six bullet wounds, it is evident there were twelve or thirteen shots fired." July 27th a coroner's jury was impaneled. It comprised S. L. Malcolm, C. J. Mulkey, O. S. Davis, Richard Dooley, A. A. Hazen and C. Griffith. It was convened by Coroner Clarke, and returned a verdict in accordance with the facts above stated. The remains of Cummins were buried on a knoll near the warehouse whose interests he had heroically defended at the expense of his life. He was a man about thirty-five years of age ; a native of Wisconsin. His mother and sister resided in Iowa, and other relatives lived in the vicin- ity of Salem, Oregon. A pathetic feature of the tragedy was the fact that he was engaged to be married soon to a young widow in Forest Grove, Oregon. Late in the year 1882 one Canada Owenby was arrested as one of the principals — if not the only one — in this terrible crime. Previous- ly several parties had been arrested on sus- picion, but subsequently released. Later de- velopments raised excitement in the Owenby case to a high pitch. Incidents connected with the discovery of Cummins' body; the mystery surrounding the murder; the arrest of dif- ferent parties from time to time, all contributed to keep alive public interest in the tragedy of New York Bar. January 10th the trial of Owenby was commenced before the district court. It was shown that the prisoner was a man of limited means ; that shortly after the murder he had spent money quite freely; that he was familiar with the scene of the crime; that the day previous to its commission he had been seen at Pataha City until late in the evening and had returned the following morn- ing and had the shoes of his horse removed by a local blacksmith. It had been known that he possessed a pistol of the same calibre as the one with which Cummins had been shot ; a hardware merchant in Pomeroy was found who had, a few weeks before the murder, sold him cartridges suitable for that kind of weapon. Subsequent to his arrest it was shown that Owenby had attempted to bribe his guards to allow him to escape. He had been willing to accept desperate chances, even to the extent of leaping, handcuffed, from a second or two-story window. Again he had tried to bribe a guard to swear that he had been in Pomeroy the night of the murder. At an- other time he had informed a guard that his wife would swear he was at home the whole night of the tragedy at New York Bar. Yet, at the trial Owenby refused to allow his wife to testify. A shirt was offered in evidence upon which it was claimed traces of human blood could be found. As they stood, prima facie, all these details appeared of great importance. Ex- plained, they might have been trivial ; unex- plained they wore an ugly look. Questions were raised : Where did Owenby get this money? Why did he not permit his wife to testify? The questions were met by silence. No explanation of them was attempted. Saturday, January 13th, the court room was packed with an eager, intensely interested audience. Arguments by the attorneys for the prosecution and defense were presented. At dark, that evening, the case was given to the jury. During twenty-three hours they wrestled with the verdict. Being unable to agree they were discharged Sunday afternoon. It was soon after made evident that the strain of this trial had told heavily on the nerves of Owenby. Saturday evening he made a con- fession. To Charles Lofland, confined in jail with him, he declared that he could keep his fearful secret no longer. The sheriff was 316 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY notified ; the clerk of the court hurried over to the jail. To Owenby the latter said that if he desired to make a confession it must be done freely and voluntarily without hope of reward or release from punishment. Owenby replied that he wished to make a clean breast of the whole affair, let the consequences be what they might. Then, in the presence of Charles Lof- land, the jailer, and tbe clerk of the court, the following confession was reduced to writ- ing to which Owenby signed his name : McPherson and I left his house about ten o'clock and we went to New York Bar. Between one and two o'clock we reached the bar. I re- mained a little ways behind McPherson when he approached the house because Cummins had a dog that did not know me. McPherson made friends with the dog and walked up to the house. When McPherson entered the house I was about thirty yards behind him. McPherson pushed his finger through a hole in the door and raised the latch, then opened the door and commenced firing at Cummins on the bed. McPherson fired five shots. At the first shot Cummins cried out, but I do not know what he said. McPherson continued firing until he emptied the five chambers of his pistol and then stepped back from the door. Cummins then came to the door and closed it. I think I then heard Cummins say something about "water," and I think he took a drink, but I am not positive. McPherson fired very rapidly. After Cummins closed the door McPherson found an ax near the house and with it broke in the door. "When he struck the door a knot flew out of it. No shooting was done through the knot-hole. When the door flew open I was right behind Mc- Pherson, and Cummins recognized McPherson and said, "Mack, what in the world have I done to you?" McPherson answered Cummins and said, "Nothing, G — d d — m you; I'll finish you!" About the same time I commenced firing and fired three shots, when Cummins fell to the floor. We, McPherson and I, picked him up and laid him on the bed and I immediately went out of the room. Just as I commenced firing Cummins cried out, "My God! Don't murder me!" I was not in the house after placing Cummins on the bed. McPherson used the knife and the ax after I left the room. He, also, covered up Cummins and placed a cover over the window while I was outside the building watching. While I was out- side McPherson got the money and kept it all with the exception of $50 which he gave me at the time, until I came from the mountains a week from the next Saturday, when I met him at McBride's on my return from the mountains where he gave me $550. We took from the cabin the shot sack that contained all of the money — McPherson hav- ing put the greenbacks in the sack which he took (the greenbacks) from a pocketbook, leaving the pocketbood on the floor. We then immediately left the cabin and rode up the main road to Hagen's house, near the Territorial road where we sep- arated. I went to the right, following a line near the Territorial road until I got to Dry Gulch; then I followed the ridge around the breaks of the Pataha until I got home. McPherson went to the left and went across country to his house, arousing Fred Kausche on the way. Continuing from this point on Owenby related when he went to the mountains, facts in regard to ammunition, weapons and other irrevelant details which are unnecessary to record here. Continuing he said : Snoderly told me after the robbery that the reason he did not meet McPherson and me at Mc- Pherson's house was because Snoderly at that time was at work threshing, I think, at Henry Kausche's ranch, and could not leave at night without attracting attention. At the time I went to find a horse I had bought of Wilson I had a conversation with Snoderly about the murder, and I told him the whole thing. * * * I do not know how much money McPherson got on the night of the murder. He told me he got $1,600. (Signed) CANADA OWENBY. Witnessed by J. P. Spencer, Charles Lofland and O. C. White. There is, apparently, quite a serious dis- crepancy in the details of this rather confused and conflicting confession which appears to have passed unnoticed by the legal authorities. It will be observed by the reader that Owenby says in one place that after firing three shots he assisted McPherson to place the body of Cummins on the bed, and "immediately went out of the room," and "was not in the house afterward." Yet along further he minutely describes the actions of McPherson, the as- sault with the knife and the ax, the securing of the money, all of which details were sup- posed to have occurred while he, Owenby, was on the outside of the cabin. He, also, adds, naively, "We then immediately left the cabin HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 317 (together), and rode up the main road to Hagen's house." From this it is quite apparent that if Owenby left the cabin at the time he said he did, he must have returned. Following this confession warrants were issued for the arrest of McPherson, Snoderly and one Porter. At noon, Sunday, while the jury in the Owenby case were still striving to reach a verdict, Deputy Sheriff Cavanaugh left to make the arrests. At Pomeroy he en- countered Sheriff Wilson, of Garfield county. The two officers immediately proceeded on the man hunt. Porter was taken at Pomeroy; McPherson and Snoderly at their respective farms in Garfield county. Monday they were brought in to Dayton. McPherson waived examination and was committed to jail to await the action of the grand jury. Snoderly was examined before Justice Drake. On the sole evidence of Owenby he Avas sent to jail until the next term of the district court. Porter was released. That he was innocent of any implication in the crime the officers were firmly convinced. Ezra Snoderly and James T. McPherson were tried at Dayton at the June term of the district court, before Judge Wingard. Those who were present will never forget the sensa- tional details of this trial. When arraigned each pleaded not guilty. The re-trial of Canada Owenby took place at the same time, the original jury having disagreed. The Snoderly jury comprised John Gwinn, D. H. Singley, Andrew Robinson, Abe White, Mar- ion Sherry, Moses Moore, Curtis Shingler, James Bratcher, James Sweeney, Riley Privett, John Long and John Catron. Those forming the McPherson jury were James Welch, A. W. Sargent, C. W. Fitz- simmons, Joseph McCall, John Standiferd, William McKey, Jacob Rainwater, N. C. Will- iams, J. H. Jackson, Daniel Davis, F. M. Kagy and George Ihrig. Those comprising the second Owenby jury were Moses Moore, James Welch, Joseph Ledgerwood, Curtis Shingler, James Sweeney, Riley Privett, Jacob McCall, J. H. Chastain, John Ray, J. D. Tyrrel, James Bratcher and D. H. Singley. The jury in the Owenby case having been charged by Judge Wingard, retired for half an hour and returned with a verdict of "guilty as charged." There was a worn and haggard look upon Owenby's face, dark circles around his eyes and he presented every evidence of one having suffered the torments of the damned. Hopeless, yet apparently resigned, he bowed to his fate. While the juries were out in the several cases fears were expressed on the streets of Dayton that they would not convict. Yet there was scarcely a person who attended these trials and heard the evidence, but who believed them guilty of the murder of Eli H. Cummins. All were found guilty. On the morning of Friday, January 29, 1883, Ezra Snoderly was taken into court and sentenced to be hanged by the neck until he was dead. With supreme, almost insolent in- difference, the prisoner received his sentence, remarking to an officer of the court that he did not have "to die but once." At 3 130 p. m., the same day, James T. McPherson. through his attorneys, entered a motion for a new trial. The motion was overruled. Before pronouncing the death sentence the court ordered the prisoner to rise and state what reason, if any, there was why sentence should not be pronounced against him. In a voice trembling with emotion McPherson said that he knew of no legal reason, but he added, "Before God, I knew nothing of this murder until the morning of the 27th of July." He was then reconducted to the dismal precincts of the jail. Owenby had not yet been sen- tenced, but the sensational tragedy was ap- proaching the final act. July 21, 1883, it was generally conceded that McPherson would appeal his case to the supreme court. It was not thought, however, that Snoderly would do so. It would not be 3i« HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. necessary for McPherson to appear personally before the court. Section 1152 of the Terri- torial Code provided that "The personal ap- pearance of the defendant in the supreme court on trial of an appeal, or suit in error, is in no case necessary. - ' Thus it was seen that nothing save the interposition of Divine Providence or Governor Newell could cause McPherson or Snoderly to be removed from their quarters in the Dayton jail. July 20th McPherson and Snoderly were chained to the floor of their cells. On learning of Sheriff Hosier's decision to do this both the prisoners broke down and wept like children. For once the brazen impudence, brag and bluster of Snoderly deserted him ; the man was com- pletely whipped. After the chains were se- curely riveted by Jack Hntcheon the sheriff informed them of the day set for their execu- tion, and said that they had enjoyed more liberty in this jail than they would in that of any other county in the Territory. "In other places." he added, "a death watch would have been set the moment you were sentenced. The present precautions are taken because you have been discovered telegraphing to each other and making secret gestures." The two men still strenuously declared their innocence. Owenby said that he did not desire his sentence commuted, but wished to hang, preferring execution to the mental suf- fering he then endured. The date set for the hanging of McPherson and Snoderly was August 7th. The former offered his attorneys $1,000 to carry his case up to the supreme court. Accordingly Attorneys Anders, Caton and Crowley served notice upon the Columbia county prosecuting attorney of McPherson' s intention to apply to the supreme court for a writ of error, and that he would, on the 30th instant, apply to Judge Wingard for a stay of proceedings. In July, 1883, me Pomeroy "Republican" said : "We were surprised to hear several prom- inent citizens of this place, well acquainted with McPherson and Owenby, express a dis- belief in the latter' s testimony in the late trial, and consequently a doubt as to McPherson's guilt. If it is also true that the jury which convicted him were improperly influenced by threats, a new trial should be granted and every opportunity afforded him to prove his innocence." In line with this suggestion the Columbia "Daily Chronicle" of July 28th, said: "We, too. wish McPherson to have every opportunity afforded him to prove his inno- cence, and can well understand how residents of Pomeroy believe him innocent, as no man stood higher among his neighbors than did McPherson before his arrest. We were among the last to believe in his guilt, but having watched the case in all its phases, we are com- pelled to acknowledge that we believe him to be guilty and that Owenby has told the truth from the first. Late developments strengthen this belief. It is impossible that he is inno- cent. The idea of the jury having been im- properly influenced is preposterous." Continuing on July 30th the editor of the "Daily Chronicle" said: "We were informed this morning that Snoderly had signified his intention to appeal his case to the supreme court, but upon in- vestigation learn that it is too late to do so. Last Saturday Messrs. Sturdevant & Wood had an interview with him to learn if he wished them to take his case up, and he said if there was not a good chance of success he did not. If he was to lie in jail another year and then have the same thing to go through over again he preferred to let it go. This morning, however, he changed his mind and sent word to his attorneys to go ahead, but Mr. Sturdevant says he has not time to do so now and comply with the law and the chances are that he will swing." The following day the "Chronicle" added this : "Lumber is on the ground and work will HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 3i9 commence tomorrow on the scaffold from which Snoderly will take his final leap into eternity. It does not look exactly right for the one the least guilty of the crime to be the first to swing, while those who actually com- mitted the deed gain another year's lease of life and a possible acquittal if the case should come up for another trial. If McPherson is allowed an appeal, Snoderly should not be hanged until the case is decided, as he was convicted upon the same evidence as was Mc- Pherson, and consequently the same evidence that would clear McPherson would clear him." Under date of August 2, 1883, McPherson published the following: Editor Chronicle: I noticed an article in either the Chronicle or Statesman a short time ago ex- pressing surprise how I could have had a six-horse team, and had them paid for, and out of debt, when I had not much money when I came to the country five years ago. In reply I would say, I only wish I was out of debt, but instead of that, at the time I was arrested I was owing $150 in Pomeroy, besides a note in Portland of $100, and what I wish to say to the public is that I got all my money honorably, and I am ready and willing to show where I got it, and can do so, not only by my own books but by other men's books that I have dealt with. And, furthermore, some people say, how could Owenby make a confession, and him locked up in jail, without it was true? Perhaps it was not as hard a matter as people might think, when he had a good helper on the outside. The question is this, if Owenby had known all of these things, what use did Godman have in asking A. H. Hagans if he knew what kind of ammution I got for Cum- mins, and if he knew whether I gave it to Cum- mins or not. Jonas Wilson also told me when we were going home from Dayton the Saturday hefore I was arrested, that Godman asked him if it would be possible for a man to go from where Kauche's dog was shot, around the south side of his and my field, and come down to my house without being seen. They also wanted me to testify to falsehoods to clear Owenby, which I would not do. I will re- late the conversation between Col. George and myself after the prosecution had closed in Owen- hy's first trial. They requested me to come to George's office. After I was seated in the office George said to me, "we want to prove by you that Owenby sold his pistol before the murder." I said, "you cannot do it." He then said, "we want to prove by you that Owenby's pistol was a 32 calibre." I said, "you cannot do that, either, for I never saw him have a pistol." He then said, "we want to prove by you that the box of cartridges that Owenby bought at Mulkey's were 32-calibre." I said, "you cannot do that, either. I saw him buy a box of cartridges at Mulkey's, but it was a good while ago and I did not pay any attention to them, therefore I could not say positively what calibre they were." At this he studied a minute and then said, "well, I hate to see this man convicted, for if he is he will make a confession and implicate others." I said, "that is none of my business." He then said, "that is all." I then started to go out of the office, when he said, "this is not my case; it is God- man's. I am only working for him." There are other things that occurred in Pomeroy after the murder, and before Owenby was arrested that gave him a chance to make up his story, that I will not make public at present, but I would say this much, that there was a certain party in Pomeroy that was uncommonly anxious to have my name circulated, for what reason is more than I am able to ex- plain, but my readers must not think that I mean Ed. Wilson, for I do not. I am now a prisoner and condemned of murder in the eyes of man, hut not in the eyes of God, for I had nothing to do with the murder of Cum- mins whatever. But it seems hard to die under the hands of Owenby in a worse way than Cum- mins had to, but God only knows how thankful I am that my poor, suffering wife knows that I am innocent. And there is one thing I wish to ask the people, and that is, if I am executed before the truth is explained, and if the truth ever does come to light, which it will undoubtedly, sooner or later, and people are convinced that I was not guilty, then if there are any that can aid my family on their journey through this world of trouble, I will be ever so thankful for them to do so. Respectfully yours, j. t. Mcpherson. August 2d the "Daily Chronicle" said : Considerable murmuring is heard on our streets concerning the execution of Snoderly to take place next Tuesday, many thinking there is no justice in such a proceeding, when the wretches who really committed the deed are granted a respite of one year and a half. Granting this to be the case we cannot ignore the fact that he is guilty and was so found by twelve good and true men. If his companions in crime succeeded in get- ting a larger sum of money by their foul deed than he did, enabling them to prosecute their case in higher courts, it does not make him less guilty of being an accessory before the fact. If a reprieve 320 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY were granted him the chances are that he would never hang, but his sentence would be commuted. Don't let your sympathies get the better of your judgment. The following day the "Chronicle" added this information : "Mr. Isaac Carson returned from Portland last evening. While in that city he met N. T. Caton who informed him that he had procured a stay of proceedings for McPherson. In consequence Snoderly will shuffle off alone on the 7th." For several days the impression prevailed in Dayton that the reason Snoderly did not ap- peal his case was because of lack of funds. In explanation of the matter he published the following card in the ''Chronicle" on the 4th: "In jail, Saturday, August 4th: — It hav- ing been intimated that I did not appeal my case to the supreme court on account of the want of money, I desire to state that I was told by my attorneys that an appeal would be taken if I wished it at all events, whether money was furnished for the same or not. "EZRA SNODERLY." Efforts were then made for a reprieve. A petition addressed to the governor was cir- culated by Attorneys Sturdevant & Wood. After having been diligently circulated throughout the town it was returned to the attorneys with no signatures but that of E. R. Burk, ex-clerk of the district court and representative of the Associated Press. N. T. Caton returned to Dayton on the evening of the 3d inst. and filed a copy of the stay of proceedings in the McPherson case. This would give the prisoner a lease of life of about nineteen months, and possibly a verdict of not guilty. The tragedy was now moving swiftly to a conclusion. There was evident dissatisfaction with the result of Judge Caton's western trip; there were ominous threats and mutterings of discontent. Saturday night, August 4th, McPherson was lynched. Of this affair the "Chronicle" said: McPherson Hanged! A Vigilance Committee Take Him Out of Jail and Deal Summary Ven- geance! Cummins Avenged! For several days rumors have been rife of the probable lynching of J. T. McPherson if he se- cured a stay of proceedings from the court, but as there was so much talk we were inclined to think that it was all talk. It was noticed Satur- day, however, that a great many people were on the streets who seemed to be engaged in earnest conversation whenever a squad would congregate. In the evening the streets were alive with people, but very little was said in regard to the murderers. About ten o'clock a body of masked men number- ing about sixty persons, took possession of the public square, and placed guards around the scaffold and throughout the park to keep out- siders from interfering. A portion of the crowd then demanded admittance into the jail yard, and upon refusal of the jailor to open the door, a crow- bar was procured and the door pried open. The jail guard began shooting, the fire being returned by the mob, who then grabbed the guard and held him until the work was done. George E. Church, who was acting as death watch, locked the jail door at the first alarm and threw the key under the steps. As the mob en- tered the jail they remarked to the guard, "We are not here to break the law but to fulfill it. That appeal don't go." The jail was then broken into and McPherson taken out and assisted upon the scaffold, his shackles still upon his feet, and the rope was placed around his neck and made fast over the beam. As he ascended the scaffold he exclaimed, "Before God I am innocent. You are hanging an innocent man." He begged piteously for mercy and asked them to hang Owen- by first. McPherson then offered up a prayer, when, as soon as he was through, he was pushed off the scaffold. The rope was either too long, or else it slipped, McPherson striking the side of the trap as he fell, and his feet reached the ground. Strong hands grasped the rope and his ponderous body swung clear between the heavens and earth, and he was literally strangled to death. By this time the streets were full of people, all eager to see the execution, but the vigilantes kept them out of the yard until all signs of life were extinct. The body was then given to the jail guard and the coroner summoned. Upon his arrival the body was cut down and he summoned a jury who returned a verdict as follows: "We, the undersigned coroner's jury, sum- moned to inquire into the cause and circumstances HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 32T attending the death of James T. McPherson, do find that the said James T. McPherson came to his death by hanging and strangulation, the per- son or persons causing his death being unknown to the jury. I. N. ARMENT, T. S. LEONARD, G. A. CAMERON, LOUIS YOUNG, JOSEPH W. SMITH, S. M. WAIT." Jurors. The body of McPherson was taken to the undertaking establishment of Kimball & Martin, where it was placed in a coffin. His neck had not been broken. The remains, ac- companied by the widow and children, were taken to Pomeroy for interment. Unlike a majority of mobs this party pro- ceeded to their work coolly and systematically. They hanged the one whom they believed the most likely to escape the just consequences of a horrible crime, leaving the others to be dealt with as the law directed. Yet there was no indication that the supreme court would have interfered with the verdict of the jury which had found the prisoner guilty. It appears, then, that this summary and unlawful proceed- ing was simply the result of incontrolable im- patience at the law's delay. Tuesday, August 7th, Ezra Snoderly, at high noon, was taken from his cell and from the same scaffold from which McPherson was pushed into eternity, he took his adieu of all things earthly and the law was vindicated. Quite a change had come over the doomed man since the day previous, and in company with a man named Glover he sang, "I am so glad that Jesus loves me," and other familiar hymns. After 11 o'clock he had slept well during the night. In the morning he ate a hearty breakfast and wrote a letter to his wife, saying that he was innocent, and that if she did not believe it to always teach the children so. G. A. Sawyer, of Pomeroy, called upon him and Snoderly insisted that he should go and see his Avife and tell her of his innocence. He 21 admitted that he realized his fate and dreaded' it, but was ready to meet it. Crowds of peo- ple flocked into town from every direction, among them many from Pomeroy, Pataha and Waitsburg, until it was estimated that fully 3,000 persons were present. At 11 :2o a. m., the sheriff's posse, numbering about 75 per- sons, under command of Col. George Hunter, marched out of Drake's Opera House and formed in behind the Dayton Grays, number- ing 27 men, and marched to the scaffold, form- ing a line around it to keep back the dense throng of people already upon the ground. At 1 1 .-40 the prisoner, dressed in a neat suit of black, escorted by Sheriff Hosier, was taken from his cell and at his own request was taken into Owenby's cell. He extended his hand to Owenby and said: "You are taking my life; the life of an innocent man." Owen- by replied, "I am not; I have only told the truth and cannot tell anything else." To this Snoderly answered, "I forgive you, and I hope the Lord will forgive you and you will be a better man." Owenby replied, "God help you, Ezra." They then separated, Owenby appearing to be greatly affected, while Snoderly wore the same expression as when on the scaffold. The sheriff and prisoner, preceded by Revs. Whit- comb and Van Patten, and followed by Sheriff Wilson, of Garfield county, Sheriff Thompson, of Walla Walla county, Colonel Shaw, of Portland, and Deputy Sheriff Cavanaugh, as- cended the scaffold. Snoderly walked with a firm tread, scarcely leaning upon the officer at all. The prisoner seated himself in a chair, pale but perfectly self-possessed. A passage of scripture was read by Rev. Whitcomb, after which the prisoner was asked if he had any- thing to say. Snoderly arose and in a firm voice addressed the vast assemblage as fol- lows : "Gentlemen : I die an innocent man. The last words I have to say, I am an innocent man. I have been a bad boy and have stolen things. 322 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. Is that any reason that I should die? I forgive every one. I know nothing of this murder or of the intention of robbery. Am innocent. I hope yon will all pray for me and meet me in heaven. I am here for some one else's crime. I forgive everybody. Pray for the ones who brought me here. I have no hard feelings against anyone." Following a short prayer the hands and feet of Snoderly were pinioned, the noose ad- justed and before the black cap was placed upon his head he again said. "Gentlemen, I die an innocent man. Yon are taking the life of an innocent man." The cap was then adjusted and at 11:50 the trap was sprung, the body falling four and one-half feet, where it hung perfectly still, with the exception of spasmodic breathing and a slightly swinging motion of the lower limbs. Twelve minutes afterward he was pronounced dead. At the expiration of twenty minutes the remains were cut down, placed in a neat black coffin and, by request of friends, sent to Pomeroy for burial by the side of his brother. After the execution of Snoderly, Owenby was conveyed to Walla Walla and confined in the county jail at that place. On the evening of December 25, 1883, he, in company with another criminal, escaped. This jail delivery occurred at 5 -.30 p. m. During the outbreak Sheriff Thompson and Jailor Williamson were seriously injured. Thompson entered the jail for the purpose of locking the prisoners in the steel cages. Just as the sheriff passed through the doorway from the ante- room to the jail corridor, he was struck on the head with a brick thrown eithed by Owenby or the other prisoner, Elfus. Then followed a scuffle be- tween the officer and the prisoners. Elfus and Owenby both struck Thompson, grappled with him and forced him back into the corridor in the directions of the jailor's room. From here they rushed Thompson back into the jail and closed the door upon him, having in the mean- time battered his head with a couple of bricks which they had taken from the walls of the jail. The escaping prisoners then turned their attention to Jailor Williamson who had come to Thompson's rescue. The former, finding he could not success- fully resist the desperadoes ran to the window and gave the alarm. Upon this one of the prisoners seized him and cut his throat with a small pocket knife, inflicting a deep wound from the right ear, following under the jaw bone for about four inches, and barely missing the jugular vein. They then rifled his pockets, found the outside jail door key and escaped under cover of approaching darkness, without bats or coats. The jail-breakers stole two borses from the stable of Mr. Coombs, who lived in Congressman Brent's house, and rode away. A posse of fourteen men, well armed, left Walla Walla at eight o'clock, with grim instruction to bring back the outlaws dead or alive. They learned the following day that the two desperate men had gone to Cold Springs, left their exhausted horses, stolen two others, killed a Chinaman and robbed the body of $140. January 2, 1884, Owenby was captured near Milton, Oregon, only a short distance south of Walla Walla, and brought back to jail. Of this capture the Walla Walla "Union" of January 3d said : Yesterday afternoon a young son of a farmer named DeHaven, living about three and one-half miles above Milton on the Walla Walla river, while near his father's barn, noticed a man crawling on the ground inside the building. The little fellow informed his parents of the fact and they in turn went to the barn to look into the matter. As told by the boy they found a man with his feet frozen and about starved to death. Thinking him a tramp they took the suffering man into the house and made temporary provision for his wants, at the same time sending word to Milton, stating the facts. Deputy Sheriff Phelps started for DeHaven's thinking that the supposed tramp might possibly be one of the escaped murderers. On arriving at DeHaven's he began quizzing the HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 323 man, who finally admitted that he was Owenby. He said that he reached the barn in which he was found the day after his escape from jail, and that he suffered greatly from the flux, which kept him from proceeding any farther; he had had nothing to eat from the time of his escape until he was discovered, excepting what little milk he could steal from a cow which was stabled in the barn. Owenby said he suffered so much from his frozen feet, loss of blood and hunger that he found it impossible to move about. Owenby was taken to Milton and then to Walla Walla, where a strong guard was placed over him as there was some little talk of lynching theprisoner. The "Union" said: "To the good credit of our fair city only one or two hot-headed individuals were heard to intimate the propriety of mob law. The vast majority of the good citizens of Walla Walla are opposed to lynch law, and any at- tempt to resort to it would be met by determ- ined, resolute, armed men, ready to defend the officers of justice in the execution of their duty." It was decided to bring Owenby to the Columbia county jail, at Dayton, and there was strong talk of lynching the man at that place. Concerning this the Columbia "Chronicle" said : It has been strongly hinted on the street this morning that Owenby might be taken from the sheriff on his return from Walla Walla and sum- marily executed. Don't do it. That officer is sworn to do his duty and any such attempt will surely result in bloodshed; besides there has been no carelessness shown by the officers in this county in handling the prisoners entrusted to their care and we may rest assured that Owenby will not escape again. Be careful that nothing unlawful is done and Owenby will as surely meet his doom as daylight follows night. Owenby was safely landed in the Dayton jail, quite ill and feeble from the effects of his experiences while at large. At about 7 o'clock Monday evening, January 7, 1884, it was dis- covered by the jail guard that Canada Owenby was in artiado mortis. His hands and arms to the elbows were cold and the death damp was on his forehead. He lingered until Tues- day morning, January 8th, when his soul went forth to meet his victim and his accomplices in the great beyond. Before his death he was asked by Mr. Church if he was prepared to meet Cummins, Snoderly and McPherson. He replied that he was ; that he had clone Cummins a great injury, having, without any personal feeling against him, killed him solely for his money. Mr. Church then said: "Owenby, in making your dying statement, do you still say that Snoderly knew of the murder of Cummins?" "I do, I do!" the dying man answered. "I am sorry that they had to answer to the law, but they were guilty of the murder. I only told the truth. This is my dying state- ment. Rather than have caused my family this disgrace and grief I would have preferred to have spent my life in close confinement. I would give the world to recall my life for the past two or three years. I have made mis- takes in everything; in committing the murder and my last attempt to escape." Thus ends the closing scene of the fright- ful tragedy at New York Bar, each participant of that crime having been summoned to final judgment, two by the hangman's noose and one by illness contracted in a desperate attempt to escape punishment. CHAPTER III CURRENT EVENTS— 1884 TO 1905. The year 1884 will be remembered as one of immense immigration into Eastern Wash- ington, and Columbia county received its full proportion of the human tide. The first of the advancing wave reached this vicinity early in March of that year. From then on the stream of new arrivals from the east was almost con- tinual. But financially the year was dull. Three- fourths of the goods sold by local merchants throughout the county went on their books, al- though sales for the current month of Feb- ruary were greater than for the corresponding month of the previous year. It was hoped that the expected immigration of 1885 would bring money into the country, but the with- drawal of large amounts which formerly had been kept here on deposit by capitalists for several years caused an unusual stringency in the money market. The Columbia Chronicle of July 1 2th said : "On account of the prevailing hard times our farmers have not gone in debt as heavily as in previous years. Many of them have bought nothing but the bare necessities of life and have practiced strict economy wherever it was possible. Money could not be tighter than it is at present." During the month of December there came. a storm that was without precedent within the memory of white men. The first week of its continuance the greatest fall of snow was south of the Snake river and along the base of the Blue Mountains. Later it spread to points north of the river. H. S. Blandford, of the United States signal office, at Dayton, fur- nished the following data regarding the storm at that place : "Total snow falling up to 8 o'clock, a. m., December 25th, 45.6 inches, equivalent in rain to 3.50 inches, a deficiency of about one inch owing to the excessive dry- ness of the snow. The minimum temperature, 19 degrees below zero, occurred about 8 p. m., on the 23d. The highest temperature during the night of the 19th and 20th, when it reached 37.5 degrees above zero, wind southwest, with a maximum velocity of 24 miles per hour. The prevailing wind direction during the whole storm was southwest. The heaviest snowfall was accompanied with light northeast wind and temperature ranging from zero to eight degrees above on the 22d, when the snow drifted to a considerable extent. Five inches of snow fell on this date between 12 m. and 8 p. m." During the early part of January snow continued to fall at intervals and the weather remained cold. Stock suffered greatly and many sheepmen lost a portion of their bands through inability to drive them to hay stacks. Following this severe winter of 1884 there were raised in Columbia county, in 1885, 2,460,000 bushels of wheat. A comparison of population of Columbia county is as follows: 1881, 6,675; : 883, 5,139; 1885, 5,906. It should be remembered that this apparent decrease in population is owing to the cutting off of Garfield and Asotin, from the territory of Columbia county. The territory which had a population of 6,675 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 3 2 5 in 1881, in 1885 had 10,872, an increase of •over 62 per cent within four years. In 1886 the residents of the county became ambitious for the acquisition of another line of railway, giving direct communication with Puget Sound. They believed that such a road "would result in competition and lower freight rates. The plan proposed was the construc- tion of a road from Dayton to connect with the Northern Pacific at Ainsworth.- April 24th a mass meeting was held at Dayton at which the following resolutions were adopted : "Be it resolved by the people of Columbia county, Washington Territory, in mass meet- ing assembled, that we recognize the necessity for transportation connected direct with Puget Sound, and that we are determined to have it if we have to build a road from Dayton to Ainsworth ourselves. "Resolved. That we will render all assist- ance in our power to any corporation which will construct a railroad to work in connection with the Northern Pacific Railway between Dayton and Puget Sound direct." The agitation thus started continued until the county secured the road. This was in 1889 and is treated fully later on in this history. In May. 1886, the financial condition of the county was excellent. There was suffi- cient cash in the road fund to pay all outstand- ing warrants against it, and the same was the case with the incidental fund, leaving $1,000 over. The county fund was only $1,619 be- hind, but considering the several funds as one there was in the treasury sufficient cash to pay all outstanding warrants, leaving Columbia county free from debt and with a satisfactory surplus. For a short period in 1886 prohibition ruled supreme in the county. During the win- ter of ii -6 the Territorial Legislature passed what was known as the "local option act." This measure allowed each precinct to decide by vote whether or no intoxicating liquors should be sold within the limits of any precinct in the Territory. The act incited con- siderable activity among temperance workers, and especially was this the case in Columbia county. Of her sixteen precincts, in the sum- mer of 1886, nine of them asked for the privi- lege of voting upon the question. These pre- cincts were Tucanon, Burksville, Huntsville, Patit, Starbuck, Harmony, Smith Hollow, Dayton and Brooklyn. The two latter were considered as one precinct, being in an incor- porated city. The campaign preceding the election of June 28th, at which time the question of pro- hibition was submitted to the voters, was ex- citing, sensational and fiercely waged. The woman suffrage law was still in force; ladies took an active and influential part in the cam- paign ; and more especially was this the case with the earnest workers in the W. C. T. U. Temperance meetings were held frequently; orators were imported from abroad; more as- sidious and thorough political work was done then than has since taken place in even a presi- dential campaign. The result was a complete victory for the prohibitionists. In Dayton 761 votes were cast; there was a majority of 103 for prohibition. It may be of interest to the reader to here note the work in several other towns in Wash- ington Territory. The following declared against prohibition by appended majorities: Spokane Falls, 437; Seattle, 1,030; Dunge- ness, 62; Olympia, 242; Vancouver, 120; Port Discovery, 49; Port Townsend, 170; Tocoma, 604; Petaha City, 66; Sprague, 208; Cheney, 100; Ritzville, 7; Ellensburg, 259; Harring- ton, 10; Whatcom, 62; North Yakima, 46. Towns which declared for prohibition and their majorities, were: Dayton, 103; Waits- burg, 123; Colfax, 26; Pomeroy, 20; Prescott, 122; Old Yakima, 3. Saturday, July 24th, the prohibition vote 326 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY of Columbia county was canvassed by Probate Judge F. G. Frary and County Treasurer F. C. Miller, with the following result : PRECINCTS. FOR. AGAINST. MAJORITY. Dayton and Brooklyn.. 429 326 103 Patit 40 10 30 Starbuck 21 18 3 Huntsville jj — yj Smith Hollow II 2 9 Burksville 19 13 6 Tucannon 7 13 6 Harmony 52 10 42 656 392 276 The total majority for prohibition in the county was 276. Eight precincts voted for and one against. Promptly at 12 o'clock M.. on the day the vote was canvassed all saloons in the eight pre- cincts closed their doors. Prohibition in Co- lumbia county became an established fact. Following a short lull in the excitement last- ing a few days, the saloon element decided to test the law. July 27th Jake Schuman was ar- rested by Deputy Sheriff Cavanaugh on com- plaint of A. L. McCauley. Schuman had sold a pint of beer. Monday, August 16th, he was brought before Justice J. C. Dorr on the charge of having violated the local option law. Schuman was held to answer in the sum of $500 for his appearance at the next term of the district court. In default of bail he was committed to the custody of the sheriff. He then petitioned for a writ of habeas corpus, claiming to have been illegally restrained of his liberty.- This was forwarded to Judge Langford, and Tuesday, August 31st, the case of the Territory of Washington vs. Jacob Schuman was argued. Messrs. Sturdevant and Crowley appeared for the prosecution; B. L. and J. L. Sharpstein for the defense. Argu- ments occupied nearly the entire day. At their close Judge Langford took the case under advicement, filing a written decision with the clerk of the court Wednesday, September 1st, at 1 1 o'clock a. m. So soon as the tenor of the decision became known, which practically de- clared the law unconstitutional, nearly all the saloons resumed business. Following is the syllabus of the decision : 1. Whether the police power of the legislature extends to all matters which it may deem conserva- tive to public health and morals, so that it can regu- late, restrict or prohibit any use of any property and thereby impair or destroy its value without com- pensation; discussed but not decided. 2. When a state law provides that a business shall be licensed without a consideration being paid to the state therefor, but merely the officers paid for the issuance of the license, this is not a contract made between the state and licensee, because no consideration is received by the state; but when the licensee pays into the state the sum of money, the transaction between the state and the licensee has all the qualities of a contract, binding the state not to prosecute the licensee for selling accoring to the license during the time which the license runs, and the state has no right to impair this contract nor rescind it without the consent of the licensee, but can destroy the right in no other way, except to appropriate the same to public use by due process of law and compensation. 3. The payment to the licensee of the money he has paid is not the process of law, nor the com- pensation which the constitution provides, and hence the imprisonment of the petitioner for selling beer according to his license is illegal. 4. The local option act does not take effect by virtue of its own force. When it left the legis- lature it was a mere proposition and not a law, and was to become a law only when the people in the different precincts ratified it by a majority of the popular vote. This is legislation by the masses of the people to whom no legislative power is granted by the organic act, and hence the said act is no law and repeals no law. In November, 1886, Judge George Turner held that the local option law was valid — the reverse of Judge Langford's decision. This ruling of Judge Turner in another district did not, of course, affect the decision of Judge Langford, handed down in Columbia county. The few days that the saloons were closed in HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 3 2 7 this county was the only period that prohibi- tion ruled supreme in that vicinity. "Hope springs eternal in the human breast." Columbia county people in the clos- ing days of 1886 believed, and with good rea- son, that the dark clouds of business depression were about to roll away, or at least show their silver lining. December nth the Chronicle said : "From all parts of the United States come cheering words of hope for better times com- ing and now near at hand. There is an im- provement visible even in our quiet little city of Dayton. As yet it consists chiefly in an in- creased feeling of confidence among business men and property owners. Only this week a man of business and a close observer was heard to say that in less than six months men of means would be drawing their money from the banks and investing it in town and county property. There can be no doubt but that the lowest point of depression has been reached and passed, and that the trend is upward in the direction of fair returns for labor and judi- cious investments.'' Notwithstanding "hard times" in 1886 the question of building a county court house be- came an absorbing one to the citizens of Day- ton and the surrounding country. At the last election a proposition for such a building had been submitted to the electors and voted down, presumably for the reason that a $7,000 structure was not much better than no build- ing at all. It was now on the wings of rumor that an effort would be made to bond the coun- ty for $40,000, the proceeds to be applied to the building of a court house. It soon devel- oped, however, that legislative action would be required before the county could proceed with the building. February 4, 1886, the Ter- ritorial Council passed a bill authorizing the county of Columbia to build a court house. The same day the house ratified the action of the council by passing the bill without amend- ment. It was promptly approved by the gov- ernor and became a law. This measure pro- vided for the erection of a county building the total cost of which should not exceed $40,000. March 6th the Chronicle said : "We publish in another column the bill providing for the construction of a court house and jail in Columbia county that our readers may peruse it and judge for themselves as to its efficacy. The bill was copied by Mr. Mc- Call from a bill which passed the legislature of 1 88 1. He introduced it by leave on the last day of the last session, when it passed both houses under suspension of the rules. The legislature had already passed a memorial to congress asking that the commissioners of Co- lumbia county be authorized to issue bonds for the construction of a court house and jail, but upon consultation with his colleagues Mr. Mc- Call thought this bill would do no harm, even though it did no good. In the hurry incident to the last day we notice that our representa- tive "followed copy'' almost too closely, for the original from which this is drafted pro- vided for the construction of a $20,000 court house. Our bill provides for the construction of a $40,000 court house, but in its provisions for raising the funds with which to pay for the same, $20,000 only is provided for. It is true that section 8 provides for the levying of a tax at the end of five years sufficient to pay any deficiency there may be in the fund, but the levy of a $20,000 tax in one year would create a hardship upon our citizens. We have no doubt that the next legislature would pass an- other bill provided that the last $20,000 should be collected after the manner of the first, but the acts of the legislature are things upon which one does not care to rely too much. "Columbia county wants a court house and jail and wants them badly. If the commis- sioners believe that this bill is a good one under which to act, we trust they will begin work as soon as possible. Both labor and ma- terials are cheaper than ever before and there will be no trouble in disposing of the warrants 328 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY, at a reasonable discount, which will not exceed what is now paid for rent. Let us have a court house as soon as possible by some means." April 14th a special session of the county commissioners was held in Dayton at which it was decided to build a court house. A request that the United States Congress take favorable action on the bill authorizing Columbia county to erect this structure was made to Washing- ton's territorial delegate, Hon. Charles S. Voorhees. May 24th a contract for building this edifice was let, the work to begin so soon as the senate passed the bill permitting the bonding of the county. This measure was acted favorably upon by the senate, privilege being granted to issue bonds for $40,000. June 1, 1886. A. J. Dexter turned the first sod ; the new court house was fairly under way. Late in that year the building was com- pleted ; the cost in round numbers was $38,000. During the closing days of March, 1887, an appeal was made to the Inter-State Commerce Commission in the matter of rates charged for shipping wheat. At Walla Walla a meeting was held at which were present delegates from Dayton, Waitsburg and Walla Walla, in Washington, and from Pendleton, The Dalles and Milton, Oregon. Resolutions were passed calling the attention of the commission to the exorbitant charges, and requesting an immedi- ate investigation that the 1887 crop might be saved. From what can be learned of the status of this case at the period of which we ■write it would seem that the Oregon Railroad & Navigation Company had developed into cormorants so far as grain rates from the Blue Mountain country was concerned. It is said that these rates were nearly prohibitive. And it was mainly the effect of these excessive charges that what is known as the "Hunt road" was completed two years later. In December, 1887, conforming to a de- cision of the Inter-State Commerce Commis- sion, in the case of Reed & Evans vs. the Or- egon Railroad & Navigation Company, rates per hundred pounds in car-load lots, were fixed between Portland and points named, going into effect December 15th. From Prescott, Bolles Junction, Waitsburg, Huntsville, Longs and Dayton, 26*^ cents; old rate, 27^2' cents, this reduction, while almost insignificant, was duly appreciated by the grain growers then, as now, completely at the mercy of transportation companies. But the people went right ahead with the "Hunt road" proposition. It was estimated from the books of grain shippers that there was raised in Columbia county during the year 1887 the following: Wheat, 1,455,900 bushels; barley, 225,015; oats, 177,200; corn, 87,360; total, 1,945,475 bushels. The Columbia County Board of Immigra- tion was in active operation in 1888, and the influx of actual settlers was large. The work of the executive committee of the board was unflagging, and to them great credit is due. It was composed of J. E. Edmiston, W. H. H. Fonts, Henry Hunter, M. M. Godman, W. H. Kuhn, J. N. Thompson and D. B. Kimball. Through efforts of this committee thousands of pamphlets were printed graphically describ- ing the many advantages offered by Columbia county. These were distributed in nearly every section of the United States. Concerning the grain crop of 1888 the Chronicle of January 26, 1889, said: "The Chronicle has made an earnest effort to ascertain the number of bushels of grain of the crop of 1888 exported from this county. Every grain dealer in Dayton has been inter- viewed and his figures and views on the sub- ject obtained. There have been bought, in- cluding what is now in the various warehouses of the county, 1,289,000 bushels of wheat; 2,500 of oats; 110,000 of barley; and 3,000 of corn, making a total of 1,422,000 bushels. This of course does not include the Columbia county grain handled at Waitsburg, nor that HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 3 2 9 now in the hands of the farmers. It is a safe estimate to put the grain of all kinds raised in this county in 1888 at two million bushels, cer- tainly a most encouraging record.'' The assessed valuation of Columbia coun- ty property in 1888 was as follows: Real es- tate, $1,169,780; improvements, $580,000; personal property, $1,076,950; total, $2,826,- 730. This was an increase over 1887 of $339,270, or nearly 14 per cent, truly a most encouraging exhibit for a purely agricultural country, a country containing no "boom" towns, and it certainly indicates a strong, healthy, substantial growth, and of a perma- nent character. November 25, 1887, the Columbia County Agricultural Association was organized with the following named gentlemen as incorpora- tors : G. A. Kelly, G. A. Parker. A. Bundy, W. A. Montgomery, \Y. A. Muncy. Jacob Rainwater, Ed Wright, J. N. Thompson, Gar- ret Romaine, W. M. Sweany, M. A. Baker, C. M. Grupe, John Rainwater, L. W. Watrous, A. J. Dexter, J. H. Day and J. H. Hosier. The capital stock was $20,000. Under the auspices of this association the first Columbia county fair was held at Dayton, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, October 10, 11 and 12, 1888. It was conducted in line with similar rural expositions, and included horse racing and the usual exhibits of stock and agricult- ural products. Financially it was above the average of success, the receipts exceeding ex- penditures by about $600. This initial fair has been followed nearly every year since that date by similar expositions. What is known as the "Hunt railroad"' was completed in 1889. It was considered at the time to be one of the greatest benefits ever con- ferred on Columbia county. But this enter- prise had its inception as far back as March. 1887. A committee had then recently returned from Walla Walla where it had gone to inves- tigate what was known as the "wheat contract move,'" which had gained extraordinary pro- portions in Walla Walla county. These re- turned committeemen called a meeting at Day- ton, at which another committee was named comprising these members : H. H. Wolfe, J. N. Day, J. N. Thompson, M. A. Baker and H. Hunter. The business assigned them was the perfection of a system of contracts and having the same printed, to submit to the farmers of Columbia county at a mass meeting to be called to meet at Drake's Opera House. The object of this assemblage was to secure a reduced rate on grain to any seaport on the Pacific coast by signing contracts, "both farmers and ship- pers," agreeing to ship for two seasons over any road that would carry grain to port at a rate not to exceed $4.00 per ton. There were present quite a number of agriculturists, and from indications it was evident that the unani- mity of action in Walla Walla would be par- alleled, if not exceeded in Columbia county. For five successive years farmers had reluct- antly paid $6.00 per ton to Portland, constant- ly hoping that as the acreage and yield in- creased this excessive toll — or tax — would be proportionately diminished. So far these hopes had been in vain. This last effort was a Macedonian cry — an earnest and united ap- peal for relief. February 26, 1887, the Chron- icle published this editorial paragraph : "The leading farmers and business men of this county are becoming greatly interested in the wheat contract scheme and are almost uni- versally favorable to the change making the terminus on the Pacific coast, or in other words, Puget Sound. There is a general feel- ing that our section has helped build up Portland long enough, and that it is about time to take some steps toward relieving ourselves from the further payment of tribute in that direction. Several have volunteered to go to Walla Walla next Monday to consult with the leaders of the movement there." Those who went were John Brining, E. 33Q HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. Bird, George Eckler, J. N. Day, D. K. Pearce, D. B. Kimball, J. N. Thompson and R. G. Newland. A full report of the Dayton meeting of March 5th, published in the Chronicle, is as follows : "Citizens' meeting called to order pur- suant to adjournment by H. H. Wolfe, tem- porary chairman, who stated that a prelimi- nary organization had been effected last Wednesday to take into consideration some measure to secure cheaper rates of transporta- tion for the produce of our county, and secure a competing line of railroad to tidewater, and had adjourned until today at two o'clock, p. m. Notice of this had been published in our county papers. He then called upon Hon. John Brining to state the object of the present meeting; whereupon Mr. Brining briefly stated the object of the meeting to be the co-operative organization of the people of Columbia coun- ty, and more particularly the farmers, in secur- ing the building of a competing line of railroad through, or from, Columbia county to some seaport town or to Puget Sound, to reduce the rates of transportation on the produce and raw material shipped out of our county. The chairman stated that the next business before the meeting was permanent organization. On motion H. H. Wolfe was elected chairman and W. H. H. Fouts, secretary. "Speeches were made by Messrs. Cole, Eckler, Brining, Pietrzycki, Day, Mohundro and others in regard to cheaper rates of trans- portation, and a competing line of railroad and some means of securing them. The secretary was then, on motion, directed to read the form of wheat contract adopted by the citizens of Walla Walla. On motion the following com- mittee was appointed to devise ways and means to take the matter into consideration, and to report next Saturday at one o'clock, p. m. : John Fudge, J. H. Martin, William Vaughn, J. N. Thompson, J. H. Putnam, T. M. May, D. K. Pearce, Lewis Neace, A. H. Weather- ford. W. E. Ayers, A. P. Gibson, J. W. Dun- can, James Elder, C. E. Mohundro, A. E. Richardson, A. L. Jinnett and M. R. Hanger. "On motion the meeting adjourned until Saturday, March 12th." The March 12th meeting was held at Day- ton. Three trustees, H. H. Wolfe, John Fudge and D. K. Pearce were elected. To act with these trustees a committee of ten was ap- pointed, their duties being mainly to solicit the signatures of farmers to the wheat contracts. The plan evolved was to bind signers of the contracts to ship their wheat at the rate of $4.00 per ton via any railroad that would build in, making connection with Puget Sound, for a period of two years. March 19th another meeting was held at Covello for the same purpose exploited at the Dayton meeting. Benjamin Turner, A. E. McCall and S. J. Lowe were elected trustees, and the following were named as a committee to act in conjunc- tion with the trustees : O. E. Mack, R. T. Sloan, Taylor Hayes, J. F. Gordon, E. C. Crouch, A. L. Sanford and J. H. Putnam. During the spring of 1888 a board of trade was organized at Dayton. One of its first offi- cial acts was in behalf of another railroad to Dayton. The initial step taken was an inter- view with G. W. Hunt, a well-known railroad promoter, in regard to building a competing line into Dayton. Jesse N. Day, John Brining, W. H. H. Fouts and J. C. Van Patten were elected to interview Mr. Hunt. The latter agreed to build a road connecting Dayton with the Northern Pacific provided that the citizens would agree to the following terms : Right of way and depot grounds to be donated, and a subsidy given in proportion to the amount contributed by Eureka Flat and Walla Walla. December 1, 1888, the Chronicle made the fol- lowing report : J. N. Day and J. E. Edmiston, of the 'com- mittee appointed by the board of trade of this county to interview G. W. Hunt regarding the extension of his railroad from Walla Walla to Dayton, returned Wed- HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 33i nesday morning. They found Mr. Hunt at Waitsburg, and traveled with him to Walla Walla. They report that he made substantially this proposition : He will ex- tend his road to Dayton by way of the Coppei and Waitsburg for a subsidy of $75,000, the right of way and depot grounds. His idea is that Waits- burg can give $35,000, Dayton $40,000, and the cost of the right of way to be divided equally between the two towns, each giving its own depot ground. As it will be necessary to secure the right of way from the station within the corporate limits of Walla Walla, and as the whole length of. the road will be about thirty-four miles, it is possible that the sum to be raised will aggregate $100,000. Can it be raised? It is said that the Waitsburg board of trade has accepted their part of the contract and agreed to raise the $35,000, and guarantee the right of way and depot grounds. This county can surely do that well. Why should this money be given for the con- struction of another railroad into this county? Be- cause we are assured that without the subsidy the road will not be located here; because as a simple business proposition it is money in the pockets of the farmers and business men of this county to have a choice of lines to the sea-board, and because upon completion of this road the price of wheat will at once advance at least six cents a bushel. Wheat in Walla Walla during the past week has been selling at 77 cents a bushel, sacked, while here it has been only 68 cents. Putting the export wheat of the county for this season at 1.500.000 bushels — a very conservative estimate — and the dif- ference in favor of the Hunt road to a Puget Sound market is the snug sum of $90,000, for this item of wheat alone. What with the oats and barley which would have been shipped over this road, the aggre- gate would be over $100,000, or double the amount demanded by Mr. Hunt. This vast sum, equal to about $16 for each and every man, woman and child in the county, and which has been lost this year for the lack of this road, will by prompt, liberal response on the part of those most vitally interested be saved to enrich and build up Columbia county, not next year alone, but every year for an indefinite period. The estimated advance of six cents a bushel is based upon the experience of those along the lines of Hunt's roads, both in Umatilla and Walla Walla counties and is put at from one to three cents below in order to be on the safe side. It is the opinion of the Chronicle that with a through competing line to Sound ports, the construction of adequate facilities for handling the grain and the positive information on the part of the ship owners of the world that cargoes of grain await transportation from the "Mediterranean of the Pacific." the dif- fence in the wheat market in favor of the farmers of the entire Walla Walla Valley will exceed ten cents a bushel over the present condition of affairs. Such a consummation every patriotic citizen most earnestly desires. To effect this the Chronicle urges our people to follow the example of Walla Walla and raise the required subsidy without in- quiring too closely into the motive or criticising too severely the fairness of the demand, but regarding it simply as an investment upon which there is an assured liberal annual return. December 8th the board of trade at once undertook to raise the money in accordance with Hunt's proposition. Committees were ap- pointed to secure the funds, look after the right of way, and confer with the Waitsburg board of trade, etc. January 26, 1889, Mr. Hunt came to Day- ton. There he met the citizens of Columbia county and with them discussed details con- cerning the building of the road. He found the people joining in this conference deeply in- terested, and they comprised leading farmers from all sections of the county. Mr. Hunt said that he purposed to connect Dayton with his railroad system by building a line up the Touchet from Waitsburg to Dayton, and through Dayton to Whetstone Hollow, for a bonus of $45,000 in cash, or merchantable wheat at not less than fifty cents a bushel ; the right of way and depot grounds; the road to be completed into Dayton by December 1, 1889; and to Whetstone Hollow by Septem- ber 1, 1890; one-half of the subsidy to be paid when the road was in operation to Dayton and the remainder within twelve months there- after. Should the road not be in operation to Dayton December 1st, no subsidy whatever was to be paid. One-half of the subsidy was to be held for a year as a guarantee that the road would be continued to Whetstone Hol- low. Mr. Hunt further stated that if his prop- osition was accepted he would have the road to Dayton in September, in time to move the 1889 crop. Nearly every influential man in Columbia county at once got into the harness and began 332 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. working in behalf of the new road. It was decided that the most prompt and effectual method to raise the required money for the subsidy would be to issue county warrants. Petitions were at once circulated and signed by a majority of the taxpayers. They re- quested the county commissioners to issue the necessary amount in warrants. Sentiment of the people was strongly in favor of this plan ; the petition amounted to almost a demand ; February 4th the commissioners assembled and passed the following order : "A petition of 869 names of legal voters of this county ( said named voters being assessed for the year 1888 in the sum of $1,335,000), being presented and read to this board, asking the board to issue county warrants to, and in the name of G. W. Hunt, in the sum of $60,000 as a subsidy for the purpose of build- ing a railroad, and for obtaining the right of way and depot grounds for said road. The road in this county to be built from the coun- ty line at or near Waitsburg, and from there by the way of Dayton and nine miles beyond said city of Dayton, to some point in Whet- stone Hollow. And the board being fully ad- vised in the matter, and taking into considera- tion that said petition is signed by a majority of the voters of this county, and that the}- rep- resent the majority of the taxable property in said county, therefore this board, deeming it for the best interest of this county that said subsidy be paid and said railroad be built, it is hereby ordered that the county auditor be, and he is herebv authorized and directed to imme- diately issue warrants in the name of G. W. Hunt or bearer, for the sum of $60,000, and to deliver the same to him or to his order, said warrants to be drawn on a fund to be known as the railroad fund of this county." The validity of the action of the commis- sioners in this matter was at once brought into question. On the 5th another large mass meeting was held in Dayton at which Mr. Hunt was present. Nearly nine-tenths of the citizens present were in favor of the commis- sioners' action, whether it was in strict accord- ance with law or not. A few argued against the proposed subsidy, as is invariably the case whenever such questions are sprung upon the public, and the meeting became quite spirited and interesting. Mr. Hunt spoke along the following lines : "Now that the question of the validity of this scrip has arisen, upon which there ap- pears to be a division of opinion, I desire it understood that in case I cannot collect the money on these warrants when they become due, that is, when the road is completed to Dayton, that my traffic contract, in which I agree to deliver your produce on the Sound for the same price that the Oregon Railroad & Navigation Company charges to Portland, shall be null and void. Or, in other words, in the event that I cannot collect a dollar on this scrip, I do not care to be bound to take your produce out of the country for a stipulated figure, after having received nothing for build- ing the road to Dayton. But in case I collect the money on the scrip, the proposition I made you last week shall hold good." Before the adjournment of the meeting the question was put and carried unanimously that the people were in favor of the road and would stand by the action of the commissioners. But in June another plan was submitted by the versatile Mr. Hunt — a plan that had been accepted in Walla Walla county a short time previous. It was, in lieu of the county scrip to the amount of $60,000, which he then held, payable in one and two years with ten per cent, interest, he would accept bonds of the county for a like amount, payable in thirty years, with the option of paying them in ten years, to bear interest at the rate of five per cent. At a special meeting of the board of trade held Saturday, June 15th, it was decided to ac- cept Mr. Hunt's proposition, and the petitions asking the legislature to authorize the bond issue were circulated for signatures. Hence- HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY 333 forth railroad events moved swiftly and smoothly. Before June 29, 1889, five hun- dred graders on the Walla Walla-Dayton ex- tension commenced work. November 12th the Oregon & Washington Territory Railroad, commonly known as the "Hunt road," was completed to Waitsburg. The track of this road was laid up to the Touchet river, just outside the town of Dayton, Thursday afternoon, No- vember 2 1st. A large throng of people were on the ground to witness the work of the con- struction train. Thursday, November 28th, the first regular train on the new road left Dayton at 1 :20 p. m. Wednesday, December 1 ith, the citizens of completion of the "Hunt road" through the Dayton enjoyed a half holiday to celebrate the city limits. Although but little time was al- lowed to notify the citizens at least 1,000 peo- ple viewed the expeditious track-laying. Schools were given a half holiday ; business houses were closed from 9 until 1 1 o'clock, a m. Seventy workmen, with the track-laying machine reached the east end of Commercial street ; during- the afternoon track-laying was completed within the city limits. It is comparatively easy to vote subsidies to railroad corporations, but there are likely to occur a variety of impediments in the way of paying them. Concerning this particular Hunt subsidy the Chronicle of April 19, 1890, said: The Hunt subsidy guaranteed by the county has not yet been paid, and it is time some action should be taken in the matter. It will be remem- bered that the citizens of this county, in mass con- vention, February 5, 1889, agreed to pay Mr. Hunt $50,000 if he would extend bis road to Dayton, and an additional $10,000 to put his road into Whet- stone Hollow. Mr. Hunt's part of the contract has been fulfilled to the letter so far as Dayton is con- cerned, and he has until September next in which to extend his road to Whetstone Hollow, according to the terms of the agreement. The county com- missioners issued scrip to the amount of $60,000, a part of which Mr, Hunt has received. We now understand that said scrip has been ordered re- turned, and there is a general impression abroad that a subsidy will not be paid. If the subsidy is not paid, Mr. Hunt will be released from the traffic con- tract into which he entered with the people, which is now a great benefit, and one that promises to be everlasting. Neither will he be obliged to extend the road any further east this season. Saturday, November 19, 1904, Editor Pea- body of the Columbia Chronicle said : "G. W. Hunt, the father of the W. & C. R. R., was in the city the first of the week and appeared before the board of county commis- sioners, to which body he presented a claim for $30,000 due him for constructing the road to Dayton within a given time. "The facts in the case are these : The board of county commissioners during the year 1889 issued county warrants to Mr. Hunt to the amount of $60,000. He was to receive, ac- cording to agreement $30,000 when his road was completed to Dayton, and $30,000 when his road was completed to Whetstone. The county commissioners at that time were John Fudge, chairman, D. W. Gritman and J. W. Fields ; W. R. Marquiss, sheriff and J. A. Kellogg, auditor. "The commissioners were authorized to is- sue the warrants by a petition signed by over 800 of the taxpayers of the county, represent- ing three-fifths of all the taxable property in the county. The warrants had not been pre- sented for payment un;til this week, and in looking over the records it is found that in the year 1891 in the month of May the county commissioners ordered the warrants canceled. No reason is given in the proceedings for doing so. "The story of the Hunt road is quite lengthy, starting with the organization of the Board of Trade in April, 1883. The board was composed of citizens of both the city and county. At the first meeting W.- H. Fouts, D. C. Guern- sey, J. H. Day and J. C. Van Patten were ap- pointed as a committee to confer with Mr. G. W. Hunt in regard to extending his road to 334 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY Dayton. The committee reported at the sec- ond meeting of the board of trade that they had called upon Mr. Hunt and he informed them that the road would be extended to Day- ton provided the citizens granted him depot grounds, right of way, etc. Without going into detail in regard to what was done at all the meetings of the board, which will no doubt be remembered by many now living in the county, we will state that the matter was agi- tated on all sides until the entire county under- stood the proposition. The matter was finally brought to a conclusion at a mass meeting' held in the opera house in Dayton on January 26, 1889. At the meeting Mr. Hunt made the fol- lowing proposition to the people of Columbia county : "He said he would connect Dayton with his railroad system by building a road up the Touchet from Waitsburg to Dayton, and through Dayton to Whetstone Hollow for a bonus of $45,000 in cash, or merchantable wheat at not less than fifty cents a bushel, the right of way and depot grounds ; the road to be completed to Dayton by December 1, 1889, and to Whetstone Hollow by September 1, 1890: one-half of the subsidy to be paid when the road is in operation to Dayton and the re- mainder within twelve months thereafter. Should the road not be in operation to Dayton December 1. 1889, no subsidy whatever is to be paid. One-half of the subsidy is to be held for a year as a guaranty that the road will be continued to Whetstone Hollow." "It is not known what action the present board of commissioners will take in the matter to uphold the honor of the county so generous- ly granted by the citizens of fourteen years ago, many of whom are yet residents of the county. The Hunt road was completed into the city limits about the 21st clay of Novem- ber, and thereby Mr. Hunt fulfilled his agree- ment. The road was in operation hauling pas- sengers by the first of December. Now Mr. Hunt asks the people of this county to fulfill their part of the contract. Since building into the city the road has paid into the county treas- ury in taxes close on to $20,000. It is up to the people to say whether they will pay Mr. Hunt or not." At a mass meeting held in Dayton April 26th the financial question between the citizens and railroad people was definitely settled ; the citizens of Columbia county had secured a competing line, and freight rates were mate- rially reduced. In August, 1892, the Wash- ington & Columbia River Railroad Company was incorporated with a capital of $3,000,000. The incorporators were Hon. Levi Ankeny, F. W. Paine and W. D. Tyler, all of Walla Walla. It was their announced intention to build new roads and, also, purchase Hunt's lines. Friday, November 4th, of that year, the formal transfer of the Oregon & Washing- ton Territory Railroad properties (the Hunt road), was made to the new corporation, which had purchased it at foreclosure sale. Since December, 1891, the road had been in the hands of a receiver appointed by the United States District Court of Oregon. The principal owner in the new company was C. B. Wright, of Philadelphia. In September, 1890, according to the re- turns of the United States Census enumera- tors the population of Columbia county totaled 6,379, divided among the different precincts as follows : Precinct. Number. South Dayton City.. 1,870 Dayton Precinct ...1,188 Patit 287 Huntsville 128 Smith Hollow 92 Starbuck 233 Tucannon .... .... 9 Highland Precinct . . 300 Marengo 180 Delaney 119 Bundy 331 Mountain 75 4,812 Precinct. Number. Dayton 81 Mountain 145 Harmony 259 McKay 290 Alto 132 Lost Springs 129 Brooklyn 46 Highlands 14 Burksville 185 Cahill 7 Pine Grove 279 1.567 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 335 The total assessment valuation of the coun- ty at the same period was $3,865,075. March 17, 1893, tne Pioneer Association for Columbia County was organized at Day- ton. All who had been residents of the county prior to January 1, 1874, were eligible to mem- bership. These were charter members : Joseph H. Day, Frank E. Ping, Robert Ping, C. F. Miller, John Messenger, Daniel McGreevy, Fred Yenney, Andrew L. McCauley, Stephen D. McCauley, Alfred H. Weatherford, Wil- liam A. Newman, Dennis C. Guernsey, Dan- iel B. Kimball, Benjamin MaGill, Cyrus Davis, Mathew Riggs, J. H. Gough, George Eckler, Joel A. Thronson, Robert F. Sturde- vant, George W. Miller, Henry B. Day, D. L. Payne, Jesse N. Day, John Mustard, John K. Rainwater, Simon Critchfield, Robert Win- nett, M. L. Maynard, W. O. Matzger, J. N. Thompson, Pres Stedman, Conrad Knobloch, Richard Walsh, L. W. Watrous, F. M. Weath- erford, B. M. Turner, Calvin Montgomery and O. C. White. The financial depression — "Hard Times" — which swept the entire country in 1893 proved an unusually severe blow to the resi- dents of Columbia county. It must be con- fessed that the stringency in the money market was felt here to a greater extent than in many other portions of Eastern Washington. In the Big Bend and other parts of the state that had been settled only a short time previous the blow was not so severe. There lands were ex- ceedingly cheap; a majority of the settlers were quite poor. Their lands being then of not much market value owners were not able to mortgage them ; many were unproved homesteads and, consequently, the rank and file of the ranchers were not so badly har- assed as were their neighbors in older settled portions of the state, especially Walla Walla, Columbia, Garfield and Asotin counties, and throughout the Blue Mountain district. This may seem an anomalous or abnormal condi- tion, but an analysis of the facts warrants the statement. Columbia was an old settled coun- ty; its lands were held at a high market value and it suffered severely. October 21, 1893, the Chronicle, of Dayton, said: "It is safe to estimate that fully two-thirds of this county is under mortgage. If the farmers cannot get an extension of time on them the wreck that must surely follow can- not be correctly estimated. * * * * No one can borrow money as there is none to be had. Very few can pay their debts at home and should the mortgage companies foreclose, taking all that the farmer possesses, the mer- chants and mechanics will be left entirely." The price of wheat was discouragingly low. There was, also, considerable talk on the line of threatened law suits. At grain prices then prevailing there were left to the farmers only a few cents a bushel over and above har- vest expenses. On behalf of the agriculturists the Chronicle spoke as follows: "If suit is brought against them they will have "to pay the cost of action, which will leave them nothing, the man who brings suit will get nothing, as the harvesting expenses come in ahead of other accounts, so what is to be gained by bringing suit? The best way is to let the farmers dispose of their crops at pres- ent prices if they must. There will be more money to settle up with all around. The situ- ation in this county is not pleasant to contem plate, but there is a slight satisfaction in the thought that it could be much worse. The country has produced a wonderful crop ; this is gratifying; prices are low; this is discourag- ing; but if there had been no crop at all the situation would have been depressing indeed. (Wheat was quoted at 32 cents per bushel at this time.) Deplorable as this condition seems, the country is not beyond redemption. * * * * Farmers generally do> not like to part with their crops at present prices, and no one can blame them, but it is a question whether the merchants and mechanics can longer afford to do without their pay. They 336 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. are being pressed for payment of their bills to wholesalers and if relief is not soon brought to hand the merchants must close their doors. * * * * j t j s es timated that there are 2,000,000 bushels of grain to be disposed of in this county." It is undeniably true that farmers were in- clined to hold their grain for higher prices; but if this were done many merchants who were creditors would have had to go to the wall. The plan of the Chronicle was for the farmers to sell one-half of their crop at that time, and at the prevailing prices, and thus, to a considerable extent, relieve the business men. And in a number of cases this was the result. Still, in October, 1893, the outlook was, cer- tainly, gloomy: "Hard times" and low grain prices were bad enough, but heavy October rains wrought untold damage. The crop, an immense one, was generally spoiled; pros- pects were discouraging. The Washington Independent of October 14th described these unhappy conditions as follows : "The crops of this county were damaged 35 per cent by the rains up to last Sunday. That night the rains set in again and continued up to Tuesday of this week. Many of the sacks had been tumbled down and opened up to dry during the few days previously of sun- shine. Since the last rains began greater damage has resulted, and not over half the crop will be marketable grain. A large per cent of injury was done to threshed grain piled up in the fields. Now it is very much greater since the last rain. * * * * There will be people all over this section who will have only bread and potatoes for diet for many months to come. Such luxuries as groceries are out of the question for many hard working fami- lies whose entire resources were in their wheat crop. Now that this is, practically, gone there is nothing to pay debts already contracted, much less any supplies for the future." _ In November the people faced most dis- couraging prospects. On the 28th a mass meeting was held at Dayton attended by about 200 people to consider ways and means of re-- lieving the stress. Dr. Pietrzycki and J. C. Van Patten addressed the assemblage and sug- gested plans for relief ; no definite action, how- ever, was taken at this time. The year 1894 opened with an unwelcome visitation of floods. Continuous rains and Chinook winds during the early part of Jan- uary rapidly melted the snow in the moun- tains ; the Touchet river rose to a greater height than at any time previous within ten years ; the Patit was out of its banks ; the track of the "Hunt road" became a veritable flume for a distance of half a mile, flooding Commer- cial street, Dayton, completely. On the Touchet the railroad bridge came perilously near going out ; only by keeping a strong force of men constantly at work cutting away the drift was it saved. The entire bridge at "Abies' place" was carried away; the apron of the Gibson bridge was washed out. The bridge itself was only providentially saved by the creek tumbling over its banks and taking for its new course the road. The residents of Railroad Addition, Dayton, were in constant danger, as the city's dykes on the west side of the stream were carried out. The total damage ran high into the thousands of dollars. Residents of the two forks of the Touchet were completely cut off from communication with the city of Dayton. January 27, 1894, a correspondent of the Chronicle, writing from Thumville, said : "Last Saturday (January 20th) and Mon- day the Touchet's raging, roaring, muddy, boiling torrents completely inundated the lower portion of this village. There were some very close calls ; everybody got a move on him, or herself, and escaped with their lives and tools. * * * * Our last rain storm was followed by a very heavy wind which blew down a great many trees across the canyon road and flume; they did more damage to the flume than the high water. The telephone line HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 337 between here and Dayton was broken in twen- ty-five or thirty places, communication with the outside world being cut off for two days." It was conservatively estimated that it would cost Columbia county in the neighbor- hood of $6,000 to repair roads and bridges damaged by snow slides and high water. And the end was not yet. Thursday afternoon, March 15th, and throughout a greater portion of the night, the district in the vicinity of Day- ton was visited by a heavy rain, causing an overflow of both the Touchet and Patit. The latter stream did much damage to resident property on Commercial and Front streets. Several families were compelled to move from their homes at midnight. The old mill flume crossing the mouth of the Patit caught a lot of drift wood ; this caused the water to back up almost level with Front street. Finally the flume broke before the heavy pressure; the water subsided. A portion of Railroad Addi- tion was flooded by the Touchet ; people were taken from their residences in carriages. Main street and the railroad bridges withstood the unusual strain, and the weather turned cooler; the highest stage of water had been reached. The residences of Mrs. M. E. Culver, Samuel Rittenhouse, Mr. Rogers and those of others living near the Patit were all surrounded by water Thursday night. During the month of February, 1894, wheat reached the depressingly low price of 28 cents per bushel, and in the latter part of November of that year the cereal sold for 24 cents in Dayton. A large number of farms were taken in by mortgage companies at ex- ceedingly low prices. Land values became correspondingly depressed ; the same proper- ties selling at from $12 to $15 per acre which, three years previous had been valued at $30 and $45 per acre. It may be pertinently asked why this depreciation in values within so short a time ? The facts appear to be these : Three and four years before this farmers of the county had been making considerable 22 money raising wheat at 50 and 60 cents per bushel. With a great many this created a desire for the acquisition of more land. Con- sequently, whenever a farmer disposed of his crop of wheat he was prone to invest the profits in land adjoining him; quite often he wanted more land than he could pay for; he mortgaged his home place and the recently acquired tract to make payment, confidently expecting to wipe out the entire debt within one year. This was often the case; the in- vestment proving a good one. But with the rapid decline in grain prices many farmers found themselves seriously embarrassed. The price of wheat fell off 50 per cent; there was not sufficient profit in wheat raising to pay cost of production, together with interest and taxes. And now the price of wheat having remained low for a series of years, the natural effect was the swamping of a number of farmers who had purchased land at high figures. It was this land that, in 1895, was taken in by mortgage companies. This land was as fertile as ever, producing an average of 25 bushels of wheat per acre and from 45 to 60 bushels of barley each year. As an extra west-bound freight train was passing over a high bridge one mile west of Alto, at 10:05 a - m -> August 5, 1894, the structure collapsed, carrying the caboose and sixteen car-loads of ore, wheat and flour to the bottom of the abyss. The engine crossed the bridge and remained in safety on the track; the tender turned over. The engineer and fireman escaped injury; the conductor and brakemen were seriously wounded. The train was in charge of Conductor Watson, engine number 1,478; engineer, Jesse ; fire- man, J. H. Roddy; brakemen, David Wright and Fred Harrison. Conductor Watson was taken from the caboose by the engineer and fireman, assisted by some farmers. His in- juries consisted of a compound fracture of his left arm above the elbow ; right shoulder dis- located and head bruised. Brakemen Wright 338 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. and Harrison were found near the center of the fallen bridge between cars that had dropped a distance of ninety-six feet. Their injuries were: Wright's left arm broken in two places, below the elbow; his right ankle hurt ; his head badly cut and his fact cut and bruised. None of Harrison's bones were broken, but his face and head were cut and bruised and his hips injured, but none of his wounds were serious. So soon as the accident occurred a farmer made all haste to Alto, a distance of a mile, and related the details of the accident. Trains were at once dispatched from Starbuck and Walla Walla with physicians and assistance. Dr. Baker from Starbuck arrived at 12:40 p. m., and found the victims of the accident at the residence of Milton Jonas, whither they had been conveyed. He did what he could to- ward their temporary relief. xA.t 2 o'clock p. m. a train arrived from Walla Walla with Super- intendent A. J. Borie and Dr. E. H. Van Pat- ten, of Dayton, who after dressing the wounds of the injured men took them to Walla Walla. The bridge was about 1.000 feet long and 96 feet high, and had been rebuilt in 1892. The reason of the collapse was not obvious, but it was at the time considered a miracle that any of the train crew escaped with their lives. Whatever was the cause of the going down of the trestle one thing is certain, the wreck was a complete one. Not a timber was left stand- ing. From the top of the hill on one side down to the valley and across the valley and up the hill on the other side extended one long windrow of splintered timbers. Of rare occurrence are electrical and thunder storms in Washington — so rare, in fact, as to deserve comment whenever they ap- pear. In the hilly portions of Columbia coun- ty an occasional cloud-burst is known, but sel- dom of serious proportions. June 21, 1897, there was experienced the heaviest thunder storm ever known in the history of the county. It was accompanied by a cloud-burst. For the space of half an hour water descended in sheets; lightning played vividly around the electric light and other wires. At the height of its fury the residence of George Wick, of Dayton, was struck by a bolt, shocking several of the inmates of the family. Mr. Wick's youngest daughter was burned about the back and limbs, but was not seriously injured. The cloud-burst seems to have extended from the Patit, opposite the Taylor farm, to the Touchet, above Baileysburg. Immense boul- ders were washed into the road above the Tay- lor place; the rugged way, or grade, along the Touchet was filled with rocks and debris. Above Benjamin Magill's place a wall of water rushed down from the hill, sweeping grain, fences, boulders and everything mova- ble before it. Mr. Magill's garden was de- stroyed by the destructive wraith; the yard was covered with mud; wood was washed away; chickens drowned and the place deso- lated. The gulch, extending through John Mus- tard's place, belched forth such a torrent of water and rubbish that the mill race over- flowed into Walch's garden; veritable rivers coursed down Fourth and Fifth streets, in Dayton. Boys and men caught fish with their hands and gathered washed out potatoes in the streets. A number of cellars were filled with water and lawns were covered with lay- ers of mud. The place of C. W. Bishop was completely flooded and his chickens washed away. Gardens were damaged irretrievably and in many places grain was seriously "lodged." In December, 1898, railroad building in Columbia county was recommenced. For many years the people of the county, and es- pecially of Dayton, has been anxious to have the Oregon Railroad & Navigation Company extend its line from Dayton to Delaney, or some other point on the company's line, thus placing Dayton on the main line. Several times the company had considered the matter HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 339 and several surveys were made. The Alto hill, on their present line, had always been a bugbear to the company, and that was their reason for desiring" to change the route. In December, 1898, grading was begun by that company from Dayton. But no iron was laid at this time. In November, 1899, articles of incorpora- tion were filed with the auditor of Columbia county, and the documents forwarded to the state auditor, incorporating the Columbia & Covello Railway Company. It was a farmers' movement; citizens, thoroughly disgusted with their past treatment by, and procrastin- tion of, railway magnates. The company pro- posed to build and equip a railroad from town- ship 1 1 to a point either at Dayton, Waitsburg, Menoken or Riverside, probably to the latter place, and passing down the Whetstone Hol- low, which is a natural grade with no obstruc- tions to be removed. It was intended that the contemplated line should tap the richest wheat belt in the county, furnishing in grain . alone at that period 300,000 bushels. The Oregon Railroad & Navigation Company had com- pleted a grade to Covello, but its agreement with the Northern Pacific Company afforded the farmers no encouragement that any relief would be given for many years to come. Eleven surveys had been made into the Covel- lo district ; four roads had been located during the past ten years, and all without avail, owing to the "community of interest"* between the O. R. & N. and N. P. The farmers' company was incorporated with 300,000 shares of stock at a par value of $1 each. The trustees named in the incorporation articles were J. A. Thron- son, Charles J. Thronson and J. A. Turner, all wealthy and influential farmers. The right of way was rapidly secured, the contracting par- ties entering into a written agreement to com- plete the road within six months. Twenty acres of land were purchased at Menoken for depot and roundhouse purposes. December 28 the deeds were made out at Waitsburg. There was a rumor in the air that the Oregon Railroad & Navigation Company, informed of the farmers' movement, had determined to lay iron on the roadbed already graded to Co- vello, January 1, 1900, the Spokane Spokes- man-Review said : It is expected that the truce will be with- drawn so far as the laying of rails on the Covello branch of the O. R. & N. system is concerned. The track is ready for the rails and has been since last spring, and it is now nearly certain that the road will be completed. The farmers are working for a road, having organized to build one themselves, and at the same time the Northern Pacific has men engaged looking up the right of way in case it becomes necessary for that line to be extended in that direction. Numerous conferences between the officials of the railroads and the officers of the farmers' company have been held and it is generally believed to have been agreed that a road should be completed by one or the other line before next harvest. By agreement as to the territory which should be occupied by each road at the expiration of the truce the branches can be built with good business judgment. To this the Columbia Chronicle of Febru- ary 17, 1900, replied as follows: "A recent article in a daily paper stated that the truce between the Northern Pacific and the O. R. & N. had been renewed for an- other six months. This evidently means that neither of these roads will build a mile of road in Columbia county this year in time to assist the farmer in getting his crop to market when hauling time comes. Another evidence that there will be no railroad building is the fact that the O. R. & N. Company is shipping its ties to some other point from here. Knowing the above facts to be true the farmer can reas- onably expect nothing from the above men- tioned roads. "We do not know what the Columbia & Co- vello Company is doing or intend doing, but it would seem that right now is a good time to put forth an effort to construct the proposed 34o HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. Dayton & Covello road, which was talked of two months ago. And if the promoters of that line appear on the scene again in the near fu- ture neither the people nor the railroad com- panies need he at all surprised. The fact of the matter is the farmers in the Covello dis- trict want a road and they are not above going into the railroad business themselves to secure one. They got the matter started in pretty fair shape two months ago, when they saw the possibility of the truce between the N. P and O. R. & N. coming to an end, and one or the other of these companies building a road for them this season. The N. P. company even went so far as to send agents through the country securing or trying to secure options on the right of way down the Whetstone. The best they could do in this line was to get a few options, conditioned that the road be built with- in three months. Two months have since elapsed and the farmers find themselves con- fronted with the old situation — fooled again. "It is the general opinion that the N. P.'s action in the matter was simply a bluff game to stay the hands of the Columbia & Covello people, and to coerce the O. R. & N. to renew- ing the truce. Now we suggest that in case the Columbia & Covello Railway Company make another move toward building a road, get right into the swim with them and stay with it. Give the company all the support in your power and you will have a railroad, with- out doubt, in time to be of some benefit to you this season. There does not seem to be any other way out of the difficulty and it is not likely that you will get a road soon — unless you all pull together with the Columbia & Co- vello Company." It was not until December, 1901, that rails were laid on the extension of the Oregon Railroad & Navigation Company's line from Dayton. The grading for this road had been finished as far as Covello when the tie-up re- sulted, and no road was built. At this time the track was built only to Ben Turner's, ranch, where the station named Turner now is. The building of this extension to Turner \\as of great benefit to the farmers in the vi- cinity of the line. Before this all were com- pelled to haul their grain to Dayton, many having a long distance to travel. July 14, 1902, Columbia county was visited by the most destructive wind storm in its his- tory. Previous storms that had swept over the country were in 1862, January, 1880, and in April, 1896. This, however, was the most severe in regard to damage done. The ap- proach of the storm was heralded by a pillar of dust fearful to witness. Many rushed to- their cellars and remained there until the first fury of this besom of destruction was expended. The storm lasted fully an hour. According to the signal service record the wind gained a velocity of forty-five miles an hour. The principal damage was the destruction of trees. Some were broken off; others torn up by the roots ; fences were blown down ; barns were unroofed and in Dayton one warehouse was completely demolished. Fortunately no one was injured. The valuation of Columbia county property for purposes of taxation for the year 1904 was. placed at $4,351,590, which is an increase over that returned the year before of $228,31 1. The gain this year was caused principally by the increase of the railroad assessment. Before that the year's total was $4,123,279. The real estate assessment for 1903 was $3, 133,704 * personal property, $989,575, with the exemp- tion deducted. For 1904 it was: Real prop- erty, $3,515,805; personal, $835,785. The difference between the assessment on personal property in 1903 and 1904 of $153,790, was caused partially by the decrease in the num- ber of horses, cattle, sheep and hogs the last year, as shown by the following : Number of horses in 1903, 8,179, value, $183,230; in 1904, 7,090, value, $173,020; HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 34i number of cattle in 1903, 9,327, value, $157,- 275; in 1904, 10,844;, value, $114,895; num- ber of sheep in 1903, 30,093, value, $60,165; in 1904, 27,378, value, $46,505; number of hogs in 1904, 6,736, value, $14,667; in 1904, 4,5 1 5,, value, $11,770. CHAPTER IV CITIES AND TOWNS. Dayton. In commencing a history of the city of Dayton the inclination grows upon one to de- vote considerable attention to the manifold beauties of the place rather than a bare recital of facts. Any one who has traveled over a large portion of the new country of the west, upon finding himself in Dayton, is fully and agreeably impressed with its atmosphere of substantiality, progressiveness and liberal- mindedness of its enterprising citizens. Dayton, the capital of Columbia county, is situated about ten miles from the foothills of the Blue Mountains, in the valley of the Touchet and Patit, two rapid streams of crys- tal water, alive with trout. The city proper lies in the interstice of the two streams — the Touchet skirting the southern side, cutting off a portion of the lower part ; the Patit coursing through the northern part and separating the original city from what is known as Brooklyn. Dayton is the terminus of the lines of the Ore- gon Railroad & Navigation Company and the Washington & Columbia River Railway ( the latter being in connection with the Northern Pacific), thus affording the town the best of transportation facilities. The altitude is 1,660 feet. The main portion of the town lies in the bend of the Touchet. In laying out this city ■every advantage was given for long, broad avenues, many of which are now lined with shade trees, behind which may be caught glimpses of handsome residences and cozy modern cottages, fragrant orchards and at- tractive flower gardens. It is known as the "City of Shady Walks and Pleasant Lawns." In preceding chapters of this work we have told of many incidents relating to the early history of Dayton or more properly the site now occupied by Dayton. Long before the eyes of white men looked upon this country now comprising the southeastern portion of the State of Washington, an Indian trail extended through this part of the country. At the point where Dayton now stands this trail crossed the Touchet river. Undoubtedly the spot was se- lected as a camping place by the perigrinating natives in their itinerary across the country, accompanied by bands of stock. We have told how in the early days of May, 1806 ( 100 years ago), the Lewis and Clark party, on their re- turn to the east, following the Indian trails, reached this crossing of the Touchet and camped there ; how one of their hunters caught otter and beaver from the sparkling stream at the point where Dayton now stands. We have told how later, in 1834, Captain Bonneville, with three companions, traversing this wild country along the Nez Perce trails, came also to the crossing of the Touchet — the second white party to gaze upon the future site of Dayton. Again it has been related how, on the 15th of March, 1848, the Oregon Vol- unteers and hostile Indians engaged in battle at this same point. Later was told of the set- tlement at this place of H. M. Chase, on what was afterward known as the "Mustard prop- 342 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. erty,'' and its forced abandonment in 1855 on account of hostile demonstrations by Indians. In concise form these facts are here recapitu- lated in order that the history of the site of Dayton, as well as the future town, may be traced from their genesis. With the abandonment of the location by Mr. Chase in 1855 no white man lived in Day- ton until the summer of 1859. At that time Frederick D. and Freelon Schnebley, broth- ers, located on what afterward became the townsite. This comprised a part of the Chase claim, but other portions of the same claim (and they are now a part of the town- site), were settled upon in 1859 by Nash, and in 1862 by two brothers named Bailey. Other claims which are now a part of the town of Dayton were settled upon in 1859 and i860 by John C. Wells, Lambert Hearn and Elisha Ping. Early in i860 Frederick Schnebley went to the Idaho mines. His brother Freelon, bet- ter known as "Stubbs," built a cabin on the north bank of the Touchet. The latter was engaged in trading with the Indians, and in the fall of i860 he erected another log house for a store building. This stood directly in front of the site of 'Wait's mill, undoubtedly the first business house in Columbia county. G. W. Miller and Elisha Ping, who had set- tled on the Patit the year previous, in 1861, raised a crop of oats and wheat on the three claims covering all the original town of Day- ton. The oats were worth seven cents a pound ; the wheat $2 a bushel. A man named Holman ran up a small building in the fall of 1862 on the east side of Main street and sev- enty-five yards northeast of the old store build- ing, and opened a saloon, around which hung a gang of rather desperate characters, some of whom soon after met with violent deaths at the hands of vigalantes in various places. Early in 1862 "Uncle" Billy Stribly opened a blacksmith shop across the Touchet on the Hearn homestead. He was an Englishman and frequently made the boast that he could "ammer ell bout of hiron." In the spring of 1863 Henry C. Ricky, having leased Schnebley's place and made ad- ditions to the old log building, opened a hotel. Stages from Walla Walla to Lewiston began to cross the river at this point and the com- pany made Ricky's hotel one of the regular stations. That summer J. M. Pomeroy had charge of the ranch and station and raised a crop of barley, some of which he sold to the company for three and one-half cents a pound, and also hauled to stations on the Pataha and Alpowa for four cents. The store was aband- oned ; the building was converted into a stable for the stage stock. The saloon was closed : Mr. Ricky had diverted this trade to his hotel. Prior to 1864 the nearest postoffice to the settlers of Columbia county was Walla Walla ; for periods of several weeks duration they were without mail. In the year above men- tioned, however, a postoffice called Touchet was established in the vicinity of the present Dayton. It was difficult to find anybody will- ing to assume the responsibilities of post- master. Lambert Hearn first filled the posi- tion ; he resigned and George W. Miller was appointed in the spring of 1864, and held the office until 1872, when it was removed to the new town of Dayton. During 1864 Dayton remained simply a farm and stage station- That year Jesse N. Day purchased Schnebley's title and assumed possession of the property. In 1870 Day built a small house and, with William Kimball, of Walla Walla, put a stock of goods in the old hotel building. The store was placed in charge of D. C. Guernsey; the building stood on the river bank near the site now occupied by the brewery. The plat of the townsite of Dayton was filed and recorded in the office of H. M. Chase, auditor of Walla Walla county, November 23, 1 87 1, by Jesse N. Day and Elizabeth Day. his wife. This original townsite comprised a part HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 343 of the west half of the northeast quarter, and the east half of the northwest quarter of sec- tion 30, township 10, north range 39 east. Twenty-one blocks were comprised in the townsite, extending from Spring to Birch street, east and west, and from Second to Wil- low street, north and south. Since then addi- tions have been platted, as follows : Day & Mustard's, November 2, 1872; Guernsey's, March 18, 1878; Day's Brooklyn Addition, November 23, 1878; Mustard's, April 30, 1879; Rainwater & Mustard's, May 1, 1879; Young's, August 18, 1880 ; Guern- sey & Strong's, August 31, 1880; Guernsey & Strong's Second, May 7, 1884; Day's Railroad Addition, July 25, 1882 ; Cameron's, August 16, 1882; Hume's, July 3, 1886; Day's, April 1, 1892; McCall's, July 13, 1893; Dexter's, February 27, 1891 ; Guernsey & Strong's Third, July 28, 1893; Syndicate Hill, April 26, 1902. In 1 87 1 the town was laid out by Jesse N. Day, yet there was no enterprise put in motion to attract attention to the would-be city, named after its founder — Jesse N. Day. There was, in reality, no earnest effort made to draw peo- ple to this locality. When the postoffice was removed to Dayton Mr. Day succeeded Mr. Miller as postmaster. In the fall of 1871 S. M. Wait, whose mill enterprises had founded the town of Waitsburg, was passing through the country, and to him Day communicated his cherished plans for building up a town. Mr. Wait told him that if a few citizens would offer sufficient inducement is the way of land and waterpower he would build a mill and en- deavor to give an impetus to the place. This re- sulted a few days later in an agreement between Mr. Wait and William Matzger to erect a flour- ing mill, Mr. Day to donate five acres of land, where the Kinney mill later was built, one block where the mill was built near the bridge, with water power and right of way for mill race, and one block of land to each for residences. The recording of the town plat followed by the announcement that a mill was being erected drew general attention to Day- ton ; its advantages as a townsite were speedily recognized. Many lots were sold, both for business purposes on Main street, and for resi- dences on others. Sylvester M. Wait, who, in company with William Matzger, built the flouring mill, was a pioneer of southeastern Washington, coming from Walla Walla in 1864 and locating on the site of the present town of Waitsburg. With only $700 in cash, but plenty of grit and busi- ness sagacity, he built a $16,000 flouring mill. In six weeks he cleared $5,000. He was closely identified with the interests of Dayton until his death in December, 1891. William Matz- ger died in April, 1883, and during many years was interested in the leading business enterprises of the city. • A very interesting bit of data relating to the "town" of Dayton and Columbia county in the fall of 1 87 1 is furnished by O. C. White, who wrote to the Columbia Chronicle on its anniversary, as follows : Olympia, Washington, April 7, 1898. — My - Dear Bob: Your request for something from me for the twentieth anniversary edition of the Columbia Chron- icle put me in a reminescent mood. Memory goes back to August, 1871, when Hon. Elisha Ping, then a member of the Territorial Legislature, came from his home on the Patit to Walla Walla in search of a teacher for the school at the "upper crossing" of the Touchet. It was my good fortune to meet him and to make a conditional contract for the school, which contract the other directors, "Doc" Earl and J. K. Rainwater duly ratified. Being finanacially embarrassed, I left my Win- chester rifle with J. D. Cook, of the Oriental hotel, as security for an unpaid board bill, and bought on time a silver watch of A. B. Elmer, the Hon. T. H. Brents being in this case my pledge. Both pledges were in due time fully redeemed. Uncle Jesse Day was in town after a couple of loads of good for his store at the crossing. He very kindly gave me a seat beside his son Loren, then a hand- some youth in his teens, who handled the ribbons over one of the teams. It was a tedious drive, for the dust was light and dry, the breeze keeping us in a cloud of the alkali cereal producer nearly the whole distance. The day was exceedingly warm, 344 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. as were the remarks of Uncle Jesse when an adi- tional cloud of dust covered him because of Loren thoughtlessly following too closely in the rear. Jesse N. Day owned the farm at the "crossing." The Lewiston road followed what is now Main street, through a wide lane which divided the farm into two wheat fields, and which was used as a race course by those having faith in the speed of their ponies. Next above on the Touchet resided John Mustard, and above him was the home of J. K. Rainwater. Both raised large families, but strange to say, they never mixed. Still above were the farms of Ezekiel Hobbs, W. S. Newland and Perry Earl. Going down stream one found Lam- bert Hearn, Phi Gibberson, Jim Danskin, R. G. New- land, Elias Muncey, John Long, J. B. Schrum and Samuel L. Gilbreath, on the Touchet; Uncle Joe Smith and Frank Thompson on the hill to the west of Long's station, and the widow Payne and E. E. Ellis in Payne Hollow. Elisha Ping, I. N. Robin- son, G. W. Miller, S. D. Earl and Lot Wiggins lived on the Patit. M. Cross and Robert Elwell farmed part of Cross Hollow. There may have been others in the vicinity, but memory fails to recall them. George W. Miller was postmaster and clerk of the school district. This district was at that time known as the "China district," because a half-breed Chinaman, who lived with Lambert Hearn, had created a dis- turbance by presuming to attend school. The chief kickers appear to have been Whetstone Hollow people. They invoked the aid of the county super- intendent who revoked the certificate of E. H. Or- cutt, the teacher. No attention was given the revo- cation, and the culmination was reached when the superintendent, backed by a crowd from Whetstone Hollow, attempted to eject Orcutt from the school room. This resulted in a most miserable failure, for "Ed" maintained his position by carelessly ex- hibiting a Colt's revolver before whose persuasive eloquence the crowd beat a hasty and inglorious retreat. Orcutt was an eccentric genius who for a time published the Boomerang at Palouse City. I have not heard from him for years. Possibly the paper, true to its name, proved his undoing. During the fall D. C. Guernsey came and took charge of the "Red Store," for Kimball & Day. Dan B. Kinball came soon after and went into busi- ness, followed shortly by W. O. Matzger, whose mind turned to pictures and literature. We four were the "boys" that winter. The year 1872 witnessed a large amount of building in the town of Dayton. The store of Day & Kimball was moved from its old loca- tion to the corner of Main street ; D. C. Guern- sey built a store where Dusenbery & Stencel's block was subsequently erected, and this was rented by Wait & Matzger and stocked with goods. This firm erected the first brick edifice in town. James M. Hunt built the Columbia hotel on the east end of a Main street block donated for the purpose by Mr. Day. In the spring of 1872 Wait & Matzger began the erection of a planing mill on Wait's block, above the flouring mill. It was in running order in July, costing $4,000; the brick store cost $4,500 and the flouring mill, completed in November, $16,000. The first fourth of July celebration in Dayton occurred in 1872, and among the lead- ing participants were Dr. W. W. Day, D. C. Guernsey, D. B. Kimball, D. L. Payne, H. M. Mulligan and H. B. Day. Mr. Guernsey was at this period manager of the "Red Store," the only one in the county, located then on the lot occupied twenty years later by the Farmers' Alliance House. The gentlemen mentioned proceeded to ransack the commissary for the purpose of ascertaining what could be pro- cured suitable for a celebration dinner. They found several dozen eggs and three bottles of Hostetter's Bitters. These articles pur- chased, a procession was formed and marched to the shady bank of the Touchet river. Here a fire was soon burning briskly ; the eggs were boiled hard and sluiced down with the bitters. Early in the morning D. C. Guernsey and D. L. Payne had fired a number of volleys from anvils in honor of the day they were attempt- ing to celebrate. Following the feast several of the party enjoyed a horseback ride, visiting neighbors in the suburbs. From 1872, when the active building of Dayton began, Jesse Day, the founder, de- voted his energies principally to pushing the interests of the town. Stockraising and farm- ing were merely incidentals. He assisted the various enterprises of the embryo city by do- nations of land and otherwise, but always ju- diciously and with proper discrimination. His HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 345 faith in Dayton was of the most stalwart kind, and he lived to see his hopes realized. The town is his best monument. The phenomenal growth of Dayton in the year 1872 was due largely to the combined enterprise of three men — Jesse N. Day, S. M. Wait and William Matzger. As Jesse Day used to express it they "made the biggest yearling you ever saw." Dr. Day was one of the first to make his home in Dayton, going there in the spring of 1872 from Waitsburg. He lived there con- tinuously until his death, March 31, 1893. S. G. Ellis was, also, one of those who took up his residence in Dayton in 1872. During the summer of 1873 the volume of building exceeded that of the year previous. The flour, planing and woolen mills attracted a large trade ; the business of Dayton was now established on a solid foundation. Leading merchants of Walla Walla opened branch houses there and by investment of capital many people testified to their faith in its future. Be- fore completion of the flouring mill in 1872 a new enterprise was launched, upon which flat- tering hopes were centered. This was the Dayton woolen mill, promoted by F. G. Frary, a practical woolen factor from Indiana. He came there with A. H. Reynolds and was cor- dially welcomed. S. M. Wait became presi- dent of the stock company and Mr. Frary sec- retary, the other stockholders being Jesse N. Day, A. H. Reynolds, Winnett Brothers and William Matzger. By John Mustard seven acres of land were donated and a two-set mill erected at a cost of $40,000. The publication of the Dayton News was commenced by A. J. Cain in September, 1874. This paper was of great benefit to the town, giv- ing it a representation abroad that could have been obtained in no other way. Simply a town in Walla Walla county was Dayton until 1875 I of secondary importance to the countyseat. Dayton citizens were ambitious ; they cast about to change their condition; to become, if possible, a countyseat themselves. Steps taken toward this end have been detailed in the his- tory of the county. They were successful and this success was followed by increased pros- perity and public attention was drawn still more in this direction. This is a petition pre- sented to the board of county commissioners at their meeting of May 5, 1876, by the citi- zens of Dayton, asking for incorporation : To the Honorables, the County Commissioners of the County- of Columbia, in the Territory of Washington: We, your petitioners, do most respectfully repre- sent that we are citizens of the town of Dayton in said county and are qualified electors' under the laws of this Territory; that we have resided in said town for thirty days and upwards next preceding the date of this petition; that we are desirous that said town should be incorporated, and a police es- tablished for our local government; that the terri- tory we wish incorporated is bounded and described as follows, to-wit: The east half of the northwest quarter, and northeast quarter of section 30, and the east half of southeast quarter of section 30, and west half of southwest quarter, and southeast quar- ter of the southwest quarter of section 29, all in township 10, north range 39 east; also north half of northeast quarter of southwest quarter and north half of northwest quarter of southeast quarter of section 30, town 1.0, range 39 east, in the county of Columbia and Territory of Washington, a plat of which is hereunto annexed and made a part of this petition. And your petitioners do further represent that said town contains over one hundred and fifty inhabitants, and we do most respectfully pray that you incorporate said town. Dated April 27, 1876. John Mustard, A. L. McCauley, A. Vallen, R. F. Sturdevant, Mc. C. Lyon, J. S. Thomas, R. T. Watrous, F. Maynard, D. C. Guernsey, A. J. Cain, VV. O. Matzger, O. C. White, M. Riggs, E. Tatro, F. G. Frary, A. M. Sparks, I. G. Abbott, L. L. Davis, W. W. Day, J. W. Maddox, James Gough, J. M. Hunt, J. M. Sparks, B. Magill, J. N. Day, G. A. Opperman, A. J. Dexter, Wiley Sparks, Salmon Park, G L. Kirk, C. Hansen, J. H. Lister, P. Sted- man, H. S. Critchfield, Thomas T. Elliott, A Jacobs, J. M. Grinstead, J. H. Kennedy, J. L. Smith, Wil- liam Hendershott, S. M. Wait, W. S. Newland, George W. Giles, W. A. Belcher, J. Kerby, D. S. Richardson, D. F. Spangler, C. W. Frick, H. P. Keach, W. A. Moody, Thomas Smith, L. E. Harris, R. A. Rowley, R. H. Condon, J. B. Armstrong. W. A. Sparks, C. A. Clark, William E. Coney, Con Rut- tlemiller, L. Ritter, J. H. Kennedy, Edward Owens. 346 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. By virtue of an act of the Legislative As" sembly of Washington Territory, passed No- vember 28, 1 87 1, county commissioners were empowered to incorporate towns; the com- missioners of Columbia county acted favora- bly upon this petition, and ordered that the town of Dayton be incorporated under the name and style of "The Inhabitants of the Town of Dayton," a rather peculiar nomen- clature, but fully complying with the law. The commissioners named Monday, May 22, 1876, as the date of the special election to elect five trustees. A record of the personnel of these trustes is lost, but the five trustees chosen to succeed them, in May, 1877, were J. F. Mar- tin, Perry Steen, George Eckler, William Matzger and W. S. Strong. The population of the town, as reported by the assessor in the spring of 1877, was 106 families, containing 526 individuals. This was the number of people actually residing and doing business in the town, and did not include the transitory population. March 8, 1878, a number of business men in Dayton, realizing the necessity of some kind of an organization to fight fires, quite frequent even at that early day, met in the office of the county auditor and organized Columbia Hook and Ladder Company No. 1, with these of- ficers : H. R. Littlefield, president ; E. R. Burk, secretary ; George Reed, treasurer ; T. H. Dupuy, foreman; J. N. Fall, first assistant; Fred C. Collins, second assistant. During the organization of this efficient company of fire laddies T. H. Dupuy, F. P. Cartwright, E. R. Burk and George Ihrig served successively as foreman. This company continued in active service until 1892, at which time it was dis- banded. The following items, appearing in the ini- tial issue of the Columbia Chronicle, April 20, 1878, convey some idea of the prevailing con- dition of Dayton at that period : Dayton School — Prof. J. E. Eastham com- menced the present term of school last Monday, with an attendance of fifty scholars, and flattering prospects for a prosperous session. Prof. Eastham is well liked as a teacher, for he gives his school his undivided attention. Parents should not fail to require punctual attendance of their children, for it enables the teacher to keep the rules and regula- tions of the school in perfect order. Lumber Yard. — We learn that a lumber yard is soon to be established in Dayton, in which will be kept a complete assortment of building and finish- ing lumber. This is a much needed enterprise, and will be a great convenience to the city and neighbor- hood. Dray. — Dayton now has a regular city dray, presided over by Mr. Rowley. This is a much needed convenience and we hope Mr. R. may keep the wheels rolling from morning till night each succeeding working day, at paying figures. Drummers. — Professional drummers are becom- ing a scarce article now. Scores of these drummers through Dayton drummed out of town without drumming up much business this season. Milk Wagon. — Dayton now has this much needed convenience, a regular milk wagon, the pro- prietor of which furnishes the lacteal fluid to those who want, in quantities to suit. A band of six thousand sheep passed through town not long since, going above. Such bands as that will soon shave off large tracts of bunch grass. Those who were in business in Dayton at this time, as represented in the advertising col- umns of the Chronicle, were : Dusenbery & Stencel, general merchandise ; Loren L. Day, drug store ; I. N. Arment, jew- elry, news and cigar store; Guernsey & Wolfe, general merchandise ; Frank Brothers & Com- pany , agricultural machinery, T. M. Day, agent; Paine Brothers & Brewster, agricul-i tural implements and hardware; McDonald & Schwabacker, general merchandise; G. M. Matzger, book store; Brining & Gilliam, Co- lumbia Hotel; W. S. Newland, drug store; Charles Carothers, furniture; W. A. Moody, contractor and builder; J. O. Schwartz, mer- chant tailor; M. Fettis, Walla Walla & Lewis- ton Stage Line; D. C. Guernsey, agent at Day- ton; Dick Learn, livery stable; J. B. Shrum, HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 347 livery stable; Wagner & Caroll, blacksmith shop ; H. J. and E. A. Torrence, blacksmith shop ; J. L. Smith, meat market ; Gardner & McQuarie, Standard Soap Works ; J. A. Ga- vitt, harness shop; W. O. Matzger, photograph gallery; D. B. Kimball, contractor and builder; Pierce & Stafford, harness shop ; Hutcheon & Nilsson, blacksmith shop; L. E. Harris, sa- loon ; T. C. Frary, physician ; R. F. Sturde- vant, lawyer; J. H. Kennedy, physician; M. A. Baker, lawyer ; Day & Vandusen, homeopathic physicians ; Littlefield & Boyd, physicians ; T. H. Crawford, lawyer; A. Shoue, physician. During the latter part of 1877 there was expressed considerable dissatisfaction with the form of incorporation under which the city government was then conducted. It was also argued that it was illegal. The citizens, hav- ing petitioned the board of trustees asking for a special election, the following proclamation was by them issued : Whereas a petition has been presented to the board of trustees of the inhabitants of the Town of Dayton, signed by more than forty of the legal voters of the town, praying that the question of abandoning the present incorporation and reorga- nizing under the general incorporation act of No- vember 9, 1877, be submitted to the legal voters of the town of Dayton, and the board of trustees hav- ing ordered that the question of abandoning the incorporation be presented to the legal voters of the town: Now, therefore, I, D. C. Guernsey, presi- dent of the board of trustees of the inhabitants of the town of Dayton, Territory of Washington, by authority in me vested, do hereby call a special election to be held in this town on the first day of July, 1878, to be held at Justice Martin's office, Main street. The subject to be voted upon is for abandonment or against abandonment of the present incorporation. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand on this 29th day of May, 1878. D. C. Guernsey, President Board of Trustees. John W. Ranch, Clerk Town of Dayton. At the election the vote was nearly unani- mous for abandonment of the then imperfect town organization. It then became necessary, or at least the citizens believed it necessary, to call another special election for the purpose of choosing a mayor, seven councilmen and a city marshal. This election was held July 16. Two candidates appeared in the field for mayor — ■ D. C. Guernsey and W. S. Newland. The former received 76 and the latter 30 votes. For councilmen; the following were the names voted for with their respective votes : J. B. Schrum, 91 ; G. K. Reed, 89; J. Mus- tard, J2> ! J- L. Smith, 67 ; J. K. Rainwater, 65 ; Frank Pierce, 61; D. B. Kimball, 57; L. E. Harris, 56; S. Bramlett, 54; W. H. Boyd, 50; J. Clark, 37; W. A. Moody, 35. This gave the election to Schrum, Reed, Mustard, Smith, Rainwater, Pierce and Kimball. Edward Tatro was practically without opposition in his candidacy for city marshal and received 104 votes. The first regular meeting of the common council was held Thursday evening, August 22, 1878, D. C. Gurensey, mayor, in the chair. There were present of the councilmen Schrum, Reed, Smith, Rainwater, Pierce and Kimball ; absent, Mustard. The following were appointed officers of the new city government : R. F. Sturdevant, city attorney; J. F. Martin, jus- tice of the peace; John W. Rauch, clerk; W. A. Belcher, treasurer; Dr. J. H. Kennedy, health officer ; William O. Matzger, surveyor ; Edward Tatro, street commissioner; Charles White, assessor and collector. During its otherwise prosperous career Dayton has experienced considerable vexa- tious annoyance in the way of securing a stable city government. The results of the last in- corporation and the trouble resulting there- from will be explained in this work later. For the city of Dayton the year 1878 was certainly a most prosperous one. An immense volume of immigration to the surrounding country brought new enterprises to the prin- cipal, and, practically, the only town then in Columbia county. All summer and fall car- 348 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. penters were busily engaged in the erection of new business and residence buildings. The ever public-spirited Chronicle said : "The amount of building in Dayton this summer is immense, and nearly all of the build- ing done is of the best kind of material and workmanship, showing a permanent and sub- stantial growth of the town. We doubt whether there is a town on the Pacific coast that has made the rapid and permanent im- provements that Dayton has enjoyed during the past two years. Indeed the rapidity with which our young city has grown within the past three years has been the subject of no lit- tle comment, even by many of her own best citizens." September 7 the Chronicle stated that Day- ton then had a population of nearly 1,100 peo- ple, although this is now admitted by some to have been somewhat exaggerated. A writer in the Columbia Chronicle had the following- pretty things to say concerning the town of Dayton in 1878: "In the valley of the sparkling river Touchet, winding itself with a silvery glimmer, crowned with the glittering sunbeams dancing lightly o'er the bosom of her swiftly running waters, lies the youthful village whose wonderful progress has surprised with pleas- ure, and exceeded the most sanguine expecta- tions of its sturdy race, whose lofty senti- ments have crowned her queenly brow with the laurel wreath of prosperity, imparting strength and reanimated vigor to the vital action of the heart, which sends its warm and healthy blood coursing through her veins of industry, and she, the child of but a moment, youthful in years, but with muscles compact and frame well knit, bids far to rival her sister with the poplar groves. "Let her watchword be 'onward,' forever, Her aspirations to be in the lead ; May she yield her supremacy, never. As o'er the race-course of time she shall speed. May her lithe, active muscles respond to her will, As the war horse responds to the fierce bat- tle cry; And the quick spark of youth all her industries fill With the ambitious spirit of 'conquer or die' !" A gentleman from Roseburg, Oregon, after paying a visit to Dayton in December, 1878, has the following to say about the town in the columns of the Roseburg Independent: "Dayton is a very flourishing town nearly, if not quite, the size of Roseburg, and has about eight hundred inhabitants. It is a well- built town and comprises a well-established woolen factory, four substantial churches, grist mills, some neat private dwellings, pri- vate residences, and among the many business houses some brick buildings, not omitting men- tion of two large hotels, one of which has a Mansard roof. Town property is held very high. Some lots on Main street sold at the rate of $75 per foot, 120 feet in depth. Un- improved lots across the creek entirely sepa- rate from the main town are sold at $150 and $200 each. In May, 1878, business town lots sold as high as $50 a front foot. There were then in- dications, which have since reached fruition, that the town was destined to become an im- portant business and commercial point. True, the rather high prices asked for city property contributed somewhat to retard its growth, but that growth was sure and not at all of the mushroom variety. Assessors' returns exhib- ited a handsome valuation of Dayton pro|p- erty. In July, 1878, the Dayton postoffice was placed in the money order class. During the first quarter ending September 30, the fol- lowing volume of business was transacted : Orders issued, 205, amounting to $5,987.06. Orders paid, 37, amounting to $1,113.33. The number of money orders issued at the Dayton HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 349 postoffice from July i, 1878, to January 1, 1879, was 663, amounting to $18,510.44. The number of orders paid during the same period was 138; the amount being $4,063.64. At this time the demand for town property was constantly increasing ; houses for rent found tenants without difficulty; transfers were be- ing constantly recorded. "Brooklyn,'' or as it was first called, 'Across the Patit," which is at present one of the finest residence parts of the city, began to build up in 1878. Among the first to cross the river and erect homes in this locality were Messrs. Brewster, Day and Dunkle. In Sep- tember of this year the district, now known as Brooklyn, did not contain a solitary building. In March, 1879, there were fifteen houses com- pleted. The first to build here was F. M. Day. He was followed by many others, and their tasteful residences adorned the wheat field that was. The first step toward organizing a mili- tia company was taken January 20, 1879. On that date a called meeting was held in May's Hall, at which Mayor Guernsey pre- sided, T. H. Dupuy serving as secretary. It was unanimously decided to organize a com- pany; before adjournment thirty-five men had signified their intention of becoming members. This company was named the Columbia Mounted Infantry. At the election of offi- cers, held Feburary 2J, the following were chosen and served as the first officers of the company: George D. Gibson, captain; E. R. Burk, first lieutenant ; D. B. Kim- ball, second lieutenant; C. N. Clark, or- derly sergeant; John Steen, first duty ser- geant; G. E. Colgate, second duty sergant; F. M. McCully, third duty sergeant; F. P. Cart- wright, fourth duty sergeant; Thomas Gra- ham, first corporal ; John Ellis, second cor- poral ; D. Bradly, third corporal; W. Wat- son, fourth corparal. This company, however, did not long re- tain its organization, but in December, 1880, a reorganization occurred and a new company rose from the ruins of the old, details of which will be related in their proper chronological order. In June. 1879, the estimated population of Dayton was 1,000. The assessor's figures of July 19, however, gave Dayton only 950 in- habitants, 307 voters, 207 dwellings and 200 families. These figures of the assessor show the following increase since the previous year: Population. 213; dwellings, 56; families, 44; voters, 56. Verily a fine record. Con- cerning the incorporation imbroglio, of which reference has been previously made, the Co- lumbia Chronicle of June 28, 1879, sai d : "City or no city. — Whether Dayton is a legally incorporated city or not has been a question of more than ordinary inter- est. Some have contended for some time past that the city is illegally organized and conse- quently the ordinances and other business passed by the council is null and void. Not being satisfied with the inexplicit law, and there being a doubt about the matter, the in- corporation was contested and brought before the district court. David Higgins, of this city, who prosecuted the case, has been studying it for several months and finally came out vic- torious, as the judge decided against the city's being legally organized. As there was a ques- tion about the matter, the best thing that could be clone was to bring it before the court be- fore delving too deep into municipal measures. While many are surprised and sorry as to the decision, all are agreed that it should be at once attended to. Great dissatisfaction prevails since the judge's decision, so the case has been appealed to the supreme court, where, in our opinion, it will be decided in favor of the city. The marshal and other city officials have no in- clination to stop the functions of the city, but are prosecuting their duty as though nothing had been said." 35o HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. Wednesday, January 14, 1880, a hearing of the demurrer in the case of Jesse N. Da}- vs. H. H. Wolfe, treasurer of Columbia county, was had in the district court, Hon. S. C. Win- gard presiding. David Higgins, of Dayton, appeared as attorney for the plaintiff ; Hon. N. T. Caton for defendant. Public interest to a high degree was manifested in the outcome of this case. The action was brought for the recovery of personal property belonging to the plaintiff, but which had been seized in June by the defendant, in his capacity of county treasurer, to obtain payment of taxes claimed to be delinquent, and due the city of Dayton for the year 1878. Mr. Day had refused to recognize the le- gality of the incorporation of the city of Day- ton ; declining to pay some $200 in taxes assessed against him. County Treasurer Wolfe was by law required to collect all delin- quent taxes of duly incorporated cities and towns, as well as those throughout the county. Failing in this case to collect from Mr. Day he had seized some of the latter 's property. Follow- ing this action of the treasurer Mr. Day brought suit, as above stated. In his answer to Day's complaint Defendant Wolfe justified his seiz- ure of the property under a warrant from the Dayton city council, claiming the city to be duly incorporated under the act of the legis- lature of Washington Territory, passed No- vember 9, 1877. To this answer plaintiff's at- torney demurred on the ground that it did not state facts sufficient to constitute a defense, for the reasons : First, that the act of 1877 was void and of no effect ; second, that Chapter II of said act was in itself obnoxious to the or- ganic act; third, that Chapter II, of said act, even if valid, did not enable incorporated towns to reincorporate under its provisions. Aside from the foregoing grounds of de- murrer to the act of 1877, a number of others were raised relative to the validity of the amendatory and curative act passed at the last session of the legislature for the purpose of validating the incorporation of Dayton as a city, it having been at the last term of court decided to have no legal existence, by reason of towns not being able to avail themselves of the provisions of Chapter II of the act of 1877. In rendering his decision of the case at bar Judge Wingard sustained the demurrer on the ground, mainly, that the act of 1877, under which the city was incorporated, or at least in which an attempt had been made to incorpor- ate, was void and of no effect. This decision, it will be noticed, is based upon another and additional ground than one rendered in June, 1879, m the mandamus proceedings instituted to compel the trustees of the town of Dayton to resume the duties of their trust. But it was conclusive in its effects against any amenda- tory acts of the legislature — providing it should thereafter be affirmed by the supreme court. Thus thrown into confusion by the decree of Judge Wingard's court, the citizens of Day- ton cast about for relief. The Chronicle an- nounced a meeting to be held Tuesday, Feb- ruary 21, for the purpose of discussing the le- gal tangle in which they found themselves emeshed concerning the validity of the city charter. ' As stated by the Chronicle it was de- signed to secure "an expression from the peo- ple so that immediate action may be taken in regard to the recent decision of the bench. Shall the question be appealed to a higher tribunal? Do the people want a city govern- ment or do they wish the control of Dayton to revert to the former trustees ? These are ques- tions the people should have a voice in deciding. If a majority of the people of Dayton want and are willing to pay for a city government, then let us have a stable charter, and one that will not have to be supported by special legislative acts; but if the people think a town organiza- tion sufficient for our fair and thriving village, then give us such a government." Certainly this was noncommittal enough and does not convey a very definite idea of the HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 35i Chronicle's position on this important ques- tion. But time was destined to reveal the exact attitude of Dayton's citizens on this subject. Tuesday evening, February 17, the meeting was held at Joy's Hall. S. M. Wait was selected as chairman; J. E. Edmiston, sec- retary. Speeches were made by David Hig- gins, R. F. Sturdevant and others, and a reso- lution was adopted by the assembly in sub- stance, as follows: That the matter be pre- sented to Judge Wingard by the former town trustees, city council and other parties inter- ested for his decision, in chambers, whether Dayton was a legal city or whether the gov- ernment should revert to the trustees. Mean- while the case had been appealed to the supreme court, but a discision from that bench could not be expected before July. It was, therefore, desirable that immediate light be thrown on the existing heterogeneous conditions. The Chron- icle said : "We trust that the matter will be referred in such a way that we shall soon know where we are. The decision (probably meaning Judge Wingard's). whatever it is, will be. we understand, accepted as final." March 18, Judge Wingard, then being in the city of Dayton, the case of the city charter was submitted to him without argument. Fol- lowing is the text of his opinion, filed a few days later : In the matter of the mooted question as to the status of the people of Dayton: I take it for granted that the town of Dayton was regularly organized under the laws of the Terri- tory as a town. If so, I am of the opinion that there has been no action on the part of its inhabi- tants under any law of the Territory to change its character and that it is still a town. I am also of the opinion that under the present laws of the Territory the inhabitants of the town of Dayton, by proper and legal steps, may incorporate as a city. (Signed) S. C. Wingard. By request, acting as a friend of all the people of Dayton. Following this decision the old town gov- ernment was again taken up and retained in force until January, 1882, when the peo- ple secured a city government, a charter having been issued by the Territorial Legislature of 1 88 1. Details of this action will be treated later. It now becomes expedient to revert to pre- vailing conditions in 1880. April 17 the Chronicle said, editorially : "We have heard the decline of Dayton prophesied, but have thought, as we list- ened to weighty reasons for the opinion, that the prophets were destined to be disappointed. 'Tis true our town has grown rapidly, perhaps too rapidly, but now it is settling down with a calm dignity, and substantial improvements are being contemplated and pushed forward, which insure a steady and favorable growth. Xot until the rich agricultural country sur- rounding, and tributary to Dayton is gone ; not until the industrious and solid inhabitants, whose homes are made in the country, have been superseded by a class of less deserving people ; then, and not till then, will Dayton be- gin to decline." Still the United States census of 1880 gave the city a population of only 996. Wednesday evening, December 8, a new militia company was organized, known as the Dayton Grays. Its officers were J. T. Burns, captain ; D. C. Guernsey, first lieutenant ; C. X. Clark, second lieutenant ; T. H. Dupuy, orderly sergeant. Sunday, June 31, the Day- ton Grays and the Walla Walla Guards met at the former's armory and organized the first regiment of the National Guard of Washington Territory. H. E. Holmes, of Walla Walla, was elected colonel, and J. T. Burns, captain of the Dayton Grays, lieutenant colonel. No other companies at that period were) organ- ized in this portion of the Territory, and the self-styled "First Regiment'' consisted of these 35^ HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. two companies alone. And, .indeed, in Oc- tober, 1881, this was the only regiment in the Territory. It was incomplete; further legis- lation was necessary before it could be officially recognized. But it was in the lead of all others in spirit, at least, and was, undoubtedly, the "First." For several years the Dayton Grays continued as an organization ; took a promi- nent part in public affairs of the town, and was, all in all, a most popular organization. In 1887 it> too > was disbanded and still another company organized. In the evening of December 13, 1880, Day- ton suffered a loss of about $25,000 by fire; the entire business portion of the city was saved only by most heroic work on the part of the volunteer fire department. The losses were covered by about $15,000 insurance. In detail they were : M. M. Learn, livery stable, $1,000, insurance $800; Long & Herren, hay and grain, $300; G. A. Winn, Palace Hotel and restaurant, $5,000, insurance $3,000; Bunnell Brothers, building and hardware stock, $4,000, insurance $2,000 ; L. E. Har- ris, saloon, building and stock, $1,000; H. W. Hull, $1,000; S. J. Saxon, saloon stock, $600; L. G. Treibig, tailor, $100; C. Hansen, boot and shoe stock, $800; Karrick & Witkind, groceries, $400; Dusenbery & Stencel, general merchandise, $10,000, fully insured. Much of this loss, as claimed by the Chron- icle, was occasioned by wanton destruction of property in its removal, by theft and by rain and mud. Another golden era of prosperity prevailed in Dayton during the spring and summer of 1 88 1. The building of a flume by which the railroad timbers were carried down to be used in the construction of the railroad itself, to- gether with numerous side-tracks, depot, roundhouse, and other railroad property swelled a payroll to magnificent proportions; most of this money was expended in Dayton. One of the new business enterprises of this year was the First National Bank of Dayton. During the first six weeks of its existence its deposits amounted to $50,000. In August, 1 88 1, the destruction of Day- ton was again threatened by fire. This was on Saturday, the morning of the 6th, and only by hard work by the hook and ladder company — the town's sole protection from fire — was the community property saved. As it was ten buildings were consumed, the loss aggregating about $15,000. Individual losses were: R. P. Steen, building, $200; H. F. Law- rence, four buildings, tools and stock, $5,000; Field's estate, two-story building, $250; Frank Brothers, jointly with their agent, J. E. Ed- miston, farm implements, $1,200; Prof. Jones, office and school furniture, $100; John Car- ter, wheat, $100; Henry Carrol, blacksmith shop, $400; E. S. Gay, printing press, $275; Andrew Nilsson, wagon and blacksmith shop and material, $4,0000 ; H. J. Torrance & Com- pany, building and material, $1,000; D. B. Kimball & Company, lumber, $500; Hexter & Company, horse power, $200; R. L. Dashiell, mower, $100; Edward Owens, William Molt- ham and one Black lost each a wagon worth perhaps, $50. The burnt district was immedi- ately rebuilt. One of the natural results — the aftermath — of this conflagration, was a universally voiced demand for better fire protection. The hook and ladder company, which had been in service for several years, was now found to be unable to protect property in case of a bad fire. It was quite evident that Dayton had out- grown primitive pioneer methods ; water works and the accompanying equipment for protec- tion from fire were now become crying neces- sities. During the fall and winter of 1881 the town of Dayton was visited by an epidemic of smallpox of unusual severity. Schools were closed; business was paralyzed. So serious did the contagion become that citizens were at their wits end to devise means to stamp out the disease and bring the place again to its HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 353 normal condition. A board of health consist- ing of thirteen members was organized. The officers were W. H. Kuhn, president ; D. D. Bunnell, vice-president and treasurer; W. F. Jones, secretary; Dr. Pietrzycki, health officer. One acre of ground was purchased and a pest house erected thereon. The sum of $400 was promptly subscribed by business men to apply in the erection of this structure; the county commissioners interested themselves in pro- viding care for the sick. Of this serious epi- demic the Chronicle, said, November 5, 1 881: "This fearful disease which seems to be raging all over the Pacific Northwest, and in portions of the northern states, is in Dayton without a doubt. The steps taken to prevent its spread are being ably seconded by our best citizens, who have organized an executive committee to enforce the rules and regulations of the board of health. Had the advice of several of our leading citizens been taken and followed in the first stages of the disease, its spread would have been speedily checked and our business saved serious injury. There has been much carelessness — criminal carelessness — on the part of certain persons who have failed to recognize the dreadful nature of this scourge, or who were impatient of restraint and reckless of consequences. It is, perhaps, needless to say that such carelessness will not be tolerated in the future. It is to be hoped that the aid of Judge Lynch, who was inter- viewed during each week, will not be required to compel a more strict compliance with the quarantine rules. So far there have been but three deaths in town. All patients are reported as improving and it is hoped the worst is over and that no more deaths will occur." "November 12, 1881, three deaths had oc- curred during the week ending on that date, and two other cases were in a hopeless condi- tion. Quite a number of families reported cases, families where the disease had not previously 23 appeared. It was the published opinion of the Chronicle on that date that "there is no need for fear, while there is urgent demand for the strictest precaution." The epidemic continued to spread in increased numbers and virulence. The town was quarantined and the following joint orders issued by the board of health and the executive committee acting in conjunction with the board : "First : That the board of health in joint session with the executive committee, prohibit any person or persons from coming into, or leaving the town without permission of the chief of patrol, and this to be in force from 3 o'clock p. m., November 17, 1881. "Second : That all business houses, offices and saloons be closed daily from 4 o'clock p. m., to 8 o'clock a. m., except drug stores, ho- tels, livery stables and restaurants, and that the bars in the hotels be kept closed between the hours of 4 p. m., and 8. a. m., as in other business houses ; to be in force from 4 o'clock, p. m., November 17, 1881. "Third : That the health officer, on giving a pass to any of his employees, and if approved by the chief of patrol, the said employee be permitted to pass the patrol. "Fourth: That the above proceedings be published in the Dayton papers and that pos- ters be distributed throughout the town." Citizens of Dayton subscribed $900, and General Tannatt, of the Oregon Improvement Company, authorized John Berry to draw on him for $100 more, to be used, if necessary, to prevent the further spread of smallpox in this section. One dozen new smallpox cases and six deaths were reported during the week end- ing November 18th. The postmaster at Dayton was unable to dispatch any local mail from between the 16th of November and the 1st of January, 1882. From the Walla Walla postmaster came the ultimatum to the effect that their contractor was under most positve orders not to receive 354 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. Dayton mail. Concerning this the Chronicle of November 26th said : "The mail is accumulating in the Dayton postofhce and must be sent off some time. Will it be less dangerous then than now? If the mail now in the postofhce is infected, waiting will not purify it. It may be some satisfaction to the postmasters below to know that no mail from infected places is allowed to be deposited in the postofhce. Furthermore, we are will- ing to have the mail disinfected before it leaves the Dayton postofhce. Tubs full of asafcetida, gallons of carbolic acid, barrels of onions, but not one scent for tribute! Dayton's outlook as regards smallpox is favorable. During the past week there have been only four new cases and one death. Only one or two patients are considered dangerous, and the majority will be discharged as cured in the next four or five days. As we go to press there are just forty cases in town, including those in the pest house. The executive committee have insti- tuted a reform in the matter of our patrol. Several expensive officers have been dis- charged and their places filled by men who donate their services. D. C. Guernsey is chief of police, F. M. McCully assistant chief, and C. H. Day chief messenger. Over one hun- dred have volunteered to take their turns at guard duty." December 3, 1881, the Chronicle con- tinued : "Our report this week is still very favora- ble. Only two new cases since Friday and one of them has since been discharged as well. No deaths and every patient is rapidly improving. There are not over fifteen cases in town and only two under treatment. The town quaran- tine was removed Sunday, November 27th, but a rigid watch is still kept on those coming from infected houses. With continued watch- fulness Dayton will soon be entirely free of smallpox." Waitsburg followed in the lead of Walla Walla. Under date of December 2, 1881, the city council of Waitsburg notified the mayor and honorable council of the city of Dayton that an ordinance had on that day been passed by the council of Waitsburg prohibiting the reception of mail, and all mail matter made up and coming from Dayton from December 2d to January 1, 1882. This rather remark- able communication contained a postscript to the effect that the Waitsburg city ordinance "referred only to the Dayton local mail and not to mail passing through, or distributed, at the Dayton postofhce." By December 17th the epidemic situation was considerably improved. No new cases had bepn reoorted for over two weeks. There were only three residences in town flying the yellow flag. Five cases were reported in the pest house and one from the country. But it was not until January 2, 1882, that the public schools were reopened and the town resumed normal conditions ; and although there were a few new cases, the malignant disease was under control; the wide-spread alarm and dan- ger to business came to an end. The last cases reported were in the Johnson family, and on February 18th they had all recovered. Four months the epidemic had raged with almost unabated malignancy. February nth the fol- lowing was published in the Chronicle : Dayton, W. T., Feb. 7, 1882: To the mayor and common council of the city of Dayton: We, your committee to whom was referred the matter of expressing our thanks to the late board of health, would respectfully submit the following: Whereas, The retirement of our esteemed fel- low citizens from the office of Board of Health, presents a suitable opportunity for expressing the esteem in which we hold them for their noble ser- vices when that dread disease, smallpox, hung like a pall over our beautiful city and wrapped it in gloom, and, Whereas, We deemed it expedient that measures should be taken to prevent its spread, we hurriedly called the council together on the nth day of October, 1881, little knowing the magnitude of the labor to be performed, appointed a board of health. They, seeing the need of prompt action reorganized and have been most successful in suppressing and HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 355 driving the dread disease from our midst, there- fore be it Resolved, That the thanks of this council and the community are due to the board of health for the able manner in which they uniformly have per- formed their duties in relieving suffering humanity. Resolved, That they carry with them on retire- ment from their labors the sincere thanks of this community. Resolved, That the city clerk be requested to have the above preamble and resolutions published in the city papers. Respectfully submitted. J. L. Smith, ) George E. Church, > Committee. L. E. Harris, ) January 2d the Dayton board of health made their final report to the city council of cost of smallpox and other statistics. From this report we glean the following: Total amount expended by the board of health, $1,659; °t this amount $1,000 was received from the county; the remainder was raised by subscription. Cases in Dayton, 100; in hos- pital, 33; in county, 44; total cases, 167; deaths in town, 1 1 ; in hospital, 3 ; in county, 7 ; total deaths, 21. Of the 167 cases reported many were of the mildest form of varioloid ; so light, indeed, were the attacks in several instances that, under ordinary circumstances, they would have attracted no particular atten- tion. It is, also, doubtless true that many light cases were concealed from officers through fear of removal to the hospital. The Chronicle said, editorially, March 11, 1882: "To whom are the people indebted for the prompt and vigorous action which so effec- tually checked the epidemic ; In the first in- stance to Dr. Pietrzycki, who was the first to announce the name of the disease and urge the authorities to action. By his determined stand in the face of almost unanimous opposition, both from the profession and the people, he prevented the loss of many valuable lives. The doctor was soon ably seconded by the board of health comprised of the following gentlemen : W. H. Kuhn, president; J. H. Hosier, J. Hutcheon, J. H. Chastain, E. A. Torrance, A. L. McCauley, H. H. Wolfe, M. M. Learn, S. J. Saxon, D. D. Bunnell, A. W. Sargeant, John Brining, John Crossler, D. C. Guernsey, J. E. Edmiston and John Mustard. The board held their first meeting October 15, 1881, but finding the work before them greater than an- ticipated, they, two days afterward, reorgan- ized. The town was divided into wards and districts and committees assigned to each. Not one member of this board ever received a cent for his services, and some gave their undivided attention to the work for weeks at a time." October 2d the Chronicle added the fol- lowing : "One year ago Dayton was excited over conflicting rumors in regard to smallpox. Sev- eral cases had appeared which were pro- nounced by some physicians to be genuine cases of smallpox, while others stoutly denied the existence of any such disease in the county. On the 2d of October, 1881, Dr. Pietrzycki pronounced the disease to be smallpox. His opinion proved to be a correct one, although many had serious doubts of the existence of danger. They learned the truth by sad expe- rience." In August, 1 88 1, incorporation troubles again rose to the surface of Dayton's social and business life. Thq question was asked, "Are any steps being taken by our town au- thorities looking toward a more liberal muni- cipal organization?" Within a month the Ter- ritorial Legislature would convene. It was urged by the more progressive citizens that this subject demanded the most careful con- sideration. Many, in fact a majority, de- clared that they were unwilling to allow two years more to pass away leaving them in a semi-defenseless condition. Following the decision of Judge Wingard declaring the city's incorporation invalid, the town government had been placed in charge of municipal affairs, remaining thus until Jan- 356 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. uary I, 1882. In the fall of 1881 the Territo- rial Legislature had granted Dayton a special charter as a city ; under this charter it was governed until 1904. This charter granted in 1 88 1 provided for the government of Dayton by a mayor and seven councilmen ; the mayor to hold office for one year ; the councilmen two years, three and four members alternately being elected each year. It provided, also, for the election of a justice of the peace, marshal, clerk, attorney, treasurer, health officer, sur- veyor, street commissioner and assessor. With the exception of the city marshal these officers were to be elected by the council ; the marshal by the city electors. The new charter dissolved the old town government, and provided for the payment of all debts and collection of all credits of the town government. The following were named in the charter as the first officers : Oliver C. White, mayor; James L. Smith, George E. Church, Lewis E. Harris, J. E. Edmiston, John Brining and Warren A. Belcher, coun- cilmen. This is the legislative act authoriz- ing the city of Dayton to audit and pay certain claims : "Whereas, It appears that there are cer- tain sums due parties for labor and material furnished for the use and benefit of the present city of Dayton, when it was so-called "the city of Dayton," and prior to the passage of the act incorporating said city : Now, there- fore, be it enacted by the legislative assembly of the Territory of Washington : "Section I. That the city of Dayton is hereby empowered through its proper officers, to audit and pay such claims as they may deem just, for material furnished or labor per- formed for the benefit of the said formerly so- called city of Dayton. "Section 2. This act to be in force from and after its passage and approval." In this way was harmony restored and the impending confusion avoided. Although this municipal arrangement for a period gave sat- isfaction, a few years disclosed that it was, in a sense, defective. As will be shown later on an attempt was made, in 1887, to secure a new charter from the Territorial Legislature. But in this the people of Dayton were unsuccessful ; not until 1904 did they achieve the kind of government that gave universal satisfaction. The initial meeting of the city council under the 1881 charter was held January g r 1882. There were present Mayor O C White., and councilmen Edmiston, Harris, Church and Smith, a bare quorum. The other councilmen named in the charter declined to qualitfy ; and J. N.. Thompson were appointed to fill the vacancies. These were the other appointments of city offi- cers: John Y. Ostrander, justice of the peace; A. L. McCauley, city marshal ; W. A. Belcher,, treasurer; W. A. George, city attorney; Dr. Pietrzycki, health officer; A. L. McCauley, street commissioner ; Walter Crosby, clerk and E. D. Miner, city engineer. The following is the Columbia Chronicle's graphic account of Dayton's first serious con- flagration. There were others later which de- stroyed the greater portion of the town, and all this was, evidently, the result of procrastina- ' tion in the matter of providing suitable fire protection. April 8, 1882, is the date of the Chronicle's report of this disaster. At a few minutes before two o'clock last Sun- day morning, April 2d, the back end of Thomas 8c Kirkman's saloon, adjoining the Northwestern Hotel' on the east, was discovered in flames. Alarm was instantly given and the occupants of the hotel and adjacent buildings awakened and had barely time to escape half-clad before the buildings were all ablaze. The fire crossed Main street to Fettis' large stables, and second street to Burge's at about the same time. The heat was intense and with Fettis' stables on fire and nothing to work with, it was impossible to save the block, hence it was left to its fate and all efforts directed to movables. At first a desperate fight was made at Burge's corner, but want of water and concert of action rendered every effort futile. The fire in this direc- tion burned more slowly, being an hour and a half in crossing the block. The attempt to arrest its- HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 357 progress by tearing down buildings was abandoned for want of help. Rumpf & Weinhard's corner opposite Fettis' stable was the scene of a most des- perate struggle. Four times the brave fire boys were overpowered by the heat and compelled to give up, and as often returned to the conflict. They were at last victorious and the postoffice block was saved, through not without a fearful struggle all along its front, for while Day's two-story drug store "was burning the flames were carried directly toward the postoffice. Fortunately soon after the alarm was sounded, Foreman George Ihrig gave orders to tap the mill- Tace on Second street, which was quickly done, and a stream of water was soon pouring down Main street. It is, no doubt, owing to this circumstance alone that the postoffice block and the Columbia Hotel were saved. Holes was dug in the street and • the water dipped up by the bucketful and dashed on the burning fronts. Men, overpowered and scorched by the heat, rolled in the mud and water and renewed the fight. When it was certain that the fire was checked a feeble shout of victory went up from the weary crowd. The few members of the hook and ladder company present did good work and deserve great credit. The burnt district em- braces 560 feet on the northwest side of Main street; 360 feet on the southwest side and Ping's residence in the rear of the Northwestern Hotel. The follow- ing list of losses includes damage to buildings and injury to merchandise: Columbia county, pump and fence, $25; H. H. Wolfe, Joy's Hall, $3,000. insurance, $2,000; Dayton Grays, militia company, uniforms, etc., $50; United States, 22 stands of arms, $450; Mrs. D. V. White, millinery, etc., $200; G. E. Colegate, restaurant and household fixtures, $1,900, insurance, $1,400; T. B. Atkinson, saloon, $1,800, insurance, $900; J. S. Thomas, buildings, $2,600, insurance, $800; Thomas & Kirkman, saloon fixtures, $2,400, insurance, $1,000; W. A. Moody, Northwestern Hotel and furniture, $12,000, insurance, $8,425; R. Franklin, hotel and bar fixtures, $5,000; E. R. Burk, furniture, $125; E. Ping, residence, $3,000, insurance, $2,500; J. M. Burge, building and merchandise, $2,000; Mrs. V. I. Towers, furniture and clothing, $200; Fred Patterson, cloth- ing, etc., $75; T. Kelly, saloon fixtures, etc., $1,800; J. J. McCleary, building, $700; Rogers Brothers, (Dollar Store), $2,000, insured; D. V. White, shoe- maker, $150; G. A. Winn, bakery, $3,500, insurance, $1,850; Bailor, Carr & Company, furniture, etc., $4,500, insurance, $1,500; Scott & Schmidt, brewery, $2,000, insurance, $1,000; I. Burroughs, barber, $12; H. M. Deal, notions, $300; L. D. Drake, opera house, and two other buildings, $5,200; J. H. Williams, bil- liard table, etc., $400; C. Hansen, building, $600; C. F. McClary, saloon fixtures, $300; R. F. Sturdevant, law office, $600; D. D. Bunnell, hardware, stoves, etc., $6,000, insurance, $1,000; S. Witkind, variety store, $800, insurance, $500; D. C. Guernsey, two buildings, $1,500; Guernsey & Burns, abstractors, $40; Mrs. Frank Clayton, millinery, $100; Young & Storer, barbers, $200 ; G. N. Matzger, books and stationery, $500, insured; Wells, Fargo & Company, safe, etc., $300; Windell & Maxwell, photographers, $100; J. H. Day, druggist, $2,000, insured; J. N. Day, three buildings, $3,000; Mrs. E. J. Gale, household goods, etc., $200 ; McDonald & Schwabacher, blankets $125; M. Hexter, general merchandise, $500, insured; Richards & Company, druggists, $150; E. A. Hawley, fronts, $200, insured; Paine Brothers, hardware, $180, insured; George Eckler, fronts, $200; L. E. Harris, front, $40, insured; Frank Pierce, front, $100, in- sured; Pierce & Crossler, harness, $100; William Matzger, front, $75; J. W. Jackson, jewelry, etc., $200, insured; Frary & Day, variety store, $100, in- sured; Levi Ankeny, front, $25; Clendennnin & Mil- ler, general merchandise, $450, insured; S. M. Kar- rick, groceries, $300, insured; M. A. Baker, lawyer, $50; Ihrig & Weber, meat market, $50; J. L. Smith, front, $20, insured; L. A. Davis, saloon fixtures, $150; Rumpf & Weinhard, saloon fixtures, $100; W. A. Belcher, hay scales, etc., $200; M. Fettis, stables, $1,500; M. R. Brown, livery stable, $100; Hulten & Martin, furniture, $2,400; D. B. Kimball, buildings, $1,500; J. Brodzeller, shoemaker, $100; O. Dantz- scher, merchant tailor, $2,300; W. A. Morris, build- ing, $1,000; Mrs. DeCoux, restaurant furniture, etc., $400; J. T. Wilson, blacksmith, $500; Crosby & Ost- rander, Dayton News, $2,000, insurance, $600; C. C. Garett, groceries, etc., $550, insurance, $400 ; Dr. Pietrzycki, furniture, etc., $300; John Brining, build- ing, blankets, etc., $2,000; Crossler & Kuhn, gro- ceries, $500; W. H. Kuhn, two buildings, $1,500, in- surance, $600; P. T. Giberson, livery stable, and ad- joining buildings, $3,300, insurance, $1,000; Wooten & Wait, meat market, $100; Milt Reed, harness, etc., $100, insured; James Wheelan, building, $40, in- sured; Methodist Parsonage, $150; total loss, $95,- 282; insurance, $3i,7°5- It is possible that some small loss or insurance has not been obtained, but we think it safe to say that the loss in round numbers is $90,000, and the insurance payable $30,000, leaving a net loss of $60,- 000. There was no wind at the inception of this blaze, but a light breeze sprang- up and carried the fire away from the Columbia Hotel. The origin of the fire remains unknown to this day, but indications pointed significantly to incen- diarism. Although this fire proved a severe 358 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. blow to business industries it was no set-back to the progress of the town. Where before had stood highly combustible frame buildings, now were run up handsome brick stores, add- ing much to the appearance of the city. It was a severe lesson taught to the citizens, this fire. Adequate fire protection — so long in abeyance since the founding of the town — was now pro- vided. A steamer was purchased and a first- class company organized. April 7, 1883, the Chronicle, under the head, "One Year After the Fire," said : "One year ago last Sunday will long be remembered by the citizens of Dayton. They will remember how three of the city's business blocks were swept away by fire in the brief period of three hours, and among the smoul- dering ruins of the buildings and goods were the results of perhaps years of hard and earnest toil. The anxious faces of the tired workers, the occasional despondent, and the hopeful men of that day will also be remembered. Last Sunday, while walking along Main street we could not help contrasting the scene with that of one year ago ; how at that time real estate 'jumped' in prices; how energy and faith in Dayton's future among our business men soon dispelled the gloom occasioned by the unex- pected flames. The original buildings, the former land marks that were so peculiarly familiar and dear to old Daytonites, have been replaced by a better class of buildings, and where before the fire was conducted business of minor importance, we now notice immense es- tablishments doing a prosperous trade. All things considered the contrast that we drew between Dayton's past and present conditions was extremely satisfactory. "Dayton has had many misfortunes, evils that would discourage and perhaps destroy the growth of a town less favorably located. But with all our smallpox, fires and opposition we have flourished, gained in wealth and grown in proportions as few towns in Eastern Wash- ington have done." All fared well with the city of Dayton dur- ing the year 1882. By the November vote she established her right to be known as the third city in the Territory. This vote was 778, against 1,214 f° r Walla Walla, 1,274 for Seattle, 536 for New Tacoma and 516 for Vancouver. And few towns of the size of Dayton had arrived at her degree of import- ance in point of wealth and population in so short a time without ostentatious commotion. One year before the railroad came, when Henry Villard, standing on the hotel porch, promised that before the expiration of twelve months railroad communication would be ample, he was implicitly believed. The people were satisfied with his assurances ; yet the real estate market remained as tranquil as a moun- tain lake unruffled by the faintest zephyr. One year later this promise was made good ; the iron horse, brass-bound and steel-sinewed, rolled into the midst of the community, and the citizens of Dayton swelled with pride. But real estate remained stationary. Since the great fire Dayton had added to her public works a steam fire engine, costing $5,250; an engine house at an expense of $2,200, and three inexhaustible water supplies on Main street. But, as the Chronicle ex- pressed the idea, "You may roll like a panora- mic scene her past existence before you, and by the most critical observation you cannot discover the minutest indication of a boom or riffle in the real estate market." The amount expended in buildings during this year, ac- cording to figures gleaned from the records,, was $162,975. Adding this to the money paid by the city for sidewalks, street crossings, fencing, street work and other improvements the total was brought up to about $180,000, or nearly $120 for each inhabitant of the city. Seventeen brick buildings Dayton boasted of in the early part of 1883. Sixteen of these were occupied by business firms ; one was a residence. Eight of these brick houses were erected during the year 1882. HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 359 On the afternoon of July 17, 1883, ^ re de- stroyed, for the second time, Weinhard's brew- ery, entailing a loss of $12,000, with $4,000 insurance. In this year the total prop- erty valuation, as returned by the census offi- cials, was $1,008,000, or about $540 for every man, woman and child in the town. The start- ling events of this year were the lynching of McPherson, legal execution of Snoderly and the escape, recapture and death of Owenby, which are fully treated in the history of Cu- lumbia county. During the early 8o's Dayton suffered from a number of disastrous fires. In nearly every instance there were strong evidences that they were the malicious work of incendiaries. In January, 1884, an attmpt was made to burn Wait & Prather's flouring mill and, also, a planing mill owned by the same firm. Por- tions of each building had been thoroughly soaked with coal oil; leading to this was a powder fuse. The flouring mill was fired, but the incipient conflagration was under control before great damage was done to the plant. For some reason the planing mill was not fired, but the diabolical preparations for its de- struction were discovered. Because of this nefarious attempt which, had it been successful would, doubtless have destroyed the greater part of the town, and be- cause the town had materially suffered in the several previous attempts to annihilate it, the citizens held a mass meeting at which plans for strenuous efforts to apprehend the guilty parties were formulated. The city council held a special meeting and offered a reward of $1,500 for the arrest and conviction of the guilty parties ; Wait & Prather guaranteed that the amount would be raised to $2,500. The importance that Dayton's citizens attached to these attempts at incendiarism, and the temper of the people is shown by the following ap- pearing in the Columbia Chronicle of January 26, 1884: "An accidental fire which would have de- stroyed thousands of dollars' worth of prop- erty would not have injured our city so much as this cowardly night attempt to burn these mills. It would not be surprising if every in- surance policy in the city were cancelled by the companies on account of this thing, and no man can go to bed at night feeling that his property is safe or that he will not awaken in the morning ruined. From the mutterings on the street it is a safe bet that if the scoundrel is found the clerk of the court will not draw any fees in the case. Detectives are at work and the chances are favorable for success." Facts and coincidences began to consoli- date concerning the firebugs. Mr. Wait had caused the arrest of several saloon men charged with having sold liquor to his minor sons. Suspicion fastened itself upon the liquor men. But nothing was done in the premises at that time. On Friday, July 6, 1886, how- ever, an arrest was made. That day Frank Taylor, C. F. McClary's bartender, was ar- rested in Dayton, and Dorus Hutchings was taken in the toils of the law at McMinnville, Oregon. They were charged with having fired the flouring mill. Taylor at once made a confession implicating McClary, and accus- ing him of having been the instigator of the crime. Hutchings followed suit with a con- fession of the same import. Thursday, July 8th, the case against Mc- Clary was tried before Justices Dorr and Gor- don. The prisoner was bound over to the dis- trict court in the sum of $3,000. The case against Hutchings was dismissed, but he was re-arrested for complicity in an attempt to burn the planing mill. On Friday following Taylor was held to answer in $3,000, and Hutchings in $1,500 bonds. In default of these bonds they were both jailed. McClary secured bail and was released from custody. July 17th the Chronicle said: The arrest of Charles " McClary for incendiarism came like a thunderbolt from a clear sky to many resi- dents of Dayton who had known him for years. 360 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. The crime for which he was arrested had almost faded from the memory of our citizens, conse- quently the surprise was great. The fire of 1884, when the Columbia Hotel and other buildings burned, was, undoubtedly, of incendiary origin, and no doubt the guilty parties would today be in cus- tody had not our citizens insisted upon Sheriff Hos- ier making arrests prematurely and before he had sufficient data from which to make a case. With far better evidence in that case than in the last one to begin w-ith, he was forced by indignant citizens to touch off the match before the train was laid and the result was nothing. In the latter case he has taken his time and if the trial of the prisoners demonstrates their guilt, the credit belongs to him- self. The trial of Charles F. McClary was held in the district court at Dayton, Friday and Saturday, Septemher 24th and 25th. R. F. Sturdevant and M. M. Godman appeared on behalf of the Territory; M. A. Baker, John B. Allen and D. J. Crowley for the defense. The jury consisted of A. W. Hukill, William Christie, John Boldman, Joseph Culbertson, William M. Dwire, John Bramlett, Charles Pallett, A. C. Frantz. Alex Duffy, Add Cahill, J. L. Cowell and L. P. Getty. This jury, after an hour's absence, returned a verdict of "not guilty;"' the defendant was discharged. By the court's instructions it was, practically, im- possible to return any other verdict, but these instructions did not meet with popular ap- proval ; there was a latent feeling in many minds that there had been a miscarriage of justice. Frank Taylor pleaded guilty and received a sentence of two years in the penitentiary. In the case of Dorus B. Hutchings a nolle pros- equi was entered and the prisoner discharged. In the prosecution of these cases the costs to Columbia county were : C. F. McCrary, $835.20; D. B. Hutchings, $22.40; Frank Taylor, $98.05. From the report of City Assessor J. T. Burns, published in May, 1884, it is learned that the property within the limits of Dayton was as follows: Real estate, $211,320; im- provements on same, $266,510; personal prop- erty, $447,170; total, $925,000. As this is considerable less than is shown by the books of 1883 it should be noted that Mr. Burns made an average reduction of about 30 per cent on the valuation of the previous year. He re- ported, also, the total population of the city as 1,743. Another fire, supposed to have been the work of an incendiary, broke out on the morn- ing of September 25, 1884, at 2:30 o'clock, involving a loss of $30,850, with $18,125 in- surance. Individual losses were as follows : A. J. Puffer, stock and building, $2,000, insurance about $800; H. Thornton, furniture and fixtures of Central Hotel, $1,400, insur- ance, $700; P. Carr, tailor shop, $1,200, in- surance, $700; J. W. Wilson, building and stock, $6,000 insurance, $3,000; William Kin- ney, Central Hotel building, $1,800, insur- ance, $1,000; Young & Storer, bath tubs and fixtures, $400, no insurance; Dusenbery & Stencel, Columbia Hotel building, $7,500, in- surance, $5,500; J. Y. Ostrander, damage to books by water, $50, fully insured ; M. P. Charles, furniture and fixtures of Columbia Hotel, $3,500, insurance, $2,850; Mrs. George Wagoner, barn, about $100, no insurance; McCauley & Crossler, second-hand store, $800, no insurance; Hop Lee, Chinese wash house, $250, no insurance; L. E. Harris, dam- aged about $200, fully insured ; Mason Taylor, damage to building, about $25, fully insured; Dusenbery's warehouse and contents, $3,000, insurance, $1,500; J. N. Day's loss on build- ings occupied by P. Carr, McCauley & Cros- sler and Young & Storer, $500, no insurance; Day's brick, damaged by water, about $1,000, fully insured. At the November election of 1884 Dayton made a showing of 1,264 votes, leaving her the fourth city in the Territory, with Seattle, 3,218; Walla Walla, 1,950 and Tacoma, 1,663. Only two other towns polled over HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 361 1,000 votes, Sprague, 1,020 and Spokane Falls, 1,012. March 27, 1885, the Dayton Woolen Mills, one of the pioneer enterprises of the town, were burned, entailing a loss of $40,000, with insurance of half this amount. These mills were owned by Fouts, Bonnett & Rogers. In October of this year a disagreement occurred between the volunteer fire company and the city authorities. For some time there had ex- isted a feeling among the members of the com- pany that their services were not appreciated. This culminated in the refusal of the city offi- cials to pay $100 that had been subscribed by the city to assist the company in conducting a Fourth of July celebration. The fire bell was removed and a committee appointed to take charge of the apparatus. The cash in the com- pany's treasury was unanimously voted to the ladies connected with the Dayton public li- brary. Within a few days, however, the com- pany was reorganized with the same 35 mem- bers. The city council had allowed payment of the contested $100. In June, 1886, a memorial was forwarded to the Territorial Assembly asking for the pas- sage of an act incorporating the city of Day- ton. It stated : The incorporating act under which the city of Dayton is now operating is an exact copy of the Walla Walla charter of 1879. It is crude, inexplicit and very defective in numerous respects, so much so that Walla Walla city in 1883 found it necessary to, and did, obtain a new incorporating act in its stead. The common council of the city of Dayton realizing the defects in this said charter, and the necessity of amendments thereto, have given the subject most careful consideration and now present to your honorable body a new incorporating act for their city, which from their knowledge of what is meet and requisite in the premises, they believe will tend toward giving the muncipality a larger measure of corporate life, and at the same time invest the cor- poration with such powers and require of it such duties as will be most expedient for the public good. Touching the remonstrance which has been signed by a few persons and forwarded to your hon- orable body protesting against the passage of the amendatory act, we would respectfully represent: First, that said remonstrance was gotten up and cir- culated by two persons, of whom one is opposed to any city government at all, and the other interesting himself against the amended act lest it might give the cty increased powers of taxation, Second, that none of the signers of said remonstrance know what they were remonstrating against when they signed it, and, Third, that there is not a single provision in said amendatory act now submitted before you that cannot be found in some one or other of the various amended charters approved, of and passed by the Legislative Assembly of this Territory in the year 1883. With these facts in view and the necessity for the needed legislation we respectfully urge upon your honorable body the speedy passage of this act in- corporating the city of Dayton as prepared and ap- proved by us at a regular meeting of the city council. D. B. KIMBALL, Mayor. D. C. Guernsey, T. J. Taylor, E. Ping, H. H. Wolfe, D. H. Hardin, H. F. McCornack, D. M. Vaughn, Council. Concerning this memorial a letter was re- ceived from Olympia by a Dayton citizen. It stated that the amended charter had been tabled by the committee to whom it was re- ferred. This committee, however, was willing to pass the charter provided the signers of the remonstrance would recall it. A special meet- ing of the city council was hurriedly called. They ordered that a wire be sent to Hon. A. E. McCall, at Olympia, asking him to with- draw and return without further action the amended charter. And for quite awhile after- ward this charter business was held in abeyance. March 5, 1887, the Dayton Grays having disbanded, a new militia company was organ- ized and mustered in by Major C. M. Ander- son, of Walla Walla. It consisted of 40 mem- bers officered as follows : J. T. Burns, captain ; John Carr, first lieutenant; D. H. Hardin, sec- ond lieutenant; A. M. Baer, first sergeant; Frank L. Wait, second sergeant : John M. El- 362 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. lis, third sergeant ; T. B. Gilmour, fourth ser- geant ; Charles Matzger, first corporal ; Lars Nilsson, second corporal; Frank L. Edmiston, third corporal ; F. W. Bauers, fourth corporal. This was Company F, and was assigned to the Second Regiment. The fire of June 24, 1887, proved the most disastrous in the history of Dayton. Follow- ing is the account published in the Inlander of June 25th : Yesterday morning, June 24th, about 1:30 o'clock, fire was discovered in the rear of Drake's Opera House. Alarm was given and the people rushed into the streets to discover the opera house and adjoining buildings wrapped in flames. Before the fire company could reach the ground the flames had jumped Main street and were fast consuming the wooden building occupied by August Engle. A stiff gale was blowing at the time. The fire company was practically at sea in the terrible con- flagration which did not cease until the blocks on either side of Main street, between First and Sec- ond, were entirely consumed, with the exception of Day's brick on the west, and the bricks occupied by Kasson Smith and M. Hexter on the east. The loss is estimated at $112,000, as follows: John Killingsworth, groceries, $600; D. C Guern- sey, Chronicle office, $2,000, insurance, $1,200 ; J. S. Miller, building, $6,000, fully insured; R. F. Sturde- vant, building, $8,000, fully insured; A. Oppenheim- er, stock loss, $5,000, fully insured ; M. M. Godman, of- fice fixtures and library, $500, no insurance ; A. Roth & Company, stock, insured ; C. Swegle & Company, meat market, $3,500, no insurance ; W. H. Vanlew, restaurant, $2,500, insured ; Jacob Weinhard, saloon, $2,000, insured for $1,200; M. A. Cavanaugh, stock, damaged by water, $250, fully insured; Young & Storer, barber shop, $500, insurance, $100; G. A. Parker, stock, $6,000, insurance, $1,600; M. E. Stanford, stock, $1,600, in- surance, $800; H. Haberstock, $100, no insurance; Peter Rumpf, saloon, $2,500, no insurance; M. A. Baker, water damage, $500, fully insured; F. C. Mil- ler, $8,000, insured; J. H. Long, stock damaged by water, $250, fully insured; Mrs. N. Fysh, millinery, $600, no insurance; W. M. Dumdi, barber shop, $6oo, insurance, $300; C. F. McClary, stock and fixtures, $1,200, fully insured; Dr. W. W. Day, stock and in- struments, $500, no insurance; Dr. C. H. Day, build- ing, $300, no insurance; Loren Day, building, $300; E. A. Hawley, brick buildings, $23,000, insured; Levi Ankeny, building, $300, fully insured; H. A. Cro- well, stock, $1,200, fully insured; George Eckler, buildings, $1,600, partially insured; L. E. Harris, $2,- 000, insurance, $500; George Baker, office fixtures, $400, insured; R. F. Sturdevant, office fixtures and library, $750, not insured ; J. W. Romaine, loss $75, not insured; White & Rainwater, Chronicle plant, $3,500, insurance, $2,100; August Engle, stock, $4,000, insurance, $2,ooo;J. G. Burnette, building, $1,800; in- surance, $800; William Leach, building, $800; G. A. Cameron, hotel fixtures, $3,000, no insurance; Sher- iff Marquiss, office fixtures, $300, no insurance; J. F. Hall, building, $3,500, insured; Loren Day, build- ing, $700, insurance, $300; I. N. Arment, stock, $1,- 500, insurance, $1,000; J. C. Dorr & Company, drugs, $300, no insurance; L. D. Drake, $4,000, insurance. In this fire Ex-Sheriff Hosier narrowly escaped being burned in the room occupied by I. N. Arment and J. C. Dorr. He was assisting the latter to re- move his stock until the smoke became so dense that all parties were compelled to desist. Mr. Hos- ier remained until all others had left and was over- come with heat and smoke. He fell to the floor and only by great exertion did he manage to gain the door. The organization of a board of trade April 28, 1888, contributed greatly to advance the interests of Dayton. The first officers of the board were: O. C. White, president; W. S. Strong, vice-president; J. A. Kellogg, secre- tary; D. C. Guernsey, treasurer; J. E. Edmis- ton, M. A. Baker, John Brining, J. C. Van Patten and L. W. Cantril, executive committee. In March, 1889, the Dayton Electric Light & Power Company was incorporated with a capital stock of $12,000. The incorporators were C. M. Grupe, J. A. Kellogg, G. A. Par- ker, J. K. Rainwater, A. J. James; W. M. Sweany, J. E. Edmiston, G. B. Baker, G. A. Kelly, J. H. Day, A. H. Bishop, D. C. Guern- sey, A. Roth, C. A. De Sausseure and I. F. Lockwood. The officers were J. E. Edmiston, president; D. C. Guernsey, vice-president; J. A. Kellogg, secretary; G. A. Parker, treasurer. Long strides toward the front were made by the city during the year 1889. Each citizen appeared to take an active interest in building up the town ; the result was improvement on every hand. The construction of the Oregon & Washington Territory Railroad was the most important addition to the city during this year. Lighting by means of electricity ranked second. A company of local capitalists had at first incorporated with a capital stock of $12,000; this was raised to $20,000. A new HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY 363 hotel, the Dayton, was erected at a cost of $30,000 by a stock company comprised of Day- ton capitalists and George W. Hunt, the rail- road builder. N. N. Brown, now of Wenat- chee, was manager. Sewers were laid in the town and a number of substantial brick blocks erected. The population in 1890 was 1,880. July 14, 1890, the citizens voted the sum of $55,000 for the purpose of purchasing, or rather improving the water works plant of the Dayton Spring Water Company, and taking it over as a municipal affair. Subsequently this sum was increased to $75,000. By disastrous fires Dayton was for years a heavy loser. At 1 130 o'clock, a. m., Monday, August 11, 1890, an alarm of fire was rung out. It had originated in the rear of a "short order" house, or C. F. McClary's clothing store — no cne appeared to know exactly which. The loss was $115,125, with insurance aggregating $63,900. These losses were: A. Engle, furniture, $950, insurance, $600 ; A. Vallen, lard and bacon, $2,500; C. F. Mc- Clary, gentlemen's furnishing goods, $9,000, insurance, $6,000; Saul Krotki, dry goods, $12,000, insurance, $10,000; Guernsey Broth- ers, four frame buildings, $1,000, insurance, $400; Moritz & Hall, furnishing goods, $10,000, insurance, $8,000; B. F. Conner, saloon and fixtures, $1,900, $1,200; J. S. Miller, two two-story brick blocks, $20,000, in- surance, $9,000 ; R. F. Sturdevant, brick build- ing, $7,000, insurance, $4,200; W. H. Ven Lew, restaurant, $4,200, insurance, $1,900; J. Weinhard, building and furniture, $12,000, in- surance, $5,000; J. Weinhard, liquors and cigars, $6,000 ; Dr. W. W. Day, office furniture and medicine, $500; George Thomas, two brick buildings, $11,000, insurance, $3,000; M. M. Godman, office furniture, $25 ; W. K. Rog- ers, office furniture, $20 ; A. Oppenheimer, hardware, $12,000, insurance, $11,500; White & Peabody, printing office, $4,000, insurance, $2,200; Maxwell Brothers, photograph tent, $200; M. Walker, watches and jewelry, $830. August 1 6th the Chronicle said: "Dayton's principal business street again presents the appearance which upon frequent occasions in the past we have been too sadly familiar. Ragged walls of brick and smouldering embers alone mark the site of what but a few days since were substantial structures ; the sidewalks are strewn with debris ; goods saved from the flames are stored anywhere and everywhere, and the wreck and ruin represents to a few discouraged people the toil, the economy and self-denial of years. * * * Dayton's whole history for the past ten years has been written in an effort to recover losses from fire. This had been all but accomplished and with the immdiate prospect for an adequate water supply, the hope that we might he spared the repetition of past experiences was fondly cherished. We may be able to gain a few crumbs of comfort from the thought that the disaster might have been greater. In opposi- tion to this, however, and divesting it of whatever con- solation it might otherwise afford, comes the conviction that if due caution had been exercised the loss might have been much less." It was during the fall and winter of 1890 that Dayton was infested by a gang of burg- lars. For several months they pursued their nefarious vocation. Then the citizens took a hand in the subsequent proceedings. Each week local papers reported from one to half a dozen burglaries of stores or private resi- dences. In a number of cases citizens had dis- covered these outlaws in the act of robbery; had emptied revolvers at the retiring thieves ; but without satisfactory results. Bolder be- came the marauders ; officers were unable to secure clues to the guilty persons ; citizens armed themselves ; hid their valuables and con- trived to catch a few moments of fitful slum- ber — with one eye open. The town was ter- rorized and detectives were employed without avail. At last one Smalley was arrested on sus- picion — and immediately discharged. Monday, December 22d, John Abels, Leroy Burris, Samuel Rittenhouse, A. Harrington, R. Rit- tenhouse and Samuel Nelson were rounded up and charged with numerous burglaries. The persons arrested were either day laborers or "gentlemen of leisure," with the exception of 364 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. Burris. He had been foreman in the printing office of the Inlander for several months. Har- rington and one of the Rittenhouses had. also, been employed on that paper. Nelson, the two Rittenhouses and Abies were examined De- cember 26th and discharged for lack of evi- dence. This was the case, also, with Burris and Harrington on the following day. Throughout the city this result created considerable disgust ; it was the general opin- ion that the officers had captured the right per- sons. At least, during their incarceration the burglaries ceased. This, however, might have been intimidation of other parties. And then for the second time in the history of Dayton vigilantes were called in to supply the place of law. Tuesday evening, December 30th, about 7 o'clock, they seized Leroy Burris and hur- ried him outside the town limits, into the dark- ness. Burris' cries attracted some attention, but those who responded early discovered that their services were not desired. This was after they had looked into the muzzles of half a dozen revolvers. When submitted to a "sweat- ing process" Burris declared that he had noth- ing to tell, an answer altogether unsatisfac- tory. Three times he was strung up by the neck, and three times lowered to the ground still recalcitrant. He was then permitted to re- turn to the city with the distinct understand- ing that he would leave the country by Wednesday night following. But the next morning he announced that he intended to remain, and accordingly he re- turned to work in the Inlander office. Quite a crowd visited him to satisfy a curiosity as to how rough a man might appear who had escaped from vigilantes ; something that had not occurred in Dayton before. By noon, how- ever, Burris had decided to leave the country "for his country's good." He was accompa- nied out of town by Harrington. It is be- lieved that Burris, by leaving Wednesday night, saved his neck. Subsequently Burris brought a damage suit against B.-F. Conner, A. L. McCauley, J. F. Hall, D. B. Kimball and C. A. De Saus- sure for $25,000. The case was tried before Judge Hanford in the United States court at Walla Walla, and dismissed on motion of at- torney for the plaintiff. There were then ru- mors that an attempt had been made at black- mail. In February, 1892, another suit was brought by Burris against D. B. Kimball for the same amount, $25,000. It was tried in Portland and thrown out of court. The completion of the Dayton water works in October, 1891, followed a disastrous fire of August 17th, resulting in a loss of $25,000. It originated in the Union Block, which was to- tally destroyed, as were a two-story frame building and warehouse owned by W. H. Kuhn, the Farmers' Livery Stable, Methodist Episcopal parsonage and barn, and E. A. Hawley's brick block adjoining Kuhn's store. Three brick buildings occupied by L. H. Gormley & Company, A. Mellin, and H. P. L. Young were damaged to the extent of $3,000. The two-story buildings of Mrs. W. J. Dexter and D. B. Kimball were slightly damaged by water. In February, 1892, the Columbia Fire En- gine Company was disbanded, having been nearly ten years in service. Its place was sup- plied by numerous hose companies stationed in various parts of the city. At this period the following firemen became exempt from duty by reason of seven years continuous service : T. H. DuPuy, S. O. Harmon, I. N. Arment, George Ihrig, John Carr, J. M. Ellis, J. A. Kellogg, W. A. Newman, J. W. Boothe, H. N. Pringle, Lars Nilsson, G. H. Ladue. T. B. Gilmore, W. A. Belcher, R. A. Rowley, W. M. Garner, B. F. Conner, M. Mathew, C. F. McClary, C. A. De Saussuer, Arthur Oppen- heimer, George B. Baker, L. E. Harris and W. H. H. Fours. The new hose companies organized at the time and their officers were: Owl Hose Company No. 1 — John Carr, HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 365 foreman ; Grant Burkhart, assistant foreman ; C. F. Miller, secretary. Chinook Hose Company No. 2 — W. F. Ca- hill, foreman ; A. B. Thompson, secretary. Tiger Hose Company No. 3 — B. F. Con- ner, foreman; C. R. Dorr, secretary. Rescue Hose Company No. 4 — T. B. Gil- mour, foreman; J. W. Berry, assistant fore- man ; J. H. Day, secretary. Alliance Hose Company No. 5 — M. A. -Cavanaugh, foreman ; W. A. Newman, assist- ant foreman ; V. D. Norman, secretary. Diamond Hitch Hose Company No. 6 — C. H. Demory, foreman ; R. Peabody, assist- ant foreman ; E. L. Dexter, secretary. Cyclone Hose Company No. 7 — O. M. Stine, foreman ; Will H. Fouts, secretary. Hook and Ladder Company — W. M. Gar- ner, foreman. John Carr was unanimously elected chief engineer. He was the only charter member of Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 who was at that time a fireman. Other officers of the de- partment elected were B. F. Conner, assistant chief; C. F. Miller, secretary and F. W. Guernsey, treasurer. Since the establishment of the water system in Dayton and the reor- ganization of the fire company in 1892 there has not been a disastrous fire in the city. The Chinese must go! This ominous cry was raised in 1892. In February the follow- ing named gentlemen were appointed by the "Mutual Aid Society'' a standing committee of three to confer with a like committee from Local Assembly No. 3,520, Knights of Labor : A. Daggett, Sam Hamlin and W. F. Ander- son. These gentlemen were instructed to gain all the information possible in regard to the resident Chinese of Dayton ; to devise practical and effective methods of deporting them from Dayton, and to report at a subsequent meet- ing. April 30th the Chronicle said: "Last Saturday night, April 23d, about 1 1 o'clock, a mob of 50 persons who style them- selves the 'Mutual Aid Society,' called at the various Chinese houses in this city and or- dered the inmates to leave, telling them they would be given two days in which to get out. The men composing this mob were not masked, but some of them carried revolvers and produced them when talking to the China- men. On seeing the crowd Nightwatchman Perkins walked toward them, but before he got to them they went down Main street and across the bridge. "The Chinese were greatly alarmed. They appealed to the sheriff to know what to do. They were informed that there was no danger and that they would be afforded necessary pro- tection. Tuesday some of the Chinamen drew what money they had in the banks and made preparations to leave, providing they found it was required of them. Tuesday night being the time set for the Chinese exodus, the sheriff went to the members of the 'aid society' and told them what they might expect if they at- tempted to run the Chinese out by force. This seems to have settled the matter for. the time being, as the Chinese are still here and no at- tempt at violence was made Tuesday night. A number of members of the 'aid society' are known and if they persist in riotous conduct there is likely to be trouble in store for them." This attempt to deport the Chinese of Day- ton proved ineffectual in every quarter and they are still a portion of Dayton's population. The writer of history — in any state in the union — encounters the same story, the same dismal details — whenever he writes of the hap- penings of the few years beginning with 1893. With Dayton it was the same story — depres- sion, hard times, business reverses, retrogres- sion, etc. Its history was the same as hun- dred of other towns in Washington ; the details being identical. The war with Spain, in 1898, developed considerable latent patriotism in the city of Dayton and throughout Columbia county. 3 66 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. Wednesday, April 27th, Captain C. F. Miller received orders from Governor Rogers in- structing him to recruit his company to 10 1 men and non-commissioned officers. Satur- day, April 30th, Major Carr, commanding the First Battalion, which included Captain Miller's company, F, was ordered to report at headquarters, Tacoma, on the following Mon- day. A sketch of the genesis of Captain Miller's company has formerly been given. Its other officers were C. A. Booker, first lieuten- ant ; and G. B. Dorr, second lieutenant. Acting upon the suggestion of Will H. Fouts, Esq., the citizens of Dayton joined in a patriotic demonstration on the night of April 29th in honor of Company F. The exercises were held on the court house lawn. The sol- diers participated in guard mount ; Day's mili- tary band discoursed music and patriotic ad- dresses were delivered by Hon. J. E. Edmis- ton, H. E. Hamm, Hon. John Brining, Rev. W. P. Pope and Judge M. M. Godman. May 1st Company F rendezvoused at Camp Rogers, Tacoma, Saturday, April 30th, the day of their departure from Dayton, the city wore the air of a national holiday. At 10 o'clock a. m., the company mobilized on the court house lawn for roll call. Following this they were invited to a grand banquet at Odd Fellows Temple, prepared by the Woman's Relief Corps. About the noon hour, escorted by the band they marched to the train and left for the west amid a scene of the wildest enthu- siasm. Tuesday, May 10th, the company was mustered into service. Following is the orig- inal roster of Company F, all being from Day- ton except when otherwise mentioned : Chester F. Miller, captain ; Charles A. Booker, first lieutenant ; George B. Dorr, sec- ond lieutenant ; George Wick, first sergeant ; Jesse G. Miller, James Dolan, William H. Dorr, Francis J. Gayman, Claud Becket, ser- geants ; George W. Baldwin, corporal ; John W. Gough, Edward W. Strain, Pomeroy, Fred Taylor, John W. Zebley, Frank L. Sweney, Horace W. Bigelow, Chester A. Mor- ris, Ray W. Thompson, John L. Ditte- more, Albert Ping, Jesse T. Jackson, corpo- rals ; Tracy B. Matzger, wagoner ; Francis M. Boldman, artificer; Walter Smith, musician; Walter Gammon, Pomeroy, musician. Privates — Ernest Armstrong, Lawson Conwell, Pomeroy; Alfred D. Dale, William C. Day, John W. Dennis, George C. Eckler, Virgil E. Embree, David H. Fitzgerald, Charles S. Garner, James M. Henderson, Er- nest A. Holman, Burr W. Hughes, Charles C. Jackson, Guy H. Jones, Charles J. G. Leichte, John J. M. Lyon, Jos. M. Mackey, Pomeroy; Wesley P. McGlothlin, John E. Norton, John T. Patterson, Pomeroy; Henry L. Porter, Thomas D. Petti John, Clarence A. Rowley, John F. Snider, Oliver E. Sherry, Thomas Thomsen, Vancouver; John J. Whitsett, Mar- tin A. Wick, Pomeroy; Nesmith Ankeny, Walla Walla ; Melvin W. Burks, Earl H. Con- well, Pomeroy; Charles C. Diers, Edward B. Dobbs, Hugh Dunning, Arthur R. Elliott, George B. Fargo, Emerson G. Ferguson, Ran- som T. Hammond, Pomeroy; Frederick E. Hicks, Palouse City ; Willis J. Hubbard, Cyrus E. Hull, Pomeroy; William A. James, Frank E. Klingman, Cedar Falls, Iowa ; John C. Liner, George O. Mustard, Robert J. Neal, Lafayette V. Offield, William W. Patrick, Franklin Polin, Puyallup, Frank Ping, Isaac T. Steadman, George W. Sagar, Tacoma; Sidney E. Thompson, Elmer H. Woodworth, William Watson, Wesley F. Dodge. Recruits enlisted June 27th, 1898, at Walla Walla, for Company F, all privates : George W. Boyer, Albert H. Blair, Lars E. Carlson, Robert A. Chrystal, Frank Fay, Charles Hillman, Fred O. Jamerson, Thomas F. McNulty, Charles A. Robbins, William Schlater, Stephen W. Sharpe, Leonard L. Simpson, Oliver C. Thornton, Benjamin Bor- man, Alex Bryant, Edward M. Curley, Wil- liam B. Cook, Walter A. Fay, David O. Far- lin, Reginald H. Horner, Thomas A. Logan, HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. & Andrew Nelson, Egbert G. Rice, Hugh Z. Salnave, Carrel Stephens, Harvey R. Smith, Andrew Wilson. Following is a condensed history of F Company, First Washington Volunteer In- fantry — Enrolled April 26th to April 30th, 1898. Left Dayton April 30th; arrived at Tacoma May 1 st ; mustered in at Camp Rog- ers May 10th; left for San Francisco May 14th, on Steamer Umatilla and arrived May 1 7th ; were quartered at Fontana Barracks and transferred to Angel Island June 6th. Left for Manila October 19th on Steamer Valen- cia ; arrival at Honolulu October 27th, leav- ing November 1st. Arrived at Manila No- vember 22d ; landed and quartered in Bishop's Palace at Paco December 1st; transferred to Santa Ana February 5, 1899, after first battle. Discharged at San Francisco during October, 1898, for business and family reasons, Wil- liam Dorr, sergeant ; Francis M. Boldman, ar- tificer; Wesley P. McGlothlin, Ray W. Thompson, Corporal John C. Siner, Frank Ping, Martin A. Wick. For disability — George Wick, first ser- geant; Guy H. Jones, William C. Day, Oliver E. Sherry. On writ of habeas corpus, being minors and not having parents' consent in writing — Horace W. Bigelow, corporal ; Chester A. Morris, corporal ; Jesse T. Jackson, corporal ; Frank L. Swinney, corporal ; Walter Gam- mon, musician ; Arthur R. Elliott. William W. Patrick. Transferred to regimental band, John D. Dittemore, corporal. Returned from Manila, discharged for dis- ability — C. F. Miller, captain, discharged May 12, 1899; John J. M. Lyon, discharged April 25, 1899; Harvey R. Smith, discharged Sep- tember 6, 1899; William Watson, discharged September 6, 1899. Killed in action April 27, 1899, at Taguig. Edward W. Strain, corporal. Died in Manila of disease — George B. Fargo, April, dysentery; Robert A. Chrystal, August 26th, nephritis. Wounded at Taguig, April 27, 1899 — Charles A. Booker, first lieutenant, slightly; Edward M. Curley, private, slightly ; Harvey R. Smith, private, severely. The company went through the campaign in the Philippines and distinguished them- selves nobly, participating with great credit to the state of Washington in a number of battles and skirmishes. The regiment returned to the states, arriving at San Francisco October 9, 1899. and were soon after mustered out. Those of the company who remained to fight and who joined the Third Regular Infantry were Sergeant Carroll S. Stephens, Corporal Frank Polen and privates Albert H. Blair, Alex Bry- ant, William B. Cook, Edward Curley, George W. Boyer, Charles Hillman, R. H. Horner, David O. Farlin, William Schlatter, S. W. Sharp, L. J. Simpson, Thomas Thomson, An- drew Wilson (killed in action), and O. S. Thornton. Private Thomas A. Logan joined the Thirty-seventh Regular Infantry. Chief Mu- sician L. L. Day enlisted in the Eleventh Cav- alry as chief musician. Privates Fred O. Jamerson and E. B. Dobbs were mustered out in Manila. Concerning the reception accorded these gal lent veterans of the Spanish War the Chronicle of November 10, 1899, said: Never in the history of this city has Dayton so unanimously undertaken to do honor to a man or a company of men, as she did on Monday, November 6th, when a reception was given to Company F, of the First Washington Regiment. Long weeks and months had we waited for our boys' return, and when they did finally arrive we were ready for them — "loaded for bear." Every man, woman and child were at their posts. Never before was Dayton so gaily decorated — every building- smothered in bunting, every pole floating our na- tional emblem, and every citizen wearing a smile. A committee met the company at Portland; a consid- erable delegation met them at Walla Walla, and the 3 68 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. band and two car loads more went so far as Bolles Junction to greet them. Notwithstanding it was Sunday thousands of people from the country had come to bid them welcome, and the depot platform and the street were so crowded that it was with difficulty relatives could make their way through the throng to get to their boys and once more grasp their hands and say "Hallo!" , The parade was headed by the Dayton band, followed by the old soldiers of the Civil War (no distinction now being made between those who wore the blue and those who wore the gray), all proudly marching, pleased to do honor to the younger sol- diers, who like they, had shown to the world that the American soldier can always be depended on to fight for the principles he believes to be right. Then came a long line of the members of the Odd Fellows, Red Men and Woodmen lodges; and last, but not least in numbers, the Dayton public school, some- thing like five hundred, each carrying a flag, and each ready to cheer at short notice. At the court house square the exercises consisted of short speeches, music by the band, and glee club. Judge Godman presided. Hon. S. G. Cosgrove made an address of welcome and Rev. Van Patten offered a prayer most appropriate to the occcasion. This was followed by short speeches by Rev. McCullough Hon. R. F. Sturdevant, Dr. A. Thompson and responses by Sergeant Dolan and Lieutenant J. G. Miller. , Promptly at 6:30 the band and Company F pa- raded from the armory to the banquet hall in the Odd Fellows building their way being lighted throughout by the most brilliant display of fire- works ever witnessed in Dayton. The tables at which were seated the members of the company were, also, graced by the presence of Privates Bar- clay and Price of the Oregon regiment, Dillingham, of the South Dakota regiment and Sergeant Ned Collins of Company I. Following the banquet all adjourned to the main hall where speeches were made in response to the following toasts ; "Our Flag," by Will H. Fouts; "The Anxious Ones at Home," by Hon. J. E. Edmiston; "The Volunteer Soldier." by Hardy E. Hamm. The day will be one long to be remembered in Dayton. Their work as soldiers is done, and now they take up the burdens of citizenship which they laid down when they took up arms at their country's call. Concerning the early church history of Dayton it may be said that services of the Methodist Episcopal Church were held in the school house on the Touchet in 1866 by Rev. W. Calloway, presiding elder, before Dayton sprung up. As the town grew and the denom- ination gained in strength services were held regularly, and a church was fully organized March 20, 1875. The first pastor from the conference was A. J. Joslyn, succeeded by S. G. Havermale, J. D. Flenner and J. B. Ma- hanna. The first trustees were John K. Rain- water, James M. Hunt, George W. Miller, John H. Kennedy and Perry Earl. Reuben Watrous was class-leader and Julia A. Hunt and John K. Rainwater were stewards. A building was erected at a cost of $3,000, and was dedicated May 11, 1875. The first quar- terly meeting on the ground where Dayton now stands, then called Patit, was held by the editor of the Pacific Coast Advocate in the spring of 1 87 1. It was then an appointment on the Waitsburg charge. After the town was platted it soon became the head of a circuit which then included all the country north to Snake river. Rev. A. W. Sweney, of Waitsburg, preached in Dayton for some time, and Sep- tember 6, 1874, organized the Dayton con- gregation of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Those who thus united themselves to- gether were S. L. Gilbreath, Mrs. M. H. Gil- breath, John Long, Sr., John Long, Jr., John Mustard, Warren A. Belcher, Mrs. Celesta Belcher, Mrs. Elizabeth Maynard, J. P. Bow- yer, S. M. Wait, Mrs. Mary Wait, W. A. Newman, J. W. Atcheson, Mrs. Atcheson, T. D. Phelps, Charles Pringle, Mrs. Mary Wat- son, Miss Etta Wait, Miss Dora Long. In the early days of its history the church was ad- ministered to by Revs. A. W. Sweney, R. H. Wills, H. W. Eagan and J. C. Van Patten. The Baptist denomination effected an or- ganization in Dayton and began the work of erecting a house of worship. This was com- pleted in 1878, Rev. J. H. Bristow being then the pastor. It was dedicated on the 22d of September of that year. In the Universalist denomination Rev. A. Morrison organized a parish in the spring of 1876, at Dayton, and Rev. E. A. McAllister HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 369 coming the following summer organized a church and preached to the people the doctrine of the Universalist faith for several years. He was quite popular and had a large congrega- tion. In June, 1878, a Universalist convention was held in Dayton. The society erected a commodious church, the first house of worship in town, which was completed in the spring of t88o at a cost of $2,300. The church mem- bership was, however, subsequently dissolved, and services were no longer continued. Representatives of the Congregational de- nomination organized in Dayton during the late 70's, and services were occasionally held in other churches by Rev. E. \Y. Allen and vis- iting clergymen. Later they erected an edifice of their own. Quite a number of Seventh Day Adven- tists resided in Dayton and vicinity, who organized in 1877, and in 1880 erected a frame church 24x36 feet in size. Ambrose Johnson was the elder. Following are some of the earlier organ- ized fraternal societies of Dayton : Columbia Lodge No. 26. A. F. & A. M. — A dispensation was granted for the formation of a lodge of Masons January 16, 1877. A charter was granted September 27th, and Co- lumbia Lodge was constituted on the nth of October, following. The charter members and first officers were James E. Edmiston, W. M. ; S. M. Wait, S. W. ; S. G. Ellis, J. W. ; John Mustard, T. ; T. H. Crawford, S. ; J. W. Range, S. D. ; John Glazebrook. J. D. ; J. R. Kennedy, tyler; John Rainwater, Isaac Carson, Preston Stedman, George Eckler, H. H. Wolfe, D. C. Guernsey, AY W. Day, Lewis Ritter, C. E. Truax, Henry Bkck. W. H. Boggan, George Hunter. Patit Lodge No. 10, I. O. O. F.— This lodge was organized March 8, 1877, in Day- ton, the charter bearing date the fifth of the preceding February. The charter members and first officers were Lee Searcy, N. G. : L. Ritter, V. G. ; William Hendershott, R. S. ; 24 Robert F. Sturdevant, T. ; W. W. Day and O. C. White. Blue Mountain Lodge No. 28, Ancient Order of United Workmen, was instituted March 27,, 1880, with the following officers : W. H. Kuhn, P. M. W. ; Emil Bories, M. W. ; T. H. DuPuy, G. F. ; J. H. Kennedy, O. ; L. A. Davis, G. ; W. G. Smith, recorder; C. O. Field, F; G. F. Mover, W. J. Alexander, I. W. ; Henry Ihrig, O. W. Home Council No. 6, I. O. O. F. — This council of Chosen Friends was organized under the jurisdiction of the California Inde- pendent Order, April 6, 1882, with 23 charter members and the following officers : T. H. DuPuy, P. C. C. ; J. H. Hosier, C. C. ; J. W. Gray, V. C. ; J. W. Jackson. P.; J. Y. Os- trander, S. ; W. Crosby, F. ; J. T. Burns, T. ; G. J. Hill, M. ; A. C. West, W. ; R. C. Mays, G; David Higgins, S. Dayton Lodge No. 3, Knights of Pythias. This lodge was instituted March 27, 1878, by D. D. G. C. James McAuliff, assisted by members of Ivanhoe Lodge No. 1, of Walla Walla. It was attached to the grand jurisdic- tion of Oregon, until the organization of the Grand Lodge of Washington, six years later. The following were its first officers and char- ter members : W. O. Matzger, P. C. ; D. C. Guernsey, C. C. ; O. C. White, V. C. ; E. A. McAlister, P. ; C. F. McClary, K. of R. and S. ; L. D. Drake, M. of F. ; R. P. Steen, M. of E. ; C. H. Day, M. of A. ; J. W. Rauch, I. G. ; E. R. Burk, O. G. ; I. N. Arment, Emil Bories, Thomas Beall. W H. Boyd, Henry Critchfield, C. N. Clark, L. L. Day, J. N. Fall, A. J. Frary, J. A. Gavitt. L. C. Gilliam, J. W. Jes- see, H. R. Littlefield, Jay Lynch, J. H. Long, I. A. Palmer, R. A. Rowley and J. B. Shrum. Excelsior Lodge No. 21, I. O. G. T. — Dayton Lodge of this temperance order was organized August 5, 1878, with 52 members, W. H. Boyd being W. C. T. ; Ella Wills, W. V. T. ; and George Matzger P. W. C. T. It existed but a few months. March 15, 1879, 370 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. Excelsior Lodge was organized to succeed it by J. N. Crawford, of Waitsburg, with 38 charter members. The officers were : C. N. Clark, W. C. T. ; Ella Wills. W. V. T. ; Ed Singer. W. S. : Hiram Burge, W. F. S. ; Mrs. Tarbox. W. T. ; Mr. McKinney. W. A. S. ; L. Maynard. W. M. ; Miss L. Boggs, W. D. M. ; R. H. Wills. W. P. ; William Robinett. W. I. G.; Joseph Windell. W. 0. G. This lodge held meetings for about two years, and then, owing to lack of interest, ceased to assemble. It was reorganized September 9, 1881, with 32 charter members, retaining the same name and number. Alfred Sully Post No. 2, Grand Army of the Republic, was mustered in at Dayton Janu- ary 27, 1881, with thirty members. The of- ficers were D. C. Guernsey, C. ; J. M. Gale, S. V. C. ; H. H. Wolfe, J. V. C. ; F. G. Frary, chaplain ; G. D. Gibson, A. ; A. J. Dexter, Q. ; W. T. Martin, O. of D. The post a short time afterward lost its charter by failure to properly maintain its organization, but was afterward reorganized and is now in a prosperous condi- tion. • Dayton Turn Verein. — In the spring of 1879 tn e German residents of Dayton organ- ized a society konwn as the Turn Verein for the improvement of its members, both physic- all)- and socially. In 1903 the population of Dayton was given as 2,745. July 11, 1904, Dayton voted to do away with the old Territorial charter under which it had existed for so many years, and begin gov- ernment under the state laws. The vote was 203 in favor, and 123 against the proposed new charter, a majority of 80. There were 403 votes cast at the election, some, however, not recording the charter question, and as it was necessary to obtain a majority of all votes cast at the election, it will be seen that the majority was onlv one. CHAPTER V CITIES AND TOWNS— CONTINUED. Starbuck. In the picturesque valley of the Tucannon is situated this town, surrounded by a fine, ara- ble farming country. At all seasons of the year the stream is a powerful one, and Star- buck possesses a superior water power. The junction of the Tucanon with the Snake river is at old Fort Taylor, otherwise Grange City. Three and one-half or four miles above is Starbuck. Here the Tucanon forms an elbow and is joined by a spring branch coming in from the Alto canyon, giving a fine expanse of rich bottom land and forming a natural lo- cation for a town. On both sides of the river it is surrounded by hills of about the average height of 600 feet, which shelter the bottom lands from the bleak winds of winter, making it a promising district for fruit growers. The Tucanon river lands, like those of the Snake, are noted for their fine fruit producing quali- ties. There are rich farming lands on the sur- rounding hills — lands which the settlers have discovered are valuable for other pursuits than merely stock grazing. This is the second largest town in Colum- bia county. While, as stated above, it is sur- rounded by rich agricultural lands, it owes its prosperity principally to the fact that it is a "railroad" town on the main line of the Oregon 1 Dayton, county seat of Columbia county Oldest Building now standing in Columbia County Erected in October, 1862, by G. W. Miller on his homestead one-half mile east of Dayton. The framing timbers were white fir hewed out in the mountains; the lumber was common pine sawed with a whip saw, and the shingles were white fir riven and shaved. All of the material came from what is now known as the Eckler Mountain. The roof of this building is fairly -well preserved with only a f ew leaks ; the timber and lumber are -well preserved at this date. Fall of 1905. HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 371 Railroad & Navigation Company's road, and the western terminus of the Pomeroy branch. It was with the completion of this road to Grange City that Starbuck came into existence. The first mention of the place in newspapers was in the Columbia Chronicle of December 24, 1886, as follows: "We are informed that Colonel George Hunter has received the appointment as agent of the Oregon Railroad & Navigation Com- pany at Starbuck Station, with a fair salary. This station is about three miles from Grange City and Colonel Hunter still retains the care of the latter." In August, 1882, the railroad company had a large warehouse and section house at Starbuck, and were considering the erection of a depot. And the people were then demand- ing a store and blacksmith shop. Gradually a small town reared itself in the wilderness, but it was not until the completion of the Pomeroy branch that Starbuck assumed any particular importance. August 20, 1887, fire destroyed the depot building, freight warehouse and Mc- intosh Brothers' store and warehouse, to- gether with a number of other smaller build- ings. Two years later quite a number of new structures were erected to accommodate in- coming immigration. October 4, 1890. a cor- respondent of the Columbia Chronicle wrote as follows : "One year ago I visited this place. All that were here was one or two dwellings, one store, an old dilapidated building used as a school room, and Mrs. M. Mcintosh was then building a house in which she expected to feed a few passengers bound to and from Pomeroy that were compelled to lay over for the through train. But now this is the end of a railroad division and a great change has come over Starbuck. Now I find a roundhouse con- taining seven stalls, a machine shop, a forge, a turn table, sand house, two section houses and an agent's house and telegraph office open day and night, all improvements of the Oregon Railroad and Navigation Company. There are employed on the various trains, in the shops and in the yard 79 men." In addition to the number of business houses erected in the autumn of 1890, there were five or six residences built and "several more under contract. There was, also, a fine school building recently completed, two hotels and a saloon. In January, 1892, Starbuck was in a most hopeful condition. It had recently been de- cided by a committee of the Presbyterian church to erect a $3,000 edifice. It was pur- posed, also, to bond the school district in the sum of $5,000 for a new school building. Early on the morning of May 18, 1893, Starbuck was assailed by a most disastrous fire. The roundhouse of the Oregon Railroad & Navigation Company was discovered ablaze. From here the flames spread to the machine shops, oil tanks and coal bunkers, and all were destroyed. Thirteen locomotives went through the fire and were considerably damaged. It was estimated that the railroad company's loss was half a million dollars. No private prop- erty was burned. With the advent of the historical "hard times" of 1893 to 1896 Starbuck did not suffer so heavily as her sister towns. This was owing to the fact that her industrial prosperity de- pended more on the railroad company's pay- roll than it did on its superior agricultural en- vironments, in this respect much resembling Pasco, Franklin county. December 30, 1893. an optimistic correspondent of the Columbia Chronicle penned the following: "Although dullness and destitution, accord- ing to all accounts, have wantonly scattered the most utter dismay throughout all parts of the Union, it is a blessing to know that there is vet one place left which has so far escaped the polluting stain of depression. And that one place is the thriving little town of Starbuck, which nestles in the beautiful valley where glides the clear, sparkling stream of Tucanon, 372 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. as it swiftly flows on its winding conrse through the towering cliff of the classic Snake river. Here no lamentations or calamity whin- ing are heard. * * * Work upon the roundhouse is being pushed along more forci- bly. About sixty men are now employed upon it and as soon as the rock work is raised a few inches above the surface it is expected that the force will be increased to double the number on the brick work. Town property is steadily advancing in price and the railroad employees are investing in it pretty lively. Several new buildings are to be constructed before long." In October, 1893, plans and specifications for new machine shops and roundhouse were received at Starbuck. Consequently the citi- zens were happy ; work on the proposed new buildings was commenced at once. April 14, 1894, the new structures were under cover and the motive power of the shops placed in posi- tion. The townsite of Starbuck was platted June 1, 1894. by Mary Mcintosh. Wooden's addi- tion was platted October 21, 1897. In Sep- tember, 1895, the town had one general mer- chandise store, E. M. Aeils & Company; one' grocery store, D. Leach ; one cigar and to- bacco store, Callahan & Walters ; one saloon, by Russell Brothers ; a butcher shop, by J. S. Pearson & Company; a drug store, by Dr. A. M. Baker; one restaurant, Peter Bosler; two hotels, the Mcintosh and Pearson Houses ; one boot and shoe store, by A. Bumgardener ; a tailor shop, James Calross ; one blacksmith shop, M. Stevens, and a livery stable, by A. Douglas. December 28, 1895, a Chronicle correspondent said : "A week ago last Friday business called me to Starbuck, and although 1 am quite a fre- quent visitor to that thriving little burg, I am always surprised by seeing new buildings under construction. Seven years ago there was not more than ten houses in the town, and no church building, and but a shabby little coun- try school building. Now there are at least 150 dwellings, mostly cottages of modest de- sign. The Presbyterians have a nice church building. The Methodists are erecting a church." In March, 1896, the citizens of Starbuck were considerably disturbed by rumors that the headquarters of the Oregon Railroad & Navigation Company would, by the 1st of April, be removed — together with the division,, to Walla Walla. But April 4 Mr. J. M. Mc- intosh, of Starbuck, arrived in Dayton, where he released the cheering information that the people of Starbuck need not feel alarmed, as it was quite certain that the railroad shops would remain with them unless — a highly improb- able contingency — Walla Walla would put up. the sum of $100,000 to secure their removal. The shops remained in Starbuck. The census of 1900 credited the town of Starbuck with a population of 215. Many new buildings were being erected in various parts of the village, and other improvements- made which were quite in contrast to the lack of enterprise exhibited the year previous. In December, 1903, a petition was pre- sented to the county commissioners, signed by 66 residents of Starbuck, asking for the privi- lege of voting on the question of incorpora- tion. In this petition the boundary lines were indefinitely described, and in consequence the matter was postponed by the board. This de- fect in the petition, however, was adjusted, the commissioners granted the request of the- petitioners, and the election was held Febru- ary 29, 1904. The incorporation proposition was lost by a vote of 50 to 35, despite the- fact that 66 legal voters had signed the peti- tion. Its defeat was ascribed to the fact that some of the most valuable property in town was left outside the proposed city limits. This property included the Oregon Railroad & Nav- igation Company's shops. Dr. Pierzycki's mill property, the warehouse, etc. The railroad property was left out simply because the citi- zens feared that the influence of the company HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 373 would defeat the movement, yet for this very reason many who would otherwise have voted for the incorporation, opposed it. Two years later, however, Starbuck was incorporated as a city of the fourth class as the result of a special election held on September 9, 1905, when 51 votes were cast for incor- poration and 33 against. The following were •elected officers of the city; W. E. Sprout, mayor; J. H. Walters, treasurer; C. A. Black- man, John Roddy, Frank Actor, W. F. Gard- ner and M. Ray, councilmen. At the time of the incorporation the town had a population ■of about 400. COVELLO. For several years before the foundation of Covello the settlement in the vicinity was known as Pioneer. In 1882 Messrs. Wulzen and Schroder, two San Francisco gentlemen, erected a large store in Pioneer. A petition was circulated for a postoffice. At about the same period the proprietors of the townsite announced that no land would be conveyed to persons who wished to sell whisky. In No- vember of the same year the name "Covello" was finally accepted for the new town. A pe- tition for a postoffice, containing fifty names, was forwarded to Washington, D. C. But it was not until May, 1883, that the office was es- tablished with F. G. Wulzen as postmaster. Lots 40x120 feet were selling at this period for from $1 per front foot to $100 apiece. Following is a Daytonite's description of Co- vello, published December 10, 1887: "At Covello we stopped just long enough for the driver to set up the drinks for his horses and exchange the mail. In this place there is plenty of room for breathing. The high walls on either side of Main street, and the spaces Detween the postoffice, blacksmith shop, stable, school house and one or two dwellings, is chiefly built of breathing material. There is no doubt that Covello will be a great town some day, i. e.. when the world gets hard up for a place to build a town. Its natural ad- vantages are many, in fact, there is nothing but nature in its rawest state there.'' May 2, 1884, the townsite of Covello was surveyed but not until February 2, 1889, was the plat recorded. It was platted by John H. Putnam, and consisted of nine blocks. During the period including portions of 1889 and 1890, while G. W. Hunt was building his line of railroad in eastern Washington and Oregon, the people of Covello made earnest attempts to secure an extension of the Dayton branch to their town. Several mass meetings were held and inducements offered Mr. Hunt to comply with their wishes. In the current his- tory will be found additional particulars con- cerning the long drawn-out effort to get a railroad line into Covello, and the disappoint- ing failure of the same. Steadily year by year the town continued to improve. In October, 1891, it had a steam planer and chop mill, two blacksmith shops, a store, shoemaker, a number of residences, some of which are quite pretentious, a school house and flattering prospects for the erection of a Southern Methodist Epis- copal church. During the spring of 1889 Co- vello was agitated by a "boom," though of limited proportions. The cause was the rather uncertain conditions concerning railway pro- jects. The intentions of the Oregon Railroad & Navigation Company as regarded extension of its line were decidedly indefinite. At first it was surmised that the road was to be built to Delaney, thus making the main line of the road pass through the ceiiter of Columbia county. Later it appeared to be the intention of the company to extend the road from Day- ton to Covello, making that town the terminus. As a result a number of Dayton business houses established branch store at Covello. This accounts for the prosperity and "boom" of 1889, yet all this time the Oregon Railroad & Navigation Company was playing fast and 374 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. loose with the hopes of Covello's citizens; tied up completely by a "community of inter- ests" agreement with the Northern Pacific Railway Company. Although the O. R. & N. road was graded to Covello, it was never ironed ; the reason for this is fully told in the current history. The town of Turner, north of Covello, secured the coveted railroad extension from Dayton. But the enterprising town still is, and, probably, always will be, an eligible trading point for settlers in its vicinity. In 1900 the population of the town was 107. HUNTSVILLE. This is a small village just within the southern border of Columbia county, three miles above Waitshurg. It is situated on the Oregon Railroad & Navigation, and the "Washington & Columbia River Railroads and the Touchet river. Since its foundation this town has ever been noted as a lawabiding place and largely devoted to educational mat- ters. Its growth is somewhat retarded by its proximity to places of considerable municipal importance. During the winter of 1878-9 the sum of $10,000 was secured by subscription from members of the United Brethren denomina- tion. The purpose of this subscription was the creation of an endowment fund for the future establishment of a university. The manager of the enterprise was B. J. Hunt. In connec- tion with John Fudge he donated ninety acres of land for a townsite. This property was on the Touchet river. A millsite was also do- nated by G. T. Pollard, the total land dona- tion being valued at $5,000. Forty acres of this land were platted into blocks and town lots, and given the name of Huntsville. In the center of the town six acres were reserved for the college building. This was erected in 1879, a two-story edifice to accommodate about 150 students, together with a flouring mill. Quite a population gathered around these enterprises. The seminary building was named the Washington Institute, in which school was opened November 4, 1879. In May, 1880, quite a number of new buildings were added to the town; the college roll of membership continued to increase in size. The townsite of Huntsville was surveyed in 1878, but the plat was not recorded until January 17, 1882, by W. C. Gallaher, presi- dent of Washington Institute. The town now consisted of a mill, college, store, market, post- office, blacksmith shop and a number of resi- dences. The "boom'' period of Huntsville oc- curred in 1888. September 15, of that year, a correspondent of the Chronicle said : "Before three weeks the number of houses in Huntsville will be doubled. No such growth has ever been known. The improvements be- gan with the seminary." February, 23, 1889, the Inlander added the following : "A visitor to Huntsville just now will find that aspiring little educational coterie not at all affected by the supreme dullness which per- vades the larger cities just previous to the opening of spring. The dispensing of knowl- edge being the principal occupation of the hamlet, winter here usually presents more ani- mation than does the summer time. The pub- lic school, under the efficient superintendency of Prof. R. O. Hawks, is rapidly advancing to the front, while the visitor to the seminary is impressed with an air of originality and inde- pendence which overspreads all connected with that institution. Prof. W. S. Walker is the well-known head of this latter school. Then there is the large establishment of the Farmers' Mercantile Company, which seems to be doing a good business in spite of the quiet times of the country about. J. H. Richard- son, proprietor of the flouring mill, has spent several thousand dollars in improvements within the past year, and now boasts that his flour cannot be beaten in the northwest. J. W. Goodlake, the good-natured town blacksmith, HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 37 "5 can always be found at his shop with a pleas- ant word and ready hand." November 20, 1897, another period of in- dustrial activity set in. The Chronicle said : "Huntsville is on the boom. The liberal faction of the United Brethren in Christ, hav- ing gained full accession of the property in this place, have put their shoulders to the wheel and are now giving it a lift and they are going to make it go, too. The seminary school is in operation with quite a number en- rolled. A number of residences have already changed hands, new families moving in and everything is on the move for prosperity. The public school is also on docket with a large number of scholars." MARENGO. A most beautiful and picturesque location has this town on a green flat on the right bank of the Tucanon. On each side the hills are precipitous, and this is, in fact, the only draw- back ; it renders the hauling of heavy loads to and from town an enterprise of considerable difficulty. The most interesting portion of the early history of the town of Marengo has been re- lated in the current history chapters of this work relating to Columbia county. When the town was formed it was laid out on the land which had been settled upon in the early 50' s by Louis Raboin, and was named in his honor, he being konwn by all the early pioneers by the name of Marengo. For the -story of the founding of this town and the causes that led to it the reader is referred back to the current county history, which treats of the countyseat contest of 1876. The election which was held in November of that year, resulted in the de- feat of Marengo for countyseat honors by a vote of 418 to 300, and with this election fell the hopes of the founders of the new town of building a metropolis on the Tucanon. But the energetic grangers decided to build a mill despite the loss of official honor. The Columbia Council, Patrons of Husbandry, was formed by seven granges in the county; a joint stock company, under the management of three representatives from each grange. In the spring of 1877 work was begun, a mill, with two run of stone and a capacity of fifty barrels of flour per clay was completed at a cost of $16,000. Around this industrial en- terprise a small town sprung up and a postof- fice was established in 1878. The Patrons' Flouring Mill Company was incorporated in 1879, R. P. Steen, president; A. L. Sanford, secretary, and Thomas Throssell, treasurer. May 29, 1876, the Marengo townsite was platted by John Silcott, but the platt was not recorded until February 23, 1878. It com- prised seventeen blocks. The postoffice of Burksville in Columbia county, had been tem- porarily removed to Marengo. It was broadly intimated by the Chronicle that "if the people of Burksville. want their office continued they must recommend a suitable person for post- master before April 1, 1880, or the office will be discontinued." In May, i88i,> there was in Marengo the following business establishments : A flouring mill, two hotels, one store, one blacksmith shop, one saloon and two livery stables. There was maintained a good school with an attend- ance of forty scholars. Colonel Frank T. Gil- bert, who published a history of the counties of southeastern Washington in 1882, described Marengo as follows at that time : "Marengo has now a flouring mill, a furni- ture factory, a store, a blacksmith shop, a hotel (formerly two), a saloon, a fine school house, a number of dwelling houses and a pop- ulation of about seventy souls. The school is an excellent one, and is attended by about fifty scholars." During the earlier days of Marengo's his- tory it was an enthusiastic grange settlement ; its sole organization at that period. was Pataha Grange, Patrons of Husbandry. This was 3/6 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY organized January 25, 1882, with the follow- ing officers : John E. Steen, M. ; John Agee, O. ; Thomas Throssell, L. ; Willard Bounds, S.; J. C. Wells, A. S. ; F. S. Gowen, C. ; Homer Bounds, T. ; Thomas Reynolds, sec- retary; Willis Hall, G. K. ; Mrs. W. Hall, C. ; Mrs. F. S. Gowan, P.; Mrs. John Agee, F. ; Mrs. Thomas Trossell, L. A. S. In December, 1882, Marengo postoffice was discontinued, but an effort was made to reverse this and, August 6, 1883, jt was re- established with Isaac M. Waldrip as post- master. The first destructive fire occurred in Marengo December 13, 1880. The livery sta- ble and saloon were burned. There was no wind, and it was owing to this fact that the little town was not wiped out. May 3, 1884, the Chronicle said : "Marengo, Dayton's almost successful rival for countyseat honors a few years ago, is now but a 'deserted village." comparatively. The flouring mill built by the grange organization, lies idle, the monument of many dollars sunk by our farmers in the vain attempt to build up a business with the details of which they were not familiar. A 'wayside inn' feed stable and blacksmith shop now comprise all the 'business houses' in the place. May 16, 1891, the Chronicle observed, sa- piently: "But Marengo has more water power to the square inch than any other town of its size in the state. The old mill that was established years ago, through the grange movement, is fast going to decay, but it has answered a pur- pose and still stands as a reminder not to put too much trust in political shysters and would- be reformers. The blacksmiths and saloon men have retired from business and left Mr. Short in full charge of a monoply of the busi- ness of the place. Mr. Short runs a store, has the finest residence and is the only man in town who affords a bay window." The census of 1900 gave Marengo a popu- lation of 79 people. TURNER. This is the most youthful town in Colum- bia county, named after Benjamin Turner, upon whose ranch the townsite was located. It came into existence in 1902, when the Oregon Railroad & Navigation Company extended its line from Dayton to that point. The townsite was surveyed in December, 1901, and the plat recorded January 17, 1902, by B. M. Turner. In January, 1902, the railroad company constructed sidings and a turn table, and it was anticipated that warehouses would soon be erected and that some enterprising merchant would found a store. At that period it had been generally conceded that Turner would remain the terminus of the branch railway line for a few months, and possibly for a series of years. It was, also, thought at that time the people of Covello, despairing of securing rail- road facilities, would flock to Turner, which some of them did. During the fall and winter of 1903 a little village began to bloom on the townsite of Turner. One of the handsomest school build- ings in Columbia county was erected, and a boarding house, store, blacksmith shop, etc., became institutions of the new town. And that is about the condition of the town today. GRANGE CITY. The merchants of Dayton and grain shippers in that vicinity began to forward and receive freight at the mouth of the Tucanon, on Snake river, in the spring of 1873. Here connection was made with the boats of the Oregon Steam Navigation Company. There were erected a small warehouse, supplemented in 1875 w i tn another more commodious. Farmers organized the the Grange Warehouse Company in the spring of 1876, building a structure 40x80 feet in size ; the one built the year previous being 20x40 feet. This place the business men named, appropriately, Grange HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 377 City, and as special arrangements had been effected with the' Oregon Steam Navigation Company to encourage shipping at this point, the town was considered of no little import- ance. Forty men attended an old-fashioned ""raising" on May 25, together with many ladies, and the day was devoted to general jollification. To facilitate shipping a wharf boat was constructed. In the current history chapters on Colum- bia county it has been told how, at this spot, in 1858, at the mouth of the Tucanon, a forti- cation had been hastily erected and named Fort Taylor. In the grange movement in 1875 Colonel George Hunter became a force, and that year he canvassed among the grangers and business men for means wherewith to erect a warehouse at the site of old Fort Taylor. The colonel was eminently successful ; Grange City came into existence. We quote from Hunter's book, "Reminescences of an Old Timer :" At that time the mouth of the Tucanon was the handiest and nearest shipping point for Columbia county, and the western portion of what is now Gar- field county; and the building of warehouses at this point Cwhich we christened Grange City the night we arrived there to commence work), was regarded at the time as an experiment. But it was believed it would lead to the navigation of Snake river for at least nine months in the year, whereas previously boats had been run only during the high water; about three months in the year. The hopes of those who started the enterprise were fully realized, and it was soon demonstrated that instead of three months, the river could be navi- gated for nine or ten months, and instead of 120-ton boats those of 450 tons capacity could be run part of the time, and were used until the Oregon Rail- road & Navigation Company's railroad was com- pleted to Riparia. above the most dangerous of the rapids. Then the road, having tapped the grain producing section — which had theretofore been tributary to Grange City- — and furnished more rapid tran- sit to the same points, virtually killed the river trade for a distance of over 200 miles. About half a mil- lion bushels of grain are annually shipped by this railroad, which is raised in the section for which Grange City was formerly the only accessible ship- ping point. , Grange City thrived, as Colonel Hunter says, as an important shipping point for sev- eral years, but in 1881 its glory faded with the completion of a railroad to Dayton and an- other to Texas Ferry, a few miles above on the Snake river. At this period, when Grange City was in its full fruit and flower, the Chron- icle published the following September, 25, 1880: "This burg contains six buildings used for warehouse purposes, two dwellings, two fam- ilies, one livery and feed stable, one blacksmith shop, one hotel, one saloon and one of the finest water privileges in the Territory. An- other hotel and saloon will be in operation as soon as the necessary buildings can be com- pleted. It is also expected that the steam ferry will be running before snow flies. Lots are selling for $50 each, and those in choice loca- tions are held at $150. Upon the completion of the railroad Grange City will enjoy a business boom (?) as encouraging as it is un- expected. Yet the advent of the railroad resulted most disastrously to the fondest aspirations of the town. The plat of the townsite was recorded during the year 1881, and September 8, 1883, the Starbuck correspondent of the Columbia Chronicle related in cold print the decline and fall of Grange City: "We very often hear the name of Grange City mentioned, and by many who may know but little of its surroundings or situation. The name and place sprung into existence under the impluse of the moment and has as rapidly declined; although it was once alive with human voices and industry, it is now reduced to one house and no inhabitants, and has once more become the summer resort of cayuses, coyotes and rattlesnakes. So Grange City mav be termed nothing more than a nom de 378 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. plume of a non-existant city which is sunk in deepest monotony." ALTO. This is a railroad station on the summit of the divide between Whetstone Hollow and the Tucanon. It is located on section 31, town- ship n, north range 38, east, and is about -leven or twelve miles northwest from Dayton. In December, 1882, the place consisted of an O. R. & N. woodyard (exclusively for the company's use), in which were about 450 cords. This was in charge of one man. Plans were being made, however, for the erection of a depot there. In October of that year the postoffice was discontinued. April 27, 1903, the town suffered from a most disastrous blaze, which the Chronicle reported as fol- lows : "Alto, the high point on the Oregon Rail- road & Navigation line, was wiped out by a fire which started Monday afternoon April 27, about 2 130 o'clock. With the destruction of a depot, a section house, an elevator and four warehouses, only one warehouse remains as the station of Alto. Eight thousand bushels of barley in the elevator were destroyed. With the exception of the depot and section house the other buildings belonged to the Pacific Coast Elevator Company. The grain in the elevator is said to have been the property of the farmers in that vicinty. All the property is believed to have been covered by insurance. The total damage is estimated at $20,000. The fire was supposed to have been set from a spark from the engine of train No. 7, which passed through Alto at 2 :30 p. m. Monday. The section foreman, his family and the crew are said to have been the only residents of the town." At present Alto contains a number of ware- houses, and is simply a station on the O. R. &N. BURKSVTLLE. A place by this name once existed in Colum- bia county. It was located on the southwest quarter of section 27, township 40, east of range 11, north, not a great distance from Marengo. In 1874 Marshall B. Burk settled there and a postoffice was established in the spring of 1875, with Mr. Burk as postmaster. It accommodated between 60 and 70 settlers residing in the vicinity of the Tucanon valley. A small store was also opened by Mr. Burk, over which he presided a few years. A post- office having been established at Marengo in 1878, the Burksville office was discontinued the following year. Mr. Burk sold out his property to S. J. Lowe in 1881. NEW YORK BAR. New York Bar, located on Snake river, some distance above Texas Ferry, was quite an im- portant shipping" point in the early days, the grain raised in a large section of country lying north and east of the Tucanon, including the towns of Pomeroy and Pataha City, being shipped from this point, before the advent of railroads into the country. The Oregon Rail- road & Navigation Company had a warehouse there and a regular agent was employed to look after the company's interests. The most important item in the history of this place was the murder of Eli H. Cummins, which resulted in one lynching, one legal execution and the death in jail of another of the assassins, a full account of which is published in the current history of the county. OTHER PLACES. Perry is a postoffice in the extreme north- western corner of the county, opposite the mouth of the Palouse river. This office was established in August, 1881. when Daniel Lyons was postmaster. HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 379 Gross is a postoffice in the southern part of the county in the Blue Mountains. Delaney is a station on the Pomeroy branch of the O. R. & N. Longs is a station midway between Dayton and Huntsville. on both the O. R. & N, and W. &C. R. Railways. Here are located two or three warehouses and a mill, and it ships considerable grain. In the early pioneer days it was quite an important place, the first flouring mill in the county being located there in 1866. It was then known as Milton Mills. CHAPTER VI DESCRIPTIVE. The soil of any country is its practical foundation. It is. therefore, appropriate that in a description of one of the best counties in eastern Washington it should be introduced with a non-technical description of its soil. A rolling plain is the greater portion of the area of Columbia county. Perhaps to the newly arrived settler the succession of hills and valleys which greet his sight may prove disappointing, and more especially so should he have recently left the monotonous flat surfaces and wide per- spectives of the Dakotas and some portions of Minnesota. While these undulations form a rough, yet attractive picture, when viewed from an eminence, suggesting a heavy rolling sea, the immigrant looks upon such scenery not without a certain degree of depression. Yet this very homeseeker is destined to learn, to his surprise, that the highest hilltops and slopes produce equally with the lands in the richest valleys, or "flats," as the larger ones are called, and that farm machinery of every kind is worked upon them with equal facility, and this sentiment of disappointment is grad- ually dispelled. Its place is supplied with one of wonder at the immense resources with which nature has so generously endowed the fair country which he has come thousands of miles to view. The soil, like that of the greater portion of eastern Washington, is a volcanic ash. a rich, dark loam of great depth, overlying a clay subsoil, resting upon basaltic formation. Its durability, like that of the soil of the Big Bend country, is unlimited ; it never washes ; is free from rocks and gravel, and is easily broken and pulverized. In this connection we desire to quote Mark \Y. Harrington, ex- chief of the United States Weather Bureau. In speaking of soil identical with that of Co- lumbia county, in eastern Washington, he says : "The soil is very fertile. It seems to be a kind which is perpetually fertile. In the whole world I only know of one locality which has a similar soil. That is the north of China, in the two provinces of Shansi and Stensi. west of Pekin. This is the original home of the Chi- nese, from which they spread out over the rest of "China. The soil is wonderfully fertile, for. though it has been cultivated for 4.000 years, it remains unchanged and to me this soil seems to be the same, from which I am led to believe it is inexhaustible. Another characteristic of the soil is the small fall of water required to raise crops." As a rule the Columbia county soil is deep before hard-pan, gravel or bedrock is reached: the black loam, or subsoil being usually found to be from eight to ten feet deep. This pro- vides unlimited nourishment and moisture for growing crops on the surface. Another pe- 3 8o HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. culiarity that will strike the eastern visitor with surprise, is the indubitable fact that the hill and rolling lands are the most productive so far as tested, although there is no indica- tion at present of the valley lands having lost any of their original vitality. Says the Colum- bia Chronicle of August, 24, 1878: "A gentleman who has analyzed the lands, gives it as his opinion that a rotation of crops of the same kind for generations will not im- poverish the majority of the rolling lands of Columbia county. His theory is that the depth of the soil is so great, and the great strength of the strata of alkali usually found on the bed- rock will always have a tendency to rise to the surface ; affording the natural properties for ce- reals of all kinds. In our opinion in time to come eastern Washington will be the breadbasket of the world. As a wheat producing country it now has no superior, and when the fetters of transportation are loosened and commercial outlets opened to the Sound, then the grand- ness of this country will be realized. In con- versation with Hon. L. L. Williams, of Rose- burg, Oregon, said he : 'Roseburg is one of the lively, flourishing towns of Oregon, but im- mediately surrounding Dayton is more than twenty times the amount of rich agricultural land than surrounds Roseburg." It is a fact. People wonder why Walla "Walla. Dayton, Colfax, Waitsburg, Pomeroy and a score of small towns flourish so rapidly. A rich agri- cultural country backs them, and not a limited area of country, but reaching hundreds of miles in all sections. This is destined to be a great country." The soil of Columbia county is impregnated with a sufficient quantity of alkali to form a natural fertilizer ; it is, and has been, culti- vated year after year without apparent loss of any of its productive qualities. With or with- out moisture this peculiar soil continues to produce large crops, crops of nearly twice the average of the most productive of the eastern grain states. Occasionally the summer record of this county shows an absence of precipita- tation from May until after harvest, although this is not by any means the rule, yet this cli- matic condition does not materially affect the yield. And this, too, it should be understood, is is a country devoid of artificial irrigation. The porus soil absorbs, from the atmosphere suf- ficient moisture to insure regular returns for the labor of the husbandman. The nature and thoroughness of cultivation have much to do with the relative productiveness of this soil. With ordinary care in plowing and sowing the yield per acre will not fall below from twenty to thirty-five bushels per acre; with a higher, more scientific cultivation the yield may be increased to between forty and fifty bush- els, and in either case without artificial fertil- ization. No signs of deterioration in the pro- ductive quality of Columbia county lands have been observed, some of which lands have been cropped from twenty to thirty years. In its virgin condition this land is covered with a heavy groxyth of bunch grass. Upon this, stock thrives in all seasons. Strange as it may appear, in the face of later developments, the earlier settlers in southeastern Washington really believed that only the valley lands were suitable for agricultural purposes. The editor of the Washington Statesman, Walla Walla, in January, 1862, in glancing at the existing opportunity for gathering wealth from the products of the soil, observed : "It is lament- able that our extent of agricultural land is so limited; yet those who may be so fortunate as to secure farms within any of the valleys that skirt the gold range will be sure of prosperity." This was a hastily formed theory which facts have long since demolished. It is now known, the test having been ap- plied for years, that the hill lands are more productive so far as grain is concerned, than are the lands lying along the streams. It is in this peculiarity that the soil of eastern Wash- ington so widely differs from that of eastern and middle western states. In was in 1864 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 38i that the discovery was made that the hill lands would produce grain. Fifty acres of it was sowed by a farmer whose name is not enrolled in the archives of Columbia county, at least not in this connection, in 1863, and in the fall he cropped 1,650 bushels of wheat, an average of thirty-two bushels an acre — heavier far than that of any grain producing district in the Mississippi or Missouri valleys. In 1880 the United States Census Bureau returned the following crop record of Colum- bia, Garfield and Asotin counties, the bulk of which was grown in Columbia county. It in- cludes, let it be noted carefully, and due weight given to the fact, volunteer crops, spring sowed grain and the product from the poorest as well as the best land. Grain. Acres. Bushels. Barley 3,88 1 180,015 Buckwheat 6 50 Indian corn 616 13,880 Oats 3.218 150,232 Rye Wheat T 7> 2 74 4 2 5.§79 Wheat average per acre, 24.63 bushels. December 17, 1896, the Columbia Courier said : "Columbia county land is especially adapted to fruit raising, apples, peaches, pears, plums, prunes, apricots, cherries and small fruits all seem natural to this climate, and all kinds of berries known to the horticulturist ma- ture here quickly and yield most bountifully. Apple trees bear in three and four years, peach trees bear the second and third year, prunes and plums also bear early and in great profu- sion. The different varieties of prunes in this section equal those of Italy and Turkey. Our berries, for size and flavor, are unsurpassed. The size of the strawberry is phenomenal. The crops of this berry have yielded sums varying from $200 to $700 per acre. The market east of us is large, especially in the mining districts of Idaho and Montana. The great distributing points of St. Paul, Minneap- olis, Duluth and Chicago will afford a mar- ket for thousands of carloads of fruits. We claim, and results appear to justify our claim,, that the cooler winter climate of this valley ma- tures the wood of fruit trees and vines better than the comparatively frostless winters in southern California, thereby producing fruit of finer flavor and superior keeping quality. Snake river cherries and peaches are pro- claimed by Chicago fruit merchants as the best received from any section. We claim we can- not overstock the market with well selected va- rieties well shipped. Not more than one-fifth of the land of Co- lumbia county is unsuitable for cultivation. The one-fifth is broken and mountainous, the last being heavily timbered. The water courses head in the Blue Mountains, which form the southeastern portion of the county, and this water supply is ample. The principal streams are the Touchet, the Patit — a tribu- tary of the Touchet — and the Tucanon. After leaping forth from the mountains the general trend of the streams is westerly. There are a number of lofty, rolling hills, although between the streams high pleateaus gradually slope to- ward the north and west. The Touchet courses through Dayton,. Huntsville, Waitsburg, Prescott and other places before losing itself in the channel of the Walla Walla river. The Touchet has three principal forks , respectively known as the North Fork, or main Touchet, sometimes re- ferred to as the Hompegg Fork, and the South Touchet. The Wolfe's Fork joins the main Touchet about six miles above Dayton; the South Touchet unites with it about two miles above the town. It is a pure, sparkling moun- tain stream for twenty-five or thirty miles and is the home of the trout family. The mullet and mud turtle find their habitat in the lower part of the stream, which is more sluggish. On the upper fringe of the town of Dayton the stream flows along the base of a precipitous bluff of solid basalt. This elevation rises al- 3 82 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. most perpendicular to a lofty altitude, and then slopes gradually away to a pleateau of rich farming land. Fourteen miles above Dayton are Hompegg Falls, on the. main fork of the stream. Here a large spring bursts from the mountain side, and on its course flows over a steep, rocky slope, forming the falls. As the water, clear and cold, rushes across the rocks it is beaten into a foam resembling an enormous white ostrich plume against a background of dark green foliage. This is, indeed, a favored spot for campers, and the luxuriant shade, the crystal water and numerous other picturesque attractions are heartily welcome to those seeking the rustic enjoyment of an outing dur- ing the heated term of summer. The name Touchet was given to the stream by the French trappers attached to the Hudson's Bay Com- pany. The following "Ode to the Touchet," by one "Broncho Jim." was published in the Columbia Chronicle : "Roll on. thou sweet river, Roll on to the sea, From the blue mantled mountains In wild, splashing glee. From there let thy water Bespangle thy way, Down the green Touchet valley With beautiful spray. "Where down through the city, The pride of the west, Thy invincible motion The mills there attest. With powers so mighty, Thy fall is so great, Thy bright, copious waters Enhances the state. "Then roll, crystal river, In force to the sea; May thy force in your snow caps Forever be free. For life from thy bosom Thou givest to the glade, Like a fond, loving mother Who nurtures her babe." A tributary of the Snake river is the Tu- canon, upon whose banks is situated the town of Marengo. "Tucanon" is a Nez Perce word meaning "abundance of bread root," or "bread root creek." This root is called by them "Kowsh." It flows northwesterly from the Blue Mountains, near the line between Gar- field and Columbia counties. Another stream, the Patit, joins the Touchet at Dayton. Patit, or properly, Pat-tit-ta, is a Nez Perce word signifying "Bark creek." The story has gained some credence that the river Tucanon was so named because of an incident which, it has been alleged, took place on the banks of that stream when the Lewis and Clark party passed through in 1806. According to the story the Lewis- Clark party, being closely pursued by In- dians, were obliged to abandon and bury two of their cannon on the banks of the Tucanon. So far as known no buried cannon were ever found in the vicinity, but the principal reason for not believing such a "yarn" lies in the fact that the heaviest ordnance Lewis and Clark carried with them was flint lock muskets and single-barreled pistols, and even these were not needed, as the Indians in the vicinity were friendly and assisted the explorers on many occasions. This story was put on its travels in 1883 by a gentleman who was touring Ore- gon and Washington at that time and who wrote of this bit of interesting but wholly un- founded history to as eastern paper. He was, undoubtedly, the victim of some practical joker. From the banks of all these streams rise steep walls of reddish, basaltic rock. These valleys were made either by earthquakes far back in the dim perspective of time, or by the erosion of unnumbered aeons, the streams having cut deep down below the level of the ancient plain and left, as the most conspicuous natural fractures of the country, the mesas or table lands, elevated many hundreds of feet above the water courses. Like all portions of Eastern Washington HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 383 the climate of Columbia county is healthful. There exist within its limits no marshes or other insidious causes of miasmatic diseases. The nights, even in midsummer, are delight- fully cool ; a pair of blankets usually comfor- table. Cleansed and clarified by frequent soft breezes, the air is pure. Prevailing winds are from the south and west; the summer heat is temperate, and has not the fatal effect too well known east of the Mississippi river, and sun- strokes seldom occur. During six years the United States weather bureau maintained a signal station at Dayton. The record for that period shows the mean annual temperature to have been 49 degrees above zero. The annual precipitation was 26.30 inches, rather above the average of Eastern Washington. There are no disagreeable extremes of temperature as the warmth of summer is tempered by re- freshing breezes ; the cold of winter is not ac- centuated by cutting winds or blustering storms. Of the climate of Columbia county, in general, Rev. J. C. Van Patten said, in Jan- uary, 1892 : "The natural condition of this county is a happy mean between the heat and the wind found south and west of Walla Walla, and the frosts and the wind of parts east and north. Our average temperature is 36 degrees in winter and 65 degrees in summer, or the same as that of Boston in the summer months and of Washington, D. C, in the winter. The precipitation for the six years during which the signal service was located in Dayton was 26.30 inches per annum, but for the last four years it has been a little less owing, as many suppose, to the cutting of so much timber from our mountains ; but we have enough for all purposes, so that irrigation is unnecessary, and is only resorted to to hasten vegetation for early and late uses." Concerning the geological formation of Columbia county the following report of the Geological Survey of 1902, by Henry Landes, state geologist, will prove of interest : "Through all of southeastern Washington the prevailing country rock is basalt, and this is used to a considerable extent in many places for building purposes and especially for rough work and foundations. The basalt varies much in texture in different places, being in some cases quite coarse, while in others it is very fine grained and compact. Then again in places it is full of cavities, which range in size from those that are a millimeter or two in diameter to those that are as much as a fourth of an inch in diameter, and some times even more. Where fresh and undecayed it has a dark, almost black color. This changes on weathering to a more or less reddish cast on account of the iron which it contains. When placed in buildings it should resist the action of the atmospheric agencies quite well and weather rather slowly. "The basalt as a general thing is quite badly broken to pieces by joints, and it is fre- quently very difficult to obtain an}' very large blocks. The stone is quite hard, also, and this makes it difficult to quarry and work into di- mensions after it is quarried. The one thing that causes it to be used so much as it is at present is its accessibility, as all that is nec- essary is to go out almost any place and quarry it, and on this account the item of transpor- tation does not enter in to increase its final cost to so great an extent as it does in the case of many building stones. While it is true that basalt is not first-class building material it will probably always be used more or less for the reasons just given, through this part of Washington, especially for foundations and various kinds of rough masonry." Neither varied nor strikingly beautiful is the native flora of Columbia county. A short- stemmed buttercup makes its appearance about the middle of February, and this is followed by a rather insignificant grass-flower of a pale pinkish hue. A few blue bells may be found later scattered widely here and there, and near the first of May many of the hill slopes are 384 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. yellow with a dwarf species of sunflower; it shoots its tough, fibrous roots deep into the ground, sometimes to the annoyance of the husbandman in his first efforts to turn the virgin soil. It is, however, easily exterminated, and its presence is thought to indicate unusual fertility of soil. The wild rose blooms along the water courses filling the air with exquisite fragrance, and a variety of clematis reveals its delicate blossoms, while the mock orange for a brief season flaunts its pallid hues. More numerous become these humble wild flowers back in cool recesses of the mountains, and more attractive in form and color to the lover of flowers. In growth the cultivated va- rieties of flowers are by no means spontaneous, and yet to the painstaking gardener they will yield rich and appreciated returns. Yet, con- sidered as an entirety, the county is not espe- cially adapted to floriculture, but as nature's kitchen garden, a land of fruits instead of flowers, it stands supreme. S. P. Putnam, who lectured in Dayton on the ioth and nth of August, 1890, wrote the following to his paper concerning Columbia county : "A wonderful country it is about Dayton. I never saw anything like it. It gives the im- pression of an immense crazy-quilt, shining for a hundred miles away in all directions ; the hills are rolling and abrupt about Dayton, like huge, towering, massive billows. The wheat fields extend to the very top of these mighty swells ; indeed, the wheat is more abundant here than in the bottoms, and therefore, as far as the eye can reach is a vast, fluctuating, bril- iant landscape. The colors are marvelous and striking, and the forms superb and intricate. It was like the display of some magnificent theatre. Most of the color was made up of the golden splendor of innumerable wheat fields, but mingled with these were the bright green ranks of corn, the black of fallow soil, the pale lustre of mown grass, fading off into light and dark brown shades to the glowing verge." Although one of the smaller counties in the state of Washington, Columbia constitutes a portion of the earliest settled sections. It is an extension of the now far famed and histor- ical Walla Walla valley. In 1892 Rev. J. C. Van Patten said : "The causes for the earlier settlement are no doubt these: The similarity of climate and soil to those of Walla Walla county, and the coursing of two beautiful rivers, with a num- ber of goodly sized creeks, through its entire length and breadth at once making it the hun- ter's paradise and the stockman's ideal range. "The same causes rendered it the home of the husbandman, as the water courses fur- nished easy egress, and at many points the ex- tent of bottom land gave early promise of veg-' etables and fruits that were at that time uncer- tain factors on the hill tops or along the slopes." On the north Columbia county is bounded by the Snake river ; on the east by Garfield county; on the south by the Blue Mountains and on the west by the county of Walla Walla. It has an area of about 830 square miles, or 531,200 acres. The annual rainfall on the Blue Mountains is from 22 to 24 inches. After the melting of the last remaining snow on their summits in the spring there is a long dry season, during which its streams run very low. For the greater part of the year, however, they possess an abundant water power which for many purposes could- be utilized. In 1903 the total valuation of real and personal property in the county, including railway trackage, was $4,155,752. The population, according to the census of 1900 was 7,126; the estimated pop- ulation in 1903, 7,604. The present transportation facilities are as follows : The Oregon Railroad & Navigation Company's, and the Washington & Columbia River, railways, have branches extending to Dayton affording ample accommodation's for shipping the products of the county. A branch of the Oregon Railroad & Navigation Com- o p o B o o e 3 n o HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 385 pany's line extends from Dayton to Turner — utilized, however, only in hauling grain dur- ing the shipping season. The Blue Mountains are in the southern portion of the county and contribute an enor- mous supply of merchantable timber to the in- dustrial resources- of the county. From the re- port of the Bureau of Statistics, Agriculture and Immigration of the State of Washington, for 1903, the following figures show the re- sources of the Blue Mountains : Timber stand- ing, 183,000,000 feet; square miles of timber, 164; square miles already cut, 182; square miles burned, o. But the principal industry of Columbia county is farming; the principal crops wheat and barley. Other crops, such as oats, corn, flax, sorghum and potatoes yield abundantly and equally in proportion with the great stand- ard cereal, wheat. While wheat growing will, doubtless, remain the chief industry of the county, farmers are more and more directing their attention to stock-raising, and with fa- vorable results. During the year 1893 about 4,635 acres of new land was placed under cul- tivation. Columbia is not a mining county. However, there are mineral deposits along the Tucanon river and here some development work has been done. Those who are interested are firm- ly of the opinion that with suitable transpor- tation facilities these present prospects will some day be profitably worked. That mineral existed in Columbia county was first discov- ered in the summer of 1891, along the Tucan- on river. For some time excitement ran high. Prospectors worked industriously along the stream; quartz ledges were uncovered and several placer claims located. Again in 1896- 1897 no little interest was manifested in min- eral deposits in the district. The Tucanon river ore, when assayed, showed considerable copper. Saturday, December 26, 1896, a mining company was formed consisting of John Mar- 25 « tines, Charles Waterman, B. Curl and R. E. Peabody, for the purpose of locating and de- veloping ledges in the Tucanon district. The following month the company was incorpo- rated as the Tucanon Mining Company. Dur- ing the winter and spring of 1897 the district was invaded by many prospectors and a num- ber of locations were made. January 9th the Columbia Chronicle noted the discoveries as follows : "We have talked with a number of pros- pectors who have been in the district during the week and they are favorably impressed with the general appearance of the country and the ledges that they come across. All are hopeful that something rich will be developed." Mr. Owsley, of Pomeroy, made four as- says of rock from the Tucanon. One assay ran as high as $2.40 in gold and $1.50 in sil- ver to the ton. Three tests showed gold and silver and every test showed copper. One test showed a trace of copper only. Excitement concerning quartz discoveries on the Tucanon reacted on the section of the country including the Blue Mountains ; many prospectors flocked into the territory. Nearly every day some one brought into Dayton new specimens from lo- calities; among them was some quite promis- ing rock, shot with mineral. It was reasoned that if the prospectors could discover the ledges from which these specimens came, there would be a stampede to the Blue Mountains, so soon as the snow disappeared, of magnificent proportions. In June, 1897, a gentleman who had visited the Tucanon mining country con- tributed the following interview published in the Chronicle : "Well, what do you think of the Tucanon mines now? "I have been asked this question repeat- edly since I got back; so many times, in fact, that I begin to think that there are some peo- ple who really feel an interest in my opinion on the subject. I will endeavor to give in a few words the situation as it appears to me. 386 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. In the first place the ground has not been pros- pected enough to determine what the mountain contains. Whether there is a mine there or not no man knows yet. The formation is favor- able. There are plenty of quartz and other rocks that are found associated with the pre- cious metals. It seems to be a place where the original formations of the country were not covered up when the great lava outpour oc- curred with formed the Blue Mountains. There is reason to believe that the portion of the country where we now live was a granite and quartz region before the great lava inun- dation. The mines of the northwest are out- side of this great flow. "The only thing to be clone that can deter- mine whether or not there is a mine worth working at this spot is to penetrate the moun- tain so as to tap the ore deep down, either by a tunnel or by a shaft. Assays show there is metal in the rock — gold, silver and copper. If the ore should prove rich enough at the depth of ioo feet to pay to work, it would be a "big" thing," because there is an immense quantity of it. But the men who are interested in the Tucanon mines haven't any money to go ahead with and here the matter rests." There were two assays of ore from the Tucanon made in July. 1897. One sample assayed $13.64 in gold and 62 cents in silver. The other sample showed only a trace of gold and trace of silver. This discovery on the Tu- canon was a matamorphic rock, carrying min- eral, and classified in geology as diorite. It carried gold, silver, copper, orthoclase, pyrro- tite and marcasite. The district also contains serpentine, amphibole, porphyry and lime- stone. The formation, so far as it has been prospected, is three-quarters of a mile in width and several miles in length. No less than fifteen assays haA - e been made on Tucanon rock by competent assayers, and the returns show from a trace of copper to $16 in gold. There was considerable development work done during the winter of 1897 and 1898. A tunnel was run by the Tucanon Min- ing Company fifty feet into the mountain, ob- taining assays from $1.50 to $20 per ton. Other claims showed similar results. On the claim of Jackson Brothers on Cummings creek, rock was obtained in March, 1898, as- saying $35.17. One of the most promising- properties attracting attention in 1898-9, was the Columbia ledge, on Cummings creek, for- merly known as the "Jackson property." Of this prospect the Columbia Chronicle wrote, March 31, 1900, as follows: At this time it will no doubt be interesting to many to read a brief history of theColumbia mine. Late in the fall of 1897, G. F. Jackson, W. T. Dick- inson, R. A. Jackson, Charley Jackson and J. H. Jackson, made a trip up Cummings creek on a pros- pecting tour. At that time gold bearing rock had been found on the Tucanon, and this fact reminded G. F. Jackson that five years previously he had seen a mineral bearing rock on Cummings creek, where he had pastured his sheep during the summer. It was the object of the party of prospectors to discov- er the ledge from which the float had come. Mr. Jackson remembered the locality in which he had found the float and it was but one day's journey to reach it. A camp was established and the next day search was made for the ledge, and the prospectors were successful. A cropping of rock heavily mineralized was first en- countered. Speciments were selected and further search was made to ascertain the direction of the lode, and when the lines had been well established on two claims a snow storm of more than ordinary fury descended on the prospectors and drove them out of the mountains. Before departing, however, they staked off two claims, naming one the Co- lumbia and the other Snow Storm. The samples selected were taken from the Co- lumbia claim and very much resembled the rock from the Rossland district. A 'sample was sent to Peter Daley, of the Tacoma smelter, who reported $2.80 in gold. Other samples were sent to Mr. Fisk, of Portland, J. P. Isaacs, of Walla A¥alla and to a Denver assayer. All gave practically the same re- turns. These assays, coming from reliable men, so encouraged the locaters that work was started im- mediately on the Columbia ledge, which continued through the winter and far into the summer of 1898. W. T. Dickinson, who is now president of the Co- lumbia Mining & Milling Company, had personal supervision of the work, and as the tunnel was driven in it was timbered in a substantial manner. HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY 387 At the end of ten feet the ledge began to dip into the mountain, necessitating an incline in the tunnel. Frequent assays were made and values increased right along. At the depth of sixty feet from the surface rock assaying $50 per ton in gold was dis- covered. The ledge also showed values running from $5 to $51, all between walls of granite and porphyry. The last shot in the incline shaft brought in water in such quantity that work had to be abandaned or go to the expense of putting in costly machinery. Up to this time about $1,000 had been expended in development work, but the showing was so gratifying that the owners were not at all discouraged. The water coming into the mine was of itself a fine indication that the ledge was a true fissure vein. At this stage of development it was considered that the Columbia was worthy of being incorpo- rated so that it could take its place among the pro- ducers of the northwest and become widley known as the great mine of Columbia county. The owners of the mine are all conservative, straightforward men who did not care to invite outsiders to invest their money in the mine until it was demonstrated that there was some assurance that whoever invested a cent in the Columbia would have the same returned again with good interest. After expending considerable money in development work, as above stated, they consid- ered that it was safe to invite others to invest in the property. So the matter of incorporating was talked up among the enterprising men of Dayton and Pomeroy, and in due time the Columbia Mining & Milling Company was organized. Stock was put on the market at five cents per share and enough was sold to warrant considerable development work be- ing undertaken. It was decided to go to the foot of the mountain and run a tunnel in to strike the ledge at a depth of 200 feet. It was concluded that if the ledge could be found at that depth, containing its original values, or even half the amount, the Columbia would be come one of the greatest mines in the state, for the ledge' was six feet wide. It was estimated that a tunnel 200 feet in length would tap the ledge, but owing to the dip of the vein it has taken 260 feet. The work done is all of a substantial character, the tunnel being timbered wherever it was thought necessary, a track is laid the full length and every- thing in readiness to take out ore on this level. At the organization of the company W. T. Dick- inson was elected president. G. F. Jacksjon, secre- tary and general superintendent and R. A. Jackson, treasurer. Work on the tunnel was begun the first of April, 1899. and has continued almost constantly ever since. For a time a night and day shift was run but after the tunnel became so long that the smoke would not clear out between shifts, it was decided to take off the night shift. During the pro- gress of the tunnel several stringers of quartz have been encountered which point toward the main ledge, and which show values of from $20 in gold and silver to $124. One stringer was a foot in width, and would itself make a considerable mine, and which will in time be worked out, as it assays very high. W. T. Dickinson, besides being president of the company is, also, a practical assayer, and was formerly a resident of Galva, Illinois. After the organization of the company he decided to locate in Dayton, and has been a resident since last April. During the progress of the work he has tested at least 500 pounds of the Columbia rock taken from the incline shaft and the tunnel, and is confident of the richness of the ore. He has not only tested the rock himself, but has had his work verified by assayers in Portland, Denver, Tacoma, Spokane and Philadelphia. He finds that the Columbia ore is not only a good smelting- proposition, but can be con- centrated and worked by the cyanide process. Mr. Dickinson has made eight different assays of the rock brought in from the mine last week. The rock was taken from the ledge in the tunnel, which at this writing is known to be more than four feet in width, the full extent of which is not known. Work in the tunnel still continues and it is possible that by the time this article is in print the ledge will ""be fully cross-cut. The assays made show the following values — No. 1, $28.94; No. 2, $12.40; No. 3, $10.31; No. 4, $33.41; No. 5, $18.60; No. 6, $8.27; No. 7, $22.72; No. 8, $20.66, making an average of about $20 across the entire ledge. This is a most gratifying showing and proves beyond a doubt that the Columbia will be a paying proposition, providing it. is properly developed. ****** The Columbia is one of the few mining propositions in the state which started its stock on the market at the high price of five cents per share, and has been able to keep the price up to that mark all along. Stock has taken a jump since the strike in the tunnel, and is now selling at ten cents. The first block of stock put on the mar- ket was 100.000 shares at 5 cents per share. At that time the board of trustees decided that those who bought stock in the beginning should be al- lowed to buy all of the block at that price when the ledge was tapped, if they so desired. There are now only about 13,000 shares of this stock remaining unsold. In regard to it the trustees will keep their promise, so all those wishing to invest more in this stock should call at once. ****** ^he Columbia mine is advantageously situated, being surrounded by a fine bod}' of timber, is on Cum- mings creek, which will furnish ample water power for operating stamp mills, concentrators, electric 3 88 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. light plants, etc. It is only twenty-five miles from Dayton, and a good wagon road or railroad can be made to the mouth of the tunnel. The ore body has been discovered. Now let everybody lend a hand in future development work, and Columbia county will soon have a mining camp unequaled any- where in the state of Washington. i Another organization was the Big Four Company, formed in the spring of 1899, to develop mines on the Tucanon river. The in- corporators were J. D. Israel, 'William Long, George Barclay, G. YV. Warwick and Charles Waterman. Of the Big Four mine the Co- Iumbia Chronicle of March 31, 1900, said: "Early last spring a ledge was discovered directly across the mountain from the Colum- bia. A company was organized consisting of several well-to-do farmers and business men for the purpose of developing the mine. The company is known as the Big Four Mining & Milling Company. Work was started on the claim and a tunnel seventy feet in length was run, which cross-cut a twelve-foot ledge, which showed values from $5 to $16 per ton in gold and silver. As the tunnel did not gain sufficient depth to fully develop the claim it was decided to sink a shaft on the property, so the tunnel was abandoned for the shaft, and at this time sixty feet of shaft work has been accomplished, besides a cross-cut of twenty- four feet. The shaft was sunk on one wall of •the ledge, and when the cross-cut was made water came in so fast that it was decided to abandon the work until the wet season is over. The superintendent of the Big Four is confi- dent that it is only a short distance to the ledge from the bottom of the shaft, and as soon as possible work will be resumed. The Big Four showed better values on the surface than any other ledge so far discovered in the district. It is situated one mile from the Tucanon creek. A fairly good road has been built to it and good comfortable quarters for the miners have been erected. * * * * The officers of the company are : W. E. Ayres, president ; J. H. Long, vice-president ; J. D. Israel, secretary and manager. The trustees are: \V. E. Ayres, C. H. Waterman, J. FL Long, G. F. Jackson and J. D. Israel." In 1899 a company was organized to pros- pect and develop the Alice ledge. Under the name of the Bonanza Mining & Milling Com- pany the organization was perfected. From surface indications it was judged that it was a free milling proposition, assays showing that it carried values running from $3 to $16 in gold. A number of the stockholders were farmers, and the original plan was to assess each member a certain amount, some paying cash, others in work on the claim. Under this method of development a sixty-foot tunnel was run, but it was estimated that a tunnel 126 feet in length would be necessary to tap the ledge. To Henry Patrick was awarded the contract to extend the 60-foot tunnel another fifty feet. When 25 feet in he was notified to quit work. During the running of this tunnel several rich stringers were encountered, all pointing toward the main ledge, which showed that the mountain contained values worthy of the best efforts of the company. During Mr. Patrick's work he brought into Dayton a num- ber of samples of free gold. Between the Big Four and Bonanza mines were the Legal Tender and Vanadium claims. The Legal Tender was not incorporated and belonged to G. S. Watson, of Columbia coun- ty, and J. H. Watson,. of Bradford, Pennsyl- vania. On this claim G. S. Watson, who was a practical miner, did about twenty-five feet of development work. The surface work of the Vanadium, an in- corporated claim, on the same belt as the Big Four, Columbia and Bonanza, assayed $12.80 in gold, and it also contained a mineral called vanadium. Assayers declared that the vana- dium was worth $320 per ounce. Just how much of this exceptionally valuable mineral the rock contained has never been ascertained. HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 389 The officers of this company were R. F. Stur- devant, president; W. H. Gilbert, vice-presi- dent; R. B. Brown, secretary; Dr. Miller, treasurer. Including W. J. Dowling the same gentlemen were directors of the company. The Ophir mine, in 1900, was owned by E. H. Chapman and was situated within 200 yards of Waterman & Odell's saw mill ; two miles from any of the above mentioned claims. A shaft sixteen feet deep was sunk and rock from the bottom showed values of $27 per ton, in gold; surface rock showed $4. In the vi- cinity of the Ophir there were the Galena and sevdral other prospects in various stages of development, all of which showed values of considerable worth for surface indications. Of the Gold Standard and other claims the Chron- icle of March 31, 1900, said: 1 The Gold Standard mine is owned by the Tuc- anon Mining Company, and is on the Pan Jab, ten miles beyond any of the other mines mentioned. On this claim a fifty-foot tunnel has been run, a good cabin erected and a trail made to it. After running the tunnel the company ran out of money and work was stopped, although the ledge was thought to be within 25 feet of the end of the tun- nel. Early in the fall a sum of money was sub- scribed toward extending the tunnel, but owing to the ill-health of the man entrusted to see after the work, it has not been performed. The wall rock of this claim carries good values, as does the ledge on the surface. There is no reason to believe that the ledge will not prove as valuable as any in the camp with proper development. The officers of the company are C. B. Woodworth, A. Roth, Goldsmith Hammer, of Huntsville, W. O. Matzger and C. H. Waterman. There are several other promising prospects in the Pan Tab district, such as the Cracker Jack, the Annie May, the Buckhorn and the Black Diamond. Here is a list of prospects in the Tucanon district that shows more uniform values than any other min- ing camp, with the same number of claims, ever before discovered in the state of Washington. There are no claims either in Rossland, Sumpter, Okanogan, Buffalo Hump or Republic Camp that can surpass the showing made on the Tucanon in the same length of time. Neither can any of these camps make the same surface showing at any stage of development work. Dayton has a great oppor- tunity unfolding to her to become a city of the first class. Will she develop the resources of her county, build wagon and railroads to the mines, or will she allow some other fellow to come in and hog the pot? This is the situation of today. Some development work has been done on these mines since 1900, and one or two of the properties are further advanced than indicated by the Chronicle. But for several years very little development work has been done. CHAPTER VII POLITICAL The Washington Territorial Legislature of 1875 passed a bill authorizing the creation of Columbia county, comprising that portion of Walla Walla county territory now embracing Columbia, Garfield and Asotin counties. By the provisions of this measure F. G. Frary, Eliel Oliver and George T. Pollard were named as county commissioners. The bill provided, also, for a special election to be called by the commissioners to elect other officers of the county. November 29, 1875, the commis- sioners met, and again on the following day. They named Tuesday, December 21, 1875, as the date for holding Columbia county's initial election. Here is the official order for this election passed by the county commissioners at their session, November 30th: "Ordered that a special election be held in . Columbia county, Washington Territory, on Tuesday, December 21, 1875, for the purpose 39° HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. of electing the following officers, viz : One sheriff, one auditor, one treasurer, one asses- sor, one probate judge, three county commis- sioners, one school superintendent, one county surveyor and one coroner. Which election will be opened at nine o'clock, and will con- tinue until six o'clock in the afternoon of the same day." For this election Columbia county was di- vided into eight precincts. The names of these, the voting places and the officers of elec- tion were as follows : Dayton Precinct — Polling place, Dayton; Elisha Ping, inspector, and John K. Rainwater and George W. Miller, judges; \V. O. Matz- ger and J. \Y. Range, clerks. Independent Precinct — Polling place lnass school house; Leroy W. Brown, inspector, and Thomas Hollowell and Lewis Cox, judges; Samuel H. Reed and B. Haskins, clerks. Patit Precinct — Polling place the log school house near A. Walker's; J. C. Taylor, inspector; William Hazen and R. P. Steen, judges; A. E. McCall and J. F. Gordon, clerks. Tucanon Precinct — Polling place at Plat- ter school house; O. P. Platter, inspector; Wil- liam Sweany and Henry B. Day, judges; C. P. Griffith and Lewis Cronley, clerks. Pataha Precinct — Polling place at J. M. Pomeroy's; James L. Bounds and J. A. Ogle,- judges; J. S. Milam and C. A. McCabe, clerks. Calloway Precinct — Polling place at Cen- tral school house; Jacob Hastings, inspector; Robert Story and J. N. Harkleroad, judges; George Greer and Demick Zemel, clerks. Asotin Precinct — Polling place at "the usual voting place;" Daniel Favor, inspector; W. L. Freeman and James McGuire, judges; G. Walker and J. Greenfield, clerks. Touchet Precinct — Polling place, Wash- ington school house ; J. B. Shrum, inspector ; John Fudge and William H. Starr, judges; B. F. Thompson and G. T. Pollard, clerks. At this election there were 566 votes cast, raking the vote of the probate judge as a stand- ard, more votes having been cast for this offi- cer than for any other, making on the usual basis of four inhabitants to each voter, a pop- ulation of 2,264 persons, all told, within the iimits of the county. The official vote of this election, according to the canvass made by the commissioners on December 23d, was : For Assessor — J. S. Milam, 267; R. F. Ellis, 205; S. L. Gilbreath, 277; J. S. Milam, 1. For Auditor — A. J. Cain, 369; S. C. Day, 150; W. O. Matzger, I. For Treasurer — D. C. Guernsey, 297 ; William Hendershott, 250. For Assessor — J. S. Milan, 267; R. F. Walker. 298. For Probate Judge — William Ayers, 283; R. F. Sturdevant, 283. For County Commissioners — E. McDon- ald. 316; J. Harris, 349; H. B. Bateman, 285; E. Oliver, 205 ; John Fudge, 272 ; T. J. Hol- lowell, 269; R. F. Walker, 1. For School Superintendent — T. S. Leon- ard, 357; R. H. Wills, 206. For Surveyor — William Ewing, 305 ; J. S. Dennison, 257. For Coroner — W. W. Day, 344; J. H. Kennedy, 209. The vote for probate judge being a tie the commissioners declared "no election" for that office. January 4, 1876, the commissioners disregarded the claims of both candidates and appointed Robert H. Wills to that office. Wills later resigned and R. F. Sturdevant was ap- pointed. January 1, 1876, the newly elected commissioners, Joseph Harris, E. McDonnell and H. B. Bateman, took the oath of office and entered upon the discharge of their duties. Joseph Harris was chosen chairman. Within the next few days the other county officers gave bonds and were sworn in. They were S. L. Gilbreath, sheriff; D. C. Guernsey, treas- urer; R. F. Walker, assessor; T. S. Leonard, school superintendent; William Ewing, sur- HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 39i veyor; W. W. Day, coroner, and Robert H. Wills, probate judge. At the general election, November 7, 1876, the following county officers were elected : Sheriff, R. P. Steen, democrat; treasurer, D. C. Guernsey, republican ; auditor, O. C. White, republican; probate judge, J. E. Mc- Leran; assessor, Alonzo L. Sanford; surveyor, L. E. Truax ; coroner, J. H. Kennedy ; school superintendent, J. E. Edmiston. Judge Mc- Leran resigned August 12, 1878, and Thomas H. Crawford was appointed. At the November election of 1876 there were polled 741 votes, which would swell the population of Columbia county to 2,964, an increase during the year of 704. In this elec- tion J. P. Judson, democratic candidate for delegate to congress, received 385 to 342 votes for his republican opponent, Orange Jacobs, a majority of 43 in Columbia county. In November, 1877, the Territorial Legis- lature enacted a measure providing for a spe- cial election to be held April 9, 1878, to choose delegates to a constitutional convention. This was to be held in Walla Walla the second Tuesday in June of the same year. The vote of Columbia county for delegates for the Ter- ritory at large was divided as follows : O. F. Gerrish, 192; A. J. Cain, 179; Harper, 147; W. A. George, 149; S. M. Gilmore, 152; Ed- ward Eldridge, 152; E. Ping, 2. The vote of the county on judicial offices of the district were: First Judicial District: Mace, 202; Cain, 1; S. M. Wait, 145. Council District: James V. Odell, 195; James Ewart, 153. For railroad tax, 10; against railroad tax, 171. Fifteen delegates to the constitutional con- vention were chosen from Washington, and one from Idaho Territory, the latter to have no voice in the deliberations. This election called out about one-half the popular vote of the Ter- ritory. In the meantime the work of framing a constitution had been pushed forward. The delegates to the convention were as follows : W. A. George, of Walla Walla; Edward Eld- ridge, of Whatcom; S. M. Gilmore, Klickitat; S. M. Wait, Columbia; B. F. Dennison, rep- resenting the second judicial district; C. H. Larrabee, third judicial district; C. M. Brad- shaw, Jefferson ; Henry B. Emery, Kitsap ; L. B. Andrews, King; D. B. Hannah, Pierce; Frank Henry, Thurston; A. S. Abernethy, Cowlitz; G. H. Steward, Clark; O. P. Lacy, Walla Walla; J. V. O'Dell, Whitman; Alonzo Leland, Nez Perce county, Idaho. June 11, 1878, these delegates assembled at Science Hall in the city of Walla Walla, and were called to order by W. A. George. A temporary organization was effected by the election of A. S. Abernethy as president of the convention. The committee on credentials made its report, after which the convention was permanently organized with the following officers : A. S. Abernethy, president ; W. B. Ddniels and William Clark, secretaries, and Henry D. Cook, sergeant-at-arms. The con- vention continued in session for a period of 40 clays, and within this time had framed a constitution to be submitted to the people for ratification or rejection at the next general election to be held in November, 1878. It is recorded that but very little enthusiasm was manifested in this subject, the vote on the issue falling 3,000 short of that cast for dele- gate to congress. In favor of the consti- tution 6,462 votes were cast, and against the same, 3,231. Many were apathetic in the matter by reason of the fact that they consid- ered the adoption of the constitution somewhat premature and felt that no genuine results could be obtained at this time. The vote of Columbia county was 426 for and 513 against. The Columbia county republican conven- tion to place in the field candidates for county and legislative offices, in 1878, convened at Dayton, Friday', September 27th. M. W. Mitchell was temporary chairman; J. Lynch, temporary secretary. A permanent organiza- 39 2 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. tion was perfected by the selection of J. M. Pomeroy, chairman; J. Lynch was continued as permanent secretary. The different pre- cincts in the county and the delegates who par- ticipated in the convention were : Coppei, i — Not represented. Dayton, 9 — D. C. Guernsey, T. M. May, M. W. Mitchell, D. B. Petti John, James S. Davis, D. B. Kimball, R. G. Newland, J. A. Starner, J. K. Rainwater. McKay, 1 — Not represented. Highland, 2 — Not represented. Pomeroy, 33. — B. B. Day (by proxy W. C. Potter), J. M. Pomeroy. W. C. Potter. Columbia, 3 — Jay Lynch, T. J. Mewhin- ney. S. W. Allen. Asotin, 1 — Not represented. River. 1 — Not represented. Bunday, 3 — William Carter. Benjamin Haskins. Tucannon, 1 — W. H. Watson. Harmony, 3 — W. W. Sherry, A. L San- ford, Mat Hunter. Marengo, 1 — Not represented. Pataha, 3 — Not represented. Pleasant, 2 — Not represented. Cottonwood, 2 — J. J. Kenoyer, J. D. Swaine. The following resolutions were adopted : "Resolved, That we are in favor of the extension of time to the Northern Pacific rail- road by congress, but on the express condition that the land along the unfinished portion of the road shall be sold to actual settlers on the same terms that other government lands are sold in the same vicinity. "Resolved, That we are opposed to any dismemberment of our Territory, and that we are in favor of an immediate state gov- ernment. "Resolved, That we are in favor of the annexation of Nez Perce, Idaho and Shos- hone counties, in the Territory of Idaho, to this Territory, whether we become a state or remain a territory." The following ticket was placed in nomi- nation : For representatives — T. C. Frary and D. C. Guernsey. Auditor: O. C. White. County commissioners : A. Blackman, W. M. Sherry, D. B. Pettijohn. Treasurer: H. H. Wolfe. Sheriff: A. L. Sanford. School superintend- ent: F. M. McCully. Probate judge: J. A. Starner. Coroner : Dr. W. W. Day. Asses- sor : T. J. Mewhinney. Surveyor : E. D. Miner. Saturday, October 5th was held, at Day- ton, the democratic county and legislative con- vention. For the various offices there was no lack of candidates, and considerable skirmish- ing was had before the selection of a complete ticket. These were the nominations : Representatives — Joseph Harris, Lewis Neace. Auditor — J. W. Jessee. County Commissioners — E. Oliver, H. Bateman, A. C. Short. Treasurer — L. E. Harris. Sheriff— R. P. Steen. School Superintendent — William Wills. Probate— M. H. Abbott. Coroner — Dr. A. Shoue. Assessor— W. H. Bogan. Surveyor — A. T. Beall. At the November election of 1878 there were cast 1,211 votes in Columbia county for the head of the ticket. With the exception of one county commissioner and the sheriff the republicans elected every one of their candi- dates on the county ticket. The official vote : For Delegate to Congress — Thomas H. Brents, Rep., 632; N. T. Caton, Dem., 579. For Prosecuting Attorney, First District, comprising Columbia, Walla Walla, Whitman, Stevens and Yakima Counties — R. F. Stufde- vant. Rep., 783; W. G. Langford, Dem., 437. For .Brigadier General — Captain J. H Smith, Rep., 555; George Hunter, Dem., 622. For Joint Councilman — C. H. Montgom- ery, Rep.. 509; L. M. Ringer, Dem., 693. HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 393 • For Representatives — T. C. Frary, Rep., 647; Lewis Neace, Dem., 530. D. C. Guern- sey, Rep., 740; Joseph Harris, Dem., 477. For County Commissioners — A. Black- man, Rep., 562 ; E. Oliver, Dem., 635 ; W. W. Sherry, Rep., 625; A. C. Short, Dem., 558; D. B. Pettijohn, Rep., 613; H. Bateman, Dem., 578. For Sheriff — A. L. Sanford, Rep., 452 ; R. P. Steen, Dem., 739. For Probate Judge — J. A. Starner, Rep., 629; M. H. Abbott, Dem., 553. For Auditor— O. C. White, Rep., 699; J. W. Jessee, Dem., 508. For Treasurer — H. H. Wolfe, Rep., 635 ; L. E. Harris, Dem., 491. For Assessor — T. J. Mewhinney, Rep., 602; W. H. Boggan, Dem., 583. For Surveyor — E. D. Miner, Rep., 667; A. T. Beall, Dem., 527. For School Superintendent — F. M. Mc- Cully, Rep., 658; William Wills, Dem., 543. For Coroner — W. W. Day, Rep., 637; A. Shoue, Dem., 533. For adoption of state constitution, 426; against, 513. The republican county convention of 1880 was held at Dayton, August 28th. W. C. Pot- ter was made chairman and W. A. Belcher served as secretary. There were several can- didates for nearly all the offices and the con- test was, naturally, quite spirited. The follow- ing were named as members of the county central committee : T. M. May, L. R. Haw- ley, T. J. Mewhinney, J. D. Swain, J. M. Gale,. William H. Watson and J. M. Pomeroy. This was followed, at the same place, Sep- tember 4th, by the democratic convention at which a full ticket was placed in the field. The county central committee selected were D. Lamb, Willis Baldwin, J. B. Dick, J. F. Gor- don, Dr. J. Clark, H. B. Bateman and Thomas Trent. This campaign was hotly contested and when the results were known it became evident that it was close. The head of the ticket was the delegate to congress. Thomas H. Brents, republican, received for this office 757 votes and was elected. His majority over his democratic opponent was 50. For coun- cilman the democratic candidate was but little less fortunate, winning by 15 majority. In the face of this the candidate for joint council- man was defeated by 25, by his republican op- ponent. Two democrats and one republican were elected to the lower house of the legis- lature by small majorities. The county ticket was about equally divided between the two parties. The official vote: For Congress — Thomas H. Brents, Rep., 757; Thomas Burke, Dem., 707. For Joint Councilman — A. H. Butler, Rep., 742; J. Hoover, Dem., 717. For CounQilman — R. G. Newland, Rep., 687 ; George Hunter, Dem., 702 ; John Mus- tard, 1. For Representatives — W. O. Matzger, Rep., 713; D. T. Welch, Rep., 721; William Clark, Rep., 728; R. P. Sjeen, Dem., 724; W. L. Freeman, Dem., 728; W. J. Boggan, Dem., 627. For Sheriff — John Mustard, Rep., 719; George D. Gibson. Dem., 709. For Auditor — Jay Lynch, Rep., 647; J. W. Jessee, Dem., 781. For County Commissioners — W. W. Sherry, Rep., 718; Casper Plummer, Rep., 732; Henry Victor, Rep., 712; J. L. Bounds, Dem., 707; George Walker, Dem., 705; Allen Embree, Dem., 717; William Freeman, 1; W. J. Boggan, 1. For Prosecuting Attorney — W. C. Potter, Rep., 606; J. K. Rutherford, Dem.. 810. For Probate Judge — J. A. Starner, Rep., 714; Walter F. Jones, Dem., 714. For Treasurer— F. C. Miller, Rep., 725; D. D. Bunnell, Dem., 714. For Assessor — T. J. Mewhinney, Rep., 722; J. F. Gordon, Dem., 704. For School Superintendent — F. M. Mc- Cully, Rep., 820; F. W. D. Mays, Dem., 592. 394 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. For Surveyor — E. D. Miner, Rep., 768; A. T. Beall, Dem., 666. For Coroner — W. W. Day, Rep., 674; Dr. J. Clark, Dem., 755; Dr. Funk, 1. For Sheep Commissioner — G. H. Bartges, Rep.. 714; Charles McCabe, Dem., 715. For fence law, 948 ; against, 260. The tie vote between J. A. Starner and Walter F. Jones, candidates for probate judge, was decided by lot. The auditor placed twelve slips of paper in envelopes, with the words, "probate judge" on eleven of the slips, the twelfth being blank. These envelopes were placed in a hat and well shaken. They were to draw alternately, but Jones, winning the first draw, secured the blank and this at once ended the contest. At the time Garfield was severed from Co- lumbia county, in 1881, there was no little speculation concerning the political complex- ion of the territory left to the old county. An analysis of the vote for adjutant general at the election of 1880 showed that within that particular territory remaining to Columbia county there had been cast 419 republican, and 450 democratic votes, making the county dem- ocratic by the narrow margin of 31 votes. D. C. Guernsey was temporary chairman of the republican county convention held at Dayton, September 16, 1882. Permanent or- ganization was effected by the election of S. M. Wait, chairman, and D. C. Guernsey, sec- retary. The new republican county central committee named were O. C. White, R. F. Sturdevant and John Brining. There were spirited contests on the floor for nearly all the offices. Delegates elected to the republican Territorial convention were : O. C. White, George Eckler, T. M. May. D. C. Guernsey, R. F. Sturdevant, J. F. Kirby, A. L. Jinnett, Isaac Carson and John Fudge. September 30th the democrats convened at the same place. It was rather more harmoni- ous than had been the proceedings of the re- publicans. There was little opposition to the candidates placed in nomination. W. S. Kin- ney served as chairman, and A. E. McCall as secretary. The democratic central committee named were D. Lamb, S. L. Gilbreath, L. W. Watrous, A. E. McCall, L. D. Drake, T. W. Whetstone and A. J. James. Delegates to the Territorial constitutional convention placed in nomination were : J. W. Jessee, J. E. Edmis- ton, L. D. Drake, J. F. Gordon and Dr. G. J. Hill. There were cast at this election in Colum- bia county 1,135 votes, of which Dayton polled 776. There was little enthusiasm. Fol- lowing is the official vote showing an average plurality for the democrats, as but few repub- lican candidates were elected: For Congressional Delegate — Thomas Burke, Dem., 673; Thomas H. Brents, Rep., 442. For Joint Councilman; Walla Walla, Whitman, Columbia and Garfield Counties — J. E. Edmiston, Dem., 609; T. M. May. Rep., 503- For Joint Councilman ; Columbia and Garfield Counties — N. T. Caton, Dem., 568; H. H. Spaulding, Rep., 544. For Representative — E. Ping, Dem., 568 ; R. G. Newland, Rep., 544. For Joint Representative — A. E. McCall, Dem., 479; John Brining, Rep., 611. For Sheriff — J. H. Hosier, Dem., 642; John W. Holman, Rep., 459. For Auditor — J. W. Jessee, Dem., 571 ; D. B. Kimball, Rep., 539. For Probate Judge — John Y. Ostrander, Dem., 586; W. H. Kuhn, Rep., 508. For County Commissioners — E. Bird, Dem., 625; E. Crouch, Dem., 562; J. F. Kirby, Rep., 601; J. M. McKellips, Dem., 548 ; W. W. Sherry, Rep., 509 ; W. R. Cahill, Rep., 464. The first three were elected. For Prosecuting Attorney — J. K. Ruther- ford, Dem., 583; W. A. George, Rep., 511. For Treasurer — George Crossler, Dem.. 525; F. C. Miller, Rep., 576. HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 395 For Assessor — J. F. Gordon, Dem., 547; Henry Hunter, Rep., 548. For School Superintendent — Miss Julia Newkirk, Dem., 619; R. O. Hawks, Rep., 474. For Surveyor — E. D. Miner, Rep., 635. For Coroner — Dr. J. Clarke, Dem., 583; Dr. H. F. McCornack, Rep., 513. For Sheep Commissioner — Oscar E. Mack, Dem., 498; G. H. Bartges, Rep., 545. For Court House, 255 ; against, 447. The election of 1882 had clearly shown that Columbia county was, politically, debat- able ground. Consequently the campaign of 1884 opened up with no little vim and enthu- siasm- Saturday, August 16th, the democrat's assembled at Dayton in convention with W. E. Ayers as chairman, and Frank Gordon, sec- retary. For the different offices candidates were numerous. Following was the delega- tion to the democratic Territorial convention : J. C. Mays, Levi Watrous, E. C. Crouch, J. Y. Ostrander, E. Ping, F. Gordon, W. Bald- win and A. Price. In the selection of a county central committee the following were named : E. C. Crouch, D. M. Vaughn, A. Price, John Warwick, S. Bramlett and S. H. Prather. A full county ticket was placed in the field. Fourteen days later the republicans came together at Drake's Opera House, Dayton, to place a ticket in the field, which they did. O. C. White was elected temporary chairman, and E. T. Wilson and F. M. McCully, secreta- ries. This organization was subsequently made permanent. Although there were a number of candidates for the different offices, on the whole the convention was fairly har- monious. The delegates selected to the Ter- ritorial convention were : E. T. Wilson, T. M. May, O. C. White, D. C. Guernsey, R. G. Newland and R. L. Dashiell. The county cen- tral committee named were : T. M. May, Mrs. K. C. Eckler, John Fudge, J. W. Fields, R. R. Vannice, J. S. Pearson, Conrad Knobloch, Abel White, J. S. Davis, William King, J. M. Skelton, and Bardolph. For a variety of reasons the general elec- tion of 1884 was one which created a great deal of interest throughout Columbia county. As had been shown by the election of 1882 the county was, politically, nearly equally divided and this year each party made strenuous efforts to secure control of the county offices, and around these the fight waged fast and fu- rious. Especially was this true of the posi- tions of representative, sheriff, auditor and probate judge. At this election woman suff- rage went into effect for the first time. Of course this added considerably to the uncer- tainty of results while increasing the interest. The total number of votes cast was 1,980, a gain of 855 over two years previous, a part of which gain was the ladies' vote. The town of Dayton polled 1,264 °f the total vote, 364 of which were cast by the ladies. The Repub- licans elected the auditor, all the commission- ers, prosecuting attorney, treasurer, assessor, school superintendent, sheep commissioner and gave majorities for joint councilmen and one joint representative. . The Democrats carried the county for the head of the ticket — delegate to congress — gave a large majority for one joint councilman, and elected the candidiates for representative, sheriff, probate judge, sur- veyor and coroner. Following is the official vote : For Congress — -J. M. Armstrong, Rep., 959; C. S. Voorhees, Dem., 1,015. For Joint Councilman — B. B. Day, Rep., 1,002; S. L. Gilbraith, Dem., 936. For Joint Councilman — Isaac Carson, Rep., 869; C. H. Warner, Dem., 1,043. For Representative — R. G. Newland, Rep., 960; A. E. McCall, Dem., 977. For Joint Representative — S. A. Wells. Rep., 1,002; W. N. Harper, Dem., 948. For sheriff — John Mustard, Rep.. 919; J. H. Hosier, Dem., 1,013. For Auditor — J. A. Kellogg, Rep., 1,069; J. T. Burns, Dem.. 868. For County Commissioners — J. W. Fields. 396 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. Rep., 1,055; W. R. Marquiss, Rep., 1,050; John Fudge, Rep., 1,022; Alex Bundy, Dem., 915; O. E. Mack, Dem., 828; D. M. Vaughn, Dem., 941. For Prosecuting Attorney — R. F. Sturde- vent, Rep., 1,020. For Probate Judge — L. J. Whitcomb, Rep., 936; J. Y. Ostrander, Dem., 997. For Treasurer — F. C. Miller, Rep., 975; George Crossler, Dem., 956. For Assessor — Garrett Romaine, Rep.. 990; William Avers, Dem., 952. For School Superintendent — R. O Hawks, Rep., 1,106; James Austin, Dem.. 819. For Surveyor — E. D. Miner. Rep., 855; W. McBride, Dem., 1.056. For Coroner — H. F. McCornack, Rep., 954; E. H. Van Patten, Dem.. 987. For Sheep Commissioner — H. B. Day, Rep., 1,040; David Wood, Dem., 886. For Court House, 986 ; against, 588. For Church Tax. 802; against, 701. September 18. 1886. the Democratic county convention was held at Dayton. E. C. Crouch, temporary chairman ; J. B. Redford, temporary secretary. Subsequently J. K. Rutherford was made temporary chairman. This convention, which did not excite an un- due amount of interest at the time, was fol- lowed by some rather sensational results. There were made certain efforts to force some of the candidates from the ticket; there were other nominees who desired most earnestly to have their names removed. The count)' central committee named at this gathering were : C. A. De Saussure, D. K. Pearce, Mrs. J. C. Mays, Allen Embree and Benjamin Turner. October 2, with J. C. Dorr as chairman and F. W. Agatz secretary, the Republicans came together at Dayton in a similar assembly. There were spirited contests for the nomina- tions of superintendent of schools, assessor, treasurer, sheriff and representative. The other places on the ticket were filled by acclamation. The central committee named were : John Brining, Jacob Rainwater, J. F. Kirby, S. J. Lowe, John Eccles, W. S. Wooten, A. L. Jin- nett, Thomas Throssell, J. M. Skelton, Samuel Johnston, C. M. Grupe, I. H. Malone, R. G. Newland, Abel White, J. W. Fields and A. Rockhill. This convention was also followed by at least one unexpected result. This was the an- nouncement made by R. G. Newland, who had been defeated for the nomination for repre- sentative, that he would run as an independent candidate. October 9 the Prohibition county convention was held at Dayton. Stirring res- olutions wer passed favoring prohibition, equal suffrage and declaring for the repeal of the "gross earnings law."' The conventions did not place in nomination candidates for county of- fices, but indorsed R. G. Newlands, the inde- pendent candidate for representative. The campaign of 1886 resulted in the elec- tion of every Republican candidate in Columbia county with the exception of the probate judge. For delegate to congress Charles S. Voorhees again carried the county, his majority being 34. William Ayers, Democratic candidate for joint councilman for the counties of Columbia, Garfield and Asotin, carried Columbia county against his Republican opponent, O. C. White, by a majority of 198. Mr. White received large majorities in Garfield and Asotin coun- ties, however, and was elected. While con- siderable "scratching" was done there were more straight party ballots cast than ever be- fore in the county's history. The total strength of the county, as shown by the vote for dele- gate to congress, was 1,914. The official vote: For Delegate to Congress — C. M. Brad- shaw, Rep., 940; C. S. Voorhees, Dem., 974. For Joint Councilman — O. C. White, Rep., 855; William Ayers, Dem., 1,053. For Representative — George Eckler, Rep., 725; Joel. Hall, Dem., 577; R. G. Newland, Ind., 571. For Sheriff — W. R. Marquiss, Rep., 1,094; M. A. Cavanaugh, Dem., 811. HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 397 For Auditor — Jay A. Kellogg, Rep., 1,179; J. W. Stearns, Dem., 716. For County Commissioners — John Fudge, Rep., 990; J. W. Fields, Rep., 1,024; D. W. Gritman, Rep., 946; Alex Price, Dem., 946; J. M. Shoemaker, Dem., 900; Taylor Hayes, Dem., 915. For Prosecuting Attorney — C. R. Dorr, Rep., 927; J. E. Edmiston, Dem., 863. For Probate Judge — F. G. Frary, Rep., 893; J. H. Gough, Dem., 1,014. For Treasurer — F. C. Miller, Rep., 1,054; T. Dittemore, Dem., 857. • For Assessor — Garrett Romaine, Rep., 1,038; John B. Redford, Dem., 859. For School Superintendent — R. O. Hawkes, Rep., 1,002; J. L. Dumas, Dem., 907. For Surveyor — John Patrick, Rep., 1,024; D. W. McMorris, Dem., 866. For Coroner — Dr. E. Bories, Rep., 967; Dr. E. H. Van Patten, Dem., 942. For Sheep Commissioner — Henry B. Day, Rep., 989; W. A. Montgomery, Dem., 918. The election was followed by a political complication, owing to the fact that D. W. Gritman and Alexander Price had each re- ceived the same number of votes — 946. The Territorial legislative session of 1885-6 had passed an act requiring counties to be divided into three commissioner districts, and for the election of one from each district, although all voters in the county voted for all three of the candidates for commissioner. Previous to this the law had provided that candidates for commissioner might be elected without refer- ence to their places of residence in the county. This condition is fully explained by Prosecut- ing Attorney Sturdevant in his reply to the board of commissioners, by whom the ques- tion had been submitted to him. Mr. Sturde- vant said : Dayton, W. T., Nov. 13, 1886. To the County Commissioners of Columbia County, At your request I give the following as my opinion of the law in relation to the question as to whether Al- exander. Price or D. W. Gritman is elected commis- sioner for this county: I am informed that at the late election each of said men was a candidate for said of- fice, and that each received the same number of votes, and that they reside in different commissioner districts of the county. Mr. Gritman received a majority over his competitor in his district, and Mr. Price did not re- ceive a majority in his district over his competitor. The statute provides that no two commissioners shall be elected from the same district. It is, therefore, my opinion that Mr. Gritman is the legally elected county commissioner. Yours respect- fully, R. F. Sturdevant, Prosecuting Attorney. The Republican county convention preced- ing the campaign of 1888 was held at Dayton, September 1. Proceedings throughout were harmonious ; George Eckler was chosen chair- " man and R. O. Hawks, secretary. The dele- gates selected to attend the Territorial conven- tion were: J. Fudge, J. F. Kirby, C. C. Gar- rett, L. W. Cantrill, George Eckler, F. M. Morgan, W. H. H. Fouts, O. C. White, G. Romaine and Frank Porter. The county cen- tral committee named wer: W. H. H. Fouts, chairman; T. M. May, C. Knoblock, R. O. Hawks, A. P. Cahill, F. M. Morgan, H. C. Griffith, J. C. Lewis, J. S. Lowe, J. F. Logs- don, J. W. Fields, W. S. Wooten, J. B. Mc- Kinley, Thomas Throssell, William Marlatt and J. R. Crawford. September 15 ithe Democrats followed suit with a convention at Dayton, over which W. A. Newman presided; A. B. Thompson, secretary. Having named a full ticket the fol- lowing county central committee was selected : A. B. Thompson, chairman; J. H. Chastain, G. E. Barclay, J. B. Wilson, John Boldman, J. A. Thronson, John Agee, William Sweeney, A. E. McCall, H. B. Bateman, W. E. Ayers. and W. A. Maxwell. A quieter election day, November 6, 1888, was never known in Columbia county, and the vote polled was comparatively light. The county, polled 1,351 votes, a loss of 563 since the election of 1886, clue to a great extent to the absence of the women's vote, the woman 398 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY suffrage law having, in the meantime, been declared unconstitutional. The vote of Dayton was 642, a loss of 342. The result was almost a complete reversal from that of 1886. The Republicans at this election secured the aud- itor, sheriff and one commissioner, the Dem- ocrats electing the rest and giving majorities for their candidate for delegate to congress, for joint councilman, representative and the territorial ticket. The Prohibition candidate for delegate to congress received 15 votes in Columbia county. The official vote : For Delegate to Congress — John B. Allen, Rep., 664; C. S. Voorhees, Dem., 665. For Joint Councilman (Columbia, Gar- field and Asotin)— D. T. Welch, Rep., 594; M. M. Godman, Dem.. y^^,. For Representative — L. W. Cantrill, Rep., 647; A. B. Weatherford, Dem., 689. For Sheriff — \Y. R. Marquiss, Rep., 702; Joel A. Thronson, Dem., 634. For Auditor — J. A. Kellogg, Rep., 707; Wilson McBride, Dem.. 629. For County Commissioners — John Fudge, Rep., 558: Alex. Price. Dem.. 768; W. H. Gleason, Rep., 645; Daniel Lyons, Dem., 707; J. C. Lewis, Rep.. 712; J. R. Ware, Dem., 600. For Prosecuting Attorney — C. R. Dorr. Rep., 616; E. H. Fox., Dem., 708. For Probate Judge — C. C. Garrett, Rep., 536: J. H. Gough. Dem., 796. For Treasurer — W. H. H. Fonts. Rep., 647; Charles J. Broughton, Dem., 684. For Assessor — G. Romaine, Rep., 604; M. R. Hanger, Dem., 716. For School Superintendent — R. O. Hawks, Rep.-, 663; G. S. Livingood, Dem., 673. For Coroner — Dr. E. Bories, Rep., 642; Dr. E. H. Van Patten, Dem., 668. For joint councilman M. M. Godman, Democrat, had a majority of 141 in Columbia county. His opponent, D. T. Welch, had a majority of 21 in Garfield and 53 in Asotin counties. In the spring of 1889 tne Territory of Washington was divided into what might be termed constitutional districts. There were twenty-five of them, and each district was en- titled to elect three delegates. Dis- trict No. 9 included all of Colum- bia county and the following precincts in Walla Walla county: Eureka Flat, Pres- cott, Waitsburg and Coppei. It was also pro- vided that while each district could elect three delegates, not more than two from one political party could serve. Consequently each party nominated two candidates, as a rule through- out the state. May 7 at Dayton the Repub- licans held their convention, choosing R. F. Sturdevant, of Dayton, and E. C. Ross, of Prescott, as their nominees. On the same clay and at the same place the Democrats as- sembled for a similar purpose, naming M. M. Godman, of Dayton, and Lewis Neace of Waitsburg. The election was held May 14. The result in the Ninth District was as fol- lows: E. C. Ross, Rep., 387; R. F. Sturdevant, Rep., 528: Lewis Neace, Dem., 703; M. M. Godman, Dem., 710. Accordingly Godman, Neace and Sturdevant, two Democrats and one Republican, represented the district in the con- stitutional convention. At the election of October 1, 1889, Wash- ington voters were called upon to decide many important questions, the one of the greatest moment being the adoption or rejection of a state constitution. According to the new po- litical regime Columbia county was entitled to one senator and two representatives. The judge of the superior court was to be elected between Columbia, Garfield and Asotin coun- ties. The Republican Columbia county con- vention was held at Dayton, August 31, and its officers were J. C. Dorr, chairman, and W. H. H. Fonts, secretary. The candidates placed in nomination were H. H. Wolfe for senator, H. B. Day and George Eckler for represent- atives, and Benton E'mbree for county clerk. George Eckler later withdrew and J. W. Fields HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 399 was named. This convention instructed its delegates to the district judicial convention to work for the nomination of R. F. Sturdevant for superior judge. Resolutions approving the proposed constitution were passed and all Republicans were earnestly urged to support it at the polls. The following were selected as delegates to the Territorial convention : W. H. H. Fouts, T. M. May, J. C. Dorr, J. A. Kel- logg, W. R. Marquiss, D. B. Kimball, George Eckler and A. Nilsson. The county central committee named were W. H. H. Fouts, chair- man ; F. M. Morgan. T. W. Dodge, C. Knob- lock and J. C. Dorr. September 4th was the day on which the Democratic convention was held at Dayton. It was organized with the following temporary officers : Alexander Price, chairman ; J. K. Rutherford, secretary. The permanent organ- ization resulted in the selection of J. E. Ed- miston, chairman ; Mr. Rutherford remaining as secretary. By acclamation the delegates named the following ticket : Senator. Dr. E. H. Van Patten ; represent- atives, A. H. Weatherford and W. T. Barnes; county clerk, U. Z. Ellis. At the Democratic judicial convention later M. M. Godman was nominated as a candidate for superior judge. The following delegates to the Territorial con- vention were named : Cyrus Davis. M. M. Godman. V. D. Norman, J. E. Edmiston. A. B. Thompson. The county central committee selected were : J. P. Turner. J. K. Rutherford. J. F. Gordon, S. Bramlette, I. N. E. Ray-burn, W. Starr, C. S. Newkirk, J. J. Beauregard. W. George, James Shoemaker. A. O. Allen. J. Stearns, W. J. Scott. C. C. Lamb. W. L. Freeman and B. M. Turner. The October election, the first one held under a state organization, revealed the fact that Columbia county was. as it always had been, politically close. There were 1.3 14 votes cast for governor. For the state ticket the Re- publicans secured a small plurality. Other candidates on the two tickets were about equally divided between the parties. The of- ficial vote : For Congressmen — John L. Wilson. Rep., 671 ; Thomas C. Griffiths, Dem., 648. For Governor — Elisha P. Ferry, Rep., 666; Eugene Semple, Dem., 648. For Lieutenant Governor — Charles E. Laughton, Rep.. 667; L. H. Platter, Dem., 647. For Secretary of State — Allen Weir. Rep., 667; W. H. Whittlesey, Dem., 647. For State Treasurer — Addison A. Linds- ley, Rep., 667; M. Kaufman, Dem.. 648. For State Auditor — Thomas M. Reed, Rep., 665 ; John Miller Murphy, Dem., 644. For Attorney General — William C. Jones, Rep., 670; H. J. Snively, Dem.. 647. For Superintendent of Public Instruction — Robert B. Bryan, Rep., 652 ; J. H. Morgan, Dem., 662. For Commissioner Public Lands — Wil- liam T. Forest, Rep.. 667; M. Z. Goodell, Dem. 648. For Judges Supreme Court — Ralph O. Dunbar. Rep.. 671 ; Theo. L. Stiles. Rep.. 652; Elmon Scott. Rep.. 609: John P. Hoyt, Rep.. 674; Thomas J. Anders, Rep., 685; William H. White, Dem.. 646; B. L. Sharpstein, Dem.. 688; J. B. Reavis, Dem., 649; John P. Judson, Dem., 647; Frank Ganahl, Dem., 634. For Judge of the Superior Court — Robert F. Sturdevant, Rep., 652 ; M. M. Godman. Dem., 652. For State Senator — PL H. Wolfe, Rep., 686; E. H. Van Patten. Dem., 605. For Representative — H. B. Day. Rep., 684; J.-W. Fields. Rep.. 642; A. H. Weather- ford. Dem., 664: W. T. Barnes, Dem.. 628. For County Clerk — Benton Embree, Rep.. 651 : U. Z. Ellis. Dem.. 664. For Location of State Capital — North Yakima. 476: Ellensburg, 462; Olympia. 257: Dayton. 14: Pasco. 9: Yakima. 9: Walla Walla. 4: Tacoma. 3: Huntsville, 2: Grange City. 1 : Waitsburg. 1 : Skamokawa. 1. 400 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. For the State Constitution, 468; against, 730. For woman suffrage, 422; against, 816. For prohibition, 484; against, 745. September 20, 1890, a republican county convention was organized at Dayton, with J. A. Kellogg, chairman, and J. W. Dodge, sec- retary. Nominees for county officers were chosen and the following delegates to the state convention elected: R. G. Newland, S. J. Low, W. H. H. Fouts, Jay Lynch, Garrett Romaine, Frank Morgan, T. M. May and J. A. Kellogg. Central county committeemen were named as follows : T. M. May, James Elder, G. Hewitt, Frank Porter and J. Fudge. One week after this the democrats named J. E. Edmiston and A. B. Thompson as chair- man and secretary respectively of their county convention at Dayton. A full ticket was nom- inated by acclamation and the county central committee named were: W. A. Newman, J. P. Turner, W. A. Muncy, C. A. De Saussure and P. B. Bateman. The election of this campaign was held May 4, 1890. - Of the result the Columbia Chronicle said : "The result of the county election was a great surprise to the republican party and its candidates. The democrats were, also, no doubt equally surprised on account of receiv- ing such large majorities. There never was a more exciting election day in Columbia coun- ty nor a campaign in which both sides felt equally sure of success. Considerable money was put up by friends of each party, which was nearly all taken down by the democrats. * " * * * The republicans were successful in electing only two candidates — John Woods for school superintendent and J. C. Lewis for commissioner. The total vote, taking that cast for representative, as a basis, was 1,338." The official vote for the election of Novem- ber 4, 1890, was : For Location State Capital — Ellensburg, 249; North Yakima, 178; Olympia, 475. For Congress — Robert Abernathy, Pro., 89; Thomas Carroll, Dem., 637; John L. Wil- son, Rep., 550. For Representative — M. M. Godman, Dem., 760; R. G. Newland, Rep., 578. For County Attorney — A. P. Bond, Rep., 618; J. E. Edmiston, Dem., 718. For County Clerk— U. Z. Ellis, Dem., 733 ; J. L. Mohundro, Rep., 597. For Auditor — J. H. Gough, Dem., 797; W. H. Kuhn, Rep., 532. For Sheriff — Joel A. Thronson, Dem., 729; F. L. Wait, Rep., 629. For Treasurer — W. E. Ayers, Dem., 726 ; H. H. Wolfe, Rep., 617. For Commissioner, First District — Daniel Calkins, Rep., 590; I. N. E. Rayburn, Dem., 702. For Commissioner, Second District — J. F. Gordon, Dem., 587; John C. Lewis, Rep., 688. For Commissioner, Third District — Dan- iel Lyons, Dem., 695 ; W. D. Wallace, Rep., 588. For School Superintendent — G. S. Livin- good, Dem., 664; John Woods, Rep., 666. For Assessor — W. J. Honeycutt, Dem., 840; W. S. Wooten, Rep., 491. For Surveyor — Wilson McBride, Dem., 905- For Coroner — W. W. Day, Rep., 582; E. H. Van Patten, Dem., 700. The "People's Party," or Populists first came to the front in Columbia county during the campaign of 1892. Wednesday, July 13th, at Dayton, their convention was called to order for the purpose of placing in nomina- tion candidates for county offices. This was harmoniously accomplished, all of the nomi- nees being selected by acclamation. There were present 23 delegates. Levi Watrous was chairman and W. A. Maxwell, secretary. One of the features of the convention was an at- tempt at fusion. Representatives of the pro- hibition party were present and made to the populists a decidedly tempting offer. They HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 401 stated that the Prohibitionists controlled 300 votes in Columbia county, and that by com- bining forces they could control the political situation. They asked that Article I. of the prohibition platform be inserted in the people's party platform, and that the convention ad- journ to some future date, when the prohibi- tionists would assist them in naming a county ticket. This proposition, however, was re- jected by an overwhelming majority follow- ing prolonged debate. Rev. \Y. T. Ford, spokesman for the prohibitionists, then ad- dressed the convention, thanking the delegates for their courtesy. His remarks were received with applause. After the naming of county candidates by the people's party the following were elected delegates to the state convention which was held at Ellensburg: John Crossler, George Orchard, J. C. Van Patten and E. Barnes. The following were named members of the executive committee : J. C. Van Patten, George Orchard, J. Crossler and W. A. Max- well. At the time of this convention there was considerable speculation among the old party men as to which party the new one would draw votes from. It was said that of the 23 delegates participating in the conven- tion only three were republicans, and mem- bers of the latter party declared that there would be only a slight defection from their ranks. Subsequent events, however, showed that this opinion of the republicans was not wholly correct. The democratic county convention of 1892 was held at Dayton, the political center of Co- lumbia county, Saturday, July 16th. J. E. Edmiston and W. A. Payne were chair- man and secretary respectively. Exceptional- ly harmonious were the proceedings and all candidates were nominated by acclamation. To the state convention the following were named as delegates : W. A. Payne, J. E. Ed- miston, V. D. Norman, A. H. Weatherford, L. E. Harris, B. M. Turner, Dr. J. H. Mc- Donald, Cyrus Davis and J. W. Thorp. It was destined that Columbia county should see a quartette of political parties in the field this year. The refusal of the people's party to coalesce with the prohibitionists had fired the latter with most enthusiastic emula- tion. For the first time in the history of the county the prohibitionists placed a ticket in the field. Their convention was held Satur- day, July 30th. While the delegates present were few in number, 22, their zeal was earnest and demonstrative. As chairman J. A. Ayers was selected : J. B. Redford, secretary. For nearly all of the county offices candidates were named, and the following were elected dele- gates to the state convention : J. W. Peter, I. H. Wilson and J. B. Chamberlain. The coun- ty central committee chosen were : J. A. Ayers, J. B. Redford, J. Kenworthy, J. Elder and L. M. Vannice. During twelve years T. M. May had been chairman of the republican county central committee. At the republican convention held at Dayton, July 30th, an attempt was made to depose him. The test was made at the elec- tion of temporary chairman of the convention, Mr. May being pitted against George Eckler. Mr. May won out by the slender majority of two votes. At the permanent organization Mr. Eckler was chosen to preside and C. F. Miller elected secretary. For the several coun- ty offices there were a number of sharp con- tests, but a full ticket was finally selected. Delegates to the state convention elected were: J. K. Rainwater, T. M. May, G. Romaine, J. A. Kellogg, Lars Nilsson. J. W. Mcintosh, Benjamin McGill and Cephas Morgan. The personnel of the county central committee was as follows: C. F. Miller, chairman; E. B. Dobbs, secretary; M. J. Duncan, George Eckler, G. Hewitt. J. F. Kirby, H. Ridgley, D. Calkins, B. Magill, J. B. McKinley, Guy Jonas, B. Carpenter. H. W. King, John Bles- 26 402 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. singer, George Humphrey, Fred Gritman and W. D. Wallace. Alignment of the four parties was now complete, and the contest on election day, No- vember 8, 1892, was a memorable one in the history of Columbia county. While in the past, with only two parties in the field, con- siderable "scratching'' had been done, at this election the competing forces, as a general thing, cast their ballots "straight." This was the first election in which the citizens of Wash- ington had been permitted to vote for the president of the United States. In Columbia county the result showed that the democrats nad a plurality of 56 for Grover Cleveland, the total vote on the head of the ticket being 1,575 ballots. The new people's party cast an aver- age vote of a trifle less than 200, while the prohibitionists' a/erage was a little over 100. The republicans elected the county auditor, prosecuting attorney and one commissioner; the democrats took everything else in sight. The official vote : For Presidential electors — Harrison, Rep., 618; Cleveland, Dem., 674; Weaver, P. P., 188; Bidwell, Pro., 95. For Congressmen — William H. Doolittle, Rep., 592; John L. Wilson, Rep., 591; Thomas Carroll, Dem., 656; James A. Mundy, Dem., 635; M. F. Knox, P. P.; 186; J. C. Van Patten, P. P., 208; C. E. Newberry, Pro., 96; A. C. Dickinson, Pro., 94. For Governor — John H. McGraw, Rep., 571; Henry J. Snively, Dem., 647; C. W. Young, P. P., 209; Roger S. Green, Pro., 112. The balance of the state ticket was demo- cratic by pluralities of from 56 to 78, with the exception of state printer, Mr. O. C. White, republican, formerly a resident of Columbia county, coming within six votes of carrying the county. On the state ticket the populists polled from 178 to 209 votes, and the prohibi- tionists from 100 to 112. For Joint Senator — J. A. Kellogg, Rep., 597; U. Z. Ellis, Dem., 597; Ernest Hopkins, P. P., 231. For Representative — S. J. Lowe, Rep., 537; S. W. Hamill, Dem., 622; Levi W. Wat- rous, P. P., 206; Byron Morris, Pro., 118. For Superior Judge— R. F. Sturdevant, Rep., 675; J. E. Edmiston, Dem., 763. For Sheriff — J. N. Thompson, Rep., 539; A. H. Weatherford, Dem., ; R. A. Bundy, P. P., 252; J. A. Ayers, Pro., 136. For Auditor— A. P. Cahill, Rep., 652; J. W. Thorp, Dem., 580; W. A. Maxwell, P. P., 197; C. W. Smith, Pro., 88. For County Clerk — John Woods, Rep., 686; Carl Taylor, Dem., 704. For Treasurer — I. F. Lockwood, Rep., 557; W. A. Newman, Dem., y^; J. H. Mc- Hargue, P. P., 127; J. B. Redford, Pro., 122. For County Commissioners, First District — G. Hammer, Rep., 549; I. N. E. Rayburn, Dem., 675; Samuel Hearn, P. P., 185; A. H. Booth, Pro., 98. For County Commissioners, Second Dis- trict— L. M. Vannice, Rep., 720; Lawson Cyrus, Dem., 671. For County Commissioners, Third District — W. T. Richardson, Rep., 544; R. H. Mc- Hargue, Dem., 632; Daniel McDonnell, P. P., 195; W. F. Anderson, Pro., 109. For Assessor — John Patrick, Rep., 473; W. J. Honeycutt, Dem., 801 ; Coleman S. Newkirk, P. P., 169; James Elder, Pro., 85. For County Attorney — Will H. Fouts, Rep., 663; D. S. Elder, Dem., 620; J. W. Peter, Pro., 183. For School Superintendent — H. Ridgely, Rep., 473; Charles Terpening, Dem., 941; James Bradford, Pro., 94. For Surveyor — E. B. Dobbs, Rep., 610; T. B. Hicks, Dem., 682; James Dolan, Pro., 212. For Coroner — Emil Bories, Rep., 579; E. H. Van Patten, Dem., 743; D. B. Hillhouse, Pro., 124. HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 403 The republican candidates for joint sena- tor and superior judge (the district including Columbia, Garfield and Asotin counties.) were elected. The people's party was the first to place a ticket in the field for the campaign of 1894. The convention was held at Dayton, June 14th. George P. Wright was selected as chairman, and W. A. Maxwell, secretary. The party declared itself to be the party of reform and demanded retrenchment in county ex- penses. Two articles from the platform adopted are as follows : "Second. We believe in practical reform and we demand from each candidate put in nomination by the people's party a pledge, if elected, to faithfully perform all the duties of the office, for the salary set apart by law, ex- cept the sheriff and assessor; the sheriff to be allowed one deputy, or jailor, at a salary not to exceed $50 per month; the assessor to em- ploy as many deputies as he needs at a salary not to exceed $2.50 per day. "Sixth. Resolved, That all candidates re- ceiving nominations for county offices by the people's party shall be required to sign and deliver to the central committee an agreement of the following form : "I, , the nominee of the people's party of Columbia county, Washing- ton, for the office of , in accepting the nomination tendered me. do voluntarily and solemnly pledge myself, if elected, to faithfully perform all the duties of the office for the salary allowed by law, and for such additional sum as is set forth in article two of the people's party platform, of Columbia county.'" A full complement of candidates for coun- ty offices was then named, with the exception of prosecuting attorney, which was left to be filled by the central committee. Delegates to the state convention were: J. C. Van Patten, C. S. Terpening and W. F. Whitten. The new countv central committee were : C. W. Dickinson, E. J. Outman, George Orchard, John Wills, W. E. Hawks, W. A. Maxwell, Robert Ping, Ira Trescott, A. L. Sanford, W. A. Bowman, T. B. Hicks, C. L. Hunt and S. Phyllis. The Columbia county republicans assem- bled in convention at Dayton, September 8th, C. F. Miller was made temporary chairman and W. Hendron temporary secretary. This convention was conducted on a plan somewhat different from the usual routine. A secret caucus was held from 11 o'clock in the fore- noon, until 3 o'clock in the afternoon, partici- pated in by the delegates. Then the doors were thrown open, spectators admitted and the convention proceeded to place in nomination, unanimously, candidates for the several offices. Hon. R. F. Sturdevant was the permanent chairman and H. Ridgley permanent secretary, the latter assisted by W. W. Hendron. The delegates to the state convention were W. D. Wallace, C. F. Miller, G. H. McEvoy, O. M. Stine, D. C. Guernsey, J. F. Kirby, J. H. At wood, Pres Stedman and G. Hewitt. The new county central committee comprised C. F. Miller, chairman; John Patrick, R. Watrous, J. H. Atwood, James Kenworthy, J. Daniel- son, G. S. Humphrey, R. A. Jackson, J. W. Mcintosh, Robert Vannice, J. D. Smith, S. Galloway, W. H. Dixon, Charles Hoffeditz, John Jones, J. D. White, W. L. Jackson and John D. Page. The democrats met in convention Satur- day, September 22d. J. E. Edmiston pre- sided, assisted by J. N. Samuel as secretary. Having named a full ticket the following were elected delegates to the state convention : H. E. Hamm. L. E. Harris, C. D. Ellis, J. A. Fontaine, J. L. Dittemore, F. W. Multner, W. C. Goddard, W. J. Honeycutt and J. E. Ed- miston. The political campaign of 1894 was the most spectacular of any that had previously taken place in Columbia county. The people's party demonstrated that their forces were 404 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. growing and divided honors with the demo- crats in securing second place. The result of this gain in the people's party's ranks was the election of every republican on the ticket by pluralities ranging from 97 to 340, the largest pluralities ever given to any set of candidates in Columbia county. Perhaps it is not ex- actly fair to say that the only cause of the re- publican victory was the rise of the people's party. The continued hard times which for more than a year had laid hold of the country under democratic administration doubtless caused defection from democratic ranks. The campaign was hard fought and was enlivened by numerous rallies and public meetings par- ticipated in by local orators. Personalities were a feature, and at best it was described by citizens as a "dirty"' campaign. The official Vote : For Congressmen — William H. Doolittle, Rep., 677; Samuel C. Plyde, Rep., 671; B. F. Heuston, Dem., 420; N. T. Caton, Dem., 417; W. P. C. Adams, P. P., 426; J. C. Van Pat- ten, P. P., 446. For Representative — Cornelius Lyman, Rep., 668; M. M. Godman, Dem., 510; Levi W. Watrous, P. P., 426. For Sheriff — Conrad Knobloch, Rep., 660; A. H. Weatherford, Dem., 515; R. A. Bundy, P. P., 463. For Auditor— A. P. Cahill, Rep., 708; W. J. Honeycutt, Dem., 498; W. A. Maxwell, P. P., 406. For Treasurer — James H. Fudge, Rep., 660; A. H. Bishop, Dem., 458; George P. Wright, P. P., 491. For County Clerk — J. L. Mohundro, Rep., 653; E. W. Clark, Dem., 556; A. B. Thompson, P. P., 407. For Prosecuting Attorney — Will H. Fouts, Rep., 881 ; Hardy E. Hamm, Dem., 536. For Assessor — R. F. Matkin, Rep., 734; O. W. Pollard, Dem., 430; W. F. McCauley, P. P., 431- For Superintendent of Schools — H. B. Ridgley, Rep., 665; T. A. Rogers, Dem., 414;. C. S. Terpening, P. P., 536. For Coroner — Dr. G M. Burns, Rep.,. 710; Dr. E. H. Van Patten, Dem., 495;. George Orchard, P. P., 226. For Commissioner, Second District — Charles M. Grupe, Rep., 199; R. H. Mc- Hargue, Dem., 162; C. W. Dickinson, P. P., 163. For Commissioner, Third District — Gran- ville Hewitt, Rep., 227; John Wilson, Dem.,. 174; A. L. Sanford, P. P., 158. We now approach the memorable cam- paign of 1896 — the one with the liveliest "issue" that the country has ever wrestled with — involving the free silver question. In Columbia county the populists were first in the field with a convention, organizing at Dayton August 1 st. Here, as in many other places, an attempt was made to bring about a fusion of the populist and democratic forces, which at first was ineffectual, but finally to a certain extent, successful. At their convention the people's party nominated a straight ticket. There were 46 delegates participating in the proceedings, and on the floor of the convention there were many contests. George Wright, edi- tor of the People's Press, was chairman, and Richard Harper, secretary. To the state con- vention the following delegates at large were elected: L. W. Watrous, W. A. Maxwell and R. H. Dennis. The republican convention was held at Dayton August 22c!. A full county ticket was- nominated, mainly by acclamation. C. F. Miller was chairman and J. A. Kellogg, sec- retary. The delegates to the state convention were L. F. Jones, J. G. Woodend, J. A. Kel- logg, C. F. Miller, J. W. Mcintosh, Jay Lynch, W. D. Wallace, W. L. Jackson, and D. C. Guernsey. The county central commit- tee comprised J. A. Kellogg, chairman ; R. E. Peabody, secretary; J. E. Frick, J. H. At- wood, J. H. Fudge, C. W. Sanders, O. Moore- HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 405 house, Daniel Calkins, F. .A. Maxwell, W. A. Teegarden, J. F. Porter, H. W. King, H. B. Ridgley, Fred Gritman, J. D. White and J. F. Logsdon. Although fusion had failed at the time the populist convention was held, it was later ac- complished. The populist ticket was taken down, and in its place was a fusion ticket con- sisting of populists, democrats and free silver republicans. This was accomplished Septem- ber 10th, on which date three separate con- ventions were held in Dayton simultaneously. Conference committees worked strenuously all day, and it was not until 3 o'clock the fol- lowing morning that a ticket was agreed upon. The populists named candidates for represen- tative, sheriff, auditor and superintendent of schools; the democrats prosecuting attorney, clerk of court, assessor, surveyor, the county commissioners and coroner ; the silver republi- cans were permitted to name the candidate for treasurer. The official name of the ticket was "The People's Party."' Thus, by combining the free silver forces in Columbia county the handsome and sweep- ing republican majority of two years previous was, practically, wiped out, and the county came, politically, into the control of the demo- crats and populists. However, the republican candidates for sheriff and clerk of court were elected by pluralities of 69 and 12, respective- ly ; otherwise the fusion forces, under the name of people's party, were "the people," car- rying the county from presidential electors down. There were cast 1.623 votes. The official vote : McKinley electors, 776 ; Bryan electors, 847- For Congressmen — S. C. Hyde. Rep., 762; W. H. Doolittle, Rep., 759; James Ham- ilton Lewis, P. P., 843; William C. Jones, P. P., 844. For Governor — P. C. Sullivan, Rep., 766; John R. Rogers, P. P., 838. The rest of the state ticket was carried by the fusionists by majorities of from 37 to 94. For Senator — E. Baumeister, Rep., 772; J. C. Van Patten, P. P., 855. For Representative — Cornelius Lyman, Rep., 787; George Windust, P. P., 836. For Judge Superior Court — Robert F. Sturdevant, Rep., 792; M. M. Godman, P. P., 831. For Sheriff — Conrad Knobloch, Rep., 848; George P. Wright, P. P., 779. For Clerk of Court — J. L. Mohundro, Rep., 821; W. J. Loundagin, P. P., 809. For Auditor- — Loren L Day, Rep., 811; Richard Harper, P. P., 819. For Treasurer — V. S. Dooley, Rep., 770; G. A. Parker, P. P., 855. For Prosecuting Attorney — John W. Peter, Rep., 759 ; E. W. Clark, P. P., 867. For Assessor — R. F. Matkin, Rep., 810; George W. Page, P. P., 815. For School Superintendent — H. B. Ridge- ly, Rep., 753 ; Mrs. Ella Terpening, P. P. 872 For Surveyor — Edward B. Dobbs, Rep., 772; Ira Trescott, P. P., 846. For Coroner — G. M. Burns, Rep., 775; E. H. Van Patten, P. P., 852. For Commissioner, First District — L. Spackman, Rep., 773; J. H. McCauley, P. P., 847. For Commissioner, Third District — G. Hewitt, Rep., 783; J. C. Marckley, P. P., 833. The campaign of 1898 was opened in Co- lumbia county by the rqxrblican convention, held September 16th. F. W. Guernsey was elected chairman and L. L. Ellis, secretary. The proceedings were harmonious and re- sulted in the nomination of a strong ticket. Delegates chosen to the state convention were Joseph Mohundro, R. F. Sturdevant, Preston Steadman, C. S. Jerard, D. C. Guernsey, Will H. Fouts, James Kennworthy, John Blessin- ger, R. A. Jackson, A. P. Cahill. Again the democrats, populists and free silver republicans joined forces and met in convention at Dayton September 24th. Only 406 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. three silver republicans took part in the pro- ceedings, and the delegates from the other two parties placed in nomination a full county and legislative ticket. The election of November 8, 1898, re- sulted in a complete victory for the republi- cans and the overthrow of the fusion forces, only one fusion candidate being elected — that or superintendent of schools. Nearly 1,500 votes were cast. The official vote: For Congressmen — W. L. Jones, Rep., 795 ; F. W. Cushman, Rep., 775; James H. Lewis, P. P., 699; W. C. Jones. P. P. 679. For Supreme Court Judges — T. A. An- ders, Rep., 769; Mark A. Fullerton, Rep., 762; B. F. Heuston. P. P., 674; M. M. God- man, P. P., 712. For Representative — C. S. Jerard, Rep., 753; W. C. Godard, P. P., 724. For Sheriff — J. D. Smith, Rep., 768; George Spallinger, P. P., 721. For Clerk of Court— L. L. Ellis, Rep., 790; M. Riggs, P. P., 689. For Auditor — H. E. Gilham, Rep., yyi; Richard Harper, P. P., 713. For Treasurer — F. W. Guernsey, Rep., 817; G. A. Parker, P. P., 668. For Prosecuting Attorney — Will H. Fonts,, Rep., 751 ; E. W. Clark, P. P., j2^. For Assessor — F. J. Porter, Rep., 768; W. L. Davis, P. P., 709. For School Superintendent — W. W. Hen- dron, Rep., 716; Ella Terpening, P. P., 769. For Surveyor — Ira J. Trescott, P. P., 749. For Coroner — G. M. Burns, Rep., 736; E. H. Van Patten, P. P., 731. For Commissioner, First District — Alex- ander Duffy, Rep., 770; J. H. McCauley, P. P., 695. For Commissioner, Second District — Cor- nelius Lyman, Rep., 825; W. A. Maxwell, P. P., 642. The republican county convention of 1900 convened at Dayton on the nth of August. It resulted in the renomination of nearly all the county officers then serving. J. L. Mo- hundro was elected chairman and J. G. Miller, secretary. The delegates to the state conven- tion were C. F. Miller, J. L. Mohundro, C. B. Woodworth, U. P. Waldrip, J. W. Agee, C. S. Jerard, J. G. Woodend, R. F. Sturdevant, H. E. Gilham and J. F. Porter. The county central committee comprised J. L. Mohundro, Will H. Fouts, Cornelius Lyman, H. W. Rid- dle, Thomas Sweeney, W. Manning, D. Cal- kins, S. S. Stone, H. W. King, C. Knobloch, Fred Gritman, John Page, E. V. Thompson, W. Wallace, J. H. McHargue, U. P. Waldrip and C. W. Sanders. September 15th the fusion forces again met in convention and nominated a county ticket. The populist party had lost its old time power ; the democrats were now in control to such an extent that only one member of the people's party found a place on the ticket — that of Richard Harper, candidate for auditor. There were present 99 delegates and the con- vention was presided over by H. E. Hamm with Perry Lyons as secretary. November 6th there were cast 1,611 votes for president. The county was carried by the republicans, they electing every candidate on their ticket. The majorities were the largest ever given any party in the county. The offi- cial vote: For Presidential Electors — McKinley, 899; Bryan, 712. For Congressmen — F. W. Cushman, Rep., 884; W. L. Jones, Rep., 886; F. C. Robertson, P. P., 701 ; J. T. Ronald, P. P., 697. For Governor — J. M. Frink, Rep., 835 ; John R. Rogers, P. P., 760. For State Senator — E. Baumeister, Rep., 890; H. M. Beach, P. P., 716. For Representative — C. S. Jerard, Rep., 914; W. C. Godard, P. P., 696. For Judge Superior Court — C. F. Miller, Rep., 877; M. M. Godman, P. P., 737. For Sheriff— J. D. Smith, Rep., 916; J. F. Yenny, P. P., 700. HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 407 For Clerk of the Court — L. L. Ellis, Rep., 942; W. J. Hubbard, P. P., 663. For Auditor — H. E. Gilham, Rep., 920; Richard Harper, P. P., 693. For Treasurer — F. W. Guernsey, Rep., 933; J. T. Burns, P. P., 687. For Prosecuting Attorney — R. B. Brown, Rep., 828; E. W. Clark, P. P., 786. For Assessor — J. F. Porter, Rep., 912; W. J. Loundagin, P. P., 701. For Superintendent of Schools — W. W. Hendron, Rep., 900; Nancy Gilbreath, P. P, 707. For Coroner — John W. McLachlan, Rep., 870; J. M. Miller, P. P., 7i7 . For Commissioner, Second District — Cor- nelius Lyman, Rep., 892; V. B. Whiting, P. P., 717. For Commissioner, Third District — R. A. Jackson, Rep., 887; Charles Pryor, P. P., 712. The republican convention of 1902 con- vened at Dayton September 6th; H. E. Gil- ham, chairman; J. L. Dittemore, secretary. The delegates to the state convention were H. E. Gilham, J. D. Smith, Cornelius Lyman, Preston Stedman, Dr. M. Pietrzycki, J. W. Dodge, M. B. Kenney, J. N. Fall, D. C. Guern- sey, Daniel Calkins. The central committee chosen were H. E. Gilham, chairman ; J. L. Dittemore, W. H. H. Fouts, Wilbur Hopkins, W. S. Wooten, Preston Stedman, Conrad Knobloch, S. S. Stone, J. W. Dodge, J. H. Fudge, C. W. Sanders, L. S. Covey, H. W. King, T. E. Gentry, John Jones, H. Van Horn, John Eaton. September 13th the democrats assembled with H. E. Hamra, chairman, and C. B. Leath- erman, secretary. After the nomination of a ticket, which was by acclammation, the follow- ing central committee was chosen : J. D. Israel, S. S. Moritz, J. W. Berry, James B. Wilson, J. J. Rose, J. P. McClary, P. B. Bate- man, F. M. Weatherforcl, J. M. Martin, G. G. Bicklehaupt, R. E. Maxwell, T. C. Kinder, H. R. Rayburn. The election of November 4, 1902, demon- strated that the Republicans still had a major- ity in Columbia county. The campaign pre- ceding the election was comparatively tame; not a vast amount of enthusiasm was exhib- ited. A trifle less than 1,500 votes were cast. The Democrats elected their candidates for clerk, treasurer and county attorney by major- ities of 143, 199 and in respectively. The republicans elected the rest of the ticket and carried the county for members of congress. The official vote : For Members of Congress — W. L. Jones, Rep., 808; F. W. Cushman, Rep., 811; Wil- liam E. Humphrey, Rep., 804; George F. Cot- trill, Dem., 610; O. R. Holcomb, Dem., 609; Frank B. Cole, Dem., 610. For Judge of Supreme Court — Hiram E. Hadley, Rep., 821 ; Jas. B. Reavis, Dem., 614. For Representative — Conrad Knobloch, Rep., 740; M. M. Godman, Dem., 732. For Sheriff— O. M. Stine, Rep., 755; Frank W. Bauers, Dem., 728. For Auditor — E. V. Thompson, Rep., 779; U. Z. Ellis, Dem., 690. For Clerk of the Court — R. M. Campbell, Rep., 665 ; Clark Israel, Dem., 808. For Treasurer — D. C. Guernsey, Rep., 638; E. W. Alcorn, Dem., 837. For County Attorney — R. B. Brown, Rep., 681 ; E. W. Clark, Dem., 792. For Assessor — Wilbur Hopkins, Rep., 812; W. J. Hubbard, Dem., 655. For School Superintendent — W. W. Hen- dron, Rep., 748; Ella Terpening, Dem., 724. For Surveyor — John Patrick, Rep., 773 ; Ira J. Trescott, Dem., 693. For Coroner— Dr. C. H. Day, Rep., 817; Dr. J. M. Miller, Dem., 654. For Commissioner, Third District — R. A. Jackson, Rep., 804; J. A. Turner, Dem., 663. For Commissioner, First District — C. W. Sanders, Rep., 807; J. J. Rose, Dem., 647. The official vote of the 1904 election was as follows : 408 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. Presidential Electors — Samuel G. Cos- grove, Rep., 1,089; L. B. Nash, Rep., 1.083; George W. Bassett, Rep., 1080; Al. J. Mun- son, Rep., 1,081; Herman D. Crow, Rep., 1,081; Fred Thiel, Dem., 482; John J.. Car- ney, Dem., 480; John Trumbull, Dem., 479; J. S. Darnell, 478; Simon Peter Richardson, Dem., 477. Representatives to Congress — William' E. Humphrey, Rep., 965; Wesley L. Jones, Rep., 967; Francis W. Cushman, Rep., 973; How- ard Hathaway, Dem.. 605 ; James J. An- derson, Dem., 601 ; W. T. Beck, Dem., 601. Judges of the Supreme Court — Rudkin, Rep., 944; Mark A. Fullerton, Rep., 990; Al- fred Battle. Dem., 626. Governor — Albert E. Mead, Rep., 719; George Turner, Dem., 886. Secretary of State — Sam H. Nichols, Rep., 868; P. Hough, Dem., 703. Lieutenant Governor — Charles E. Coon, Rep., 824; Stephen Judson, Dem., 752. State Treasurer — George G. Mills, Rep., 882; George Mudgett, Dem., 699. State Auditor — Charles W. Clausen, Rep., 875; R. Lee Purdin, Dem., 699. Attorney General — John D. Adkinson, Rep., 874; Charles H. Neal, Dem., 700. Commissioner of Public Lands — E. W. Ross, Rep., 887; Van R. Peirson, Dem., 680. Superintendent of Public Instruction — R. B. Bryan, Rep., 890; Walter D. Gerard, Dem.. 680. " State Senator, Tenth District — S. S. Rus- sell, Rep., 880; Frank Cardwell, Dem., 727. State Representative, Eleventh District — Will H. Fonts, Rep., 759; F. M. Weatherford, Dem., 860. Judge of Superior Court — Chester F. Miller, Rep., 912; M. M. Godman, Dem., 717, County Sheriff' — George B. Dorr, Rep., 764; Frank W. Bauers, Dem., 868. County Clerk — R. A. Watrous, Rep., 735; Clark Israel, Dem., 894. County Auditor — E. V. Thompson, Rep., 870; B. A. Whiting, Dem., 760. County Treasurer — Andrew Granger, Rep., 678; E. W. Alcorn, Dem., 950. Prosecuting Attorney — R. F. Sturdevant, Rep.. 783; E. W. Clark, Dem., 849. County Assessor — Wilber Hopkins, Rep., 1,092. School Superintendent — C. B. Leather- man, Rep., 862; James Fitzgerald, Dem., 749. County Surveyor — Wilson McBride, Rep., 837- County Coroner — C. H. Day, Rep., 918; J. M. Miller, Dem., 687. Commissioner, First District — C. W. San- ders, Rep., 876; T. M. Fine, Dem., 729. Commissioner, Second District — Charles E. Shaffer, Rep., 841; George E. Barclay, Dem., 765. Constitutional Amendment — For amend- ment, 164; against amendment, 71. CHAPTER VIII EDUCATIONAL. The history of educational affairs in Co- lumbia county begins in the autumn of 1864. Before that period there was not a school be- tween the town of Walla Walla and the Idaho line. The establishment of the first school in the territory now comprising Columbia coun- ty was due, mainly, to the energies of George W. Miller and William Sherry. The two had HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 409 claims a short distance east of where now is the city of Dayton. They determined that by some means educational advantages must be provided for their children. Accordingly they journeyed to Walla Walla and returned with some lumber. They got more from the moun- tains, where they felled logs and hewed them into rude, but serviceable building material. The weather was bitterly cold ; the snow many feet in depth. With their own hands, and at their own expense, aided by a few of their neighbors, they erected a building. That was the initial school enterprise in Columbia coun- ty. Mr. Sherry taught the first term ; Mrs. Sherry the second. Ten or twelve scholars were enrolled. As a mark of appreciation on the part of their neighbors it may be said that they patronized the primitive school to the best of their ability. Among the pupils attending this early educa- tional institution was Chester F. Miller, at present judge of the superior court of Colum- bia, Garfield and Asotin counties. At that period he was a student of five years of age. His sister. Celeste Miller, later Mrs. J. E. Steen, was one year younger. This school was continued until the officers of Walla Walla county designated this portion of their jurisdiction as School District No. 15, and a legally authorized county school came into existence. The following is from the rec- ords of this school district ; the first school in the county with the exception of the subscrip- tion school mentioned above : School District No. 15, of Walla Walla county, Washington Territory, was created in 1865, and in- cluded in its boundaries all the country east of a line running north and south through the Richard- son place, and all south of the Whetstone Hollow, back to the mountains. The first school tax as- sessed in the district shows the following residents on the Touchet: Thomas T. Davis, Lambert Hearn, John C. Wells, Andrew White, Jesse N. Day, Amasa West, Ezekiel Hobbs, Henry Owsley, Robert Love, Perry G. Earl, William Abel and John Winnett. On the Patit — Elisha Ping, George W. Miller, William W. Sherry, William R. Rexford, Alexander Montgomery, James Montgomery. Albert Wood- ward and Cyrus Armstrong. On Johnson Hollow — Jonathan Buzzard, John C. Reynolds, John Abel, John Messenger, John A. Starner, Ambrose Johnson, George Bosley and Alexander Montgomery, Sr. On Whetstone Hollow — Mark Baker, Charles Abraham, William Benton, Alva Benton, and Thomas Whetstone. The first school in the district was taught by W. H. Elliott, , beginning November 20, 1865, and ending March 1, 1866, and was taught in a little log school house which stood on the north side of the' Lewiston road, about one and one-half miles east of Dayton, where the Hines residence now stands. This school house was built of logs with a chimney in one end; had greased paper for windows, and logs hewed on one side, and pegs driven in the bot- tom for seats, and pegs driven in the wall, with a hewed plank on top for desks. The register kept by the teacher shows the following pupils attending: Albert Abel, aged 14 ; Aldolphus Abel, 12 ; George Abel, 8; Loren Day, 11; Joseph H. Day, 9: Byron L. Gates, 8; Joseph Hobbs, 22; Lucien Hensley, 10; Calvin Montgomery, 14; Nancy Montgomery, 13; Joseph Montgomery, 10; Sarah Montgomery, 11; William Montgomery, 8; Jasper Montgomery, 6; Chester F. Miller, 5; Celeste I. Miller, 4; Caroline Messenger, 16; John Messenger, 14; Anderson Mes- senger, 24; Robert Ping, 18; Frank Ping. 9; Julia Ping, 7; Jennie May, 5; Sarah White, 8; Christiana E. Hobbs, 13. The first board of directors were Ambrose John- son. Alexander Montgomery and Elisha Ping. The clerk was George W. Miller. The teacher's report shows the books used were "Elementary Spellers," "Sander's Readers" and "Ray's Arithmetic." The first warrant drawn was for $135, in gold coin or its equivalent in legal tender notes, and bore a two- cent war stamp, and was drawn for teacher's salary. The early teachers were W. H. Elliott, 1865-6; John A. Starner, 1866-7; Miles O. Witt, 1867-8, 1868-9; Edward H. Orcutt, 1869; A. H. Porter, 1870; D. Ralph Kimball, 1870-1; F. D. Winton, 1871; Oliver C. White, 1871-2; Thomas S. Leonard and Mrs. Ruth Leonard, 1872; Annie M. Alley and Hat- tie E. Day, 1872-3; Oliver C. White, 1873 to 1877; Frank McCully, 1877-8. A new school house was built in 1868 where the present warehouses stand. The graded school building was erected on the present site in 1880. At the time of the creation of Columbia countv, in 1875, it contained, as nearly as can be learned, 15 or 20 school districts, with prob- 4io HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. ably 900 or 1 ,000 children of school age. Early in January, 1879, J- E. Edmiston, at that period county superintendent, published in the Columbia Chronicle his report for 1878: Editor Chronicle: — At your request I submit the following report which, in substance, I made to the Territorial Superintendent. There are 39 districts in this county, whose boundary lines are well defined. There are 2,399 pupils in the county; of this number five-sevenths have attended school during the past year. The average amount paid teachers is about $112 per quarter. The average amount of school kept in each district is a fraction over four months. There seems to be little difference in the wages paid to male and female teachers. This county has been settled so rapidly that I have found it necessary to form nine new districts since last January. One- half the clerks failed to make a full report. The schools of the county are in a very unsettled con- dition owing to the heavy immigration. Clerks and directors are continually changing; many districts are very large and are being divided frequently, thus causing many changes in the same district in a very short time. The books adopted are giving general satisfaction. Allow me to add further that there are two principal mistakes made by school officers in this county, to-wit: First — Directors generally employ the cheapest teacher they can get, regardless of the grade of his certificate. This is almost invariably the case with the first school taught in the district. Thus, where they most need a first-class teacher, they employ the poorest to be found. The first school proving a failure they try some other worthless teacher; then another and another, until the school is beyond redemption. Then, perchance, they employ a good teacher who spends the first quarter in undoing what has been done, and, consequently, he gives no bet- ter satisfaction than the former. Thus if we begin wrong we never know when we are right. Second — The poorest and most uncomfortable house in the district is the school house. Each man in the district is able to make his own dwell- ing comfortable, but all put together are not able to build a pleasant school house. Thus the old adage is, verified, "In union there is — ?" Permit me here to state that Pomeroy district has steered clear of these two fatal mistakes. They first erected a large school house, nicely finished, well furnished with seats, desks, blackboards, etc., as pleasant inside as any dwelling. They then em- ploy a first class teacher. It is due to the directors and citizens of Pomeroy to say that they have the finest and best school house in the county, and that their teacher, Mr. C. H. DeBow, stands among the first teachers of the county. Go, directors-, and do likewise. Make your school house the most pleas- ant in the district; then employ none but first-class teachers. Remember that if all the poor teachers in the county should starve to death you are not responsible. J. E. Edmiston. With the rapid settlement and development of the three succeeding years, there was wit- nessed a corresponding improvement in edu- cational facilities. There was developed a lively interest in school matters among the people; new school buildings were erected; the first of November, 1881, saw 62 bona fide school districts in Columbia county, and a school fund of $15,274.83. The organization of Garfield county left only 34, including union districts in what is now Columbia coun- ty. Following is the superintendent's report published in September, 1881 : Number of school districts 61 Number of school houses 54 Number of children of school age 3,286 Number of children attending school 2,005 Number of teachers employed 49 At this period there was but one graded school and that was at Dayton. We present here the superintendent's report for 1882 : New districts organized 4 Number of new buildings erected 9 Number of districts having no public school house 4 Average length of schools, months 4 Longest term, months 9 Shortest term, months 3 Number of teachers holding first grade certifi- cates, 7 Highest wages paid, males $80.00 Highest wages paid, females 60.00 Lowest wages paid, males 3300 Lowest wages paid, females 25.00 Number teachers in county, males 22 Number teachers in county, females 28 Amount expended for teachers' wages $ 7,800 Amount expended for buildings, exclusive of voluntary contributions $2,500 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY 411 Value of school property $19,488 No. children of school age in county 2,000 No. children under school age in county.... 525 Enrolled in public schools 1,223 Enrolled in private schools 38 Average daily attendance 824 Taking into consideration the demoralizing ef- fects of the smallpox epidemic that visited the county during the year, the above is a very good showing. The enrollment and average is not so large as might be expected, on account of the con- tour of the country, which renders it impossible for school houses to be placed conveniently for all persons. Each year a county institute is held by the teachers, and much has been accomplished thereby toward systematic and effective teaching. At the last session held in Dayton, May, 1882, the increase in attendance" and interest was very encouraging. Resolutions were adopted asking the legislature to make provisions for county normal institutes, and also for public school libraries. I think it may be said, without fear of success- ful contradiction, that the schools of Columbia county will compare favorably with those of any territory in the union, and also with those of num- erous states, notwithstanding the fact that the country is yet in its infancy regarding the more sub- stantial improvements. In the School Journal of May, 1884, Mrs. J. N. Crawford, county superintendent of schools, writes : There are at the present time 41 school dis- tricts in Columbia county! Including the primary school building of Dayton there are now 39 school houses, many of them very neat and comfortable. Four districts have no school houses, but three of the four contemplate building this year. The num- ber of children between the ages of four and 21 years, according to clerk's reports for 1883, is 2.101. At the present date there are, no doubt, 2,500. The January apportionment alone, 1884, was $17,155, of which at the rate of $8 per scholar, $16,108 were apportioned the district. Last year the average sal- ary of teachers was $45. This year the average will no doubt be over $50. A majority of the teachers receive from $50 to $60. The average length of school in 1879 was four and one-quarter months; in 1883 seven months. No county in Washington Ter- ritory except Pierce, has a better average. The Dayton school is the only one in the county that is graded. During the past year eight teachers were employed, seven of whom are teach- ing during the spring term. The high department in under charge of the principal, F. M. McCully, who graded the school in 1880. The other teachers are as follows: Grammer, Mrs. Kellogg; inter- mediate, Miss Stella Bo wen; primary schools, Misses Cora Samms, Helen Ross, Nannie Range and Annie Ross. Up to this time we have treated only of public schools. There were a number of private institutions. The Columbia Seminary Association was incorpor- ated in December, 1875. The object in view was the establishment at Dayton of an educational in- stitution under the immediate supervision of the Methodist Episcopal Conference. S. G. Ellis was president; the trustees were J. K. Rainwater, Robert F. Sturdevant, George Eckler, J. H. Kennedy, G. W. Miller, S. G. Ellis, J. N. Day, William Matzger and J. L. Smith. Without receiving sufficient encourage- ment this project was before the people of Dayton for more than a year. The trustees did not feel warranted in incurring the expense of the erection of a building for a purely denominational institu- tion, and the project was adandoned. Following this the Dayton Academy Associa- tion was organized in the spring of 1877. This was for the purpose of establishing a non-sectarian school. Like the Columbia Seminary Association this enterprise was, also, doomed to failure. Al- though the sum of $2,600 had been subscribed and preparations made for the erection of a suitable building, in July the trustees decided not to proceed with the work; there were indications that sufficient support could not be relied upon. In 1879 the Washington Seminary was built. It was located three miles northeast of Waitsburg, at Huntsville, just within the confines of Columbia county. It was a neat, two-story edifice capable of accommodating 150 students. It was, in fact, the only private educational institute of any im- portance that ever existed in the county. It was formally opened Monday, November 24th, with Prof. W. J. Jones as principal. As stated by the Chroni- cle of the 29th : "The professor is a competent man for the position, and with proper management the school, may be made one of the best east of the Cascade mountains." May 22, 1880, the Chronicle added : "The school, which is to be the central fig- ure of the place (Huntsville), closed Thursday, May 20, and a brief visit on Wednesday showed conclus- ively that the pupils under the management of R. O. Hawks and Miss Anna Kenworthy had made rapid and thorough advancement. During the past term there have been 61 pupils enrolled, with an average attendance of about 50. The college build- ing is conveniently arranged and when entirely fin- ished will be a credit to the county." The officers of the board of trustees of the Washington Seminary were, in 1880, Rev. William Gallaher, president; Rev. T. Branson, agent. At that period the faculty consisted of Prof. J. B. 412 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. Horner, principal, and professor of mathematics; R. O. Hawks, professor of bookkeeping, penmanship and phonography; Mrs. Belle Horner, preceptress of the ladies' department. At this time the institu- tion published the Washington Seminar}- Vidette edited by Prof. Horner. It was, as we say con- ventionally in journalistic parlance, "bright and newsy." The seminary was closed in 1890 and re- mained so until 1897, when it was reopened under the principalship of Prof. U. P. Waldrip. June 17, 1899 the Chronicle said : "* * * * This closed the second year since reopening. While the success achieved is below what was desired, yet in more particulars than one there is room for modest self congratulation on the part of the seminary. The average attendance for the year just closed, not counting those in the music department, was 45, but the quality of work done was the most satisfactory feature. U. P. Wal- drip is principal." Concerning the early schools in the city of Day- ton it may be said that E. H. Orcutt was one of the first, if not the first, teacher of the first school. O. C. White assumed charge in the autumn of 1871, and conducted the school at the "crossing" during a period of six months. Following a short exper- ience in the lumber business he taught the Milton Mills, now Long's Station, school, during the win- ter of 1872-3. At this time the Dayton school was taught by Miss Alley (later Mrs. H. B. Day), as principal, and Miss Hattie E. Day (later Mrs. D. C. Guernsey), as assistant. O. C. White returned to the Dayton school in March, 1873. remaining in charge until a short time before Christmas. 1876, when he resigned to assume his duties as county auditor. At a school election held at Dayton Saturday, April 27, 1878, the school tax was defeated. The ob- ject of this tax was to establish a revenue for a graded school. Concerning this the Chronicle in- dignantly said: "Every vote cast against levying a school tax was a vote indirectly cast against Day- ton. It is a burning shame that a town with the thrift and population of Dayton should continually ignore educational advantages in the shape of a good school. The right men will certainly take hold of this matter at no distant day. It is to be hoped they will." For several years prior to 1880, when a new school house was erected at Dayton, educational matters at the county seat were commented upon quite freely as being "disgraceful." The public school building was represented by an insignificant "shack" incapable of holding half the people who desired to attend school. It did not appear to be lack of interest in educational affairs that kept the school in such poor condition; the people of the dis- tricot were refined, educated and cultured. But owing to some inscrutable reason it was not until 1880 that a suitable school building, costing $4,312, was erected. This lack of public educational facilities led to the establishment of a number of small private institutions; at one time, in 1880, there were no less than five private schools, employing six teachers. In view of the foregoing, the erection of the handsome new school house in the summer of 1880 was an important event in the educational history of the county and town. The school opened Oc- tober 4th, with an attendance of 203 pupils; 40 in the higher grade ; 50 in the grammar department ; 56 in the intermediate, and 57 in the primary de- partment. Within a week this number was increased to 223 and in November 265 were enrolled. This new school house was secured owing to the ener- getic and judicious management of F. G. Frary, J. L. Smith and J. K. Rainwater. The following teachers were placed in charge: F. M. McCully, principal; J. S. Windell, Sina Colson and Stella Bowen, assistants. Not only at home, but abroad did this school soon gain an enviable reputation. Two other buildings were added during the sum- mer of 1881, and a high school instituted under charge of S. G. Burdick and Misses Lizzie Geary and Emma Kinnear were added to the list of teachers. Mr. Windell had resigned. At the close of the school year, 1882, the resig- nations of all the teachers, except Misses Colson and Bowen, were tendered the directors. During the year 1882-3 the principalship was given to Mr. J. H. Morgan. The year previous the enrollment in the public school of Dayton reached 350, and the average daily attendance was 245. The district ex- pended nearly $10,000 for the property it then pos- sessed. The census of 1882 showed 481 children be- tween the ages of 4 and 21 years in the district. January 21, 1892, a special election was held in the Dayton school district to vote on the propo- sition to issue $30,000 in bonds to erect a new school building. The vote was 231 for and 206 against. As it required a three-fifth vote to prevail, the propo- sition was lost. Now, Dayton was badly in need of improved school facilities. It was ascertained that the failure of the project was due, largely, to a misconception of various points in the proposition, and it was, consequently, decided to again resort to the polls. The schools at this time labored under great disadvantages. There were 640 pupils en- rolled in the district. Every effort was made to accomodate the pupils applying for admission to public schools, but it was impossible to do so under the conditions as they then existed. In one school room 93 children were crowded; in another 81. Applications for admission were listed and the ap- plicants were compelled to await their turn. Scholars who from sickness, or any other cause, were absent from school three days, were dropped HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 4i3 from the lists and their places quickly snapped up by others. No pupils residing out of the district were received or listed. February 1st a mass meeting was held, and an earnest effort was made to harmonize the various conflicting interests in the district, and bring about a new election. This was secured on February 8th, but again the bonds were voted down. The propo- sition appeared like an insurmountable bugbear. It was not until 1903 that Dayton was supplied with adequate school facilities. That year bonds car- ried, and an ornate school edifice costing $55,000 was erected. Perhaps, after all, it was just as well that the $30,000 project failed. Twenty-five thous- and dollars were added to the handsome structure. — The annual report of County School Superin- tendent Hendron was made August 1, 1903. It showed that there were 49 school districts in Colum- bia county. Only one of these, No. 18, on Snake river, had no school building. The total number of children, of school age in the county was 2,187. Of this number 2,085 attended school. This was a slight decrease from the showing made for the preceding year, when there were 2,347 children of school age, and 2,162 enrolled. Only three dis- tricts maintained more than one department; Day- ton had 12, Huntsville 3 and Starbuck 4. In the county 68 teachers were employed, 20 of whom were males. The average salary of male teachers was $55.60, and for female teachers, $50.18. This was an increase over wages paid during the preceding year. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES COLUMBIA COUNTY JOSEPH H. DAY was born in Leaven- worth, Kansas, on December 20, 1857, and is the son of Jesse and Elizabeth (Forest) Day. He is the nephew of Hon. H. B. Day, who with his brother, our subject's father, was numbered with the first pioneers of this coun- try. Dayton is named from these men and they are mentioned in other places in this vol- ume. Mr. Day has practically resided here all his life and studied in the schools of this coun- ty and city. His father came to the Pacific coast in the early fifties and married in -the Willamette valley. With his wife he went back to Kansas and there our subject was born, and was an infant in arms when they came back to the coast a second time. The mother was a native of Missouri and had come with her parents to the Willamette val- ley. The father had made the first trip to the west xvith his two brothers, Nicholas and Henry T. Day. As early as 1859, our subject's father bought from D. Schnebley a quarter section where Dayton now stands and al- though he had been in this vicinity some years before, the town of Dayton was started after this purchase. He was occupied in general farming and stoekraising. His death occurred in Dayton, in 1894, having been the father of twelve children. Our subject studied in Walla Walla as well as here and when still a boy he and his brother purchased the drug store in Dayton which their uncle, Dr. J. H. Day of Walla Walla has been operating here. Seeing the need of a more extended acquaintance with the imporant profession of pharmacy, Joseph H. Went to San Francisco and there gradu- ated from the College of Pharmacy in the class of 1878. Returning to Dayton, he purchased the interest owned by his brother and since then has conducted the business successfully until the present time. His store is one of the finest in this part of the country and will com- pare favorably with any in the state. He car- ries a stock of twenty thousand dollars worth of goods, well selected, and his place of busi- ness is the general centre of the drug trade of Dayton. The old pioneers are pleased to make this a rendezvous and all new comers are at- tracted by the strict business methods and the up to date of everything in connection. Mr. Day's aggressiveness and the sturdy qualities of worth inherited from his father have com- bined to make him successful in his chosen profession. At Portland, Oregon, in 1879, Mr. Day married Miss Emily B. Vanderbilt, who came to San Francisco with her parents, Marcus and Amanda F. (Jordan) Vanderbilt. when she was twelve years of age. She was one of three children and her father died here in Co- lumbia county, in 1882. Her mother had died in California. To Mr. and Mrs. Day one child has been born, Everett V. In political mat- ters Mr. Day is Republican and while a stanch 416 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. worker for the principles that are for the growth and betterment of the country, he never aspires to office and is content to labor for others to fill positions of public trust. Mr. Day has labored for years for the advancement of the country and is in love with his city, and stands today one of the leading men of the community. He is never behind in any move- ment calculated to benefit the country and every worthy project is sure to find a stanch friend and helper in him. Mrs. Day is popu- lar and esteemed, and is a favorite in society. Other members of the Day family are men- tioned in this work and the history of Dayton commences with their advent. , ELIJAH W. McCALL is one of the lead- ing farmers and stockmen of Columbia county and resides one mile north from Dayton. He was born in DeKalb county, Missouri, on Oc- tober 2, 1854, the son of John and Polly A. (Maxwell) McCall, natives of Tennessee and Illinois, resepctively. They were married in Indiana and were pioneers all their lives. The mother died in 1902, in Washington. The father came to Missouri when it was yet an un- settled country and so on thereafter, journey- ed to Iowa. In 1869, he came to San Fran- cisco, and thence to Lane county, Oregon, and purchased a farm in Rattlesnake valley. He sold this two years later and came to Waits- burg where he rented land. Next he moved to Whetstone Hollow, near Dayton and they were among the first settlers in that country and for a good many years were extensively en- gaged in raising cattle and horses. In 1889, he passed away, having lived a good life and done a good work. He always was ahead of the railroad, a typical frontiersman, and took great delight in the strenuous exercises and hardships of life. Our subject received his education in Iowa, Oregon and Washington, being eighteen years of age when he came to the last named territory. When he had arrived at his majority, he took a homestead in Whet- stone valley and was associated with his father in stock raising until the latter's death. It was 1 90 1 when Mr. McCall sold his homestead and purchased the property where he now re- sides just out from Dayton. He owns two hun- dred and twenty acres of fine land which is well improved and utilized for diversified farming. Mr. McCall raises cattle, horses, hogs, poultry, sheep and all kinds of crops that do well in this latitude. He is an energetic and progressive man and has shown himself possessed of excellent wisdom in the calling he has pursued. He has a beautiful home, while thrift and industry are in evidence throughout the entire premises. In 1890, Mr. McCall married Miss Sarah White, who was born in Iowa and crossed the plains with his parents in an ox train to the Willamette valley in 1862. Her father, An- drew W., was a pioneer of Oregon and mar- ried Miss Margaret Messinger, a native of In- diana. They crossed the plains to Oregon in pioneer days. To Mr. and Mrs. McCall four children have been born, Elmer B., deceased, Burrell, George L., and Bessie. Mr. McCall is a member of the F. & A. M. and the W. W. WILBER HOPKINS, the efficient and popular assessor of Columbia county, is also one of the pioneers of this section and has done a faithful labor for the upbuilding of the- country during the time of his residence here. When not in official duty, he is occupied in farming and has a good estate some miles out from Dayton. He was born in Iowa, on Sep- tember 10, 1862, the son of Ira E. and L. (Barden) Hopkins. The father was born in New York, on December 11, 1827, and is liv- ing near Dayton. The mother was born in New York, on October 4, 1833, and died in HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 417 Dayton, on May 5, 1904. The father followed coopering all his life and has done an extensive business. He had a very large establishment in Michigan, then moved to Chicago and con- tinued in business with his brother. After that, they journeyed to Indiana and shortly afterwards on west to Iowa and did business there until 1872, when he came to the vicinity of Dayton, since which time he has divided his attention between shop work and the farm. Our subject attended the common schools of Iowa and Washington and completed his edu- cation in Huntsville seminary. In 1881, he began teaching and followed the same for several years with marked success, then he turned his attention to farming and has con- tinued in that business since, excepting when he has been holding office. He has held vari- ous positions and in 1902 was elected county assessor on the Republican ticket. In this ca- pacity, he has given universal satisfaction and is a man of excellent practical judgment, as is evidenced by the fact that he was re-elected in November, 1904, without an opponent. In 1893 Mr. Hopkins married Miss Delia Piles who was born in West Virginia in 1872. Her parents Jacob and Rachel (McClure) Piles, were both born in West Virginia, the father on February 3, 1830. The mother is now deceased. Mr. Hopkins has the fol- lowing named brothers, Ernest, Herbert, Er- win, Luther and Miles. Miles is studying medi- cine in the medical college in San Francisco and is making splendid progress. Mr. Hop- kins is a man of excellent standing, reliable and capable. In political matters he is an ac- tive worker as well as in every movement that is for the benefit of the community. DURON HAMILTON has the distinc- tion of being born in the Willamette valley and has spent the years of his life entirely in the west, having been a pioneer of various sec- tions. He has done the work of the pioneer 27 well and deserves credit for it. At the pres- ent time, he resides six miles southeast from Starbuck where he has a nice estate, well im- proved. He is one of the influential and sub- stantial men of the country, and labors assidu- ously for improvement and progress. His. birth occurred at the forks of the Santiam in Linn county, on April 29, 1859. The father,. Supplina Hamilton, was born in Illinois and crossed the plains with an ox team in 185 1. He settled on a donation claim in that county and in 1861, came to Umatilla county on horse- back, arriving in due time at Umatilla landing where, in connection with farming, he oper- ated a blacksmith shop. For five years he continued this enterprise, then moved to an- other portion of Umatilla county. Later, he returned to Linn county, Oregon, and in 1873, came to the Pataha flat and took a pre-emption He lived on that for two years and then went to Waitsburg and opened a blacksmith shop. Shortly after that he took two hundred acres of government land near Dixie, where he re- mained until 1888. In that year, he traded his land for land in Whitman county, near Endicott and this he sold in 1902 and then bought land near St. John, Washington. His death occurred at 7:15 A. M., February 9, 1905, at St. John, where his body rests. He fought in the leading Indian wars and took part in the campaign against the Cayuses. During this service he spent one winter above Walla Walla where the snow was five feet deep on the level and they subsisted on horse's flesh without even salt. Our subject's mother, Jane (Sumpter) Hamilton, was born in Mis- souri and crossed the plains in 1849. Her father, Alexander Sumpter, died on May 20, 1894, aged ninety-three. He has thirteen children, eighty-six grandchildren — one hun- dred and sixty-two great-grandchildren, and seventeen great-great grandchildren, making a total of two hundred and seventy-eight de- scendants, most of whom were born in Ore- gon, Washington and Idaho. 4i8 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. Our subject was educated in the public schools of Oregon and Washington and the academy at Waitsburg. After he arrived at manhood's estate he took a homestead near Dixie. In 1878. he went thence to Pataha flat and conducted a farm. A year later, he returned to the vicinity of Dixie and bought railroad land and in 1881. took a timber cul- ture five miles north of Waitsburg, where he re- mained until 1895. I' 1 T 89/. Mr Hamilton came to Columbia county and in 1901, bought and rented land where he now lives. He has a pleasant and valuable home place and handles considerable stock besides doing gen- eral farming. He also is an expert well driller and handles many contracts throughout the country, in company with his son, C. O. On December 24, 1876, Mr. Hamilton married Miss Laura S. Brunton, a native of Missouri who, in 1876, came to this state with her parents, Cyrus H. and Christian (Wil- coxen) Brunton, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio, respectively. The father was one of the pioneers of the coast and .was widely known as a good and upright man. To Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton nine children have been born, named as follows, Mrs. Olive L. Xeeley, Charles O., Osta, Pearl C. Christa J., Mary, Delbert, Wil- liam J. B., and Ruby. Mr. Hamilton is a member of the I. O. O. F. He is an energetic and stirring man in business affairs, patriotic and loyal as a citizen and stanch and true as a friend. JAMES MILO McKELLIPS, a retired farmer of Dayton, and one of the men who has labored assiduously for the improvement and betterment of this part of the country, was born on January 2, 1828, at Bradford, Ver- mont, in the Connecticut river valley. James McKellips, his father, was also born in Ver- mont, as were the grandfather and great- grandfather of our subject. The great-grand- father served seven years in the Revolution and was crippled from a wound received dur- ing that service. James M. remembers him well and the tales he used to tell of the hard- ships and suffering the patriots encountered. The family were all farmers and came from Scotch and Irish extraction. The mother of our subject, Mary (Martin) McKellips, was born in Vermont and came from an old Amer- ican family. James M. grew up on the farm in Vermont until twenty, when his father gave him his time. The family, however, had moved to New Hampshire two years previous to that. With his brother, Mr. McKellips bought a sawmill and operated the same for several years, then came west in 1853, to Chi- cago. One year was spent in constructing railroad bridges and he then journeyed on to Quincy, Illinois, and there spent a short time on the farm, having met his future wife. He worked some time for her father, then they were married and went on to Keokuk, Iowa. Owing to the failure of the health of his wife's father, they returned to the home and assisted them for one year. In May, 1856, they journeyed to Missouri, where Mr. Mc- Kellips did farming and carpentering for six years. After that, they went to Wisconsin, purchased a farm, and for, nine years made that their headquarters. After that time, they took a trip to Illinois and New England and then in the spring of 1872, came to Oregon. Mr. McKellips rented a farm ten miles west of Portland and in 1876, came to southeastern Washington, where he took eighty acres as a homestead. Being prospered in his work, he purchased more land until he had an estate of five hundred acres. In 1888, he sold the en- tire property and later, bought a quarter sec- tion, which he now rents. He owns a nice dwelling in Dayton and also three other resi- dence properties which are rented. Mr. Mc- Kellips, owing to his thrift and wisdom, has been blessed in financial matters and is one of the substantial and prosperous men in the state. HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 419 On June 21, 1855, at Quincy, Illinois, Mr. McKellips married Elizabeth L. Thompson, who was born on January 19. 1833, at Athens, Ohio. Her parents, Andrew and Elizabeth (Stuart) Thompson, were natives of Ohio. Her mother's father came from Scotland and belonged to the royal house of 'the Stuarts. Mr. and Mrs. McKellips have had two child- ren, Mary, who died when twenty and a son who died an infant. Mr. McKellips has three half brothers, Horace, David, and Eldredge; •and two half-sisters, Charlotte, the wife of Warren Harriman, a veteran of the Civil War ; and Mary Jane, the widow of O. D. Bradbury. Mr. McKellip's mother was married the second time, 'to the brother of her first husband. Mrs. McKellips has three brothers, Lewis, in Linn- wood, Kansas; Homer, in Nevada; Lee, in Il- linois; and one sister, Adaline, wife of Lewis Bettig. Mr. and Mrs. McKellips are people of good standing and are deserving and re- spected citizens. Since the above was written, death has en- tered the pleasant home of Mr. McKellips, and on the evening of Mrs. McKellips, who had suffered a stroke of paralysis some two weeks previous, passed from ithe things of time to the realities of eternity. The funeral was held from the family residence the following Sunday and all that was earthly of the good, faithful woman was laid to rest to await the morn of resurrection. ♦ »» WILLIAM E. CAHILL is one of Day- ton's leading business men. Mr. Cahill stands at the head of a large abstracting busi- ness which he has built up to its present exten- sive proportions, and is managing with marked ability and excellent success. As an abstractor he stands second to none in the State of Wash- ington, and in his records of work, very few men can surpass him. His instruments are said to be among the very best in the north- west. Columbia county is to be congratulated upon having such a complete and up-to-date abstract office, which insures correctness of title and thus avoids much confusion and litiga- tion, William E. Cahill was born in Greenlake county, Wisconsin, on January 18, 1862. His parents, William R. and Angeline (Church) Cahill, were born in New York, and in Erie county, Pennsylvania, in 1830 and 1840, re- spectively. The father died in 1888, but the mother is still living. The common schools of Wisconsin furnished the educational train- ing of our subject until he was sixteen years of age, when he came to Washington and studied two years more in the higher branches. After that he took up teaching for several years and then engaged as salesman in one of the leading mercantile establishments in Dayton. For seven years he continued thus and then he open- ed an office in his present business. Since that time, Mr. Cahill has devoted his attention to this business and has perfected and is conduct- ing as complete a set of books as can be found in this country. His reliability and thorough- ness have so commended him to the people that he has won their entire confidence and he does most of the business in the county. In 1888, Mr. Cahill married Miss Anna Sharon, a native of Illinois. To this union one child has been born and is now deceased. Mr. Cahill is a member of the F. & A. M. and the K. P. and has passed the chairs of the latter order. He stands well in business and society circles in the country. GEORGE W. BLACKMER, who resides about two miles south from Dayton, on a nice large estate of fertile land, has passed a life of most thrilling adventure and hardship, both as a soldier and a hardy pioneer. Like Kit Car- son or Buffalo Bill, his experiences are so ex- tensive many a volume would have to be writ- 420 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. ten to detail them. Equal in cunning, bravery and marksmanship to these two scouts, he has displayed his prowess on many occasions and won the plaudits of many people. He was born in New York, on October 4, 1840, the son of Olomon and Amarilla (Hyde) Blackmer. The mother was tern at Burlington, Vermont, in 1804. The father was born in Vermont in 1794, and was a veteran of the War of 1812, in which conflict he received a severe wound. He was a great hunter and Indian fighter and his son received much valuable training from his skillful father. Our subject was educated in New York, and when twenty-one, in 1861, en- listed in the Forty-fourth New York and was in the heaviest fighting of the Rebellion. He participated in all the battles under McClellan, was in the Pennsylvania campaign, fought through the campaign under Burnsides and participated in the battles at Fredericksburg, Antietam, Cold Harbor, Rappahannock, The Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Petersburg, Gettys- burg, the Second Bull Run and the seven days' struggle at Richmond. At Gettysburg, he had fourteen bullet holes in his clothing. In 1864, he received his honorable discharge and after a short visit at home, returned to the cap- itol at Washington, D. C, and was watchman in the treasury department for two months. Next he was in the quartermaster's department and went there to assist in erecting buildings for General Sherman and was there until the war closed. He was given fifteen men on one occasion to take General Sherman's mail from Wilmington, North Carolina, to Fay- ettesville. The route was up a sluggish river for one hundred and sixty miles and was beset by enemies the entire distance. They repulsed many attacks and on one occasion had a close call with three burning barges that the rebels sent against them. He succeeded in delivering the mail all right, however. After the battle of Cold Harbor, Mr. Blackmer was taken pris- oner and was detained successively at Belle Island, Salisbury and Andersonville. In the last place, he was without blankets or coats and had nothing to drink but stagnant water until the breaking out of the spring within the stockade, so well known in history. Mr. Blackmer had two brothers, Esau and Jacob, who were also veterans of the Civil War. In 1865, our subject came to Montana and participated in all the mining excitements- of the west and northwest. On one occasion, he was to haul ten passengers to white Pine City for one hundred and fifty dollars each, but owing to the hostilities of the savages, they refused to go. Mr. Blackmer went alone, however, and continued until he reached Salt Lake City. During the entire way, he was aware that the Indians were on his trail, yet he was not injured. At Salt Lake, being" well ac quainted with Brigham Young and other Mor- mon leaders, he was strongly pressed by them to take a colonelcy in the dragoons, but re- fused. From Salt Lake City he went to Elko and crossed the Great American Desert, ninety miles in width, by moonlight without a drop of w r ater for either himself or his horse. At Honey Lake he recruited and there remained until 1868, when he took a trip to New York on a visit and three months later, came to California. After that, he journeyed to the Willamette Valley, whence he crossed the mountains and in 1870 took a homestead, pre- emption, and timber culture claim. Mr. Black- mer has been an extensive traveler and ex- plorer in every state in the union except three. At the present time, he is living on a nice es- tate near Dayton, as stated, and is one of the substantial and well known farmers. In 1868, in Michigan, Mr. Blackmer mar- ried Miss Amanda Warner, who was born in Calhoun county, that state, in 1842. To them the following named children have been born : Mrs. Etta M. Hart, in 1872; Mrs. Bertha Derry, in 1876; Francis R., in 1878; Olomon H., in 1880; and George W., in 1885. Mr. Blackmer's experience with the In- dians has been extensive indeed. On many HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY 421 occasions he has visited them in the midst of their warlike hostilities but at such times he was never wounded or injured by them. How- ever, he was wounded by them thrice at Yel- lowstone river. They respected his generosity and bravery, and many times would fight for instead of against him. On numerous occa- sions he has been in their camp and slept in their tepees while they were on the war path. He is a brave and fearless man and has done a noble work as a pioneer. His life record in fighting for his country is second to none and he has shown himself an upright man, a true and stanch friend and a patriotic citizen. Regarding the Andersonville stockade, Mr. Blackmer states that the first one was about forty acres and through it was a sluggish slough or bayou. The water was vile and one day, about a foot above the level of this slough, a good spring broke out, furnishing a stream as big as a broom handle. He secured a drink of the refreshing water the first day it broke out, and it was a God-send to the poor, famishing soldiers. CYRUS DAVIS, who lives in Dayton, Washington, was born in Richford, Franklin county, Vermont, on April 23, 1827. Daniel Davis was his father and he owns as his native place, the town where our subject was born. He w r as a veteran of the War of 181 2 and a prominent man in Vermont. In 1853, our subject brought his family, including his par- ents, to Waukesha, Wisconsin. There the father died. The mother died in St. Croix county, that state. Our subject always partic- ipated actively in the public and political af- fairs of the country and held many offices of trust at the hands of the people. He married Miss Phoebe Mack, who was also born in Rich- ford county, Vermont. Her parents were of Scotch lineage and came to America in Colon- ial days. The first seventeen years of our sub- ject's life were spent in Vermont and there he received his education. Then he went to Keen, New Hampshire, and the next year took a position with Richard Miller and learned the stone-cutting trade. For fifteen years he fol- lowed that industry, coming west gradually un- til he landed in Wisconsin. There he did many large pieces of work among which may be mentioned the state reform school at Wau- kesha, the contract for which was over sixty thousand dollars. In i860, we find him in St. Croix county, Wisconsin, near Hammond, where he bought a farm and gave his attention largely to the same until 1871, then he de- termined to come farther west and accordingly selected Washington territory as the objective point. Among the many beautiful places here, he choose Dayton as his destination, and kept the first inn in that town. He started with a little log cabin and soon thereafter, went to stock-raising and farming, which he has fol- lowed chiefly since. He has gained a good competence for the golden years of his life and has also won in unstinted measure, the esteem and admiration of all who have assisted him. No man stands better in the country to-day than Mr. Davis. In 1850 occurred the marriage of Mr. Davis and Philena Holey, who was born in Saybrook, Ohio, and there reared. Thence she removed to Napola, New York, where she was married. Her parents were Austin and Philena Holey, natives of Connecticut. For fifty years, Mr. Davis and his faithful wife have journeyed their pilgrim way happily and he remarks jocosely that doubtless they are able to continue for fifty years more. They are both enjoying the best of health and are among the beloved and respected people of this community. Wherever they have lived, they have won hosts of friends by their, kindness and by their integrity. Mr. Davis is a member of the F. & A. M., a well known politician and has held many offices of trust at the hands of the people. His 42; HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. brother, Leonard D., was also a pioneer of this country and one of its influential citizens. He died in June, 1904, aged eighty-nine. The children born to Mr. Davis are named as fol- lows : Lorenzo , Phoebe, Philena, Ella and Hattie. For, thirty-three years, Mr. Davis has la- bored in southeastern Washington and it is pleasing indeed to see him and his enjoying the fruits of their toil, amid loved ones and hosts of warm friends. The labor he has per- formed for the -upbuilding of the country and the development of the same are worthy the evident wisdom bestowed. Mr. Davis had four brothers in the Civil War, two of whom were killed, one at Gettys- burg and the other at the battle of the Wilder- ness. ROBERT F. STURDEVANT, bettei known as Judge Sturdevant, is one of the leading men in his portion of the state of Washington. For thirty years he has been a prominent figure in political and public matters in Washington and has a wide acquaintance throughout the state and a large circle of warm friends. At the present time, he is at the head of an extensive practice of law in Dayton and is known as one of the most brilliant attorneys in this part of the state. Without doubt no work would be complete which purports to mention the leading men of the county, did it not give a prominent place to Judge Sturde- vant. His labors, his work, and his life are to be mentioned in this relation. Robert F. Sturdevant was born in Warren county, Pennsylvania, on November 18, 1841. His parents, James W. and Mary- A. (French) Sturdevant, were born in Pennsylvania and Vermont respectively. The father's father was born in Connecticut. The parents set- tled in Lee county, Iowa, in 1843, an d remained there eleven years, then journeyed to Wiscon- sin, where they lived many years. The mother died in 1893. The children of this family are named as follows: Robert F., our subject; James, Rufus J., Nancy J., Marshall and Gildroy. Robert F. studied first in the old log cabin schoolhouse and later completed his edu- cation in Neilsville, Wisconsin. When twen- ty-five years of age, he began the study of law in the office of his uncle, B. F. French. On March 4, 1868, the date that General Grant was inaugurated president of the United States, Mr. Sturdevant was admitted to the practice of law in Wisconsin. He commenced his profession in Neilsville and there continued until 1873, when he began the tour of the coun- try, landing in Washington territory the same year. In 1874 he selected Dayton as the place cf his home and since that time Judge Sturde- vant has been a prominent figure in politics, in public life, and at the bar in this country. He lias assisted materially to mold the public senti- ment, while in the affairs of progress and wis- dom, he has ever been an influential figure in the movements devoted to the upbuilding of the country. In June, 1876, we find him in Spokane for a short time. He has traveled to various sections of the state in the west but has ever maintained his home in Dayton. Dur- ing the years he has resided here, the judge has accumulated a nice property. He has a four hundred and forty-acre farm, six miles southeast from Dayton, and a fine residence in the city, besides various other property. In political matters, the judge is a leader. It is interesting to note that in i860, when the ter- rible issue that finally resulted in the Civil War was being conducted throughout the country, young Sturdevant was a great ad- mirer of Abraham Lincoln. Although his father was a strong Democrat, our subject be- lieved the principles right that Lincoln upheld and that he was the man for the chair of the chief executive in those stirring times, conse- quently, he secured literature that expounded these principles and distributed it most thor- oughly where he lived. The result was that HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. A2% the county, before time strongly Democratic, was entirely Republican. On the day of elec- tion, the older Sturdevant learned of the mat- ter and became greatly enraged. Coming to his son, he exclaimed, "I believe I will thrash you." The young man said, "What for?" "Because you have made this county go Repub- lican." That was Judge Sturdevant's first political victory and gave him prestige and standing in that community. However, he did not get the thrashing and his father, when anger passed, saw the wisdom of the move. From that time, until the present, the Judge has been just as greatly interested in politics and has never hesitated to put forth becoming efforts to bring about the consummation of those principles which he believes to be just. In 1870, before leaving Wisconsin, Mr. Stur- devant was elected prosecuting attorney of Clark county twice, then resigned and came west, as stated above. In 1876, he was nomi- nated by his party for county judge against William E. Ayers, the Democratic candidate. The result was a tie vote. A new election was called and he gained the day. Mr. Sturdevant was in Walla Walla attending court at election time. In 1878 he was elected prosecuting at- torney of the first judicial district of Washing- ton, which comprised all of Washington east of the Cascades except Klickitat county. He served one term and in 1889, was elected a member of the constitutional convention, being the only Republican in his district. In the fall of that year, Judge Sturdevant was called by the people to serve as superior judge for Co- lumbia, Garfield and Asotin counties and for seven years he held that position to the satis- faction of all. Then he returned to the prac- tice of law, preferring the bar rather than the arduous and confining work of the bench. On March 18, 1866, Mr, Sturdevant mar- ried Miss Mary J. Towsley, the daughter of Dr. Matthew M. and Harriett (Hoadley) Towsley. natives of Connecticut and Ohio, respectively. Mrs. Sturdevant was born in Ohio, moved with her parents to Indiana, and later to Wisconsin, where she was married. Two children have been the fruit of this union, Eva M., married to Preston M. Troy, living in Olympia; and Edith E. Judge Sturdevant is a member of the F. & A. M., the Royal Arch Chapter, the I. O. O. F. and the G. A. R. Mrs. Sturdevant is a mem- ber, of the Eastern Star, the L. R. C. and the Congregational church. A NEWTON JAMES, one of the repre- sentative men of Columbia county, gives his attention to farming, having an estate of four hundred and eighty acres, five miles north from Dayton, which is the family home. He was born in Linn county, Oregon, on April 5, 1862, the son of Andrew J. and Sarah (Beers) James, who are mentioned elsewhere in this volume. The first seven years of our subject's life were spent in Linn county and then the family came on to this part of Washington. He remained on the farm with his parents until twenty-one, having received his education from the district and graded schools of the county. At the time of his majority, he bought one hundred and sixty acres of land and has grad- ually purchased more until he has the fine es- tate above mentioned. His residence is a good, large story and one-half house, which is provided with water piped in, telephone and so forth, while commodious barns and good out- buildings are in evidence, besides other im- provements. Mr. James is an up-to-date and wise farmer and has gained a splendid property holding. On October 14. 1885, at the residence of the bride's parents, Mr. James married Charity Romaine, a native of Wisconsin and the daughter of Garrett and Martha (Harbaugh) Romaine, who are mentioned elsewhere in this volume. Mr. and Mrs. James have three children. Lewis H. and Lois and Freda. 424 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. In politics, our subject is a Democrat and gives of his time to assist on the school board, but is not especially active in the political realm. He is a man of good judgment, one of the substantial men of the community and is respected and esteemed by all who know him. JOHN T. RONDEMA. Some of the best farmers that have ever turned the soil in the United States have found their way hither from the little kingdom of Holland. The gen- uine Saxon blood in its purity is found there and the thrift of these people is well known. The gentleman whose name appears above has the good fortune to have been born in Holland, the date of that event being July 29, 1855. He now resides about four miles southeast from Dayton and gives his entire attention to gen- eral farming and stock raising. His father, Andrew Rondema, was also a native of Hol- land and gave this son an excellent training in the thrifty ways of his people. In 1871, John T., after having received a good education in his mother country, came to the United States and located in Chicago. He was there during the great fire and remained until 1871, when he went to Atkins, Illinois, which was his home until 1883. In that year, Mr. Rondema made his way west, finally locating in the vicinity of Walla Walla, where he engaged in farming and stock raising successfully until October, 1903. At that time, he sold his Walla Walla property and bought the improvements upon a right to two hundred and twenty acres of school land where he now resides. Although not living within the precincts of this county so long as some, nevertheless he is a pioneer of southeastern Washington and deserves to be classed as one of the builders of this section. He has fixed up his place until it is one of the most beautiful and tasty on the Touchet river, and Mr. Rondema is to be greatly commended for the thrift and care that he has manifested. Too much cannot be said to encourage the resi- dents of this great state of Washington to pat- tern the example of Mr. Rondema for while it is necessary to mention that special attention should be given to produce the fruit of the field that one may prosper, it is certainly a fact that the rushing American has forgotten that everything is not embodied in the dollar, and that the beauty with which he surrounds him- self has a marked effect upon the character and should be assiduously cared for. On January 28, 1880, Mr. Rondema mar- ried Martha M. Porter who was born in Stark county, Illinois. To this marriage two chil- dren have been born, William, deceased, and Andreas. Mrs. Rondema comes from the old and well known Porter family, and is de- scended from Mayflower ancestry. Her grandfather served in the War of 181 2, and members of the Porter family have been re- nowned in military in all the wars of the United States including the Philippine. Lieu- tenant Porter was killed by the Indians in the Custer massacre. Mr. Rondema is a member of the W. W., the A. O. U. W., the Royal Arcanum, and the Eagles. He is a man of first class standing and enjoys the respect and esteem of the com- munity. GEORGE E. JEWETT has won his way to a brilliant success in Columbia county by virtue of his industry and careful management of the resources which have been placed before him. He is a man of energy and has shown that he is not afraid of taking hold with his hands to bring out the rewards that belong to the industrious. He has always possessed a knowledge of the worth of a dollar and so has been enabled to wisely invest his well earned money to the best advantage. When Mr. Jewett came to this country he went to work on a farm for wages and now he stands one of the representative men of the community and has Andreas B. Rondema John T. Rondema Bloyd C. Rondema Anna Rondema George E. Jewett Charles J. Thronson HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 425 amassed property which places him indepen- dent of the hard labor he has performed here- tofore. George E. Jewett was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on January 11, 1853, the son of Edward L. and Margaret (Shouse) Jewett, natives of Ohio. The family went to Illinois in 1859 and in 1878 journeyed to Kansas and there they remained until the death of the father. Our subject was educated in the common schools of Illinois and in the centennial year, we find him in Kansas working for wages. He wrought in different places for the intervening years until 1884, when he came west to view the country. Being pleased with the Columbia county prospects, he began work on the farm for wages, and here he has remained since. After a short time in the employ of others he felt justified in purchasing land and Mr. Jewett soon became one of the prosperous farmers of the county. He now owns about one section, seven miles north from Dayton, which is one of the choice farms of the county. It is well improved and produces annual re- turns quite gratifying. Mr. Jewett has a fine home and is to be commended on his success. He has the following" named brothers and sis- ters, Harry L., living in Olathe, Kansas; William, in Johnson county, the same state; Bert, Frank, and Arthur, deceased ; Charlie, in Desoto. Kansas ; Mrs. Emma Paris ; Charlie, in Missouri ; and Hattie. deceased. Mr. Jewett is one of the representative men of the county; and it is pleasant to see one who assisted to open the country now enjoying here in its present properous condition the fruits of his labors, while also he is surrounded by warm friends and has the respect of all. CHARLES J. THRONSON, one of Columbia county's heaviest land owners and most stirring stockmen and farmers, is now residing about ten miles northwest from Day- ton, where he conducts a ranch of eight hun- dred acres. Formerly he gave his attention to sheep raising but has recently sold his stock and is now raising grain almost entirely. He was born in California in 1867, the son of Willis and Anna (Thomson) Thronson, na- tives of Norway. The father was born in 1825 and came to California in 1850, and to Wash- ington in 1869, where he died in 1897. Our subject was educated in his native land and in Washington whither he came in 1873. Settle- ment was made on the Keystone ranch which he conducted until September, 1903, when he removed to the place where he now resides. The entire estate is owned by the Thronson Land Stock Company, incorporated, and our subject is president. His brothers are equal stockholders with him. They own and control about twenty-five hundred acres of choice land. Mr. Thronson is well known throughout the country and has labored enthusiastically in its upbuilding and improvement since the time of his arrival here. For over thirty years he has been here and has earned the title of pioneer and frontiersman. Mr. Thronson is a man of ability and excellent standing and has won hosts of friends from all portions of the country. In Columbia county, in 1892, Mr. Thron- son married Miss Agnes Riggs, who was born in Ohio and this union has been blessed by the advent of three children: Sadie, aged eight; Carlos, aged three; Charles, two years of age. Mr. Thronson has two brothers, Thron, in Howard, Oregon, and Joel A., in Lagrande, Oregon. In political matters, we find our subject holding firm the principles of the Democratic party and very active in the campaigns. He is a member of the W. W. and takes deep interest in everything that tends to improve or build up the country or enhance the welfare of its inhabitants. 426 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. MARK B. KENNEY resides about eight miles south from Dayton, where he follows farming. Formerly, he did a large contract- ing and building business in this country. He was born in County Galway, Ireland, in April. 1834. the son of Bernard and Nona (Blake) Kenney. The mother was the daughter of Sir Thomas Blake, Colonel of the Ninety-eighth Connaught Rangers, and was knighted for gal- lantry on the field of Waterloo. Our subject was brought to the United States in 1838 and his people were wealthy merchants. He is one of a family of eight children, named as follows, John, Joseph, Mary, Mona, Isidore B., Mark B., Peter B., and Charles B. They are all deceased except our subject. Isidore, Peter and Charles all served in the Union army. Our subject also served there and was known as captain of the "Wild Irishmen" dur- ing the Civil War. After the war, our sub- ject came to the Pacific coast and drifted to various sections until finally in 1876, he set- tled in Columbia county and for ten years did building and contracting in Dayton. Then he bought the farm where he now lives and has also taken a homestead. During the early days of his residence here in Columbia county, Mr. Kenney saw very much hardship and was associated with the leading pioneers, as Judge Sturdevant, Jesse Day and others. He was interested in the townsite of Dayton and was one of the prominent citizens then, as now. Mr. Kenney took an active part in the Indian fights during the -Avars with the savages and was known as a brave man in this capacity. In 1889, Mr. Kenney was married and his wife died soon after. He has one child, Maude, the wife of Joseph McLaine. Politically, Mr. Kenney has always been a 'Democrat until 1896, when he voted for Mc- Kinley, since which time he has been a Repub- lican. In 1902, he was a delegate to the state convention and was a stanch worker for the triumph of the decade. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and his wife is a member of the Rebekahs. Financially, Mr. Kenney has made a great success in gathering property and is one of the well-to-do men of the county. He is to be recognized as one of the stirring pioneers and deserves commendation for the faithfulness of his labors in opening up and building up the country. WILLIAM H. SUTTON, familiarly known as "Doc" Sutton, has the distinction of being one of the early pioneers of the north- west. During his career here, he has opened several fine farms and has also done much other, labor. At the present time, he is giving his attention to farming and stock breeding on his farm, which is nine miles northwest from Dayton, and is known as an upright and pro- gressive citizen. He was born in Fayette county, Iowa, the son of Lot and Maria (Grin- nell) Sutton, natives of Ohio. The father came to Iowa, then finally settled in Fayette county when it was wild and uninhabited. William H. grew up there and received his education in the common schools. In 1862, he took the most unique of all journeys — a trip across the plains with ox teams. They landed on Powder river and three years later, he came thence to Walla Walla. During this time, he had been occupied in freighting and continued the same in the various mining camps until 1869, when he located in Dayton. In 1877, h e removed from this section to the vicinity of "Genesee, Idaho, and took a home- 'stead. There he continued until 1884, in which year he returned to Columbia county and located a ranch on Willow creek, where we find him at the present time. He has made a beautiful home and has an excellent estate which is skillfully handled. In 1876, Mr. Sutton married Miss Ida Dunn, a native of Missouri. She died in 1895, leaving four children, Harvey, Inez, Lottie and Zola. Mr. Sutton has maintained an unsul- HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 427 lied reputation and has won the friendship of all who know him, being a man of excellent quality and worth. He is a member of the Order of Washington and politically is a Democrat. JOHN H. HENDRON, a man of intelli- gence and erudition, who has been a faithful laborer as an instructor for many years in the higher branches of learning, is now residing about two miles south of Dayton, living a re- tired life. He was born in Madison county, Kentucky, on October 26, 1839, the son of Minrod and Mary (Bicknell) Hendron, both natives of Madison county, the former born in 1800 and the latter in 1810. The father died in 1867. The paternal grandfather of our subject was a native of Ireland, came to North Carolina and thence to Kentucky. After attending the common schools until i860, our subject matriculated in the Kentucky Uni- versity after which he entered Jefferson Col- lege, graduating from that institution with honors in 1865. The next twenty-five years were spent in zealous and faithful labor as an educator in various portions of the country. He held the chair of languages and that of mathematics in Jefferson College for a long time and then was in West Virginia whence he journeyed to Washington county, Pennsyl- vania, and handled a select school for nine sessions. For six years we find him in the Vanderbilt school, then in 1887, he came to Palouse City, Washington, and taught in the Palouse schools. It was 1889 when he came to Dayton and decided to settle upon a farm in the edge of town. Later he bought what was known as the Pindler claim which is now called Clover Nook, and lies about three miles from town. Here Mr. Hendron has lived since and has given his attention to general farming and dairying, being now mostly occupied in the oversight of his business enterprises. In 1865, in Jefferson county, Mr. Hen- dron married Miss Hadessa Whitsett. the daughter of Ralph C. and Rachel (Dunn) Whitsett, natives of Pennsylvania. Mrs. Hendron was born in Fayette county, Penn- sylvania, on February 22, 1839. To our sub- ject and his faithful wife, the following child- ren have been born : Walter, superintendent of schools of Columbia county ; Carroll, an at- torney at law in Seattle; Mrs. Rachel Collier, whose husband has been in the United States mail service for sixteen years ; and Mary, the wife of Prof. J. A. Strong, and now de- ceased. Her death occurred on January 10, 1 90 1. She was a graduate of the musical de- partment of the Drake University, at Des Moines, Iowa, and was a skilled instructress in music. Mr. Hendron is a member of the Chris- tion church and has been identified with that denomination since boyhood's days. He has al- ways taken a prominent part in church work and has preached. For fourteen years, he has held the position of elder of the Dayton church and is highly respected and beloved here. Mr. Hendron has always manifested deep interest in educational matters and has been a very enthusiastic worker for advance- ment in these lines. He is a Lincoln Republic- an and from the time he cast his first vote for Lincoln, he has continued a stanch supporter of those principles which then .obtained. He and his wife are spending the golden years of their lives in quiet retirement on their estate, Clover Nook, surrounded by hosts of friends and- admired and respected by all who know them. ANDREW J. JAMES, one of the in- dustrious and well known farmers of Co- lumbia county, was born in Lafayette county, Missouri, on March 4, 1834, the son of 428 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. Berry and Abbitha (Rose) James, natives of Tennessee and Kentucky, respectively. The father came from Dutch and Welsh ancestry and the mother was a member of a prominent southern family. Our subject remained on the old homestead until six years of age when the family came to Jackson county, Missouri, and there he lived until seventeen, receiving: his education from the country schools. Then the family across the plains with ox teams via Ft. Hall to the vicinity of Salt Lake and settled in Linn county, Oregon, our subject's father tak- ing a homestead. Andrew remained with his father until twenty-one years of age when he married Sarah Curb, and shortly thereafter took a homestead which he improved for six years. Then he sold out and went to the Rogue river valley, taking up the stock busi- ness. A short time thereafter, he returned to the Willamette valley and engaged in farming. In 1869 he journeyed to Washington territory, his objective point being Walla Walla. Settl- ing in the western part of the valley, he re- mained for thirty years when in 1899, he re- moved to Dayton in order to secure education- al facilities for his children. The brothers and sisters of our subject are Thomas B., a native of Lafayette county, Missouri, who died in 1902 ; Miles, born in Jackson county, Missouri, now a farmer in the Willamette valley ; Ory, a native of Jackson county, Missouri, now a farmer near San Francisco, California; Polly A., born in Lafayette county, Missouri, now the wife of Mr. Tundy in Klamath county, Oregon ; Sarah Jane, a native of Jackson county, Missouri, who married Mr. Slater and died in the Willamette valley; Charity, a na- tive of the same county, died in Texas, having been married to Mr. Prine. In Linn county, Oregon, in November, 1855, Mr. James married Miss Sarah Curb, the daughter of John Curb, a native of Sulli- van county, Missouri, who died in Columbia County, Washington. She has two sisters, Lavina, a native of Sullivan county, Missouri, married to Mr. Henderson, now living in San Luis Obispo county, California; and Catherine, a native of Sullivan county, Missouri, who died in June, 1888. She was the wife of Mr. Eaton, who was killed in the rebellion. Mrs. James was also born in Sullivan county, Mis- souri, in 1838. The children of our subject and his wife are Marian, born in 1856, now a farmer; Livinia, born in 1859, and married George Stafford, who died in South Africa in the Boer War; Newton, born in 1861, now farming; Henry, born in 1862, also farming; Clara, born in 1868, and married to Edgar Eager, a farmer of Dayton ; Isabel, born in 1869, married to Fred Elder, living in Co- lumbia county, and Rose, born in 1870, now the wife of Dan McConnell, living in Nampa, Idaho. Our subject has always been affiliated with the Democratic party and has taken an interest in the progress and upbuilding of the country. Mrs. James belongs to the Baptist church but her husband is not affiliated with any denomi- nation. Mr. James owns nine hundred acres of fine wheat land in Columbia county, has a good residence in Dayton and also other houses which he rents. He is one of the pros- perous and representative men of the county. MRS. MARIANNA LOGSDON is to be classed as one of the early pioneers of Co- lumbia county and without doubt she has done a valuable and faithful work in this capacity. She has also reared a large family of children and knows well the hardships and trying la- bors to be undergone on the frontier. At present she resides eight miles north of Waits- burg where she has a nice estate and is also possesssed of a goodly competence for the golden years of her life that are beginning to run apace. HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 429 Mrs. Logsdon was born in Missouri, on June 29, 1844. Her father, Seawood Full- quartz, was born in Denmark, in 1804. He came to America in the early part of t he cen- tury and for a time was one of the home guards at Washington. D. C. In the early forties he took land in Missouri and opened a mercantile establishment and in 1849 crossed the plains by ox teams to Nevada City, Cali- fornia. He was engaged in mining there for that year and in 1850, came to Yamhill county, Oregon, and took a donation claim near the mouth of the Yamhill river. There he remained until his death in 1862. He had married Adeline Watt, who was a direct de- scendant of the noted James Watt, to whom is credited the invention of the steam engine. She was born in Mount Vernon, Ohio, and ac- companied her husband in all his journeys and labors. Her death occurred in 1887. Mrs. Logsdon was educated in the schools at Salem and Portland and was married in Oregon in 1865. Three years later, she came to Wash- ington where they rented land on the Touchet river. The next year, they bought a farm near where Lacrosse now stands. It was in 1876 when a move was made to Columbia county and the homestead taken where Mrs. Logsdon now lives. Here she has remained ever since and has displayed excellent wisdom in her la- bors and the management of the estate. Mrs. Lodsdon is the mother of twelve children named as follows, Mary, U. S., Mrs. Dora Hall, Mrs. Ida Carpenter, Fred, Charles, Arthur, Eugene, Albert, Alvah, Richard and Jane. In 1848, Mrs. Logsdon's grandfather, John Watt, came to Oregon and there remain- ed until his death. The subject of this sketch has done much in the course of her stirring and active career to assist in the opening and building up of the country and it is with pleasure that we are permitted to grant this brief review of her life and labors. She has many friends and is a woman of faithfulness and manv virtues. HON. HENRY B. DAY, deceased. The prosperous town of Dayton, which is one of Washington's bright and beautiful cities, is bearing its name in honor of the esteemed pioneer who is mentioned at the head of this article. Being a man of adventurous spirit, he made his way to the west in the early days and was a leader in many lines of industry and ever labored for the advancement and up- building of the country where his lot was cast. He was a man of prominence in this country and was entrusted with the best offices the people could give him, in which capacity he showed the same faithfulness and ability that characterized him in his private walk. Henry B. Day was born in Tazewell county, Virginia, on November 12, 1830, the son of Henry and Rosana (Tartar) Day, na- tives of the Old Dominion state. The father came from one of the old and prominent fam- ilies of Virginia and was a man of influence. When our subject was young, his father died and so he had limited opportunity for gaining an education. However, he made the best of it and in 1846, went west to Grant county, Wisconsin, where he engaged in the lead mines for four years. Then he started on the journey across the plains and when the wagon train arrived at the Black Hill country, it was de- cided that they would pack the animals and the rest of the trip was made thus. The wagons were cut up to make pack saddles and the bal- ance was abandoned. In 185 1, they arrived at The Dalles. Thence Mr. Day went to Cali- fornia and there mined with success for some time. Then he came back north and found his way to Douglas county, Oregon, being among the first to settle there. Later he took a dona- tion claim and began to raise stock. In 1885, he assisted his brother, Jesse N. Day, to drive cattle to the country now embraced in Columbia county, and they stopped where the (own of Dayton is now located. Soon after this, Mr. Day settled on the Touchet and con- tinued in the stock business. When the mines 43° HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. at Boise opened, he drove his stock thither and sold at good figures. Then he engaged in freighting and found his way to all parts of the northwest in this labor. Finally, he de- cided to embark in sheep raising and selected southeastern Washington as the fields of his labors. He operated all through Garfield and Columbia counties and became one of the largest sheep owners in the state. In 1890, he sold his stock and the same year was called by the people to serve as representative to the first state legislature from Columbia county. He discharged the duties of that position with dis- play of wisdom and honor and to the entire satisfaction of his constituency. He always took an active part in building up Dayton and labored untiringly for its welfare and general improvement. As a man, he was up- right and broadminded, and as a citizen, he always displayed patriotism and love of good government, and assisted materially to bring about the same. At Dayton, on March 9, 1873, Mr. Day married Miss Anna, the daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth (Thompson) Ally. The father was born in England and came to the United States when an infant. The mother was born in Boston and her parents were natives of Scotland. To this marriage five children have been born. Marguerite, Nellie, Fannie, Henry and Harvey. Mr. Day lived to see the allotted time to man, three score and ten, and then on September 7, 1900, he quietly departed from the earthly scenes to the world beyond. He had lived well and left many mourners when the time came for him to lay down life's burdens. Mr. Day has five brothers, John H., M. D. ; Jesse N. ; David, a leading physician and for nineteen years postmaster in St. Paul, Minnesota, prominent politically and an in- timate friend of James G. Blaine, now de- ceased; James, who died in St. Paul, when quite young; and Nicholas, a stockraiser in Roseburg, Oregon. Our subject was' the 3*oungest of the family. Mrs, Day is still re- siding in Dayton and is overseeing the prop- erty interests her husband left, while her riper years of life are being spent in good deeds and amid loving friends and relatives. She is a woman of refinement and ability and has so journeyed in this pilgrim way that she has won the warmest approbation and good will from all. MILTON. JONAS resides near Waits- burg and owns a large farm in Columbia county. He is one of the pioneers of this country and one of its wealthiest men at the present time. His estate is given to general farming and stock raising and he oversees the same from his- residence. It is utterly impossi- ble for us to give, in the space allotted to us, a detailed review of his career. Like the noted Kit Carson, with whom he was personally as- sociated a great deal on the frontier, Mr. Jonas has earned the reputation as a fron- tiersman and Indian fighter that places him equal to any of the brave scouts on the plains. A man of intrepidity and fearlessness, he was possessed of physical power and a spirit that fitted him for a typical pathfinder. For many years, he has been in the vanguard on the frontier and met with everything that the pioneer men meet with, yet in it all, he has found, through his own personal resourceful- ness and skill, a way to overcome the obsta- cles and escape the dangers. In financial mat- ters, he has made a marked success and stands with the most capable men of this part of Washington. Milton Jonas was born in Knox county, Illinois, on January 20, 1839. His father George W. Jonas was born in Allegany county, Maryland, and moved to Ohio when a young man, later to Illinois and then to Iowa, being a pioneer of the last two named states. While in Iowa, he carried chains in the survey of portions of the state. He married Nancy Kenin, a native of Ohio. Our subject went HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY 43 1 with his parents to Bellevue. Iowa, and there received his education in the common schools. As early as 1852. his spirit of adventure led him to the west, he being then but thirteen years of age, and he engaged in driving cattle for Ben Kellogg across the plains to California. They arrived at their destination in October of the same year, having had a perilous and hard trip. Mr. Jonas at once went into the exciting life of the miner and soon thereafter took up freighting. He packed the first load of goods into Virginia City, Nevada. From Mexico to the Fraser river, he packed and freighted into every camp of any importance and was well acquainted with all the old pioneers. While freighting in California, the govern- ment pressed him and his outfit in the service to fight the Paiute Indians. He was all through that conflict and took part in the ter- rible battle of Pyramid Lake and in many others. In 1854 William Walker, the gov- ernment army officer, asked for recruits to go to Sonora, Mexico. Our subject enlisted and with twenty-six men started on the trip. They encountered, on one occasion, six hundred Mexicans at New Grenada and a terrible fight followed. The Americans stationed them- selves in an old church and the Mexican party, more than twenty to one, soon overcame them and killed the entire company, save Pat O'Rourk and our subject who jumped from a window and thus escaped. In 1862, we find Mr. Jonas in Walla Walla, whence he went to north Idaho and Boise and started to mining. He also traveled through Montana packing, then into British Columbia and in many of his trips was associated with the famous Kit Car- son. In 1867, he came to where his estate is now located in northwest Columbia county and took land. He has increased his holdings and it now aggregates twelve hundred and twenty acres, well improved and in a good state of cultivation. Recently Mr. Jonas deeded eight hundred acres of this estate to his sons. On April 28, 1864, Mr. Jonas married Miss Eliza Gillman, who was born in Jackson county, Iowa, and came to California in 1852. To this marriage four sons and three daugh- ters have been born. In early days Mr. Jonas obtained the repu- tation of being one of the most cunning and fearless Indian fighters on the frontier and he carries this reputation because of his mani- fested skill in many hard fought actions and thrilling adventures. For fifteen successive years he never slept in a house. Very few- men have ever passed such an experience as has Mr. Jonas and he is deserving of great com- mendation for his courage, bravery and ardu- ous labors that he has shown and performed. He is a man of excellent standing and has many warm friends. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Jonas are named as follows : Frank A., Minnie R. Kinder, Guy M., Ella M., deceased; M. Reed, Nettie A. Wheeler and. Willis L. Mrs. Jonas is the daughter of Almon and Electa (Bee- man) Gillman. The father died in Jackson county, Iowa, having been a prominent citi- zen and farmer there. The date of this event was 1849, M rs - Jonas being then an infant eleven months of age. The widowed mother then married Frederick Dixon, who died later. Then she started to the coast with her three children. The oldest son died in New York state, and the rest came on via the isthmus to California, settling in Nevada county in 1856. The mother died there in 1862, then Miss Gill- man came on to Walla Walla and later mar- ried as stated above. W. FRANKLIN CURL, who was born on the farm where he now lives, four miles north from Dayton, is one of the industrious farmers of Columbia county. He has re- mained in this county most of his life and is 43 2 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. practically a Columbia county product. His labors have been bestowed with wisdom in the callings where he has remained and his farm is one of the good ones of the county. His father, Newton G. Curl, was born in Carroll county, Missouri, and crossed the plains with ox teams in 1847, being one of the earliest settlers in the Willamette valley. He fought the Indians, endured the deprivations of the frontiersman, and opened up several good farms in different localities. He was a man of strong personality and fearlessness that fitted him splendidly for the life of the pioneer where he did noble work. He participated in the lead- inff Indian wars of the northwest and was never known to flinch from the places of greatest danger. His desire to come east of the mountains after remaining in the Willa- mette valley for thirteen years led him to search out a place, which was where Co- lumbia county is now located, in i860. His first location was on the Touchet and later he came where our subject now resides. He was successful in his labors and soon had sufficient property so that a portion of his time was spent in retirement in his residence in Dayton. He lived to a good old age and died in 1903, at Dayton, surrounded by his loved ones and many warm friends. He had married Miss Agusta Ham, a native of Indiana, who crossed the plains when a child with her parents to the Willamette valley. She was a faithful help- meet to Mr. Curl in his labors and journeys and bravely endured the hardships and dan- gers of the frontier life, where she lived all her clays. She died in 1877. Our subject has one brother, John, who has been with him most of his life. They were educated together in Columbia county and are now farming here where they have spent most of their years. They are of good standing and have followed in the footsteps of their father who was a man of honest industry and substantial qualities. They own a quarter section and farm in addi- tion two hundred and forty acres. HENRY H. JOHNSON is a pioneer of the west and for twenty-five years has dwelt on the place where we find him today, nine miles northeast from Prescott, near the Col- ville springs. He is a man of industry and has shown good staying qualities in his labors here as well as elsewhere. He was one of the number who pressed forward to defend the stars and stripes from insult, but his command was not called into active duty. He was born in Luzerne county, Pennsylvania and was taken by his parents to Wisconsin when a child and there was reared and educated. He en- listed in the Fourteenth Wisconsin and was honorably discharged at the close of the war. At the present time, Mr. Johnson is a mem- ber of the G. A. R. and a stanch supporter of the government. His father settled in the vi- cinity of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and from that place our subject came to California in 1876. He searched the country for some months and then went to Puget Sound in 1877. Later he went to Walla Walla country and finally in 1880, he came here and secured the estate where he dwells at the present time. He has given attention to farming and stock raising here since those days and has shown himself one of the substantial men of the county. In i860, Mr. Johnson married Miss So- phia Fisher, a native of Vermont. To this couple the following named children have been born : Horton, in Wisconsin, who moved with his father to this .country, married in 1902 to' Carrie Staples and is now engaged in the stock business in Idaho county, Idaho ; Jerome M., a native of Sauk Center, Wisconsin, who also came with his father to this country, and was married in 1901 to Alice Staples; Isaac; Frank ; William W. ; Alvin ; Charlie ; and Henry. Mr. Johnson has been on the frontier almost all his life, as Wisconsin was a new country when he was taken thither. He and his faithful wife have reared a fine family, and have constantly sought to instill in them the principles which make first class American citizens. They are worthy youngs Henry H. Johnson Mrs. Henry H. Johnson George W. Harkins Michael Boelner Daniel Delany Mrs. Daniel Delany HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 433 people and possess a sense of honor that is gratifying. To Jerome M. and his wife, one child has been born, Alary V. GEORGE W. HARKINS has a choice farm of one section of land eight miles north- east from Prescott. He is one of the leading men of the community and has displayed an energy and stability that commend him to all. His farm is well handled and in his labors he has met the success that industry and faith- fulness deserve. He was born in Lasalle county, Illinois, on November 19, 1858 and in his native place he was educated and reared. His father, Daniel Harkins, was a prosperous farmer of Illinois, served in the Civil War, and in 1874 came to Oregon, where he re- mained until his death. The mother of George W. was Betsy (Atkinson) Harkins and she died in Illinois. In 1883, our subject came to Portland and there wrought for wages for three years. Then he came to southeastern Washington and soon selected a place in Co- lumbia county. He owns this place at this time and has in the years between cultivated and improved it in good shape. He owns about forty head of good horses for the work of the estate and also sells some. He has other stock sufficient and all the accoutrements and machinery needed to properly operate the farm. The buildings are substantial and every- thing has an air of progress and thrift. Mr. Harkins has done well his labors for the last twenty years since being in this county and he is deserving for much credit in that he has made such a first class success, starting with- out anything and now possessing a fine estate and a good competence. He has certainly a right to take pride in this record and in addi- tion he has so conducted himself that he is one of the respected and esteemed men of the com- munity. In 1886, Mr. Harkins married Miss Sarah Speer, who was born in the Willamette valley, 28 Oregon. Her father, James Speer, was a na- tive of Pennsylvania and crossed the plains to Oregon in very early pioneer days. He made settlement in the Willamette valley and there remained until his death. He married Elizabeth Jerrett, who also was born in the Willamette valley. They took a donation claim there when the act first passed and were among the builders and makers of that country. To our subject and his wife, four children have been born, G. Eddie, Eva M., Mary A., and Charlie R. DANIEL DELANY, who resides about four miles east from Starbuck, is one of the oldest pioneers of Columbia county. In fact, he has lived on the frontier all his life and for nearly four score years has threaded the pil- grim's way, doing a lion's share to open up the west, in fighting back the savages and in set- ting an example of uprightness and industry. He is a man who receives the esteem and re- spect of all who know him and he is to be classed with the leading people of this part of the state. Daniel Delany was born in Greene county, Tennessee, on April 6, 1826. His father, Daniel Delany, was born in the same place and crossed the plains to the Willamette valley in 1843, where he remained until his death. He became very well to do and was killed in 1865 by two white men. The purpose being to se- cure his money. The mother of our subject was Elizabeth (McGee) Delany. She also was born in East Tennessee and there marr ried. She crossed the plains to the Willam- ette valley in 1845, tw0 years after her hus- band, bringing three children with her. She died in the Willamette valley in 1866. Our subject came to Missouri with his parents in 1839 an d settled in Greene county, the family being pioneers there. In 1843, the father started across the plains in one of the first trains- that made its way through that country, 434 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. the beloved Marcus Whitman met them at In- dependence, Missouri, there, being a train of two hundred and fifty wagons, and intended to pilot them to the Pacific coast. He was with them personally until they arrived at Fort Hall, when he hurried on for some purpose to Whitman station in Walla Walla and sent back some Indians to conduct them the bal- ance of the way. The Indians met them at Fort Boise and led them up Burnt river to where Baker City now stands, then along the Powder river to the Grande Ronde valley. When they reached the place where Lagrande now stands, there was a difference between the white men and the Indians as to the course to pursue. The whites wanted to go one way and the Indians the other. In the course of the controversy, the Indians said in reference to the road selected by the whites, "The Gee Bucks could go that way, but the G~- Dams could not." Upon explanation, it was found that the savages had heard the men talk- ing to their oxen, saying "Gee Buck" fol- lowed by the other expletives, and they sup- posed the first term referred to the oxen and the latter to the wagons. Finally, they made their way safely to the Whitman station and thence to Oregon City arriving there on Christ- mas, 1843. They had started from Missouri - on April 26 of the same year. The captain of the train was Jesse Applegate and it is one of the most noted trains that ever crossed the plains. Our subject's father took a donation claim, near where Salem now stands and there the family was reared. In 1847. the Cayuse Indians broke out and our subject enlisted to fight them, being under Captain Pugh. About the time of the war, Mr. Delany took a dona- tion claim near Salem and lived there until 1878. Then he sold his farm and moved to Whitman station, remaining one year near the old Whitman place. In 1879, he came to the vicinity where he now resides and took a homestead and since that time, that has been his home. In 1857, Mr. Delany married Miss Amanda Walters, who was born in Ohio. She came to the Willamette valley with her people in 1 85 1. To this marriage three children have been born, Mrs. Josephine Lafore, Mrs. Nellie McDonald, and Mrs. Luella Brown. Mr. De- lany has the following named brothers, Will- iam, John, David, now living in Coeur d' Alene; George, at Walla Walla; and James. MICHAEL BOELNER. Had not it been for such men as Mr. Boelner, the broad and fertile region now producing millions in crops throughout the northwest, would have lain idle and been occupied by the wild beasts and savages for many decades to come. Some one had to possess spirit and energy sufficient to lead them out from the pleasures of civili- zation to the hardships, clangers and the try- ing scenes many miles away from home and friends. To the one who slips quietly from the states in the east across the plains to the Pacific coast in a Pullman car, the journey seems uneventful and tame, but for the old scouts who faced the setting sun and threaded their way across the barren desert, tried by thirst, hunger and excessive labor, worried by the attacks of savages and savage beasts, it was no small undertaking. Indeed it required the nerve and stamina of the best men the world has ever produced and the western scout and Indian fighter is the strongest character the country has ever seen. Among these people, well towards the head, stands the subject of this article. A man of modesty and unosten- tation, he has never exploited his deeds or trials, but for half a century labored patiently to open this country, to pave the way for his fellows to follow. At the present time, he is residing fourteen miles north from Dayton on Tucanon creek, where he has a fine stock ranch and from fifty to one hundred head of cattle. He is one of the wealthy and prosperous men of the country and has hosts of friends. He was born in Luxumberg, Germany, on March I 7) 1 &39- His father, John Boelner, was also HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 43; born in Luxumberg and came to America in 1854, settling in Adams county, Iowa. It was then a wild country. The mother was Mary (Weber) Boelner, ' also a native of Luxum- berg. Our subject accompanied his parents on their western trip and finished his educa- tion in the frontier school in Iowa. In i860, he went to Fort Benton, where he waited two months while the Mullan road was being com- pleted, then he journeyed over the same to Walla AValla, being in the government em- ploy. After finishing his service at this west- ern fort, he turned his attention to mining and every camp throughout the northwest, of any importance, was visited by Mr. Boelner. A fearless men, he never was known to hesitate en account of danger from Indians or wild animals and spent many nights alone in the wilds. For thirteen years, he followed this life and on one occasion, when mining near the Canadian line, seventeen savages well armed attacked him and his companions. They had very few arms and were thus at great disad- vantage. However, they killed five Indians and finally beat the others back. One miner was killed and our subject received several wounds. Many other trying times equal to these were encountered by Mr. Boelner and finally he decided- to abandon this arduous life and accordingly settled on Tucanon creek and took up the stock business. He has operated in various sections of Washington but is now making his Columbia county ranch his head- quarters. There are scarcely any of the old pioneers throughout the west with whom Mr. Boelner is not acquainted and his circle of friends is as wide as his acquaintance. He has never seen fit to assume the responsibilities of married life and is still pursung the journey of life a jollv bachelor. LORENZO HAMMER, who was born in Benton county. Oregon, on May 29. 1859. is now residing one mile north from Hunts- ville in Columbia county, where he owns one- fourth section of land and devotes himself tc farming. His parents, Jacoby and Hannah (Cox) Hammer, were early pioneers in the Willamette valley and our subject was reared on the old donation claim there. He received his education from the common schools and remained with his parents until twenty years of age. Then he came east of the mountains and wrought for wages in various capa- cities for a decade except what time he was traveling and visiting in the Willamette valley. Then, being about thirty, he took land. Later, it was found that this belonged to the railroad company and he purchased it. His place adjoins the farm of his brother who is men- tioned elsewhere. Mr. Hammer is an industri- ous and upright man whose labors have been wisely spent in this county and in addition to the farm mentioned, he owns three hundred and sixty acres of timberland. In July, 1 88 1, Mr. Hammer married Anna C. Kenworthy, who was born in Iowa, the daughter of James and Lydia (Williams) Kenworthy. To this union, four children have been born, Ivan A., Nydia L, Glen A., and James D. Both Mr. and Mrs. Hammer are members of the United Brethren church and stand well in the community. They are peo- ple of uprightness and principle and have shown forth substantial qualities during their life here. In political matters, he is allied with the Prohibitionist party, although not especially active in that realm. + »» JOHN W. MILES, an industrious and energetic farmer of Columbia county, re- sides about three miles southeast from Dayton. He was born in Iowa, in 1838, the son of Hiram and Nancy (Pickerell) Miles, born in Kentucky in 1805 and Ohio in 1809, respect- ively. John Miles spent his early bovhood days at work on the farm and attended the 436 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. common schools of Iowa and then began farm- ing for himself. In 1864, he journeyed across the plains with ox teams to Walla Walla, con- suming four months en route. The first year after arriving in the west was spent in Walla Walla, then he explored the country west of the Cascades where he remained five years and engaged in farming. In 1870, he took a pre-emption which he sold later and bought the farm where he now lives, and here he has given his attention to raising fruit, hay and dairy products, since. For about thirty-five years, he has labored faithfully in this country and has been entitled to the distinction of pio- neer in every sense of the word. He knows well the hardships that attend that life and has performed the arduous labors incident thereto and is now reaping the reward of his labors in a good generous competence. At Dayton, in 1889, Mr. Miles married Miss Mary R. Mervin, who was born in Tennessee, in 1850. Previous to this, in 1862, Mr. Miles had married Miss Elizabeth A. Shoemaker, who was born in 1840, in Iowa, and died in 1877. The following named children have been born to Mr. Miles : Elmer E., deceased; Charles C, Emma, Alonzo, Maria E., Alta, Frank L., and Mary, deceased. Politically Mr. Miles is a Republican and a strong one. He is a member of the F. & A. M. and a man of excellent standing in the community. JESSE G. MILLER, a well and favorably known young attorney of Dayton, Washing- ton, is a member of the law firm of Miller & Fouts, having an extensive practice in the var- ious courts of the state. Jesse G. Miller was born in Dayton, Wash- ington, on May 7, 1869, the son of George W. and Sarah E. (Ping) Miller, who are mentioned in another portion of this work. He was educated in the schools of Dayton, until fitted to enter the State University of Oregon, where he was graduated in 1903, with the degree of Master of Arts. In the fall following his graduation at Eugene, he entered the Law School of Harvard, where he studied law for two years and then registered in the law office of Edmiston & Miller to complete his course and acquire the practical touch to his legal edu- cation. In January, 1901, he was admitted to practice in the supreme court and other courts in the state of Washington and his extensive preparation in both a literary and legal line of extended study betokens for him a future of achievement. When admitted to the bar he associated himself with Will H. Fouts and since they have maintained a busy office in Dayton, having an extensive practice in the various courts of the state. Their business has grown phenomen- ally and it is unquestioned that the firm of which Mr. Miller is a member is among the leading law firms in southeastern Washington, having won many important cases in various parts of the state. Mr. Miller has always maintained an in- telligent interest in political matters although not a politician by any means, in the sense in which the word is generally used. He has held the office of city clerk for a number of years. On October 16, 1902, Mr. Miller was mar- ried to Inez Leonard, who was born and rear- ed in Dayton. Her father, T. S. Leonard, crossed the plains with ox teams in the fifties and is a prominent pioneer of the west. To this union, two children, George Leon- ard and Sarah Eloise, have been born. Mr. Miller is an active member of the Knights of Pythias, being a past chancellor, and also a member of the W. O. W. During the Spanish War, Mr. Miller served for one year in the Philippines as Lieutenant of Company F, First Washington Volunteers, and was the only member of the company whose name did not appear on the sick list, and his service was faithful and displayed sterling- HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 437 worth as a soldier. He participated in many actions and showed true bravery and courage in the trying places where he served. J. A. VAN SCOYK is an early pioneer of the west and in this capacity has done a good work. He has met the hardships incident to pioneer life with plenty of adventure and thrilling experience in the various places and times of danger that have been in his path. He was born in Clarke county, Illinois, on April 3, 1844, the son of Aaron V. and Mary (Beauchamp) Van Scoyk. The father was a veteran of the Mexican war and died in the army. The mother was born in Indiana on March 13, 18 13, and is deceased some time since. When twelve years of age, the subject of this article went from Illinois to Iowa and in 1 86 1, he came on to Washington. He had secured his education in the common schools of Illinois and Iowa, and had given attention to farming before coming west. He was but seventeen when he landed in Walla Walla, but was filled with the spirit of the frontiersman and soon was assisting to open the country. He was three months and seven days in cross- ing the plains and had a journey of the usual hardship, but no trouble that resulted in loss of life. He purchased land soon and there lived until 1886, when he sold and purchased other land. This was his home for some years and then he sold and rented until he purchased the place where he now resides, three miles south- east from Dayton. He is one of the indus- trious farmers of the county and has labored long and faithfully to build up this western country. In early days when Walla Walla county embraced all the territory in Washing- ton south of the Snake river, he was assessor of the county. He has seen the political di- visions organized that now occupy this terri- tory and has assisted materially in this work. All the prosperity and growth of the country has come largely since he has resided here, and he is certainly to be classed as one of the build- ers of the country. In early days, Mr Van- Scoyk also gave attention to freighting and handled goods from Umatilla Landing, and Walla Walla to the various mines. At Walla Walla, in 1877, Mr. Van Scoyk married Miss Anna Sanders, a native of Arkansas, who came to this country in 1865. Her father, John Sanders, was a native of In- diana, and came to Washington in 1865. To Mr. and Mrs. Van Scoyk four children have been born, Lenna E., Maud B., Harry A., and John L. LEROY C. BROWN, who resides about three miles west from Dayton, is one of the men who have spent their entire lives within the precincts of Columbia county. Born here on February 19, 1869, reared and educated in his native place, he is now a man and upright citizen in which his county may take pride. He has shown himself a son of the west worthy of the title and his career has displayed a worth and integrity that are pleasant to contemplate and which have- won for him a standing with the best. His father, Leroy Brown, crossed the plains from Tennessee, his native state, in 1861, to the Willamette valley, six weeks after his marriage. Those were trying times when conflict reigned supreme in the eastern portion of the United States, and when the savages, emboldened by that which seemed their oppor- tunities to avenge themselves on the whites and to secure prey, were ravaging the west, and added to which were the hardships of the pio- eer's life, which in themselves are trying enough to the stoutest hearts. Such were some of the things to be endured and over- come by the worthy men and women who threaded the weary way to the west, each night not sure but that the tomahawk would end their career and that, too, of their loved ones. Lerov Brown, Sr., was made of stern material 438 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. and he bravely defied the worst and his spirit led his to succeed. The next year after arriv- ing in the Willamette valley, he turned toward the east again and sought out the territory now embraced in Columbia county, and here settled to open a farm from the raw unbroken country and to make a home. Here he labored until 1903, when he removed to Whitman county and settled on a farm near Farmington. On February 28, 1861, he married Miss Virginia Duncan, a native of West Virginia, who died when our subject was less than a week old. The father married again, Mrs. Jennie Babbitt becoming his wife October 9, 1873. 0*- ir sub- ject was educated in the common schools of the county and early learned the art of the farmer and stockman. \\ 'hen the time came for him to lay aside his books, he assumed the responsi- bilities of life and engaged in farming and raising stock, which occupations he knew well. He has acquired a farm of three hundred and seventy-two acres, which is well improved and in a high state of cultivation. He also owns a band of stock and is one of the industrious men of the county. In 1896, Mr. Brown married Miss Frances Richardson, and to them three children have been born, Wendell, Cora, and Alpha. Mr. Brown has labored with wisdom here and has gathered property so that he is classed as one of the wealthy men of the county today. He is interested in politics and local matters as well as educational affairs, and is always found on the side of good government. He belongs to the Christian church, while Mrs. Brown was reared in the Episcopalian faith. THOMAS B. GILMOUR is one of Day- ton's leading business men and is known by all as an industrious, progressive, and upright man. He is at the head of a large hardware and tinning business and has risen to this prom- inent place by virtue of his careful industry and wisdom in the management of his affairs. He is a man of excellent standing and has hosts of friends from all parts. He is practical and has gained a knowledge of the ways of life in his long experience that is of inestimable value and gives him good prestige. Thomas B. Gilmour was born in Glasgow, Scotland, on September 21, 1850, the son of Alexander and Susan (Barr) Gilmour, natives of Scotland, also. The father was delivery clerk in the railroad office in Scotland and in 1854, came to St. Charles, Minnesota, where our subject was reared and educated. The father was a prominent farmer there until 1886, when he came with his family to Day- ton, where he is now retired. Ten children were born in the family, named as follows : Allan ; Thomas B. ; Elizabeth, wife of George Pike ; Christine, the wife of Thomas Norton ; Maggie, the wife of George Master; Alexan- der, Jr., deceased; Agnes, married to Lee Thornton; William, deceased; Susan B., mar- ried to Alonzo Thompson; and an infant, de- ceased. When nineteen, Thomas B. left school, and farmed with his father until he was twenty-two. Then he bound himself out to learn the tinsmith's trade in St. Charles, Min- nesota. This being completed he rode the range, then worked in the mines and smelter. After that he wrought at his trade in Virginia City until he came here in August, 1877. He worked at his trade some in Waitsburg after that and then opened a hardware and tinshop store in partnership with Dave Woods. Later he sold this business and took up a preemption in the mountains near Dayton, where his home was for several years. He also wrought some in the shop and finally returned to his trade permanently. In 1880, after he proved up, Mr. Gilmour's wife died and he was forced to go east with the children. He also took her remains to Maryland. Then he returned to Dayton and took a position with Paine Broth- ers until they sold out in 1885. He wrought for their successors for a time and in 1886 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 439 opened a shop for himself. The next year he added a small stock of hardware and from that time to the present he has steadily increased his business until he has as fine a hardware store as there is in this part of the country. He is respected and has shown himself a capable business man. At Virginia City, in July, 1877, Mr. Gil- niour married Miss Ella Taylor, and to them were born two children, Daisy W., teaching in Baltimore, and Ella, deceased. Daisy was reared by her grandmother, where she now lives. In 1890, Mr. Gilmour married Mrs. Gertrude Joseph, the daughter of G. A. Parker, and to this union four children have been born, namely, Glen A., Dale, Ethel M., and Geneva M. In political matters, Mr. Gilmour is a strong Republican and has always taken a keen interest in these matters. He has served his city as councilman and in other capacities and has shown himself an efficient and faithful officer. Mr. Gilmour is a member of the I. O. O. F., having joined in 1880, and he and his wife belong to the Rebekahs. Mr. Gilmour is past grand of his lodge. He has served seven years as a fireman, being now exempt from further duty in that line. JOHN H. ROMAINE is one of the sub- stantial and leading farmers of Columbia coun- ty. His estate lies some seven miles north from Dayton on the Starbuck road and is one of the fine places of the county. John H. Romaine was born in Wisconsin, on April 15, 1857. His father, Garrett Romaine, was a native of New York city and came from Dutch ancestry. He was born on March 7, 1829, and when twenty-three years of age went to Wisconsin, where he married. There he fol- lowed carpentering and milling. His father was a carpenter and builder in New York city and from him he had learned the trade of car- penter. Our subject came with the rest of the family when his father came to San Jose, Cali- fornia, in 1874. Three months later, they moved to Harrisburg, Oregon, and in 1877 they all came to Columbia county. The father took up land and as the children became of age, they also took land. The elder Romaine was a man of influence and excellent standing and always took a leading and prominent part in everything that was for the welfare and up- building of the country. He served tvvo terms as county assessor, the first by appointment and the second by election. In politics, he was a Republican and a man who was able to give good reasons for his political belief. His death occurred on October 23, 1900. He had married Martha L. Harbaugh. Our subject received his education in the schools of the var- ious places where the family resided and after coming to Columbia county, he worked with his father and improved his own claim. From time to time, he has added by purchase until he has an estate of eight hundred acres, owns fifty horses and twenty-one cattle. The farm pro- duces mostly wheat and barley and shows the skill and wisdom of the proprietor in every de- tail. In addition to what has been mentioned, Mr. Romaine owns with Mr. George Jewett, a combined harvester, that facilitates greatly the gathering of their large crops. On. March 2, 1882, at Dayton, Mr. Romaine married Mary McKellips, daughter of James M. McKellips, who is mentioned elsewhere in this volume. She died on November 6, 1882. On October 13, 1885, Mr. Romaine contracted a second marriage, the wedding occurring at his broth- er's residence and Ella I. Davis becoming his bride. Cyrus Davis, who is also mentioned in this volume, is her father. Mr. Romaine has two children living, Garrett and Jean Henry, and two deceased, Jean Milo, aged four years and eleven days, and an infant unnamed. Mr. Romaine is a member of the A. O. U. W. and in politics is a Republican. He takes the interest that becomes the good citizen in these matters, although he is not especially active. 440 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. Mr. Romaine is a man of integrity and probity and he and his wife are among the popular neople of the county. WILLIS J. HILLMAN. Columbia county has many industrious farmers, who have gained a good competence since coming here. Many have become very wealthy and all who have taken hold of the resources here provided, have become well to do. Among these may be mentioned the gentleman whose name ap- pears above, since he has been blessed with a success marked and abundant. The reason of 'this is seen in his industry and wisdom. Mr. Hillman has never been afraid to take hold with his hands to do the hard labor required to open up a farm and bring forth the fruits of the field. He is always found at his post and is always wisely conducting the enterprises with which he is connected. His home is about eight miles north from Dayton where he has a half section of choice wheat land. The same is provided with good improvements and is one of the first class farms of the county. Willis J. Hillman was born near Lawrence, Michigan, on November 6, 1869. His father, William H. Hillman, was born in England and came to Michigan in the early fifties, where he selected a farm and settled down to till the soil. There he remained until his death which occurred in 1898. The mother of our subject, May J. (Elliott) Hillman, was born in Ontario and later moved to Michigan where she was married. William J. was favored with a good opportunity for securing an education in his younger days and remained in Michi- gan for twenty years. Then he came west and after due investigation, selected the place where he now resides. He had no capital when com- ing and secured his entire property holding through his own industry since. In 1898, Mr. Hillman married Miss Emma Hilton, whose father, Frank Hilton, is named in another portion of this work. To this mar- riage three children have been born, Nina, Ella, deceased, and Don. W. H. McELWAIN, descended from the sturdy Scotch race, is one of Columbia coun- ty's progressive and substantial agriculturists. He resides about four miles east from Waits- burg, where he has a half section of choice land, all of which is in a high state of cultiva- tion. Mr. McElwain has made his place one of the best in this portion of the county and has demonstrated himself one of the skillful and up to date farmers of Washington. W. H. McElwain was born in Franklin county, New York, on July 10, i860, the son of Samuel and Rachel (Breakey) McElwain, natives of Scotland and New York state, re- spectively. In 'the district schools of New York, our subject received his education and until he had arrived at manhood's estate, he remained on his native heath. In 1885, he left New York and went to Kansas, where he spent one season. Then he journeyed to Walla Walla, where he remained three years. After that he came to Columbia county and since that time he has resided here. He secured a half section of land and this has been his home place since that time. This is devoted to gen- eral crops and is one of the choice places of the county and is skillfully tilled by Mr. McElwain. On March 3, 1897, Mr. McElwain married Miss Henrietta Archer, who was born at Ore Lake, Canada. Mr. and Mrs. McElwain have become the parents of three children, whose names are Virginia Irene, Marvin John, and Lillian. The principles of the Republican party appeal more strongly to Mr. McElwain than those of any other and for years he has been a stanch worker in that line. He keeps Mrs. Willis J. Hillman Willis J. Hillman W. H. McEk / ■ John W. Woods James D. ^IVhite Mrs. James D. WTiite Charles E. Shaff* er Mrs. Charles E. Shaffer James M. Henderson HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY 441 himself well posted on the issues of the day and takes a great interest in the questions and affairs both of local and public import. He is a member of the F. & A. M., and the W. W. Mc. McEhvain has labored for the good schools and progress that abounds in Columbia county and deserves credit for this. He believes in good roads, secure government, and improve- ment and advancement on all lines. JOHN W. WOODS, assistant state vet- erinary surgeon, has his office in Dayton, Washington, where he does a fine and increas- ing business in his profession. He was born on May 20, 1868, in Contra Costa county, Cal- ifornia. His father, Daniel T. Woods, a na- tive of Massachusetts, descended from an old and prominent English family, followed mer- chandising and died when our subject was a boy. He had married Sarah Goulding, a na- tive of Wales, who came with her parents to America when quite small and settled with them in Ohio. Our subject was educated in the public schools of California and soon after completing the high school course in Fresno, attended the Carter Institute until he was twenty years of age. Then he took a two years' course in the Ramey business college at Stockton, after which he began his studies for a veterinary surgeon. He was with Dr. An- drew Brouse of Fresno, taking a three years' course under his tuition. Then he practiced for himself in Fresno and Stockton with marked success. In 1898, Dr. Woods came to Pullman, Washington, and completed there a course in the veterinary department of the col- lege, receiving the degree of Doctor of Veter- inary Science. After graduation, he was re- tained as house surgeon for the institution and in 1903, he resigned to locate at Dayton. He immediately began the practice of his profes- sion and has built up a fine patronage which is growing rapidly and as stated, he is also as- sistant state veterinarv. In Kendrick, Idaho, on July 12, 1900, Dr. Woods married Miss Ida M. Bruce of Dayton, Washington. Her father, John B. Bruce, was born in Kentucky of Scotch ancestry and fol- lowed farming and stock raising. He fought in the confederate army. Mrs. Woods' mother is Mary D. (Summers) Bruce, a native of Tennessee. Her father was of Scotch-Irish ancestry and was also in the confederate army. Mrs. Woods was born on November 17, 1876, in Mercer county, Missouri and has the fol- lowing named brothers and sisters : Harlen M., born May 1, 1868 in Mercer county, Missouri, now a stockman in Garfield county, Washing- ton ; Lonzo D., born April 1, 1870, in Putnam county, Missouri, now mining at Burke, Idaho ; William S.. born August 10, 1877 in Sedg- wick county, Kansas, now assisting Dr. Woods; Ollie M., born March 12, 1864 in Mercer county, Missouri, now the wife of Mr. Kerr, a merchant in Spokane; Minnie A., born August 10, 1877 in Sedgwick county, Kan- sas, the wife of Mr. Ousley, a liveryman in Garfield county, Washington; Doctor and Mrs. Woods have two children, Vivian Bruce, born April 6, 1902, in Dayton, Washington; Sylvan Morris, born March 15, 1904, in Dayton. Dr. Woods is a member of the W. W. and the I. O. O. F. He and his wife belong to the Christian church and in politics, he is a strong Republican. They own a nice home in Day- ton and are highly respected people. JAMES D. WHITE. It will never be written or fully understood by the generations who succeed, the thrilling experiences, adven- tures and arduous labors that were performed and participated in by those noble men and women, who turned from the pleasures of civ- ilization in the east and made their way across the dreary plains with ox teams to the Pacific coast. However, it is proper, as much as is possible to be done, to make an outline of the 442 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. most important items in this connection, for the benefit and instruction of all those who shall yet be born. It would be very gratifying in- deed were we given space to relate those things. However, Ave must content ourselves with what is in the range of possibility at this time. The gentleman whose name appears at the head of this article, has been one of the enter- prising and tireless pioneers of the northwest and deserves mention in the first ranks of those who have opened this grand country for the teaming population which now subsists here. He was born in Council Bluffs, Iowa, on March 16, 1854, in the very gathering center whence came the various emigrants 'from the Mississippi valley to form into trains to cross the deserts and mountains and amid hardships and in the face of hostile savages to redeem and reclaim the land that now forms the pop- ulous cities of Washington and Oregon. From the earliest days that he can remember, the en- thusiasm of going west was constantly before him and when ten years of age, he was per- mitted to take that trip which had been his idol from the dreams of infancy. In due time, with his widowed mother, they completed the jour- ney, one of the most unique in the history of the world. Their trip was a counterpart of what each pilgrim experienced in the exodus from the Missouri river to the Pacific coast. His father, John White, died when James was a child. His mother, Rachel White, a native of Iowa, was left a widow with a family of young children to support and knew the bur- dens of life well. The little train stopped first in the Grande Ronde valley, Oregon, and two seasons later took up their journey which ended in the Willamette valley. Two years after that, they made their way back over the Cas- cades and crossed the sage plains of Oregon to Umatilla county and made settlement. Our subject began work for a firm in Weston, be- ing but a lad of fourteen or sixteen and for seven years continued in the employ of this house without any interruption. Then he set- tled on a farm in Columbia county and began to acquire property for himself. Being a thrifty man, industrious and careful in his management, he soon accumulated sufficient money to warrant him purchasing more land. He was wise in his selection and continued to buy until he had six hundred and forty acres of extra choice grain producing land. This has been carefully farmed and conducted since and the proceeds have made Mr. White one of the wealthy citizens of southeastern Wash- ington. In due time he was warranted in re- tiring from the labors of the farm and accord- ingly erected a choice residence in Waitsburg which is his home at the present time. The home farm is- well supplied with everything needed on a first class place and under the su- pervision of Mr. White produces annually most gratifying returns in crops and stock. His money has always been invested with care and consequently very few losses have been his to meet. He is a very enterprising and capable business man and has shown his abil- ity in every line of endeavor that he has fol- lowed. He also owns another farm in Colum- bia county, one in Walla Walla county, and one in Crook county, Oregon. In addition to general farming and stock raising, Mr. White has traveled considerably and has visited al- most every portion of the west and northwest and is intimately acquainted with all the re- sources and all the conditions of the country. He is a well informed man, possessed of prac- tical judgment and is liked and respected by all who know him. In the days of the Indian wars, he was among the first to venture to re- pel the savages and is one of the veterans. Mr. White, although constantly overseeing his farm and conducting its policy, has neverthe- less been engaged in many enterprises and has always made money rapidly. The possession of wealth has never made him a sordid man for he is one of the most liberal citizens of this part of the country. He has given HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY 443 thousands of dollars and is always ready to assist any enterprise for the good of the pub- lic. Public minded and liberal, he has been enabled to enjoy to the fullest all the good things of life since he has taken that high view embodied in the statement, that "It is more blessed to give than to receive." In 1884, Mr. White married Miss America E. Ritter, who was born in the Willamette valley, Oregon. Her parents were among the earliest settlers of the Web Foot State and she was a noble and faithful woman. Her many virtues and graces made her beloved by all who were acquainted with her and at the time of her death in 1902, there was most sincere and extended mourning. Three children were born to this worthy couple, John W., Rachel, and Annie P. Just verging into the prime of life, the success that Mr. White has gained presages excellent things for the future. Mr. White is a man who makes and retains friends and is without enemies. He is known far and near and is as highly respected as he is widely known. He has never been a politician in the sense in which that word has been used some- times, still he has manifested a keen interest in these matters. He has always refused office or personal preferment, desiring rather to assist his friends to this position, than to accept for himself, though often importuned so to do. He has done a noble work in build- ing up the country, in forwarding educational matters, and in supporting churches and other movements for the good of the people in gen- eral, and it is certainly very fitting that his name should be classed among the leading men and pioneers of southeastern Washington. On November 2, 1904, Mr. White married Mrs. Mary Wright, who was born in Ger- many. She came to the United States with her parents, Frank and Catherine Kanabay, also natives of Germany, when she was six years old. They settled in Missouri and there died, when this daughter was eleven years of age. By her former marriage, Mrs. Wright has four children, Florence, Annie, Frances, and Jay. CHARLES E. SHAFFER, who resides about nine miles north from Waitsburg, is one of the successful men of Columbia county and has wrought here, as well as other places in the west, with display of wisdom and indus- try that bring their own reward. He has, also, won the esteem and confidence of the people and is a man of influence in the country. His birth occurred in Franklin county, Penn- sylvania, on July 17, 1862, and there he was reared and educated. His father, Christopher Shaffer, was born in Germany and came to this country in the early forties. He was a cooper by trade and settled in Mercersburg, Pennsyl- vania, where he became wealthy and prom- inent. He died in 1862, when our subject was yet an infant less than one year of age. The mother, Mary (Eckert) Shaffer, is a na- tive of Germany and came to America in the same ship with her future husband. She was married in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, where she still lives. In the spring of 1880, Mr. Shaffer came west to California and there remained until September, when he made his way to southeastern Washington. Then, after a short stay, he returned to California and there did farming for nine years. In 1896, he came back and selected his present location where he has remained since, engaged in farm- ing and stock raising. He has achieved a good success and is numbered with the leading agriculturists of the county. He owns two hundred and twenty acres of choice land and Mrs. Shaffer has an equal amount in her own right. The returns from these valuable es- tates make a handsome income and they are well to do people. All improvements needed abound and Mr. Shaffer is one of the skillful and wise farmers of the section. 444 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY In 1887, occurred the marriage of Miss Ada Amanda Scott and Mr. Shaffer. She is a native of Baker county, Oregon and was brought by her grandfather to Walla Walla county when a little girl. Since then she has remained in Washington. Her parents, John and Amanda (Cantonwine) Scott, were mur- dered by the savages in Baker county, Oregon. The father came to California in pioneer days, making the trip with ox teams in the fifties. He was engaged in mining and packing to the mines there for a number of years. Then he came to Walla Walla, and later settled on the ill-fated place on Burnt river, Oregon, where he and his wife met their death at the hands of the Indians. The mother of Mrs. Shaffer crossed the plains with her father from Iowa in very ea'rly days and lived in Walla Walla county until she went with her husband to the Burnt river. To Mr. and Mrs. Shaffer, the following named children have been born. Ernest M., May A., Charles Porter D., Audrey G.. and Clarence M. Mr. Shaffer has an inter- esting family and has won for himself as well as for them a place and standing enviable, indeed. In political matters, Mr. Shaffer is an en- thusiastic Republican and in California was especially active in the conventions and cam- paigns. He has always been an interested sup- porter of his party, although never an aspirant to office. However, his friends insisted that he allow his name to be placed on the ticket for county commissioner and in the fall of 1904, he was promptly elected. Mr. Shaffer shows the same sagacity and integrity in the discharge of public duties that he has always manifested in his personal affairs and he is filling the office to the satisfaction of the people, and with credit to himself. J. M. HENDERSON has been a great traveller and thus has gained an extended knowledge of the world and its ways. Also, he has shown his patriotism and stamina on the field of battle, and for the Stars and Stripes he has fought with the zeal and ardor of the true American. His birthplace is Jefferson county, Iowa, and the date of the event, Mav 7, 1858. The father, William R. Henderson, was born in Indiana, on March 6, 1837 and enlisted in 1861, as a member of the Third Iowa Cavalry. He was largely on detached service and for six months at a time would be away destroying bridges and other property necessary to be destroyed in the war. In the battle of Ripley, Mississippi, he was killed while bravely fighting for his country. The date of this sad event was April 17, 1865. Only seventeen of his original company were spared to return to their homes from the hor- rors of war. Our subject was well educated, completing his training in the Batavia high school and at Parson's college. After this he learned the blacksmith trade, then journeyed to Nebraska. He travelled all over that state on foot then returned to his home in Iowa. After this he went to Dakota and in 1879 started for Washington with an immigrant train. The train was over the Union Pacific and was nine days in making the trip to San Francisco from Council Bluffs. He went then to Portland on the steamer, State of Califor- nia, and thence via the Cascades, The Dalles, and Wallula to Walla Walla. Next we see him in the Blue mountains in Oregon after which he took a preemption near Dayton. After this he was in Sprague, then at Kenne- wick, North Yakima and other places in cen- tral Washington. In 1886, he was in Seattle and remained there and in the vicinity of Ta- coma until 1894. Then he came to his pres- ent location, six miles east from Dayton, and here he has made his home since. In 1898, Mr. Henderson enlisted in Company F, Wash- ington Volunteers and was despatched via San Francisco to Manila, sailing on October 19, 1898, and arriving on November 22. He was in constant duty there until September 5,. 1899, HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 445 when his regiment was sent home. During his stay in the Philippines he was never sick a day nor disabled from active duty. At Dayton, on May i, 1881, Mr. Hender- son married Miss Frederika Richardson, who was born in Saint Joseph's Island, Canada, the date being, July 29, 1862. Her father, W. T. Richardson, was a native of Canada. To Mr. and Mrs. Henderson, eight children have been born, Otto H., Adela B., Enola F., Ella J., Elmer L., Herbert H., Hilda M., and Bonnie A. L. GEORGE E. WOOD resides ten miles northwest from Waitsburg, where he owns a fine body of land. He has six hundred and forty acres in this place and all improvements that could be wished to carry it on successfully. He has provided all the latest and best machin- ery for his farm and his buildings and other improvements are good. The orchard is ex- ceptionally fine and has all kinds of fruit that are successfully grown in this climate. George E. Wood was born in Montcalm county, Michigan, on March 26, i860, and was educated in the common schools of that place. His father, Clayton C. Wood, was a pioneer to Michigan from Ohio, his native state, and followed civil engineering. In 1861, he en- listed in Company C, Second Michigan Cav- alry, where he served ten months. His dis- charge was then occasioned by reason of dis- abilities. He married Miss Catherine Bailey, a native of New York. When our subject was still a boy, the family removed to Wilkins county, Minnesota, being pioneers of the Gopher State. In 1883, George E. came on west and finally located at Dayton, where he worked for wages for some time. In 1888, he en- gaged in farming for himself and since that time he has been one of the industrious and progressive tillers of the soil in Columbia county. He purchased his farm in 1897 and has improved it in excellent shape since that time and_ has shown himself to be one of the men of substantiality and stamina. Mr. Wood married in August, 1884, Cora Marsh, who died January 22, 1898. To them were born six children, Joe W., Frank, deceased, Mabel P., Charles K., James E. and Vireatus. It is a matter that evidences the character of the man, when we notice that as late as 1888, Mr. Wood was working for wages and that now he is the owner of a fine estate and is one of the leading farmers of the county. He has certainly won a brilliant success and it is easy to see that it is. not a matter of luck that has brought it, but it has been achieved by reason of the wisdom, industry and careful management of the re- sources placed in his hands. He has hewed out his own fortune and in so doing has made himself a better and stronger man besides hav- ing the gratification of possessing the reward of his labors now. In August, 1899, Mr. Wood married Maud Thompson, the wedding occurring at Dayton. Mrs. Wood was born in Missouri, the daugh- ter of John and Martha (Cunningham) Thompson. The mother died in 1886, but the father is still living in Columbia county, and follows farming. To Mr. and Mrs. Wood two children have been born, C. Austin and Cora E. WILLIS KNEFF is adding to the wealth of Columbia county by his wisely bestowed labors in farming on his estate about three miles southeast from Dayton, where he has been at work industriously for the past twenty- five years. His stability and his substantial qualities make him an excellent citizen and a first-class farmer. He was born in Indiana on July 15, 1 841, the son of Christopher and Elizabeth (Lewis) Kneff, natives of Ohio and Pennsylvania. When seven, Willis was brought by his parents from his native state to Illinois, where he remained until grown to 446 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. manhood. He was educated in the public schools and followed farming. In 1875, he came on west to Nebraska and there farmed for five years. The next move was to the en- ticing territory of Washington, where he set- tled on land which' is his home to this day. He is well aware of the advantages of the country and was pleased sufficiently to make it his home, and expects to remain here until his death. In 1862 Mr. Kneff enlisted in the One Hundred and Eighteenth Illinois and was un- der Sherman and Grant for his time of ser- vice. He participated in the river campaign and the siege of Vicksburg and although never wounded, he was in many trying places and dangers that would have resulted in his death, had it not been for a favoring Province that shielded him. He was in many conflicts and ever acquitted himself as a man of bravery and patriotism, as he is. His record as a soldier is first-class and marks an epoch in his life of which he may well be proud. On account of sickness, which was extended, he was honor- ably discharged in 1864, although he wished to remain until the war was over. Fate decreed otherwise and he was forced to. languish while his comrades went on to the front and the end of the war. On January 25, 1867, in Illinois, Mr. Kneff married Miss Hattie New, the daughter of Richard M. and Sarah ( Parker) Holmes, na- tives of New York. Mrs. Kneff was also born in New York, the date being 1855. To this mar- riage the following named children have been born, Earl, Delia, Cora, Daisy and Vanchee. Mr. Kneff is a member of the G. A. R. and a man of excellent standing in the community. ■♦»» WILLIAM D. WALLACE resides about eight miles southwest from Starbuck, on the old Mullan road. He also has a residence at Waitsburg, Washington, where he spends a portion of the time. He gives his attention to stock raising and general farming and is one of the substantial men of Columbia county. Mr. Wallace has so conducted himself in life that he has made an unsullied reputation and stands well in the community. He was born in Taylorsville, Indiana, on May 26, 1852, the son of John and Minerva E. (Duffy) Wallace. The mother was born in Jefferson count}', In- diana. Her father was of Irish extraction and her mother of French. Our subject's father was born in Jefferson county, Indiana, and is a direct descendant of Sir William Wallace, of fame in Scotch history. He is a millright and built several plants throughout the central states. He is also an engineer and mechanic. In 1892, he came to Moscow, Idaho, and later erected a mill at Kendrick, which he finally sold. He is now residing with his wife at Moscow. During the Civil War, he was in government service as an engineer. His mother was a native of Amsterdam, Holland. Our subject moved to Iowa with his parents when a child and completed his education in the Oskaloosa college of that state. After that, he learned the moulder's trade and became an expert machinist and engineer and followed the the latter for several years. In 1876, he turned from this occupation and took up farming in Iowa. Two years later, he came to Walla Walla and again went to work at his trade in the mill. The next year, however, he settled on Whiskey creek mountain and in 1880, he transferred his residence to Columbia county and here has been engaged in farming ever since. He fol- lows this occupation and has made an excellent success in it. During his stay here, he has been deputy assessor for three terms and has ever manifested a lively interest in political matters and local affairs of the country. He is well informed and a man of influence. Mr. Wallace is a member of the I. O. O. F., while he and his wife belong to the Baptist church at Dayton. They have one child. Will- HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 447 iam H., a student at the Waitsburg academy. Mr. Wallace has a quarter section of fine land besides property in other places. PLEASANT H. EWELL. deceased. It is gratifying to any one interested in the history of the early pioneers, to be privileged to speak of the gentleman mentioned above. From Mexico to the Russian possessions he was well known and knew the country perhaps better than any one man. He was a great explorer and traveler, fearless and intrepid, and made his way to all these various sections during the earlier part of his life. His birth occurred in Ray county, Missouri, about 1835, and when sixteen, cr in 185 1, he drove an ox team across the plains to the Willamette valley. Be- ing too young to take a homestead or donation claim, he. began traveling about, and, as stated above, made his way from Oregon to the torrid regions of Mexico and back far up into Alaska. Many years were spent in these travels and ex- plorations. Mr. Ewell was a man of energy and a review of his travels would be both in- teresting and profitable. Finally becoming tired, he settled down on a homestead near where Seattle is now located. His life was spent on the coast and in 1901, he passed away from earth to the world beyond. The event of his death occurred in the Willamette valley. He had served in the Indian wars that swept the coast and was known as a fearless and skillful Indian fighter. In 1869, after eighteen years traveling, prospecting, and Indian fighting, he settled down and married Sarah Walter, who now re- sides at the home of Daniel Delany, four miles east from Starbuck. Mrs. Ewell has recently taken up her abode in Columbia county and ex- pects to pass the remainder of her days here. Her husband was well known throughout this, as the other pioneer regions, and traveled over all portions of the state of Washington. It is abundantly fitting, therefore, that he should be particularly mentioned as one of the pioneers of Columbia county, albeit one must say not only of Columbia county but of the northwest. Mrs. Ewell was born in Marion county, Ore- gon, being thus a native of the Occident where she has passed all the days of her life. To this worthy couple nine children have been born, named as follows, Katie, Otis M., Carrie, Mat- tie, Mary, James, Homer, Marion and Bennie. It is unnecessary to note that Mr. Ewell was a man of energy and he accumulated a nice property during the latter years of his life as well as receiving the good will and admiration of all who knew him. Since his death, his wife has managed the property in a commendable manner and has a goodly competence for the golden days of her life that she is now passing. HON. FRANCIS M. WEATHERFORD is one of the early settlers of the territory now embraced in Columbia county. The splendid success he has made in life is due to the wis- dom, to the industry and to the aggressiveness which have been manifested during his career. He stand to-day one of the leading men of this part of the state whose wealth and position have been justly earned. Francis M. Weatherford was born in Put- nam county, Missouri, on November 12, 1855. Alfred Weatherford, his father, was born in Virginia, where also our subject's paternal grandparents were born. They came from English ancestry. In 1855, the same year in which our subject was born, his father died in Putnam county, Missouri. He had owned there a very large farm and raised stock and did general farming. For two terms he had been sheriff of his county and was a man of in- fluence and excellent standing. He married Sophia Smith, a natwe of Virginia, where also her parents were born, descendants from an old colonial family. She died at the old home 448 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. place in Putnam county in 1861. She and her husband were both devout members of the Methodist church, South. Our subject being thus left an orphan at an early age, remained with his brother, William, with whom he lived until grown up. It is of interest to note that on the old home place in Missouri, now stands Unionville, the county seat of Putnam county. In 1864, our subject came with his brother to Linn county, Oregon, where he later bought land. Four years afterward they moved to Contra Costa county, California, and two years later, came back to Jackson county, Oregon. After a year in that locality, they came to Umatilla county, it being then the fall of 1872. Our subject was sent by his brother to the old Bundy school in Walla Walla county, where he finished his education. As early as 1873, Mr. Weatherford came to settle in Walla Walla county, that portion which is now embraced in Columbia county. He rented land for a year, then bought it, the same being a quarter of a section. He was then but eighteen years of age and this start in life gives one a key to the man. His carefulness, his aggressiveness and his unerring judgment are what have won for him his success. This land was in the Bundy neighborhood and Mr. Weatherford gradually added to the original quarter section until at one time he owned in that locality eleven hun- dred and forty acres. In 1892, he sold most of this land, rented the balance and removed to the Covello neighborhood, where he owned eleven hundred and sixty acres of fine wheat soil. In 1904, Mr. Weatherford sold out the last of his Wilson Hollow land, receiving fifty dollars per acre for it, and his last deed con- veyed over five hundred and thirty acres. It was considered one of the best places in Walla Walla county. On October 10, 1878, at the residence of the bride's parents in Wilson Hollow, Mr. Weatherford married Harriett A. Turner, the daughter of John and Mary A. (Power) Turn- er. The father was born in Virginia of an old colonial family and died April 20, 1899, at Covello. The mother was born in Indiana. Her marriage occurred in Missouri and she came with her husband to the coast in 1865. Mrs. Weatherford has five brothers, Benjamin, John, Joseph, James, and Charles, and one half-brother, William Anderson, and two sis- ters, Mrs. Samantha Price and Mrs. Irene Freeman, and one half-sister, Mrs. Clara Price. Mr. Weatherford has three brothers living, William W., James K., and Alfred H., and Thomas, Aaron and John deceased. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Weatherford are, William and James C, both graduates of the business college in Portland; Arthur M., Mary S., and Clara B., at home. Mr. Weatherford is a member of the I. O. O. F. and he and his wife belong to the Meth- odist church, South. Politically, our subject is a strong Democrat and at the last election was chosen representative to the state legislature for Columbia county. He takes an active in- terest in everything for the building up of the country and in his present capacity as repre- sentative in the legislature, he has shown that same wisdom and care that have characterized him during his successful career. He is a popular man and has won the position by dis- play of fairness, genialty and good judgment and stands to-day one of the leading men of this part of the state. HON. CHESTER F. MILLER, Judge of the superior court for Columbia, Garfield and Asotin counties, is one of the best known men in southeastern Washington. He resides at Dayton, and is one of the oldest residents of Columbia county, having lived in the same vot- ing precinct for forty-five years. He has the reputation of being a fair and impartial Judge, is respected by the people and his integrity has never been questioned. Chester Franklin Miller was born in Linn CHESTER E MILLER. HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 449 county, Oregon, on January 6, i860, the son of George W. and Sarah E. (Ping) Miller, who are especially mentioned elsewhere in this volume. They were honorable and highly re- spected people and reared their son in the paths of morality and uprightness, and to this day Judge Miller is aware that he owes an un- told debt to the choice training which it was his rare fortune to receive. His grandfather, Hon. Elisha Ping, was prominent in the po- litical history of the territory. When a child, six months of age, he came with his parents to where Dayton now stands, and received his early education in the old dis- trict school house on the hill, where he at- tended school until he was sixteen years old. He attributes much of his future success in his studies to the foundation laid by his teacher, the Hon. Oliver C. White, then a country school teacher. Judge A. S. Bennett, one of the leading lawyers of the northwest, was his fellow student at this old country school house. He then attended a private school, in Dayton, for two years, where he was prepared for col- lege by the Hon. J. E. Edmiston, who was at that time teaching the school. Mr. Edmiston and Judge Miller were afterwards law part- ners for nine years. In 1878, he entered the Willamette University, which he attended for one year, and then entered the Oregon State University from which he graduated with honors in 1882, receiving the degree of Bach- elor of Arts. Three years later he received the degree of Master of Arts from his Alma Mater. He then returned to Dayton, and while acting as deputy clerk of the district court, read law with Col. Wyatit A. George, the Nester of the bar of the old First Judicial Dis- trict, and who was called "Old Equity" by his fellow practitioners. He was admitted to the bar in 1886 by Judge Langford, on the recom- mendation of T. J. Anders, D. J. Crowley and R. F. Sturdevant, his examining commit- tee, and soon afterwards entered the office of 29 M. A. Baker and commenced the practice of the law. In 1889, he formed a law partner- ship with the Hon. J. E. Edmiston, which continued until the end of the year 1890, when Mr. Edmiston became prosecuting attorney. Judge Miller and his brother-in-law, Charles R. Dorr, then became law partners, until Mr. Dorr's death in 1892, at which time he and Mr. Edmiston formed another partnership which continued until the latter's death in 1900. In 1893, h e was elected mayor of Day- ton, and in 1895 director of the same school district where he first attended school. He was at different times city attorney and clerk of the city of Dayton, and in 1900 was elected superior judge, to which office he was re-elected by a highly increased majority in 1904. Judge Miller was Captain of Company "F," First Washington Volunteers, and was mustered in with his company on May 11, 1898. He sailed with his regiment for the Phil- ippines in October of that year, where he ac- quitted himself with credit, until he became disabled from sickness, and he was then re- turned to his home and discharged on May 12, 1899. Captain Miller was universally loved and respected by the members of his company. In lodge circles Judge Miller might be called a "joiner." He is a P. C. of Dayton Lodge, No. 3, K. of P.; Past Master of Day- ton Lodge, No. 53, F. & A. M. ; Past H. P. of Dayton Chapter, No. 5, R. A. M. ; P. G. of Patit Lodge, No. 10, I. O. O. F. ; P. C. P. of Franklin Encampment, No. 13, I. O. O. F. ; and deputy grand master of the grand lodge of Odd Fellows of the state of Washington, and will undoubtedly this year be elected their highest officer. He is also a member of the Woodmen, Workmen, Eastern Star, Re- bekah's and Rathbone Sisters. On May 24, 1888, Judge Miller was mar- ried to Miss Nettie Dorr, the daughter of Dr. J. C. and Mrs. Ellen R. Dorr. Dr. Dorr and 45o HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. his wife were among the earliest settlers of California, and came to Columbia county in 1879. He was a member of the California Legislature of 1864, and a man of prominence and a leading citizen of Washington. Judge Miller and his estimable wife are the parents of six girls, Haidee, Sarah, Hilda, Conchita, Luneta, and Alice, and expects them all to marry Democrats and then persuade their husbands to become good Republicans. CHRISTOPHER MARLL, although not a native American, has, nevertheless, shown that patriotism, which sometimes is deeper in the foreign born subject than in the son of the Stars and Stripes, owing to the deeper appreciation of our free institutions re- sulting from the contrast so forcibly set forth by the knowledge of other countries. The sunny land of France is his birthplace and March 5, 1837, the date. His parents both died when he was an infant and he was reared by an aunt. When young he was brought to America by her and New Jersey was their home. Until fourteen years of age . he re- mained with her and then came west to Illi- nois, where he did farming. Thence he journeyed to Colorado in 1873, and there re- mained for four years. After that he was in Arizona and then spent three years in Sacra- mento, California. His next move was to Ore- gon and one year later he came thence to his present place, seven miles southeast from Day- ton, where he has resided since. He has a good home and does farming and stock raising. For a quarter of a century he has remained here and has done a good work in improving and upbuilding, while also he has augumented his own wealth by his industry. Mr. Marll has a goodly holding of property and is able to spend the balance of his days in more retire- ment from the activities of life. Mr. Marll has always taken an active interest in politics and local affairs and stands strong for good government and betterment on all lines. In Clinton, Illinois, on April 14, 1871, Mr. Marll married Miss Tillie Barmlager, who was born in Franklin county, Missouri, on No- vember 1, 1852. Her father, Harman Bram- lager, was born in Holland, in February, 1823, and married Miss Elizabeth Tuchlaugh, who was born in Germany, in July, 1829. Mr. and Mrs. Marll have two children, Ruby Allen, born August 5, 1881, and Charles R., born October 16, 1882. WILLIAM ADDISON SNIDER, de- ceased. For sixty years the esteemed gentle- man whose name is mentioned above traveled this pilgrim way, operating largely as a pioneer and a pathfinder for others in the progress of civilization toward the west. He was a man of strong character and adventur- ous spirit and never fell back because of ob- stacles or danger in his path. He was well and favorably known all through these regions be- sides many other portions of the west and northwest, which was familiar to him and where he labored extensively. William A. Snider was born in Pennsyl- vania, on November 9, 1830, the son of Wil- liam Snyder, who married a lady from France. When our subject was two years of age, he was taken to Missouri by his parents and there he grew up on a farm and received his education in the public schools. When nineteen years of age, he went to California and there worked in the gold fields for a time, being on the crest of the first "forty-nine" wave. Three years were spent thus and then he went to Nevada, set- tling in Carson City. Two years later he went to Oregon and in 1862, he came to Walla Walla. For ten years he labored in the vicinity of Walla Walla, which was a ham- let of one hotel and two stores at the time of his coming. He sawed the lumber that built HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 451 Waitsburg and a large portion of that used in Walla Walla, in those days. Next we see him in Oregon engaged in the lumber busi- ness and there he wrought for twelve years. After this he was in Idaho, then went to Nevada, thence to Healdsburg, California, and from there to Jackson county, Oregon. After this he came to Umatilla county, Oregon, and there made his home until 1890, when he was called from the labors and trials of this life to the world beyond. Two years later his widow with her family came to Dayton and here they reside at this time. The marriage of Mr. Snider occurred in California, in i860, when Mrs. Elizabeth Mil- ler became his bride. She was born in Tennes- see, in 1842, and her father, William Aloway, was born in Kentucky. To Mr. and Mrs. Snider, the following named children have been born: William, Emma, Mary, George, Fred, Ellen, Frank, Albert, Roy, Nettie and Rufus. Mr. Snider was highly respected and well acquainted with all the old pioneers. His widow is a woman of many virtues and was a faithful helpmeet to her husband during the years of his travels and labors. She is of ex- cellent standing in Dayton and has shown fort- itude and bravery in meeting the responsibili- ties of life since her husband's death. BERNARD BERNZEN, better known as "Ben," is one of the leading stockmen of Co- lumbia county and a pioneer here. He has displayed wisdom in his career, which together with his industry, has given him a fine prop- erty holding at this time. He resides about eight miles southeast from Dayton and handles cattle and horses. He was born in Hanover, Germany, on January 7, 1858. His father, Bernard Bernzen, brought the family to Clin- ton county, Illinois, when our subject was four years of age and there died when this son was ten years of age. The mother died one year later, thus leaving Ben an orphan when a mere child. He was adopted by Mr. Etter, with whom he stayed until nineteen years of age when he came west, selecting Portland as the objective point. For two years he drove a dairy wagon and worked on a dairy farm near Portland. Then, in the winter of 1880, he started for Walla Walla with two companions, Schultz and Buckner. They took a steam- boat to the lower Cascade Falls, then went by rail to the upper Cascades and thence by boat to The Dalles. Then they attempted to walk to Walla Walla as the steamers had stopped running on the upper river. The snow was deep and this made traveling exceedingly hard. The first night they came to a ranch where they secured supper but were refused permis- sion to sleep in the house and were told that they might occupy the shed. As they had no blankets and the winter was severe, they were unable to remain there and so walked all that night towards Umatilla. They carried no food and could find no house as the country was then unsettled. All the next day they traveled and finally found a jack rabbit which they chased in the rocks and captured. They were enabled to paritially cook this, which made a meager meal. They traveled all that day, and during the next night Buckner gave out; however after he has been assisted some by our subject, he rallied again and they pushed on. The next day, Mr. Bernzen be- came thoroughly exhausted and persuaded his companions to go on and leave him and secure assistance. After they had gone some distance he rallied a little and climbed a hill. He imagined that he could see a house but as he moved toward it, it vanished and in its place appeared a city and the poor half dying man could hear the rumble of the cars as they passed to and fro, so deceptive was the de- lirium brought on by exhaustion and hunger 452 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. and the mirage of the winter's day. He then lay down and fell asleep but a troubled dream of falling awakened him and he perceived that he was nearly dead. His body was numb and it was with great difficulty that he could move at all. However, he finally succeeded in get- ting to his feet and staggered back down his tracks to where the men had left him. He tried to follow their tracks and was making some headway when just at dark, he met two Chinamen whom Shultz had sent back to him. They brought him to a dugout where he was well cared for and when he awoke the next morning, Shultz told him that he and Buckner had separated soon after leaving Bernzen, and so they started back to 'find Buckner. It had drifted so in the night that they were unable to find his tracks and they looked and searched in vain. It seemed though that he had tried to walk along the thin ice on the river and had been drowned. To this day no trace of him has ever been found. Mr. Bernzen completed his journey and then selected the place where he now lives and took a homestead. He in- vested quite heavily in cattle and since that time has given his entire attention to stock raising. He has been prosperous in the work and has a fine band of cattle at this time. On October 18, 1893, Mr. Bernzen mar- ried Miss Frances Corcoran, who was born in St. Louis, on December 5, 1855. Her parents were William T. and Catherine (Muller) Cor- coran, the former born in St. Louis on January 7, 1832, and the latter in Switzerland, in 1836. Mr. and Mrs. Bernzen have two children. Francis, aged ten, and Katie, aged eight. Mr. Bernzen takes an active part in po- litical matters and has been school director many times and also delegate to the county conventions. In the winter of 1880, after his perilous journey, he worked on the construc- tion of the O. R. & N. railroad and thus be- came acquainted with this country, which led him to make settlement. OTTO M. STINE is well known in Co- lumbia county and is a man of good reputa- tion being at the present time sheriff of the county. He has held the position of deputy in this important office for four years and in 1902 he was chosen on the Republican ticket to execute the laws as sheriff. He has shown marked faithfulness in this capacity and has the record of being one of the best who- ever filled the position. Mr. Stine has many friends, being a good and genial man and his activity in all measures for the progress and improvement of the country stamp him as one of the prominent men. He was born in Nod- away county, Missouri, on January 27, i860, the son of J. H. and Abigal (Cole) Stine, na- tives, respectively, of Pennsylvania and Indi- ana. Later they settled in Illinois and after that lived for twenty years in Missouri. Next they spent seven years in Kansas, and then came to Columbia county where they now re- side. They have been the parents of twelve children. Our subject was educated in the various places where the family lived until he grew to manhood, when he began to assume the responsibilities of life for himself. He first farmed in Kansas and then came to Washing- ton, and took up carpentering in Dayton, which trade he had acquired before coming to this country. For ten years he was engaged in this and contracting, and then entered the sheriff's office as deputy. Four years were spent in that capacity and then he was chosen to the office as stated above. F. M. Bowers was the nominee on the Democratic ticket, but Mr. Stine gained the clay by a handsome ma- jority. In 1882, Mr. Stine married Miss Sarah E. Boyer. Her parents, Abraham and Mary (Ault) Boyer, were natives of Ohio, but moved to southwestern Kansas where the father died. The mother still lives there. They were the parents of eleven children. Mr. Stine is a member of the F. & A. M., the I. O. HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 453 O. F., the K. P., and the W. W. He has passed the chairs in all these orders and is very popular. Mrs. Stine is a member of the Re- bekahs and the Women of Woodcraft. Mr. Stine has been delegate to the grand lodges of the first two orders mentioned. Since the ex- piration of his term of service Mr. Stine is again giving his attention to contracting and building. GRANT LOW resides about one mile east from Covello where he has a splendid estate of nearly six hundred acres. He was born in North Carolina, on December 25, 1870, the son of Samuel and Martha (Proctor) Low, both descended from old American families. The parents died when our subject was about eleven years old, both deaths occurring within four weeks. Then our subject and his brother were put under a guardian and the entire estate and personal effects were sold, even the family Bible, in which was the record of the family, was disposed of and Mr. Low has never been able to get track of it since. It turned out, as is often the case, that the boys did not receive the best of treatment from their guar- dians. Our subject worked for his guardian for his board and clothes with the understanding that he was to be privileged to attend school but this was largely denied him and his educa- tion had to be gathered at odd times as best he could. When sixteen, he determined to break this yoke and after spending some time with a neighboring farmer, went on to Missouri. He worked out three years; then his brother came on and they came to Washington to- gether. After working about a month or more here, about 1890, Mr. Low bought a quarter section. He sold it in 1902, and has now the estate above mentioned. It is one of the best farms in the county and is handled in splendid shape. Mr. Low has eighty head of cattle, sixty mules and one hundred horses. He also raises a good many hogs and is one of the prosperous and wealthy men of the country. In December, 1901, Mr. Low married Ora Monett, a native of Columbia county, and the daughter of Wallace and Mary (Woodward) Monet, natives of Ohio and Wisconsin, re- spectively. The father died when Mrs. Low was four years of age. The mother came to this country with her parents in 1869 and they were married near Dayton in this county. Our subject had four half brothers, John, Abner, Thomas and Wiley, three of whom he never saw. To Mr. and Mrs. Low four children have been born, Nellie, Jessie, Alberta and Harry, deceased. M~. Lov ^as achieved a splendid success in his labors and is come to be one of the wealthy and substantial men of the coun- try. He and his wife enjoy the best of stand- ing, have hosts of friends and are highly re- spected people. WILLIAM S. WOOTEN is one of Co- lumbia county's substantial and well-to-do men. He is occupied in general stock breeding and fruit raising. Also, he handles an apiary. Having thus diversified interests, it calls for adaptibility to handle them successfully, which is found in Mr.. Wooten. He displays a mark- ed energy and thrift in conducting his business and is to be commended upon the success he has achieved. He is well informed on the questions of the day and also keeps abreast with the advancement in all lines pertaining to his business. William S. Wooten was born in Bradley county, Tennessee, on May 8, 1844. His father, George W. Wooten, was a native of Virginia and came to Tennessee when a young man. He acquired wealth and prominence in his chosen home and in i860, moved to Law- rence county, Missouri, where he purchased a farm and remained until his death, which oc- curred in 1870. He volunteered to serve for 454 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. the Union in the Civil War, but was refused on account of his age. He married Miss Eliza Bryan, a native of Tennessee. Her father was an emigrant from Virginia and two of her brothers served in the Confederate army. She died in Missouri, in 1873. The first seven- teen years of our subject's life were spent in Tennessee and Missouri, in laboring on the farm and acquiring an education. At the age of seventeen, or in 1861, he enlisted in Com- pany C, Fifteenth Missouri Cavalry, to fight for the flag of his country. His service was all west of the Mississippi river and some of the hardest of the war, owing to the prevailing method of guerrilla warfare, so much used in that section. He participated in the battles of Independence, Big Blue, Mine Creek, and Newtonia, besides many others. He was un- der Rosecrans, then under General Brown. The skirmishing and smaller, engagements were numbered by the score and in these, Mr. Wooten showed himself a brave and patriotic soldier. His brother, Thomas C, was in his regiment and his other brother, Robert A., was captain of Company A, First Tennessee Cav- alry in the Union Army. Following the war, he was honorably discharged and returned to his home in Missouri, where he remained for two years. Then he went to Tennessee and did brick laying for three years. In 1872, he journeyed west to Polk county, Oregon, and there purchased a farm where he made his home until 1878. In that year, he sold out and came to Dayton, Washington, and took up the butcher business for four years. It was 1882, that Mr. Wooten came to his present place, which is about one mile west from Star- buck. He purchased three hundred 'and forty acres of land and took a homestead of one hun- dred and sixty acres. Some of this he sold in smaller tracts for fruit farms. Two hundred acres are under irrigating ditch. This makes his place especially valuable and it produces abundance of general crops and fruit. He has all kinds of fruit adapted to this country and is one of the wealthy producers of the Snake river valley. He has a large apiary and mar- kets about a ton of honey some seasons. In 1872, Mr. Wooten married Miss Sarah J. Gibson, who was born in Missouri and came west with her husband. Her father, Andrew P. Gibson, was a native of Tennessee. He went to Missouri when a small child and there became a very prominent and wealthy citizen. For two terms he was sheriff of Lawrence county, Missouri, and when our subject came west to Oregon, Mr. Gibson accompanied him. Mrs. Wooten's mother was Rhoda (Patton) Gibson, a native of Tennessee who also came to Missouri when a child. She is now living near Dayton. To Mr. and Mrs. Wooten, the following children have been born, Mrs. Min- nie M. Sproat, Mrs. Ida E. Way, William T., Mrs. Pearl Davis, Ella, Elmer S., Thomas and Delia M. Mr. Wooten is a member of the G. A. R. and the F. & A. M. He has achieved a success in his labors here that place him as one of the leading men of the country and wherein he is justified in taking great pride. Mr. Wooten has the satisfaction of enjoying the fruits of his labors as well as knowing that he has stim- ulated much worthy effort in the Snake river valley in the production of fruit and general farming and to-day this section of the country is known as one of the best in Washington for fruit growing. He is a pioneer of the country and one of its most substantial and capable men. A. J. HARRIS, a pioneer of the northwest and an Indian fighter of renown, is now living nine miles southeast from Dayton. He owns and operates a good farm and has been one of the real builders of Columbia county. His birth occurred on January 12, 1850, and his parents, George W. and Cinthy J. (Richards) Harris, were born in Pennsylvania and Ken- tucky, respectively. Our subject's youth was HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 455 spent in Indiana, where he received his educa- tion. When still young, he went to Illinois with his parents and from there to Missouri, in Avhich latter place he remained until 1869. In that year he joined a train that was coming west, which consisted of thirty wagons, and drove horses across the plains to Boise City, Idaho. There he remained until 1871, then came to his present location. He secured his land through government right and has given his time to farming almost ex- clusively for nearly thirty-five years. Being an industrious man, he has accumulated considerable, property and is respected and esteemed by all. During the time of the Nez Perce War, he enlisted in the Dayton volun- teers and went to the Salmon river. After his term of enlistment had expired, he reenlist- ed and continued in the struggle until the In- dians were entirely subdued. From the Sal- mon river they went to the Salmon mountains and there received word that the Indians were on the Camas Prairie. They immediately went after them and for two clays and two nights, ninety men held eight hundred Indians at bay, then they were joined by General Ho- ward and continued with him for several months, with the result of entirely dispersing the savages. After the war, Mr. Harris re- turned to his farm, but has frequently since then, spent considerable time in the mountains. In Lewiston, on October 28, 1885, Mr. Harris married Miss Martha A. Funk, who was born in Washington, on September 17, 1868, the daughter of William and Ellie (Car- ter) Funk, born in Ohio on February 25, 1810, and in Kentucky, on March 1, 1832, respect- ively. To our subject and his wife, one child has been born, Godfrey J., on September 16, 1886. Mr. and Mrs. Harris are members of the Methodist church and are widely known through the country where they have hosts of friends. MANUEL NASCIMENTO is one of Co- lumbia county's representative farmers and leading citizens. His home is about seven miles southwest from Starbuck, where he handles an estate of sixteen hundred acres of choice wheat land. He has the place in a high state of cultivation and has shown his skill and ability as a manager of large enterprises. His farm produces abundant crops and he has ac- cumulated in the years of his stay here a nice fortune. In Covo Island, Portugal, on December 2 5> I 873, Manuel Nascimento was born, the son of Calano S. and Polcena (Rita) Nasci- mento, both natives of the same place. In 1852 the father came to San Francisco and oper- ated in the mines. In i860, he was in Walla Walla, and gave his attention to freighting and packing. He was acquainted with all the leading camps here in the northwest and was well known. He remained in these lines of business and in prospecting until 1870, when he returned to his native country. The mother was never in this country. Our subject was educated in his native land and there remained in farming until 1890, when he came to Waitsburg with his uncle. He wrought for wages for four years and then took up farming. He had learned the lan- guage well and had been apt in understanding the methods of skillfully handling the wheat lands of this section and he at once made a success of farming when he took it up. From 1894 until the present he has continued in this labor steadily and faithfully and the result is that he has become one of the wealthy men of the county. He has won the respect of all in the meantime and has shown himself a man of good ability and excellent habits. Mr. Nasci- mento has two brothers in this country ; Enos, a farmer, who came here in 1894; and Antone, now in San Francisco. When Mr. Nascimen- to came to this country he had no capital and so all that he has gained is the result of his 456 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. careful management and his industry. He is certainly an example of a man worthy of success and blessed with it on account of his ability. Mr. Nascimento has never yet taken to himself a wife and is still enjoying the quietness of the bachelor's domain. EDWIN H. Van PATTEN, M. D. In tracing the family tree of the Van Patten family, we begin with Charles Frederick Van Patten, who was born in Holland, in 164.1, came to New Amsterdam, in America, in 1664, was married in 1675, and died in 1728. The two children born to him, whose names are preserved, are, Arent and Nicholas. The latter was born in 1690, married in 171 1, to Rebecca Groot. the daughter of Lyman Groot, who settled in America in 1645. To Nicholas were born Frederick, Nicholas, Eva, Catrien. Maria, Elizabeth, and John. The Nicholas of these seven married and his children are Nich- olas, Peter, Fredrick, Simon, Arent and John. Arent was born in 1764, married Helen Le- Grange of Newark, New Jersey, the daughter of Myndert LeGrange, and became the father of the following named children, Helen, Fred- erick, Nicholas, Myndert, Peter and James. Myndert married in due time and his children are Mary Ann, Sarah, Caroline, Aaron, Eliza- beth, Nicholas, John, John Coop, James, and Hester. John Coop married Rachel McCoy and they became the parents of Edwin H., Francis W., Ezra L., an infant that died before being named, Jennie, and William McCoy. The immediate subject of this article is the oldest child of John C. and was born in the vicinity of Springfield, Illinois, on March 8, 1855. His father, John C, was born in New Jersey, in 1832, came to Illinois when twelve, located near Springfield, there married, and studied for the ministry. He preached for years, then ac- cepted the position of general agent for Lin- coln University and did a noble work for many years in lifting up that institution. When through with his labors in the east, he came west and assumed the pastorship of a Dayton church. Then the people called him to serve as state senator and when Governor Rogers was elected, he canvassed the state, showing himself as a most capable speaker at that time. He is retired now in Dayton, a highly esteemed citizen. The mother of our subject was born' in 1834 and her father was the owner and erec- tor of the first grist and sawmill near Spring- field, Illinois. Her brothers were prominent stockmen in Illinois. She died at Dayton, February 24, 1901. Our subject received a collegiate education, taking his degree of Bach- elor of Philosophy, from Lincoln University, now the John Milikin University. In 1880, he came to Oregon and took a preemption and timber culture claim in Sherman county. In 1 88 1, he went to Rush Medical College in Chi- cago, and graduated thence in 1883, the vale- dictorian of his class, which numbered two hundred. Just prior to this graduation, his Alma Mater conferred on him the degree of Master of Philosophy. He immediately re- turned to Dayton and took up the practice of his profession and here he has remained since. He is at the head of a large practice and is without doubt one of Washington's best phy- sicians at this day. He has a thoroughly equipped office, having the best library and ap- pliances of all kinds that are known to the science of medicine. In 1888, Dr. Van Patten went to New York and completed an extended post graduate course taking up special work in surgery and studies on the eye and ear. His careful and constant reading in all branches of medicine, keeps the doctor fully abreast of the science of medicine and he is considered by his colleagues one of the best practitioners of the state. In political matters, the doctor is active and well informed. In 1889, ne ran f° r tne state senate on the Democratic ticket, but with the rest of the ticket went under the avalanche. For thirteen year? he has been county coroner Edwin H. VanPatten HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 457 and is a prominent figure in this part of the state. The doctor's residence is one of the finest in the county and Mrs. Van Patten is a charming hostess. The brothers and sisters of our subject are all prominent people, those who are living, and have made good records for themselves. In 1884, Dr. Van Patten married Miss Julia Howard Satterwhite, the wedding oc- curring in Danville, Illinois. Mrs. Van Pat- ten was born in Louisville, Kentucky, on July 27, 1857. Her father, Parker Satterwhite, was born in Virginia in 181 8, and her mother in Kentucky. He was one of the early pio- neers of Illinois and became a wealthy stock- man. He was a strong and prominent man and was known far and near as a man of un- swerving integrity and sound principles. Mrs. Van Patten graduated from Lincoln Univer- sity in 1 88 1 and then taught school previous to her marriage. She came west in 1884, and has been fraternal correspondent for the East- ern Star, except two years when her husband performed those duties on account of his wife's ill health. In this capacity, Mrs. Van Patten has exerted an influence that has been felt all over the United States and which has been most useful in many lines in advance- ment and general progress of the order. Dr. Van Patten is grand master of the grand lodge F. & A. M., in the state of Washington, and was grand orator for the grand lodge in 1892- 3. In 1 901, he was grand correspondent for the grand lodge. He -is also a member of the commandery at Walla Walla and of the con- sistory of the Scottish rite in Spokane. The doctor has been prominently connected with the K. P. order also and is past grand patron of the Eastern Star order. LORENZO D. DAVIS resides three miles east of Dayton and is one of the progressive farmers of Columbia countv. He was born in Yamhill county, Oregon, on June 18, 1864. His father, Daniel D., was born in Iowa, and came in 1849 across the plains with ox teams, to Oregon, being one of the earliest pioneers. The schools of Oregon furnished the educa- tion of our subject and in 1875, he came to Columbia county. He soon se- lected the place where he now lives and for twenty-nine years has been steadily employed in cultivating and improving the farm. He has made many friends and has al- ways showed himself a patriotic citizen, a good man and a skillful farmer. Mr. Davis also raises considerable stock and some fruit. He has helped to bring the county to its present prosperous condition and has always shown himself deeply interested in educational mat- ters. Mr. Davis always exerts his influence for better roads and improvements generally and is well known all over the county. In February, 1893, occurred the marriage of Mr. Davis and Miss Rhoda Bingham. To this union five children have been born, Clar- ence, Gladys, Mina, Velma and Verney. In fraternal matters Mr. Davis is con- nected with the W. W. In religious persua- sion he is identified with no denomination, but is a supporter of them all. MARION F. BEESON resides about five miles northeast from Prescott, where he owns a quarter section of fine land. He farms in ad- dition a section and a quarter of land and is one of the substantial and representative citizens of his community. He was born in Bourbon county, Kansas, on January 10, 1869, and has travelled all over the country west of that place to the Pacific coast. His father, Allen Beeson, was born in Indiana and followed stock rais- ing. He was a veterinary surgeon in the em- ploy of the government for many years. His death occurred when our subject was a small boy. The mother, Mary Jane (Jones) Bee- 458 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. son, was born in Alton, Illinois, and died when Marion F. was only two years of age. Our subject then lived with his brother until four- een years of age and was educated during those years in the common schools. Then he stepped forth to assume the responsibilities of life for himself and soon journeyed to west- ern Kansas. He worked there and in other places for five years on the farms. Then he started out on a tour of exploration and later landed in Walla Walla, where he wrought for wages on the farm. In 1889, he came to Waitsburg and bought a farm. This was his home and the scene of his labors until 1898, when he took a homestead in Willow Gulch. This property was sold in 1902, then Mr. Bee- son purchased the quarter section where he now lives and has made it his home since. He has it well improved and has all the machinery needed to handle this as well as the eight hun- dred acres that he farms in addition. The home farm is well watered with a spring and has some fine timber on it. A nice orchard, plenty of shade trees and other improvements add comfort and value to the place. Mr. Bee- son raises diversified crops and also hogs, horses and cattle. In 1 89 1, Mr. Beeson married Miss Katie Emma Grove, who is a native of Illinois. Her parents are Andrew J. and Elizabeth J. (Og- den) Grove. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Beeson are, Mary E., Minnie J., Luella B., Ula P., Jessie M., and Eugene A. Mr. Beeson has had a life filled with hard labor and many vicissitudes. When a boy he was early forced to take up the responsibilities of life and with- out capital of any kind, he has met ond over- come and is now one of the well to do men of this part of the county. He is well known and respected by all. His life has always been al- lied on the side of good government, and pro- gress in all lines. In political matters, he is active and interested and also labors for the betterment of educational facilities and the general upbuilding of the country. JUDGE JOHN W. HOLMAN is one of the earliest pioneers of Columbia county who now dwell here, and has displayed great inter- est in the welfare of the town, while his life has always been a marked example of indus- try and probity. John W. Holman was born in Monroe county, Indiana, on May 22, 1844, the son of Thomas and Laura A. (Parker) Holman, na- tives of Kentucky and New York, respec- tively. The father served in the war of 1812, and followed cabinet making during his life. He pioneered to Illinois and there lived until 1869. He and his wife were the parents of twelve children, William W., Franklin, Jo- seph, Gideon P., Mary, Emma, Lizzie, John W., Amanda, Rachel, Annie, and Samuel. The father died in Missouri, aged ninety-six. The mother died in Illinois. John W. received a good common schooling and when eighteen laid aside his books to enlist in Company H, Seventy-seventh Volunteer Infantry, the date of his enrollment being August 6, 1862. He was under General Sherman in the battle of Ball Bluff and later under, Grant. He fought at Port Gibson, was present and took part in the siege of Vicksburg and its capture. From May 18 until July 4, he had held the trying position of sharpshooter. Then he joined Sherman's command at Jackson and two weeks were spent in the capture of that city. After this he was detailed to the guard of the rebel prisoners then took part in the Red river ex- pedition and participated in the battles of Mansfield, Pleasant Hill, and Grandcorner. Next he was detailed to capture Fort Gaines under General Gordon Granger and they also took Fort Morgan. On May 22, 1865, Mr. Holman received his honorable discharge and retired to private life. He farmed at home un- til 1868, then went to Nebraska and bought a farm, and there lived until 1876, in which year he came on west to Washington, and from the choice portions of the territory, he chose Dayton, and since that time he has faith- HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 459 fully labored here in all lines of honest industry that have come to his hand. He took a home- stead near where Dayton now stands and there resides to this day. Judge Holman has always taken a great interest in politics and in 1888 was deputy sheriff for VV. R. Marcus. After two years of service in this capacity, he was elected justice of the peace and since that time he has been continued in that office, having added also that of police judge. In all these long years, he has shown marked impartiality in dispensing the affairs of justice and has the confidence of all. He has also been council- man of the city. On October 3, 1869, Mr. Holman married Miss Louisa E., me daughter of William and Mary (Fuller.) Linn, natives of Ohio. They removed to Illinois from their native state and then to Nebraska, where the marriage of Mrs. Holman occurred. She was one of five chil- dren. To Mr. and Mrs. Holman, fifteen chil- dren have been born, of whom the following named ones are living: Laura A., wife of H. D. Burrows, in Dayton; Ernest A., who mar- ried Miss Myrtle McHargue, and is now dwell- ing on the old homestead; Jessie P., wife of Fred F. Chattan, in Dayton ; Olive F. ; Lola C; Nellie L. ; John W. Jr.; Dorothy E. ; Charles D. ; and Donald L. Mr. Holman is a Republican and always active in those matters which are for the welfare of the community. Fraternally, he is affiliated with the I. O. O. F. and the G. A. R. His wife belongs to the W. R. C. and the Christian church. JOHN A. THOMPSON, who resides some four miles northeast from Prescott, is one of the industrious farmers of Columbia county and stands well in the community. He has wrought here for years and has now a good estate of one-quarter section of land. He has all the equipment that is needed to handle a first class Washington farm and is a pros- perous man. John A. Thompson was born in Carroll county, Missouri, on August 11, 1851, and was there reared and educated. His father, George W. Thompson, was born in West Vir- ginia and came to Missouri with his parents when a child. They were among the first set- tlers of 'that territory and were highly re- spected people. He grew to manhood there and followed farming until his death on Oc- tober 15, 1864. He served in the union army during the Civil war and died before the war- was over. He had married Miss Mary M. Ball, a native of Missouri. She came to Star- buck in 1890, and is living there at this time. After our, subject reached manhood, he began farming for himself in Missouri and continued it until 1884, in which year he came on west to Kansas, where he tilled the soil for three years. It was 1887 that he made his way to Oregon and selected a place in Yamhill county. One year later he came thence to Starbuck and there remained until 1901, working for the railroad. Then he came to his present place where he purchased a farm of one-quarter section. His is a good place and he has improved it well. In 1879, Mr. Thompson married Mrs. Martha J. Etter-Cunningham, a native of Indiana. She came thence to Missouri where her wedding occurred. To this couple the fol- lowing named children have been born : Mrs. Annie M. Wood, Charles A. and James A., twins, and Mary J. In political matters, Mr. Thompson is interested and the issues of the day are familiar to him. He favors the best of government and is a man of progressive ideas. WILLIAM H. GLEASON, a man well known and highly esteemed in Columbia county, is now living a retired life in Starbuck, where he has a comfortable residence. He also owns a farm some distance out and some other property. He was born in New York city on 460 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. November 26, 1837, the son of Thomas and Mary (Long) Gleason, natives of Ireland. The father came to the United States when a young man and followed merchandising in New York for many years. Then he moved to Saint Clair county, Illinois and died three months later, our subject being three years of age at that time. The mother died in Clinton county, Illinois when William H. was twelve years of age. For four years following this sad event, our subject worked on various farms in Illinois and then clerked in a store in Trenton until 1862. In that year, he enlisted in Company E, One Hundred and Seventeenth Illinois Infantry and served until the end of the war. He was in a number of battles and skirmishes, saw all the hardships and clangers of an active soldier's life and served until the war was ended. Being honorably discharged he returned to Illinois, purchased a team and freighted flour for one winter. Then he went into the grain business in Clinton and Marion counties and later removed to Pocahontas, where he also added lumber to his list of mer- chandise. He continued there until 1879, after which year he came to Walla Walla county. Two years later, he came to Columbia county and took up land eight miles south from Star- buck. Shortly afterwards, he purchased a quarter section of railroad land and now owns a half section. In October, 1903, Mr. Gleason rented his farm and moved to Starbuck where he purchased a comfortable residence. On November 19, 1872, at Pocahontas, Il- linois, Mr. Gleason married Mrs. Mary C. Cole, who was born in Bond county, Illinois, on May 26, 1838. Her father, John M. Gil- more, was born in North Carolina and died in Pocahontas, Illinois, in 1881. He married Elizabeth Watson, a native of Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Gleason have no children, but by her first marriage to James A. Dugger, Mrs. Glea- son has three, John E., Alfred M. and Mary M. Mr. and Mrs. Gleason are members of the Methodist church and are people of excellent standing. During their long residence here, they have won many friends and are consid- ered among the most substantial and upright people in this part of the country. In political matters, Mr. Gleason is a Republican al- though he is not especially active. His life has been spent in honest toil, striving to better the communities where he has lived and to set an example that would be worthy of emulation. WILLIAM GUSTAVUS WARWICK has one of the most beautiful places in Colum- bia county. It is situated about three miles from Dayton on the south fork of the Touchet river. Mr. Warwick is a man of most ex- cellent tastes with knowledge sufficient to carry out his ideas in a becoming manner. He takes a great pride in keeping his farm and residence in the best of condition and is known as one of the most thrifty and industrious ag- riculturists in this part of the county. He was born in Anderson county, Tennessee, on June 20, 1853. His father, Calaway Warwick, was born in 1820, on the same farm where his son first saw the light. In 1874, he sold that property and moved to western Oregon and died in July of that same year. His father, William Warwick, the grandfather of our sub- ject, came to Tennessee from Richmond, Vir- ginia when it was a very new and wild coun- try. Calaway Warwick was an only child and married Miss Mary Petree, who was born in Knox county, Tennessee, in 1825. Our sub- ject is a direct descendant of the Earl of War- wick and his ancestors all came from War- wickshire, England. When William G first became a student, he sat on a slab seat with a pine board, which was supported by two pegs in the wall, for a desk. However, that did not in any way dim the brightness of his mind or his future and he studied hard and later entered the Anderson- ville academv and was trained under Professor HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 461 Hamsted. In 1874 he came west with his pa- rents and then attended the Mt. Lebanon col- lege at Lebanon, Oregon. In 1881, he came to Walla Walla and the next year found him in Dayton. He purchased the relinquishment of a quarter section, six miles northwest of Dayton, on which he proved up, then sold out in 1885. After this, Mr. Warwick went into the boot and shoe business, continuing in the same for two years. Next we see him in Lin- coln county, Washington, where he remained for ten years, but owing to the health of his mother removed thence to his present location. He first bought one hundred and twenty-five acres on which there is erected a beautiful house and barn besides being provided with all other improvements that could be useful on a first-class farm and his home is a model. In Dayton, on May 1, 1901, Mr. Warwick married Miss Matttie Fuller, who was born in Iowa, on March 30, 1876. One child is the fruit of this union, Ralph, aged two. Mrs. Warwick is a member of the Methodist church. ARCHIE STRUTHERS, who now re- sides about ten miles north from Waitsburg and gives attention to farming, was born in Lanarkshire, Scotland, on August 18, 1848. His parents, William and Flora (Mclntire) Struthers, were natives of Scotland and fol- lowed farming. The first eighteen years of our subject's life were spent amid Scotia's rugged hills where he gained his education and became well skilled as a tiller of the soil. Then he crossed the ocean to Ontario and there re- mained a short time. After that, he journeyed to Michigan and in 1877, he can "> e thence to the Willamette valley, Oregon and there did farming for one year. Then he removed to the vicinity of Moscow, Idaho and bought a farm which was his home for eleven years. He was not so successful in that venture however and accordingly sold out and came to Colum- bia county. He selected the place where he now resides and purchased it and since that time has been well prospered in his labors. He is now one of the leading farmers in this part of the county and has gained a nice competence in his labors. His place has all the improve- ments necessary for a good farm, and his skill- ful and careful management have shown him to be a first-class farmer. In 1877, Mr. Struth- ers married Miss Addie A. Williams, who was born and reared in Michigan. They have be- come the parents of five children, Willis, Mrs. Frankie Actor, Addie M., Stanley and Flor- ence. They are all bright and attractive chil- dren and Mr. and Mrs. Struthers deserve great credit for the excellent labor they have done in raising their family. When he came to this country, he was practically without means and to start in a new country with a large family to support was no small undertaking, still Mr. Struthers was equal to the occasion and the wealth that he has gained demonstrates that he is a man of ho ordinary ability. He and his family stand exceptionally well in the com- munity and are leading people. In political matters, educational affairs and general pro- gress of the community, Mr. Struthers shows a keen interest and always gives of his time and attention to forward those measures which are for the good of all. G. W. BOWERS, a prosperous farmer re- siding about four miles northeast from Day- ton, was born in Maryland, on June 8, 1842, and has passed a stirring career, especially dur- ing the years of dark fratricidal strife which rent this nation. He was among the first to enlist for the defense of the flag and fought with the zeal and bravery born of true patriot- ism, until the last enemy was forced to aban- don the struggle. Since then, in the battles of life, he has fought with no less distinction, in- asmuch as he has assisted materially to build 462 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. up the country and advance the interests of this county. His father, George Bowers, was born in Lorraine, France, in 1809 and was one of the home guards during the French revolu- tion. He married Miss Catherine Jacques, who was also born in Lorraine, France, in 1810. When our subject was two years of age, he went with his parents to Pennsylvania and there was reared and educated. Cumber- land county was the place of his residence, and at the first call, he promptly stepped forward and enlisted in the Eighth Pennsylvania In- fantry. When his three months were served, he re-enlisted in the Ninth Pennsylvania Cav- alry under Kilpatrick. They captured a piece of artillery which his regiment carried all through the war and which fired the last shot upon Johnston's surrender. Mr. Bowers was in constant action and some of the trying times from which he escaped were so severe that it seemed almost miraculous that his life was spared. At Prairieville, his regiment for two hours held a whole division at bay. His di- vision was occupied in some dangerous work and then went on to Chickamauga where they were in the fiercest of the fight. They made three charges to draw the attention from Thomas. In the second charge, our subject was wounded in the thigh. At Strawberry plains, all around Atlanta, and at Jones- boro, they had difficult times and acquitted themselves with distinction. Mr. Bowers also participated in the famous march to the sea and was in many other actions not mentioned here. On January 1, 1865, he was honorably dis- charged and returned to Pennsylvania. One year later he went to Baltimore which was his home until 1876, when he journeyed to Illi- nois. Next we see him in Iowa and thence he went to Topeka, Kansas, and there formed a colony which traveled with teams across the plains in 1880, to Walla Walla. Mr. Bowers took a pre-emption and homestead north from Walla Walla and there made his home until 1896. Then he came to his present location and since that time has devoted himself to farming here. He owns two hundred and forty acres of good land and has it well improved and in a high state of cultiva- tion. He is considered one of the leading men of this part of the county, and has certainly done much commendable work. At Baltimore, in May, 1866, Mr. Bowers married Miss Catherine M. Braun, who was born in that city, on May 2, 1846. Her father, Jacob Braun, was born in Germany and came to the United States when nineteen. Mr. and Mrs. Bowers have four children, C. J., May A., Charles E., and Gertrude V. Mr. Bowers is a member of the G. A. R. and he, with his wife, belongs to the United Brethren church. THOMAS P. PETTYJOHN was born in Highland county, Illinois, on January 1, 1829. He fought for his country in the Civil War and acquitted himself as a true soldier. In 1869, he came to Washington, bringing his family and being one of the early pioneers in Columbia county. His death occurred on July 29, 1902. He was widely known and highly respected. He married Mary Jane Macaully, who was born in Warren county, Ohio. After marriage they removed to Missouri and in 1 87 1, came across the plains and made settle- ment on the farm in Columbia county. JOHN C. JONES. Many are the well to do citizens of Columbia county who came here without means and by hard labor and careful attention to business have gained a fine hold- ing of this world's goods. The result is, that Columbia county has today a large number of substantial and first class citizens among the farming population. Perhaps a larger percent of the people here are well to do than in almost HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 463 any other country one could find. Among this number is the gentleman mentioned above, who dwells about nine miles north from Waits- burg and was born in Butler county, Ohio, on November 27, 1856. His father, Thomas F. Jones, was a native of Wales and came to Ohio with his parents when three years of age. There he was reared and educated and gave his attention to farming until 1880 when he moved to Franklin county, Kansas. Before getting started in that new country, however, he died, the date being 1 881. He had married Miss Margaret Lutes, a native of Hamilton county, Ohio, who is now living in Waitsburg", Wash- ington. John C. was raised in Ohio and there re- ceived a good education from the public schools and farmed until 1880, when he ac- companied his father on a western trip to Kansas. He was a member of Kansas' thrifty agriculturists until 1888, when he determined to try the western country. He made his way to Washington, searching out the most favor- able section, and after due investigation, set- tled in Columbia county. He at once began farming and is now handling a section and one half of choice wheat land, rented from J. W. Bruce. He owns twenty head of horses for working on the farm, besides other stock and all machinery and improvements neces- sary for the successful operating of a first class Washington wheat farm. Mr. Jones has not only made a good success in his labors, financially, but he has won the esteem and re- spect of all who know him and stands excep- tionally well in this community. It is always said of Mr. Jones, that his dealings have been upright, while his integrity and sound princi- ples commend him to all lovers of good. While he is a careful business man and is thrifty and skillful in farming, he has not been so sordidly occupied with gathering the earthly goods, that he has not given proper attention to the matters of public improvement in the county. In 1903, Mr. Jones married Miss Annie Wear. She was born in the same place as her husband and the wedding occurred in Kansas. They had been acquainted during their young- er life. Mrs. Jones' father was William Wear, now deceased, a prominent farmer in Ohio. Mr. Jones has three brothers, Charles A., at Waitsburg, Oliver, in Walla Walla and Henry F.. in Kansas. DAVID FITZGERALD is a well known business man of Dayton. He is owner and op- erator of a fine large general blacksmith and machine shop, together with a foundry and does all kinds of iron work. He is a master in the business in every detail and has built for himself a reputation second to no mechanic in the country. David Fitzgerald was born in Port Huron, Michigan, on February 7, 1863, the son of David and Mary (Burns) Fitzgerald, natives of County Cary, Ireland. The father came to Canada in 1858, and later moved to Michigan, where they now reside. They were the par- ents of nine children, Louise, Anna, Mary, John, Patrick, Bridget, Nora. Johanna and David. David studied in the common schools of Michigan and when nine began working for two and one half dollars per month, continuing in the same for four years. Then he ap- prenticed himself to learn the blacksmith trade and then was occupied in this for over three years, commencing with Patrick Brenna and completing with John O'Dougal. Next we see him in Port Huron, then in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, later still in Minnesota, after which he went to Canada to participate in the Reil Rebellion. For a time he was also shoe- ing horses for the government. After that, he did railroad work, then came to Montana in 1886. Next we see him in Lyon City, Mon- tana, then in Milton, Oregon, after which he re- turned to Stillwater, Minnesota, and finally in 464 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 1892, he settled in Dayton. There he opened a shop in partnership with R. D. Atherton, and later spent two years in Lewiston. Re- turning then to Dayton, he opened his present shop and in 1901 added the machine shop and foundry. He does first class work and has a fine patronage. In 1895, Mr: Fitzgerald married Miss Cora Coeman, whose parents live at Clarkston, Washington. Mrs. Fitzgerald was born in Texas and is one of five children named as follows, Robert, Grover, Cora, Mabel and Oney. To our subject and his wife one child has been born, May M. In political matters Mr. Fitzgerald is a strong Republican and evinces a lively interest in all the campaigns. In 1901, he was a member of the city council and served for two years. Mr. Fitzgerald is a member of the F. & A. M., the I. O. O. F., the Rebekahs, the W. W., and the Women of Woodcraft. Mrs. Fitz- gerald belongs to the Rebekahs and the Wom- en of Woodcraft and also to the Christian church. Mr. Fitzgerald has an excellent stand- ing in the community and is known as one of its substantial men. MARCEL PIETRZYCKI, M. D., is one of the best known men in southeastern Wash- ington, and was born in Galicia, a Polish prov- ince of Austria, on April 25, 1843, tne son °f Ignatius and Julia (Olesnicka) Pietrzycki, na- tives of the same province. The father was an owner of a village (Globikowa) and was dis- trict judge. He was killed in the insurrection of the peasants, in 1846, at which time his property was largely destroyed. The mother died in the native country in 1870. Our sub- ject was educated, and followed the profession of an apothecary. In 1866, just before the Austro-Prussian war, he came to the United States, and soon got a position as prescription clerk, and assistant to Dr. Arnold, of Hazel- ton, Pennsylvania, where he remained for over a year. The next year was spent as drug clerk in St. Louis, Missouri, whence he came to San Francisco, California, and soon obtained a po- sition as apothecary in the German Hospital. In that institution he was permitted to employ as assistant to enable him to attend the Pacific (now Cooper) Medical College, from which college he graduated in 1872, and was ap- pointed resident physician of the German Hos- pital. A year, later, he removed to, and com- menced practice of medicine in Rio Vista, Solano County, California, and continued with eminent success for five years. We copy from History of Solano County (1879) as follows : "Dr. Pietrzycki has always taken an active part in enterprises pertaining to the wel- fare of the town, was twice elected school trus- tee, also clerk of the board ; took a very active . part, and in fact was one of the prime movers, in establishing the Montezuma Telegraph line from Suisun to Rio Vista. He married, June 29, 1876, Miss Mary Warren, of San Mateo, daughter of Rev. J. H. Warren, superinten- dent of the home missionary society of the Congregational church." In 1879, accompanied by his wife and daughter Dr. Pietrzycki went to Portland, Ore- gon, in which city another child, a son was born to them. After a few months' residence, not being fully satisfied, they concluded to re- turn to California. Mrs. Pietrzycki Avith the children went ahead, their goods and chattels were packed and stored, and the doctor de- cided, before his return, to make a touring ex- pedition through the northern part of Oregon, and southern part of the then Territory of Washington, with his buggy and horse, which he brought with him from California, no rail- roads being then in existence in this part of the country, excepting the spur from Wallula to Walla Walla. In this expedition, after visiting many towns, he came to Dayton, and certain circumstances induced him to tarry at that place, and soon he was so well impressed with Marcel Pietrzycki HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 465 the beautiful situation of the place, the fertil- ity of the Touchet Valley, and, as he then thought, the bright prospects of the town in the future, that he located temporarily, but soon decided to send for, his family and make Day- ton his home. We take from the History of Pacific Northwest, Vol. 2, 1889: "Dr. M. Pietrzycki came to Dayton, Columbia County, Washington Territory in April, 1880, where he now resides, and where he has a very exten- sive practice ,both medical and surgical. He was health officer for the city and county dur- ing the fearful smallpox epidemic in 1881, which he succeeded in quickly subduing. He has been president of Eastern Washington Medical Society, and is at present, and has been for several years past president of the Dayton Library Association. He is actively engaged in developing the resources of the country, and owns a couple thousand acres of land, devoted to agriculture and stock raising. The commencement of the doctor's farming experiences was accidental. In 1882, chancing by an auction block one day, and requested by the auctioneer to give him a start, he bid $800.00 for a quarter section of land, situated about fourteen miles in a northerly direction from Dayton. The doctor was influenced to start the sale by his having a claim against the estate. To his surprise he was informed by the auctioneer a couple hours later, that no higher bid having been made, the quarter was knocked off to him. He was in a quandary what to do with it. This and surrounding lands were simply un fenced free pasture, no crops of grain having ever been raised in the locality. There being no water on the quarter, it was imperative in order to have it used for pasture, to add adjoining lands with water privileges. Gradually he added his holdings by purchases of adjoining lands, made roads, fenced, erected buildings, and stocked with cattle, and commenced putting the lands in cultivation, finding by experiments, their value for that purpose. He is now the owner of an estate, (Lubla Farm) containing 5,500 acres, properly subdivided, abundantly watered, and most of it in cultivation. He is also president, manager, and principal share holder, of the Lubla Cattle Company, which company owns about 3,500 acres of land, over 2,000 acres of which adjoin the lands of Lubla Farm. The doctor is also the owner of Lubla Mills, and warehouse at Starbuck, Washington, to which point the grain from his farm is hauled. The mill has abundant water power from the Tu- cannon, a portion only being utilized at pres- ent, and has been built by the doctor, including the warehouses at a cost of over $20,000. The doctor is liberal in his views. In national pol- itics, he is a stanch Republican and a great ad- mirer of the pronounced policy of our Presi- dent "Square deal to All." However, he is not strictly partizan, being a strong advocate of the principle of separating the municipal from state and national politics. He is interested in educational matters, and a warm advocate of manual training in connection with our public schools. He is a student of political and so- cial economy, is a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and belongs to the Section of "Social and Economic Science," of the said association. He assisted in organizing the State Medical Society, of which he was vice president, is a member of the American Medical Association, was mayor of the city of Dayton, and is pres- ident of the Dayton Club. The doctor, a few years ago, retired from active practice of medi- cine, but makes his home in Dayton in a com- modious residence with fine grounds, and at- tends to his various interests. The Doctor and his wife are now childless, having suffered the loss of both their children in the early 8o's ; but two unmarried sisters of Mrs. Pietrzycki, Misses Anna and Eleanor Warren, have their home with them, making the family life more pleasant. 30 4 66 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. FRANK MILLER, who resides about four miles out from Starbuck, toward Dayton, is one of the wealthy men of this section and owns an estate of fourteen hundred and fifty acres of land, which is divided between grain raising and stock breeding. He has gained his property by virtue of his industry and care in the management of his resources and while so doing has so conducted himself as to win the approval and esteem of all. He is a man of rare ability in many lines and has shown an adaptability that makes him equal to any task that confronts him. In younger years he had the reputation of being the best binder, the best corn busker, and the best all round man in his community in Illinois. This was by virtue of his especial skill and he has carried off the palm in many a hotly contested trial. In later years Mr, Miller learned the brewing business and was a successful man in it. He has also per- fected himself in the machinist trade and has clone some fine work in that line. He is a good carpenter and constructed his farm build- ings as well as a residence in Starbuck, which rents for twelve dollars per month. Frank Miller was born in Germany, on June 24, 1859. His father, John Miller, was born in France of German parents and was a prominent and wealthy man. He was highly educated and spoke both French and German fluently, besides reading Latin at sight. He followed wholesale merchandising, and mar- ried Miss Louisa Lutzen, a native of Germany. Our subject was educated partly in Germany and partly in Wisconsin, whither he came with his parents when a child. They had set- tled near Milwaukee and there the mother died soon after. The father was unable at that time to work, and Frank, then a mere boy, was left almost as the head of the family. Re- verses had overtaken them and soon our sub- ject was forced to go out to work to support the balance of the family. He did well and for years wrought on the farms of Wisconsin and Illinois, going: to the latter state in 1872. He remained there until 1882, then came to Walla Walla and here he again went to work for wages. Every dollar of his earnings in the east was given for the support of the family and so when Mr. Miller landed in the west he had his bare hands for capital. He did as oc- casion demanded and began a systematic sav- ing which resulted in his soon having money enough to purchase an estate. He rented land in Columbia county in 1893 anc ^ a ^ so to °k a homestead about 1895. He sold this property later and finally in 1900, he came where he is now located and bought his present holding. He has made a fine home out of the property and has the satisfaction of reaping the success that his long labors demanded. He owns property in other places, including thirteen lots and three houses in Starbuck, and is classed as one of the foremost men of this section. In 1882, Mr. Miller married Miss Nettie Sack, who was born in Peru, Lasalle county, Illinois. Her father, Simon Sack, was a well to do farmer of Illinois. To this marriage have been born the following named children : Louisa, Simon, Eveline, George, Fred, Jesse, Ida M., and Frank. Mr. Miller has an inter- esting family and has shown the same care and wisdom in rearing them that characterize the man and they are all biding fair to make most excellent citizens. CHARLES H. DAY, M. D. There are few professions in the civilized world that are so exacting in their demands as that of the physician and surgeon. Since, however, the devotees of that calling have such important parts to play in the matter of life and death, it is quite right that they should be men of talent, broad minded and above reproach. Doctor Day, in every respect, has met the requirements demanded by an exacting public and stands to- day, after years of constant practice, with a HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 467 reputation untarnished and a clientage reach- ing- so far as he is able to travel. The doctor has his office in Dayton where he has been found faithfully working for years. Before he practiced here, his father had practiced medicine from Walla Walla to Montana and was well known all over the northwest. C. H. Day was born in Tioga county, Penn- sylvania, on December 11, 1855. His father, Doctor William W. Day. more familiarly known as W. W., was born in New York state on July 9. 181 7, and came to Washing- ton in 1871. In the following spring, he lo- cated in Dayton and began practice. He was the only physician at that time between Mon- tana and Walla Walla and had an extensive practice all through the country. He con- tinued in active practice until the time of his death in 1893. He married Lucy C. Pringle, who was born in New York state on August 22, 1826, and died at Dayton, Washington, in March, 1903. Our subject obtained his educa- tion in the graded schools of Eau Claire, Wis- consin. Then he journeyed west with his father. After laying aside his books, he clerked for one year and then opened a small mercantile business for himself which he con- ducted until 1883. In that year, he sold his property and went to Chicago and there com- pleted a course in the Hahnemann Medical College, graduating with honors in 1886. He practiced at Dayton with his father for one year, then went to Union, Oregon, and fol- lowed his profession four years. Then he went to Portland and practiced until his father's death in 1893. He then returned to Dayton and took up his father's practice. Since that time he has been closely identified with the interests of Dayton, and by close at- tention has acquired an extensive practice. A man of studious habits he endeavors to keep thoroughly up to date in his profession. At Dayton, Washington, in 1878. Dr.. Day married Miss Lora Rees. who was born in Marion county, Oregon, in 1853. She is the daughter of W. H. Rees, who was born in Ohio and pioneered to the Willamette valley in 1844. He died in 1902. To the doctor and his worthy wife the following named children have been born, Mrs. Lucy O. Jones, Rees C, Hattie A., William W., Beryl, T. McDonnough and Merry C. In political matters, we find Dr. Day a stanch Republican. He has been a member of the city council and takes the interest in public affairs that becomes all good citizens. Fra- ternally, he is affiliated with the F. & A. M., the K. P., the W. W., and the A. O. U. W. and is past C. C. of the K. P. JAMES G. WOODEND has displayed qualities in his career here for the last twenty- five years which demonstrated beyond a doubt that he is a man of wisdom and judgment. He also is happily possessed of a determination and stability that have enabled him to continue in his labors until the success he was aiming at crowned his efforts. He is a native of Ulver- ston, England, and was born on December 14, 1853. His parents were also natives of the same country as he. They were industrious and respected people, but the father was called from his home and family by death when James was a child. ' Therefore he saw much of the hard side of life in his younger years, but managed to secure a fair education and re- mained in his own country until 1880. Then he set his face to the west and soon we see him in Dakota. But a short time was spent there, and he journeyed on to Portland. He soon entered the employ of the O. R. & N. and was located at Starbuck. He operated the section and was foreman in that capacity for many years. While he was laboring, he was also a man of economy and saved a portion of each year's earnings. In 1883, he had enough to purchase a quarter section, which is the land on which Starbuck now stands. He sold that, but 468 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. still owns an addition to that town, known as Woodend's addition. Each year he added to his purchases, wisely selecting that which would be of value more and more as the years went by. Twenty years were spent in the em- ploy of the railroad company and by the end of that time he had secured a large estate of twelve hundred acres of land adjoining the town of Starbuck. He has it partly improved and utilizes it largely for pasture for horses and cattle. Ten acres are planted to orchard and the productions of this each year alone make a handsome income. Mr. Woodend gives his entire attention to the management of his estate and is successful, since the same wis- dom that secured it is put forth in its manage- ment. In 1887, Mr. Woodend married Miss Mar- guerite Bellingham, who was born in England. She came to Starbuck in 1887. Her parents, Robert and Isabella Bellingham, were both born in England and there reside now. To this happy union the following children have been born, Isabella, Annie M., Robert G., Thomas S., Marguerite V., and Mildred A. Mr. Wood- end has won the esteem of all who know him and his career has been so wisely directed that he has the satisfaction of knowing the past has many victories and 'triumphs while he is now in the quiet enjoyment of his portion, the competence his labors provided. JOHN ELMER McGEE resides about two miles east from Covello, where he follows farming and stock raising. He was born in Appanoose county, Iowa, in 1866, the son of L. McGee, a native of Iowa, also. The district schools of his native place fur- nished the educational training of our subject and in 1882, he crossed the plains with an emi- grant train to Waitsburg. The train was fourteen days on the road. At that 'time, Mr. McGee remembers distinctly the many wild animals, such as the prairie dogs, wolves, ante- lope, buffalo, deer and so forth, that they saw en route. Upon arriving in Waitsburg, he- rented a farm for one year and then located at the head of Eureka Flat, where his father, took a homestead on which the family lived for four years. Then they moved to where oun subject is residing and since that time, this has been their home place. The country was very new in those clays and the places that are pros- perous towns now, were but mere hamlets with a shanty or two. More than twenty years Mr. McGee has labored here for the improvement of the country and for the enhancing of his- own exchequer. He owns a fine farm of four hundred and twenty acres which is all fertile land and in a high state of cultivation. He is well known as one of the leading and substan- tial farmers of this portion of Columbia county. In 1890, Mr. McGee married Miss Callie Harvey, who was born in Arkansas, on Febru- ary 3, 1870. Her father, Benjamin Harvey, was a pioneer of Oregon. To our subject and his wife, two children have been born, Josie,. aged ten, and Earl, four years of age. Mr. McGee is an energetic and progressive man, well posted in the questions and issues of the day and always active in the realm of po- litics, educational affairs and general improve- ments. JAMES ABRAHAM. Columbia county is blessed in that her broad and fertile acres are owned and tilled by men of knowledge and enegry who have brought this part of the state to its present high prosperity. Among its residents we mention James Abraham, who is a product of Columbia county, and thus in a double sense is allied with this portion of the state. He resides at present about two miles north from Turner where he rents one half section of land which is devoted largely to grain raising. In addition to this, he handles about fifty head of cattle and a band of horses. HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 469 As stated above, he was born in this county, the date being January 18, 1865. His father, Charles Abraham, was born in England and •came to Washington in 1861, and is still living here. Columbia county schools gave young Abraham an opportunity to gain an education which he improved to the fullest extent and the time between the sessions was spent in work upon his father's farm. In 1886 he began farming and stock raising for himself and has continued it uninterruptedly until the present time. In 1886, occurred the marriage of Mr. Abraham and Miss Breece McCall. Mrs. Abraham was born in Iowa, on April 7, 1865, the daughter of John McCalla, a native of Illi- nois. She has five brothers, three living and two dead, and five sisters, one of them being dead. Mr. Abraham has three brothers, Thomas, Grant and Ray D.. and one sister;, Mrs. George Getty. The home of Mr. i\bra- ham has been blessed by the advent of four children. Myrtle, aged sixteen ; Fred, aged fourteen; Eva, eight years old; and Neta, the baby, now six years of age. Mr. Abraham is a member of the W. W. WILLIAM WALSFI is a pioneer of Co- lumbia county and well known all through southeastern Washington. For thirty years he has labored in this country and has accom- plished much for its building up. He was born in Monroe county, New York, on January 17, 1844, being the son of Patrick and Anna (Gil- more) Walsh, natives of Ireland. They were married in their native country and came to America in 1824 and settled in Canada. Some years later they removed to the United States and made their home in Monroe county, New York, where they remained until their death. They were the parents of seven children whose names are mentioned below, Thomas. John, James, William, Mary A., Ellen, and Antasia. Our subject spent the first sixteen years of his life in Cornwall, Canada, then came with his parents to New York and remained in Monroe county until twenty years of age. He spent the winters of each year in study and upon ar- riving at his majority, he went to Green Bay, Wisconsin, and engaged in the lumber woods. This occupied him during the winters and the summers were spent in the shingle mills. He thus labored for six years and then came by team to southwestern Minnesota, where he took a homestead and remained five years. After that he returned to Wisconsin, and later came back to Minnesota whence in 1875, ne journeyed west to southeastern Washington. For six months he was employed in the moun- tains, then bought a man's right to the timber culture where he lived for twenty-five years. He purchased other, land and now has a choice farm about six miles northwest from Dayton. In 1 90 1, Mr. Walsh retired from active busi- ness and removed to Walla Walla where he has a lovely residence and some real estate. He spends a portion of his time in that city and a portion on his farm in Columbia county. In 1872, Mr. Walsh married Mrs. Avilla Eastwood, a native of Watertown, Wisconsin, where her parents remained until their death. To this union six children have been born xA.nna O., the wife of C. H. Minion in Adams county, Washington, Aggie, the wife of J. A. Waddell in Walla Walla county, Washington ; Daisy, the wife of W. S. Strong in Whitman county, Washington; Herbert, in Walla Walla; Daphne and Ora at home. In political matters, Mr. Walsh is a Re- publican and is a hard worker in his party. He has held various offices and has given liberally of his time and attention to the advancement of school matters. He and his wife are mem- bers of the Catholic church and have reared their family in that faith. Mr. Walsh is de- serving of the commendation of his fellows, 470 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. owing to the labors he has performed and it is with pleasure that we add his name to the list of the builders of the prosperous Columbia county. JOHN B. EATON was born in Missouri, in 1850. He now resides eight miles east from Dayton where he has a fine estate and is one of the industrious and energetic farmers of Co- lumbia county. In addition to general farm- ing, Mr. Eaton handles stock and has been very sucecessful in his labors. His father, Levi Eaton, was born in Missouri and served in the Civil War. He was shot at the battle of Franklin, and died in Nashville soon after from the effects of the wound. He had married Miss Kitsey A. Curl, a native of Missouri. Our subject was a small child when his father died and was forced to meet the adversities and hardships of life while still very young. He re- mained in Missouri until 1879, and then traveled west, arriving in Dayton on March 27. He was possessed of very little means and accordingly went to work for wages. The country w r as without railroads and very new and wild at that time. He continued to work for others until 1884, when he went to the Pa- louse country and purchased land. He has got- ten a nice start and was doing well when the panic came but like many others, had some debts and the result was that he lost everything. After that, Mr. Eaton went to work for wages, this time herding sheep in the Palouse country and for four years he continued that occupa- tion. After that he drove the sheep into Mon- tana and continued the business there for two years. Then he came to his present loca- tion and bought a farm. Since that time his la- bors have been bestowed here and he has now^ one of the good places of the country. Mr. Eaton is a skillful and industrious farmer and is prosperous in his work. In November, 1902, Mr. Eaton married Miss Mary Mishaud, who was born in Switzer- land in June, 1867. Her parents, Joseph P. and Maria (Pellissier) Mishaud were born in Switzerland in 1837 and in 1841 and there died in 1879 and 1889 respectively. To Mr. and Mrs. Eaton the following named children have been born, Louise, Aline, Walter, Alta, Al- phonse and Rosie. In political matters, educational affairs, and general progress of the community, Mr. Eaton is interested and active and by his industry and geniality he has won the confidence and esteem of all. J. A. ANDERSON lives about four miles northwest from Covello and has labored in Co- lumbia county for over thirty years, as a stock raiser and a farmer, and in all this long time he has manifested industry, thrift and integrity, which have brought him their reward of a fine competence and a host of warm friends. He was born in Pennsylvania, on May 22, 1839. His father, Joseph Anderson, was born in Ire- land and came to America when a child. Here he married Elizabeth Johnson, a native of Pennsylvania When thirteen years of age, our subject left his Pennsylvania home, where he had been reared and educated, and came to Iowa. He remained on the farm there until 1859 when he went to Colorado at the first Pike's Peak excitement. He followed mining until 1 86 1 when his spirit of patriotism and enthusi- asm led him back to Iowa to enlist to fight for the stars and stripes. He was enrolled in the Twentieth Iowa Infantry and remained in constant service until i< From the begin- ning of the insult to the flag until the last enemy threw down his musket and surrend- ered, Mr. Anderson continued in the conflict and proved an intrepid soldier. He was in -many battles, among which may be mentioned Prairie Grove, Vicksburg, Forts Morgan and Blake and various other battles and skirmishes by the score. In constant clanger most of the HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 47i time, from the time of his enlistment to the day of his discharge, however, he was never wounded and never hestitated to be a leader on every occasion where bravery was needed. On July 10, 1865, he was mustered out, carrying to his home the consciousness that he had as- sisted materially to save this grand union and retrieve the insult to its flag. In 1866, he re- turned across the plains to Boise and there re- mained until 1 87 1. In that year, he came to Walla Walla county and in 1872, located the place where he now lives, as a timber culture. He has added land since by purchase until he has a magnificent estate of over eight hundred acres of choice land, all in a hig"h state of culti- vation. He has two fine houses, plenty of out buildings, barns and other improvements with all the machinery and accoutrements needed for handling this large amount of land. He also owns large bands of horses and cattle. In Iowa, Mr. Anderson married Miss Mc- Vey, a native of that state. Her father was John McVey. To Mr. and Mrs. Anderson six children have been born, namely, Myrtle, Bert, Fara, Clifton, Birl and Vancie. , Mr, Anderson is a member of the G. A. R. and a liberal supporter of all good work. He is active in politics althought not a politician in the usual sense of the word by any means. He manifests marked interest in the advancement of educational facilities and is a warm sup- porter of good government and progress. THOMAS F. WILSON, a prominent stockman and farmer of Columbia county, re- sides three miles southeast of Covello and was born in Sanilac county, Michigan, on April 7, 1865. His father, William Wilson, was born in England. Until 1888 our subject remained in Michigan gaining his education and a double training from his stepfather in stock raising and farming. In the year last mentioned, he came to North Dakota and remained seven months, then journeyed on to Wallo- wa county, Oregon. There he remained until 1897 when he came to his present location. He has traveled quite extensively throughout the west, especially in Washington and Oregon, and is convinced that Columbia county is one of the best portions for stock and farming. He has nearly one section of fertile grain land, which is well improved and in a high state of cultivation. He devotes considerable attention to raising both cattle and horses and is one of the prosperous men of the country, being an ex- ceptionally successful horse man. , In 1890, Mr. Wilson married Miss Nora Corkrum, a native of Walla Walla. To them two children have been born, Frank, aged twelve, and June, aged nine. Mr. Wilson has two sisters, Mrs. Dave Hutchinson and Mrs. Stephens, both residing in Michigan. , In politicial matters, we find Mr. Wilson active and well informed. He is a constant reader and keeps himself well posted, especial- ly in the lines he is pursuing. His standing in the community is of the best and the success he has achieved marks him as a man of ability. FRANK FINKEL. Any man who has endured the hardships and performed the ardu- ous labors incident to pioneer life and now has gained a competence sufficient to retire from business is certainly to be commended. It is no small thing to enter a wild country and open a farm, and it requires no mean judgment to be able to handle the property successfully and pass through the panics that have swept the country, maintaining a successful issue throughout it all. The subject of this article has so clone and is to be classed with the sub- stantial and leading men of the country. At present, Mr. Finkel is residing in Dayton and from his home place gives attention to the oversight of his property throughout the coun- ty. He has a fine estate of four, hundred and 472 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. eighty acres of choice farm land, which has been improved with everything needed. The income from this property is a handsome an- nual dividend and Mr. Finkel gives attention also to handling some stock which brings in a revenue. He comes from stanch German an- cestry, being the son of Peter and Lena (Win- del) Finkel and was born in Washington county, Ohio, on January 29, 1854. The par- ents were natives of Germany and came to America when young. They settled first in Ohio and there remained, substantial and well to do farmers, until their death. They raised a family of seven children, named as follows, Henry, Peter, Frank, Charles. Adam, Joseph and Teresa. The parents maintained a repu- tation for uprightness and integrity which is a fine legacy for their descendants. The first fifteen years of our subject's life were spent in Washington county and there he gained his ed- ucational training from the country schools. At that time he departed from the parental roof, journeying to Wisconsin and Iowa where he worked for five years, then took a trip by rail to the Golden Gate and after looking over the prospects in California came on up through Oregon to Washington and spent his first year here in Columbia county, landing here in 1879. For a time he was occupied in smelter work for Evans Gay. Next, he took a trip to Spo- kane and through the Big Bend country and was more convinced than ever that the proper place to settle was near Dayton. Consequent- ly, he secured four hundred and eighty acres of land and from that time on until the day of his retirement, he was known as one of the indus- trious and successful agriculturists of the county. Each year found him improving a little over the one passed and owing to his economy and wisdom, he laid by a comfortable fortune. In 1886, Mr. Finkel married Miss Lila, the daughter of Jake and Lucinda (Williams) Rainwater, natives of Tennessee and Missouri, respectively. They crossed the plains in early days to Oregon, where Mrs. Finkel was born. The family returned to Missouri and spent a short time in the same state, then crossed the plains again with wagons to Columbia county, where the father now lives. The mother died some years ago and Mr. Rainwater is now liv- ing with a second wife. To Mr. and Mrs. Finkel three children have been born, Bennie, Elmer and Teresa. In political matters we find Mr. Finkel pul- ling in the Republican harness. He is well in- formed on the questions of the day and always shows himself an enthusiastic supporter of the principles embodied in that party. He has taken a keen interest in the advancement of educational facilities, the building of good roads and the maintaining of good govern- ment. Mr. Finkel is a member of the A. O. U. W. and with his wife enjoys the respect and con- fidence of all the good people in the community. ROBERT DeCAMP SAYRES, the lead- ing member of the firm of R. D. Sayres & Co., is a business man of first-class ability as is evidenced by the magnificent success he has achieved in the commercial line in Dayton, where he started as an errand boy in the store which he now owns and manages. He was born in Iowa, in 1870, the son of J. W. and Alice (Kennedy) Sayres, natives of Indiana. The father was born in 1844, enlisted in the Thirty-fourth Indiana Infantry and served the last three years of the war. He was wounded at the battle of Bentonville, but would never receive a pension until the law was passed giving every soldier a pension. After the war, he took up milling and followed it until his property was washed away. Then he went to Nebraska and there farmed three years and after being eaten out by the grass- hoppers, three years in succession, came to Washington with his family and now resides Robt. D. Sayres HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 473 in Dayton. Our subject's paternal grand- father was a physician in Indiana for fifty years. R. D. Sayres' mother was born in 1850 and her father was assessor of Whiteside county, Illinois, for a number of years. On her mother's side she was related to General Lew Wallace, the famous author of Ben Hur. Our subject was with his father in the various journeys until coming to Washington, where he completed his education in the Dayton high school, and later served as director of the same school. For two and one-half years he was deputy postmaster and in September, 1890, he entered the store, where he stands at the head today. Schwabacher & Broughton were the firm then, and the duties of young Sayres were to sweep the floor on the grocery side, to keep the shelves filled with fresh goods, and to run errands for the other clerks. Two years later, he was transferred to the clothing department later to the dry goods department, and since then his rise has been rapid and complete. The store stands today at the head of the commer- cial business in Columbia county and carries everything that is used to eat and wear. It is an extensive establishment and the practical wisdom of Mr. Sayres is manifested in the success that has been achieved. He is a man of keen foresight, energy, and excellent ability to handle men, while his qualifications as a first class buyer and salesmen are of the high- est order. The firm employs about seventeen clerks and in 1904, enlarged their floor ca- pacity fifty per cent and the result is a largely increased business. They have two floor spaces, each as follows : forty by one hundred and twenty, and additional balconies, one twen- ty-six by forty and one fourteen by forty. Mr. Sayres has the following named broth- ers : Frank E., born in Iowa in 1873, served as salesman in the store for several years and is now turnkey in the state penitentiary at Walla Walla; W. E., born in Nebraska, in 1875 and now deputy postmaster at Dayton ; Ed L., born in Dayton, in July, 1883 and now in the dry goods department of R. D. Sayres & Com- pany's store. At Dayton, in 1894, Mr. Sayres married Miss Emma Smythe, who was born in On- tario and was a prominent teacher in south- eastern Washington some years before her marriage. Her parents, Robert and Anna Smythe, were born in Edinburg, Scotland, and Canada, respectively. To Mr. and Mrs. Sayres one child has been born, Stanley S., aged eight years. Mr. Sayres is a warm Re- publican and is able to give a reason for the political belief that he holds. He is active in this realm as in all public matters and labors much for the progress and upbuilding of the country and town. He has been city council- man for several years and the same energy and care are exercised in his public service as are evident in his private business. Mr. Sayres is a great lover of music, literature, outdoor sports and all clean fun. He is a member of the F. & A. M. and has held office several years in the grand lodge of this jurisdiction. He has twice been worshipful master of Co- lumbia Lodge No. 26, of Dayton. Mr. Sayres is one of the best known young men in southeastern Washington and his friends would hail with delight a more extended account of his successful career, but space forbids. In another portion of this work will be found an engraving of Mr. Sayres, and he jocularly remarks, "It will speak for itself." WALTER WATROUS, who resides about six miles east from Dayton, is one of Columbia county's industrious farmers and stockmen, and was born in Iowa, on Septem- ber 3, 1865. His parents, Levi and Almira (Fish) Watrous, were natives of Canada and Ohio, respectively. The father was born on June 13. 1823, and the mother in January, 1825, and they are now living on the farm near Dayton, Washington. The father came 474 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. from Canada to the United States when young and participated in the Civil War. During this service he was wounded and has never recov- ered from the effects, having been crippled throughout life. The early years of our sub- ject were spent in Iowa and as the family were not pleased with that country, the older brother same west and sought out a place on the coast. He earned sufficient money here to send back and assist the balance of the family to come on, which they did when Walter was eleven years of age. A portion of the journey was made on the train and the rest by team. Arriving in Washington, they all went to work with a will and although possessed of no capital at that time, have since became well to do people. They all own property and are among the highly esteemed citizens of Columbia county. On October 10, 1896, Mr. Watrous married Miss Mary Terry, who was born in Indian ter- ritory, on August 20, 1879. Her father, Aaron Terry, was a native of Kentucky. Mr. Watrous has always displayed an up- rightness and industry that commend him to the entire community. He is a progressive man, well informed upon the questions of the day and ever working for the advancement of educational interest, the upbuilding of the country and progress in general. JOHN W. AGEE. In speaking of the Agee family, the historian mentions Second Samuel, 23:11, as the first place in the chroni- cles he has found the name ; — "And after him was Shammah the son of Agee the Hararite." All the missing links have not been established, but that the family is a very old one is evident. Matthew Agee, a protestant, came from France to Virginia in 1690, to escape the persecutions against the Huguenots. He married and rais- ed four children, Isaac, James, Anthony, and a daughter who married Austin. James mar- ried a Miss Ford and lived near Maysville, Virginia. He and his wife lived together seventy-four years and both died in 1821, aged ninety-six and ninety-two, respectively. His house was a preaching place for seventy years with regular services, and Bishop Aus- bury officiated there at dierent times. Twelve children were born in this family, Noah, James, Jacob, John Hercules, Joseph, Rhoda Ruth, Celia, Mary, Chloe and Nancy. An- thony, the brother of James, was the father of twelve children, also. Joseph Agee was born on August 12, 1770, in Buckingham county, Virginia, married Janu- ary 1, 1793, to Grace Mask, who died January 5, 1806. To this union seven children were born, Hercules ; Mary, wife of Thomas Bondu- rant; Drucilla, who married Samuel Newton, then Mr. Clarke; Matthew; Nancy, the wife of Mr. Jenkins ; Pleasant and Joseph. On Oc- tober 16, 1806, Joseph Agee married a second time, Nancy Lipscomb, the daughter of Col. Lipscomb and Susanna (Mosby) Lipscomb, becoming his wife. She was born February 20, 1785, in Louisa county, Virginia, and died June 17, 1836, in Kanawha county, the same state. To this second marriage the following named children were born, Susanna, who mar- ried Frederick Agee; Hezekiah, married to Catharine Price; William R., married to Lucy A. Anderson; Martha, married to P. Wo- mack, then to Judge Davis; Sarah M., married to Jos. Fuqua ; Robert L., married to Virlinda Brown; Amanda F., married to Daniel T. Wainwright, a preacher ; Philip Clay, married to Catharine Mattingly, then to Lizzie E. Leas ; Catharine F., married to A. J. Henderson, and then to Dr. P. Dimmitt; and Elizabeth J., mar- ried to J. M. Ennis. Philip Clay Agee was born in Buckingham county, Virginia, July 15, 1823, and in Lewis county, Missouri, Oc- tober 20, 1842, married Miss Catharine Mat- tingly, the daughter of John Mattingly. She was born in Lewis county, Missouri, July 13, 1826, and died in the same county, April 9, 1849. October 2, 1855, Philip C. Agee mar- HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 475 ried his second wife Elizabeth E. Leas and to this union the following named children have been born; Mary M., wife of Geo. Plant; Nancy M., wife of Silas Caldwell; Lizzie C, wife of J. B. Howard; Adelaide V. Steele; Frank L. ; Philip Clay; Vic Plant; Joseph M. : Robert L. ; Charles R. ; and Edith. The sec- ond Mrs. Agee was born October 8, 1839, at Eaton, Ohio, the daughter of Frank and Mary M. (Imboten) Leas. By his first marriage Philip C. Agee had two children, John W., the immediate subject of this article, and Mary Elizabeth, born April 6, 1849 and died three days later. Philip C. Agee was a true pioneer and was a worthy man. At the first excite- ment of 1849, ne made his way to California and spent over two years in digging gold. Then he returned to Missouri and died August I, 1879. Catharine Mattingly's father was a wealthy farmer of Missouri and a prominent man. Our subject was reared and educated in Lewis county, Missouri, where he was born October 29, 1845. When nineteen he came to Diamond City, Montana, and mined. Then he journeyed to Walla AYalla, freighted to all the prominent camps of the northwest and later prospected. After this he did various work then went into the stock business, but the winter of 1874-5 swept away his stock. In 1875, ne t0 °k l an( l vvhere he now lives, two miles east from Marengo, and now has one section of choice land here. It is one of the finest farms in the county and reflects the skill, taste, and wisdom of the owner. His residence is modern and commodious and provided with all conveniences including electric lights. A valuable irrigating ditch covers a large portion of the estate. He also raises sheep, having now over two thousand. August 2, 1898, Mr. Agee married Miss Elvira J. Holt who was born in Oregon, Oc- tober 26, 1 861, the daughter of James and Mary (Adams) Holt. The father was born in Kentucky, in 1835 and the mother in 1845. and both are still living-. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Agee are named as follows ;" Erastus William, on July 6, 1879; Lucy Ellen, on January 13, 1881 ; Addie Estelle, on January 11, 1882; James Holt, on August 10, 1884; Philip Clay, on September 14, 1886; and Robert Monroe, on July 3> !< ANDREW J. CARLSON is one of the industrious and successful agriculturists of Columbia county. His residence is nine miles east from Dayton where he has a nice estate, well improved and kept in a high state of culti- vation. He was born in Sweden on June 18, 1850, the son of Carl and Choletta (Irvason) Anderson, both natives of Sweden. The father was born on June 16, 18 19, and died in Michi- gan, in September, 1881. The mother was born in 1820. On June 1, 1881, our subject left Sweden. He had received a good education in his native country and was well skilled in farming. He came direct to Muskegon, Michi- gan and there worked as a railroad carpenter for three months, when he came to Grand Rap- ids. He worked in this place two years as a carpenter, mostly and in 1883, arrived in Walla Walla. He worked at his trade, carpentering and cabinet making, this he learned in the old country, until the hard times began when he went to Umatilla county, Oregon. There he took a pre-emption on which he lived until 1895, an d that year he sold out the same and came to Dayton and bought a farm on Patit creek. For three years he remained there and in 1898 came to his present location, which is about nine miles east from Dayton. He owns a quarter section and also one hundred and forty acres with his son, which is fine soil and he is a prosperous and thrifty farmer. In 1880, while still in Sweden, Mr. Carl- son married Miss Matilda J. Anderson and to them the following children have been born. Walter E., Annie M., Elmer J., Clara C. Ethel E., May L. and Mildred. 476 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. WILLIAM FRANKLIN EDWARDS, who resides three miles southeast from Covello, was born in Umatilla county, Oregon, on July 5, 1866. His father, Charles Edwards, was born in Indiana, on January 8, 1829. He crossed the plains in 1849, and became one of the earliest pioneers to Oregon. He secured a donation claim and later came east of the mountains. In 1876, he took the land where our subject is now living as a homestead, and there remained until his death in 1898, being then aged sixty-nine years and three months. William F. was but six years of age when he came to Washington, and he well remem- bers that the only neighbors were .three white men, who had married Indian wives. He here grew up and was educated. The first place the family lived after arriving in Washington was in Tucannon, and it was the centennial year that the elder Edwards settled on the homestead mentioned. Our subject later se- cured the old farm and has dwelt here since. He is giving his attention to farming and has reaped good reward for his labors in bount- eous crops. In 1889. Mr. Edwards married Miss Maud Hartsock, who was born in Kansas, on Aug- ust 21, 1875. This alliance was annulled by divorce. On November 17, 1897, Mr. Edwards mar- ried Miss Emma Tryon. To these two mar- riages the following named children have been born, Charles, Marion, Orval, Hazel, Laura and Ina. ♦ < » JOHN R. FITZHUGH resides about seven miles southeast from Dayton on a fine estate of over five hundred acres which is val- uable and fertile land. He is one of the lead- ing farmers of this part of the country arid has gained his holdings by industry and thrift. He was born in Missouri, on September . 15, 1864 and his father, Robert A. Fitzhugh, was born in Kentucky, on July 25, 1810. He was a veteran of the Mexican War and was also with Kit Carson for twelve years. He mar- ried Joahanna Groom who was born in Ken- tucky. Her oldest sister was married to young Daniel Boone, a nephew of old Daniel Boone. Captain Fitzhugh of Revolutionary fame was a great uncle and he traces his ancestors back to the Normans at the time of their invasion of England. Until fourteen years of age, John R. stud- ied in the common schools of Missouri then his mother died and he was thrown on his own resources. He worked for wages until nine- teen years of age, when he went to Arnita col- lege, Iowa, and there studied for some time. After that, he went to Nebraska and settled on a homestead. For two and one half years he was engaged there, then sold his property and went to Denver, Colorado, and took up merchandising. Two years were spent in this line and we see him next in Portland, Oregon, where he engaged in teaming in the timber one winter. Then, on July 2, 1891, he came to his present location, and has remained here since. He has a good place, in a high state of cultivation, plenty of horses and other stock and good improvements. When Mr. Fitz- hugh landed here, he had a little span of ponies and seventy-five cents in cash. One can readily see with what skill and thrift he has labored since to gain a fine property hold- ing that he has at the present time. On Sep- tember 26, 1902, Mr.. Fitzhugh married Mrs. Minnie Hanger, who was born in Iowa, on February 26, 1873, the daughter of Levi and Ruth (Watts) Carter, the former born in Virginia, in 1830 and the latter in Montgom- ery county, Indiana, in 1848. To Mr. and Mrs. Fitzhugh, one child, Vera, has been born, the date being July 13, 1903. Mr. Fitzhugh has two brothers, Frank, deceased and J. W. in Oklahoma ; and seven sisters, Mrs. Elizabeth 'Childers, Melvina Parman, Martha Childers, Mary E. Huston, Rachel Hewitt, Missouri C. Baumgardner, and Eliza McClellan. HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 47J Mr. Fitzhugh is a member of the K. P. and the Methodist church. In this denomination he has been a local preacher since 1893 and has been instrumental in doing much good. He is an enthusiastic worker in the gospel and takes a great delight in evangelistic labors. He is highly respected through the country and is known as a man of ability and worth. Since the above was written, Mr. Fitz- hugh has sold his farm and has purchased a home in Dayton, where the family now re- sides. He also owns a farm of fifty-five acres four miles out from Albany, which is a very valuable property. HENRY McCUBBINS is a native of the west, his birth place being in the vicinity of Salem, Oregon, and the date February 28, 1866. He now resides nine miles east _ from Dayton, where he owns a quarter section of valuable farm land. His father, Samuel Mc- Cubbins, was born in Kentucky, on July 19, 1838, and was a pioneer of the west. The dis- trict school near Salem furnished the educa- tion of our subject until he was ten years of age and then in 1875, he came to his present location with his parents. He completed his training in the schools in Columbia county and worked on the farm. Later, he cleared a quarter section where he now resides and since obtaining a title to that, he has given his en- tire attention to the improvement and cutiva- tion of the same. He has shown himself to be a man of industry of excellent judgment, and a good substantial citiztn. On. April 28, 1889, Mr. McCubbins mar- ried Miss Rosa May Gosney, who was born in Kansas, on January 10, 1873. Her father, William Gosney, was a veteran of the Civil War and took part in Sherman's march to the sea. He married Miss Matilda Albertson. To Mr. and Mrs. McCubbins, three children have been born, Floyd H., Zada F. and Don H. Mr. McCubbins takes an interest in political affairs and educational matters and is always allied on the side of good government. He has shown himself to be a man of uprightness and sound principles and has earned the es- teem and respect of those who know him, which is generously accorded. Mr. McCubbins remarks that though he and his wife have traveled over much country, they have never found a place they liked so well as Columbia county. They have sold their property here several times, only to pur- chase again near the old home place. Mrs. McCubbins is firmly of the opinion of her hus- band and would not trade Columbia county for the entire state of Kansas, and be com- pelled to live there. AARON V. TERRY is one of Columbia county's well known citizens. He resides ten miles from Dayton and devotes his entire at- tention to farming. In Grayson county, Ken- tucky, in 1844, occurred the birth of our sub- ject. His parents, John Sprague and Sarah (Acres) Terry, were born in Virginia in 181 2, and in Kentucky, respectively. During the Civil War, the father was an officer in the army. The common schools of his native state, furnished the educational training of our sub- ject and he grew to manhood in the vicinity where he was born. There he married and settled down to general farming until 1878, when he went to Texas and farmed for three years. After that, he removed to Arkansas where he still followed farming and one year later, went to Indian Territory and settled in the town of Savannah. For six years there he devoted himself to general teaming and draying. In 1889 he came to Columbia county and selected the place where he now resides, owning a quarter section of good land. The marriage of Mr. Terry occurred in 478 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 1868, when Miss Margaret E. Richardson he- came his bride. She was born in Green county Kentucky, in 1847. To this worthy couple eleven children have been born, named as fol- lows, Addie B.. Sarah A., John, Enoch, Wil- liam, Mary, Maggie, Samuel, Alonzo, Eoline D., and Grace. Mr. Terry is a member of the United Brethren church and holds the position of class leader in the connection where he affiliates. For many years he has been a devout and zeal- ous worker in this denomination and always does everything in his power to advance its interests. He is a very zealous worker in pro- moting educational matters, has served as school director, and is a man of marked in- ■ tegrity and probity. WILLIAM R. GRAGG. who resides about six miles north from Waitsburg, was born in Watauga county. North Carolina, on Decem- ber 18, 1868. He is one of the industrious men of Columbia county and rents about one thousand acres of land where he lives. Al- though he does not own his own estate, still he has large property interests and consider- able stock. He has shown a spirit of progress and industry and stands well in the com-' munity. He is a man of practical judgment and evinces a lively interest in local affairs and politics as he does also in educational mat- ters. William R. Gragg is the son of Edmund W. and Bettie (Norris) Gragg, who were both born in the same place as our subject and there reared and educated. In 1877, the father brought his family to Jacksonville, Oregon and there remained three years. Thence they came to Whitman county, AVashington, and located on a farm near Garfield. They are now retired and dwelling in Pullman. Wil- liam R. was educated in the various places where he lived in his youthful days, complet- ing" his studies in Whitman county. After ar- riving at his majority he continued with his father for one year, and then began farming for himself. In this labor with stock breeding, he has continued since and is considered one of the substantial citizens of the county of Columbia at this day. He came to his present location in 1899, and has continued here since. The farm is a good one and Mr. Gragg is get- ting the best results from it, as he is a skillful farmer. In 1892, Mr. Gragg married Miss Nellie Hague, who was born in Nebraska, on Novem- ber 17, 1876. She came to Whitman county with her parents when a little girl and has dwelt in Washington since. Her father, Joseph Hague was born in England and mar- ried Miss Ellen Holroid, who is a native of England. They now reside in this county. To Mr. and Mrs. Gragg the following named children have been born; Bennie, on June 7, 1893; E. May, on February 6, 1897; William D., on July 31, 1900; and Chester, on June 20, 1903. Mr. Gragg is a member of the A. O. U. W. and has made a reputation which is unsullied and clean. He has a very bright and interesting family, and is rearing them in the paths of right and rectitude and to such homes as Mr. Gragg has does this great nation look for its men and women of stamina and worth, to carry on the great and diversified labors dependent upon the rising generations. JOHN G. WOLFE. Columbia county has a fine population of industrious farmers and among the number we are constrained to men- tion the gentleman whose name is at the head of this article. He dwells about five miles south from Dayton and follows farming and stockraising. He was born in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, on November 22, 1857, the son of William G. and Sarah J. (Williams) Wolfe. The father was born in the same HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 479 county, June 27, 1818. His father, John Wolfe, the grandfather of our subject, came from the eastern part of Pennsylvania and settled near Beaver, in the vicinity of Brady's run, the Indian wars having just ceased. The mother, was born in Beaver county, also, the date being November 16, 1830. Her father, Isaac Williams, was one of the early settlers of that county. When eight years of age, our subject went to Missouri with the family and there was educated. When seventeen, his father died and he, being the eldest, was des- tined to assume the responsibility of caring for the family. This continued until the spring of 1880, when he came west to Idaho and worked on a ranch. Later he drove beef cattle to Laramie City, nearly a thousand miles, and brought back horses to Texas ferry, Washing- ton. In the fall of 1881, he took pre-emption and timber culture claims northeast from Pres- cott, where he lived for eleven years. Then he went to a place four miles north from Waitsburg and spent two years. It was 1894, that he came to his present location, and four years later purchased three hundred acres of valuable land. He has given his attention to farming since that time and has been pros- perous in his labors. He has shown good spirit and wisdom in the management of his enter- prises, and is one of the substantial men of the community. At Waitsburg, on September 6. 1881, Mr. Wolfe married Miss Viola Rice, who was born in the Willamette valley in 1862. The fruit of this union is four children, named as fol- lows, Howard Guy, aged twenty-two; Rus- sell Verne, aged sixteen ; Annie, deceased ; and Mabel Gertrude, aged ten. Mr. Wolfe is a member of the F. & A. M., the I. O. O. F., the K. P., and the W. O. W. Politically, he is a Democrat and is an enthusiastic worker in the campaigns as well as in all lines for bet- terment and improvement. ORIN W. CARPENTER was born in the vicinity of Burlington, Vermont, on Decem- ber 17, 1 83 1. His father, Heman Carpenter, was a native of Vermont, and Benjamin Carpenter, our subject's grandfather, was one of the first pioneers of Vermont. The grand- father's brother, who was a frontiersman, was a member of the first legislature of Vermont. Heman Carpenter married Harriet Field, a native of Vermont. Her ancestors partici- pated in the Revolution and were the early settlers of New York, that is, on the territory now occupied by that great city. Our subject was well educated, completing this important part of his career in the Bakersfield academy, in Vermont. In 1853, his spirit of adventure led him via the isthmus of Panama to Cali- fornia, then the Mecca of the miner and pio- neer. Notwithstanding the dangers and hard- ships of that life, still it had such an attraction to young Carpenter that he turned aside from everything else and buried himself in the labors and activities of the great west. Prospecting was the enticing power that led him forth, and on one occasion he discovered a nice deposit that netted him ten thousand dollars in three months. It is not to be wondered at that he should he infatuated with this life. He oper- ated in Eldorado county and later in Shasta county and then went to every prominent min- ing region on that portion of the coast. He determined to master the science of mining 1 to the utmost and so went to the books of geol- ogy, mineralogy and assaying, and applied himself with a will. He then took a contract of sorting and handling rock and made a great quantity of money. He perfected himself in mining, both practical and as a science, and later came to Montana. There he operated for many years and was closely identified, at one time or another, with every prominent property in the territory at that time. He knows all the old camps and could recite in- cidents of thrilling interest that would fill a 480 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. volume. Those days were good days, days of adventure and great realizations of day dreams, when men became wealthy in a week, and from the life of toil and hardship, too ardu- ous to be portrayed on paper, they sprang into affluence and commanding positions. In 1877, Mr. Carpenter, having made plenty, deter- mined to retire from this strenuous life and accordingly came to Columbia county and selected an estate where he now resides, ten miles northeast from Prescott. He owns four hundred and eighty acres of choice land and has made a fine success of stock raising, and farming as he did of mining in the years gone by. He is possessed of considerable property and a sufficient to supply the comforts and luxuries of life in the golden days that are running apace. Mr. Carpenter has been on the frontier all his life and has traveled to all por- tions of this western country. The method of travel then was entirely on horseback, and in this manner has wended his way to all sections and has traveled many thousands of miles. He is expert in all lines connected with front- ier life, and has seen and overcome the hard- ships and selfdenials connected therewith. He has hosts of friends in these parts and stands well in the community. Mr. Carpenter has labored hard in the callings wherein he has wrought and deserves to be classed with' the sturdy pioneers who opened this vast country for the ingress of civilization and its attendant blessings. He who went through the track- less forests and braved the dangers and storms of a thousand mountains, to make the path, really deserves the encomiums of a people who now enjoys the blessings of this rich and fertile country. HON. JAMES EWEN EDMISTON, de- ceased, was one of the highly esteemed and wealthy citizens of Dayton, whose death on May 8, 1900, was universally mourned. He was born on March 29, 1849, in Washington county, Arkansas, at his grandmother's farm near Prairie Grove. His father, Alexander E., was born in Virginia and settled in Arkan- sas early in the nineteenth century. He fought in the Mexican war, being lieutenant under Colonel Yall and his death occurred in 1858. He was a thrifty man of forceful character and unquestioned integrity. He left a fine es- tate to his wife and four children, our subject being the eldest. A few years previous to his death, he had liberated his slaves, being con- vinced that human slavery was wrong. During the terrible Civil War, the vicinity of their home was the scene of great atrocities by vil- lainous men from both parties. Near the close of the war, our subject being then fourteen years of age, enlisted under the Confederate flag, where he had five uncles fighting for the cause. When the war closed, he returned home, remaining long enough to help put the farm in shape, then he went to Bentonville, Ar- kansas, where he attended the Bentonville col- lege two years. He taught school while going through the college and in 1870, went to Omaha, whence he came to the Pacific coast. He taught school sometime in Oregon and then took a course at the Corvallis college, re- ceiving his degree in 1873. On March 13, 1873. Mr. Edmiston married Miss Helen E. Lacey who was born in Clackamas county, Oregon. The Laceys descended from French Huguenots who fled to the New World be- cause of persecution in the seventeenth cen- tury. Mrs. Edmiston's father, Lewis A. Lacey came to Oregon in 1852, accompanied by his wife, Leonora (Herring) Lacey, a na- tive of Swansea, Wales, the marriage cere- mony having been completed fifteen minutes before they started from Mt. Morris, New York. Their trip across the plains with ox teams was attended with great trouble and danger, attacks from the Indians, the dread disease, cholera, and other things combining to this end. Mr. Lacey's brother, his brother's wife and child all died from mountain fever, and many other members of the little band James E. Edmiston HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 481 were left in graves by the old emigrant trail. Upon reaching the Willamette valley, he took a donation claim and gave his attention to general farming and stock raising. Mr. Lacey's father, the grandfather of Mrs. Ed- miston, was an officer under Washington and Lafayette in the Revolution and lost two fin- gers in the battle of Bunker Hill. Mr. Lacey died on the old farm at Springwater, Clack- amas county, in 1899, aged ninety- four. His widow following him on March 1, 1900, aged seventy-one. Shortly after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Edmiston moved to Colfax, where he taught school three years. In 1876, they located in Dayton and some years were spent in teach- ing there. Then he took up merchandising, and later, conducted a large sawmill and was engaged in various other business enterprises. Mr. Edmiston was a devoted Presbyterian and although his college training was taken with the expectation of entering the minis- try, he never did, but turned to law, studying under the tuition of John Y. Ostrander. In 1885, he was admitted to the bar and com- menced the practice of law, which he contin- ued uninterruptedly until a short time prev- ious to his death. For several years he suf- fered from nervous trouble brought on by over work and early hardships but he was en- abled to overcome this until the amputation of his leg was necessary from local trouble. Al- though he rallied from this, he finally suc- cumbed and fell asleep on May 8, 1900. The college at Pullman was closed on the day of his burial out of respect as he was president of the board of regents. Every business house and the schools in Dayton were closed and it was a day of the most sincere mourning ever known in this part of the country. He was buried with masonic honors, befitting one who had held the highest position Avithin the gift of the craft and the grand lodge of the state took charge and Honorable Levi Ankeny, past grand master of the state of Washington, pre- sided. The bar of Dayton passed appropriate resolutions and every mark of respect and honor that could be shown both in a public and a private manner was evidenced. Prob- ably no death ever occurred in Dayton, caus- ing such wide-spread and general sorrow. life his law practice, Mr. Edmiston was associated: with Judge Miller and like Jonathan and 1 David, they were knit together. Politically, Mr. Edmiston was a stanch Democrat and ac- tive in that realm. He was a member of the territorial council in 1883, was prosecuting- attorney of Columbia county in 1886 and in 1890 was elected grand master of the F. & A. M. for Washington. He was a thirty-second degree Scottish rite niason and also past grand patron of the O. E. S. Mr. Edmiston was of Scotch extraction, although his father and grandfather were na- tives of Virginia and Tennessee. His great- grandfather with two brothers settled in Vir- ginia shortly after the Jamestown colony was located. They came from a noted Highland family of warriors and were men of strong character. Mr. Edmiston was a jurist of ex- ceptionally rare ability and was a power and able leader both in that realm and in his po- litical party. He first came prominently into notice when elected to the council of the upper house of the legislature of Washington terri- tory. For many years, he was a member of the state central committee and in 1894, was of- fered the nominee for governor of the state but refused. It is said of Mr. Edmiston that he never lost an appealed case to the supreme court. He was courited the highest authority on Masonic jurisprudence in the state and was chairman of that committee for many years in the grand lodge. For many years, Mr. Ed- miston was collecting data for the history of southeastern Washington but died before he had the work completed. However, the major portion of his work will be found in this vol- ume. Much more might be said in eulogy of this man who was loved by all who knew him 482 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. and whose influence was always for the better- ment of mankind. He had a clear and high sense of honor, was loyal and kind, forceful and keen at the bar and with all a true gentle- man. Five years have now passed since his demise and his widow still lives in the old home in Dayton and as a partial recompense for so much sorrow, time has dealt gently with her. Six times has she stood at the open grave of her loved ones, having lost all her children previous to her husband's death. She has passed through the ordeal with that same de- gree of fortitude so characteristic of the wife of our martyred president, William McKinley. She is beloved, honored and respected by all who know her. Mrs. Edmiston is a member of the O. E. S. and past grand matron of the state of Washington. Like her husband did, she takes great pleasure and pride in doing everything possible for the upbuilding and the welfare of Dayton and the surrounding country. MRS. E. J. GROVE, who resides about seven miles north from Waitsburg, is one of the noble women of the country and has done a work here that commends her to all good people. She is the mother of six children, and was left a widow with this large family to support, but notwithstanding that, she has so labored and cared for them all that today her family are all highly respected members of society, and she has the satisfaction of knowing that she has not labored in vain. She has the esteem of all and is one of the leading people of this community. Mrs. Grove was born in Madison county, Ohio, the daughter of Abraham and Anna M. (Gardner) Ogden, natives of New York. The father moved to Ohio when a young man and there labored at his trade of carriage making for a number of years. After that he took his family to Illinois, and thence to Chero- kee county, Kansas. In Illinois he farmed in connection with his trade and in Kansas he gave his whole attention to farming. He re- mained in the latter state until his death and was one of the prominent men of the county. The mother was reared and celebrated her marriage in New York. With her husband she joined in all the journeys mentioned and was a faithful and noble women. Her death occurred in Kansas, in 1887. Mrs. Grove was educated in Ohio and Illinois and in McLane county of the latter state, she was married to A. J. Grove. From Illinois, she went with her husband to Missouri, and three years later went back to Illinois. Soon after her return to Illi- nois, she was called to mourn the death of her husband and then came the responsibility of life in full. Shortly after that, Mrs. Grove went to Kansas, and there remained until her mother's death, in 1887. Then she fitted out teams and with her six children made her way across the plains to Dayton. Here she rented land and with the assistance of her sons has continued in this line of labor since. The boys are some of them grown to manhood, and are respected young men. They handle about one thousand acres of land and have considerable property. Mrs. Grove's children are named as follows, Eugene L., Otis L., Oliver M., P. Ogden, Samuel H., and Mrs. Kate Beeson. When Mrs. Grove started west, she had barely enough money to pay the expenses to the end of the trip and when they arrived in Dayton, she was obliged to start in a new country with- out means. She has done exceedingly well and they are well to do people at this time. Her children are all doing first rate and stand well in the community. They have shown the same spirit of industry and integrity that have characterized the mother, and the principles of uprightness instilled by her faithful teach- ing have borne fruit. In January, 1890, Mrs. Grove married Alonzo Thomas, the wedding occurring near HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 483 Dayton. He died in the spring of 1895. The widow is better known as Mrs. Grove as the children bear that name. VERNON B. WHITING, who resides about eight miles southwest from Starbuck, is one of the highly respected agriculturists of Columbia county, and has shown by his labors here in the last fifteen years that he is pos- sessed of substantial qualities and guided by a wisdom and unswerving integrity that are praiseworthy and enviable. He is a patriotic citizen, a kind and accommodating neighbor, and a man of principle and unrightness which have won the esteem and respect of all who known him. Vernon B. Whiting was born in New York state, on April 29, 1853, the son of D. W. Whiting, a native of Vermont. He was reared and educated in the Green Mountain State, and engaged during his life in the marble busi- ness. When grown to manhood he married Miss Christina Vunk, also a native of New York state. Our subject was well educated in the district schools of his native state and then learned the marble cutter's trade from his father and followed it for many years. In 1890 he determined to put into execution a purpose long cherished in his mind, that of coming west, and so in that year he sold his eastern property and prepared to try the ways of the world in the land of the setting sun. In due time he arrived in Washington, having chosen that as the most promising point, and soon began to look over the country. He chose Columbia county, and then settled to farming upon a quarter section of choice land. He sold this in December, 1903, and the fol- lowing April bought his present place, eight miles southwest from Starbuck. He has shown industry and skill in this enterprise and has won good success. His place is a good homelike location, and Mr. Whiting has made it comfortable and attractive. In 1875, January 10, Mr. Whiting mar- ried Miss Florence Allen, who was born in Oneida county, New York, where she was reared and educated. Her parents, A. C. and Zelia D. (Brown) Allen, were born in Penn- sylvania and -Vernon, New York, respectively. The father migrated to New York, when twenty-one. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Whiting, Bernard A., Cora J., and Alma L. S. J. EDWARDS is certainly one of the pioneers of Columbia county, and has shown himself worthy of the place of builder of this portion of the great commonwealth of Wash- ington. He has shown zeal and industry in his walk, and is a man of character and stabil- ity. Others of his family are mentioned else- where in this work, and they are well known throughout this country. Charles Edwards was born in Darke county, Ohio, in January, 1829, and removed to Indiana in 1832. In that state he remained until 1853, tnen journeyed to Yreka, Cali- fornia, and in 1859 came to Wasco county, Oregon, and in 1871 to the Tucanon country, in Columbia county. Here he remained until his death which occurred March 15, 1898. He had married in 1858, at Yreka, California, Catherine Wolford, who was born in Han- cock county, Ohio, in 1842. She went with her parents to Eugene, Oregon, in 1852, and thence, iri 1857, to Yreka, California, where she was married the next year. As stated be- fore, the family came to Tucanon country in 1 87 1, and our subject, who was born in Ore- gon, on June 30, 1862, had been attending the common schools of his native heath previous to this journey, and when he came here he had but little opportunity to win the muse of learn- ing but made the best of the chances offered. 484 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. He grew up with the country and is well acquainted with all the old timers and the new comers as well. He now dwells about ten miles southwest from Pomeroy, and has a farm of one quarter section of fertile land. He de- votes himself to the cultivation of this and to other enterprises, as stock raising in some degree, and so forth. In 1887, Mr. Edwards married Miss Lydia Goodrich, a native of Oregon, and the daugh- ter of Carini Goodrich. Four children are the fruit of this marriage, Cora, Mable, Arley, and Milda. Mr Edwards is a Jeffersonian Demo- crat, and takes a lively interest in political mat- ters, as he does also in the affair of the county in general. His brothers and sisters are named as follows, Albert, on the Nez Perces reser- vation ; W. F., who resides on the old home place; Sarah, deceased; Josie Beckett; Jamie Mare; Mrs. Erne Tyon, of Franklin county; and Emma, at home. Our subject's uncle, Sam Edwards, was one of the first settlers in the country now embraced in Columbia county. When the father of S. J. came to this country there were no wagon roads on the upper T.u- canon, and he was obliged to blaze a trail and later cut his way to his selected place. JOSEPH WESLEY BROYLES, a prom- inent farmer and stockman residing nine miles southwest from Pomeroy, was born in Noda- way county, Missouri, in 1855. His father, John Broyles, was born in Tennessee, in 1833. He enlisted to serve in the Civil War, for the government and fought through until the close. A good portion of the time he was en- gaged in the western division and assisted in the distribution of arms. He was in the Fourth Missouri Cavalry. Following the war he returned to Missouri and there remained until 1868, when he went west to Cherokee county, Kansas. That was his home until 1888, then came a journey to California. A short time was spent in the Golden State and Mr. Broyles came to Whatcom county, Wash- ington, where he resides at this time. He married Miss A. J. Kelley, who was born in Kentucky, in 1834, and died in 1887. Our subject's great-grandfather, John Broyles, and brother, came to the colonies from Germany and one settled in Tennessee and the other in Alabama. One of them became the father of eleven boys and two girls, and the other of eleven girls and two boys. They have spread to all portions of the United States and are a strong family. The common schools of Mis- souri furnished the education of our subject and then he went to Kansas with his parents. That state was his home until 1882, when he migrated to southern Idaho and there farmed and raised stock for a decade. It was 1892, that Mr. Broyles came to his present location, nine miles southwest from Pomeroy, and set- tled. He secured four hundred and ten acres of land and has devoted himself to farming and raising stock with abundant success since that time. He is one of the leading men of the county today and has a large property. His stock consists of horses and cattle and he has well bred animals. His residence is a beautiful structure and all the outbuildings are in keeping with it. A general air of thrift and good taste pervade the premises and he- has shown himself a man who is not only able to handle the general matters of a large busi- ness well, but also to keep all the details well in charge, which insures his success. On August 5, 1877, Mr - Broyles married Miss Lucy A. Mitchell, who was born in Mis- souri, on January 8, 1857. Her parents were Charles and Jerusha (Pickerel) Mitchell, na- tives of Missouri, also. Mrs. Broyles has two brothers, James and Richard. Mr. Broyles has-, one brother, James W., residing in Whatcom. To Mr. and Mrs. Broyles one child has been born, John, on July 30, 1882, in Cassia county, Idaho. In political matters, Mr. Broyles is a Democrat and he is intelligent in the questions- HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 485 and issues of the day. He is a promoter of better educational facilities and always labors for the betterment and advancement of the interests of the community. FRANTZ S. ROMAINE, a prominent farmer and stockman two miles north from Dayton, Washington, was born in Fond du Lac •county, Wisconsin, on September 1, 1862. His father was Garrett Romaine, a native of New York. The father moved to Wisconsin with his parents when a boy and there grew up and received his education and became a wealthy man, owning fine farm property, a grist mill, and a saw mill. In 1874, he desired to see the west and accordingly sold his prop- erty in the east and brought his family to Santa Clara county, California. He remained there a short time then removed to Linn county, Oregon, where he farmed until 1877. Then the family came to southwestern Washington and the father selected a farm in the vicinity of Dayton, where he remained until his death, on October 22, 1900. He was a very promi- nent and wealthy citizen and held various pub- lic offices among which was assessor of Colum- bia county for a number of years. His widow, Martha L. (Harbaugh) Romaine, was born in Ohio and accompanied her husband on his various journeys and is now living in Colum- bia county. Our subject was educated in Wis- consin, California, Oregon, and Washington and continued in school portions of each year until he was grown to manhood. The rest of the time, he was with his father on the farm and remained with him until he bought land for himself. This however, he sold later and purchased the place where he is now living, just north from Dayton as mentioned above. He has a nice farm and rents enough in addi- tion so that he raises about six hundred and forty acres of wheat each year. Mr. Romaine is a successful and thrifty farmer and one of the well to do men of the country. In 1887, occurred the marriage of Frantz S. Romaine and Lizzie Knight. Mrs. Ro- maine was born while her parents were cross- ing the plains with ox teams and thus her infant days were spent in that weary and try- ing journey and she has never visited her birth place. Her parents were William and Damie ( Ward) Knight, natives of Missouri and early pioneers to Washington. The father followed stock raising. To Mr. and Mrs. Romaine, four children have been born, Amy E., L. Earl, deceased, Cecil L., and William C. Mr. Romaine has the satisfaction of know- ing that he has achieved a fine success in his labors, while his standing in the community is of the best. He has an interesting family, a fine property and is known as an upright man of integrity and principle. JOHN N. THOMPSON. President Roosevelt says : "The best heritage the pio neer can leave to future generations is the simple, yet powerful story of his life ; of hard- ships endured, of dangers faced, and his final triumph over wilderness and desert plain." Like the usual sayings of this man who "does things," this quotation rings with fact and truth and no more pleasant task could be as- signed than to be privileged to write in some detail the actual experiences of one whose life shows worthy deeds and shines with the light of the true pioneer. Just' south from Dayton, and adjoining the city limits, lies the home estate of John N. Thompson, one of the stanch pioneers and builders of the great state of Washington. The little house he first erected in Dayton still stands and is a mark of those days when men first began to take up the burdens of trans- forming these plains and wilds to beautiful homes and a prosperous county. In all his 486 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. work, Mr. Thompson has had a goodly part and has so wrought that snccess in all lines has crowned his efforts. On December 20, 1836, in faraway Smith- field, Madison county, New York, there was born to Elisha D. and Abigail (Howard) Thompson, a son, who was in due time christ- ened John Newton, and who is now the vener- able pioneer and honored citizen of Columbia county, and whose career it is our desire to chronicle for the edification and benefit of those who will come after. The parents, born in New York and Massachusetts, respectively, both died in Wisconsin, whither they journeyed in 1845. They were the parents of ten children, our subject being the seventh, and they well knew the hardships and ardu- ous labors of the pioneer life, as in Wisconsin they went directly into the wilds and carved out a home and reared their children. John N. was but nine years of age when the journey to Wisconsin occurred, and he well remembers the trip, the wild country of the Badger state, then a territory, and as they plunged into the wilderness there was little chance after that to secure much education. However, he was permitted to attend the log cabin school for a few months during the winter. It is interesting to note that the school house was tiled on the roof with hollow logs properly cut. With this scanty provision for the world's battles, young Thompson had to be contented, although he has ever been a constant reader and has kept himself well posted on the ques- tions and progress of the day. His early life was spent in assisting his parents clear a farm for the maintenance of the little flock of chil- dren, and they all labored hard and long to accomplish this end, for Dame Nature was not so easy to influence to give up her treasures of food in that frosty state with wooded hills as she is in the State of Washington with its broad and fertile prairies. Until 1859, Mr. Thompson stayed on the farm with his father and then he determined to start in life for him- self, and accordingly, he headed toward the west, as a great many of the young men of those days did. He journeyed on to Loop Fork, Nebraska and after passing Omaha met a train of two hundred and fifty-four wagons coming back and he turned aside with them and abandoned his trip to Pikes Peak. Then he stayed in Iowa for a time and later made a trip to Colorado and New Mexico and spent one season in the California gulch, where Leadville now stands. It was in i860, May, that he finally decided to try the Avest once more and this time Salmon river, Idaho, was the objective point. At Fort Hall the train divided and he stayed with the ones who came the northern route. Just above the mouth of the Boise river they ferried the Snake river, using their wagon beds, which were well calked and to make more safe were buoyed up at each end by empty water kegs. The Snake river was at that time at the highest water mark. In May, they had started from Denver, July 4th they spent in Salt Lake City, and in Aug- ust they arrived in Auburn. At that early date a stage was regularly run from Umatilla to Auburn. Shortly after arriving, Mr. Thompson continued his journey to the Grande Ronde valley, and there took land about two miles from Hot Lake. Four years were spent there and then he went to Marion county, Oregon, where he remained until 1871, and in that year with his young bride, went to Walla Walla, Washington, and in 1872 to Dayton. After erecting the little house in Dayton, men- tioned above, he began teaming. Two years after landing he opened a feed yard and while he was operating that, he took a piece of land which became the nucleus of his present estate. In time the farming work demanded his at- tention and he removed the family there and on the farm they have dwelt since that time. Mr. Thompson has acquired land from time to time since taking his first government claim until he now has nearly four sections, about seven thousand acres in wheat land, the balance HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 487 pasture, on which he ranges between four hundred and five hundred head of cattle and horses. His home is a comfortable, tasty and modern structure surrounded with all the buildings and improvements needed for the comfort and for the uses of the estate. It woud not give a true light on the picture should we speak of the success without some of the hardships. For instance, suppose the farmer of Columbia county was now called on to trans- port all his wheat to Wallula by wagon, with roads not nearly so good as they now are. This had to be done by Mr. Thompson and it was a very hard undertaking. Also he hauled later to Walla Walla. But the hardy frame of our subject was equal to all the hard- ships that were placed upon him and, in fact, the three score years and ten that now rest upon him, have left so little trace in their, pass- ing that he is hale, hearty and seldom taken to be more than sixty. In 1866, Mr. Thompson married Miss Jen- nie Kennedy, a native of Oregon, in which state the wedding occurred. Within a year Mr. Thompson was called to mourn the death of his young wife. On November 8, 1871, he married a second time, Miss Viola Eastham, a native Oregonian, then becoming his bride, and together they have traveled the pil- grim way since. Mrs. Thompson's parents, William French and Delila A. (Cleaver) East- ham, were born in Marion county, Virginia, on November 25, 1823, and in Jersey county, Illinois, on February 15, 1830, respectively. They came to the territory of Oregon in 1848 and settled near Oregon City. In 1849 tne y removed to a donation claim on Butte creek, Marion county, some twenty miles south from Oregon City. They reared a large family in this pioneer home, several of whom attained prominence. Hon. Edward L. Eastham, state senator in Oregon, was widely and favorably known both for his ability and his integrity. J. E. Eastham and Mrs. Van Scoy are both leading educators in Oregon. O. W. Eastham is a leading attorney of Oregon City, Oregon, and A. B. Eastham, a prominent politician of Clark county, Washington, was elected dele- gate to the national Republican convention of 1904. These are children of Mr. and Mrs. W. F. Eastham, and Mrs. Thompson has rea son to take pride in the place her family holds in the professional world of the west. To Mr. and Mrs. Thompson the children born are named below : Myrtle Agnes, on August 19, 1874; Roy Eastham, born on June 12, 1878; the two first named deceased; Leo John, on March 5, 1883; and Helen Vio!a, on October 19, 1884. Fraternally, Mr. Thompson is affiliated with the A. O. U. W., and in politics he is a strong Republican, although not a politician, yet a real wheel horse in the principles of the party. Like most of the strong and wise men of the day, Mr. Thompson is a hearty sup- porter of the present administration. His life has been spent in worthy and vigorous labor, guided by the desire both to provide for his own and to build up the country and make it the abode of civilization, and it is certainly a very pleasant and beautiful picture to now behold the pioneer, the pathfinder, crowned with success in every measure, the golden years blessed with health and competence, and dwell- ing with his loved ones in happiness, sur- rounded with many warm and stanch friends who learned to know his worth by associations in the hardships and labors of those grand old pioneer days. CHARLES T. JOBE, who resides at Alto, Columbia county, is one of the wealthy farmers and stock men of southeastern Washington. A pioneer of the early days, and a loyal citi- zen during the early years of his residence in his adopted country, a man of energy and ability, it is to be expected that we would find in Mr. Jobe one of the influential and respected men of this county. 488 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. Charles T. Jobe was born in Colchester county, Nova Scotia, on May 28, 1852. His parents, Robert and Elizabeth (Barker) Jobe, were born on the same place as was our sub- ject, where also the mother died. In 1900 the father came to Washington and is now resid- ing with his son. Charles T. studied in the public schools of his native county until he grew to manhood and then began farming. In 1874. he came to the western portion of the United States and visited the leading mines of the northwest. For a time he was employed in Silver City, Idaho and in 1876 he went back to his native country. In the following year, he came to California and engaged in general work and as early as 1879. we find him in southeastern Washington. Being pleased with the country, he determined to locate and selected land which he bought. From that time until the present Mr. Jobe has given his attention to farming and stock rais- ing. His estate has been increased by purchase from time to time until he owns now one thousand five hundred and sixty acres of choice land. His returns from this in stock and crops amounts to handsome dividends annually and Mr. Jobe is one of the wealthy men of this portion of the state. Marked taste and wis- dom are manifested in laying out and improv- ing his estate and it may be truthfully stated that his buildings are second to none in the country. Everything about the place indicates thrift and care. In addition to securing- his own success, Mr. Jobe has done very much to inspire the same spirit in others which has won for him his large property holding. Every building is in its proper place and everything upon the estate is as fastidious as one could wish and the result is that the rural abode is a place of thrift and joy and one of the most productive to be found in the state. In 1 88 1, Mr. Jobe married Miss Narcissa Squichfield. Mrs. Jobe is a native of Iowa and came to southwestern Washington with her parents in the early pioneer days. To this worthy couple the following children have been born; Arthur, a farmer in this vicinity; Susie D. and Bessie B., twins; Louis; Mary E. ; Daisy; and Leona. Mr. Jobe is a progressive man, public spirited and broad minded and takes the same keen interest in the affairs of the state and the community as in his own business enterprises. He is a strong campaign worker, energetic and well posted upon the issues of the day and a great reader. His friends are numbered by the score from all sections and he is worthy of the respect and esteem which is so gener- ously bestowed upon him. HEUSTON D. GHOLSON. A resi- dence of nearly one-half century in the terri- tory of southeastern Washington and the ad- jacent country certainly entitles our subject to be classed with the pioneers of the west, and when we take into consideration the fact that during all those years, he has shown an activ- ity in all those enterprises and movements that have built up the country to its present pros- perous condition, that he has been heart and soul in the good work of developing, building up and benefitting the country, we are equally able to state, that Mr. Gholson is one of the builders and makers of this portion of the west. He has been associated with many of the old- est and leading pioneers of the states of Wash- ington and Oregon and shoulder to shoulder, has he wrought with them in the work that only the broad minded and faithful pioneer can do. The best portion of Mr. Gholson's life has been spent in this chosen section of the west and here where he has accomplished so much, he stands today, aged about three score years and ten, a man respected and highly es- teemed, with many friends from every quar- ter. While the golden days of the years of his pilgrimage are his now to enjoy, still his years sit lightly and he is hearty and vigorous and a HEUSTOM D. GHOLSON. HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 489 man who takes a lively interest in the issues and questions of the day. Heuston D. Gholson is the son of Granville Gholson, who was born in Tennessee, on Feb- ruary 7, 1 8 14. In early days G. Gholson moved to Illinois, being a pioneer in the Prairie State. He married Miss Judia J. Gal- lagher, the daughter of James Gallagher, who also was born in Tennessee, the date being Oc- tober 20, 1 814. Her father was born in Ire- land. Our subject is the second of a family of ten children, whose names and dates of birth appear as follows : Celia C. Davis, deceased, born July 28, 1834; Heuston D., November 27, 1836; Mary E., April 2, 1838; William S. November 10, 1840; Sarah A., April 26, 1843; Margaret C, March 1, 1845; J onn F -> A P ril 18, 1847; Elizabeth A., April 18, 1847, died October 2, 1849; Harriet A., May 24, 1849; Charles Henry, June 4, 1853. In 1836, the father with his wife and child started west to Iowa and when they arrived at Burlington, our subject was born while the family were yet on the steamboat. This occurrence occasioned some delay in the journey, but in good time they started on and soon they reached the ground now occupied by the prosperous town of Mount Pleasant. Here the father located and with the assistance of Saunders Brothers, he started the town and it soon began to as- sume thriving proportions. For some years the family remained in this locality, Henry county, and then removed to Bloomfield, in Iowa. For some time that was the family home and there Mr. Gholson received his first schooling. Later they all removed to Han- cock county, Illinois and in that place re- mained eight years, during which time our subject finished his education in the public schools. Then came a move to St. John, Put- nam county, Missouri where Mr. Gholson, the immediate subject of this article, embarked in the grocery business, s'till being a young man. The father later decided to make another move and this time they journeyed back to the first home place in Iowa, Mount Pleasant, and there they dwelt until April 6, i860, when, having prepared the outfits necessary for the extended journey across the plains, they set out with 'the Winnett train and slowly made their way westward. Days lengthened into weeks, and they in turn gave place to months while the steady procedure of the train was towards the setting sun. In due time, and in reality in quick time, it being but four months and fifteen days from start to finish, they reached Athena, Oregon. They had intended to locate in Olympia, Washington, but fate de- creed otherwise, and they stopped in the coun- try now known as the prosperous Inland Em- pire. They settled later in Walla Walla and our subject embarked in the hotel business, leasing the best hotel property in the city. It was situated on Main street between Second and Third. In those days there was but one brick building in Walla Walla. The father secured land near Hudson Bay, Umatilla county, Oregon and set himself to make a home in the west. Heuston D. also took land in the same locality but gave personal atten- tion to his business in Walla Walla until the spring of 1862, when he sold out 'this business and removed to his farm. For ten years he profitably conducted this and then sold the entire property and came back to Walla Walla where he established the Farmers Hotel on Main street. For a year he conducted the same and then being bereaved by the death of his wife, he decided to dispose of this business and since that time he has been engaged in various lines of enterprise, almost invariably with good success, having received the prosperity that wise actions and thrift demand. On February 16, 1863, Mr. Gholson mar- ried Miss Isabel, the daughter of Joseph B. Goodman, a highly respected pioneer of i860, dwelling in the Hudson Bay country in Ore- gon. Mrs. Gholson was born in Illinois and crossed the plains with her parents when a young girl. She was sixteen years of age when she was married. To this union the follow- 496 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. ing named children were born : Leonora E., who is married and has one child, a bright lad; Addie May, married first to John Rattl- miller, by whom she had two children, Carrie and Clara, and upon the death of her first hus- band she married George Kennison of Long's Station, and they are the parents of one child, Charles; Estella, the wife of Wallace Dunlap, a prosperous farmer residing about four miles south from Dayton. This couple have three children, Ina G., Laura and an infant son, born Friday, January 26, 1906. Mr. Gholson makes his home at the present with Mr. and Mrs. Dunlap. In the political world Mr. Gholson has al- ways deemed it incumbent on the good citizen to take the part in politics that loyalty and love of country would lead to, and while he has never sought office, he has always sought to place those in office whom he considered re- sponsible and men of broad calibre and sagac- ity. He is a genuine Jeffersonian Democrat, but in no wise partisan, for he does not hesi- tate to leave the lines of party when he deems it best for 'the interests of the community or the country. He has always been a careful student of the principles and issues of the parties, has sought to secure the solution that the interests of the people demanded, and when satisfied of a policy, he has always shown himself a man of courage to put forth his con- victions. There are very few of the very early pio- neers that are not known personally to Mr. Gholson, and scores of them who have gone on before, he has labored with in the estab- lishment of his commonwealth and in the building of it to the present enviable position the great Evergreen State holds in the union. THOMAS S. LEONARD. In the course of the compilation of the History of Southeast- ern Washington, it becomes our pleasant duty to give in succinct form, a resume of the ca- reer of the well known and esteemed gentle- man whose name forms the caption of this article. In fact, the history of this part of our great state could not well be written and leave out this name and the work of this gentleman has performed. Coming here when the town of Dayton was in embryonic estate, and having resided here constantly since that time, and having been actively engaged not only in prose- cuting his own private business, but in the ad- vancement of the interests of the county and town, it certainly follows that Thomas S. Leon- ard is to be given a conspicuous position in the recital of the events of history of this region. Thomas S. Leonard was born in New York state, on April 25, 1840, descending from a strong New England family, which hailed from Connecticut, of English ancestry. Farm life was his lot till he reached his majority, and part of each year was spent in study in the common schools until the time came when he should finish his education in a higher institu- tion of learning. Being well fortified in this line for the work of life, young Leonard soon became possessed of a stirring desire to see the west and in i860 we find him in Illinois, and in that state and in Iowa he taught school until 1863. In the year last named he enlisted in the government service and became part of an organization that had for its purpose the as- sistance of the emigrants in their arduous and dangerous trips across the plains to the west. This government service was to help ward off dangers, to furnish care to the sick, to furnish all kinds of supplies needed for, the mainte- nance of life and the continuance of the jour- ney, to supply medical aid, to select proper and appropriate camping grounds, regulalting each day's drive to the pace of the oxen that were so much used then, and, in fact, to do all that could be done to assist in keeping in order and within reasonable bounds all this great mass of moving humanity that was pouring west, and to make the journey as feasible and the way as plain as possible. They continued until reach- HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 49 1 ing the Boise river and there, as it was then deemed that the emigrant was in territory of reasonable safety, they disbanded and young Leonard continued his journey westward. They had left Omaha, then a town of about one thousand, on June 4, 1863, and he arrived in Portland late in November, 1863, having stop- ped four weeks in the Grand Ronde valley. Portland at that time was a town of about three thousand people, and after spending some time there, Mr. Leonard drifted to different points and finally took up school work again near Salem and was principally engaged thus until he came, in the fall of 187 1, to Walla Walla. He was in company with J. N. Thompson, whose biography appears in an- other portion of this volume, and the first win- ter, that of 1 87 1 -2, they lived together in the same house in Walla Walla. In the spring of 1872 they all came on together to Dayton and since that time they have all dwelt here and have had a life-long fellowship as friends and together they have watched the pro- gress and growth of the country and in no mean measure have assisted in it all. When Mr. Leonard arrived in Dayton it consisted of the Red Store, and postoffice, conducted by D. C. Guernsey and owned by J. N. Day and Mr. Kimball of Walla Walla, two blacksmith shops and a few simple resi- dences. The population, all told, was doubtless not over one hundred souls. Our subject took a contract to haul the rock for the foundation of the new mill going in, owned by Wait & Metzger, and which is now the Portland Flour Mill. This was the first large amount of rock taken from the quarry known as the Rockhill. He also hauled the sand for the first brick building which was erected by the well known pioneer, S. M named. In the fall of 1872 Mr. Leonard and wife took charge of the school of Dayton and in the following spring moved on to a government land claim. In 1876 he assisted to organize the Wait, for whom Waitsburg was county of Columbia and was elected the first school superintendent and in this capacity he had the numbering of the districts, which was done in the order of their creation. At the close of his term of office he returned to his land claim and devoted himself to farming. Until 1887 he tilled the place he had taken, and then sold it and purchased the place he now owns. This was his home until his retirement from business in 1898. In 1868 occurred the marriage of Mr. Leonard and Miss Sarildie R. Herren, a na- tive Oregonian, and the daughter of John and Docia (Robbins) Herren. Mr. and Mrs Her- ren crossed the plains in 1845 from Kentucky and settled near Salem. Mrs. Leonard on her mother's side came from the prominent Ken- tucky family of Robbins and her grandfather, William Robbins, enlisted in Captain Joseph Clark's company in October, 1777, to fight in the Revolution, and served one month. He enlisted again September 22, 1778, same company, and served one year, and in August, 1 78 1, he enlisted the third time, same com- pany, and served five months. His colonels were Dugan and Antony Sharp. His enlist- ments occurred from Randolph county, North Carolina. He was born October 21, 1761, in Randolph county, North Carolina, and died September 11, 1834, in Decatur county, Indi- ana. He married Bethiah Vickery, on Feb- ruary 2.y, 1779, in Guilford county. North Carolina. After the war he removed to Frank- lin county, Virginia, and resided there twenty- five years. Then he went to Henry county, Kentucky, and after residing there many years he went to Decatur county, Indiana.' To our subject and his wife the following named children have been born : Caroline Eloise, wife of E. S. Isaacs, of Walla Walla ; Edgar H., manager of the Portland Flouring mills at Dayton and Prescott; Inez, wife of J. G. Miller, an attorney of Dayton ; and Eugene K., a student in the high school in Dayton. Mr. Leonard is a good strong Republican 492 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. and has always stood for good government and the spread of those principles of political economy that obtain in the best regulated com- munities, while his life has been one which stamps him as one of the substantial and capa- ble men of the county. ANDREW NILSSON. In securing sub- scribers for the biographical department of this history, it has been the aim of the publishers to gather together only such men who have by their individuality left their impress upon the community and whose lives do not only re- flect credit upon themselves but are also a guide and lesson for future generations. We are, therefore, pleased to be able to incorporate herein a brief resume of the life of the gentle- man whose name heads this memoir. Andrew Nilsson was born in south Swe- den, in the province of Skoane, September 4, 1844. His parents. Nils and Kjerstie Larson, never came to the United States but spent their lives in their native country. Andrew's early life was passed like that of most other boys in his vicinity. His father was a farmer and gave his children the benefits of the educa- tional advantages that were there afforded. At the proper age the lad was apprenticed to learn the blacksmith trade, which he mastered in all its branches and became a skilled and pro- ficient mechanic. Feeling that the new world afforded better advantages for his craft, he embarked in 1870 for America and first located in Nebraska, but later went to Deer Lodge, Montana, and in 1874 settled in Walla Walla where he re- mained following his ' trade for about three years. Next he came to Dayton and in part- nership with John Hutcheon started a black- smith shop. After two years he sold his in- terest to his partner and returned on a visit to Sweden for six months. Then he returned to Dayton and opened the shop which for more than a quarter of a century has enjoyed the reputation of being one of the most sub- stantial concerns in Columbia county and is today the largest house of its kind in Dayton. Our subject continued to operate the business alone until 1892 at which time he admitted his brother, Lars Nilsson into the business, the firm then becoming known as Nilsson Broth- ers. Lars Nilsson spent eleven years in his, brother's employ before he was taken into the firm and during all those years the lives of the brothers have been inseparable. And even now, though the senior member of the firm has retired from business and has somewhat put aside the cares of a busy life, he still takes an active interest in the success of the estab- lishment he organized so many years ago and which for so long he conducted successfully. Mr. Nilsson has always been a public spir- ited man and has taken a lively interest in the affairs of his city and county. Politically he is a Republican and has served in the city coun- cil and has held other offices of trust. He was director and vice president of the Citizens National Bank of Dayton at the time it con- solidated with the Columbia National Bank and is now serving on the board of directors of the latter institution. His honesty and in- tegrity have always maintained an unsullied reputation and his ability as a financier has been a valuable acquisition to the financial interests of Dayton. Fraternally, Mr. Nilsson is conspicuously identified with the Masonic order. He is Past W. M. of Dayton Lodge, No. 53, has filled the chair of high priest of Dayton chapter, No. 5, and has been called to the exalted office of grand high priest of the state of Washington, R. A. M. Mr. Nilsson was united in marriage in 1883 to Miss Ella Pierson, a native of Swe- den. They reside at Dayton and enjoy the so- ciety and respect of the community. Andrew Nilsson Lars Nilsson Goldsmith Hammer HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 493 LARS NILSSON, of the firm of Nilsson Brothers, blacksmiths and wagonmakers of Dayton, was born in Sweden. He received his education in his native country and spent the first nineteen years of his life on his father's and the adjoining farms. After that he spent two years in learning the wagonmakers trade and arrived in Dayton on May 22, 1880, with his brother, Andrew, who is mentioned else- where in this volume. The brother had formerly been to the United States and re- turned to the Fatherland for a visit. On this trip to the New World our subject and his brother were accompanied by their sister, Sophia, who is now the wife of John R. Rup- ley, a prominent farmer and business man of Pullman, Washington and now serving as commissioner of Whitman county. The three came direct to Dayton and the first year our subject was engaged on a farm. The eleven succeeding years were spent in laboring for his brother in the wagon shop in Dayton. Then, in 1892, a partnership was formed be- tween the brothers and since they have oper- ated the business together until November 1, 1905. On that day, Andrew Nilsson had been in the business twenty-five years and he retired and our subject became sole owner. In 1890 Mr. Nilsson went to Sweden where he spent six months visiting his boy- hood home. Here he met Johanna Stohlberg and they decided to become husband and wife, but owing to the laws of Sweden, as Mr. Nils- son was an American citizen, the marriage could not be consummated there. But cupid was not to be turned aside and they both took passage on the same ship and when in their journey they came to Chicago, they were married. They came on to Dayton, and to this union two children were born, Esther J. and Arthur N. On March 2, 1894, Mrs. Nils- son died. On December 25, 1896, Mr. Nils- son married Lydia E. Stohlberg, a sister of his former wife. She came to America in May, 1895. To this marriage one child has been born, Andrew L. Mrs. Nilsson's father, Andrew Stohlberg, was a native of Sweden and for years was inspector of the national ar- senals of his country. He is now retired on a pension, being aged eighty. Mr. Nilsson is a member of the A. F. & A. M., and the R. A. M., being past master and past high priest and he has also been dele- gate to the grand lodge and the chapter. He belongs to the K. P., is past C. C, and has been delegate to the grand lodge of this order. He is, also, a member of the A. O. U. W. and is past W. M. and has been delegate to the grand lodge of that order. Mr. Nilsson is a member of the city council and was dele- gate to the Republican convention at Olympia in 1902, and is an active, progressive, and up- to-date business man. He owns a nice home on Third and Washington and has a choice library. GOLDSMITH HAMMER has the dis- tinction of being one of the earliest settlers in the now great state of Oregon, his father Jacob Hammer, crossed the plains in 1844, bringing our subject to the place of the former and made settlement in the Willamette valley. He was among the very first white men to select land and open a farm there and deserves great commendation for his faithful labors as a pioneer. He was born in Ohio and when a young man, went to Indiana and later to Mis- souri spending in that state the winter of 1843-44. In the spring of that year, he pre- pared ox team conveyances and turned to the west to make the trip where Whitman had blazed the way the year previous. As an un- known wilderness, the great plains and moun- tains stretched westward and the little train threaded their way with care under their leader until finally they landed in the beautiful Willamette valley. After some time there, Mr. Hammer went to Benton county, Oregon and selected a donation claim which is still 494 HISTORV OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. owned by his son Ellis. He became one of the leading men of that country and was known far and near. He remained in Benton county until his death, living to reach the ripe old age of 76 years. He had married Miss Hannah Cox, a native of Indiana and together they did all those labors and made the journeys mentioned. Our subject was born in Missouri, on Feb- ruary 9, 1844. He now resides one mile north from Huntsville, Washington, where he has a fine farm. Mr. Hammer was only a few months old when his parents started across the plains with him and his education has been re- ceived in the pioneer countries of the west. He has seen Oregon transformed from an un- broken wilderness to its present prosperous condition and has also witnessed a great change in the state of Washington. In 1861, Mr. Hammer came east of the mountains and was soon engaged in farming and packing to the mines. Working for his brother-in-law one year, then he returned to Oregon and there married. In 1870. he came to southeastern Washington and took a homestead in the Blue mountains. Later, in 1873, he bought land where he now lives and since that time, for over thirty years, has remained on this one place. His attention has been given to farm- ing and stock raising continuously and owing to the industry and wisdom manifested he has secured a fine success. He owns a half section of land and a nice home. All buildings and other improvements needed for the business are supplied. Mr. Hammer has laid by a fair competence for the golden years of his life and he is to be congratulated upon being able to enjoy the fruits of his labors in the country that he assisted to reclaim from the wilds of nature. In 1870, Mr. Hammer married Miss Lu- rissa A. Hill, who was born in Iowa in the early fifties and came to Oregon with her pa- rents, Ebin and Nancy (Haight) Hill. To Mr. and Mrs. Hammer, the following children have been born," named as follows : Lester, Eudocia, Alvin, Carrie, Loren, Veva and Jesse and Anna deceased. For more than twenty years Mr. Hammer operated a thresh- ing outfit here. He has been school director for eleven years, and is now interested in a coffee plantation in Mexico. JOHN D. ROSE, one of the well to do and influential agriculturists of Columbia county has a fine estate where he makes his home some three miles south of Dayton. The place is a model western farm, with all the conveniences known to the day and supplied with all modern machinery both to conduct it successfully and also, in addition, a large steam threshing outfit with which Mr. Rose does much work in the adjacent country, he being a man of skill and experience in handling this line of work. The estate consists of four hundred and eighty acres of fertile land well tilled and in a high state of cultivation, where Mr. Rose's taste and sound practical ideas have been exemplified. He has a modern nine room residence, beautifully located and surrounded with every thing to make life happy and enjoy- able. Mr. Rose is a man of practical ideas and his is a success not obtained in a lucky vision- ary manner, but he has squarely met the ques- tions of life, has taken hold of things as they exist and with consummate skill and perse- verance has carved a success and a fortune out of the west to justify fully Horace Gree- ley's advice, "go west." Scioto county in the far away Buckeye State is the place where our subject first saw the light, and his father before him, as nature destined this son to be also, was a pioneer and wrung from the wilderness of nature's unsub- dued domain the subsistence that enabled him to rear a fine large family and which entitled him to be placed in the worthy list of path finders and pioneers whose noble works have HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 495 given to this generation the heritage of the grandest country the sun shines on at this day. Eli Rose, the father of our subject, was born on Ohio soil in 1837, and died in Washington on May 9, 1896. In the early part of 1862, he prepared an ox team outfit and headed his little train across the plains and traveled toward the setting sun for nearly nine weary months when one October morn, he halted his travel worn and tired animals in the little town of Walla Walla, then but a hamlet and little promising the grand future that is now resting its bounty on town and country alike. Our subject was then but two years of age, having been born on December 18, 1859. The trip had not been without its sadness, for the father and mother had started with a little flock of three children, but while they journeyed on through Indiana, one, the next older than our subject, sickened and died, and they left a little mound in a country graveyard while they moved on toward the unseen west. Our sub- ject's mother was a woman of noble sentiment and was a true helpmate to the father, and spent her life in making a home and rearing her children in this new country. Her maiden name was Katherine Boldman, and she was born on September 23, 1835, in Ohio. She died on May 9, 1898, in this state. The father selected a home on the Walla Walla river, eight miles southwest from the town, and there set about making a cabin and improving the place. For three years he labored in that place and then removed to Oregon, whence shortly afterward he returned to the old Hudson Bay place near Walla Walla, where four years were spent. Next he settled at Summit near Dixie and later lived at the place where Long's station now is. In those days the little handful of settlers that happened to be close enough clubbed to- gether and hired a school teacher who would train, for a few months each year, the children, using some little log cabin for a school house. Thus our subject secured his education, gaining a fair proficiency in the three R's, which was all that could be clone at that time. At the early age of twelve he left even this scanty means of education and began work on the farms, and at freighting and until he was of age continued thus, assisting his father in the support of the large family of children. The names of the children in the order of their births follows : Mary J. Hewett, in Yamhill county, Oregon ; Lewis, the one who died en route west; John D., the immediate subject of this article; Cynthia A. Jumwalt, of Grangeville, Idaho; Vine M., at Waitsburg; Joseph J., in Dayton; Amanda George, at Kendrick, Idaho; William at Washtucna ; Martha Royse, and Frank, both in Dayton. On May 9, 1881, Mr. Rose took to himself a wife, the maiden name of the lady of his choice being Miss Annie Puckett, a native of Tennessee. Her father, Sebe Puckett, came across the plains in 1880, this daughter ac- companying him, the mother having died in the east. Mr. Puckett died in Whitman coun- ty in 1896. Immediately after marriage Mr. Rose began making a home for himself, and soon took a pre-emption near Grangeville, Idaho. After proving up, in 1882, he came to a place twelve miles east of Dayton and there farmed rented land for three years. Next we see him in Lincoln county in the stock business, which occupied him seven years. Selling his interest in this last place, he came to the farm where he now resides and for several years rented it and then bought it. Like all the other settlers in this country he had a hard ex- perience in 1893, not realizing a dollar on his entire crop. Mr. Rose is a man of persever- ance, however, and his best judgment told him that this was a fine country and he stayed with it and managed in various ways to hold onto his property. He invested every dollar he could gain in land and his wise move is now very apparent in the nice holdings he enjoys, which provide a generous competence for the 496 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. later years of his life. One thing Mr. Rose can take especial pride in is the fact that he does not owe a dollar on his property and everything that he possesses is free from any incumbrance. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Rose are named as follows : Bertha Hoy, of Wash- tucna ; Dennis, in Dayton ; Richard, in Taco- ma ; Fannie Love, in Dayton ; Nellie, Minnie, Winnie, Lena and Don, all at home, and two, John and Alfred, deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Rose have labored hard in making a financial sus- cess during their lives and in rearing a large family who are all good members of society. In political matters the principles of the Democratic party appeal most strongly to Mr. Rose, but he is not bound by party lines, re- serving for his own judgment the choice of the best man. GEORGE F. JACKSON. To be privi- leged to recount the accomplishments of the life of the chief executive of the progressive city of Dayton is certainly a pleasure, for in his career we find exemplified so many of those qualities of sterling worth characteristic of the true man and the American, that chronicling them on the printed page for the perusal of those who will come after is to be esteemed a rendition of assistance to younger men who will toil up the same way of life where he has made so plain a path and so acceptable a record. To refuse a fallen brother a helping hand and to "pass by on the other side" is counted by the world as selfishness, and rightly so, too. But how akin to that is it for a successful man to keep tight sealed in his breast the accounts of those spots in life where he has had the fiercest battles and overcome, for how inesti- mably beneficial Avould a recounting of those trials be to the younger ones traveling the same road and meeting the same obstacles. First in the life of Mr. Jackson, we wish to mention that he was reared on the frontier and so had limited opportunity for educational in- struction, and even as limited as were his privi- leges, they were entirely cut off when he was twelve. But bear in mind that the primitive log cabin school houses on the western frontier with their three months' term in the year could have placed but little instruction before a child of twelve. With that scanty fitting the lad started in life, for all the time after that he never was a pupil in school. However, learn- ing and wisdom are to be had other places than in the conventional school room and when the soul thirsts for information, ways will be opened up that to the sluggish never appear. Mr. Jackson can scarcely tell where and how, but every stray book that came his way was levied upon for its quota, and general reading furnished him with a fund of information that has remained with him all through his busi- ness life. He is decidedly a practical man and this talent of seeking the practical and the use- ful and not losing his time with the theoretic and visionary things of life has been one secret of his success in life. George F. Jackson was born in Stark county, Illinois, June 15, 1848. His father, George W. Jackson, was born in New York state, came to Illinois in 1830, and followed cabinet making until 1852, in which year he journeyed to the Willamette valley, Oregon. Finally, in 1892, he came on to Washington and died in Columbia county in the fall of 1894, aged eighty-four. He had married Elizabeth Farr, also a native of New York. She was born six years previous to her husband's birth and died the winter following his demise. Our subject is the sixth of a fam- ily of nine children. Two of his brothers re- side in Washington, Richard A., in Columbia county, and John H. in Garfield county. One brother, Scott, died at Paducah, Kentucky,, while in the union army during the Civil War. George F. was reared on the frontier of Illi- nois and Iowa, and was most of the time on a farm. He labored as the boys of those days did, in farm work, and when twenty-one, se- HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 497 cured a piece of land for himself. To farming this he devoted himself until 1879, when he came west to Washington, chosing Dayton as the objective point. This journey occupied the time from March 25, until April 16, and was by rail, to San Francisco, thence by steamer to Portland and thence by boat and wagon to Dayton. Dr. Baker's railroad was the only one in the southeastern part of the territory then. After a year's stay in Dayton, Mr. Jack- son took up land fourteen miles north of the town, the same being now in Garfield county. He went into stock business in a small way and also did carpentering, a trade he had perfected himself in years before that. One hundred dollars represented the entire amount of Mr. Jackson's assets when he settled here, but so wisely and well has he manipulated his affairs that he now has six thousand acres of good land and is rated as one of the leading men of the county. He also has other property. In 1894 Mr. Jackson determined to retire somewhat from the arduousness of farm life and so re- moved to Dayton permanently and thence man- ages his affairs. Politically Mr. Jackson has always shown himself intelligent and actively interested for the welfare of the country. He has always been associated with the Republican party and is a stanch supporter of the principles they stand for. While not a politician, still Mr. Jackson takes keen interest in political questions and in 1904 the people of Dayton called him to the chair of chief executive of the city and so well pleasing to them were his acts in this capa- city that in 1905, he was promptly re-elected. In November, 1870, Mr. Jackson married Miss Cynthia Barrows, who died in 1885. In 1886 he married Annie Oliphant, a native of Ohio, who came to Washington with her brother about 1881. Mr. Jackson has four sons, all of whom reside in Columbia county. Charles C. served in the Philippine War, Frederick A. and John L. are associated with their father, and George W. is assistant cash- ier in the Columbia National Bank. 32 Fraternally, Mr. Jackson is affiliated with the I. O. O. F.- and is thoroughly alive to the interests of his chosen city and county, while his long residence here entitles him to be rank- ed with the builders of this political division. CHARLES REYNOLDS DORR was born in Trinity county, California, on June 22, 1 86 1. His father, James Clarkson Dorr, was born in Dover, Maine, November 2, 1831, and after graduating at Dartmouth College came to California, where he practiced his profession of physician and surgeon. He was elected to the California legislature and voted for the amendment abolishing slavery at the session of 1865 and 1866. Our subject's mother was Ellen Reynolds Dorr, who was born in Otsego county, New York. She came to California as a teacher in 1859, and the same year was mar- ried to Dr. Dorr. They located in Trinity county, where they lived for six years, and then removed to Rohnerville, Humboldt county, where they resided until 1879, when they came to Dayton, Washington. Dr. Dorr was en- gaged in contracting for some time, and filled the office of justice of the peace in Dayton for four years, and later engaged in the drug busi- ness, which he continued until his death in 1892. Mrs. Dorr died on the ocean returning home from the Philippine Islands on November 2, 1903, and was buried at sea. Their son, Charles, the subject of this sketch, received his education in the public schools of Rohnerville, California, and came to Dayton in 1878, where he was employed in the postoffice under Wil- liam Matzger, then postmaster, and soon after entered the office of E. R. Burk, clerk of the district court, where he remained until 1883, being appointed deputy clerk, as soon as he arrived of age. In 1883 he became cashier of the First National Bank of Dayton, where he remained until 1885, reading law of evenings under Judge M. M. Godman. He was ad- mitted to the bar in 1886, and the same year was elected prosecuting attorney, which posi- 498 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. tion he filled for two years. In 1891 he formed a partnership in the law business with C. F. Miller, which continued until his death, Au- gust 6, 1892. Mr. Charles R. Dorr was married October 22, 1886, to Miss Lizzie Rainwater, of Dayton, and had two children, Harry and Anita, who are still living. His wife died January 4, 1889. Mr. Dorr was always prominent in military, social and lodge circles, and had a winning way which brought him to the front in every- thing. He was first lieutenant of Company F, of the First Regiment of the Washington Na- tional Guard from 1887 until his death. He was grand vice chancellor of the grand lodge of Knights of Pythias at the time of his death. During the six years of his law practice he became a fine speaker and was one of the best trial lawyers in southeastern Washington, and had he lived would undoubtedly have become one of the great men of the state. During the campaign of 1890 he stumped the southeastern part of Washington for the Republican ticket, and made a good reputation as a public speaker. In fact it was a common saying among all who knew him, that where others were good, Charley Dorr was brilliant. HON. ELISHA PING was born in Ken- tucky on March 13, 1819. Before arriving at age he moved to Indiana, settling near Terre Haute, where he was married to Lucretia Kuy- kendall in 1840. In 185 1 they crossed the plains and settled in Douglas county, Oregon. In 1859 he came to Columbia county, Wash- ington, and located his homestead, which is now partially included in the city limits of Day- ton. He then returned to the Willamette val- ley and the next summer brought his family to Columbia county, arriving August 19, i860. His wife died in 1863, and in 1865 he married Mrs. Melinda Auxier, who died in 1873. In 1882 he married Mrs. Sarah E. Tarbox, who survived him. He died August 16, 1890, leav- ing five children, all by his first wife. They were Sarah E. Miller, Jemima Critchfield, Robert Ping, Frank E. Ping and Julia Cart- right, all then living in Columbia and Garfield counties. Elisha Ping was a quiet, unassuming man, of fair education and excellent judgment. He was engaged in farming and stockraising until 1866, when he became interested in the Milton mills at what is now Long's Station, in Colum- bia county, and lived at that place for a few years. Afterwards he returned to his old home- stead, where he lived until 1875, when he sold out and moved into Dayton, and remained there looking after his large business interests until 1889, when he purchased a large tract of land near Covello, and moved on the farm, where he was living at the time of his death. He was financially successful from the time he came to the territory of Washington and be- came quite wealthy. Mr. Ping always took a great interest in public affairs, and represented Walla Walla county in the legislature four times, when that county included all of the country south of Snake river. He introduced and secured the passage of a bill dividing Walla Walla county and creating Ping county, which was named after him, but owing to some technical defects the bill was vetoed by the governor and a new bill introduced at the same session creating Co- lumbia county. He was elected to the legisla- ture from Columbia county twice, after its cre- ation. He was always a stanch Democrat, and his political history is a part of the history of southeastern Washington. Mr. Ping was one of those rugged pioneers who helped to blaze the trail of civilization, as it moved westward. He helped to build up the early settlement of four different states, and was always on the frontier. His reputation as a pioneer, a legislator, an honest man and a good citizen was well earned. PART IV HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY CHAPTER I CURRENT EVENTS— 1860 TO 1891. A portion of the earlier history of that di- vision of Washington which is now known as Garfield county has been related in previous chapters of this work. In 1806 the country was visited by the Lewis and Clark expedition on its return trip from the Pacific coast. They traversed what is now the southeastern por- tion of Washington, following the ancient Nez Perce trails described in the opening chapter of the History of Columbia County. These trails crossed Garfield county, the general trend being easterly and westerly. There is no record, authentic, or otherwise, of any white man having attempted to make settlement within the limits of the present Gar- field county prior to i860. Missionary Spald- ing, the friend and co-laborer of the martyred Dr. Marcus Whitman, came to the northwest in 1836, and temporarily located at the mouth of the Alpowa, just outside of the present boundaries of Garfield county. Here he ex- ercised a beneficent influence over the Indians in the whole of this country ; to this influence and energy are due the first signs of civiliza- tion in this immediate neighborhood. In 1894 the State Historical Society received from H. H. Spalding, of Almota, Washington, the first millstone ever used in the Territory. It was ground out of a piece of granite sometime in the 40's, and utilized by Indians near Al- powa to grind their grain. This .cereal they had been taught to grow by Missionary Spalding during his residence among them. Alpowa, where the stone was used, on the Snake river, below Lewiston, Idaho, is now within the limits of the county of which this history treats. This millstone is three feet in diameter, one foot in thickness and has a round hole in the center seven or eight inches in di- ameter. One of the earliest actual settlers in the present Garfield territory was Parson Quinn. In i860 he located on Pataha creek, eleven miles west of the present city of Pom- eroy, where he resided until his death, at the age of eighty years, June 26, 1900. Par- son Quinn was born on Long Island, New York, March 17, 1820. At the age of twelve he went to New York City, where he lived six years with a Mr. Murphy. Following a short subsequent residence in Iowa he migrated to California in 1852, where he engaged in min- ing. He came to Olympia in 1854, and was employed in logging until the Indian war of 5°° HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. 1856-7, in Washington, through which fierce struggle he passed heroically and with honors. At the time he settled on Pataha creek there was only one other house in his vicinity. Throughout his life Parson Quinn was noted for his ostentatious hospitality, and it is said that he never turned any one away from his cabin hungry when he had within anything to eat. February 11, 1893, the Pomeroy East IVashingtonian said editorially: "Parson Quinn came into Pomeroy on the train Monday night to attend superior court. Parson is the oldest settler on Pataha creek, having located here in i860. He has never been east of the state since then except when he visited Lewiston to purchase supplies a few years ago. Parson's ride Monday was the first he had taken on a train since he first set- tled on the Pataha, and the first railway train he saw after leaving the east in 1852 was the construction train on the Pataha road." The first dwelling house constructed in the present Garfield county was on Pataha creek. It was built by Thomas Riley, who soon after- ward disposed of it to James Rafferty. Among the other pioneers along Pataha creek, aside from Parson Quinn, were James Bowers, 1 861 ; J. M. Pomeroy, 1864, an d James and Walter Rigsby, 1865. Bowers located on the present site of Pataha City. Pomeroy's claim was the present townsite of the city of Pom- eroy and county seat of Garfield county. It was during the unusually severe winter of 1861-2 when practically ' all the stock of eastern Washington perished, that two men lost their lives in Garfield county, near the head of what, from that dismal date, has been known as "Deadman Hollow." The unfortu- nate men were supposed to have been on their way from Florence, or the Oro Fino mines, to Walla Walla, and lost their way in the drifting snow, perishing from cold, hunger and exhaustion. The remains were discovered the following spring and buried. A monu- mental pile of rough, basaltic rock was erected on the spot one mile from the Dayton and Lewiston road. In the spring of 1862 sparse settlements were made along the route of the stage road from Walla Walla to Lewiston, on the Pataha and Alpowa, so soon as the line was estab- lished. The land in the vicinity at that period was considered fit only for cattle grazing. July 2, 1904, the East IVashingtonian said: "Speaking of old-timers who have had continuous residence within that region now included by the boundary lines of Garfield county, perhaps Mrs. Peter McClung would be a prominent figure in that class. On July 4,. next, she will have been here thirty-nine years, seven months and one day, or all of her life,, except three months. The next on the list, we believe, is Andy Lee, of Alpowa, who has re- sided here continuously since 1865. Charlie Ward will come next, having held continuous residence since 1866. We believe Allie Ows- ley is the oldest native son. He was born on the Pataha creek, near 'Rafferty's,' in Septem- ber, 1869, while the Owsley family were on their way to settle on the place which they still occupy, five miles below Pomeroy. The oldest married couple are Mr. and Mrs. Solomon Ashby, whose wedded life covers a period of more than fifty-nine years. C. A. McCabe is an- other one of the prominent old-timers. He came to this country in 1865 and was camped on the Tucanon, at the point where Marengo is now situated, on the night of President Lincoln's assassination, April 14, 1865." Frank McBrearty located a farm on Pa- taha creek about 1864, and made his home there practically all the time until his death, in November, 1899. Joseph M. Pomeroy, from whom the cap- ital of Garfield county was named, was one of the very earliest pioneers in that portion of Walla Walla, which is now Garfield county. He came to Washington Territory in the spring of 1863, taking charge of a ranch and stage station where is now the present site of HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. 501 Dayton, Columbia county. In December, 1864, he purchased the land on which the city of Pomeroy now stands. Here he conducted a farm and raised stock until 1877, when he laid out the town site of Pomeroy. Says the East Washingtonian : "J. M. Pomeroy was born in Ashtabula ■county, Ohio, March 20, 1830. In 1850 he moved to Illinois and crossed the plains to Oregon in 1852. He spent part of the time that year in mining at Sailor Diggings, in southern Oregon, returning to Salem, Oregon, that winter on foot. The following year he took up a claim in Oregon. Having learned the wagon maker's trade in the east, he estab- lished a wagon shop in Salem, and carried it on for five years. "In 1863 he came east of the Cascade Mountains and had charge of the stage station and ranch where Dayton now. stands. That fall he went back to Salem, sold his ranch and wagon shop and came out to this country, but sickness detained him until the spring of 1864. On the 8th of December, 1864, he purchased the ranch on which the city of Pomeroy now stands from a man named Walter Sunder- land." Taking a retrospective glance at the earlier history of Garfield county the Walla Walla Union -of April, 1894, says: "A quarter of a century or more ago there were two famous eating houses on the stage road between Walla Walla and Lewiston, houses which were the occasion of many heated ar- guments between those who had been over the road as to which was the better, houses at either of which the traveler, tired and sore from the lurching of the stage, was sure of a sub- stantial meal, the memory of which as it flitted through the brain, lingered and made the mouth water. These were the houses which the familiar, all-pervading, time-serving drummer contracted into Turn's' and 'Freeman's.' The former was located near what is now the cen- ter of the thriving city of Pomeroy; the lat- ter was on the Alpowa, about half way between Turn's' and Lewiston. Coming passengers dined at Pomeroy's ; going they took break- fast at Freeman's. Possibly stage passengers have eaten better cooked meals and sat down to more attractive tables than those found at Freeman's and Pomeroy's, but they never said so while at either place, or elsewhere. Delicious bread, fresh from the oven, that which was properly seasoned by age, sweet butter, thick cream in genuine coffee, meats done to a turn, chicken fried or .stewed, vegetables in their season, fruits, pastry, each and all 'fit to set before a king," were provided in profusion in both places. In winter huge fires in equally huge fire-places thawed out the frozen trav- eler. In summer cold buttermilk cooled his heated blood and washed the alkali dust out of his throat." In 1 86 1 Mr. Freeman and A. E. Lee came from Oregon and settled on the Tucanon river, three miles below Marengo, in the pres- ent Columbia county. They remained there until 1865, and then purchased of Mr. Turner the place on the Pataha lying east of Raff- erty's." They went to the Alpowa in 1870, making their home at a place, one mile be- low the Lee residence,, afterward purchasing the latter location from Dan Favor. Newton Estes was the original settler in Deadman Hollow, going there in 1870, where he was extensively engaged in raising horses and cattle. Subsequently Samuel T. Jones, Frank Ping, John Linn and Archie McBrearty located along the stream. The dawn of agriculture in Garfield county appeared in 1870. That season a few persons on Alpowa ridge and Pataha prairie raised crops of grain that soon attracted the attention of others, and induced them to locate farms in that fertile tract. Among the earlier settlers on Pataha prairie were Rev. Mr. Calaway, 1870; Isaac Coatney, '1871 ; William Chester, 1871 ; B. F. Morris, 1871 ; Derrick Zemmel, 1871 ; Robert Storey, spring of 1872. In the fall of 502 HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. 1872 the prairie received quite a settlement. Settlement in other portions of what was later to become Garfield county was tardy, owing to the fact that lands nearer the Columbia riyer were not all taken, and it was then the popular impression that the best and most profitable land lay along the big and little streams of Washington Territory. The Alpowa "Toll Road" was among the earliest constructed highways in the county. For a term of twenty-five years the Alpowa Toll Road Company was operated, it having been incorporated by B. B. Hayward and M. Fettis, November 9, 1872. This road was built and March 20. 1873, it was sold to N. A. \\ neeler. From that date until May, 1892, Mr. Wheeler lived at the toll house and personally superintended the operation of his road. On the latter date, for the consideration of $1, he deeded this thoroughfare to Garfield county. About 1872 Mr. and Mrs. McBrearty came to the Pataha creek country and settled on what is still known as the McBrearty farm, twelve miles below Pomeroy, where they lived continuously, with the exception of four years, until their deaths in 1900 and 1902 respectively. At the time Columbia county was formed in 1875, there was probably less than 200 set- tlements in the region which was later set off as Garfield county, including the present Gar- field and Asotin counties. These 200 settle- ments would mean, doubtless, a population of 500 people. No town existed and no effort had been made to establish one other than the founding of a postoffice on the Pataha for the accommodation of those living along that stream. But the few years following 1875 witnessed a great change in this respect. The Pataha prairie and Alpowa ridge filled up with settlers ; the rich lands along Deadman Hollow were taken, and immigrants poured into and located upon a large proportion of the rich agricultural soil of the county. In 1876 Co- lumbia Center, the first town, was founded, and two years later Pomeroy, Pataha City and Asotin City came into being. ' A number of points for the shipment of grain along Snake river were also established in the late 70's. September 23, 1893, the Columbia Chronicle said : "About fifteen years ago (1878) we were up on the Alpowa creek at the house of an old- time stock raiser, whose name was Ray Al- phrey. He was feeling badly because the bunch grass hills were being taken up by peo- ple who wanted to 'farm.' 'Never mind,' says the old man, 'them fellows up on the hills will starve out some day, and we will get the range back. They will freeze out some time in the month of August.' " The first celebration of Independence Day within the Garfield county limits was on July 4, 1878. The exercises were held up in the Blue Mountains beyond the Pataha flats. It is recorded in the files of the Columbia Chron- icle by Editor H. H. Gale, that "the celebra- tion was a grand success in all respects so far as the people were concerned. A neat arbor for the orator, reader and musicians had been arranged in a lovely pine grove ; plenty of seats for the large crowd ; a substantial table which was loaded with eatables. The oration was well delivered; Judge J. C. Potter read the Declar- ation well ; the choir and string band furnished good music, but the day was cold and showery, the celebration was too far up the mountain for a comfortable temperature; however, it was a pleasant and memorable day in all other respects. In the evening a grand ball was given on Pataha prairie." Extending from Dayton to Lewiston, through Garfield county, the first telegraph line was established in 1879. I* passed through Pomeroy, affording that new town its first telegraphic connection with the outside world. The following year another line was built from Pomeroy to Colfax and Coeur d'Alene, and at the former place was estab- lished a United States signal service station. In the history of Columbia county will be HISTORY OF- GARFIELD COUNTY. 505 found a general description of the disastrous wind storm of January 9, 1880. We have here only to record its local features as it af- fected Garfield county and the vicinity of Pom- eroy. At the latter place the new Catholic church, the frame of which only was standing, was blown to the ground and a number of other buildings seriously damaged. In the mountains considerable timber was blown down and piled in windfalls many feet in height. The Pomeroy meat market was blown from its foundation, leaving one corner in the cellar, and the! Avhole building tipped to an angle of forty degrees. From Frary & Wil- liamson's drug store the tin roof was blown away ; the front was blown in from Mr. Stevens' buildings; Mr. Kimball's barn was razed to the ground. At Pataha City this proved the most se- vere storm ever experienced in that locality. It demolished a number of barns and sheds; rocked and unroofed several houses, causing the terrified inmates to fly to their cellars and the "brush." Although no one was injured the damage to property was considerable. A May View correspondent, describing the effects of the storm, stated that while there was no loss of life, property was damaged to a great extent. The house of D. McAllister was destroyed, leaving the family destitute of shelter. There were no electrical or cyclonic features accompanying this storm. It did not burst upon the inhabitants during the hot weather, supercharged with electricity from an overheated and oppressive atmosphere, like those sudden cataclysms of deadly significance known and feared on the plains of the Dako- tas, Minnesota, Nebraska and Kansas. It was a straight, heavy wind ; a midwinter gale, powerful and destructive, but accompanied by none of the more terrific effects of cyclonic disturbance. Within the territory that now comprises Garfield county railroad agitation first began in 1880. Discussion arose among the settlers concerning the matter of inducing some rail- way company to build a line through the country. And while the road promised in the following letter was not constructed until nearly six years later, the communication plainly indicates that the Oregon Railroad & Navigation Company was at that early day contemplating the building of such a road : Portland, March 4, 1880. Hon. T. C. Frary, Pomeroy, Wash. Dear Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 21st ult, relative to the desirability of the early construction of a railroad from your city to connect with the O. R. & N. Co., at Grange City, and in reply would say that a rail- road has already been located by the company, be- tween the points indicated, and will probably be constructed at as early a day as practicable with the work now in progress. We shall, at all times, be very glad of your co- operation and that of the people of Columbia county, and the securing of the right of way would have a tendency to hasten the commencement of the work. ******* Accept my thanks for your expressions relative to the disposition of the citi- zens of your vicinity and your own interest in the matter. Very truly yours, S. G. Reed, Vice President O. R. & N. Co. The severe winter of 1881-2, an account of which is given in the current history of Co- lumbia county, was felt equally in Garfield county territory. Almost daily reports were brought in from outlying districts of large numbers of stock dying in various localities, and the loss was heavy, as was the case throughout the whole of the settled portion of the territory. The enabling act creating Garfield county located the county seat at Pataha City, but in addition declared that it should be permanently located at a special election to be held January 9, 1882. Immediately following the passage of the bill the gentlemen named as commis- sioners met at Pataha City, and Garfield county became an established fact. Unfortunately the first journal of the commissioners has been 5°4 HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. destroyed. It is known, however, and the proof is voluminous, some of which we shall quote, that the creation of Garfield county was followed by the most bitter county seat contest ever waged in the territory or state of Wash- ington. The movement to create a new county from the eastern part of Columbia commenced in 1880. .Settlement of the Pataha and Asotin valleys, and in short, nearly all of the numer- ous valleys in what are now Garfield and Aso- tin counties, during the years 1878, 1879 and 1880, had been extensive and it was consid- ered by many that the time had arrived for the formation of a separate county government. At the time, however, the sentiment in favor of this new departure was not sufficiently strong to make any great headway along the lines of the creation of a new county. Oc- tober 9, 1880, the Columbia Chronicle anent this subject, said : "A talk with many of the leading men from various parts of the county reveals the fact that the people are in no great hurry for a di- vision. It is generally conceded that the county is too large when the immense canyons and peculiar lay of the country are taken into consideration, but it is also conceded that the eastern portion of the county is not at the pres- ent time prepared to support a county organi- zation. A talk of a division is, therefore, at this time, premature. The people of the west- ern portion of the county are in favor of form- ing a new county when the eastern portion de- mand it." But nothing came of the agitation in 1880. The following year, however, more settlers came into the upper country, and then they de- cided — not to form a new count}- — but to se- cure the county seat. And, indeed, it was surprising to note the number of new competitors that sprang into the field to contest for county seat honors. Hereto- fore these little hamlets had remained quies- cent; content to pursue the quiet, agriculture tenor of their ways, but suddenly they each and all became aggressive, flamboyant, and vocif- erous. One townsite was laid out at the mouth of Alpowa ; one at the foot of the grade on "Rafferty's" place. This was at first christ- ened Belfast ; afterward Mentor, the name of President Garfield's home in Ohio. Mentor came into existence in 1881 for the sole pur- pose of becoming a candidate for the county- seat. It was laid out as a town site, on the Pataha, about six miles from Pomeroy. It was better known as "Rafferty's ranch." A num- ber of people, believing that there was a chance to secure the county seat at this point, took hold of the project and worked at it indus- triously. December 17, 188 1, a Mentor cor- respondent of the Chronicle, wrote as fol- lows : "The town of Mentor desires to have a fair chance in the contest. We stand on our own merits. We have a good townsite on the Pataha creek ; good roads running to the place. The greatest wheat growing country in the Territory is tributary to it. The Pataha and Lewiston survey runs to this place ; the road will, no doubt, be built in time to take away next year's crop. We are very sorry we did not ask for the capital of the Territory instead of the countyseat, but will try that next time. This place is well known, and is as near the center of the county as it is possible to locate a town. Lumber is being hauled for buildings, and the proprietor, Mr. Rafferty, is very lib- eral in his donation of land for county pur- poses. Mentor is the place for the people. You will hear this place called Dublin, Limerick and Ireland." Melancholy was the fate of Mentor. A sarcastic correspondent in the Chronicle writes, under date of February 11, 1882: "The lumber pile, which constituted the town of Mentor, has been purchased by Mr. Scott and will be brought to Pomeroy. Like HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY 505 Mahomet and the mountain : If the countyseat would not go to Mentor, Mentor will go to the countyseat." Aside from the two towns mentioned as contestants, there were Asotin, Asotin City, Columbia Center, Pataha City and Pomeroy, all in line for the capital of Garfield county. But the formation of a new county from the eastern portion of Columbia was really brought about by the people of Pomeroy. They were decidedly anxious to wrest the countyseat from Dayton, of course a perfectly proper emulative spirit. It seemed only a question of time when such a decision must be made, yet it was now considered certain that it would not have eventuated for several years had Pom- eroy not taken steps in 1881 to contest with Dayton for possession of the court house, jail and county records. At that period Dayton was in the extreme western portion of Colum- bia county, including, of course, the present Garfield and Asotin counties. It could scarcely hope to retain the countyseat whenever the eastern portion of the county should become thickly populated. So when the agitation for countyseat removal was begun by Pomeroy, Dayton saw disaster ahead — loss of the county capital — and when the voting test came she turned, in self-defense, to the county division plan. In his history Mr. Gilbert says : "As the population thus increased and the valuation of taxable property became greater the people felt more and more the injustice of having the countyseat located at the extreme west end of Columbia county, which compelled them to travel many miles to transact official business, or attend court terms at Dayton. Added to this general sentiment there was a lo- local feeling of rivalry between Pataha and Pomeroy that led them to desire the countyseat for the commercial advan- tage and consequent ascendancy over its rival that the possession of that prize would bring to the town fortunate enough to secure it. The removal of the county- seat from Dayton to some point on the Pataha was extensively discussed in 1880, the project impressing favorably those whose in- terests would be benefited thereby, while those whom such a move would injure were adverse to its consummation. The citizens of Dayton were deeply interested in keeping the seat of justice in their thriving town; those along the Tucanon desired its location at Marengo or some other point on that stream ; while the set- tlers still further east wanted it placed on the Pataha or some convenient locality in their end of the county. The people of Dayton be- gan to realize that possibly a majority of vot- ers were in favor of a removal, though as yet divided in their opinions as to the proper place to locate it and they felt that at any time a combination might deprive them of that which had been an important factor in building up their town. "This matter apparently slumbered until a short time before the legislature met in the fall of 1 88 1, when the people of Pataha pre- pared a petition requesting the legislature to provide for the countyseat removal, or to call an election to permanently locate it. The news of this move came to the people of Dayton at the time they were shut out from the world by the scourge of smallpox that had fastened upon the town, and they at once realized the danger menacing them. To do nothing was to lose the countyseat. Some of the wiser ones saw clearly that, even if the movement was temporarily defeated, it was certain to be suc- cessful in the end, and at once advocated the creation of a new county, which idea the Pataha people endorsed, and thereafter worked to ac- complish that object." The following graphically explains the at- titude of the Dayton people as voiced by the Columbia Chronicle October 8, 1881 : "An earnest effort is being made by the citizens of Pomeroy and vicinity to move the countyseat to that town. We object. The county is large enough for two good counties, 506 HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. and the valley or canyon of the Tucanon throughout its greater portion affords a na- tural boundary. The people of this section are willing to allow the eastern portion a county organization whenever they wish it, as the di- vision must come sooner or later. It is re- ported that two of our representatives in the legislature are pledged to the removal and also to give several more townships to Walla Walla county to buy its influence. They do not pro- pose to give the people an opportunity to vote on the question, as they fear the result, but aim to have the change made by the legislature without consulting the wishes of the voters of the whole county. We agree with our Pom- eroy correspondent that it is unjust to compel people east of Tucanon to come here to trans- act business, but it would be equally as unjust to compel people on this side to go to Pomeroy. The only just and equitable way out of the dif- ficulty is to divide the county on the line indi- cated and allow the citizens of the new county to locate their countyseat. But with the countyseat of Columbia county beyond the Tucanon nineteen-twentieths of the people of this vicinity would petition to be attached to Walla Walla county, as with the present fa- cilities for travel it would be most convenient, to say nothing of the great advantage of join- ing a wealthy county with public buildings erected and paid for and a brilliant future be- fore it. This, however, only as a last resort. We trust the legislature will take no hasty ac- tion in this matter, but will give all parts of the county ample opportunity to be heard." The Pomeroy correspondent of the Chron- icle thus set forth his side of the question, on the same date, as follows : "The countyseat business is receiving some attention in this end of the county. Whether it will result in anything more than a grand stir-up we cannot tell. We do not wish to in- jure Dayton, but think in justice they should divide up a little, and as they have the term- inus, let us have the countyseat. We are in the center of population as well as in the geo- graphical center of the county, and it is simply justice to the people at large that the change should be made." More than 1,000 names of voters were signed to the petition for the removal of the countyseat to Pomeroy. In the town of Thron nearly every citizen in the place signed it. Again harking back to county division the Chronicle of October 15, 1881, said: "From letters in our possession we are sat- isfied that the present legislature will not take the responsibility of changing the countyseat of the county without submitting the question to a vote of the people of the county. There is but one member of our entire delegation in favor of such change. We suggest to our Pomeroy friends that in order to avoid any further trouble on this question and to keep down sectional strife, they consign their peti- tion to the flames and get up a petition for a division on a fair line. Such a petition would be signed by nine-tenths of the voters of this portion of the county and would meet with no strong opposition anywhere." Again the Pomeroy correspondent comes to the front : "The people demand a change, and if the legislature will not move the countyseat they are" requested to give us a chance to vote on it. We do not want a division ; neither do we want to join Idaho; though Dayton wants to join Walla Walla. Your idea is that if you can't be the big toad you don't want to stay in the puddle. The same spirit actuated South Caro- lina in 1861." But the bill authorizing the people of Co- lumbia county to again vote upon the ques- tion of countyseat removal was killed in the Territorial qouncal. Wej say "again" advis- edly, for in 1876, as explained in the History of Columbia County, there had been a county- seat contest between Dayton and Marengo, both HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. 5°7 now in Columbia county. Concerning the re- sult of this last measure in the council the Chronicle drew the following conclusions : "It is not likely another effort will be made in this direction this session. It is to be re- gretted that any move looking to any county- seat change was made, as it has engend- ered bitter sectional feelings which will mani- fest themselves in various ways at unexpected times, and always to the detriment of the best interests of the whole county. The Chronicle sees no way out of the difficulty but in division, which all admit to be certain, sooner or later. Had no effort been made to change the county- seat the question of division would not have been raised, as this end of the county, being satisfied with the present arrangement, favors division only when demanded by a respectable portion of the eastern end of the county. The remonstrances which Dayton first sent out con- tained a clause which, though intended simply to express this feeling, conveyed a wrong im- pression and was recalled, and simple remon- strances, without any reference to division, cir- culated instead. Let our position be not mis- understood. We prefer division to a change of countyseat. We believe, in view of the ex- isting bitterness, division would be the best and only remedy. But any movement in that di- rection must come from the east of the Tuc- anon, when it will be promptly endorsed by a large majority of the people of this section. Taxes need not be increased, as the rate for county purposes is now at the extreme limit of the law, eight mills. Send along your petition for division and stop this 'Will Remember at the Next Election.' " After the Territorial legislature had re- fused to remove the countyseat from Dayton to Pomeroy or to permit the people to vote on the proposition, nothing but county division remained in sight. The session was fast draw- ing to a close. Quick work was demanded by the people of eastern Columbia county. Im- mediately a bill was introduced in the legis- lature. In regard to the debate on this meas- ure the Olympia correspondent of the Portland Oregonian, writing under date of November 25, 1881, said : It seems that every movement that brings us nearer to the close of the legislative session is fraught with some startling event. On Wednesday- morning C. B. 123 was taken up and the matter of the new county of Garfield was brought under con- sideration of the lower house. With some difficulty it was ascertained that the new baby about to be born is the offspring of Columbia county, and the advent is as anxiously expected as was that of the daughter of the Queen of Spain; although its future life may not have such an effect on the nations at large as the latter. The bill had been referred to a select committee consisting of Messrs. Freeman, Clark and Steen, and as was anticipated a majority report signed by Messrs. Freeman and Clark, and a minority report signed by Mr. Steen, were pre- sented and accepted by the house; 'the majority recommending that the bill do not pass; the minor- ity being of a contrary opinion. Mr. Freeman moved that the majority report be adopted, which is, I believe, contrary to the usual rules of etiquette in such assemblies, as such a motion is generally made by some one not of the committee; however, in this case is was different, and the speaker thereupon put the question. Mr. Steen then took the floor and informed the house that he was well acquainted with the county if Columbia, and that it was only since the bill was introduced in the house to change the county seat from Dayton to Pomeroy that the matter of division was seriously sprung. The question referred to a petition now before the house containing 560 names of influential citizens, who have asked for a division, and he believed the only way in which this petty jealousy could possible be settled would be to grant the prayer of the petition and divide the county. He fully believed that the upper end of the county, now to be called Garfield, in honor of our late presi- dent, would be able to support her new honors and dignity. If left to him individually he would not like to see a division, but he did not believe in ignor- ing the petition of 500 good citizens, who fully understood their own wants and knew what they were asking for. Mr. Freeman proceeded to reply to the various propositions submitted by the last speaker, especi- ally in reference to the number and quality of the names on the petition, some of which, he stated, hailed from Idaho; others were school children and one was an Indian. The gentleman had also re- ferred to a discrepancy regarding the number of actual voters on the petition, at the same time accusing 5 o8 HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. the father of the bill of taking away the right of the people by making no provision for them in his bill, except giving them the school tax. He, also, believed that the matter on which the people pe- titioned had not been properly represented to them. Mr. Clark gave the following reasons for sup- porting the majority report: i. Because the line as set forth in the bill is not where a single one of the petitioners requested, or where the advocates of the measure acknowledge it should be. 2. The people have not demanded it. 3. Because the actual and boni fide petitioners of the age of 21 years and upwards do not exceed 250 or 300 at most, out of a population of 7,000. 4. Because it is presumed that all the names were obtained during the smallpox scare, so that a free interchange of opinion was thereby prevented on the issue now placed before the legislature. 5. That the petitioners have been misled by an unfounded, representation of the facts in the case by parties who have sought self aggrandizement rather than the public good. 6. Because it is detrimental to the interests of the county, inasmuch as it will increase taxation. 7. That it ignores a right held near and dear to every American citizen — the right of representa- tion in our legislative halls. 8. The issue was not raised during the canvass one year ago. 9. County seat question was the only incentive to what action has been taken to build up a place as desolate as the site where once stood the proud city of Babylon — a place, if I may except a flouring mill, near by, populated by bullfrogs, snakes and buzzards. The question now submitted to your con- sideration is, "Do as you would be done by." It having been suggested that Colonel George Hunter might throw some light on the subject, con- siderable discussion took place as to whether it would not, also, be well to invite Messrs. Ostrander, Stiles and Burk within the bar. However, the only motion carried was that of inviting Colonel Hunter; but the latter gentleman, after thanking the house for their courtesy, respectfully declined saying any- thing on the subject. Mr. Kuhn presented the matter fairly before the house and gave the members quite an insight into the status of the bill. Mr. Judson favored the majority report on the ground that the matter had only been sprung within the past twenty days, and he believed in allowing the majority of voters to be represented. Mr. Potter believed the pith of the matter lay in the fact of the question of changing the county seat, and he therefore asked the house to give the people a chance to decide on the question them- selves. The vote, having been taken on accepting the majority report, resulted as follows: Ayes — Messrs. Alexander, Catlin, Clark, Corn- wall, Freeman, Holcomb, Judson, Preston, Smith (of King), Smith (of Klickitat), Taylor and Mr. Speaker — 12. Nays — Messrs. Allen, Dillon, Karr, Kinkade, Kuhn, O'Neil, Raymond, Rees, Smith (of Whit- man), Steen, Van Eaton and Warman — 12. So the motion to adopt the majority report failed. At the afternoon session of the same day the bill was tabled subject to the order of the house, and what may occur yet regarding it a prophet could hardly tell. The further history of this legislation may be condensed in a very few words. H. B. 201, a substitute for C. B. 123, for the organiza- tion of Garfield county, provided that Colum- bia county should pay Garfield county $1,000, and temporarily located the countyseat at Pa- taha City, and this measure passed April 17, with only five votes against it. The measure was ratified by the council subsequently and it was approved by the governor November 29. In Columbia county the issue was not at- tended witl\many pyrotechnic displays — cer- tainly without much oratory. The only real controversy between the sections involved dur- ing the pendency of the division bill was con- cerning the dividing line. By the citizens of Pataha it was desired that the Tucanon form the boundary line between the two counties ; Dayton wanted the line to follow the surveyed sectional lines to the east of that stream. In perfect accord with Dayton were the settlers along the Tucanon, and for the reason that a majority of their farms lay on both sides of that stream; with the Tucanon made the line they would find themselves in both counties. There was still another reason ; Dayton now had a railroad; it was their shipping point; unless the countyseat could be located at Mer- ango — which was impossible — the Tucanon people per f erred to retain it at Dayton. The line finally adopted left the Tucanon and its settlers in Columbia county. Following is the enabling act passed by the HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. 509 Territorial legislature, creating the new county of Garfield. It included then what are now Garfield and Asotin counties, under the name of the former : "An Act to organize the County of Gar- field: "Section 1. Be it enacted by the Legislative Assembly of the Territory of Washington; That all that portion of Columbia county sit- uated within Washington Territory and in- cluded within the following limits, be, and the same shall be known as the county of Garfield, in honor of James A. Garfield, late President of the United States, viz. : Commencing at a point in- the midchannel of Snake river on township line between ranges 39 and 40 ; thence on said line south to the southwest cor- ner of township twelve (12), range forty (40) ; thence east on township line six (6) miles ; thence south to the southwest corner of section seven (7), township eleven (n), north of range forty-one (41) east; thence east one (1) mile; thence south three (3) miles; thence east one ( 1 ) mile ; thence south one ( 1 ) mile ; thence ' east one ( 1 ) mile ; thence south three (3) miles; thence east three (3) miles; thence south on township line to the Oregon line ; thence due east on said line to the divi- sion line between the Territories of Washing- ton and Idaho ; thence north on said dividing line to a point where it intersects the midchan- nel of the Snake river; thence down the mid- channel of Snake river to the point of begin- ning. "Section 2. That E. Oliver, Joseph Har- ris and N. C. Williams are hereby appointed a board of commissioners to call a special elec- tion of county officers for said Garfield county, and to appoint the necessary judges and in- spectors thereof; notice of which election shall be given and the said election conducted and returns made as is now provided by law : Provided, That the returns shall be made to the commissioners aforesaid, who shall can- vass the returns and declare the result, and issue certificates to the persons elected. "Section 3. That the justices of the peace and constables who are now elected as such in the precincts of the county of Garfield, be, and the 'Same are hereby declared justices of the peace and constables of said county of Garfield. "Section 4. That the countyseat of the said county of Garfield is hereby located at Pataha City until the next election, which is to be held On the second Monday of January, A. D., 1882, at which time the highest number of the legal votes of said county, given for any one place, may permanently locate the same. "Section 5. The county of Garfield is hereby united to the county of Columbia for judicial purposes. "Section 6. That all laws applicable to the county of Columbia shall be applicable to the county of Garfield. "Section 7. That all taxes levied and as- sessed by the board of county commis- sioners of the county of Columbia for the year A. D., 1881, upon persons or prop- erty within the boundaries of the said county of Garfield, shall be collected and paid into the treasury of said Columbia county for the use of said county of Co- lumbia : Provided, however, That the said county of Columbia shall pay all the just in- debtedness of said Columbia county, and that when such indebtedness shall be wholly paid and discharged all moneys remaining in the treasury of said Columbia county, and all cred- its due and to become due said county of Co- lumbia on the assessment roll of said year shall be divided between said counties of Co- lumbia and Garfield according to the assessed valuation of said property of the same year. Provided further, That nothing in this act be so construed as to deprive the county of Gar- field of its proportion of the tax levied for common school purposes for the above-named vear. 5io HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. "Section 8. The county of Columbia shall pay to the county of Garfield the sum of one thousand dollars ($1,000), over and above the amount provided for in this act, for its inter- est in the public property and improvements. "Section 9. The county of Garfield shall be entitled to two members of the house of representatives and one joint member of the council, with Walla Walla and Whitman counties. "Section 10. The county of Columbia shall be entitled to one member of the council and one representative in the legislative as- sembly of the Territory of Washington. "Section 1 1. All acts and parts of acts in conflict with any of the provisions of this act be, and the same are hereby repealed. "Section 12. This act to take effect and be in force from and after its passage and ap- proval. "Approved November 29, 1881." Thus Garfield county was created. The question was now sprung to whom belonged the honor of suggesting its name. F. W. D. Mays, of the Washington Independent, of Pomeroy, claimed the credit. The Columbia Chronicle, however, said : George W. Miller, our Snake river corre- spondent, is fairly entitled to that honor, for in the Chronicle of October 22, he says: 'This would leave the two wings of the coming Gar- field county about the same size.' At that time 'Rube' was howling for Pomeroy for the countyseat of Columbia county and opposing division." At the time of this division the new county of Garfield contained six townsites ; Asotin, Asotin City, Mentor, Columbia Center, Pa- taha City and Pomeroy. And each one of them yearned to become the capital of the county. Perhaps the strongest rivalry ex- isted between Pataha City and Pomeroy, as the other four aspirants were soon out of the running. The two leading contestants were only three miles apart on Pataha creek, and because of this fact Asotin City made strenu- ous efforts to secure the prize for the future, hoping that the divided vote along the Pataha would give them the coveted opportunity. By act of the Territorial legislature Pataha City had been named the temporary judicial cen- ter, but the same act had appointed January 9, 1882, as the date for a special election to lo- cate a permanent countyseat. Hence the fierce rivalry during the intervening period. Combi- nations were rapidly formed, and rumors of other coalitions more or less tangible filled the air. While the bulk of the voting strength of the new county was in the western part, for a certain period it seemed as if the new town of Asotin, in the extreme eastern portion, might prove a winner. This anomaly was owing to the fact that there were three candidates in the eastern field. Bitter rivals had been Pa- taha City and Pomeroy since their respective townsites had been surveyed. The claims of Mentor added to the complication. Thus, it was reasoned by many, the west side vote would split and Asotin secure the honor. Pom- eroy people asserted that rather than see Pom- eroy the countyseat Pataha City would throw its vote to Asotin; Pataha City said the same thing about Pomeroy. Results showed that both were wrong; a bare handful of votes were secured for Asotin from the west side. Just before the election it was announced that a compromise had been effected between Pataha City and Mentor whereby all the electors in the latter town were to cast their votes for Pataha City. A canvass was made and a petition circulated, the sign- ers of which agreed to go with the majority. This canvass showed Pataha' s strength to be 210; Mentor's 108. At the close of a heated campaign of six weeks the vote on January 9 resulted in a victory for Pomeroy ; Pomeroy, 411 votes; Asotin City, 287; Pataha City, 259; Mentor, 82. Pomery's plurality was 124 over her nearest competitor — Pataha City. The county commissioners, sitting as a board of HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. 5ii canvassers, declared Pomeroy the capital of Garfield county. Still the end was not yet, for other complications arose and the countyseat contestants seemed only to have drawn off for a brief period to secure their second wind. February 6, 1882, the board of commis- sioners — E. O. Oliver, John A. Weissenfels and J. J. Kanawyer — met at the residence of William Davis, in Pomeroy. Mr. Oliver was elected permanent chairman of the board ; the bonds of several of the newly-elected county of- ficers were approved. At the office of E. Stephens, on the following day, a second meet- ing was held, but immediately adjourned and there were no more sessions until the 21st of the month. As we have stated the contest for location was by no means ended with the election of Jan- uary 9. Suit was brought by the citizens of Pataha City against the county commissioners to restrain them from meeting at Pomeroy, and to show cause why Pataha City should cease to be the countyseat after the 9th of Jan- ary. "Rice vs. County Commissioners of Garfield County'' was the title of this cau- sus celebre. In chambers it was argued be- fore Judge S. C. Wingard. Sometime in Feb- ruary he handed down a bombshell — Sin the shape of a decision — that the law was defec- tive; the election void. Judge Wingard based his ruling on the fact that the enabling act failed to give anyone power to canvass the votes for countyseat; though it had appointed commissioners to supervise the election and canvass the votes for county officers in one section; the other section, providing for the countyseat election, being silent on the subject of counting and declaring the vote. This im- portant point was covered by no general law ; no one was authorized to give an authentic re- sult of the election; therefore, there had been no election. The order of injunction was made perpetual in the following particulars : 1. That all that part of the act pleaded in com- plaint respecting the submission of the location of the county seat of said Garfield county to the de- termination o.f the legal voters, that is to say, all that portion of section 4 of said act beginning with the words "at which time" to the termination of said section be, and the same is hereby declared by the court, inoperative, unconstitutional and void. 2. That the said pretended election in said complaint mentioned is by the court held a nullity and set aside. 3. That said defendants are forbidden from making Pomeroy the seat of government of Gar- field county. 4. That said defendants and each of them are enjoined from requiring any or all of the county officers of said Garfield county to remove their re- spective offices to said Pomeroy or there discharge the duties of their said respective offices. 5. That defendants and each of them are en- joined from incurring any indebtedness against said county or expending any of its funds in or about removing county officers to said Pomeroy, or in any manner attempting to make Pomeroy the seat of government of said Garfield county. That the following parts of the prayer of said complaint are refused by the court, to-wit: The court refuses to enjoin defendants from locating their offices at said Pomeroy, or from transacting there the county business of said Garfield county, or from their furnishing offices for all or any of the county officers of said county. The costs of this case are taxed to Garfield count}'. February 18, 1882, the Chronicle said: "Judge Wingard, in his remarks on the Garfield county case, said in substance that it was too bad that the will of the people should be overthrown through the asinine stupidity of the legislature. He called it a moral crime. His remarks in this direction were favorably received."' The decision of Judge Wingard left the capital of Garfield county, metaphorically, in the air. The organic act had distinctly de- clared Pataha City the countyseat "until the next election, which is to be held on the second Monday of January, A. D., 1882." Accord- ing to the decision Pataha City ceased to be a countvseat after that election. Practicallv the 512 HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. decision held that there was no legal county- seat; and that the commissioners could meet where they chose. The board decided to hold their sessions in Pomeroy, March 4, 1882, the Pomeroy correspondent wrote in the Colum- bia Chronicle : "Pomeroy is solid for the sheriff's, audi- tor's, probate judge's and treasurer's offices. The treasurer's office can be found at the store of Brady & Rush, with Mr. Rush as deputy treasurer." To compel the commissioners to meet at Pataha City a new suit was commenced, but it was decided adversely in June. In view of the foregoing it will be seen that Garfield county was wandering in the official wilder- ness, without a seat of government. But regular county business could not be checked by court decisions affecting only one material point. In the light of a digression it may be stated that the first assessment of Garfield county, 1882, showed the value of real estate to be $250,345 ; improvements, $111,834; personal property, $662,891 ; making a total valuation of all prop- erty assessed of $1,025,983. The taxes on this amount was $26,351.74. Following Judge Wingard's sensational de- cision it was evident that recourse must be had to the next Territorial legislature, con- vening in the fall of 1883. Pomeroy, while not legally the countyseat, was, nevertheless, the place where the commissioners elected to transact their official business. No one could anticipate the action of the legislature. Num- erous plans, good and' absurd, were suggested for quieting the countyseat title. The atti- tude assumed by the citizens of Pomeroy was this : "We have won the contest at the polls, but through a defect in the enabling act lost the fruits of victory. We insist that th&!% Pomeroy, county seat ox Garfield county HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. 533 in a flouring mill enterprise to be operated by power furnished by water from Pataha creek. This is a small, brawling stream, coursing through a narrow valley lying between high, steep, grass-covered hills. As superintendent of construction of this mill Patter employed William Jones, the well-known grain buyer of Walla Walla. Mr. Jones was then fresh from learning his trade of millwright in Canada. But Jones soon found what he considered more lucrative employment and relinquished his contract to another millwright. To this pro- ject Mr. Pomeroy contributed $2,000. The mill was built; the town started; named Pom- eroy, and the results are before us. Settlers began to flock in and the farm- ing industry increased to a most gratifying ex- tent. Quite thickly settled was the country back of and surrounding Pomeroy. Naturally the people soon felt the constantly increasing ne- cessity of a trade center in their vicinity. Hav- ing laid out his town Mr. Pomeroy made lib- eral offers of land to induce an enterprising class of business men to locate there. B. B. Day opened a store in the fall of 1877. in which he carried a large stock of goods ; Dr. T. C. Frary and F. E. Williamson embarked in the drug business. The townsite plat of Pomeroy was filed for record May 28, 1878. Those who platted the town were Joseph M. Pomeroy, Martha J. Pomeroy, Benjamin B. Day and Minnie A. Day. It is located on the east half of the south half of the southwest quarter of section 31, and the west half of the south half of the southeast quarter of section 31, in township 12, north range 42 east. Additions since that time : Wilsons, by E. T. Wilson and J. M. Pomeroy, June 13, 1882. Day's by Minnie A. Day and B. B. Day, August 12, 1882. Pomeroy's, by Martha J. St. George and William S. Day, September 20, 1881. Mulkey's, by Logan P. Mulkey and Charles J. Mulkey, November 14. 1882. Darby's, by Walter L. Darby, August 16, 1884. Depot, by the Columbia Valley Land & In- vestment Company, April 30, 1886. Patters, by William C. Patter, August 26, 1887. E. M. Pomeroy's, by E. M. Pomeroy. No- vember 28, 1892. Crystal Spring, by S. G. Cosgrove, July ?9. 1902. Highland, by H. C. Benbow and E. V. Kuykendall, July 9, 1902. Stephens', by Frank C. Stephens, March 29, ^904. April 20, 1878, the following new.? item was published in the Dayton Columbia Chron- icle concerning the new town : "Mr. J. M. Pomeroy, of that flourishing little city, was in town (Dayton), this week. Pomeroy is a candidate for commercial hon- ors and is surrounded by a fine agricultural district. The scarcity of lumber has been a serious drawback to its growth, but this sum- mer the sound of the saw and hammer will be heard there almost constantly." The second building erected in Pomeroy, the one immediately following the old St. George hotel, was put up by Gustavus A. Par- ker in the spring of 1878. The same spring additions were made of a livery stable, black- smith shop, another hotel and a brewery ; Pom- eroy was fast blossoming into a village. Three miles distant was the rival city of Pataha. At one time so strenuous was the competition be- tween the two towns that Mr. Pomeroy do- nated lots on Main street to any one who would locate there in business of any description, thus waiving the profit on the sale of his land in the interest of the town at large. H. H. Gale, the first editor of the Colum- bia Chronicle, in July, 1878, paid a visit to the new town of Pomeroy and had this to say of it : "This is a new town, but admirably lo- cated and laid out : it has good water power, 534 HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. probably the best on the Pataha. It is growing rapidly, the great cry being for lumber with which to improve. Its business men are, cer- tainly, of the best class that ever established a new town. J. M. Pomeroy, the proprietor, is a man of enterprise and liberality, and Mr. Pomeroy presides over the best table a trav- eler finds between Lewiston and Portland. We had a very pleasant day at Pomeroy. Found Ben Day completely overrun with customers, and his mill running night and day. Mulkey Brothers are doing an extensive hardware business. Frary & Williamson do a profitable drug business. Tatman is kept busy in the livery stable, and Karnahan is the 'wet gro- cery' dealer. The cellar for the mammoth brewery is almost completed." The growth of Pomeroy continued to be particularly rapid. In March, 1879, we find the following business houses in the pretty lit- tle town : B. B. Day, general merchandise and grist mill ; Mulkey Brothers, hardware and tinware ; Frary & Williamson, drug store ; G. A. Sawyer, Pomeroy hotel; Caloway Broth- ers, livery stable ; Scholl Brothers, brewery. In October, of the same year, a correspondent of the Columbia Chronicle said: "The village of Pomeroy does not make a good pasture range, but for all that a band of sheep made themselves obnoxious traveling through the streets at a good, lively pace, with a dog or two in their immediate rear, by roost- ing under buildings and sticking in their noses generally." In November, 1880, a militia company of forty men had been raised at Pomeroy by re- quest of General Smith, who had visited the place that month. They were a fine body of robust young fellows and they christened them- selves "The Pomeroy Rifles." But this com- pany did not remain long in existence, and it was ten years later when there was organized a permanent militia company. It was in 1881 that Pomeroy made an un- successful attempt to secure the county seat of Columbia county. The result of this effort was county division, and for a full account of this see the current history chapters preced- ing. It was the creation of Garfield county, late in the year 1881, that contributed to a "boom" of surprising proportions in the young town. Although Pataha City, Pomeroy's vig- orous and energetic rival, had been designated by the Territorial Legislature, as the temporary county capital, the Pomeroy people were confi- dent that at the coming election of June 9, 1882, they would be successful in "landing" the prize. Consequently the town was making a most flattering growth, although the period of her uncertainty concerning the final location of the county seat was prolonged several years. A Pomeroy correspondent of the Columbia Chronicle, of Dayton, writing a week or two after the new county was created, said : "Town property has advanced 100 per cent since the county was divided. New en- terprises have started in the new town and an era of prosperity dawned. It was during th.ese years of the early 8o's that Pomeroy gained the better of her rival and established the fact that she should be forever the leading tozvn of Garfield county." As we have told in the general history of the long continued fight for county seat hon- ors, we shall not repeat the details here. It was a never-to-be-forgotten struggle, and everyone realized that on the result hinged the future prosperity of the town. If Pataha City should secure the county seat, then that place would be the leading town of Garfield county and Pomeroy would be what Pataha City is today. Following is the early church and lodge history of the town of Pomeroy. The facts are, in the main, as related by Mr. Gilbert, in his history, written in 1882 : The Catholic Church of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart was organized in 1878, under the ministrations of Father Paaps, a visiting missionary priest. In November, 1881, Father Don M. Caesari came here to reside and HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. 535 in April last removed to Uniontown, continuing in charge here as visiting priest. The church is 60x35 feet, was commenced in 1878, and completed enough for oc- cupancy the following year. When fully finished it will cost $3,000. The membership is about 200, and a Sun- day school of about 30 scholars is under the charge of Father Don M. Caesari. Devotional exercises are also held in the school house by the Protestant denominations, and a Methodist min- ister is in charge of this circuit, residing in town. Last spring, 1882, Bishop Paddock donated $500 for an Epis- copal church and Rev. L. H. Wells raised $1,000 more by subscription in a few days. The building will soon be erected. It probably will be but a short time before the Methodists will build a house of worship, and others will, probably, follow in a few years. The fraternal societies, at that period, comprised the following: Evening Star Lodge, No. 30, A. F. & A. M., was granted a dispensation March 22, 1879, and was or- ganized April 1, of the same year, receiving a charter June 4, 1880. The charter members were Eliel Oliver, W. M'. ; Samuel G. Ellis, S. W. ; James W. Hull, J. W. ; J. F. Foard, T. ; Amos C. Short, S. ; B. F. Shonkwiler, S. D. ; Imri J. Scribner, J. D. ; Thomas Cunningham, S. S. ; J. Lynch, J. S. ; Henry Koucher, Tyler ; and S. M. Gough. Harmony Lodge, No. 16, I. O. O. F., was granted a dispensation March 29, 1879, and was organized May 16th. The first officers were Thomas C. Frary, N. G. ; Emil Scholl, V. G.; Frank E. Williamson, S. ; W. J. Schmidt, T. ; Alexander Henderson, I. G. Pomeroy Lodge, A. O. U. W., was instituted De- cember 21, 1880, with 29 members and the following officers: T. C. Frary, M. W. ; B. Hirsch, F. ; F. E. Williamson, O. ; W. E. Wilson, Recorder ; G. A. Parker, Receiver J. B. Lister, Fin. ; C. F. Green, G. ; D. C. Gardner, I. W. ; L. C. Lee, O. W. There was, also, a lodge of the Independent Order of Good Templars. Despite the sectional, factional and political war which prevailed over a considerable pe- riod between 1881 and 1884, Pomeroy con- tinued to improve. New business struct- ures sprung up ; a handsome school house, accommodating 200 pupils, was built ; two good churches were erected and another was under construction, and quite a large num her of substantial residences, together with other improvements testified to the faith of the people in the future of Pomeroy. By the latter part of 1884 the town had grown to such size that it ranked as the eleventh city in the Territory of Washington. This standing was determined by the vote at the general election held November 4, of that year, at which 540 votes were cast in Pomeroy, and there were only ten other towns which cast a heavier vote. However, this did not indicate that Pomeroy had a population of two or three thousand people, as would be indicated by such a vote today. It should not be forgotten that at that election the women were permitted to vote in the Territory, and there was, also, another law which appears strange at this late day; any resident of Washington Territory could vote for candidates for territorial officers at any place within the Territory they happened to be on election day ; and any resident of a county could vote for county offi- cers at any voting precinct within the county. It was a prevailing custom then in the thinly settled portion of the Territory for ranchers living in the vicinity of any town to do their voting there. Thus, while Pomeroy cast 540 votes at this election, it probably did not have a population greatly exceeding that figure. But as the same conditions prevailed in all portions of the Territory it is only fair to give Pomeroy the rank of eleventh in size at that period. Mr. E. T. Wilson, editor of the Columbia Chronicle, of Dayton, visited Pomeroy in August, 1885, and he tells how the town ap- peared to him at that time, as follows : "Pomeroy presents a lively appearance to the stranger as he enters the town from either direction, and as its inhabitants are noted for their enterprise and 'staywitheachothertive- ness,' we do not wonder at it. The town is now the county seat of Garfield county, con- tains about 600 inhabitants, and has an excellent school, three churches, one flouring: mill, three general merchandise and a number of grocery and notion stores, two blacksmith shops, two livery stables, two drug stores, two newspapers, two hardware stores, several agricultural im- plement warehouses, several saloons, a brewery. 536 HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. two wagon shops, two hotels, several restau- rants, an excellent opera house, a photograph gallery, one bank, one harness shop, two mer.t markets, one lumber yard, one water and one steam planing mills, a millinery store or two, and, in fact, every business necessity to the prosperity of a country town is represented in its midst, while the professions are represented by men of recognized ability. * * * The only thing necessary to add to Pomeroy's prosperity is a railroad up the Pataha." Monday evening, December 28, 1885, the taxpaying citizens of Pomeroy convened in Burlingame's hall. The object was to secure an expression on the subject of incorporation. S. G. Cosgrove was named as chairman ; C. B. Foote, secretary. As a result of the rather informal discussion and free interchange of opinion, a committee of six, consisting of M. F. Gose, Dr. Kuykendall, R. L. Rush, G D. Gibson, James O'Connor and James H. Robin- son were appointed to examine the bill then pending before the Territorial Legislature for the incorporation of Pomeroy, and to make such amendments as might be deemed advisa- ble or, if need be, substitute an entirely new bill. A large majority of those present at this meeting were in favor of incorporating, but there was a unanimity of opinion along the lines of keeping expenses to the minimum point. The committee appointed immediately set to work to prepare" a charter which might, it was hoped, recommend itself to the views of the greater number of the citizens of the town. The act creating a city government for Pomeroy passed the Washington Territorial Council January 27, 1886; February 2d the measure was ratified by the house. In 1899 Chester Kuykendall wrote in the columns of the Seattle Post-Intelligcnccr : "The city of Pomeroy was incorporated in 1886 by a special act of the legislature, and immediately began the grading of streets, building of bridges and laying of walks. This improvement has been carried on from year to year until Pomeroy is now one of the neates'. little cities in the state of Washington. Roads . leading to the city from every direction have been widened and greatly improved." The first meeting of the Pomeroy common council was held Wednesday, February 10, 1886. The officers named in the charter were J. M. Pomeroy, mayor; and C. B. Foote, John Brady, W. J. Schmidt, R. A. Rew and Jay Lynch, councilmen. At the first meeting, how- ever, R. A. Rew tendered his resignation, and S. G Cosgrove was appointed in his place. Frank E. Williamson was selected by the council as city recorder. At the second meet- ing February nth, Mr. Williamson tendered his resignation as clerk. The following offi- cers were appointed by the council at this meeting: Recorder, C. H. De Bow; attorney, M. F. Gose; justice of the peace, W. S. New- land, marshal, G. D. Gibson. The initial city election held in Pomeroy was on Monday, July 12th. Officers appointed for the supervision of the election were D. C. Gardner and David Dixon, judges; W. S. Newland, inspector, and I. C. Sanford and Frank Jackson, clerks. There were two tickets in the field, the People's ticket, with Elmon Scott for mayor; John Brady, William J. Schmidt, George Gibson, David Dixon and Dirk Zemel, for councilmen ; and the Citizens' ticket, with M. F. Gose, for mayor, and C. A. McCabe, D. C. Gardner, S. K. Hull, Jay Lynch and R. B. Potter, for councilmen. There were cast 218 votes with the following result: Mayor, Elmon Scott, 17 majority; councilmen, John Brady, C. A. McCabe, D. C. Gardner, S. K. Hull and Jay Lynch. The many bogus tickets circulated assisted in de- feating a part of the People's ticket. The city of Pomeroy is still maintained under this Ter- ritorial charter. The construction of a railroad to Pome- roy marked the beginning of many improve- ments in the town. The railroad company laid some half dozen side tracks to facilitate the HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. 537 handling of the season's crop, erected a depot, turn-table, water tank and many buildings. Other improvements by private parties were at once undertaken. A Pomeroy correspondent writing from there April 14, 1886, said: "It can be truthfully stated that Pomeroy has every indication of prosperity, and it will be very difficult indeed to find a town in the Ter- ritory where more energy and activity are dis- played in all undertakings than this.'' The assessed valuation of the town in July, 1886, totaled $145,930, divided as follows : real es- tate, $72,225; personal property, $73,605. In August, 1887, the leading citizens of Pomeroy filed articles with the county auditor incorporating the "Pomeroy Improvement Company." The object of this organization was to improve the town. The original capi- tal stock was $15,000, with the privilege of increasing this to $25,000. Forty per cent was paid in at its inception. Following were the officers and stockholders : G. B. Kuyken- clall, president ; S. G. Crandall, vice-president ; W. F. Noffsinger, secretary; T. Driscoll, treasurer; C. A. McCabe, H. C. Thompson, C. H. Seeley, trustees. The stockholders were C. A. McCabe, S. G Crandall. M. F. Gose, F. W. D. Mays, J. M. Hunt, Charles Kinzie, W. W. Swank, John Lacknitz, E. M. Rauch, W. S. Parker, F. E. Williamson, G W. Black, J. G Hughes, T. Driscoll, H. C. Thompson, W. N. Noffsinger, John Brady, G B. Kuyken- dall, John Rehorn, Charles H. Seeley, G L. Campbell, Elmon Scott, R. L. Rush, W. J. Schmidt, Herman H. Schlotfeldt, H. Darby, J. A. Darby and W. L. Darby. Of this enterprise Mr. Chester Kuykendall wrote as follows in the Seattle Post-Intelligen- cer, in May, 1899: "In 1887 the Pomeroy Improvement Com- pany was organized and incorporated 'for the purpose of engaging in milling, manufactur- ing, mechanical and building undertakings, and for the purpose of engaging in any and all other lawful undertakings, trade or business calculated to promote the general welfare and prosperity of the city of Pomeroy, in Wash- ington Territory.' "A magnificent water system furnishing abundance of water for irrigating purposes and fire protection was soon put in. A large reservoir 200 feet above the level of the city gives ample force for fire protection without the use of engines. In 1888 the city bought this system from the Improvement Company and has operated it ever since, extending the mains from time to time when they were needed. With the increase of population comes a demand for more and better water, and a proposition is now being entertained to double the supply and extend the system so that every citizen can have access to it, not only for fire protection and irrigation, but for culinary pur- poses as well. If this contemplated improve- ment is made Pomeroy will have an abundance of pure spring water." Agitation for a Pomeroy fire department was commenced in 1886. This was immedi- ately after incorporation was an accomplished fact, but it was not until the following year that a fire company was organized. In March, 1886, the city council had passed the following resolutions : "Resolved, That the city council of the city of Pomeroy regard the organization of an ac- tive and efficient fire department, known as the Pomeroy Hook and Ladder Company, as a matter of prime importance to the protection of its property, and be it further "Resolved, That we earnestly recommend that every effort be used to produce such an or- ganization by the citizens of this place, and we will assist and encourage, so far as practicable and consistent with our present condition, the organization and equipment of such a depart- ment." The East Washingtonicm said : "By all means let something be done to- ward protecting our town against fire. There is probably no town in the northwest more 538 HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. helpless against fire than Pomeroy. Our peo- ple have struggled hard through adverse cir- cumstances, and we are now seeing a beautiful, prosperous town grow up around us. Let us have a hand engine and a hook ana ladder company and some better provisions against a calamity that almost surely will come — and it may be quickly — upon us.'" The permanent organization of the Pome- roy Fire Department was effected at a meet- ing of citizens held July 23, 1887. A consti- tution and by-laws were adopted and the fol- lowing officers elected: M. F. Gose, president; J. M. Hunt, vice-president ; C. H. Seeley, treasurer ; J. W. Raff erty, secretary ; John Re- horn, foreman; H. St. George, first assistant; Charles Kinzie, second assistant. The en- rolled membership was over thirty. Late in that year the department purchased a hook and ladder truck and a hose cart. The first brick building in the city of Pomeroy was erected in the fall of 1887. This was the First National Bank of Pomeroy ; the cost was $20,000. This was followed by the Seeley block, which, while less costly, was not inferior in point of architectural beauty to the bank building. This period was an era of building enterprise. Many handsome resi- dences sprang up; mains for the new water works were laid. In 1887 the value of Pome- roy property was $223,923, divided as fol- lows : real estate, $42,485 ; improvements, $60,045; personal property, $123,393. Upon this prosperous condition the East Washing- tonian commented as follows in May, 1888: "Over a hundred houses will be built in Pomeroy before the end of 1888. If many of our citizens who think they are up with the times would take a stroll about town they would be surprised to see the amount of im- provements going on. While many of the houses are small and have rather a temporary appearance, be it remembered that most of them are occupied by their owners and are only the advance guard of future develop- ments, and will some day give place to fine, substantial residences, of which they are not a few already here, and others being built. Of our 1,000 population, probably, there is a smaller proportion who live in rented houses than in most any other town in the Territory. This shows that they have faith in the future of Pomeroy, and have come here to stay, and are coming every day, too." The year 1888 proved exceedingly prosper- ous. A number of handsome brick business houses and residences were built. In many other directions the improvements were of a most substantial character. Each day, for months, long trains pulled out of the town laden with wheat for the hungry millions across the sea, and still at the close of the year the warehouse were filled to overflowing. Post- office statistics are faithful and reliable indices of a town's prosperity. Figures for 1888 showed gross receipts of $2,105.25; the num- ber of money orders issued was 1,975, amount- ing to $2,140.93 ; fees, $177.51. The year 1889 was a repetition of 1888. Residence building continued steadily and all improvements were substantial. New side- walks were built and miles of streets graded. The census bulletin for 1890 placed the popu- lation of Pomeroy at 661. The East Wash- ingtonian objected to this return, and Sep- tember 12, 1 89 1, declared that the population was at least 1,000 souls. The first conflagration of importance fol- lowing the organization of the department in 1887 attacked Pomeroy Thursday morning, February 6, 1890. The fire broke out near the dividing wall between J. H. Hagy's boot and shoe shop and the dry goods store belonging to S. Kasper, on Main street. The flames swept forward with wonderful rapidity and both buildings were soon reduced to ashes. By the time the fire was discovered the flames had gained such headway that it seemed the whole east side of Main street was doomed, but by heroic work of the department the fire was HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. 539 confined within narrow limits. There was prevailing at the time quite a high wind. The occupants of the two burned buildings were heavy losers. Mr. Kasper's loss was $9,500, with insurance of $7,000. J. H. Fiagy's loss was $1,600 with insurance of only $500. Con- siderable damage was done to the drug store building and stock of Dr. Kuykendall by water. Judge Scott, the owner of the burned structures, sustained greater loss than any other individual. In October, 1890, Company H, National Guard of Washington, was mustered into service. This was a Pomeroy organization. This company was one of the first in the state and was pronounced by General O'Brien as "the finest appearing body of men in the Sec- ond Regiment." There were 43 men in line; officers were Captain Harry St. George, First Lieutenant Elmer R. Brady, Second Lieuten- ant J. W. Murphy. The company was mus- tered in October 2d, by Captain Wise, of Gol- dendale. The building record of Pomeroy for the year 1891 was one of which any county seat in the state might justly feel proud. Quite a number of substantial dwellings and business houses were erected ; there were few vacant buildings for rent and there was abundant evi- dence on every hand that Pomeroy, while tak- ing no backward step, was making a number of long strides forward. In addition to this building activity there were many street im- provements, electric lights, etc., and improve- ments were continued far into December de- spite the lateness of the season. With the incoming of the year 1893, how- ever, the town, in company with every other important center in the state — and union — ex- perienced the heavy hand of financial depres- sion. This unfavorable condition was con- tinued until the early part of 1896. Her status was no worse, proportionately, than that of any other town of similar size and environ- ments. The hitherto rapid course of her pros- perity was simply checked for a period of three years. In 1895 there were in Pomeroy few of the landmarks of ten years previous. In the main the buildings of those early days had dropped into obscurity, or out of sight entirely. Most of them had been replaced with substantial two-story brick edifices ; and during the more prosperous days preceding 1893, their occu- pants had transacted a flourishing, safe and conservative business. And when the financial gale burst full upon them a majority were en- abled to ride out the storm, and even as late as 1895 were conducting a fairly lucrative trade and wearing the smile of hope. In 1893 the city's debt amounted to $2,500. In September, 1896, at a meeting of the coun- cil arrangements were made to take up the last outstanding warrant against the city, thus wiping out the last of its indebtedness. In 1893-4 the tax levy hovered between 13 and 15 mills. Following these periods taxes were gradually reduced, the levy of 1896 being only six mills. Few towns in the state equaled this record. The most disastrous fire in the history of Pomeroy, up to the date mentioned, occurred Friday afternoon, July 15, 1898. The large planing mill of Henley Brothers, together with the dwelling house and blacksmith shop of Charles Morrison were destroyed. It was sup- posed that the blaze originated with a spark from the engine communicating with the plan- ing room. The most energetic work on the part of the firemen only prevented the flames from extending to other buildings. Mr. Clus- ter's barn was, also, totally destroyed. At that time all combustible material was so extreme- ly dry that it was almost impossible to check flames whenever they had obtained much heid- way. Unfortunately the owners of the prop- erty destroyed carried no insurance ; the blow falling heavily upon them all. The loss of the Henley Brothers was estimated to be from $12,000 to $14,000. while that of Mr. Morri- 54o HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. son was between $3,000 and $3,500. The family of Amos Legg occupied Mr. Morri- son's residence ; most of their household effects were destroyed. According to a report published in the East Washingtonian April 9. 1898, Company E, National Guard of Washington, was at that date in good fighting trim, their ranks fairly filled, and the men confidently expecting or- ders to move to the front. This company had a muster roll of 43 officers and men; every one of whom expressed willingness to advance to the front and take a shot at the Spaniards. Commissioned officers of the company were Harry St. George, captain; E. W. Gibson, 1st lieutenant; W. E. Greene. 2d lieutenant. The Pomeroy company was not called upon to be mustered into the United States service in the First Washington Regiment, although it was, as a whole, extremely anxious to go. A full account of the Pomeroy boys who enlisted in Company F, of Dayton, is given in the His- tory of Columbia County for 1898. Although the Pomeroy company was unsuccessful in getting into service under the first call, they succeeded at the second; July nth they were mustered in as Company C, of the Second In- fantry. Washington Volunteers ; the same day they left for the rendezvous at Tacoma, going later to Vancouver Barracks. Following is the list of officers and men mustered into serv- ice at that time : Commissioned Officers — Captain, Harry St. George ; First lieutenant, E. W. Gibson ; Second lieutenant, W. E. Greene. Non-commissioned Officers — First ser- geant. E. M. Pomeroy; quartermaster ser^- sreant, E. Weinberg:; sergeants. W. R. Davis, Louis Buchet, H. Alva Stiles. G. N. Ausman. Corporals— Reid Davis, W. S. Elliott, W. T. Mitchell. J. E. Harding. C. E. Ewart, H. C. Matheson, F. C. Dummond, O. T. Green, J. D. R. Brown, E. R. Sutherland, F. P. De Vinney, B. B. Bradley. Musicians — Ray J. Stevenson, John Neal. Artificer — Frank Sellers. Wagoner — W. N. Johnson. Privates — V. G. Allen, Max Alexander, George East, Horatio Fitters, B. B. Bradley, Henry S. Goggins, Bert Dodd, Clarence W. Long. H. P. Barnes, Robert Bon, O. D. Chard, Emanuel Cyrs, Charles Corey, Allison Chapman, Frank Youngs, W. L. Jones. J. W. Thomas, Michael Foley, Albert Kowhick, J. E. Leighton, Walter Fite, G. S. Childers. T. C. Brunton, O. D. Berry, J. A. Henderson, John McFarlane, Elmer Danes, John R. Nolan, George J. Volmer, Burr McMar- tin, J. H. N. Peterson, George S. Pat- terson, J. F. Walthall, Frank G Pot- ter, Richard Anderson, Charles Gonzales, Elisha Stephenson. Fred Peterson, Samuel O. Hoy, J. F. Richer, James P. Larson, M. El- liott, Richard Everley, P. A. Bonney, Lubwig Feise, Charles Brantner, Charles Gelder, James S. Jacks, Joseph Ruark, F. L. Pluss, John Gal- loway, Peter Kenney, Albert Hadley, J. C. A. Buckley, Thomas House, Charles A. Heller, Lewis Krack, Charles Jackson, M. Johnson, Bert Rogers, V. R. Ronan, Wesley McKee, Frank Messenger, Oscar C. Montgomery, Frank Moore, F. L. Martin, J. B. Hawkins, Edwin C. Snider, Leonard Tate, John Wheat- croft, M. R. Winger, E. C. Thompson, Will Wooten, L. J. Barneckley, Mitchell Ferris, L. D-. McCluere, Patric J. Conway, B. B. Smith, Peter Entz, Joseph Markel, Will Weed, W. O'Brien, Adolph Southerwaite. In July the identity of the Pomeroy com- pany was changed from the Second Regiment, Washington Volunteers, to the "Independent Battalion of Washington Volunteer Infantry." The latter part of October this batallion was mustered out of the service, and Company C was mustered out October 26th. On the 29th the Tacoma Ledger said : "The Independent Batallion of Washing- ton Volunteers is being mustered out at Van- couver, and the members are returning to their homes. Although coming into service too late HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. 54* T to see active duty at the front, these boys de- serve credit for the cheerful and soldierly man- ner in which they have performed the duties allotted them. That they did not reach the front was not their fault. They were ready to do whatever might be required of them." In 1898-9 the city of Pomeroy had a pop- ulation of 1,500; the volume of business was estimated at $1,000,000 annually. During the year 1899 there were more improvements than had been made in any other year of her his- tory; more new residences were built, more homes purchased, more repairs made and more real advance along all lines than ever before. Throughout the past winter' there had not been a vacant business house or residence to let ; all property had been selling for fair prices. Fi- nancially the city had proved an example for every other town in the state. She not only purchased, paid for, and extended her water system, graded streets, built bridges, erected a fire house and jail, bought hose, hose-carts, etc., but in May, 1899. had in her treasury $2,500; a like sum soon coming in from the tax levy ; and was entirely out of debt. The greatest fire known in the history of Pomeroy occurred July 18, 1900. Nearly half the business portion of the town was swept away. This was on Wednesday afternoon. In the saloon of E. J. Rice the fire originated. The entire front of the building was ablaze be- fore the hose carts could be run to the scene. A dense cloud of smoke and flames shot out of the north end, reaching half way across Main street. It was subsequently ascertained that the primal cause of the fire was a gas light generator in Rice's saloon. Messrs. Rice and Kirby were replenishing the tank ; a quantity of the gasoline was spilled upon the floor. A match, inadvertently struck by Kirby, ignited the vaporized fluid; a quantity of gasoline had, also, been poured into an open vessel ; this im- mediately took fire and the room was filled with a sheet of flame spreading to all portions of the inflammable building material within the space of a few moments. Two hose carts and a hook and ladder truck were quickly on the ground, but the three streams that were soon pouring on the flames did not appear to produce any material effect. Chief Thompson and his fire fighters worked manfully, yet des- pite their efforts the dry, wooden buildings on either side were rapidly licked up like a large quantity of shavings. It was feared that the whole business part of the town was doomed. As rapidly as possible goods were removed from all buildings situated within the fire zone on the south side of the street as far as the Treadwell livery stable on Fifth street. The implement store of E. M. Rauch, on the north side of the street was soon in flames ; fanned by a stiff gale from the west the fire made short work of all the business houses east of this point, with the exception of the blacksmith shop of Krouse & Hoffman, and T. E. Ben- bow's wagon shop. Among those overcome by the heat while fighting this fierce fire, or saving merchandise, were C. H. Seeley, G. L. Campbell, E. M. Rauch and Roy Stevenson. Slight burns were received by a number of others. Had it not been for most desperate efforts on the part of the fire fighters Seeley' s Opera House would have been destroyed ; this would, doubtless, have resulted in incalculable loss in the western end of the town. The property destroyed was fairly well insured. Following is a list of losses sustained : Dr. and C. E. Kuykendall, building occu- pied by Allen & Adams, $.1,500, insurance, $1,000; building occupied by L. L. Noble, $500, no insurance; drug store, damage to building and contents, $1,500, fully insured; Allen & Adams, grocers, $9,000, no insurance ; Stevenson-Ford Implement Company, $6,500, insurance, $1,000; G. W. Jewett, law library, $600, no insurance; E. W. Gibson, notes and accounts, $150, no insurance; Baldwin & Dick- son, office fixtures, $150, no insurance; C. H. Seeley, the Stevenson-Ford implement build- 542 HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY ing", $1,500, no insurance; the Pomeroy Mer- cantile Company's building", $8,500, insurance, $4,000 ; E. M. Ranch, implements and hard- ware, $12,000 to $15,000, insurance, $5,000; F. W. D. Mays. Independent plant and build- ing, $4,500, no insurance ; W. J. Rummens, stock, tools and building, $1,200, insurance, $200 ; James Lasity, barber shop, $600, no in- surance ; L. L. Noble, loss on stock, $600, light insurance; G. L. Campbell, building and office fixtures, $1,000, insurance, $500; L. G Cos- grove, building, $400 ; Davis Brothers & Morse, wagon and blacksmith shop, $3,000, no insurance ; Pomeroy Mercantile Company, general merchandise, $35,000, insurance, $25,- oco; H. Wenning, bakery, $2,500, no insur- ance; William Gammon, butcher shop build- ing, $800. no insurance ; Fox & Sons, photo- graph gallery, $1,500, no insurance; E. J. Rice, saloon, $2,500, no insurance; Mrs. S. Stephens, livery stable, $1,500; Miss Dun- ham, millinery, $1,000, insurance, $600; Mrs. Clark, restaurant, $250; Mrs. M. C. Moore, household effects, $500; Kirby & Irwin, sa- loon, $1,000, insurance, $600; T. C. Nye. jew- elry, $1,000; N. D. Nettle, grain office, $200; G. W. Black & Son. office fixtures and building. $3,000; Garfield County, office fixt- ures, supplies, etc., $7,500, insurance. $1,800; Val Loy, household goods and residence, $1,000, fully insured; William McEnery, build- ings, $1,500: Stephens Brothers, drug store, $10,000, small insurance; W. F. Cluster, building. $1,000; Foster & Robinson, build- ing, $1,000; A. Hobbs, tailor, $400; L. P. Mulkey, two buildings, $1,000; Mrs. A. L. Bush, building, $1,000; Mrs. Alice O'Connor, building, $150. The loss to Garfield county by this fire, through the burning of the court house was in the neighborhood of $10,000. This fire was followed by the usual results in western towns; in the month of October there were more substantial brick buildings in process of erection than ever before in the his- tory of Pomeroy. To assist in the rebuilding of the burned district the Oregon Railroad & Navigation Company granted, for a period of sixty days a reduction in freight rates on building material of about 33 per cent. Never before had the pulse of business activity beaten with stronger, fuller or more vigorous life throughout all the channels of local trade. Eleven new brick buildings, with an aggregate floor space of 63,000 square feet were in course of construction. For the pluck, energy and business enterprise of the citizens of Pomeroy this fact speaks volumes ; they possessed su- preme confidence in the future of the place and by their works they emphasized it. There was not a house for rent in any portion of the city ; new comers were compelled to build and every indication pointed to a rapid increase in popu- lation. This population, in March, 1900, ac- cording to the United States census, was 953, representing an increase of 292, or 44.1 per cent within the decade since 1890. February 22, 1902, the Columbia Chronicle said : "Those of our citizens who have not visited Pomeroy for a number of years will be greatly surprised at the improvements made there since the fire of two years ago. Main street has been built up almost entirely with brick buildings, and during the past year a number of fine dwellings have been erected. Besides these improvements there is a fine brick school building and a $20,000 court house just com- pleted. The city has an air of prosperity on every side and the good work is to be contin- ued until every modern convenience is installed and every comfort obtained that enterprise can suggest and money will buy. * * * * With good water works, electric lights and a sewer system, Pomeroy would be a most desirable place to live in. These things being in contem- plation, and with the enterprise behind them that has built the town, the day is not far dis- tant when they will be realized." August 4, 1902, Pomeroy citizens were called upon to vote on. the ratification or rejec- HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. 543 tion of an ordinance designed to give the. city an adequate supply of pure spring water. Since the incorporation of Pomeroy the water ques- tion had been a most important one in the minds of the people. Mass meetings had been held and divers plans discussed concerning it at various times for fifteen years. It was then discovered by an engineer that an immense supply of spring water was going to waste, only two and a half miles distant, and 150 feet above the town. These springs the city coun- cil judiciously purchased and passed an ordi- nance looking toward a substantial, safe and sensible water system. At the election the pro- position prevailed by a vote of 112 to 10. Tuesday evening, August 18, 1903, water from the Butler spring was turned on, and for the first time in the history of the town a suffi- cient supply of wholesome water was sent coursing through the mains. From a population of 661 in 1890, it rose to 953 in 1900. The present population of Pomeroy is about 1,700. In 1904 electric lights were installed, power being obtained from the Tucanon, by the Tucanon Power Company. The churches of Pomeroy are represented by the Baptist, Christian, Methodist Episcopal and Congregational denominations. The fra- ternal societies include Harmony Lodge, No. 16, I. O. O. F. ; Garfield Lodge No. 25, K. of P.; Red Hill Camp, No. 5388, M. W. A.; Fairvew Camp, No. 119; Eureka Circle, No. 29, W. O. W. Circle; Pomeroy Lodge, No. 152, I. O. G T.; McDowell Post, No. 22, G. A. R. ; Court Pomeroy, No. 40, Foresters of America; Evergreen Chapter, No. 10, R. A.M.; Evening Star, No. 30, A. F. & A. M. ; Mystic Chapter, No. 10, Eastern Star. We cannot more fittingly conclude this sketch of the county seat of Garfield county than by quoting an article published in the East Washingtonian of date, January 9, 1904: "The steadily increasing and substantial growth of Pomeroy, as shown by the building record of the year just closed is gratifying to every citizen of the town. Our little city is gradually becoming one of the best towns in the interior of the state of Washington. After the construction of the solid line of brick build- ings which followed the big fire of July, 1900, a business man remarked to a representative of the Washingtonian, that the town would keep right on growing. He asserted that the 'building fever' which had been inaugurated by what appeared then to be almost a calamity, would extend over a period of years, and what seemed a misfortune and worked a hardship on many individuals would in the end prove beneficial to the town. So far the words have been verified. Week by week there has been noted since then a steady improvement. It is seen in the substantial new brick buildings on Main street and the many new homes. To-day Pomeroy is in the best condition in all its his- tory. Values of town property have increased about fifty per cent. There is a steady inflow of capital seeking investment and there is a vast amount of local capital which finds invest- ment at home. The business men of Pomeroy and farmers of Garfield county, naturally, are feeling good. It is for this reason they are engaged in constructing expensive business houses and dwellings in town, and making val- uable improvements and buying land in the surrounding country. There is a wholesome spirit of conservatism which prevents danger- ous speculation in business channels, but there is also a determination to progress which is bringing town and county to the front. You may safely write it down that Garfield county is solid to the core." CHAPTER IV CITIES AND TOWNS — CONTINUED. PATAHA CITY. This town takes its name from the creek upon which it is situated. Pataha is a Nez Perce name signifying "brush." It was, doubtless, applied to the stream because of the dense growth of willows and other varieties of brushwood along its banks. The altitude of the place is 2,300 feet above sea level. The town is located between two and three miles up the stream from Pomeroy. The situation and environments of Pataha City are of the best as well as the most beautiful in Garfield county. The valley at this point is wide, straight and level, and the surrounding hills add much to the picturesqueness of the location. It was in 1861 that James Bowers settled on the site of Pataha City. In 1865 he was followed by James and Walter Rigsby. The townsite which had been taken up by Bowers in 1 861 was sold to his brother-in-law, J. Ben- jamin Norton, the latter being the first victim of the Nez Perce massacre of 1877. But in 1868 Mr. Norton had disposed of the claim to A. J. Favor, popularly known as "Vine" Favor. August 21, 1882, the town of Pataha City was platted by Angevine Favor. Origin- ally it comprised twelve blocks. October 27, 1882, Rigsby's addition was platted by Walter W. Rigsby, H. C. Rice and Cyrus A. Lundy. Concerning the founder of Pataha City and the curious circumstances connected with his baptismal name, the Columbia Chronicle said, January 31, 1885 : "Many of our readers are acquainted with Vine Favor, the founder of Pataha City, and for several years a stage driver on the Lewiston route. He has a name, or a handle to his name rather, which in days gone by had the same effect upon its owner that a red rag would on a bull if flaunted in his face. We have known the name a number of years, and now that the Oregonian has given it to the public we run no risk of getting a head put on us by publishing it. The name in full is 'An- gevine June Titus and Company Favor.' All that part of the above described name lying in front of the word 'Favor,' is his Christian name. The way he happened to be afflicted with this terrible load was thuswise. His par- ents lived in a small town in Maine, and a cir- cus came there for the first time in the history of the place. It was owned by Angevine, June, Titus & Company, and it was a first rate show. Mr. and Mrs. Favor attended in the afternoon and were so well pleased that they named their boy, born on the following day, for the proprietors of the enterprise. The son has borne the affliction without murmur, and is fondly hoping for the time when Pataha City shall have grown to be large enough to justify the visit of a circus." In June, 1878, the town plat was surveyed by A. T. Beall. It was a part of the southwest quarter of section 34, township 12, north range 42 east. It was originally known as Favors^ burg, or Watertown; but its people preferred and adopted the name of Pataha City. At that early day arrangements had been completed HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. 545 with J. N. Bowmann and George Snyder to build a flouring mill at this point, and work was then in progress. A general merchandise store was opened by H. L. Caples and C. T. Stiles, immediately after the town was laid out. This was the first business enterprise in Pataha City. There was at this point a fine water power, and excellent roads led into the rich farming lands to the northeast and south. These attractions induced people to establish themselves here; Pataha rapidly became a place of considerable importance. To aid the new town Mr. Favor donated to it two water power sites, twenty acres of land and sixty- nine lots. Writing to the Columbia Chronicle of date of June 8. 1878, the article being headed, "Favorsburg,'' Mr. I. J. Tomlinson said: "The above is the name of the coming city, situated on the Pataha at the well known place of Vine Favor, after whom it is named. The embryo city is surveyed off and many lots taken already and several enterprises on foot which I will mention as they occur. County Surveyor Alex Beall surveyed out the town and also the mill race this week. The mill is to be erected as soon as lumber can be put on the ground, at the mouth of a gulch opening into the Pataha, and will be run by a very strong spring coming down said gulch, having eighty feet fall in less than one-quarter of a mile. The mill is to be erected by the efficient and well known millwright, J. N. Bowmann, and will be run by George Snyder, his partner. It will start in July with three run of burrs, after which they will add more if required. A store and butcher shop will soon be in readi- ness to supply the people with their respective lines of trade. Other enterprises may be on foot, but I can only give passing notice at present. Several of the leading business men ( . f Dayton having an eye to business have con- tracted for lots in the place. The location of the place is in every way Favor-able. "We are centrally located in the wheat 35 growing country, only ten miles from Snake river, to Kelly's Bar, to which a road will soon be opened. We are surrounded by four town- ships, viz: 11 and 12, range 43, and 11 and 12, range 42, and others lying farther away, but more convenient to this than any other place. We have the most Favor-able point for all of Pataha prairie to come to mill and to trade. The enterprising miller, Mr. George Snyder, informs me that if no one else puts up a flouring mill at the town, he and his part- ner will erect one this fall in connection with a sash factory, which they will run by the waters of the Pataha, as this is a fine place to erect any kind of a factory. All the people are in Favor of this enterprise. Business men, come and examine the beautiful site of the coming city before investing elsewhere." This article was supplemented June 22, 1878, by Surveyor A. T. Beall, under the heading, "Watertown :" "After finishing the road I proceeded to finish the survey of Watertown. Here let me correct a communication to you by Mr. Tom- linson. The town is not called Favorsburg, neither is my name Alex, nor is the distance from the town to Snake river ten miles. Wat- ertown is pleasantly situated, or located, in the Pataha valley, in the southwest quarter of sec- tion 34, town 12, north range 42, east, and is 13 miles from Kelly's Bar, on 'Snake river, and near the center of the grain country, being much nearer the river than Pomeroy. The distance tance from the latter place to New York Bar, on Snake river, is twenty miles, making a dis- tance of seven miles. Messrs. Bowmann and Snyder intend putting up a planing mill be- sides the grist mill. Mr. Snyder was on his way to procure lumber for the buildings. In surveying the ditch I gave them 92 feet fall, and the 20th part of an inch to the rod to the main ditch. The water is from a neverfailing stream and does not stand in pools as it some times does in Pataha creek below. The road from Watertown to Snake river is better wat- 546 HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. ered and more thickly settled than the one to New York Bar." In March, 1879, a postoffice was estab- lished and operated by Stiles and Caples, pro- prietors of the general merchandise store. At the same period the young town had a school house 26x40 feet, a flouring mill 30x40 feet, three and one-half stories high, with two run of burrs, and a saloon conducted by Thomas Cunningham. In December, 1880, a militia company was organized at Pataha City. The commissioned officers were H. C. Rice, captain; C. T. Stiles and D. P. Crawford, lieutenants. When Garfield county was formed in No- vember, 1881, Pataha City was named as the temporary county seat. Then followed the long contest for the permanent county capital. It was fully realized that with this honor went the future prominence of a town that would completely distance its rival. In a former chapter we have told of the result of this fierce and protracted contest. But, as had been pre- dicted by some, Pataha did not go out of ex- istence with the loss of the county seat. Against almost overwhelming odds it contin- ued the struggle, and during the 8o's remained a place of considerable importance. But one unavoidable event completely dashed the hopes of the most optimistic citi- zens. When the* branch of the Oregon Rail- road & Navigation Company's line was ex- tended from Starbuck westward to Pomeroy, and the latter town was made the terminus, leaving Pataha without railroad facilities, its fate was sealed; at least temporarily. May 28, 1887, tne Pomeroy East Washingtonicm tendered the following fatherly advice : "Our friends at Pataha have struggled manfully to maintain their town, hoping that things would take a turn favorable to them. The survey of the railroad extension toward Lewiston has about settled the question for Pataha once for all. The line surveyed starts up the hillside near the upper end of the Pome- roy corporation, and by the time it gets oppo- site Pataha it is far up on the hillside above the town. It is apparent that no station will ever be made above Pomeroy that will benefit Pataha. There is now nothing left to struggle for, and our friends should fall in line and move their business houses to the business center of the county. By so doing they will advance their own interests and help build up a town that will be a credit to our county. In tim? the whole valley between the two towns will be filled in with residences." A water system was established at Pataha in July, 1887, by Messrs. Houser and Har- ford. In 1890, according to the United States census, depopulation was 273. April 7, 1893, the inevitable fire disaster — the almost perpetual foe of young western towns — attacked Pataha City, and soon all that formed the business portion of the town was reduced to ashes. The fire broke out at one o'clock, Friday morning, in the hardware store of Harford & Sons. Like a huge bellows the high wind fanned the flames ; the structure burned like a box of matches struck by light- ning. To the scene of action dashed firemen and citizens, but as is usual in many such cases, the apparatus was sadly out of order, and the flames gained such headway that all efforts to check their progress proved futile. The large mercantile store of Koenig & Born- houser was soon ablaze asd in a short time the whole block, including Koenig & Bornhouser's and Harford & Sons warehouses, and R. P. Reynold's grocery, forming the entire business portion of the city, excepting the saloons and postoffice, were licked up by the angry flames. R. P. Reynolds was sleeping in the rear of his -store and barely escaped perishing, leaving at the back door just as the flames broke into his room. The origin of the fire remained unknown. Many inclined to the theory of incendiarism. The local paper expressed the opinion that "common sense and a due respect for the HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. 547 human race prompts us to come to a more charitable conclusion; we cannot believe there is a man in Pataha so mean and destitute of all principle and solicitude as to jeopardize his neighbors' lives and commit a crime so unpro- voked and yet so fiendish.'' Following were the losses and insurance : Harford & Son, building and stock, $17,000, insurance, $12,000; Koenig & Born- houser, general merchandise, $17,000, insur- ance, $13,000; Harford & Son, building occu- pied by Koenig & Bornhouser, $3,000, insur- ance, $2,000; R. P. Reynolds, groceries, $1,000, no insurance; Harford & Son, ware- house and contents, and building occupied by R. P. Reynolds, $5,000, insurance, $3,000. On the Saturday following R. P. Reynolds opened his safe and found everything intact. The same fortunate circumstance was the case with the safe of Koenig & Bornhouser. It was subsequently stated by the East Washing- toniau that Harford & Son failed to recover their insurance and were compelled to make an assignment. The census of 1900 showed a loss of popu- lation to Pataha City of 126, within the past decade, the figures for 1900 being 157 against 273 for 1890. Since then there has been a gradual increase and a conservative estimate now place the population at about 260. There remains quite a little village, but the empty store buildings, several of them relapsing into ruin, tell the tale of retrogression. There is still a general store and a few other business houses in operation, a good school, two churches, etc. The large flouring mill built in the early days still stands, and is the leading business enterprise of the town. But its old glory has departed. Pomeroy has outstripped it and will, undoubtedly, remain the leading town of Garfield county. GOULD CITY. This is a postoffice and small village on Deadman creek, about twelve miles northeast of Pomeroy, in the thickly populated Dead- man country. According to the census of 1900 it contained within its limits 48 souls. February 17, 1891, it was platted by George R. McPherson and T. E. Griffith. It was dur- ing this year that Dr. Story came to Gould City and developed a number of enterprises. I le is said to have engaged in the "general merchandise, second hand and dentist busi- ness," and became postmaster. But in 1896 the Gould City postoffice was moved one-half mile up Deadman creek to the grocery store of Mr. Lease, who had been appointed post- master. ALPOWA. This is another postoffice situated on the stream of that name, about midway between its mouth and its source. The location is a deep depression in the earth, surrounded by breaks and bluffs which defend it from all ap- proach except by the single road that follows down the creek. The town in 1900 was cred- ited with a population of 28. PEOLA. High up, on beautiful undulating ground, Peola commands varied and impressive views of the surrounding country; to the south the shadowy Blue Mountains; the Asotin prairie to the east, and the wide expanse of the far- famed wheat fields of the Palouse country and Garfield county to the north and west. Peola postoffice, ten miles up Alpowa creek from the town of Alpowa, was estab- lished August 2, 1880. Miss Mary King was the postmistress in charge. She resigned in February, 1881. and William King was ap- pointed to succeed her. In 1875 settlement was begun in this vicinity then designated as the Head of the Alpowa. The altitude above sea level is 3,500 feet. In June, 1879, a Chris- tian (Campbellite) church was organized by 548 HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. Rev. Amos Buchanan; Rev. Jacob Hastings became pastor. In 1892 Peola had two black- smith shops doing an excellent business, a res- taurant, notion store and a feed stable. The store, restaurant and feed stable were con- ducted by Dr. Story. This most southern postoffice in Garfield county is surrounded by a rich farming country. COLUMBIA CENTER. Near the mountains, at the forks of Pataha creek, in the fall of 1876. was made the first attempt to establish a town within the present limits of Garfield county. Four miles above the forks at this period were two saw mills. At the forks another one was conducted by Bean & Blackman, and here a town was laid out; it was platted December 26, 1877, by T. G. Bean and Andrew Blackman, and named Columbia Center. During the summer of 1877 Bean & Blackman erected a grist mill 26x36 feet, with one run of stone. The same autumn E. D. Hastings opened a general store, and a blacksmith shop was added to the attrac- tions and inducements of the young village. A postoffice was established, but subsequently discontinued. In 1882 the town consisted of the mill, store, school house and a few scat- tered dwellings. Columbia Center was a thrifty and flourish- ing village in the early history of Garfield county. It was occasionally mentioned, with a speculative intonation, as a probable county seat, but this optimistic prognostication soon fell to a minor key, and Columbia Center be- came a veritable deserted village. Even the hungry traveler experienced difficulty in pro- curing food and shelter. ILIA. This place is situated on Snake river, two miles south of Almota, the latter town being on the north bank of the stream. It is one of the oldest postoffices in the county. E. L. Hemingway secured a title to the bar, con- taining about 50 acres, in March, 1879. Here he erected a commodious warehouse with a capacity of 100,000 bushels of grain. At this period the place was the only accessible one for teams on the south side of the Snake river for a distance of twenty miles. Its importance as a point for receiving and forwarding freight was fully realized by Mr. Hemingway, and it was an especially excellent boat landing. In connection with his warehouse Mr. Heming- way conducted a small store; it soon became inadequate to supply the demands of the local- ity. A more spacious store building was erected; a large stock of goods laid in. Mr. Hemingway was postmoster; the mail arrived daily by stage from Dayton and Colfax. In 1 88 1 Mr. Hemingway shipped 2,000 tons of wheat from his warehouse. July 21, 1883, the Columbia Chronicle published the following: "Mr. E. L. Hemingway called upon us today and informed us that Ilia was booming. He has a blacksmith shop in running order and is selling a large quantity of goods. His ware- house has a capacity of 100,000 bushels of grain, but lie is enlarging it to accommodate the farmers, who will have double the grain to ship this year that they ever had before. Mr. H. says that the average yield of wheat in this section will be about twenty-six bushels to the acre. There are four good roads leading to Ilia and from a business point it is booming." But the census of 1890 gave Ilia a popula- tion of only twelve souls. OTHER TOWNS. Mayview is a postoffice four miles south of Ilia. It was established in 1880 with Mrs. N. L. Cox as postmistress. In 1885 the postof- fice was removed to the residence of L. H. Bradshaw for the better accommodation of the settlement. Ping postoffice was named in honer of Rob- HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. 549 -ert and Frank Ping ; in early days they had set- tled in that vicinity. It lies in the northern part of Garfield county, a short distance from Snake river, and the surrounding" country is devoted mainly to fruit raising. Chard is a postoffice and station on the Pomeroy branch of the Oregon Railroad & Navigation Company's line, on the extreme western border of the county. Zumwalt is a station on the Pomeroy branch of the Oregon Railroad & Navigation Company's line, about midway between Chard and Pomeroy. Valentine postoffice is located in the eastern part of the county. There have been a number of other post- offices and prospective towns in Garfield county during its history, which are not now in exist- ence. Mentor was a town laid out, three miles above Pataha ; it was at one period a candidate for the county seat. The name was consid- ered appropriate for a Garfield county town, but there was not significance enough in the name alone to secure the prize. The prosper- ous future predicted for it shows no signs of appearing. The town at first had been christ- ened Belfast; this was changed to Mentor, the name of President Garfield's Ohio home. Formerly it had been known as "Rafrerty's ranch." Here the county seat boom was worked industriously by the enterprising citi- zens. But the whole Mentor project was des- tined to arrive at a lame and impotent conclu- sion ; the lumber of which the houses were built was purchased by a Mr. Scott and conveyed to Pomeroy. As the Columbia Chronicle said: "Like Mahomet and the mountain, if the coun- ty seat would not go to Mentor, Mentor would go to the county seat." Berlin was platted January 9, 1883, by Charles Ward and Sarah E. Ward, his wife. Ward's addition was platted June 23, 1884, by the same parties. But this town existed only on paper. At one period it was rumored that Berlin would become a candidate for the county seat as a compromise between Pomeroy and Pataha City, but nothing eventuated. Deadman was the name of a postoffice which served the people in the Deadman coun- try in the early da}fs. It was discontinued in August, 1880. Cayote was a charming name given to a postoffice established in Garfield county in September, 1882. John R. King was post- master. Central Ferry was a postoffice established at an early day. The name was afterward changed to Reform, but this did not help mat- ters much and it passed out of existence. The change of name was made in December, 1881, and H. M. Jenkins became postmaster at that time. CHAPTER V DESCRIPTIVE. The entire territory of Garfield county lies south and west of the Snake river ; it is in the big bend of this stream, and is bounded on the north by the Snake, on the east by Asotin county, on the south by Oregon and on the west by Columbia county. Its area amounts to about nineteen full townships; it is forty- eight miles from north to south at its greatest extremity, and thirty miles at its greatest ex- tremity from east to west. The greater por- tion of the county has an altitude of 2,100 feet above sea level, although there are parts of its territory much higher. The general topography comprises a table 55o HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY land rising about 1,000 feet above the low water mark of Snake river, and ascending gradually southward until it ends in the Blue Mountains in the southern part of the county. Although a high table land it is rolling, with gulches here and there, descending from these table lands into the .various streams of water that flow usually southwestward into the Snake river or its tributary streams. The valleys of these water courses are all very narrow. Traveling about this country an observant person will, perforce, see much to inspire him, or her, with speculative thought. One of the first features that will attract the attention will be the presence, everywhere, of the black, ba- saltic rock, quite frequently roasted and charred red, or blubbered up into rough sponge scoria. Other impressive objects are the im- mense canyons and gorges, and their precipit- ous, rocky sides, with water courses flowing thousands of feet below the level plateau above. Prominent characteristics are these of all the country. This basalt lava formation is found all along from the Spokane country far down into California, east of the Sierras. It is quite evi- dent, then, that sometime in the long ago — in some prehistoric age — this whole country was a vast sea of fire — of redhot, molten, flowing, hissing lava. When did this occur? Whence did it come ? It is plainly demonstrable that no volcano could ever belch forth sufficient molten matter to form so extensive a deposit. Aeons since there must have been a breaking up of the earth's hardened curst; a dropping down of a vast area with an accompanying squeez- ing out of the melted mass below which rose and overflowed the surface. From a geolo- gical viewpoint it is admitted that the present green hills and expansive plains of this county were once a sea of hissing fire. For its cool- ing ages were required — possibly, and quite probably, many thousands of years. Then other elements swept in and played their parts in the geological economy of earth transmutation. The rocks began to disintegrate. For hun- dreds of years, doubtless, the intense heat from below prevented the surface from freezing and perhaps during this period the breath of the Frost King passed harmlessly over the land. And during all these transforming aeons soft "chinooks" from the south and west were blowing as they do today. It may be sapiently asked, "How does one know this?"' Examine the north and east sides of these hills of Garfield county. There you will discover deep, rich, alluvial soil. Pass around to the south and west sides. Here you will find barren, wind-swept and sunburnt, rocky steeps. During the countless ages past the winds have blown the sand and dust from the west and south sides, and deposited them to the north and east, where the winds of 1905 deposit the snow drifts. At first, after cooling, there were cinders and alkaline ashes ; the winds carried these up, also ; we find them underneath the soil de- posited there later. Aeons ago all of Garfield county was one vast alkali bed. Pataha prairie and the upper Deadman country, now almost entirely free from it, were all strongly alkaline, which in time leached off. Gradually the soda, borax and other alkaline substances were washed out by snow and rain which soaked through ; the streams carried down the ashes, with the lye, depositing the former in the bot- toms of the valleys and gulches. Today they may be found in immense white beds and banks. Yet there was an extended period when these rocks were neither cold nor burning hot, except in places. And at this epoch the whole country threw off vast clouds of steam and vapor, particularly during the winter and spring months. But it is only a step from geological facts to the most fanciful speculation. Who can gaze downward from the tops of the "breaks' r upon the wild, picturesque gorges through which wind the Tucanon, Tumlum or the Al- powa, and forbear to ask the questions, "How came these mighty, majectic chasms? Were HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. 55i they ditched out by the fierce, eternal flow of resistless waters? If so, whose abstruse and higher mathematics can compute the ages that Snake river has been fretting and chafing away the solid rock and whirling it down to the sea — to the bar of the Columbia below Astoria?" Could these solid, basaltic walls, towering far above the waters, speak what sensational tales they might relate of the shadowy, traditional past! That there was a "lake period" in Garfield county there is every reason to believe. Long, horizontal lines of erosion of the rock may be seen from the summits of almost any of the neighboring hills. These lines are along the sides of the gulches and canyons, and they im- press one as being the result of water action. Here and there are beds of sand ; lines of partly washed gravel far up the mountain sides show- plainly that this county was once far more extensively watered than it is at present. Snake river, all these numerous streams, ran nearer the level of the surrounding country. Bones of gigantic specimens of animals long since ex- tinct, have been found in the clay and alkali beds. These animals were natives of a warm tropical, or semi-tropical climate — animals like the) dinosarus — and one is forced to believe that there was, sometime in the prehistoric past, such a climate in Garfield county. Again, many of these extinct animals were herbivor- ous, or tree-eating; the conclusion is obvious that there was much more timber in this coun- try then than there is at present, and, doubt- less, of a distinctively different kind. Im- bedded in the coal measures west of Garfield county have been found the fossils of giant palm trees and other tropical growth. Full of wonders is this marvelous country ; rich are the fields for scientific investigation and there is much food for reflection. On the authority of a volume issued by the Washington Bureau of Statistics, Agricul- ture and Immigration, we place the area of Garfield county at 672 square miles. The popu- lation, according to the United States census of 1900, was 3,918; the present estimated pop- ulation, from school statistics, assessors' rolls and other sources, is 4,945. The total valua- tion of real and personal property in 1903, in- cluding railway trackage, was $2,321,588. Transportation facilities comprise a branch of the Oregon Railroad & Navigation Com- pany's system, extending westerly from Pom- eroy, about the center of the county, and steam- boats which ply the Snake river. The north- ern half of the county is in the magnifient wheat belt of the state; all descriptions of grain, fruit and vegetables are grown. In ad- dition to wheat, oats and large crops of barley are grown and harvested. Beginning at the Snake river bottoms the agricultural lands of Garfield county gradually slope up to the summit of the Blue Mountains, southward. On the Snake river flat all vegetation is very early in starting and maturing. Three miles south there is a change of a week or two ; and at the city of Pomeroy the difference is still greater while still further south, toward the summit of the Blue Mountains, the difference in climate is still more accentuated. On Snake river strawberries ripen as early as May 20. The average soil is of a fine, sandy quality, the result of attrition and crumbling away of ba- saltic rocks that comprise the foundation or- under stratum of the county. Owing to the absence of heavy clays the soil is amenable to thorough cultivation, and when once mellowed seldom, or never, bakes or crusts. Until one enters the foothills of the Blue Mountains one will find the land of Garfield county, mostly prairie. In the mountains there is an abundance of pine, spruce, fir and hem- lock timber, and that near the summit of the mountains can be converted into very fair building material; in fact the greater part of the lumber used in the county is manufactured from timber grown on the Blue Mountains. The following figures were published by the Washington Bureau of Statistics in 1903 : 552 HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. Total standing timber in the Blue Mountains, 150,000,000 feet; square miles of timber, 128; square miles of timber cut, 70 ; square miles burned, o. The current of Snake river is narrow, rapid and deep, weaving itself from right to left at the bottom of an irregular, narrow gorge, in certain localities scarcely wider than the stream ; in other places several rods wider. At the broadest portions, which lie on both sides of the stream, as it swings close to the bluffs, after sweeping around some abrupt point in the channel, left high and dry from the washings of the river in ages past, we find famous orchards of which all in this section of Uncle Sam's domain have heard. Garfield is one of the best watered counties in the state of Washington. Its' principal boundary is a large semi-circle of the Snake river, and aside from this there are numerous smaller, but never failing streams coursing through the heart of this territory. Pataha c-eek is one of these. In the Nez Perce lan- guage the name signifies "Brush creek,"' and this appellation was, apparently, bestowed upon it because of a dense fringe of willows and brush along its banks. Lewis and Clark speak of this stream, up which they passed on their return journey to the states in May, 1806, as being the first locality in some distance where they had found a sufficient quantity of fire- wood. In a spur of the Blue Mountains it has its source. Thence it flows northward and westerly a distance of fifty miles, forming a confluence with the Tncanon river about ten miles above the junction of the latter stream, with the Snake river. A portion of the waters of Pataha creek, owing to the character of its banks and bed, are somewhat muddy, and more especially so just before discharging into the Tucanon. But high up toward the source of this stream the water passes through a rocky channel and is pure, c'ear and cold. The name of Alpowa creek is a corruption of Alpaha, a Nez Perce word signifying "Spring creek." By the Indians the mouth of this creek is called Al-pa-wa-we. In an east- erly direction this stream flows, debauching into Snake river, in Asotin county, about eight miles below Lewiston, Idaho. The trail over which Lewis and Clark traveled in 1806 leads down the Alpowa from near its source. The streams abounds in trout; in the spring of the year great numbers of salmon find their way into it from Snake river to spawn. Moxwai creek is a small stream six miles in length, flowing into Snake river, twelve miles below the mouth of the Alpowa. Along its banks the bottom lands vary from a few rods to a quarter of a mile in width. These lands were settled upon at an earlier date than were those of any other portion of Garfield county. Meadow gulch, eight miles north of Pa- taha creek, is a small stream which might be termed intermittant, as it contains running water only a portion of the year, and even then the stream frequently sinks from sight, a phe- nomenon not at all unusual with many of the smaller streams in the state of Washington. After passing under ground a short distance the stream will reappear and dance merrily along through the gulch or meadow land only to dip again into the bosom of mother earth and pursue its course in subterranean seclu- sion. The general contour of the banks of this stream are abrupt, leaving only a narrow strip of bottom land. About twenty miles in length is the gulch ; and it opens out into Deadman Hollow, a tributary of Snake river. Deadman Hollow is about thirty miles in length, termin- ating at Snake river, two miles above the northwest corner of the county. Garfield is not a mining county. But along Snake river, which bounds the county on the north, there is to be found the flour gold which has been discovered and mined by Chinamen on the banks of the Columbia and most of its tributaries. So far no practical process has been invented to save the values, although a HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. 553 great many attempts have been made to solve this industrial problem. Although it came to naught the county has experienced a gold ex- citement as will be seen by the following cor- respondence published in the Columbia Chron- icle June. 14, 1879: "A few weeks ago Pataha City was almost depopulated by the rush to the mines. Rockers were made; the excitement waxed intense; all that was thought of was gold, gold! Their minds were disturbed. Their dreams were of gold. Oh, think of the gold over there! the gold fields were reached ; work was com- menced, but the rocker failed to produce much of the precious stuff. They decided to return home and build a different kind of machine. It was built and they returned to the gold fields full of hope, with their machines and bags in which to scoop in the gold. Work was com- menced with the machine with seven hands. After one hard run, putting tons of dirt, sand and gravel through its delicate mouth, they cleaned up and brought seventy cents to sight — ten cents to the man. Forthwith the ma- chine was kicked higher than Mount Hood and landed in the river. It started for Astoria post haste. Their mines were changed, as also was their opinion of the mines. Back to Pa- taha with a steady stride, and quite crestfallen, to Home, Sweet Home." One month previous the Chronicle had published this article : "Several parties from our town went up the Snake river to prospect the mines this week. They report fair diggings and that Pataha City has gone in full force to the new Eureka. There are a great many Chinamen mining on Snake river at New York Bar, with fair success. These mines could be profitably worked had the miners the proper machinery. We are told there are a great many people out seeking their fortunes at this place." In September, 1879, the shores of Snake river, between Penawawa and Almota. a dis- tance of nine miles, were reported by the Co- lumbia Chronicle to be fairly alive with Chi- namen engaged in mining operations, and that they appeared to be washing out the dust in paying quantities. But, as has been shown, there were no tangible results from the alleged discoveries of "rich placer claims." But considerable excitement was engend- ered in Garfield county in 1892-3 by reported discoveries of what were supposed to be valu- ble onyx fields. Companies were formed and some development work done — sufficient to reveal the fact that there was nothing in it. However, the Pomeroy East Washingtonian optimistically published the two following ar- ticles, the first in September and the latter in December, 1892: "It is a fact not generally known that a local company was incorporated in this city last winter for the purpose of developing onyx mines on the Deadman. The company is known as the Opal & Onyx Mining Company, and the principal stockholders are Spedden Brothers, L. M. Ringer and William Booth, the latter being a mining expert of Portland. Spedden Brothers have been prospecting this part of the country for a year or more, and have found a very fair quality of what is called by experts opal-onyx. The company has bought about 1,000 acres of land on the Dead- man, about ten miles east of this city, where the mines are situated. Experts who have ex- amined the stone pronounce it of the finest quality, superior to the Mexican onyx, which is the only kind found in the markets of the country today. Mr. E. C. Spedden says that croppings of this stone can be found almost anywhere in Garfield county, but the difficulty lies in finding it in a perfect state of preserva- tion. Most of it has been burned or ruined in some way by the changes of the past. The company will begin work in a few days. "It would seem that the days of harum scarum prospecting in the onyx mines in this county are about over, and mine owners are 554 HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY now ready to settle down to business. If the half that is claimed for these mines by experts is true, they afford boundless opportunities to those who are willing to put their shoulders to the wheel, and the mineral resources of Gar- field county will astonish the world. Develop- ment has as yet scarcely begun, owing to the conservatism of capital and lack of transpor- tation facilities and machinery, but new inter- est is now awakening from the success already achieved, and hereafter these mines will be operated as a business investment and not as a speculation. "On Tuesday (December 13). a new com- pany, to be known as the Onyx Mining & Mill- ing Company, organized in this city and filed articles of incorporation with the county aud- itor. The capital stock is $120,000, and the life of the company is twenty years. C. A. Lundy, H. L. Lanning, E. C. Spedden and E. M. Rauch are the trustees. The company has secured 500 acres of land in the onyx regions and have a force of men now at work develop- ing their property. "The Opal-Onyx Mining Company of Pa- laha have perfected arrangements for the build- ing of a thirty-horse-power mill and a part of the material for its construction has been ord- ered. Work on the flume will be commenced as soon as lumber can be obtained. Mr. Booth, who was, during our recent visit to Pataha absent from the city, owns large interests in this property and is a mining engineer of considerable experience, having devoted most of his time to the fickle goddess of fortune for the past twenty years. He was one of the early prospectors in the mines of the north- west and as a judge of mining property he is looked up to as a reliable authority, for his opinions are generally backed by capital and he seldom makes a mistake. We were in- formed by Captain Harford that the mill would not be completed until Mr. Booth had de- termined the exact kind of machinery neces- sary to dress the stone. This he proposes to do by taking a small amount of the stone to Chica- go, where he will cut and polish it himself. He will then order the machinery and the work of building will go ahead. We also learned from Mr. Harford that the smallest pieces of the stone would be crushed and prepared for mar- ket by a method known to Mr. Booth, who has secured a patent right for the process of pre- paring it in this manner." CHAPTER VI POLITICAL. Garfield county is normally Republican by a small majority. A perusal of the results of the different elections since the formation of the county in 1881 will show that in Terri- torial days the county usually contributed a small majority to the Republican candidates for delegate to congress, and since Washing- ton was admitted to statehood, a majority for the Republican presidential electors. To this condition an exception will be found during the period that the people's party was strong- est in the state. Altogether the vote is quite an independent one ; neither party can right- fully claim to have the county in its pocket as an entirety. In local politics the contests are invariably close, and, as a rule, the best men win. Considerable speculation was indulged in when Garfield was set off from Columbia county, in 1881, as to what would be its prob- t .,-f Garneld County Court House HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. 555 able political complexion. From the election returns of 1880, taking the vote for adjutant general as a basic indicator, it was discovered that that portion of Columbia, which was eventually to become Garfield county, had thrown 329 Republican and 260 Democratic votes, a Republican majority of 69. The first election thereafter showed that eight Repub- licans and four Democrats were successful at the polls. It will be recalled by those who have fol- lowed the pages of the History of Garfield county that the enabling act provided for a special election to be held January 9, 1882, for the purpose of choosing county officers and to select a county seat. Consequently only a brief period was left for campaign purposes, but during these few days it was fast and furious ; partisan spirit ran high and political interest was intense. A Democratic county convention had been held at Pataha City, December 24, 1881, and two days later the Republicans met at the same place. Each convention named a full county ticket. At this initial election the Democratic can- didates were : County commissioners, I. Harrington, Sr., E. Oliver, Weisenfelt ; sheriff, W. E. Wilson ; auditor, H. L. Caples; treasurer, W. L. Free- man; probate judge, R. H. Wills; school su- perintendent, Joseph Wills; assessor, Smith Svvezea; surveyor, C. E. Runyan; coroner, J. S. Denison; sheep commissioner, Samuel T. Jones. The Republican candidates were : County commissioners, J. J. Kanawyer, George D. Wilson, Casper Plummer; sheriff, C. W. Fitzsimmons ; auditor, Scott Rogers ; probate judge, Benjamin Butler; school su- perintendent, W. H. Marks; assessor, H. H. Wise; surveyor, E. D. Briggs; treasurer, Dr. J. N. Perkins; coroner, Dr. E, D. Davidson. The precinct officers of election were: Tucanon Precinct — A. H. Hagans, in- spector; William Buckley, judge; Ned Buck- ley, judge; Thomas Shannon, clerk; F. B. Lo- gan, clerk. Pomeroy Precinct — J. H. Lister, inspector'; J. W. Harkelrood, Z. A. Baldwin, judges; J. A. Stephens, F. M. Dougherty, clerks. River Precinct — G. W. Buford, judge; J. W. Parker, J. M. Reid, clerks. Cottonwood Precinct — M. S. King, W. E. Benedict, clerks. Pataha City Precinct — R. H. Wills, in- spector; John Nolan, George Snyder, judges; C. H. Debo, R. E. Wills, clerks. A county seat contest of the most bitter de- scription was injected into this election, and it developed one of the most warmly contested of any in the history of Garfield county. The largest vote cast was 1,014, for the office of sheriff. It was divided among the different precincts as follows : Pomeroy, 260 ; Pataha, 114; Tucanon, 8; Meadow, 28; River, 90; Pleasant, 69; Columbia Center, 108; Asotin, 66; Cottonwood, 201. The county officers chosen were divided between the dominant parties, four Democrats and eight Republicans. . Those elected were : County commissioners, J. W. Weisenfelt, Dem. , J. J. Kanawyer, Rep. , Eliel Oliver, Dem. ; sheriff, W. E. Wilson, Dem. ; auditor, Scott Rogers, Rep. ; probate judge, Benjamin Butler, Rep. ; treasurer, J. N. Perkins, Rep. ; assessor, H. H. Wise, Rep. ; surveyor, E. D. Briggs, Rep. ; school superintendent, W. H. Marks, Rep. ; coroner, E. A. Davidson, Rep. ; sheep commissioner, S. T. Jones, Dem. Following are the majorities of the above successful candidates : Weisenfelt, 590 ; Ka- nawyer, 567; Oliver, 462; Wilson, 95 ; Rogers, 32; Butler, 210; Perkins, 238; Wise, 270; Marks, 173; Briggs, 285; Davidson, 127; Jones, 223. Pomeroy, for county seat, 124 majority. At the meeting of the board of county com- missioners, February 21, 1882, the offices of assessor, school superintendent and surveyor 556 HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. were declared vacant, and the following were appointed: E. D. Briggs, surveyor; H. H. Wise, assessor; W. H. Marks, school superin- tendent. Following close on the heels of the January election came the November contest of 1882. The Republican county convention was held at Pomeroy, September 9, D. B. Pettijohn, chairman ; D. E. Kelley, secretary. The ticket nominated : William Clark, representative; M. S. King, auditor ; James Palmer, sheriff ; J. P. Hastings, treasurer; J. D. Swain, Z. A. Baldwin, John McQueen, commissioners; Benjamin Butler, probate judge; Mrs. F. G. Morrison, superin- tendent of schools; H. H. Wise, assessor; E. D. Briggs, surveyor; Dr. G. B. Kuydenhall, coroner; C. H. Seeley, sheep commissioner. Delegates to Territorial convention — D. B. Pettijohn, F. G. Morrison, E. T. Wilson, C. T. Stiles, C. W. Fitzsimmons. September 23 was the date set for the Dem- ocratic convention at Pomeroy. A temporary organization was effected by the election of J S. Denison, chairman, and H. B. Ferguson secretary. The permanent organization saw J \Y. Offield, chairman, in place of Davison Mr. Ferguson remaining as permanent secre- tary. The county central committee named were: John Romaine, John Ruark, R. H. Wills, C. A. McCabe and E. H. Vinsen. The delegates to the Territorial convention named were: S. W. Swezea, F. B. Logan, S. W. Of- field, John Steen and E. Oliver. The ticket nominated : Joseph Legerwood, representative; H. B. Ferguson, auditor; W. E. Wilson, sheriff; Al- exander Sumpter, John Nolan, James Hull, county commissioners ; I. R. Budd, probate judge; J. W. Rauch, treasurer; W. L. Howell, assessor; F. M. Beckwith, school superintend- ent; A. H. Hagen, surveyor; N. Estes, cor- orner ; Frank Ping, sheep commissioner. In the general election of November, 1882, several new voting precincts were formed. The different precincts and the officers appointed for the election were : Pomeroy Precinct — William Clark, in- spector; John Brady and R. A. New, judges. Pataha City Precinct — L. M. McCause, in- spector; Walter Riggsby and Joseph Rafferty, judges. Pleasant Precinct — Thomas Ruark, in- spector; Nelson Mettle and H. Scott, judges. River Precinct — C. M. Ish, inspector; H. Victor and A. C. Woodard, judges. Meadow Precinct — George Miller, in- spector; A. H. Hagans and Robert Ping, judges. Tucanon Precinct — Frisby B. Logan, in- spector; William Buckley and William Molt- ham, judges. Columbia Center Precinct — Frank King, inspector; M. Hudson and Baxter Courtney, judges. Asotin Precinct — John O'Keefe, inspector; Alexander Sumpter and Arthur Shaft, judges. Cottonwood Precinct — O. R. Bennett, in- spector ; M. S. King and John Romaine, judges. Lake Precinct — Brad Hodges, inspector; D. B. McKlure and Taylor Trent, judges. Grand Ronde Precinct — J. T. Manns, in- spector ; Benjamin Montgomery and Alexander Martin, judges. This election resulted, majorities only being given, as follows : Delegate to congress, Thomas H. Brents, 103; joint councilman, J. E. Edmiston, 14; joint councilman, N. T. Caton, 146; J. K. Rutherford, prosecuting attorney, 24 ; repre- sentative, William Clark, 57; auditor, Fergu- son, 142; sheriff, Wilson, 299; treasurer, Rauch, 231 ; commissioners, Swain, 553; Bald- win, 66; Hull, 15; probate judge, Benjamin Butler, 226 ; school superintendent, Mrs. F. G Morrison ; assessor, H. H. Wise, 115; surveyor, Briggs, 259; coroner, Kuykendall, 129; sheep commissioner, Seeley, 2. J. D. Swain resigned as member of the HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. 557 board of county commissioners, and James Chisholm was appointed to fill the vacancy. A Republican county convention was held at Pomeroy August 16, 1884, at which Benja- min Butler was chairman and E. H. King, sec- retary. The delegates elected to the Territo- rial convention were : N. C. Williams, R. L. Rush, James Palmer, E. W. Riley and Air. Bradshaw. There were contests for nearly all the nominations. The following were selected members of the county central committee : Amos Vallen, J. M. Julian, Joseph Scott, Gil- bert Dixon, H. C. Childers, W. S. Oliphant and T. C. Mewhinney. On the 30th of the same month the Demo- crats convened at Pomeroy and placed a full ticket in the field. Delegates to the Democratic Territorial convention elected were : William L. Freeman, R. H. Wills, M. F. Gose and J. H. Long. The election of November 4. 1884, showed that Garfield, after the loss of that portion which was set off in 1883, as Asotin county, was in the Republican column. The Republican candidate for delegate to congress carried the county by a plurality of 134, over the popular Democratic candidate — C. S. Yoorhees. The few elective offices of the Territorial govern- ment were carried in Garfield county by some- what larger pluralities. On the district and county tickets the Democrats elected their can- didates for sheriff, treasurer and one county commissioner. The rest of the ticket was car- ried by the Republicans. The total number of votes cast was 1,314. It will be recalled that at this period woman suffrage was in vogue in Washington Territory, and this accounts for the large number of votes. The official vote : For Delegate to Congress — J. M, Arm- strong, Rep., 724; C. S. Voorhees, Dem., 590. For Joint Councilmen (seven counties) — Isaac Carson, Rep.. 634; C. H. Warner, Dem., 626. For Joint Councilman (three counties) — B. B. Day, Rep., 749; S. L. Gilbreath, Dem.. 511. For Joint Representative — J. N. Perkins, Rep., 585; M. C. Harris, Dem., 511 ; F. W. D. Mays, Ind., 293. For Sheriff— J. H. Walker, Rep., 525 ; W. E. Wilson, Dem., 663. For Treasurer — G. A. Parker, Rep., 533; J. W. Rauch, Dem., 742. For Probate Judge — Benjamin Butler, Rep., 816; E. Oliver, Dem., 459. For School Superintendent — I. C. Sanford, Rep., 771 ; J. N. Miller, Dem., 500. For Assessor — H. H. Wise, Rep., 830; George Nebuhr, Dem., 453. For Surveyor — Hayden Gearhardt, Rep., 663; E. D. Briggs, Dem., 608. For County Commissioners — G. F. Jackson, Rep., 553^ Charles O. Kneen, Rep., 724; J. F. Martin. Rep., 745; D. Strain, Dem., 765; Wil- liam Parker, Dem., 519; William McCullough, Dem., 496. For Coroner — Dr. G. B. Kuykendall, Rep., 624; Dr. R. H. Mitchell, Dem., 614. For Sheep Commissioner — C. H. Seeley, Rep., 725 ; S. L. Brown, Dem., 554. The Garfield county Republican convention for 1886 was held at Pomeroy, September 4. S. G. Cosgrove presided as chairman ; H. L. Bowmer and W. L. Lister, seretaries. Partici- pating in the deliberations of the convention were twenty-five delegates. Resolutions were adopted favoring a fair and impartial trial of the local option law and declaring against re- peal of woman suffrage. The county central committee named were S. G. Cosgrove, chair- man. Elmon Scott, James Palmer, John Har- din, Gilbert Dixon, W. B. Stallcap, James Bratcher.and G. F. Jackson. Delegates to the Territorial convention : W. S. Oliphant, Elmon Scott, John Swank, I. N. Julian, J. Palmer, G. W. Burford, H. C. Thompson and N. C. Williams. For nearly all the offices there were sharp contests on the floor of the convention hall. Eleven ballots were necessary to select a can- didate for auditor. C. H. DeBow, George 558 HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. Campbell and I. C. Sanford were the contest- ing candidates, the nomination being captured by DeBow. September 18 the Democrats convened at Pomeroy and the gathering was remarkable for its harmonious action, although there were a number of candidates for each of the various offices. William Schnebly was chairman, F. W. D. Mays and W. S. Newland secretaries. A long list of resolutions was passed, no men- tion, however, being made of local option or woman suffrage. The central committee chosen were M. F. Gose, chairman; Albert Cook, John Bartels, J. B. Tyrrel, J. H. Long, Thomas Ruark and Frank Ping. No nominations were made for office of probate judge and coroner. At the election of November 2, 1886, there were cast 1,313 votes. Again the Republicans carried the county for their candidate for dele- gate to congress by a small majority, and gave large majorities for their candidates for joint senator and joint representative. On the coun- ty ticket the Democrats elected four candidates. The official vote : For Delegate to Congress — C. M. Brad- shaw. Rep., 662: C. H. Voorhees, Dem., 651- — 11 majority. For Joint Councilman — O. C. White, Rep., 803; W. E. Ayers. Dem., 508 — 295 majority. For Joint Representative — R. A. Case, Rep., 810; D. H. Poyneer, 450 — 360 majority. For Prosecuting Attorney — W. N. Noff- singer, Rep., 770; L. J. Dittemore, Dem., 527 — 243 majority. For Auditor— C. H. DeBow, Rep., 584; R. H. Wills, Dem., 707 — 123 majority. For Sheriff— H. H. Wise, Rep., 635; S. K. Hull, Dem., 670 — 35 majority. For Probate Judge — Benjamin Butler, Rep.. 791 ; scattering, 13. For Treasurer — Gilbert Dickson, Rep., 760; M. M. Humphrey, Dem., 550 — -210 majority. For Assessor — I. N. Julian, Rep., 708; J. D. Tyrrel, Dem., 590 — 118 majority. For School Superintendent — F. M. Beck- with, Rep., 616; Professor Driscoll, Dem., 691 — y=, majority. For Surveyor — Hayden Gearhardt, Rep., 817; A. H. Hagens, Dem., 490 — t> 2 7 majority. For Coroner — Dr. G. W. Black, Rep., 745; scattering, 9. For Sheep Commissioner — J. H. Walker, Rep., 689; Robert Ping, Dem., 612 — yy ma- jority. For County Commissioners — J. S. Davis, Rep., Joseph Scott, Rep., J. Parker, Dem., (elected); T. J. Mewhinney, Rep., John Bar- tels. Dem., Newton Estes, Dem. For jail tax, 452 ; against jail tax, 666. September 1, 1888, the Republican county convention was held at Pomeroy, at which Wil- liam Clark presided as chairman, and Horace Banbow served as secretary. Delegates to the Territorial convention selected were H. M. Hathaway, Elmon Scott, C. G. Austin, C. W. Fitzsimmons, R. M. Smith, Jay Lynch, James Palmer and W. G. Victor. Nearly all of the nominations were made by acclammation. There was a warm contest for the nomination for assessor. The county central committee selected were : Elmon Scott, chairman ; G. L. Campbell, secretary ; J. H. Walker, W. G. Vic- tor, G. F. Jackson, C. W. Fitzsimmons, I. M. Julian and T. J. Mewhinney. On July 28, the Democrats had assem- bled and selected as delegates to the Territorial convention Joseph Ledgerwood, S. G. Cran- dall, Cyrus Davis and F. W. D. Mays. The Democrats follo'wed this up with another con- vention for the naming of candidates for county offices. It was held at Pomeroy. H. L. Caples was chairman and H. C. Krouse, secretary. There were present thirty-two delegates. Sharp contests ensued for the offices of assessor, com- missioner and superintendent of schools. No nominations were made for probate judge or surveyor. The county central committee named were : M. F. Gose, H. S. Caples, William Howe, W. J. Chard, Noah Stevens, John Tarbot and J. C. Welch. HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY 559 With the exception of prosecuting attorney the Republicans elected every candidate on the county ticket. Judge M. M. Godman was the only Democrat elected on the district ticket. There were 977 votes cast, the loss in number of votes being due to the absence of the women's votes. The official vote : For Delegate to Congress — John B. Allen, Rep., 531; Charles S. Voorhees, Dem., 440; Green, Pro., 6. For Joint Councilman — D. T. Welch, Rep., 497 ; M. M. Godman, Dem., 476. For Joint Representative — W. S. Oliphant, Rep., 517; Ledgerwood, Dem., 440. For Prosecuting Attorney (joint) — W. N. Noffsinger, Rep., 482; M. F. Gose, Dem., 483- For Auditor — George L. Campbell, Rep., 492; R. E. Wills, Dem., 484. For Sheriff — Gilbert Dickson, Rep., 504; S. K. Hull, Dem., 464. For Assessor — G. D. Wilson, Rep., 514; D. B. Mast, Dem., 454. For Treasurer — I. C. Sanford, Rep., 584; D. Crandall, Dem., 583. For Probate Judge — Benjamin F. Butler, Rep., 596. For County Commissioners — David Miller, Rep., 522; J. S. Davis, Rep., 555; J. Fitzsim- mons, Rep., 494 (elected) ; James Parker, Dem., 481; Thomas Woodrow, Dem., 370; Henry Krels, Dem., 448. For School Superintendent — H. C. Ben- bow, Rep., 506; T. Driscoll, Dem., 455. For Surveyor — Hayden Gearhardt, Rep., 575; scattering, 1. For Coroner — G. W. Black, Rep.. 603; Dr. Poyneer, Dem., 349. After the Washington enabling act had passed congress, and all that was necessary for it to become a state was to draft a constitution to be approved by the people, a call was at once issued for a constitutional convention. For the election of delegates to this convention the Territory of Washington was divided into twenty-five districts. Each of these districts was entitled to three delegates, but it was fur- ther provided that not more than two from one political party could serve. District Xo. 8 in- cluded the counties of Adams, Garfield, Asotin and Franklin. The Republican district convention of the Eighth District was held at Pomeroy May 7, 1889, to select candidates for delegates to the constitutional convention. Adams, Asotin, Franklin and Garfield counties were fully repre- sented. I. N. Muncy, editor of the Pasco Headlight, was chosen chairman, and George W. Baily, of Asotin, secretary. The nominees selected as delegates were Elmon Scott, of Gar- field county, and D. Buchanan, of Adams county. The counties were represented by dele- gates to the district convention, as follows : Adams, seven delegates; Asotin, six; Franklin, one; Garfield, 15. The Garfield county dele- gates to this district convention were William Greer, T. E. Tueth, John Jewett, N. O. Bald- win, C. G. Austin, J. Schnebly, F. G. Morrison, A. C. Woodward, Joseph Vassar, A. B. Allen, Albert Long, W. S. Oliphant, James McCause, George Stallcap and W. L. Lister. The Democratic district convention was held at Pomeroy and but one candidate was placed in nomination — W. B. Gray, of Franklin county. There was a diplomatic reason for this. The district was known to be strongly Republican, and it was certain that only one Democrat from the district could be elected as a delegate. There was dissention in the Repub- lican party, something in the nature of a split, and by throwing their strength to an independ- ent candidate the Democrats hoped to dictate the naming of two delegates to the convention by placing only one candidate in the field. The result of the election shows that their plans were successful. May 14th the election was held, S. G. Cos- grove, of Pomeroy, entered the lists as an in- dependent Republican candidate, and he re- ceived the votes of the Democrats. F. W. D. 560 HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. Mays, of Pomeroy, became an independent Democratic candidate. W. A. George, also, received a small support as an independent can- didate. The official vote of Garfield county at this election was : Elmon Scott, Rep., 213; D. Buchanan, Rep., 264; W. B. Gray, Dem., 279; S. G. Cos- grove, Ind., 389; F. W. D. Mays, Ind., 104; W. A. George, Ind., 38. The Adams county vote was: Scott, 130; Buchanan, 160; Gray, 38; Cosgrove, 75. The votes of Asotin and Franklin counties are not obtainable, but Bu- chanan, Gray and Cosgrove were elected and served in the constitutional convention. After the convention had drafted a state constitution in 1889, to be submitted to the people for their ratification or rejection, pre- dicated upon the admission into the union of the state of Washington, a special election was called to decide this momentous question, and to select state and legislative officers and county clerks — a new official provided for by the pro- posed constitution. This election was held Oc- tober 1, 1889. The Republican county convention to se- lect delegates to the Territorial convention, which in turn was to choose candidates for the state offices, should the constitution be adopted, was held at Pomeroy August 29. Dr. T. C. Frary was elected chairman and W. G. Victor, secretary. The following delegates were se- lected : Jay Lynch, S. G. Cosgrove, W. G. Vic- tor, F. G. Morrison, C. G. Austin and W. S. Oliphant. Later the Republicans selected their county ticket — W. S. Oliphant for representa- tive, and F. E. Williamson for county clerk. September 7th the Democrats met in con- vention at Pomeroy. E. Oliver was made chairman, and James Parker, secretary. Dele- gates to the Territorial convention were R. E. Wills, F. W. D. Mays, W. S. Parker and J. S. Thomas. Joseph Parker was selected as the candidate for representative and R. E. Wills for county clerk. The election resulted in the ratification of the constitution. Washington entered state- hood. Garfield county was found to be in the Republican column on state issues by about 100 plurality. The official vote : For Congressman — John L. Wilson, Rep., 519; T. H. Griffiths, Dem., 415. For Governor — E. P. Ferry, Rep., 517; Eugene Semple, Dem., 418. For Lieutenant Governor — Charles E. Laughton, Rep., 517; L. H. Platter, Dem., 417. For Secretary of State — Allen Weir, Rep., 518; W. H. Whittlesey, Dem., 417. For State Treasurer — Addison A. Lindsley, Rep., 519; M. Kaufman, Dem., 416. For State Auditor — Thomas M. Reed, Rep., 518; John Miller Murphy, Dem., 416. For Attorney General — William C. Jones, Rep., 518; H. J. Snively, Dem., 416. For Superintendent of Public Instruction — Robert B. Bryan, Rep., 516; J. H. Morgan, Dem., 419. For Commissioner of Public Lands — Wil- liam T. Forest, Rep., 517; M. Z. Goodell, Dem., 417 For Supreme Judges — Ralph O. Dunbar, Rep., 518; Thomas L. Stiles, Rep., 501 ; Elmon Scott, Rep., 448; John P. Hoyt, Rep., 518; Thomas J. Anders, Rep., 528; B. L. Sharp- stein, Dem., 471 ; William H. White, Dem., 413; J. B. Reavis, Dem., 419; John P. Jud- son, Dem., 411; Frank Ganohl, Dem., 396. For Superior Judge (Columbia, Garfield and Asotin)— R. F. Sturdevant, Rep., 457; M. M. Godman, Dem., 468. For State Senator (Garfield and Asotin) — C. G. Austin, Rep., 442 ; Brady, Dem., 467. For Representative — W. S. Oliphant, Rep., 474; James Parker, Dem., 440. For County Clerk — F. E. Williamson, Rep., 443; R. E. Wills, Dem., 491. For the constitution, 342 ; against constitu- tion, 551. For woman suffrage, 336; against woman suffrage, 492. HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. 56i For prohibition, 442 ; against prohibition, 415- For Permanent Location of State Capital- — North Yakima, 342 ; Olympia, 133 ; Ellensburg, 397 ; Pasco, 4. The Garfield Republican county convention of 1890 was held at Pomeroy, September 20, W. L. Darby was elected chairman, and N. O. Baldwin, secretary. A complete list of candi- dates was selected. The delegates to the state convention were : E. R. Brady, S. G. Cosgrove, R. M. Smith, W. S. Oliphant, R. L. Kirby and John Burford. The same month the Democratic convention assembled at Pomeroy and the county central committee named for the ensuing two years were F. W. D. Mays, John Brady, J. C. Welch, M. M. Humphrey, W. L. Howell and W. J. Duncan. The election of 1890 resulted in a victory for the Republican party. With the exceptions of treasurer and clerk they elected all their can- didates. The ticket of the Prohibitionists did not materially affect the result. Considerable interest was manifested in the details of the Australian system of voting, then used for the first time in Garfield county. The official result : For Congress — Robert Abernathy, Pro., 58; Thomas Carroll, Dem., 361 ; John L. Wil- son, Rep., 378 — plurality for Wilson, 17. For Representative — F. M. Beckwith, Pro., 84; James Palmer, Rep., 373; James Parker, Dem., 367 — plurality for Palmer, 6. For Sheriff — Gilbert Dickson, Rep., 403; Albert Ford, Pro., 59; S. K. Hull, Dem., 385 — plurality for Dickson, 18. For County Clerk — R. B. Brown, Dem., 307; Fred Ellensohn, Pro.. 183; R. R. Sped- den, Rep., 332 — plurality for Spedden, 25. For Auditor — Benjamin Butler, Rep., 412 ; J. A. Darby, Pro., 51; A. M. Johnston. Dem., 386 — plurality for Butler, 44. For Treasurer — H. E. Farns worth. Pro., 39; H. M. Hathaway, Rep., 377; R. E. Wills, Dem., 434 — plurality for Wills, 57. For County Attorney — W. E. Greene, Dem., 387; W. N. Noffsinger, Rep., 403 — ma- jority for Noffsinger, 16. For Assessor — H. C. Childers, Pro., 44; H. H. Wise, Rep., 447; Herbert Wilson, Dem., 336 — plurality for Wilson, in. For School Superintendent — H. C. Ber.- bow, Rep., 416; C. W. Cotton, Dem., 341 ; M. M. Humphrey, Pro., 72 — plurality for Ben- bow, 75. For Surveyor — Hayden Gearhart, Rep., 600; J. M. Reid, Pro., 131 — majority for Gear- hart, 469. For Coroner — G. W. Black, Rep., 431; J. R. Gose, Dem., 376 — majority for Black, 55. For County Commissioner, First District — W. W. Dickson, Dem., 366; John Lubking, Rep., 375 ; B. F. Noyer, Pro., 64 — plurality for Lubking, 9. For County Commissioner, Second District — Joseph Ledgerwood, Dem., 349; George Stallcop, Rep., 376; N. C. Williams, Pro., 87 — plurality for Stallcop, 27. For County Commissioner, Third District —J. J. Ashby, Pro., 79: D. H. McBride, Dem., 336; Robert Story, Rep., 377 — plurality for Story, 41. The Democratic county convention for 1892 was held at Pomeroy, June 4th. With the exception of the delegates from Meadow pre- cinct there was a full quota present. Harmony prevailed and candidates for county officers were placed in nomination. Members of the county central committee selected were : S. C. Chappell, J. R. Gose, Joseph Ledgerwood, W. M. Jones, J. C. Welch, W. J. Chard, John Ruark, W. E. Greene. The delegates to the state convention were : M. F. Gose, T. M. Dickson, N. Berkley, W. L. Freeman, R. B. Brown, J. C. Welch, Joseph Ledgerwood. June 8th the People's Party county conven- tion was held at Pomeroy. Nearly a complete 36 5 62 HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. ticket was nominated, and the following elected delegates to the state convention : E. G. Noyer, A. E. Troyer, John Hilderbran, J. P. King and J. \Y Bond. The Prohibitionists decided to enter the lists again in the campaign of 1892, and on Satur- day, June 1 8th, they met in convention at Pom- eroy and placed in nomination candidates for all county offices except sheriff, prosecuting at- torney and coroner. H. E. Farnsworth pre- sided at this convention and F. M. Beckwith was secretary. The delegates to the state con- vention were J. M. Reid, F. M. Beckwith and Rev. R. L. Lotz. July 26th the Republicans assembled at Pomeroy and there were a number of sharp contests for the several offices, the most pro- longed struggle being over the nomination for sheriff. Gilbert Dickson and N. O. Baldwin were the contestants, and the former was nom- inated by a vote of 14 to 12. Of this conven- tion R. L. Rush was chairman and F. R. Jones, secretary. Delegates chosen to the state con- vention were: C. A. Lundy, J. S. Davis, H. H. Wise, W. S. Oliphant. R. L. Rush and James Palmer. The county central committee comprised George Stallcop, C. W. Moore, James Palmer, D. B. Williams, W. S. Oliphant, G. W. Burford and D. W. Gritman. With four tickets in the field the campaign of 1892 proved spirited and exciting; and re- sulted in the selection of a politically mixed set of officials. The Republicans carried the coun- ty for presidential electors and the state ticket. The official vote : For Presidential Electors — Rep., 352; Dem.. 289; P. P., 284; Pro., 46. For Congressmen — John L. Wilson, Rep., 353 ; W. H. Doolittle, Rep., 341 ; Thomas Car- roll, Dem., 279; James A. Munday, Dem., 270; J. C. Van Patten, P. P., 228; M. F. Knox, P. P., 223 ; C. E. Newberry. Pro., -38: A. C. Dick- inson, Pro., 42. For Governor — John H. McGraw, Rep., 352; H. J. Snively, Dem., 300; C. W. Young, P. P., 2T,y; R. S. Green, Pro., 50. For State Senator — J. A. Kellogg, Rep., 306; U. Z. Ellis, Dem., 233; Earnest Hopkins, P. P., 226. For Representative — J. S. Davis, Rep.. 271; F. W. D. Mays, 309; D. B. Messinger, P. P., 226; A. D. Davis, Pro., 100. For Superior Judge — R. F. Sturdevant. Rep., 402; J. E. Edmiston, Dem., 413. For County Attorney — W. E. Greene, Dem., 384; Thomas Tweedy, P. P., 287. For Auditor— J. R. McMaster, Rep., 256; Joseph Davidson, Dem., 383; H. De Beaumont, P. P., 209; W. J. Wills, Pro., 19. For Sheriff — Gilbert Dickson, Rep., 365; H. C. Krouse, Dem., 323; Jerry King, P. P., 198; H. E. Farnsworth, Pro., 19. For Clerk — E. W. Gibson, Rep., 378; L. M. Carter, Dem., 254; J. B. Hawkins, P. P., 230; G. G Edwards, Pro., 27. For Treasurer — H. B. Henly, Rep., 261 ; H. A. Adams, Dem... 424; E. G. Teale, P. P., 182; J. N. Perkins, Pro., 18. For Assessor — R. L. Kirby, Rep., 292 ; J. P. Bucket, Dem., 285; H. L. Wilson, P. P., ^53; J- J- Ashby, Pro., 35. For School Superintendent — H. C. Ben- bow, Rep., 406; R. B. Brown, Dem., 132; J. Q. Strech, P. P., 217; R. L. Latz, Pro., 127. For Surveyor — Hayden Gearhart, 523. For Coroner — Dr. J. S. Dennison, Rep., 340; Dr. J. R. Goss, Dem., 352. For County Commissioner, First District — C. A. Shaffer, Rep., 315; M. C. Smith, Dem., 228; H. M. Beach, P. P., 264; M. M. Hum- phrey, Pro.. 53. For Commissioner, Second District — C. E. Smith, Rep., 256; E. B. Fletcher, Dem., and P. P., 698; W. W. Richardson, Pro., 38. For Commissioner, Third District — Robert Story, Rep., 315; Amos Legg, Dem., 199; J. J. Bentley, P. P., 288; Albert Ford, Pro., 41. For Sheep Commissioner — G. F. Jackson, Rep., 330. HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. 563 For funding county indebtedness, 252 ; against same, 406. For the Democratic county convention of 1894. at Pomeroy, Joseph Ledger wood was chairman and Mr. Koenig secretary. Many of the candidates were named without opposition, although there were a few languid contests. In this convention nineteen votes were cast. The delegates elected to the state convention were : M. F. Gose, R. E. Allen. N. Berkley. D. B. Elder and R. E. Wills. September 15th Ham Henley presided over the Republican convention and Charles Bald- win served as secretary. The delegates con- vened at Pomeroy. For the various offices there were many candidates, and the result was a spirited convention. For the legislature there were three candidates, six for sheriff, two for county clerk, three for assessor and two for surveyor. Delegates elected to the state con- vention were : J. H. Walker, S. G Cosgrove, R. L. Kirby, James Palmer and Charles Bald- win. The county central committee named were: W. L. Darby, H. C. Benbow, James Palmer, T. J. Durbin, E. B. Davis, W T . G. Vic- tor, S. S. Young and J. Lubking. September 22d delegates to a People's Par- ty convention assembled at Pomeroy and placed in nomination a full set of candidates. There were contests for the nomination of candidates for the offices of representative and assessor. J. J. Bentley was chairman, and S. S. Russell, sec- retary. Delegates elected to the state conven- tion were : J. J. Bentley, E. G. Noyer and A. E. Allen. The Prohibitionists assembled October 10th, to the number of 13 delegates. H. E. Farnsworth was chairman and F. M. Beckwith secretary. Candidates were named for repre- sentative and most of the county offices. At the succeeding election the highest num- ber of votes cast was 966 — for candidates for sheriff. The Prohibition vote touched high water mark on Davis, who received 34 votes, and dwindled to seven votes for Beckwith. The highest plurality was for Jewett; 135. The greatest majority received by any candidate was that of Allen, 78 ; the lowest by Beach, one vote. This contest was decidedly warm. The principal fights were for representative, treas- urer and sheriff. The official vote : For Congressmen — W. H. Doolittle, Rep., 348; S. C. Hyde, Rep., 346; N. T. Caton, Dem., 135; B. F. Heuston. Dem., 137; W. P. Adams, P. P., 384; J. C. Van Patten, P. P.. 387- For Representative — Gilbert Dickson, Rep., 421 ; A. E. Allen, P. P., 499; A. D. Davis, Pro., 24 — Allen's plurality, 78. For County Attorney — Carrie Jewett, Rep., 468; William Greene, Dem., 148; Thomas Tweedy, P. P., 333 — Jewett's plurality. 135. For County Clerk — E. W. Gibson, Rep., 488; Joseph Strain, P. P., 428; G G Edwards, Pro, 14 — Gibson's plurality, 60. For Auditor — Hayden Gearhart, Rep., 311 ; J. H. Davidson, Dem., 281 ; S. T. Sanford, P. P., 339; J. A. Darby, Pro., 15 — Sanford's plu- rality, 28. For Sheriff — N. O. Baldwin, Rep., 405; J. M. Moore. Dem., 166; Albert Ford, P. P., 395 — Baldwin's plurality, 10. For Treasurer — G. F. Jackson, Rep.. 189; H. A. Adams, Dem., 385; H. M. Beach, P. P., 386; H. E. Farnsworth, Pro., 12 — Beach's plu- rality, 1. For School Superintendent— E. V. Kuy- kendall, Rep., 473; C. W. Cotton, P. P., 440; F. M. Beckwith, Pro.. 7 — Kuykendall's plural- ity, 33- For Assessor — R. L. Kirby, Rep., 355; J. P. Buchet. Dem.. 209; H. L. Wilson, P. P., 371 ; Joseph Wills, Pro.. 7 — Wilson's plural- ity, 16. For Surveyor — Edward Truax, Rep., 488. For Coroner — G W. Black, Rep., 394; J. R. Gose, Dem., 149; John Bond. P. P., 359 — Black's plurality, 37. For County Commissioner, Second District — G. D. Wilson, Rep., 94; Greene Swinney, M HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. Dem., 41; George Ruark, P. P., 114; John Sanders, Pro., 2 — Ruark's plurality, 20. For County Commissioner, Third District — John Swank, Rep., 174; John King, Dem., 83; Chris Brockman, P. P., 192; G. W. Kenny, Pro., 11 — Brockman's plurality, 18. November 15th a contest was filed by J. W. Waldo against H. M. Beach, who had been duly declared elected county treasurer. Charges were made against various election officers based on thirteen counts of malconduct on their part. The prayer was that Beach be ousted and H. A. Adams seated. December 15, 1894, the East Washingtonian said : "A compromise was effected in the election contest against Beach, and the case was dismissed. According to the terms of the compromise Beach will de- posit one-half of the county money in the First National Bank.'' The Garfield Republican county convention of 1896 assembled at Pomeroy August 22d. James Palmer was chairman and C. M. Bald- win, secretary. Delegates to the state conven- tion were : S. G. Cosgrove, E. W. Gibson, R. R. Santo, W. G. Victor and C. M. Baldwin. The convention to nominate candidates for the county offices was held September 26th. September 19th the People's party conven- tion assembled at Pomeroy. The question of fusion was injected into the deliberations of the delegates with the result that it degenerated into one of the most inharmonious conventions ever held in Garfield county. A compromise was affected between a People's party commit- tee and some of the leading Democrats, and the committee reported favorably to the Demo- crats, allowing them to name two county of- ficers — Candidates for clerk and one commis- sioner. To this the middle-of-the-road Popu- lists objected and a motion was made to lay the report of the committee on the table. Then began the fireworks, and they continued to blaze for some time. When the matter was finally brought to a vote the report was killed by 25 to 13, and the Populists, who were far away the strongest party at this period, named a full ticket and conceded the Democracy noth- ing. The latter party did not place a ticket in the field. The election was held November 3. Gar- field county gave the People's party majorities and pluralities for all national, state and dis- trict officers. In the county field the Repub- lican candidates for sheriff, clerk and county attorney and coroner were elected ; the People's party elected the rest of the ticket. The official vote : For Presidential Electors — Republican, 378; Democratic, 13; People's party, 469; Pro- hibition, 15; National, 1. For Congressmen — S. C. Hyde, Rep., 376; \\. H. Doolittle, Rep., 378; James Hamilton Lewis, P. P., 469; William C. Jones, P. P., 475; C. A. Salver, Pro., 12; Martin Olsen, Pro., 4; Charles E. Mix, Nats., 2. For Governor — P. C. Sullivan, Rep., 367; John R. Rogers, P. P., 490; R. E. Dunlap, Pro., 15. The rest of the state ticket was carried by the People's party candidates by a trifle smaller pluralities than Mr. Rogers'. For Superior Judge — R. F. Sturdevant, Rep., 365; M. M. Godman, P. P., 502. For State Senator — E. Baumeister, Rep., 378; J. C. Van Patten, P. P., 477. For Representative — S. C. Cosgrove, Rep., 460; James Parker, P. P., 483. For Sheriff — N. O. Baldwin, Rep., 477; Amos Legg, P. P., 394. For Auditor — D. W. Green, Rep., 380 ; S. T. Sanford, P. P., 473. For Assessor — F. Miller, Rep., 371 ; H. L. Wilson, P. P., 490. For County Clerk — A. E. Dickson, Rep., 447; Joseph Strain, P. P., 419. For Treasurer — C. A. Shaffer, Rep., 365; H. M. Beach, P. P., 500. For County Attorney — G. W. Jewett, Rep., 432; R. B. Brown, P. P.. 426. For School Superintendent — E. V. Kuy- HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. 565 kendall, Rep., 400; Emma Nelson, P. P., 462. For Surveyor — Edson Briggs, Rep., 438. For County Commissioners — W. R. Parlet, Rep., 383; Vincent Anderson, Rep., 378; J. H. Russell, P. P., 455; Chris Brockman, P. P., 465. For Coroner — -Dr. Black, Rep., 38; D. H. Poyneer, P. P., 10. For constitutional amendment, 173; against 231. The 1898 Republican county convention was held at Pomeroy, September 17th. Wil- liam Seigrist was chairman and W. G. Victor, secretary. There were few contests for the nominations and it was one of the most inter- esting conventions in the history of Garfield county Republicanism. The People's party remained in the held. Their convention was held September 24, and a full ticket was nominated. Election day fell on November 8. Again the Republican and People's party held the center of the stage. But two years had effected quite a raidical change of political sentiment. It was an "off year;" and not a very heavy vote was polled — on the congressional ticket only 805. The Re- publicans carried the county for the congres- sional candidates by pluralities of over sixty, and in the contest for county officers elected all their candidates except those for auditor, as- sessor and school superintendent. The official vote : For Congressmen — Wesley L. Jones, Rep., 434; Francis W. Cushman, Rep., 419; James Hamilton Lewis, P. P., 371 ; W._ C. Jones, P. P-- 353; Walter Walker, Socialist Labor, 5; M. A. Hamilton, Socialist Labor, 5 ; A. C. Dickinson, Pro., 20; C. L. Haggard, Pro., 14. For Representative — C. M. Baldwin, Rep., 488; F. W. D. Mays, P. P., 348. For Sheriff — S. S. Russell, Rep., 445; H. M. Beach, P. P., 405. For County Clerk — A. E. Dickson, Rep., 534; T. C. Allen, P. P., 318. For Auditor — H. B. Henley, Rep., 392; J. A. Strain, P. P., 459. For Treasurer — Walter Dixon, Rep., 449; M. Cross, P. P., 384. For County Attorney — E. V. Kuykendall, Rep., 506; Thomas Tweedy, P. P., 335. For Assessor — D. B. Williams, Rep., 411 ; J. P. Buchet, P. P., 431. For School Superintendent — Alice Scully, Rep., 405; Emma Elsensohn, P. P., 445. For Coroner — W. B. Williamson, Rep., 421 ; J. S. Denison, P. P., 408. For County Commissioner, First District — S. S. Young, Rep., 431; J. H. Russell, P. P., 392. For County Commissioner, Second District — August Young, Rep., 428; G J. Ruark, P. P-. 397- The proposed amendment to Section 9, Ar- ticle 6, of the constitution, conferring the elect- ive franchise on women was lost by forty-four votes, the total vote being 512. The proposed amendment to Section 2, Article 7 (known as the single tax proposition), lost by 248 out of a total vote of 404. The Republican convention to elect delegates to the state convention was held at Pomeroy July 7, 1900, and resulted in a spirited con- test. This was between the friends of S. G. Cosgrove, who was a candidate for governor, and the friends of Charles M. Baldwin, who was a candidate for joint senator for Colum- bia, Garfield and Asotin counties. The Cos- grove supporters realized that instructions for Mr. Baldwin would injure the chances of Mr. Cosgrove in securing support from certain quarters, After considerable trouble in ad- justing this difficulty and getting the question to a vote, it was found that the Cosgrove men controlled the convention, the vote on a test being 30 to 16. The delegation was instructed to work for Mr. Cosgrove for governor. The delegates to the state convention were : M. F. Gose, E. V. Kuvkendall, S. S. Russell. G. L. 5 66 HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. Campbell. J. O. Mills and D. B. Williams. It was admitted that the result of this contest in the convention compelled the Republicans to enter the campaign of 1900 with disorganized forces. The Republican convention to nomi- nate county candidates was held September 29. H. C. Benbow was chairman and Frank Mes- senger secretary. There were a number of ex- ceedingly sharp contests, and the session proved a warm one. The People's party delegates to the state convention in 1900 were: W. L. Howell, J. W. Offield, F. W. D. Mays, E. G. Noyer, J. A. Strain, D. B. Messinger and H. M. Beach. The convention was held September 1, and a strong ticket was named. F. W. D. Mays was chairman. The ticket nominated while officially recognized as Populistic, combined all the ele- ments in opposition to the Republican party except the sound money Democrats. On the county ticket the Republicans se- cured a majority of the offices, but the rule of electing a mixed county ticket prevailed. Per- haps never before in the history of Garfield county was there so much "scratching" done at a presidential election. There was no organi- zed bolt against any particular set of candi- dates, but the party name cut little figure in this contest at the polls. The official vote : For Presidential Electors — Republicans, 528; Democratic, 437; Prohibition, 18; Social- ist Labor, 4; Social Democratic, 19. For Congressman — -F. W. Cushman, Rep., 506; W. L. Jones. Rep., 500; F. C. Robertson, Dem., 434; J. T. Ronald, Dem., 427; Guy Pos- son. Pro., 14; J. A. Adams, Pro., 16; Walter Walker, Socialist Labor, 3 ; Christian F. Lar- sen. Socialist Labor, 1 ; William Hogan, So- cial Dem., 19; Herman F. Titus, Secial Dem., 18. For Governor — J. M. Frink, Rep., 452; John R. Rogers, Dem., 501 ; R. E. Dunlap, Pro., 10; William McCormick, Socialist Labor, 6; W. C. B. Randolph, Socialist Dem., 19. For State Senator, Eighth District — E. Baumeister, Rep., 459; H. M. Beach, Dem., 5i7- For Superior Judge — C. F. Miller, Rep., 473; M. M. Godman, Dem., 516. For State Representative — E. V. Kuyken- dall, Rep., 461; W. L. Howell, Dem., 517. For Sheriff— W. J. Kelly, Rep., 429; J. A. Strain, Dem., 567. For Auditor— E. M. Pomeroy, Rep., 504; R. T. Hammond, Dem., 327 ; James A. Darby, Ind., 167. For Treasurer — W. H. Dixon, Rep., 544; J. C. McKeirnan, Dem., 454. For County Clerk — H. A. Adams, Rep., 532; Joel Dickson, Dem., 462. For Assessor — F. W. Messenger, Rep., 526; John P. Buchet, Dem., 464.. For School Superintendent — Nellie Vallen, Rep., 576; Hattie Corbin, Dem., 416. For County Attorney — G. W. Jewett, Rep., 454; Frank Cardwell, Dem., 546. For Coroner — C. G. Black, Rep., 562 ; J. S. Denison, Dem., 424. For Surveyor — J. M. Reid, Rep., 491 ; J. E. Tupper, Dem., 482. For County Commissioner, Second Dis- trict — August Young, Rep., 477; A. H. Ma- lone, Dem., 503. For County Commissioner, Third District — D. R. Lewis, Rep., 534; T. C. Scoggin, Dem., 439. For court house bonds, 462 ; against court house bonds, 226. The 1902 Republican county convention assembled at Pomeroy, July 1, and was participated in by seventy delegates. The delegation elected to the state convention com- prised S. G. Cosgrove, S. S. Russell, J. W. Cox, D. B. Williams, C. E. Truax, Robert Gammon, M. F. Gose. Mr. Gose was named as chairman, and S. S. Russell, sec- retary of the county central committee. The convention for nominating candidates for the county offices was held October 4. There were contests for the nomination of auditor and com- HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. 567 missioner from the Third District. Otherwise nominations were made by acclamation. October 6 was the date on which the Demo- crats assembeld in convention. James Parker was chairman and John Ledgerwood secretary. No nominations were made for school superin- tendent, assessor, surveyor or coroner. Comparatively mild was the campaign of 1902. Although the election of two years previous had been notable for the "scratching" done on the county ticket, the election of No- vember 4, 1902, went it considerable better. The members of the Republican party voted straight for the congressmen, but below that they did more or less "scratching" on all the candidates. The Democrats voted their whole ticket straight. Although the Republican vot- ers were plainly in the lead by good plurali- ties, as is shown by the vote for congressmen, owing to the "scratching," the Democrats nearly broke even on the county offices. The vote: For Congressmen — F. W. Cushman, Rep., 530; W. L. Jones, Rep., 516; W. E. Humph- rey, Rep., 517; George F. Cotterill, Dem., 360; O. R. Holcomb, Dem., 358; F. B. Cole, Dem., 360; J. C. Martin, S. L., 5; William McCor- mick, S. L., 7; H. P. Jorgenson, S. L., 4; J. H. C. Scurlock, Soc, 19; D. Burgess, Soc, 18; George W. Scott, Soc, 18; A. H. Sherwood, Pro., 17; W. J. McKean, Pro., 18; O. L. Fow- ler, Pro., 20. For Representative — J. H. Walker, Rep., 480; W. L. Howell, Dem., 491. For Auditor — E. M.-Pomeroy, Rep., 447; Frank Burch, Dem., 524. For Sheriff — W. H. Dixon, Rep., 429; J. A. Strain, Dem., 545. For County Clerk — Attwood A. Kirby, - Rep M 488; Hiram Dickson, Dem., 481. For Treasurer — H. A. Adams, Rep., 515; Harry Chard, Dem., 454. For County Attorney — George H. Rum- mens, Rep., 440; J. T Ledgerwood, Dem., o3i- For Assessor — F. W. Messenger, Rep., 685. For School Superintendent — Nellie Vallen, Rep., 703. For Surveyor — J. E. Tupper, Rep., 648. For Coroner — Dr. C. G. Black, Rep., 657; Dr. J. S. Denison, 2. For Commissioner, First District^ — J. O. Miles, Rep., 519; W. H. Leonard, Dem., 428. For Commissioner, Third District — D. B. Williams, Rep., 507; John Robertson, Dem., 440. April 30, 1904, the Garfield county Repub- lican convention, to select delegates to the state convention, was held at Pomeroy. S. G. Cosgrove was chairman, and S. S. Russell, secretary. The convention instructed the dele- gates to work for an appointive railway com- mission and to do all in their power to secure the nomination for governor of Henry Mc- Bride. The state convention delegates were : Otto Long, S. S. Young, G. L. Campbell, S. G. Cosgrove, W. A. Harrison. George Stallcop and E. B. Davis. The second county convention was held July 2, when the Republicans selected S. S. Russell as their candidate for joint senator, and endorsed C. F. Miller for superior court judge of the district. The central committee selected were: Luke Kidwell, Frank Messenger, Clyde Messenger, P. C. Nicholson, William Seigrist and J. O. Miles. October 1 the third county convention was held. This was for the purpose of nomin- ating candidates for county offices. F. V. Mes- senger was chairman and H. G Cosgrove sec- retary. They named a ticket, with the excep- tion of auditor and prosecuting attorney. It appeared to be the unanimous opinion that the Democratic candidates for these offices would be elected — hence the shyness. October 8 the Democrats assembled, with Professor Boyles in the chair and County At- torney Ledgerwood, secretary. They nomin- ated a full ticket. Official vote. November 8, 1904: 5 68 HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. For Presidential Electors — Republican, yj~; Democratic, 267; Socialist, 35; Socialist Labor, 6; Prohibition, 19 — Republican plural- ity, 510. For Congressman — W. E. Humphrey, Rep., 669; W. L. Jones, Rep., 668; F. W. Cushman, Retp., 660; Howard Hathaway, Dem.. 363 ; James J. Anderson, Dem., 362 ; W. T. Beck, Dem., 366. For Governor — Albert E. Mead, Rep.. 457 ; George E. Turner, Dem.. 623 — Turner's ma- jority, 166. For Joint Senator (Columbia. Garfield and Asotin counties) — S. S. Russell, Rep., 619; Frank Cardwell, Dem., 485 — Russel's majority, 134- For Superior Judge ( Columbia, Garfield and Asotin counties) — C. F. Miller. Rep., 588; M. M. Godman, Dem., 506 — Miller's majority, 82. For Representative — W. O. Long. Rep., 610; G J. Ruark, Dem., 500 — Long's ma- jority, no. For Sheriff — W. H. Dixon, Rep.. 622; J. B. Hawkins, Dem., 501 — Dixon's majority, F2I. For County Clerk — A. A. Kirby, Rep., 679; Merton Tidwell, 423 — Kirby's majority, 256. For Auditor — B. F. Burch, Dem., 601. For Treasurer — H. A. Adams, Rep., 539; James H. Schneckloth, Dem., 578 — Schneck- loth's majority, 39. For County Attorney — J. T. Ledgerwood, Dem., 577. For Assessor — M. N. Jeffreys, Rep., 691 ; J. A. Craig, Dem., 402 — Jeffrey's majority, 289. For Surveyor — J. E. Tupper, Rep., 726. For School Superintendent — Annie Hay- worth, Rep., 467; Violetta Smith, Dem., 637 — Miss Smith's majority, 170. For Commissioner, First District — E. G Hastings, Rep., 684; W. C. Jacks, Dem., 394 — Hastings' majority, 290. For Commissioner, Second District — W. J. Kelly, Rep., 627; A. H. Malone, Dem., 453 —Kelly's majority, 174. For Coroner — Dr. G W. Black, Rep., 761. CHAPTER VII EDUCATIONAL. Before the territory of which we are treat- ing in this history was set off from Columbia county, schools had sprung up in various sec- tions of this country. Most of these came in the late 70's, when the settlement of the eastern portion of what was at that period Columbia county was rapid. It was in the spring of 1873 that the first school district was organized and preparations were made for the establishment of the first school in the territory now known as Garfield county. The residents of Pataha flat, which then boasted cmite a population, met and organ- ized the first school district east of the Tucanon river. The meeting was held at the blacksmith shop of George Gill, which was located on what is now known as the Ford place. The school board selected was composed of Adam Minnick, F. W. Showley and B. F. Shunkwiler. E. Oli- ver was clerk. William Butler, a brother of Drake Butler, still a resident of Garfield county, was employed to teach a three months' term, and in the winter of 1873-4, Garfield county's first school was begun, being held in a little log HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. 569 cabin five miles south of the present city of Pomeroy. Twenty-five scholars were present. In 1874 it was decided to build a school house. Those who had money donated to a fund to pur- chase lumber; others spent their time in haul- ing lumber from George Eckler's saw mill, eight miles south of Dayton; and still others did work upon the building. A neat little frame house, 16x28 feet, was the result. This build- ing served as a school house for this initial dis- trict until about 1901, when a new building, 25x35 feet, was erected. The old building in the early days served as a church as well as a school house, and here for many years the residents gathered for worship. E. Oliver preached the first sermon in the building. In 1 88 1 Garfield county was organized. There were twenty-eight school districts in the new county, which then, of course, included what is now Asotin county. For the following regarding schools we are indebted to F. M. Mc- Cully : "A great number of the new school districts organized in Columbia during 1870 and the succeeding years were in the terri- tory now included in Garfield county, within which, at its organization, there were twenty- eight districts and six school buildings. Since that time (this was written in 1882) there have been five new ones organized and eight new buildings will have been erected at the close of the present year. The average length of the schools is a little over four months, the longest term being nine, and the shortest three months. The highest wages paid is to males, $75 ; to females, $60. Lowest wages to males, $45 ; to females, $25. The number of teachers in the county is twenty-three : seven males and sixteen females. The number of children of school age in the county is 1.475 ! enrollment in public schools, 950 (estimated). The value of school property in the county is $9,000. "Considering the short time that Garfield county has been organized and the recent set- tlement of the country, the progress of the schools may be referred to with pride. A county teachers' institute was held in May, 1882, and was largely attended. The schools in Pomeroy and Pataha City, the principal villages of the county, are creditable to the people who sup- port them, the former town having decided re- cently to enlarge their building." Though the attendance was eminently satis- factory the initial teachers' institute in Garfield county was not quite all that had been antic- ipated. Owing to the illness of several parties the music was not well prepared. The absence of the Territorial school superintendent was also a disappointment. However, the evening session was highly enjoyed by all. Yet Garfield county, considering its new- ness, had just cause to be proud of her educa- tional facilities. Only a few years prior to 1885 tne whole territory was the habitat of wild beasts and wilder, more blood-thirsty In- dians. But in 1885 it was dotted with school houses and hundreds of happy, intelligent chil- dren romped and played around them during recess and the noon hour, or imbibed the elemen- tary knowledge of the average country school within. It was here that many now prosperous citizens of Garfield county were taught, by this, limited curriculum, the rudiments of a future solid education. In 1885 there were thirty- four districts, and schools were flourishing in twenty of them. In his various visits to the schools the county superintendent found a steady improvement in the methods of teach- ing, order and general management in the school room. Notwithstanding "hard times" two handsome school houses were built this year, and prospects were favorable for the erec- tion of several more at an early day. In the ed- ucation and culture of their children the people of Garfield county manifested then, as now, a deep and abiding interest. The following is from the report for 1888 of School Superin- tendent T. J. Driscoll : "During the year ending June 30, 1888, thirty-eight of the thirty-nine districts have had 570 HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. schools the requisite length of time. There were employed forty-five teachers at an average sal- ary of $43. The number of children enrolled in the public schools is 1,173 > at private schools, 100; average daily attendance, 806. The num- ber of children between five and twenty-one years of age in the county is 1,558; under five years, 592. Six new school houses have been built — in Districts 9, 10, 27, 28, 29 and 35. Four dis- tricts — Nos. 6, 13, 32 and 34 — have arranged for, and propose building houses during the present season. This will leave but one district. Xo. 26. without a school house." In 1890 Garfield county had arrived at a period when it could point with greater pride to its manifold educational advantages. In the past many of the schools had been handicapped by the fact that a majority of the teachers em- ployed had never enjoyed advantages much be- yond the elementary schools of their immediate neighborhood : and it is an educational maxim that no teacher is properly qualified to preside over a school of a given grade until he or she has been thoroughly instructed in the next higher grade. In November, 1886, the people of Pomeroy voiced a sentiment in favor of a high school. They insisted that it was time to begin agitat- ing with that end in view. They demanded a school building that would be a lasting credit to their city. They claimed that while Pomeroy had not been lacking in interest in educational matters, the time had come for a forward move- ment. As the town and surrounding country were constantly increasing in population and wealth there were urgent demands for better educational privileges. Young men and women were being sent away from Garfield county to Portland, Salem, Walla Walla and other points to secure the educational advantages de- nied them at home. There were in the county hundreds of families perplexing themselves in an endeavor to escertain the most advantageous place in which to complete the education of their sons and daughters. The graded schools of Pomeroy were then full to overflowing. Therefore the citizens of Pomeroy asked for a high school fully abreast of the demands of the times. This was finally secured; but not im- mediately, nor without some legal technicali- ties and difficulty. Soon after the incorporation of Pomeroy the increase of population made a new school building an absolute necessity, the old one being totally inadequate to the demand. The East W'asliingtonian said : "The city of Pomeroy would increase its population 500 people and correspondingly augment its business in eighteen months by building a high school that would command the confidence and respect of the best class of peo- ple of this county." Accordingly the directors of the Pomeroy school district made a call for an election, to be held May 19, 1888, for the purpose of submit- ting the question of voting an indebtedness of $10,000 for the construction of a public school building. Bonds were to be issued therefor pay- able in ten, fifteen and twenty years, bearing interest at 7 per cent., payable semi-annually; also, to purchase a lot, or lots, located as cen- trally in the city as practicable. Out of 133 votes cast at this election only three were regis- tred against th proposed tax. But, unfortunately, the school house was destined not to be built that season. It trans- pired that there was a defect in the act making provision for taxing the district for school pur- poses. There being no method prescribed by law for bonding the district, it became neces- sary to await congressional legislation or secure an amended or additional act through the Ter- ritorial legislature. Another election was called for Saturday, August 2, 1890. There were cast 243 votes, all being in favor of bonding the district. This, it was claimed, would make the bonds good be- yond question, and the money obtained without difficulty. And following this unanimous elec- HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUXTY. 57 1 tion the people of Pomeroy secured their $10,- ooo brick school building. The seating capacity of this structure is 525. The combined value of the school house and school property was $27,250. There were enrolled in 1904 pupils to the number of 397, and the average attend- ance was 257. Nine departments are main- tained and eleven teachers employed. There is one private school in Garfield county — parochial school — a Catholic institu- tion at Pomeroy. Rev. W. Amschwand is the principal. There were thirty-nine pupils en- rolled in this school during the year 1904. Following is the report of Garfield county's school superintendent — Xellie Vallen — for 1904: "Number of children between five and twen- ty-one years of age, 1,419; enrolled in public schools, 1,206; average daily attendance, 721; number of departments maintained in the county during the year, 45 ; number of teachers employed, 48 ; average monthly salary, males, $56.28; females, $49.75; pupils in different grades: First year, 220; second. 138; third, 140; fourth, 185; fifth, 159; sixth, 143; sev- enth, 99; eighth, 86; ninth, 14; tenth, 6; eleventh, 8; twelfth. 8. Twenty-two pupils graduated from the common schools during the year. School houses in the county — Log. 1 ; frame, 34; brick, 1. Total seating capacity, 1,703. Value of all school property in the county, $53,942. Number of districts in the county, 38. Teachers holding state or Terri- torial certificates or diplomas, 1 ; normal de- partment of state university, o ; elementary cer- tificates from state normal schools, 2 ; first grade certificates, 8 ; second grade certificates, 29 ; third grade certificates, 8. "The Pomeroy school is the only one graded and the only high school. On the whole I feel that educational interests in Garfield county have made some little progress during the past year. There has been, some lengthening of the school term; five rural districts held nine months' terms, while only two were on the list last year. Teachers' salaries have advanced a little. Of the $3,972.15 warrant indebted- ness reported, more than $800 of the debt has been called by the treasurer and hence bears no interest. The report of the library books is 752, an increase of 358 over last year. The school officers have been unusually prompt in making reports." BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES GARFIELD COUNTY MACK F. GOSE is one of the leading at- torneys of southeastern Washington. He re- sides at Pomeroy from which town he does an extensive practice and is known to the profes- sion as a clear and powerful advocate, a keen and well informed leader, and a man who has succeeded in the profession as the result of his interest, labor and ability. He was born in Missouri, on July 8, 1859, the son of John M. and Hannah J. Gose, natives of Virginia. The father came to the coast in 1864 and after one year's stay in Boise, journeyed on to Walla Walla and for thirty years has been one of the prominent fruit growers in that country. In Walla Walla our subject received his educa- tional training, being favored with the best courses the city provided and then he entered the office of ex-senator, John B. Allen, one of the prominent attorneys in the northwest. Here he was occupied in reading law and in 1883, was admitted to the bar. During his reading lie made practical the knowledge he had gained by constant application of the same in the lower courts so that upon his admission it was no experiment for him to try a lawsuit. He imme- diately began practice in Pomeroy and for over twenty years has been one of the leaders in that portion of the state. For one term he served ■is mayor of the city and in that capacity was known as a faithful and conservative officer. Mr. Gose is known far and wide as one of the hardest working attorneys to he found. His success depends not only upon his na- tural ability, nor upon the erudition he has gained by an extensive and care- ful reading, but upon his consum- mate tenacity and skill which master every de- tail of every case that is placed in his hands. The profession has learned to fear him as an opponent and welcome him as one of the bright- est lawyers at the bar. In addition to this, Mr. Gose has so conducted himself that he has the confidence and esteem of all the people and his clientage is only limited by his strength to con- tinue in the labor of trying cases. In 1886, Mr. Gose married Miss Lelah See- ley, the daughter of Charles H. Seeley. To them one child has been born, L. Vyvien. CHARLES W. FITZSIMMONS, one of the progressive men who have made Garfield county one of the choice portions of the state of Washington, is now dwelling about eight miles southeast from Pomeroy, on an estate of nearly one thousand acres, which he has se- cured as the result of his wisely bestowed labors in this section for many years. He is w r ell and favorably known throughout the countrv and is a man of good standing and pleasing ways. He was born in Mahaska county, Iowa, on February 16. 1850, the son of Patrick W. and Harriet (Ellsworth) Fitzsimmons. The father 574 HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY was a native of Pennsylvania and moved to Iowa in 1849 an< ^ settled on a farm and in that capacity he spent the remainder of his days. The mother died when our subject was an infant. She was a cousin of Colonel Ellsworth, who had the distinction of forming the first regi- ment of Zouaves of the Civil War. He had been a law student under Lincoln during the days of his practice, and the president gave him the privilege of gathering this regiment. Ells- worth was made colonel of the regiment and thev were exceptionally fine men and did ex- cellent work. Colonel Ellsworth was killed in action near Washington. Charles W. went to Jefferson county. Kan- sas, with his father and there was reared and educated. He was in Kansas during the bor- der troubles and knew much of the awful times there. In 1872. he came from that locality to the Walla Walla country and for some time was employed at general labor. In 1879, he searched out his present location and there se- cured land from the government and here he has since labored. He has met with the best of success, owing to his wisdom and industry and the fine property he has accumulated is but the due reward of his labors. The estate is well improved and supplied with all that is needed on a first-class farm and is a handsome divi- dend payer, annually. Mr. Fitzsimmons has some fine blooded stock, as horses, cattle and hogs, which is among the best to be found in the country. Mr. Fitzsimmons began life with- out means and has worked his way up by reason of real merit and is now one of the lead- ing agriculturists of southeastern Washington. In 1875, Mr. Fitzsimmons was married to Miss Martha J. McGuire, who was born in Iowa and came to Washington in 1862. Seven children have been born to this union, named as follows, Charles B., Mary G., Hattie B., Ernest E., Martha D., and Marcus W., twins, and Stanley L. Mr. Fitzsimmons has a very bright and interesting family and two of them have already graduated from the Pomeroy high school. Mr. Fitzsimmons is and always has been a stanch Republican and manifests a keen interest in political matters. Fraternally, he is affiliated with the K. P., the A. F. & A. M., and the W. O. W. HENRY SCHNEEKLOTH. Garfield county has a large population of progressive farmers and stockmen and one among this number who has achieved especial success is the gentleman whose name appears at the head of this article. He has shown marked sagacity and energy since coming to this western coun- try and added to this, the native tenacity and staying qualities characteristic of his race, have combined to make him a man capable of hand- ling successfully large enterprises. At the pres- ent time he is conducting an estate of over one thousand acres, which lies four miles south from Mayview postoffice. The place is utilized for general crops and the stock business and is excellently improved, which shows the taste and ability of its proprietor. Mr. Schneekloth has fine bands of stock and receives a hand- some annual dividend from the crops of his farm, while all the comforts of rural life are supplied with a generous hand. Henry Schneekloth was born in Holstein, Germany,' on October 23, 1840, the son of Jochin and Trena (Ewold) Schneekloth, also natives of Germany where they were married. They came to America in 1853, bringing our subject with them, and made settlement near Davenport, Iowa. There the father became one of the wealthy and prominent farmers of the community and his death occurred there in 1890. Our subject was educated mostly in Germany, being favored with only two months in school after coming to the United States. Then his time was given to farming and in the vicinity of Davenport he remained engaged in this occupation until 1881, when he determined to see the west for himself. • He accordinglv sold his property there and journeyed to Wash- HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. 575 ington." Pomeroy was the objective point and soon he was in possession of a homestead and a timber culture claim, which he improved straightway, in a becoming manner. Soon these were sold and our subject in 1888 located where we find him at the present time. Here he has bestowed his labors with wisdom and the result is he is one of the wealthy men of the county. In 1867, while in Iowa, Mr. Schneekloth marrieed Miss Margretha Kuhl, a native of Germany. She came to this country with her parents when a girl. To this union the follow- ing named children have been born: James H., Gusta P., William J., Katie C, Herman O., Emil R., and Ada F. HON. WILLIAM OSCAR LONG is an extensive farmer and successful stockman re- siding about five miles south from Pomeroy. He is one of the leading men of Pataha Flat and shows by his achievements his ability to be of high order. Mr. Long owns five hundred and twenty acres and farms in addition to this one thousand acres making him one of the lead- ing wheat producers of this part of the county. Mr. Long gives considerable attention to hand- ling stock and owns about fifteen thoroughbred Shorthorns in addition to other animals. He has some very fine specimens and takes great pride in them. William O. Long was born in Lane county, Oregon, in 1864. His father, Ransom Long, was born near Charleston, Virginia, in 1812, and died in 1899. He participated in the Black Hawk war and crossed the plains in early days. In 1833 he married Miss Rosetta Clark, who died in 1887. She was born in Ohio. Our subject attended the common schools in Ore- gon until eight years old, when the family re- moved to Dayton, Washington, and one year later came where he now resides. There he continued his education until he was old enough to take part in the work for himself when he began the stock business and general farming and later bought five hundred and twenty acres of choice land. Since that time he has given his attention to the cultivation and improvement of the estate and is known as a man of industry and excellent habits. In 1890, Mr. Long married Mrs. Maggie R. Stringer, who was born in Illinois, in 1856. Her parents are Stephen and Mary (Long) Hand, and are dwelling on the farm in Illinois. The mother was born in Indiana, in 18 19, and is still living. She was an aunt of the subject of this sketch. To Mr. and Mrs. Long three children have ben born, Sherman E., Lottie and Ruth. Mr. Long is identified with the Republican party and has always taken the interest that becomes a leading citizen in political matters as well as in local affairs. He is a member of the Woodmen of the World and is known ? e a genial and affable man. In 1904 Mr. Long was chosen to represent his constituents in the state legislature and has shown himself a man of firmness, keenness and integrity in the halls of legislation. RICHARD J. HILTON, although one of the younger men of Columbia county, has made a record of which men of three score years and ten might well be proud. He is to- day one of the wealthy property owners in this part of the country and has done a large busi- ness in general merchandise at both Pataha and Starbuck. An account of his life can but be interesting to all and it is with pleasure that we append the same. Rchard J. Hilton was born in California, on May 15, 1874. His father, F. W. Hilton, was a native of Michigan and came to Cali- fornia as one of the "forty-niners." He fol- lowed freighting for many years and had some very thrilling experiences and wild adventures 576 HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. with the Indians and in other ways during those early days. He married Maggie Hart- man, who was a native of San Jose, California, her parents also being among the early settlers in the Golden State. When a lad, our subject was brought by his parents to Pendleton, Ore- gon, and a short time thereafter they moved to the Cold Spring country, about twenty miles out from Pendleton. There the father of our subject built the first school house in that part of the country. The educational chances for Richard were very limited indeed, but he pos- sessed a spirit that pressed him forward to the improvement of what he had and that has con- stantly given him interest in research and study since, so that he has come to be one of the well informed men of the country. When he was fourteen years of age, the family moved to Columbia county and two years later our sub- ject started out on the voyage of life for him- self. His first venture was working on the farms of the neighbors for wages and for five years he continued doing that with a persever- ing tenacity which few possess. In 1896 Mr. Hilton went to Lincoln county, in Washing- ton, and selected a homestead near Creston. When he went to Spokane to file on the land, he found he lacked two dollars and fifty cents of having enough to pay the fees. The kindly receiver at the land office, however, trusted him for the balance which in due time was paid promptly. From Spokane, Mr. Hilton went afoot without a penny, clear to Waitsburg, Washington, where he secured a job and soon earned enough to enable him to improve his homestead in good shape and in 1902, he sold that property and removed to Pomeroy. Here he bought five hundred and twenty acres, built two beautiful residences, made other improve- ments and sold the place soon after. In Janu- ary, 1903. he was appointed postmaster at Pa- taha and has given excellent satisfaction in that office since. At that time he started a general merchandise store there and has made a suc- cess in that venture. Among the property that Mr. Hilton owns may be mentioned eighteen hundred acres of land just west from Starbuck, town property at Leland, Idaho, and also much in Pataha and Starbuck, Washington. He has shown himself a thorough and capable business man, stirring, energetic and always abreast of the times. Being a man of excellent informa- tion, he is able to take advantage of every op- portunity that offers and has thereby gained his present princely holding. In 1894, Mr. Hilton married Miss Dora Montgomery, who was born and raised in Waitsburg. Her father, William Montgom- ery, was one of the early pioneers of Walla Walla county and was a prominent citizen there. To this union four children have been born, Louis D., Lola, Laura and Clarence L. Mr. Hilton started in 1896 with scarcely a dollar. Inside of eight years he has accumu- lated a property worth many thousands of dol- lars and has met and overcome in the meantime much adversity and opposition that would have swamped a man of ordinary ability. After thus overcoming in all these trying places, he is to- day a better and stronger man and is ready to meet even greater difficulties than has been mentioned, and judging the future by the past, he will make a brilliant record for himself. N. O. BALDWIN is one of the pioneers of Garfield county. He is well known throughout this portion of the state and is a man of recog- nized ability and integrity. At the present time he is serving as postmaster of Pomeroy, hav- ing been two years in this capacity. Faithful- ness and close attention to business, with a skillful handling of the duties placed in his hand have made him an efficient officer and popular with the people. In various other pub- lic capacities he has served for many years, and in all of them he has manifested the same care and responsibility. N. O. Baldwin was born in Missouri on July N. O. Baldwin Mrs. N. O. Baldwin Col. J. K. Kelly Michael Buckley HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. 577 9, 1 86 1, being the son of Zenas A. and Martha E. Baldwin, natives. of New Jersey and Mis- souri respectively. The father crossed the plains to California in the early 50's and, after mining some time, returned via the Horn. In 1864, he brought his family overland to California, whence he journeyed to Pomeroy, arriving there on July 29, 1875. He secured a farm, where he remained until his death in December, 1903. Our subject attended school for two years in California, finishing his education in Pomeroy. He remained with his father until twenty-three years of age, and then engaged in farming for himself. In 1891 he settled in Pomeroy, and gave his atteneion to working in a general store for several years. After that he was appointed deputy assessor and gave uni- versal satisfaction in that capacity for two years, then he was elected sheriff of his county twice, and also was appointed for a term, and has served as a special deputy in the sheriff's office continuously. In June, 1902, Mr. Bald- win was appointed postmaster of Pomeroy, and since that time he has given his attention en- tirely to the care and operation of that import- ant office. In January, 1887, Mr. Baldwin married Miss Nancy J. Demaris, a native of Walla Walla. Her father, James Demaris, was born and raised in Ohio and came west in 1863. To Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin the following named children have been born: Robert O., Coil O., Mary O., Wyrn O., Noble O., Dolph O. and Lura O. So thoroughly has Mr. Baldwin identified himself with the interests of Garfield county and the surrounding country that one sees in him a splendid champion of this section. Every important move which is intended for the build- ing up and development of the country has al- ways been pushed forward by him and he is known as a progressive, public-spirited and broad-minded man. He has many warm friends and merits the kindly esteem and good will which are so generously bestowed upon him. 37 MICHAEL BUCKLEY, deceased. No one among the leading stockmen and farmers of Garfield county is better known than was the gentlemen whose name appears at the head of this article. For many years he was one of the most successful operators in this part of the county and was known as one of the substan- tial and good men. Mr. Buckley came in early times and therefore had the hardships of the pioneer to undergo, but being a man of indo- mitable pluck, he did not shrink from the task and the success that has followed his labors be- speak his ability, determination and his pains- taking care. A review of his life will be inter- esting and, therefore, we append the same. Mr. Buckley was born in Ireland in 183 1, When eight years of age he was brought by his parents to New York, and there remained until seventeen, during which interim he gained his education in the public schools. Then he went to California, via Cape Horn, and for seven years was engaged in mining in the earliest and palmiest times of California's great mining days. Then he made his way to what is now Washington, in company with his brother Wil- liam, and for many years operated a pack train from these parts to Montana. In 1879 ne de- termined to retire from the hardships of that life and accordingly cast about for a good lo- cation for the stock business. He finally selected the estate where his family reside at the present time, one mile north from Chard. He bought a band of cattle and continued in stock raising until the time of his death. He was well known to the stockmen, and, in fact, to every one in this part of the country and his herds were well kept and wisely marketed. The result was that he prospered and became quite wealthy. In September, 1903, came the call for Mr. Buck- ley to depart the labors of this life and he was laid to rest by loving hands and mourned by all who knew him. In 1895, at Walla Walla, Mr. Buckley had married Mrs. Cecila Leaverton. She was born in Ireland in 1871, and came to the United 578 HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY States with her parents when eleven years of age. Her father was Anthony Leavelle, also a native of Ireland. Previous to her marriasre to Mr. Buckley she had married Henry Leaver- ton, and to that union two children had been iborn, John and, Henry. To Mr. and Mrs. Buck- ley four children were born, William, Marie, Celia and May. Upon Mr. Buckley's death the entire responsibility of the large estate and stock business that he was handling, devolved upon Mrs. Buckley. The estate consists of nearly twenty-five hundred acres of land, besides two hundred and fifty head of cattle and other stock needed in handling the business. To any one acquainted with the labor attending stock rais- ing and the care of a large farm it would be evi- dent at once that Mrs. Buckley had no small matter to attend to and her ability and wisdom "have been manifested in that she is successfully handling everything in a first class shape and has suffered no loss in any detail. She has about three hundred acres of wheat at the pres- ent time and something over twenty-eight acres of alfalfa. Mrs. Buckley is certainly to /be commended very much upon the ability man- ifested in attending to this large business, while it is not to be forgotten that the loss of her husband and the responsibilities of her family .have been very heavy burdens to her. -+—+- JOHN S. NYE has spent so many years of "his life in Garfield county that he can almost be said to be a native westerner. He is well known and has friends from every quar- ter of the country, having displayed those char- acteristics which win and retain friendships. He is giving his time and attention to farming and stock raising and in these related occupa- tions has made a good success as did his father before him in this locality. Mr. Nye resides on the old home place secured by his father, and being an only child, the entire estate reverted to him upon the death of his parents. It is very gratifying to be well settled among the familiar scenes and have to one's hand that which will be reproductive of memories of the happy days gone by, while one is living in the present. John S. Nye was born in Marion county, Iowa, on May 27, 1871. His father, Samuel L. Nye, was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, in 1840. His forefathers were natives of Ken- tucky and Virginia, and some came to Ohio. They were stanch Americans and fought with distinction in the Revolution and the War of 1812. Samuel L. Nye was a private in Com- pany C, Ninth Indiana Volunteers, enlisting on September 5, 1861, and being honorably dis- charged on September 9, 1864. He had moved to Indiana with his parents before the war and in 1868 came to Marion county, Iowa. In 1882, the father of our subject brought his family to the Walla Walla country and soon thereafter located the place where we find John S. at this day. The estate lies about three miles south from Mayview, and consists of seven hundred and twenty acres of choice land. It is all under cultivation and is supplied with all the buildings and improvements needed. On April 13, 1904, Samuel L. Nye passed to the world beyond, having lived a long and useful life. He was mourned by all and his remains rest in the neighboring cemetery beside those of his wife, who had died in 1899. She was a Miss Electa J. Miller previous to her marriage and was born in Jackson county, Ohio. When three years of age she came with her parents to Marion county, Iowa, where she grew up and was educated. There in 1870 she married Mr. Nye, and continued a faithful helpmeet until the time of her death. Our subject came to this country with his parents and here was edu- cated and grew up. In 1893, Mr. Nye married Miss Myrtle Miller, a native of Douglas county, Oregon. Her father, Asa Miller, was a native of Illinois. He crossed the plains with ox teams to the coast in 1846. His mother was with him and died HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. 579 enroute. Settlement was made in Douglas •county, Oregon, and in 1889 he came to Gar- field county and here remained until his death. He had married Miss Ellen Smith, who was born near Monmouth, Oregon. Her father crossed the plains in 1846 and was a devout Christian minister. To Mr. and Mrs. Nye five ■children have been born, S. Loring, Lola I., Dwight L., J. Cecil and Myrtle. JOSEPH LEDGERWOOD is one of Gar- field county's oldest settlers and is, without doubt, one of her most substantial and highly respected citizens at this day. He was born in Clay county, Missouri, on July 17, 1836, the ■son of Joseph and Rachel Ledgerwood, natives of Tennessee. The father pioneered to Clay county, Missouri, when young and ini864Jour- neyed to the Pacific coast, where he died soon after arriving. Our subject received his edu- cation in Clay and Davis counties, Missouri, and then turned his entire attention to farming. In 1864 he determied to try the west and ac- cordingly fitted out teams for the trip and jour- neyed across the plains to the Umpqua valley, Oregon. He had great hardships to meet and endure on the way, having had scanty means to fit out with. However he arrived at the journey's end all right, but entirely without money. He at once went to work and opened up a ranch. There he labored until 1877, when he was willing to sell out and try his fortune east of the Cascades. He searched out his present location, which is about nine miles east from Pomeroy, and began the labor of opening up a new place a second time in the west. He has prospered and from time to time has pur- chased land until he now owns eight hundred and twenty acres of first-class wheat soil. The place is provided with everything in the way of improvements and equipment that is needed and is a valuable property. Mr. Ledgerwood has recently retired from the active labor of the farm and is now dwelling in Pomeroy where he has a beautiful residence. Here Mr. Ledgerwood is enjoying the fruits of his for- mer labors, and is overseeing his property. , In 1859, Mr. Ledgerwood married Miss Louisa O'Keef, a native of Illinois, and she has been a faithful helpmeet and has shared in all the hardships and successes of her husband in his eventful career. She is an estimable lady and of her it may be said, as of the wise woman of the Proverbs, "Let her works praise her in the gates." To this worthy couple the follow- ing named children have been born, William, Joseph, John, Fred, Jane, Emma, Martha, Rosie and Clara. John is a prominent attor- ney here and is at the present time filling the office of county attorney at Pomeroy. He graduated from the high school here and then completed a law course in Valparaiso, Indiana. It is interesting to note that when Mr. Ledgerwood first came here, there were no roads, and the country was almost a trackless wilderness. He met and overcame all that is usually forced against the pioneer, and has won distinction as a man of energy and worth. There was but one railroal in the entire country then, and that was a little narrow gauge from Walla Walla to Wallula and the passengers had to ride on sacks of grain on the flat cars. JOHN W. HARDIN resides in Pomeroy, being now retired from active business life. He has gained a good competence in his life in the west and truly one can see he has been a very progressive, active and resourceful man. He was born in Mason county, Illinois, on Sep- tember 6, 1848, the son of Thomas J. and Har- riett (Bearden) Hardin. The father was born in Indiana in 1830 and was a pioneer to Illinois. His farther, Henry Hardin, was the first sheriff Christian county, Illinois. Thomas J. Har- din remained in Illinois until his death in 1884. His wife was born in 1833, in Kentucky, and moved to Illinois when young and was married 5 8o HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. in 1847. She still lives in Pataha, this county, and is strong and hearty. Our subject had a limited opportunity for an education and was early thrown on his own resources. In 1865 he enlisted in Company I, Third Indiana Cav- alry, under Colonel R. H. Carnahan and Cap- tain Solomon M. Tabor. After a short service he was honorably discharged and returned to farming and milling. He came on west to Ne- braska and for three years fought hot winds and grasshoppers, being discouraged with the outlook. Although he had but seven dollars in his pocket he started with a span of horses and a wagon to bring his wife and four children across the plains. He also had a mule as extra in case of accident to the team. He found work on the railroad, earned fifty dollars and started on again. When he got to the Green river he met ten teams and between the whole outfit there was a little over two dollars. Later our subject met a sick family and gave them funds and supplies, bought medicine and paid their way across the plains ; then they were all with- out money. Mr. Hardin hired out, tending flume for two dollars per day, but was beaten out of his wages. After that he loaded cord- wood until he made enough to buy supplies for the trip, then came on to Salt Lake. Three weeks were spent there in labor, then he got supplies enough to come on to Boise. When he arrived there he had one two-dollar greenback. He soon secured a position on the G. M. ranch and in a short time was appointed foreman. For two years he conducted the estate, then sold out his interest for thirteen hundred dol- lars and came to Columbia county, that por- tion now embraced in Garfield county. He ar- rived here in 1877 and since that time has been a continuous resident. He now owns two beautiful residences in Pomeroy and a half sec- tion of wheat land in Nez Perces county, Idaho, besides other property. For years he has been one of the extensive farmers in this great wheat belt. At Taylorsville, Illinois, on November 9, 1869, Mr. Hardin married Miss Mary C. Tet- rick. Her paternal grandfather was born in Germany and came to New York, whence he journeyed through Kentucky to Illinois. He had four sons and three daughters. Mrs. Har- din's father, Charles F. Tetrick, was the youngest boy and was born in Kentucky in 1792. Before the war of 1812 he had settled in Illinois and remained there until 1843, then started for Texas and stopped in Arkansas until 1847. Then he moved to Lawrence county, Missouri, and there died on December 12, 1848. In 1816 he was a member of the rangers. The mother of Mrs. Hardin was. born in Kentucky in 1808, and her father was Michael Huffman, who was born in Vermont and assisted to drive stock for supplies to the patriots in the Revolution. He had four brothers in that war. He married a widow, Mrs. Carnes, then came on west to Kentucky and Illinois, and died in 1847. Michael Har- din's father, who was also Michael Hardin, came from Germany. The wife of Charles Tetrick remained in Missouri until the death of her husband in 1848, when she removed to Illi- nois and there died in 1852. John W. Hardin's father was a Democrat, but he has always been a Republican. He has held several offices and is a member of the G. A. R. To Mr. and Mrs. Hardin the following children have been born: Charles A., in Illi- nois, on November 17, 1870; Thomas J., in Nabraska, on November 22, 1871 ; Flora E.,. in Nebraska, on June 8, 1873; John W. Jr.,. in Nebraska, on February 18, 1875; Daniel' A., in Idaho, on July 18, 1878; Arthur E., in Washington, on December 16, 1880; Jessie S., in Washington, on January 1, 1883, and' James M., in Washington, on March 5, 1885. In early days Mr. Hardin was quite a nim- rod and used to kill buffalo and other large game in Nebraska. HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. 58i J. H. WALKER is one of Washington's most successful and wealthy stockmen. He re- sides at Pataha, where his headquarters are and from there conducts his large interests. He was born in Maine, on June 28, 1839. His father, R. H. Walker, was also a native of Maine and a well-to-do farmer, and married Mrs. Clara Wilson, who was born in Maine. The ancest- ors were among the early settlers in the colo- nies and were stanch American before there was a United States. The educational training of our subject was received in the common schools of his native state and after he had finished that part of his life he learned the wagonmaker's trade in Massachusetts. He completed this in 1862, when he enlisted in Company G, Fiftieth Massachusetts Infantry, and fought through- out the war" He participated in the Port Hud- son campaign under General Banks, and after the struggle was over retired to private life, again taking up his trade. In 1866 we find him in California, operating a wagon shop in Va- caville, whence he journeyed to Oregon City in 1869, continuing at his trade. Finally, in 1877, Mr. Walker determined to change his occupa- tion, consequently went to what is now Wasco county, Oregon, it being then a new country, and opened a stock ranch. For three years he operated there successfully and then became convinced that the territory now embraced in Garfield county afforded better advantages than where he was, consequently he transferred his stock holdings here and located in Deadman country. From time to time he purchased land until now he is one of the largest property- holders in southeastern Washington. He has a vast number of sheep and horses and has been eminently successful in his labors. Mr. Walker, in all the years that have gone by, paid careful attention to the labors that he had in hand, knowing well the old proverd that, "What is worth doing at all is worth doing well," was the secret of success. No detail of the large business, at the head of which he stands today, is too small for his personal attention and care, and his keen oversight has enabled him to handle the larger and more extensive parts of the business with an ease and skill that have brought about his success. While he has devoted his attention steadily to the business he has not forgotten to take the part that be- comes every good citizen in political matters and in the general upbuilding and improvement of the country. He has won hosts of friends and is known as one of the real builders of this portion of Washington. In 1884 Mr. Walker married Mrs. Sylvia Palmer, a native of California. W. L. TAYLOR is to be classed with the earliest pioneers to the territory now embraced in Garfield county. He is a man or stamina and reliability and has done well the labor that fell to his lot in life. As a pioneer he showed that sturdiness and fortitude so indispensable in that calling, and the hardships, self-denials and other trying items to be met with on the frontier have wasted their power in vain ef- fort to discourage or dishearten him, for he has but grown the stronger in the powers of endur- ance and the fertility of mind to find a way through them all. Today he is classed as one of the influential and capable men of the commu- nity and has the satisfaction of knowing that with his own hands he has carved out a for- tune to supply his needs and add the luxuries of life in the golden years that will soon begin to run apace in his life. He has conducted his enterprises well and he and his wife have reared a good family while they together have gathered the substance that now makes their fortune. W. L. Taylor was born in Adams county, Illinois, in 1840. His father, Adam Taylor, was a native of Kentucky and pioneered to Illi- nois and there farmed the balance of his life. He married Miss Barbara Grimes, a native of the Blue Grass State, also, whose father, John Grimes participated in the Blackhawk war. 582 HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. She was married in her native state and shared the labors and triumphs of her husband in the pioneer days and later years of their careers. The public schools of the frontier of Illinois furnished the training of our subject and he made the best of the winter days when he sat on the slab bench and dug out the intricacies of the common branches. The school house was a log cabin and, although primitive, many happy and profitable days were spent there. The summers were occupied in the healthful labors of the farm, and thus his life continued until he had come to the years of his majority. Then he began to meet the responsibilities of life for himself and naturally turned his at- tention to farming. In 1878 he sold his pos- sessions in the Prairie State and made the long journey across the country to Washington, where he selected a place in Garfield county, on which he now lives. He took a preemption, a homestead and a timble culture, and then added a quarter section by purchase. This makes him six hundred and forty acres of choice soil. When Mr. Taylor first came here there was only one store in Dayton, and one at Pataha. There were no fences and very few roads. The wildness and all the attendant difficulties that nature strews around her domains to beset the intruder with were heaped on the pioneers here, and our subject had his share. He labored pa- tiently on and the result is that he has made a good success. When twenty-four Mr. Taylor married Miss Lucretia, the daughter of A. and Mar- guerite (Jackson) Vannest, natives of Hol- land and Michigan, respectively. Mrs. Taylor was born in Illinois and she has borne to her husband three children, William, Edward and James. F. W. UNFRIED is one of the younger men of Garfield county and has manifested a sterling, progressive spirit in his labors here. He has met with excellent success as a fruit grower and stock raiser, having brought to bear in the business a well informed mind and ma- ture judgment. Mr. Unfried is an energetic man and one of the substantial citizens of the community. He was born in Germany on May 3, 1872, and came from a very prominent and wealthy family. The father, J. J. Unfried, was also a native of Germany and a wealthy manu- facturer. He was very prominent in public life and an influential man. The mother of our subject, Louise Unfried, was born in the father- land and came from one of the old and promi- nent families in the empire. Our subject was brought up in a refined home and received the best opportunities for education to be found in classical Germany, being first carefully trained in a gymnasium and later completing a univer- sity course. He reads Latin and Greek literature and speaks fluently the English, the French, Italian and German languages, while in higher mathematics he has made some excellent rec- ords and always keeps abreast of the advanc- ing chariot of science in this progressive and intelligent age. According to the regulation in Germany a man who completes a college course is exempt from military training except one year and consequently our subject had but twelve months to serve in the regular army life. After completing his course he spent two years traveling in France and Switzerland for the purpose of studying the people and perfecting himself in the French and Italian languages. In 1889 Mr. Unfried came to America and spent five years in Chicago. After that we find him for three years in the Golden City, and later he was in Butte, Montana, for one year. In 1898 he came to Washington and selected his location where he now resides. Having be- come desirous to retire from the more active duties and devote himself as a stock man and horticulturist. He owns about five hundred acres of land which is well improved and a por- tion of which is irrigated. He raises all kinds of fruits adapted to this climate and handles considerable stock. HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. 583 In 1903 Mr. Unfried married Miss Sylva- nia Little, a native of Illinois. Mr. Unfried has made several trips to Europe since coming to this country and has followed several different occupations. He stands well in the community and has thoroughly identified himself with its progress and upbuilding. ALBERT P. COYLE is one of the wealthy pioneers of Garfield county who has earned and is now enjoying the pleasures of a retired life. He is making his home in Pomeroy, al- though he owns property in the agricultural portions of the country. Albert P. Coyle was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, in June, 1842, being the son of Terrance and Susan (McKenna) Coyle, the former born in Westmoreland county, Pennsyl- vania, and the latter in Ireland. They were married in 1839 and in 1850 came to Illinois, where they farmed until the father's death in 1884. Albert P. has a sister, Catherine, born in Ohio, in 1844, and in 1864 married James Murray. Our subject was educated in the com- mon schools of Pennsylvania until i860, when he spent one year in St. Vincent College. After that he went to work in the roundhouse in Pitts- burg, Pennsylvania, then operated a stationary engine in the oil country for about fourteen years. In 1874 Mr. Coyle came to San Fran- cisco, then by steamer to Crescent City. Later he went afoot to Coos Bay, Oregon, and thence to the Willamette valley. He finally found his way to Portland and later journeyed to Se- attle. It was 1877 when Mr. Coyle cameto Pom- eroy and took a homestead of one quarter sec- tion, later committing on it. After that he went into the Big Bend country for a year, but not being pleased with that section, returned to his homestead. Although he made a good showing on the homestead, still life was too monotonous for him there, consequently he re- turned to Braddock, Pennsylvania, and there, on October 23, 1882, married Margaret Don- nelly. Her parents, James and Sarah (Brown), Donnelly, were born in Berlin, Pennsylvania,, in 1809, and in Cambria county, Pennsylvania, respectively. The mother died in 1874 and the father in 1875. The father's father was bori? and educated in Ireland, receiving a fine med* ical training. However, not liking the prac- tice of medicine, he emigrated to the United States and took up farming. Mrs. Coyle has- one brother, James, and three sisters, Sarah M, Buffner, Mrs. Mary McKeirnan and Susan. To Mr. and Mrs. Coyle one child has been born, James P, in Garfield county, on March 20, 1885. He is now handling the home place while his parents reside in Pomeroy. Mr. and Mrs. Coyle are devoted Catholics and have been stanch supporters of the faith during their long and eventful career. Politcally Mr. Coyle is a Democrat. Al- though he has resided in Pomeroy for one- third of a century, still he has been a great trav- eler in his day and has viewed many portions, of the United States. GEORGE STALLCOP was born in Clin- ton county, Iowa, on May 4, 1850, and now re- sides in Pomeroy, from where he conducts his large interests in this county and elsewhere. His father, George W. Stallcop, was a native of Kentucky, and came to* Iowa when a young man. In 1856 he went to Kansas and there had much trouble with the hostile savages. On many occasions his family were compelled to flee for their lives and Mr. Stallcop was called out several times with the other pioneers to fight back the Indians. In 1864 he brought his family across the plains to Washington. In the fall of 1865 the family packed their effects on oxen and ponies and started over the trail for the Tillamook country, then unbroken and little known. For three years they remained there, then returned to Yamhill county and 584 HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. found their old wagon setting under the tree where they had left it. They fitted up the wagon and returned to Portland. At Portland they loaded their effects, including the wagon, cattle and so forth on boat and went to the Cow litz country. From there they jonrneyed to Seattle, and then by team essayed the trip to the Kittitas valley. This was the hardest journey of them all. They had to cut their way across the mountains and at one place were obliged to ferry their equipages across the lake. For this purpose they constructed a large raft. After a time in the Kittitas valley they went to The Dalles, Oregon, and there cut wood for one winter. After that they returned to Ya- kima county and took a homestead within two miles of the present city of Yakima. From this they were driven by the Indians from The Dalles and in 1870 returned to Walla Walla. Here the father bought a ranch and settled down. He became one of the well-to-do farm- ers of the country and his death occurred in Pomeroy in 1901. He spent his entire life on the frontier and experienced many thrilling adventures. He married Miss Nancy H. Pell, a native of Kentucky, who accompanied her husband in all his journeys and was a faithful helpmate to him. She is now living in Pom- eroy. Our subject was with his father in all these journeys until 1870, when he started out for himself. He worked for several years, and in 1878 took a homestead, timberculture and pre-emption near Pomeroy. He has bought and sold land since and now owns one section of choice wheat land, supplied with all build- ings and improvements necessary, about eleven miles northeast of Pomeroy. He also owns a beautiful residence in Pomeroy, which is the family home. He stared life with nothing but two good, strong hands and a courageous spirit, and is now one of Garfield county's wealthy men. In 1874 Mr. Stallcop married Miss Sarah E. Edwards, a native of Oregon. Her father, Samuel Edwards, crossed the plains to Oregon in 185 1, and was a prominent man in the west in early days and became very wealthy. To Mr. and Mrs. Stallcop three children have been born, Guy W., Harley B: and Lulu E. GEORGE W. MILLER has well earned the retirement from active business life he is now enjoying. His is one of the most promi- nent families in southeastern Washington, and personally he is a man of most excellent qualities. He comes from a race of sturdy and long-lived pioneers, who have been instru- mental in opening up different sections and leading on to success in the United States for generations back. Mr. Miller is no exception to the good record made by his ancestors, and has well done his part in developing and build- ing up the west. George W. Miller was born in Crawfords- ville, Indiana, on April 6, 1830. His father, John Miller, was born in Tennessee, and his father, our subject's grandfather, John Miller, was a veteran of the Revolution. The father of George W. moved to Indiana when that was a wilderness. Later he went to Illinois, and as early as 185 1 crossed the plains with ox teams to Linn county, Oregon, and there opened up a donation claim, where he remained until his death. He was on the frontier all his life, and on his various journeys was accompanied by his three brothers — George, Isaac and Abra- ham. Wherever one moved the rest moved, and they remained together until their death. The mother of our subject was Sarah (Smith) Miller, and her father, also, was a patriot who fought for his country's independence in the Revolution. She was born in Tennessee and was with her husband in all of his journeys until her death, which occurred in Oregon. George W. was on the frontier all of his life and had very scanty opportunity to gain a literary training, but became well versed in practical things of George W. Miller Mr*. George W. Miller HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. 585 life, and has not ceased to be a constant reader and inquirer, which have made him one of the best informed men of the country. He was with his parents when they crossed the plains in 1 85 1, and well remembers the troubles that he had with the Indians. On two occasions, however, they were enabled to placate the sav- ages by a peace offering of a cow. In due time they arrived in the Willamette valley, and our subject took a donation claim near Albany, where his father located. For nine years that was his home. During that time, in 1855, there was a general uprising of the Indians in the northwest. "Mr. Miller enlisted in Company H, First Oregon Mounted Volunteers to fight the savages. On December 7, 1855, 350 of the soldiers met about 1,500 Indians seven miles below the present site of Walla Walla. The battle raged four days and finally the whites, though only one to five, drove the savages from the field and practicaly ended the war. After eight months' service in the army Mr. Miller re- ceived an honorable discharge and returned to his home. In i860 he came to Washington and took a homestead where Dayton now stands. Eighteen months later he took the place where he is now located, three miles west from Ping. He has seven hundred acres, which is utilized as a stock ranch. He also has one of the best fruit orchards in the country, his peaches being justly celebrated. Four years since Mr. Miller sold the ranch at Dayton and is now retired from active life. In October, ,1858, Mr. Miller married Miss Sarah E. Ping, who was born in Terre Haute, Indiana, and crossed the plains with her parents, Elisha and Lucretia (Kuykendall) Ping, in 1852, to Lincoln county, Oregon. To our sub- ject and his wife the following named children were born : Chester R, Celesta I., who was the second white child born in Columbia county, Fred L, Jesse G., Ralph A. and Ray R. Ches- ter F. is now judge of the superior court in Garfield, Columbia and Asotin counties. Jesse G. is an attorney in Dayton, of the firm of Mil- ler & Fouts. Mrs. Miller departed this life on August 26, 1890, and was buried at Dayton, Washington. Her life was an example of womanly grace and virtues, and her influence is felt still in the noble work that she did, es- pecially in moulding the lives of her children for good and uprightness. She was universally beloved. Mr. Miller may justly take pride in the work that he has accomplished, not alone in that he has made a financial success, but also in that, with the faithful and beloved helpmate, he has reared a family who are today taking their places among the leading citizens of south- eastern Washington and are not behind their worthy ancestors who did so much in other parts of the United States to build up this great country. Loyal and patriotic, they have a high sense of honor and a due appreciation of their stewardship, and are leaving today, as their ancestors have done in other localities, their impress for wisdom and uprightness in this great state. ELIEL OLIVER is one of the oldest set- tlers in Garfield county. At the present time he is residing in Pomeory where he has a beau-, tiful dwelling, being retired from the more ac- tive duties of life. He was born in Rush county, Indiana, in 1830, the son of E. F. and Cather- ine (Odea) Oliver. The father was born in Kentucky in 1803 followed farming andcameto Indiana when it was a territory. There he was married and in 1849 went to Illinois. Four years later he settled in Iowa, and in 1864 crossed . the plains with ox teams to Oregon, making settlement in the Grande Ronde valley. He died in 1880. The mother was born in Kentucky in 1805 and was a niece of Daniel Boone. She died in the Grande Ronde valley in 1883. Our subject has two brothers, J. E. and Hiram W. The public schools of Pulaski county, Indiana, furnished the education of our subject, and in 1849 ne married Miss Nancy 5 86 HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. Lower, who was born in Indiana on February 17, 1833. In 1849 tne y journeyed to Scott county, Indiana, and later to Iowa, arid in 1864, came across the plains to Oregon, settling in Washington county. In 1871 they came to the Territory of Washington and the next year set- tled in Garfield county, which was then em- braced in Walla Walla county. Our subject had very little means at that time and took a homestead and began farming. He later rented a half section of school land, which he still retains although lie has sold the homestead taken when he first came here. He has gained a goodly com- petence during the years of his labor and is considered one of the substantial and leading citizens of Pomeroy. Mrs. Oliver's parents were William and Rebecca (Goodwin) Lower, the former born in Indiana on March 26, 1808, and died in January, 1888, and the latter born on July 2, 1812, and died in 1878. Mrs. Oliver has two sisters, Mary J. Oliver and Phoebe Shunkwiler. To Mr. and Mrs. Oliver the following children have been born : Mrs. Mary E. Skogland, on June 9, 1850, in Scott county, Illinois ; Mrs. Naomi C. Walters, on November 8, 1852, in Morgan county, Illinois; John W., on January 4, 1855, in Marion county, Iowa; Mrs. Rebecca J. Minnick, on September 8, 1857, in Marion county, Iowa; James, on November 23, 1859, in Marion county, Iowa; Asbery, February 8, 1862, in Marion county, Iowa ; Mrs. Ida O. Stevens, on July 29, 1864, at Sweetwater, Idaho; Kavan- augh H., on February 24, 1866, in Washing- ton county, Oregon ; Mrs. Isabella Lukey, on February 7, 1872, in Walla Walla county; Frank W., on July 7, 1875, in Garfield county, and Mrs. Francis M. McCormack, on March 11, 1878, in Garfield county. Mr. Oliver is a stanch and lifelong Demo- crat and takes a keen interest in political mat- ters. He is a member of the Masonic order and was a master assistant in the organization of the Evening Star lodge No. 30. He and his wife belong to the Methodist church and for thirty years he has been a local preacher in that denomination. He is known as a generous,, hospitable, upright man and deserves to be classed as one of the builders of Garfield county. . , Mr. Oliver was appointed by Governor Ferry as commissioner in the organization of Columbia county and was county commissioner of Columbia county the first term. Also, he was commissioner when Garfield county was formed from the eastern portion of Columbia county. WILLIAM M. KEY follows the avocation of farming and dwells about one-half mile south from Mayview postoffice. He has shown com- mendable industry in his career and is a man of good qualities. He has traveled over various portions of the country and has had vast expe- rience in frontier life, knowing well the hard- ships incident to that existence. He was born in Rhea county, Tennessee, on November 23,. 1852, the son of Zachariah and Martha (Dod- son) Key. The father was born in Virginia and removed to Tennessee when a young man. He was one of the pathfinders of that new country and also served in the Civil War with distinction and display of valor. The mother was born in Tennessee. They became wealthy farmers and were people of excellent standing in their country. Our subject received his ed- ucation in the common schools of Tennessee and Kentucky, having gone to the latter state with his parents when a boy. In the early sev- enties he went with his people to Iron county, Missouri, and in 1884, journeyed thence to southeastern Washington. Since coming here, Mr. Key has given his attention to farming. Although he has purchased no land, still he has- prospered and is accredited with a goodly com- petence. In 1874, Mr. Key married Miss Katie, the daughter of John and Helen Dunn, natives of Missouri. Mrs. Key was born in Missouri, HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. 587 Iron county. To Mr. and Mrs. Key the fol- lowing named children have been born: Min- nie A., Lily M., James A., Martha H., Mary A., Carrie, Bert L. and Lola E. Mr. Key is a member of the W. W., and a man of good standing in the community. He always takes a keen interest in political campaigns and local matters, being also especially interested in school affairs. GEORGE D. WILSON is one of Garfield county's well-known and substantial men. He resides in Pomeroy, whence he oversees his es- tate, being now retired from the active labors which formerly occupied him. He is one of the pioneers of this country and has done a worthy part in making the county what it is at this time. When Mr. Wilson first came here it was unbroken prairie and in fact there were no wogan roads through the country. Pomeroy consisted of one log cabin. The ravages of the Indians, among other things, had to be met by the pioneers, but their perseverance and sturdi- ness have overcome and Mr. Wilson is now en- joying the fruits of his labor and industry. George D. was born in Wellington county, Ontario, Canada, on June 9, 1846. His father, George Wilson, was a native of East Loth, Scotland. He was raised and educated in his native land and there married Miss Mary Dewer, a native of Fifeshire. Soon after that the young couple sailed for Canada, the date being 1834. They selected a home, opened a farm and became very prominent and wealthy people. The father died in 1895, aged eighty- five years. The mother is aged eighty-eight and is still living. Our subject was educated in the common school of Canada and then en- gaged in farming there for a number of years. It was 1876 that he made his way to the Willamette valley, Oregon, whence a year after he came to what is now Garfield county. He took a timber cultrue claim twelve miles northeast from where Pomeroy now stands and began the work of opening a farm. He added a quarter section later and now has four hundred and eighty-eight acres of fine wheat land. The place is well improved and in a high state of cultivation and supplied with every piece of machinery that is needed, even to a threshing machine. The horsepower that opr- ates Mr. Wilson's threshing machine was man- ufactured by himself and he has secured a pat- ent on it. He has a remarkable talent for me- chanics and has invented and constructed sev- eral devices. There were no small hardships to endure and no small obstacles to meet by these strudy pioneers, but he persevered and in due time, as the result of his hard labor, the land was trans- formed into a valuable farm, and now Mr. Wilson is a wealthy and highly respected man. While in Ontario in 1871 Mr. Wilson mar- ried Jane E. Meline, a native of that country. To them were born two children, James W. and Albert G., deceased. In June, 1875, Mrs. Wilson was called hence by death. In October, 1877, Mr. Wilson contracted a second mar- riage, Miss Susie Overholserbecominghisbride. She was a native of Indiana, and her father, Noah Overholser, was a well-to-do miller in that state. In 1870 he sold out and came to the coast. To this second marriage six chil- dren were born, three of whom are living and named as follows: Lloyd B., Delia E. and Rhea O. Mr. Wilson has always taken a great inter- est in political matters. He served as deputy assessor one term and then was elected to fill the office for one term. In school affairs he labors untiringly for better advantages. He is a member of the W. W. and is a genial and so- cial man. During the Nez Perce Indian war Mr. Wilson was exposed to much danger and hardship, but passed through it all with- out any wounds or fatality, either to himself or to his family. 5 88 HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. WATSON DAVIS is a man who knows how to be a true friend and to make an enemy fear him. His home place is about two miles east from Valentine, where he has a choice es- tate and other property. He is respected by all and has the good will of the entire community. This pleasant state of affairs has been brought about by the uprightness and geniality of Mr. Davis and his unswerving adherence to the path of honor and rectitude. "Watson Davis was born in Vermont on June ii, 1859, the son of Leonard Davis, a native of the Green Mountain State also. When a young man the father brought his family to St. Croix county, Wisconsin, and there owned and operated one of the choicest farms in the entire county. In 1877, ne came to the Pacific coast, making settlement in Walla Walla, after which he came to Garfield county. Our sub- ject accompanied his father on all these jour- neys and received his education in Hammond, Wisconsin. St. Croix county was noted for its athletic young men, and our subject with his brothers was not one whit behind the best and the strongest. Owing to this fine lot of muscu- lar and active men to select from, the base-ball teams were among the best of the country. Hammond team outstripped them all and the Davis brothers played in this team for years. Whenever people thought of base-ball in that country, they spoke of the Hammond team and when that was mentioned, the Davis boys were universally recognized as the ones who led the brilliant work of the games. In 1884, Mr. Davis came from W'alla Walla county to Gar- field county and took government land where he is located at the present time. He went to work with a will and soon had the wild country transformed to a fertile farm, to which he has added at different times by purchase until he has now a magnificent domain and is one of the county's wealthy men. Mr. Davis has a happy home, his wife being an estimable lady, and to them have been born five children, Willie, Earl, Audley, Winnie and Irene. Mr. Davis has the following named brothers, Edson, deceased, Marion and Alfred. Edson was one of the earliest settlers in Garfield county and became a wealthy and influential man before his death. Alfred is now living on a farm near. Valentine. The Davis brothers are recognized all through the country as progressive and liberal men, and their true generosity and kindness have won them hosts of friends from all sections and classes. In political matters, our subject is al- ways interested and takes the part of a good citizen. He has labored continuously for the betterment of educational facilities and is a man of influence and prominence in the com- munity. JOSEPH E. LEACHMAN has one of the choicest pieces of land to be found in Garfield county. The same is situated just southeast from Mayview, and is less than a mile from a good school house and two miles from a tramway which loads the farm produce on the market boats. Mr. Leachman has owned and improved four different places in this county and now has one of the comfortable homes which make the strength of any country. He is a man of industry and good habits and has made a good record during his life. He was born in Adams county, Illinois, on September 13, 1847, tne son °f Samuel and Maria (Dal- by) Leachman. The father was born in Ken- tucky and when a young man came to Quincy, Illinois, where he remained until his death. He was a merchant for the first years there and later owned a farm and bred fine horses. The mother was born in Ohio and came to Illinois with her parents when a girl. She was mar- ried in that state and is now residing in Lewis- ton, Idaho, aged eighty-seven. Our subject received his education from the common schools, but owing to the fact that his father died when he was young, which entailed on him and his brother the care of the farm and the support of the balance of the family, he was HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. 589 favored with but little opportunity to gain schooling. Then, too, the school house was four miles distant and was a log cabin supplied with slab benches and puncheon floor. How- ever, he made the best of it and the strenuous effort then put forth has been of great benefit to him since, when he met the hard battles of life. Mr. Leachman remained on the farm until 1868, then he went to Quincy and there entered contracting on road work, which he fol- lowed until 1879. In that year he sold his prop- erty in the east and then came west. After due search, he located in southeastern Washington, but as stated above, he has owned three other places besides the one where he now lives. He has shown commendable industry in his labors in opening the places and is a man of energy and excellent judgment. His farm is well sit- uated, and the improvements added by Mr. Leachman make it a comfortable and choice rural abode. In 1876, Mr. Leachman married Miss Mary Smith, who was born in Davis county, Iowa. She removed to Adams county, Illi- nois, with her parents when three years of age and there received her education. Her parents, Zion and Frances Smith, were born in Ken- tucky and Ohio, respectively, and followed farming during their lives. To Mr. and Mrs. Leachman one child has been born, George B., married and living on a farm near his parents. •»« » HERBERT L. WILSON resides at Val- entine and was born in Nova Scotia, on De- cember 28, 1856. His father, George Wilson, was also a native of Nova Scotia and followed blacksmithing and farming. He was a pio- neer to that country and married Miss Sarah Ellis, a native of the same land. Our subject was reared and educated where he was born and there remained until twenty years of age. In the centennial year, he made his way to Cal- ifornia and engaged there in farming for five years, then journeyed to the Puget Sound country, remaining until 1883, in which year he came to the territory now embraced in Gar- field county. He soon selected the place where he now resides and purchased four hundred and eighty acres and the same has been trans- formed into a first-class farm, well improved and cultivated and is one of the choice and val- uable estates of the county at this day. He has a full quota of all kinds of modern machin- ery needed on a farm, while thrift and good taste are evident throughout the premises. In 1898, Mr. Wilson married Miss Alice Fisher, a native of Nova Scotia. Her parents, Alexander and Jane (Croker) Fisher, were also natives of Nova Scotia. Mr. Wilson is a member of the W. W., and an old and prominent citizen in this portion of the county. For two terms he wa.s chosen by the people as assessor of the county and in this- capacity gave first-class satisfaction. Mr. Wil- son has so conducted himself throughout his life that he has won the respect and confidence of all who know him and he is esteemed to-day as one of the upright and honorable men of the country. His ability and judgment are excel- lent and his unswerving integrity is known to all. Financially, he is a man of good success. THOMAS E. TUETH, who resides about two miles south from Mayview, was born in the vicinity of Decatur, Illinois, on May 6, 1850. His parents, Edward and Mary (Fields) Tueth, were natives of the north of Ireland and White county, Illinois, respec- tively. The father came to America in 1842 and settled on a farm in Illinois. In 1855, he went to Iowa, where he farmed until his death. The mother had previously married Raleigh Wheeler and after his death, married Mr. Tueth. Our subject was educated in the dis- trict schools of Iowa and in 1870 went to Min- nesota where he joined a surveying party on 590 HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. the Northern Pacific and assisted to run the the line from Duluth to Bismarck, North Da- kota. Two years were occupied in this, then he returned to Iowa and bought a farm which was the home place until 1882. In that year he sold his property and determined to try the west. He soon decided that Washington was the territory of his choice and accordingly he came here and a little later had settled on Dead- man creek in Garfield county. This was sold, however, and in 1885 he bought the land where he is now located. He owns one-half section which is well improved and in a high state of cultivation. For nearly twenty years Mr. Tueth has labored here and has accumulated considerable property. In 1873, Mr. Tueth married Miss Sarah E. Newkirk, who was born in Clinton county, Ohio, and removed with her parents to Iowa in 1862. Her parents were B. L. and Martha (Wills) Newkirk, natives of Indiana and Ohio respectively, being pioneers both there and in the west. To our subject and his wife the fol- lowing named children have been born, Jessie, Daniel, Martha, Ray and Roy, twins, and •Orel E. In political matters, Mr. Tueth is allied with the Republican party and shows a lively interest in the campaigns and issues of the day. *♦» WILLIAM SHANGLE resides one mile south from Alpowa. He has a choice estate which is part wheat land and part under, irriga- tion and devoted to alfalfa. The place is pro- vided with improvements and is so conducted that it brings in good returns annually. W'illiam Shangle was born in New Jersey, on June 25, 1838. His parents, William and Experience (Leek) Shangle, were natives of New Jersey. They came to Iowa in 1855, where the father was one of the prominent pio- neer citizens. When they settled in Iowa, it -was a new country and our subject had very little opportunity to complete the education which he had begun in the east. However, he made the best of his opportunities and has been a careful reader since. In 1862, he went to Colorado Gulch, Colorado, the place where Leadville now stands. Shortly after that, he 'was employed in driving stage along the Platte river and in 1868 came to Salt Lake where he engaged with the Wells Fargo people. Here he remained until 1872, then located in Cassia county, Idaho, taking up government land. He devoted his entire attention to handling cattle and horses and continued in that business with unbounded success for a good many years. In 1899, he sold his various interests in other places and came to his present location. He bought the farm that he now owns and has im- proved it materially since. He has a very choice home place, one of the valuable ones of the county and is known as a substantial man. In 1870 Mr. Shangle married Miss Rachel Cams, a native of Indiana. To them the fol- lowing children have been born : George, a farmer in Idaho; Mrs. Maude Warde at Alma, Idaho; Mrs. Ella Graham; William; Wade; and Ada. Mr. Shangle has spent nearly his whole life on the frontier and is thoroughly acquainted with everything that obtains in such sections. He has had many thrilling experiences with the Indians, but has never come out with a wound and he has seen and done some hard fighting. He was especially exposed to danger when driving the stage. When at Smoky Hill, Kan- sas, Mr. Shangle remarks that many of the people had regular stone houses and had bored tunnels from the house to the barn and so forth, to avoid the Indians. ■♦»» GEORGE D. GIBSON, a wealthy stock- man of Pomeroy is one of the early settlers of southeastern Washington who is now retired largely from active business, having passed a HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. 59i career filled with enterprise and adventure of the most stirring asd successful kind. He was born in Pike county, Illinois, in August, 1840, the son of Davis and Sophronia (Ingles) Gib- son. The father was born in St. Charles coun- ty, Missouri, on July 31, 18 12, and settled in Pike county in 1834. He crossed the plains to Oregon in 1849 an d in 1850 returned to Illi- nois. The next year he brought his family to Polk county, Oregon, and died there on Jan- uary 12, 1893. The mother was born in Ban- gor, Maine, in March, 181 5. Her father, Israel Ingles, was also born in Maine and followed the saddler business and died about 1835. Her mother was descended from a family of nobil- ity. She had married in November, 1839, and is still living in Polk county. Mr. Gibson has the following brothers and sisters, Albert B., born December 8, 1842, and now living in Polk county; Cass, born in 1848; Lyman D., born in Polk county, Oregon, in 1853; Almira B., born in Pike county, Illinois, on June 8, 1845, and now the wife of Rev. T. H. Starbuck, an Adventist minister ; Sarah, born in Polk county in 1858, the wife of W. Patrick. Our subject had a limited opportunity to gain an education, having to walk five miles to school in the win- ter. When nineteen, he clerked in the store of J. B. Butler, a cousin of General B. F. Butler. On December 11, 1861, he enlisted in the first Oregon Cavalry, Company B, as sergeant. In May, 1862, he was sent to Walla Walla then across the plains to protect emigrants. The next year he was ordered to Lapwai to treat with Chief Joseph, the father of the present Chief Joseph. In March, 1864, the Indians became hostile and he went with others to quiet them, Lieutenant Watson being in command of the soldiers together with fifty friendly Warm Spring Indians. They met the savages at Crooked river and gave battle, and Lieuten- ant Watson with a number of the others was killed. Our subject was discharged on De- cember n, 1864, at Vancouver. Soon after that he was married and settled in Clackamas county, Oregon, until 1872, being engaged in farming. Then he came to Columbia county, Washington, with his brother-in-law, S. R. Taylor, and took up the sheep business. In 1878, he moved to Dayton and there was dep- uty sheriff under R. P. Steen. In 1880, he was nominated for sheriff by the Democrats but lost the election by seven votes. The county was one hundred and fifty Republican. In 1882, Mr. Gibson moved to Pomeroy and took charge of the planing mill, then was city mar- shal and recorder for seven years, after which he engaged in the sheep business with R. P. Steen in Nez Perces county, Idaho. After this partnership was dissolved, he brought his stock to Washington to the Grande Ronde river. In 1893, Mr - Gibson formed a partnership with his son-in-law, G L. Campbell, the concern being known as the Gibson-Campbell Land and Live Stock Company, incorporated. They bought government and railroad land until they had twenty sections, which today is one of the largest fields of fenced grazing land in the state of Washington. The land was sold lately to Mr. Campbell for twenty thousand dollars and he is now living a retired life in Pomeroy. Mr. Gibson has two beautiful residences in Pom- eroy, and also some farm land in the Willa- mette valley. On December 2.2, 1864, at Clackamas, Ore- gon, Mr. Gibson married Miss Leura, daughter of Benjamin and Mary (Oden) Homesly. The father was born in Tennessee, in 18 18, crossed the plains in 1852, is still living in Clackamas county, Oregon, and has followed blacksmith- ing all his life. The mother was born in War- ren county, Missouri, in 1823, and died cross- ing the plains in 1852. Mrs. Gibson was born in Warren county, Missouri, in 1848, and has one sister, Sarah, born in the same county, in 185 1, now the wife of S. R. Taylor. To Mr. and Mrs. Gibson the following children have been born, May M., October 16, 1865, in Clack- amas county, Oregon, now the wife of C. S. Jerard, a prominent business man of Dayton, 592 HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. who has served two terms as representative in the state legislature; Albertia, born on August I, 1868, and the wife of G. L. Campbell, a prominent business man at Pomeroy; Ralph R., born November 25, 1877, and married June 7, 1903, to Georgie Harris; Sarah S., born November 25, 1877, and the wife of T. C. Nye, second salesman of Tull & Gibbs, of Spokane; Emery E., born February 25, 1879, an invalid as the result of pneumonia. During his term of service in the sheriff's office, Mr. Gibson had much difficult and try- ing work to perform and was always sent when it was necessary to capture desperate charac- ters, there being many of them in the country at that time. He was known as a determined, cool and courageous man, who never failed to bring his prisoner. In 1862, when Mr. Gib- son was passing from Pomeroy to the sheep ranch, he stopped with Frank Sherry, at the City Hotel, in Asotin, Washington. That night a man by the name of Meyers, who was afterward hanged in Pomeroy, set the hotel on fire and Sherry was burned to death. Mr. Gib- son barely escaped with his life, being forced to jump from the chamber window. He was badly burned. -+—+- F. V. MESSENGER, who is now the efficient and popular assessor of Garfield county, Washington, is a man of energy and push, and has demonstrated his worth in his labors in this county for some time. He owns considerable farm property and has the same leased out. His term in the assessor's office has continued uninterruptedly since 1900, and he has given the best of satisfaction in this try- ing position. However, his excellent judgment and keen sense of justice have enabled him to so adjust matters that all could see them right and so the duties cf this usually irksome office have been discharged to the approval of all. F. V. Messenger was born in Wayne county, Iowa, on November 5, 1869, the son of R. H. and Arbella (Kirkpatrick) Messen- ger, natives of Ohio. The father came to Iowa when a boy and gave his attention to farming there until 1880, when he journeyed on west to Pomeroy. He settled here and was one of the leading citizens of the community until 1896, when he decided to spend some time on the sound. He is now residing at Everett. Our subject received his early edu- cation in the district schools of Iowa, and then completed his studies in the Huntsville acad- emy and the Pullman college. During these days of study he also paid considerable at- tention to military matters and has studied in that line. Upon the completion of his edu- cation, Mr. Messenger turned his attention to farming in Garfield county, and continued those labors with the attendance of good suc- cess until the people called him to assume the office of assessor of the county. For two terms he has continued in this capacity, and, as men- tioned above, he has shown commendable wis- dom and skill, which have rendered him very popular with the people. Mr. Messenger has always shown a keen interest in politics as well as in education matters and he is ever found on the side of good government and improve- ment. ■♦ » » DAVID W. FARANCE, one of Garfield county's prosperous farmers and stockmen, resides about a mile east from Ping. He was born in Knox county, Missouri,- on December 22, 1857. His mother, -Sarah (Hustead) Far- ance, was born in the same county. The father, Henry Farance, was a native of West Virginia and came to Missouri when a young man, being a pioneer of that state. In 1889, he journeyed west to Garfield county and here remained until his death. After gaining a good education in the public schools of his native place Mr. Far- ance began farming for himself in Missouri. This he continued until 1884, when he came to Mrs. David W. Farance David W. Farance J. Denny Ashbj Mary A. Montgomery HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. 593 Washington to seek a home. He finally decided to locate where we find him at the present time and since then he has always been found indus- triously engaged in the avocation which he is now following. He owns 640 acres of land, which has been brought to a high state of culti- vation and improved in a becoming manner. He handles cattle and horses in addition to farming. Mr. Farance has a comfortable and tasty home and is one of the highly respected men of the community. In 1891 occurred the marraige of Mr. Far- ance and Mrs. Malinda Jones, a native of Sa- lem, Oregon. Her father, C. Bumgartner, crossed the plains as a pioneer to Oregon about the middle of the century. To Mr. and Mrs. Farance five children have been born : Vina, William B., Louie, Edna and Arthur Eugene, aged seven months. JOHN J. ASHBY, an 1874 pioneer of Garfield county, was born in Illinois in 1847, the son of Solomon and Jane (Ripley) Ashby, natives of Montreal and New York respect- ively. Solomon Ashby departed this life at Pomeroy, on November 28, 1904, while his faithful wife followed ten days later, December 7, 1904. Thus two of the beloved pathfinders of Garfield county have gone on to their last rest, while their work still testify to their good qualities. Our subject resides at Pomeroy, Washington, at the present time, and is a man of good standing, being one of the leading citi- zens of the county of Garfield. His education was received in his native place and in 1865 he came across the plains with his parents, driving a span of mules and a span of horses to one wagon the entire journey. He had the mis- fortune to start out without a brake on the wagon and it was no small task to get down some of the steep hills in safety; how- ever no serious accident happened and they reached the Willamette valley, where their 38 residence was made until 1874, when a loca- tion was selected where the old home is now in Garfield county. Mr. Ashby took a homestead in Pataha flat, where he resided until 1884, when he went to Falling Spring and there opened another farm. This property is now leased and Mr. Ashby is retired and living in Pomeroy. He has about one section or better of choice wheat land and is one of the well to do' men of the county. He is to be commended for his industry and skill shown in his labors here during the long years wherein the country has grown from a wilderness to a populous and wealthy section. In Marion County, Oregon, on October 27, 1872, Mr. Ashby married Miss Mary Denny, who was born in that county in 1855. Her father, John F. Denny was born in Wash- ington county, Indiana, in 18 19, and came to Oregon in 1852, where he secured a donation claim of one-half section. He was closely identified with the upbuilding and welfare of the young territory, and in 1868 was chosen to the legislature from Marion county. He was a life long Repub- lican and an intelligent man. In i860 he was ordained a ministeer of the methodist church by Bishop C. W. Clark. He has a brother, Hon. A. A. Denny, of Seattle. D. T. Denny, a mem- ber of the same family, was the first white set- tler where the great city of Seattle now stands. He built the first cabin there, the year being 1 85 1, when he was nineteen years of age. Two years later he staked out a very large portion of the land now included in Seattle, and so wisely did he manipulate that he soon had a city started and his wealth increased to over three millions. His death occurred on Decem- ber 25, 1903. Mrs. Ashby's paternal grandfather, John Denny, was appointed governor of Washington by Lincoln in 1861, and the doings of the fam- ily have been important items in history which are well known. The mother of Mrs. Ashby was Frances (Garret) Denny. She was born in 594 HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY Knox county, Indiana, on March 20, 182 1, and died in Salem, Oregon, on February 8, 1894. Two of this venerable lady's brothers were veterans in the Civil War, and she has one nephew, John Garret, now a presiding elder in the Methodist church. To Mr. and Mrs. Ashby two children have been born, Jennie, in Weston, Oregon, on December 23, 1873, wn0 died in July, 1887. The other child is J. D., who was born on February 8, 1876, on Pataha flat. After completing the district and high schools, he, in 1895, matriculated in the Idaho Univer- sity, taking up the classical course as well as paying considerable attention to military mat- ters. After this he was in the university in Portland and finally graduated from the Wes- leyan University of Montana, in 1899, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, the first one born in this county to receive the degree. For one year he was professor of science and higher mathematics in the university and then devoted some time to post graduate studies, giving es- pecial attention to literature and oratory. He was greatly interested in athletics and was the leading member of the debating societies in the various universities where he studied. In the state contests he took a prominent part and won all prizes competed for in the last three years in the medical college. In 1900, Mr. Ashby en- tered the New York Homeopathic Medical School and had he been spared would have re- ceived his degree in 1905. On August 2, 1904, while in bathing on the beach at Oak Island, near Fire Island, in com- pany with Misses Bieber and Oughtred, trained nurses in the sanitarium, on Muncy Island, - New York, a tremendous wave caught Mr. Ashby and Miss Oughtred and they were both drowned. His body was recovered the next day and shipped direct to Pomeroy for burial. No other death in Garfield county has caused such general sorrow and was so universally mourned as that of Denny Ashby. He was a native son of Garfield county and was person- ally known to and greatly beloved to nearly every resident in the county. Miss Ada Ough- tred, who lost her life with Mr. Ashby, was his affianced wife. The announcement of their en- gagement was made only the morning before they were drowned. Mr. Ashby was a stanch member of the Methodist church and was fit- ting himself for a medical missionary. Miss Oughtred, being a trained nurse, intended to share her part in this noble work. From early life Mr. Ashby was always a strong Christian and while attending the Portland University was president of the Y. M. C. A., and also dele- gate to the state convention. When a member of the faculty of the Wesleyan institution in Montana he used to go to the poor farm and hold services, and also visited the penal institu- tions and offered consolation to the inmates. •» « » MARY A. MONTGOMERY resides about four miles south from Pataha in Garfield county and is engaged in overseeing and super- intending her farm and stock ranch. That she is successful in handling these related indus- tries is evidenced from the property that she has accumulated and the wisdom manifested. Few women possess the natural executive abil- ity that does Miss Montgomery and it is very gratifying to know that in financial matters she has been blessed with abundance! and ranks with the leading citizens in this wealthy county. Mary A. Montgomery was born in Illinois, on January 26, 1853, being the daughter of Robert and Louisa Montgomery. During her early life, she attended the common schools then finished her education in the high schools of the town where she lived. Being thus fa- vored with a fine education she was well forti- fied for any of the ordinary duties of life but about this time, her health broke down. Not being benefitted by extensive doctoring in the east her parents decided to come west, thinking that the climate might prove beneficial to her. Accordingly they crossed the plains and their HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. 595 hopes were fully realized for Miss Montgomery began to improve at once and soon became rug- ged and hearty once more. Since then she has continued in the west and given her attention to securing a good estate. She has now one half section of extra fine land and a large band of cattle. In addition to this property, she owns an interest in a coal mine in Washington and also stock in the famous Standard Oil Com- pany. Miss Montgomery has a beautiful home., one of the choicest residences in the country. It is evident even to the cursory observer that prosperity dwells with her and thrift is plainly seen in everything. Miss Montgomery has hosts of friends and is known as a kind, consci- entious, and upright woman. Miss Montgomery's parents are both de- ceased, but she has one brother, George, and one sister, Mrs. Almira Furguson, who until recently were residents of Columbia county, but now dwell in Marshfield, Oregon. MARMAXDUKE X. JEFFREYS resides one mile south from Peola. where he has a good farm. At the present time he is engaged in stage driving between Pomeroy and some of the outlying districts and is known as one of the most careful and skillful horsemen in the country. For eleven years he has handled the ribbons successfully, never missing a trip, a record which is hard to beat. He was born in Missouri in 1865. His father. Marman- duke X. Jeffreys, was born in Indiana, in 1846. He enlisted in the First Arkansas Regiment, in 1863. and did good service until his honor- able discharge in 1865. He is still living. He married Mrs. Nancy Kidwell, who was born in Tennessee, in 1839. and is still living with her husband. The common schools of Mis- souri furnished the educational training of our subject and the rest of the time of his eirly life was spent in the invigorating exercise of farm work until 1880. Then in company with his parents, he took the long journey across the plains to 'Washington, and had the experience of driving a team the entire distance. In due time they arrived in Washington without especial incident more than the wear and tear of the journey. After careful investigation, they determined to settle in what is now Gar- field county, and accordingly selected a place near Peola. Our subject took a homestead and here he has remained ever since. For the first eleven years. Mr. Jeffreys, as mentioned above, has made the trip so regularly on the stage that it would hardly seem the stage was running if he was not handling the horses. He is well known throughout the county and is a man of reliability and good standing. At Peola, on December 25. 1887. Mr. Jeff- reys married Miss Xancy R. Foster, who was bcrn in Oregon, in 1870. Her parents. Gren- ville and Cinthia (Long) Foster, were born in Tennessee, and were among the early pioneers to thread their way across the dreary plains. They settled in Oregon and hewed themselves out a home. This they sold and in 1899, re- moved to Garfield county, and are now living near Peola. retired from active business. Politically, Mr. Jeffreys is allied with the Republican party, and is always in line to do excellent work for the execution of those principles which he believes to be for the welfare of the community. Fraternally, he is a member of the W. W., and is a genial man with hosts of friends. Of Mr. Jeffreys it may be said, that in all his services, he has shown perserverance and faith- fulness, and that he has had power to accom- plish in a satisfactory manner whatever his hand found to do. is evidenced by the satis- faction he has given his employers with whom he stands exceptionally well as he does also in the community. . In 1904. Mr. Jeffreys was nominated by the Republican party for county assessor, and ?t the polls he received a majority of two hun- dred and eighty-nine. This is the largest ma- 596 HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. jority given any candidate in the county save one, who received two hundred and ninety majority. Mr. Jeffreys carried every precinct except one, and also carried the precinct where his opponent lived. He will make a splendid officer and takes up the duties of the position with the confidence of the people. Mr. and Mrs. Jeffreys have four children, Simon F., aged fifteen; Elmer M., twelve years old, Sidney S., eight years old, and Vera, who in deceased. HENRY M. DIXON is a good example of one starting in life with nothing and gain- ing by his own efforts and wisdom, a comfort- able fortune. He is a leading farmer and stockman of Garfield county and resides just southeast from Gould City. His birth oc- curred in Cedar county, Missouri, on May 2, 1862. His parents, William R. and Nancy (Privett) Dixon, were natives of Indiana and Tennessee, respectively. The father settled in Missouri when a young man, and took land in Cedar county, where he remained until his death, being then a wealthy and prominent citi- zen. The mother came to Missouri with her parents when a child of eight years. The father was loyal to the Union at the time of the Civil War, and fought in that conflict. The common schools of Missouri furnished the educational training of our subject, and he re- mained in that country until nearly twenty- one years of age, when he began a tour of the west, landing: in Davton, in 1881. One sum- mer was spent there and then Mr. Dixon came on to Garfield county and has been here ever since. His present location was selected in 1883, and by purchase and government rights he has secured a title to four hundred and eighty acres of choice land. He has made the estate one of the valuable ones of the county, having brought it to a high state of cultivation and provided it with all improvements as house, barn and other buildings and conveniences, machinery, stock and so forth. His is a very pleasant rural abode, and Mr. Dixon is pos- sessed of the happy faculty of enjoying life as. he goes along. On April 15, 1895, Mr. Dixon married Miss Mary L. Brunton, who was born in Kan 7 sns, and came to this country with her parents, when a child. Her father, Daniel Brunton, was also a native of Illinois, and settled in Garfield county during the pioneer days of this state and has remained there since. His wife, Susan Brunton, is still living. To Mr. and Mrs. Dixon, three children have been born, Elton J., Eva G., and Charles W. The pros- pects were quite uninviting here when Mr. Dixon started without means to build a home in the wild country. He is richly endowed with determination and pluck, and has the hap- py faculty of looking on the bright side of everything ; consequently he went to work with a will, and although he encountered his full share of hardship and deprivation, he sur- mounted all and continued in his industry until he became one of the wealthy men of the- county. While being prospered in his career, he has not forgotten that the higher part of life deals with principles of uprightness and integrity, and has so conducted himself that he has won the esteem of all who know him. SAMUEL G. COSGROVE is as well known in southeastern Washington as any other resident of Garfield county. He is oc- cupied in practicing law and the oversight of his property. In political life, military activity, business enterprise, as well as in his profes- sional career, he has always shown ability of a high order, and won from friend and foe alike, the encomiums demanded by true genius and the proper activities of a bright mind and scholarly attainments. Samuel G. Cosgrove was born on a farm in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, on April 10, 1847,. HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. 597 the son of Elliott and Emily (Berkshire) Cos- grove. The father was born in Pennsylvania and came of Irish ancestry. He was a pioneer to Ohio, and followed farming until his death which occurred on May 2, 1897, he being aged eighty-four. The mother was born in Virginia •of a prominent southern family, which came to Ohio in pioneer days. She died on April 10, 1876. Our subject began the intricacies of the English language in the common schools, from which he was called by the needs of his country, and in 1863, he enlisted in Company E, Four- teenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, being then but sixteen years of age. He went in as pri- vate and was in various skirmishes and battles from Chattanooga to Atlanta, and until the surrender of Johnson at Holly Springs, North Carolina. He also took part in the grand re- view at Washington. In July, 1865, he was mustered out under an order mustering out the oldest veteran regiments. Then Mr. Cos- grove determined to complete his education, and accordingly entered the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, Ohio, and graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, in 1873. Then. he took up teaching and followed it for five years. During this time he read law under the direction of Hollister & Okey, a prominent firm of lawyers at Woodsfield, Ohio, and was admitted to the bar in 1875, and in 1878, he received the degree of Master of Arts from his alma mater. In 1881, Mr. Cosgrove came to the Pacific coast, and spent one year in mining. In 1883, after having traveled over the country for some time, he located in Pomeroy, and here he has since given his entire attention to the practice of law. He was a member of the constitutional convention and has been mayor of Pomeroy for five terms. The last three times he was elected unanimously. In 1900, Mr. Cosgrove was a McKinley and Roosevelt elector, and led the ticket here by one thousand majority. In 1904, he was a Poosevelt elector, and received 72,000 major- ity. Mr. Cosgrove is one of Washington's leading attorneys, and has shown himself a master in his profession. He is a careful stud- ent and has won his way to the top, not alone by lenson of natural ability, but because of his consummate energy in studying every de- tail of his case, by the vast fund of erudition which has been acquired through his diligence and studiousness, and by his power as a forensic orator. His acumen and rare ability to make lucid all questions pertaining to his practice have contributed materially to his suc- cess as well. On June 25, 1878, Mr. Cosgrove married Miss Zephorena Edgerton, a native of Ohio. She was educated in Cleveland, in the schools handled by her husband, and is a woman of grace and culture. Mrs. Cosgrove's father is Ezekiel Edgerton, a mechanic in Ohio. Mr. Cosgrove has always given his time to serve on the school board, and his interest in educa- tional matters is ever unflagging. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and has passed all the chairs of that order. He has also been grand master of the Washington jurisdiction and is now Grand representative of the sover- eign grand lodge from his state. Mr. Cos- grove has filled all the important offices of the local G. A. R., and in 1889-90 was also de- partment commander of the jurisdiction of Washington and Alaska. In 1895, at Louis- ville, Kentucky, he was chosen junior vice commander in chief, a national office of the Grand Army. Mr. Cosgrove is also a member of the A. F. & A. M. It is of interest in this connection to note that Mr. Cosgrove has campaigned for the Republican party in every election for the last twenty-one years, and has missed but three state or national conventions during that time- In addition to his professional business Mr. Cosgrove attends to the oversight of his farm and other property.' He has a pleasant home and three children have come to gladden the parents, Howard G, Elliott E., and Zepho- rena M. 598 HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. CHARLES A. NORBERG. Some four miles east from Ping- post-office lies the estate of Mr. Norberg. It consists of one-half section of grain land in addition to which he farms five hundred acres of rented land. He has a good home, and is a prosperous man. Mr. Norberg is a hard worker and has given value received for everything that he possesses at the present time. Not being inclined to a speculative ten- dency, he has been industrious and economical and the result is a good property holding at the present time, which has been accumulated by wise and bard labor, and is therefore, thoroughly appreciated. C. A. Norberg was born in Minnesota on July 23, 1868. His father, Peter Norberg, was born in Sweden and came to America in 1857. In very early days he settled on a farm in Minnesota and was soon chased away by the warlike Sioux Indians. He went to Illinois and remained for three years, then went back to his old home in Minnesota, being one of the first settlers of that country. In 1877, he came to Pataha, Wash- ington, and there remained until his death. The mother of our subject, Martha Norberg, a native of Sweden, was with her husband in all his adventures and travels as a pioneer. At one time, when the family was living in Minnesota, a band of Indians appeared and Mr. Norberg hastily transferred his family to an island in the lake nearby and then returned to defend his property against the savages. Happily, they chanced to be a friendly band, and there was no loss, either of property or life. Our subject came to Garfield county with his father, being a lad of nine years of age at that time. His education was obtained in the common schools of Minnesota, and this was gained during the first eighteen years of his life. He also had learned well the stock busi- ness and farming, and when eighteen, rented his father's farm and operated that for three years. Then he went to Oregon and engaged in the cattle business for two years. After this, we find him in IdaL>", doing lumbering for a couple of years, or until 1898, when he came to his present location. For two years he rented land here, then purchased a half section which is now his home place and is well improved. This, together with the land he rents, makes over eight hundred acres of grain he handles each year. Being a skillful and wise farmer, Mr. Norberg is doing well and is becoming one of the wealthy citizens of the county. He did freighting with ox teams in 1 880-1 from Walla Walla to Lewiston, and the hard- ships endured in the early days can never be forgotten. In 1889, Mr. Norberg married Miss Lillie B., the daughter of Newton N. Estes. Her father came to the coast in 1852, and was a prominent stock man. He was also engaged in several Indian wars, during the pioneer days and showed that fearlessness and sturdi- ness was necessary to the frontiersman. To Mr. and Mrs. Norberg four children have been born, C. Newton, Clarence, Mar- vin and Leo L. DRAPER C. BUTLER is one o'f the lead- ing stockmen and farmers of Garfield county. He resides at Ping, and owns property in various other sections. He was born in War- ren county, Illinois, on July 2j, 1852. His father, William C. Butler, was a native of Kentucky and a surveyor by profession. When a young man, he went to Illinois and did some of the first surveying ever done in that state, and was among the very earliest settlers there. In 1859, he journeyed to the new territory of Kansas, and thence to Mis- souri in 1867. In 1877, he crossed the plains with horse teams to Umatilla county, and con- tinued in that vicinity until his death in 1894. He was a very prominent and influential man in the various communities where he resided. During his life he was a staunch supporter HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. 599 of the Christian faith, and a member of the Christian church. While in Illinois, he as- sisted to route the Mormans from Nauvoo. His father, Peter Butler, the grandfather of our subject, was an officer in the Blackhawk war. Mr. William C. Butler married Rebecca E. Lucas, a native of Warren county, Ken- tucky, and she was a faithful and efficient help- mate to her husband in all his labors and journeys. During their long and faithful life, they were always on the frontier. Our sub- ject gathered his education from the various places where the family lived in Illinois, Kan- sas, Missouri and Washington, and grew up amid the surroundings of the frontier life. During his boyhood days, he never saw other than the log cabin schools, provided with puncheon benches and floors. It was 1873, that he came to this country, and in July of that year, he settled on a homestead five and one half miles south from Pomeroy. Upon taking stock and finding that he was without cash or anything that could be converted into that commodity, he went to Walla Walla and worked for wages to secure money to live and to improve the place. Times were very hard and many of the settlers became dis- couraged, but Mr. Butler had always lived on the frontier and was not to be driven off by the hardships of pioneer life. Accordingly, he plodded on, although squirrels took his crop one year and crickets the next, and various other things at different times. In 1888 he sold his property at Pomeroy and settled in Meadow Gulch, where he took up horse rais- ing. In 1892, he came to his present location at Ping, and bought land. He has since added until the estate is one thousand and twenty acres. In the Breakdown country, he has eight hundred acres more, besides a valuable home place at Vineland, Washington. Mr. Butler has come to be one of the prosperous and wealthy men of the country, and may well take pride in what he has accomplished here. In 1882, Mr. Butler married Miss Ella V. Davidson, of Polk county, Oregon. Four years after the nupitals were celebrated, Mrs. Butler died, and two children died the same year. A second marriage was contracted and on this occasion, Miss Minnie Travis became the bride of our subject. She is a native of Missouri, and the daughter of John Travis, a veteran of the Blackhawk war. He crossed the plains in 1870, and located in Washington. ALBERT B. WHITE is one of the younger men who have achieved marked suc- cess in Garfield county. He may be found at the present time at the head of a very thriving livery business in Pomeroy, which is the re- sult of his painstaking labor and excellent busi- ness ability. He has the finest stable in the city and is favored with a splendid patronage. His carriages and road wagons are of the best, while his stock is as choice as can be found in any barn in this portion of Washington. Mr. White never leaves anything undone that is for the comfort and safety of his patrons, and the result is that he has gained the confidence and good will of the public. Albert B. White was born in Michigan, in 1876. His father, John F. White, was born in Michigan, in 1845, an ^ ^ s now living in Pomeroy. The mother of our subject died when he was an infant and his father married again. Albert B. went with the family to Dakota when six years of age, and there re- mained eight years, during which time he was diligently pursuing his studies in the public schools. In 1890, they went to the Willamette valley and there he continued his educational training for three years. It was 1893 when he arrived in Dayton, and for six years he was steadily occupied in working on a ranch for wages. Then he came into Pomeroy, and in- side of a year had Opened a good livery barn, and since that time has given his entire atten- tion to operating the business and bringing it to 6oo HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. its present prosperous condition. The barn is a fine large edifice, neat and attractive and, as stated before, supplied with everything needed in a first class livery business. Mr. White rightly takes pride in his business and his energy and skill have been displayed with practical success. In addition to the property mentioned, Mr. White owns interests with sev- eral very promising mineral prospects and in an oil well. , In 1902, Mr. White married Miss Lesam- na Scroggins. He has one brother, Charles, a farmer living in the vicinity of Pomeroy. Mr. White is a very popular young man, and has made excellent records for himself since coming to this state. GEORGE BENSON KUYKENDALL, M. D., is too well knowi ; n southeastern Wash- ington to need introduction in this capacity, while also in medical and scientific circles he is equally well received, being also a man of recognized literary ability. George Benson Kuykendall was born near Terre Haute, Indiana, on January 22, 1843, the son of John Kuykendall, who in turn was descended from a long l.'ne of ancestry promi- nent in the professional and mechanical world. The grandfather of our subject, Henry Kuy- kendall, was one of the pathfinders in the wilds where now is the great state of Indiana, where he built and operated saw and flouring mills to supply the wants of the early pioneers of that state. In this same business he was succeeded by his sons. When three years old George went to Wisconsin with his father and in 1852 the family set out across the great western plains in ox-team conveyances to the Pacific coast. That year has passed into history as being one of the hardest ever experienced by emigrants coming to the far west. They fol- lowed in the wake of disease and massacre, and many an abandoned outfit, with thousands of dead and dying animals and hundreds of new made graves bore testimony to the suffering and privations of the hardy emigrants. After crossing the Snake river at Salmon Falls the father was taken sick with the dread typhoid fever, and for many weary weeks he suffered while the train dragged its slow way across the deserts of southern Idaho. Their stock became so poor and weak that they with wagons had to be abandoned; other members of the family were taken sick while they were yet surrounded with hostile savages and many hundreds of miles from refuge and civilization. The effects of our subject's father were trans- ferred to the wagon of a brother who was shar- ing the misfortunes of the trying journey. Af- ter almost increditable suffering and privations they at last reached The Dalles, Oregon, where they loaded their household goods upon a flat boat and started down the Columbia for Port- land. Somewhere near the Cascades a little sister of our subject sickened and died, and though they marked the grave, no member of the family has ever been able to find it. On October 19 they reached Portland, Ore- gon, and went on up to Milwaukee where they passed the winter. The following spring and summer were spent on the Tualatin plains near Forest Grove. In the fall of 1853 they jour- neyed on to the Umpqua valley near Roseburg, where they stopped and located. Amid the wilds of western Oregon, in the midst of savages, our subject was reared, and like the rail splitter president, he knew almost every book in the houses of the settlers. He took equal delight in the joys of biography, his- tory and travel, and early acquired a profound liking for writings on psychology and mental philosophy. His father noting his fondness for reading and study procured for him as far as his limited means would permit good books, though it was often at a considerable sacrifice. When arrived at young manhood's estate Mr. Kuykendall was amply fitted to enter the Willa- mette University, and in due time, after ma- G. B. Kuykendall HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. 601 triculating, he graduated at the head of his class, receiving the degree of Doctor of Medi- cine. Soon afterwards he received a govern- ment appointment as physician at Fort Simcoe, Washington. Here the young doctor was privileged to pursue farther the intensely interesting science of medicine, in its various departments. It was here he became expert in microscopy and gained a vast fund of erudition by chemical re- search. He was the first on the Pacific coast to take up micro-photographic work to illus- trate histology and pathology, and by means of special apparatus devised by himself he suc- ceeded in producing a large number of micro- photographic enlargements, showing histolog- ical and pathological structures. He studied the masters in tokology and became exception- ally skilled as an obstetrician. The doctor did not confine his studies to these branches alone but pursued enthusiasti- cally medico-legal science to the extent that he became an expert in forensic medicine and med- ical jurisprudence. At the suggestion and request of Prof, Powell of the Bureau of Ethnology in the Smithsonian Institute, he took up as a side line the study of the ethnology of the native races of the northwest. He prepared and published a number of papers on this subject, which have been favorably received by ethnologists, and are considered valuable contributions to this science. A number of these have found their way into leading publications and are consid- ered to be standard. In 1882 the doctor resigned his position at Fort Simcoe and located in Pomeroy, Wash- ington, beginning at once the practice of medi- cine, and later started a drug business. Success attended him from the start and he is the recipient of the confidence of the people as a skillful surgeon, a successful practitioner, and a true gentleman of integrity and worth. The doctor believes in progress and practices his belief in daily life, for his library is filled with the choicest and latest works on all sub- jects pertaining to the science of medicine, and he is a constant and thorough reader. He takes the leading journals and is fully abreast of the times and is also an original thinker and investigator. His office is equipped with all the latest appliances known to the science, in- cluding a full outfit for modern aseptic surgery, latest X-ray apparatus, static, faradic and gal- vanic electrical appliances and many other things which make it one of the finest offices of the west. His establishment is a credit to Pom- eroy and would be to any city on the coast. Dr. KuykendalTs brothers and sisters are mentioned as follows : H. C, a machinist in California; E. W., land owner and stock man of southern Oregon; J. W.. a retired Methodist minister in San Jose, California ; Dr. William, a prominent physician of Oregon, residing at Eugene and state senator and president of the Oregon Senate; and Mrs. Lessie Pickering, wife of Major Abner Pickering, of the Twen- ty-second Infantry, U. S. A., now stationed at Mindanao, in the Philippine Islands. In 1868, at Oakland, Oregon, Dr. G. B. Kuykendall married Miss E. J. Butler, and to them have been born eight children ; Chester E., a druggist in Pomeroy; E. V., an attorney in Pomeroy, formerly county attorney of Gar- field county; George V., a telegraph operator; William B., a student in college; Hubert, in the high school ; Minnie Pearl, a stenographer ; Grace O., wife of G C. Start, a real estate man in Pomeroy; and Bessie, attending school. Mrs. Kuykendall's father, Benjamin Butler, was a pioneer who crossed the plains in ox wagons in 1853 anc ^ settled in southern Ore- gon. He. moved out to Washington and settled in Garfield county in 1879, anc ^ was elected to the office of county judge several terms. Mrs. Kuykendall received a good common school ed- ucation, and is a woman of most excellent nat- ural ability, and is especially gifted in diagnos- ing diseases and in the management of the sick. Dr. Kuykendall is a member of the A. O. U. 602 HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. W. and of the W. W. He is also U. S. pension examiner and examiner for nine of the leading life insurance companies of the United States. Dr. G. B. Kuykendall is a man of decided literary tastes and withal a lover of the beau- tiful and grand in nature. He has on different occasions written poems that indicate his abil- ity and taste in this direction. His "Address to the Columbia" received very flattering com- ments from literary critics ; it is a beautiful tri- bute to the grandeur of the greatest of rivers, "Where Rolls the Oregon," and will be found in another portion of this volume. H. M. MORRIS. When we look back to the time of the attack of treason on the grand flag that floats today unsullied, we are apt, because of the distance, to underestimate the conditions that then obtained. It is only when we see matters as they exist, that we can fully enter into the scene, and can form any ade- quate idea of the patriotism and valor dis- played by the brave defenders of our free in- stitutions. When we see one in these trying times, a mere boy of seventeen, so filled with zeal for his country and the principles which led his forefathers to suffer and to die, that he at once, upon the first call, quickly steps forward and offers his services, Ave are filled with admiration for his bravery and for his loyalty to the stars and stripes. But when we see the boy holding his place steadily in all the trying situations of the soldiers life, in battle and weary march, not simply until some certain time has elapsed, but until the entire struggle is ended, until treason has had her last gun spiked, until the noble flag is flung again free to the breezes of heaven, then we understand that in that character there is combined the promptness of true love of country and the stability that deserves the encomiums of a saved nation. Our subject has won a position by this extended service which neither money nor influence could buy, and it is a great pleasure to outline his career to those who will come hereafter. H. M. Morris was born in Van Buren county, Iowa, on -June 18, 1843, the son of Nelson S. and Catherine (Dickenson) Mor- ris, natives of Pennsylvania and Indiana, re- spectively. The father was brought to Iowa by his parents when a child, and in 1863 crossed the plains to Walla Walla, where he remained until his death. The mother died in Iowa. Our subject received his education in the common schools and when seventeen laid aside his books to enlist in Company E, Third Iowa Cavalry, the date of this enrollment be- ing in August, 1 86 1. He was on the front all the time and served in the Mississippi and was beyond Sherman when that general went to sea. His command was to join Sherman, but the war closed before the plan was consum- mated. After his honorable discharge, he re- turned to Iowa, and there farmed until 1882, when he came to Walla Walla. This journey was made in the fall, and the next spring, he came on to Pomeroy and here remained. He was one of the substantial farmers of the county and had a good estate. On March 6, 1864, Mr. Morris married Miss Sarah A. Shadle, a native of Illinois. She accompanied her husband in his journeys since their marriage, and is now an esteemed lady of this section. Her parents are Joseph and Elizabeth (Slover) Shadle, natives of Pennsylvania. To Mr. and Mrs. Morris, six children were born, Ida E., Mary N., Francis M., Joseph N., deceased, Charles M., and Del- bert H. It is of interest that Mr. Morris' grand uncle, Robert Morris, was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. The family was prominent among the colonial patriots and was one of the strong families on the side of the American cause. Since the above was written, Mr. Morris has passed away. The death messenger came on November 2, 1904, and he quietly passed to HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. 603 the world beyond. He had done well the work of life and left many mourning friends be- hind. WILLIAM LONG has for seventeen years been postmaster as Ping, and during all this long service has given entire satis- faction to the patrons of this office. He is an upright and reliable man, and has the confi- dence and esteem of the entire community. He owns an estate of one section, where he dwells at the present time, and gives his attention to farming. On December 19, 1849, ^ was announced to Jacob T. and Susannah Long that a son was born to them, who is the subject of this sketch. They were Pennsylvanians by birth and pioneers to Ohio, in Holmes county, of which state occurred the birth above men- tioned. In 1865, they settled in Illinois and opened up a farm from the wild country. They became well to do people and were of that sturdy pioneer stock which opened up the country west of the Mississippi valley. Our subject was trained in the common schools of Ohio, then engaged in farming there and in Illinois, whither he went with his parents, until 1882. In that year, he put into execu- tion the purpose he had long cherished, of coming west. He visited different parts of the northwest and finally decided upon south- eastern Washington, with which he was very much pleased. He later selected a timber culture claim and a homestead and settled down to farm and improve them. This was in 1884. Then he sold and purchased one-half section where he resides at present. Since he has purchased one half section more. Mr. Long has shown himself a very enterprising, progressive man, and his farm is one of the well improved places in this vicinity. On March 2, 1879, occurred the marriage of Mr. Long and Miss Ara A. Tetrick, a na- tive of Illinois. She accompanied her husband in all his various journeys since leaving Illi- nois, and to them have been born six children, named as follows; James W., William E., Charlie R., Myrtle D., Clandine E., and Pearl E. When Mr. Long started for himself in life, he had no capital whatever, and everything that he is now possessed of has been acquired by his own labors and wisdom. WILLIAM FLETCHER has certainly earned the title of pioneer and frontiersman and it should not be omitted that during his career in various places, he has met the Indians and has ever displayed a fortitude and bravery very commendable. When the settlers flocked to the protection of the towns in the late Indian wars, Mr. Fletcher sent his family in but remained alone on the farm to care for his property. His bravery was respected by the savages and he was left unharmed. He resides now about ten miles west from Pomeroy and devotes his at- tention to fruit farming and stock raising. William Fletcher was born in England, in 1842 and his father, George Fletcher, was born in that same country in 1797, and was overseer of the estates and stock of Earl Fitzgerald. He remained with the Earl for a long time, then rented land and farmed for himself. He was very successful in financial matters and accum- ulated great wealth. He came to America to visit his son, the subject of this sketch, and died on the train while traveling. The mother of our subject was Mary Jane (Watte) Fletcher, who was born in England, in 1807, and there remained until her death. Her father was a large brick contractor in England and her brother, Joe Watte, had a third interest in the Third National Bank in Chicago, previous to the great fire. Our subject remained with his parents until eight years of age then began working for himself for wages. He gained what schooling he could along with his work and continued faithfully there until twenty-six <3o4 HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. years of age. At that time, he came to Amer- ica and settled in Chicago where he drove a carriage for one year. After that, he was vari- ously engaged, gardening, then in the pineries, later farming and during all this time he was in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Chicago and the Che- rokee Nation. Not being satisfied with that country he went back to Iowa and Illinois and fed cattle and did wood draying. We next see him in Nebraska and later in the Cornucopia mines. He sold provisions in the mines then ran a tramway for the Blue Jacket mines. Fol- lowing that, he bought a ranch on the Lewis river, cleared it and sold it in two years. Then he was in The Dalles and finally after spending some time in Idaho, settled where we find him at the present time. He has two hundred acres of land, well improved, twenty of which are planted to apricots, prunes, pears, apples and peaches. The place is a very beautiful as well as profitable one and his skill and labor have been rewarded by the fine returns he receives each year, both from his orchards and from his herds. Mr. Fletcher was one of the early men •on the plains and saw much hardship, as well as experiencing great danger in fighting the Indians. At Liverpool, England, in 1868, Mr. Fletcher married Miss Mary Jane Watte, who was born in England, in 1847. Her parents were natives of England. The father's name was Abraham Watte. To this union the fol- lowing named children were born : Mrs. Sarah H. Remington, Mrs. Gertrude Miller, Martha, Olive, Albert, George, Mrs. Mary Berry, de- ceased, and Isabella, deceased. Mr. Fletcher is an influential and prominent citizen and enjoys the respect and esteem of all his fellows to a marked degree. WILLIAM H. LEONARD resides just west from Ping postoffice, where he owns an estate of eleven hundred acres. He gives his attention to stock raising and general farming, in which enterprise he has been especially pros- pered. He has bought Shorthorn cattle and has some excellent specimens. Mr. Leonard manifests an industry and thrift which com- mend him to his fellows and have brought him their due reward of prosperity and wealth. William H. Leonard was born in Vermilion county, Illinois, on March 1, i860. His par- ents were William J. and Sarah J. (Cronkhile) Lee, natives of Indiana. In the early days they moved to Illinois and there became well to do. Our subject began his education in the public schools of Illinois and when fourteen, jour- neyed west to California. There he settled for two years, then came to Washington. He com- pleted his education at Huntsville Seminary. In 1 88 1, he decided to locate in the territory now occupied in Garfield county and selected a homestead and pre-emption where he resides at the present time. He at once began to work in the improvement and cultivation of his es- tate and has added since by purchase until he has the amount mentioned. During all these years since first locating here, Mr. Leonard has continued steadily, laboring on at general farm- ing and stock raising and although he had the adversity and hardship to meet that is the cus- tomary life of the pioneer, still he has passed through it and is one of the well to do men of the section. Also it may be mentioned that Mr. Leonard started in life with very limited means and his present property has been gained by his own labors. Soon after locating his homestead, Mr. Leonard decided that it was best for him to have a life partner and accordingly he selected Mrs. Mahilda J. Starr, who became his wife in 1882. She was born in Oregon and has been a faithful helpmeet to him during the quarter of a century that they have traveled on to- gether. To them have been born five children, Clara E., Izza C, William J., Mary M., and Mildred T. Mrs. Leonard's parents were W. H. and Priscilla (Crabtree) Starr, natives of Missouri. They crossed the plains with teams HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. 605 in the early pioneer days and settled in Oregon. Mr. Leonard evinces a keen interest in politi- cal and educational matters and as well in- formed in everything that pertains to the wel- fare of the community. G. J. RUARK, who resides at Pomeroy, is one of the leading farmers of Garfield county. The entire property that he now owns was se- cured through his own wise labors and he cer- tainly has made a record in which he can take pride. The fact that he has met the conditions that obtain in a pioneer country, has weathered all the reverses, panics and hardships and now has a large estate, shows that he is possessed of fine executive ability and is a good financier. G. J. Ruark was born in Jefferson county, Kansas, on August 17, 1858, the son of Thomas and Mary A. (Messinger) Ruark, na- tives of Indiana and Ohio, respectively. They are both more particularly mentioned in the sketch of Ira Ruark in this volume. Our sub- ject celebrated the fourth anniversary of his birth in company with his parents on the plains journeying to the Pacific coast with ox teams. They settled in Clarke county, Washington, later removed to Walla Walla, then to Garfield, after that to Whitman, and now reside in Aso- tin county in this state. Our subject was in all their journeys until he arrived at manhood's estate, when he began life for himself. His education was received from the common schools of Clarke county and other counties where he lived and he was fortified as best possible in the pioneer schools for the battle of life. He first came to Garfield county with his parents and since 1880, he has been farming here continuously and is now retired from the more active work of the farm and gives his at- tention to overseeing his estate. He has nine hundred and sixty acres of land, six hundred and forty of which are choice wheat land. In addition to this, he owns a very good residence in Pomeroy and a large interest in the Tucanon Power Company. Mr. Ruark is a man of good practical judgment and capable of handling all the questions that arise in the ordinary business matters of life in a very satisfactory manner. The wisdom, keen foresight, thrift and integ- rity that he has manifested during the quarter of a century that he has resided in Garfield county, commend him strongly to all gcod citizens. On November 8, 1889, Mr. Ruark married Miss Olive Vannausdale, a native of Wayne county, Iowa. Mr. Ruark has been county commissioner of Garfield county for four -years and takes a lively interest in political affairs. He is a mem- ber of the W. W., and stands well socially. It is of note that his father and mother secured the first marriage license ever issued in Wayne county, Iowa. Mr. Ruark has the following brothers and sisters, John C, Charles, William T., Ira, Joseph, and Dennis B. HERMAN TREBAS was born in Bre- men, Germany, on February 13, i860. He now resides about five miles northeast from Pataha and is owner and operator of a fine es- tate of five hundred and twenty acres. The thrift and industry that he manifests place him among the best farmers in the county and are responsible for the success that he has achieved during his life. When seventeen years of age, he came to the United States and began work- ing in Columbus, Ohio. Later, he went to the vicinity of Milwaukee and there wrought for wages until 1895. In that year he came to Whitman county and bought land and opened up a farm. Four years after that, he went to the Coeur d' Alene country and there did gen- eral farming until 1900. In the year last men- tioned, Mr. Trebas selected an estate in Gar- field county and purchased it. Here he has made his home since and is one of the respected men of the community. 6o6 HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY In 1897, Mr. Trebas married Miss Phoebe Crumpacker. She was born in Missouri and crossed the plains with her parents in 1866. They settled in Walla Walla and were among the prominent pioneers of that county. Her father, William C, was born in Virginia. Mr. Trebas is not alone occupied in his personal enterprises but takes a lively interest in the welfare of the community, and educational matters and in politics. He is a well informed man, public spirited and progressive. ENOCH G. HASTINGS has an ideal stock farm in Garfield county and is one of the substantial and influential men of the section. He has always been on the frontier and has shown himself a true pioneer, possessed of those capabilities that win success wherever lo- cated. He was born in Davis county, Iowa, on November 18, 1850, the son of Jacob P. and Martha A. (Graham) Hastings. The father was born in Lancaster county, Pennsyl- vania and went with his father, the grandfather of our subject, to Ohio, and later to Iowa. He was a cooper by trade and also owned agricult- ural land. His two brothers, Enoch and Dan- iel, were in the Civil War. The mother was born in the vicinity of Louisville, Kentucky. Our subject crossed the plains in 1862 with his father, being then eleven years of age. They were in a train captained by George Manvil and the journey was beset with much trouble and hardships. Many times they were forced to fight back the hostile savages and once on Green river they had a pitched battle. How- ever, they were all preserved alive and ended the journey at Walla Walla. There Enoch G. completed the education which he had begun in the east and then began to do for himself. He soon learned the stock business and in 1872, located in what is now Garfield county. His first settlement was in Pataha flat and there he labored and improved the estate until 1884, when he decided that his present location was more advantageous for raising stock. There- fore, the Pataha property was sold and Mr. Hastings selected the place where he now dwells, near Central ferry. He and his sons have sixteen hundred and sixty acres of good land, which is suitable for both pasture and crops. A portion of the estate is capable of being irrigated. It lies along the Snake river and is admirably adapted for stock raising. Mr. Hastings well knows how to utilize this choice location to the best advantage and there- fore he has made a splendid success in his labors. He and his boys are energetic and pro- gressive men and they have fine herds and do a thriving business. They handle cattle almost exclusively and have well graded stock. In 1873, Mr. Hastings married Miss Alice S. Morris, who was born in the same place as her husband. Her father, N. S. Morris, crossed the plains in 1863, an d settled in the Walla Walla country where he became wealthy and influential. Mrs. Hastings came across the plains with her father and knows the hardships of the pioneer well, having also shared her hus- band's triumphs and labors. To this worthy couple the following named children have been born, Alfred G. and Alvin J., twins; William M., Essie A., John J. and Ella M. Mr. Hastings has spent the major portion of his life on the frontier and he has had the satisfaction of knowing that he has walked well in the way of the pathfinder. Dangers have no terror for him and the hardships which would have over- come the ordinary man, have been borne by Mr. Hastings with a fortitude and self-reliance that characterize a typical man. His joy was to thread the way where man had never trod and find out the places where he could lead civiliza- tion to bring in the good things of her train. He has done this successfully and has also won the smiles of Dame Fortune to a good extent. He has hosts of friends and admirers among the people and all the old timers are well known to him. HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. 607 JOHN C. STENTZ resides two miles west from Pomeroy on his ranch and does general farming and stock raising. He was born in Pennsylvania, in 1840. His father, Philip Stentz, was born in Pennsylvania, in 18 14, and died in 1885. He had married Mrs. Lydia Moser who was born in the Keystone State in 18 12 and died in 1894. John C. attended the common schools in his native state and worked on the farm there unt'l 1861, in which year he responded to the call of the martyred president for troops to defend the flag and en- listed in the Eighth Pennsylvania for three months. As soon as that time had expired, he promptly enlisted in the Third Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery and was in active service until the close of the war. All the way throrgh, Mr. Stentz saw terrible and hard fighting but as an honorable and brave soldier did his part in a commendable manner. He was in the front at Richmond and Pittsburg in those most trying of all struggles in the great Civil War and al- though wounded twice, he escaped with his life from the bloody fields. Once when on the river he was wounded in the head by a shell and his boat was sunk by the enemy. At Malvern Hill he received a rifle ball in his leg. As soon as he recovered from these wounds on each occa- sion he went promptly back to his command and never faltered in all the conflict until the last gun of the Rebels was silenced and the weary boys in blue were privileged to return from the scenes of death and destruction to their homes and loved ones. In July, 1865, he was honorably discharged then was at home until 1866, when he came to Illinois. The Prairie State was the scene of his labors until 1870, when he journeyed on west to Minnesota. There he tilled the soil until 1899 when he came to his present location and homesteaded eighty acres. He has improved the place in first-class manner and is considered one of the reliable and good men of the community. While in Mexico, in 1876, Mr. Stentz mar- ried Miss Alice Palmer, who was born in Eng- land, in 1854. To this union five children have been born, Mrs. Jennie Horton, Philip A., John, Jessie and Roy. Mr. Stentz is a member of the G. A. R., and a man who deserves and receives the respect and esteem of all who know him. ALEXANDER H. KEITH is without doubt a typical pioneer. He is possessed of the physique aud stability as well as the spirit and determination that would win distinction as a pathfinder, and an account of his life can but prove interesting to the readers of the volume and we append the same. Mr. Keith resides about one mile north from Gould City where he owns a fine estate, a portion of which was secured through the pre-emption right, the bal- ance by purchase. He devotes his time both to stock raising and general farming and has made a good success in both lines of enterprise so much so that to-day he is classed with the wealthy men of Garfield county. His family consists of himself, wife, Elizabeth (Van- sandt) Keith, and two children, William H., and Richard B. He is a member of the G. A. R. and the Masonic fraternity, and is a man who wins and holds the friendship of all who know him. Alexander H. Keith was born in Perry county, Illinois, on March 28, 1835, the son. of Sampson and.Lucinda (Parinley) Keith, na- tives of Kentucky and Illinois, respectively. The father settled in Illinois as a pioneer and there became a wealthy farmer. Alexander H. was educated in the common schools and in 1862 enlisted in Company B, One Hundred and Ninth Illinois Infantry, but was soon disabled and received an honorable discharge on account of his disability. In 1854 he crossed the plains from Illinois to California and returned thence in six years. After the war, he went to Cali- fornia across the plains a second time and re- turned to Illinois in six years. In 1870, for the third time, he made the trip to the coast and 6o8 HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. then determined to remain. After spending twelve or more years in various localities, he finally came to Garfield county and settled where we now find him. Since that time, he has given his attention to stock raising and farming and has become one of the wealthy and prominent men of the county. FRED L. MILLER resides about lour miles west from Ping postoffice in Garfield county. He is a native of southeastern Wash- ington, having been born where Dayton now stands, on February 12, 1866. His parents, George W. and Sarah E. (Ping) Miller are mentioned elsewhere in this work and are among the leading citizens of this part of the county. Our subject studied in the common schools of Dayton until he completed the high school course and then went to work on his father's ranch. In 1880, he came to Garfield county and there wrought at various occupa- tions until 1895, when he bought two sections of land where he now resides. Since then, he has purchased three sections more, giving him an estate of thirty-two hundred acres. Over three hundred acres of this is valuable for wheat and the rest is used for pasture. Mr. Miller devotes his attention entirely to stock raising and general farming. He handles cat- tle and horses quite extensively and is known as one of the wealthy men of the country. His herds are well bred and he has a large number of cattle as well as some horses. The farm is improved in a becoming manner having one of the finest residences in the county, and Mr. Miller is a thrifty and progressive man. In 1888, Mr. Miller married Miss Laura McMorris, who was born in Illinois and crossed the plains with her father to Califor- nia in 1 87 1, being then but a small child. Her parents are Elias J. and Martha E. (McKen- zie) McMorris, natives of Ohio and Indiana, respectively. In 1879 they settled in Wash- ington To Mr. and Mrs. Miller nine children have been born, named as follows, George E., F. Elbert, Harry B., Nellie, Jessie R., Otis, Sarah E., and Nerill and Merri^, twins. RALPH ACIE MILLER is one of Pome- roy's leading and substantial business men, being engaged in buying and selling live stock and operating a first-class meat market. He has given especial attention to these lines of business for some time and has made thorough investigation in everything that would tend to assist him in the prosecution of his business. He has been blessed with a fine talent for busi- ness, as his ancestors before him have shown themselves also of stirring worth and ability, and this young gentleman is fast developing those qualities which are indispensible in the successful and leading business man. He has made a splendid success thus far and presaging the future by the past, we are safe in saying that Mr. Miller is to be one of the heavy prop- erty owners of Garfield county. Ralph A. Miller was born at Dayton, Wash- ington, on April 19, 1875, the son of George R. Miller, a prominent citizen of Garfield coun- ty, who is mentioned elsewhere in this volume. Our subject was educated in the public schools of Dayton, completing with a course in the uni- versity at Eugene, Oregon. After this, he as- sisted his parents in conducting their fruit and stock farm in Garfield county and after he had arrived at his majority, rented his father's es- tate for three years. Later he removed to Pom- eroy and took up his present line of business and since then he has continuously followed the same. Mr. Miller is one of the best judges of stock in the county, while his commercial ability is considered of a high order. His brothers and sisters are all named in the biog- raphy of their father, and are prominent and highly esteemed people. On September 4, 1896, at Pomeroy, Wash- Mrs. Fred L. Miller Fred L. Miller Mrs. Ralpli A. Miller Ralpk A. Miller HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. 609 ington, Mr. Miller married Verna E. Whit- .more, the daughter of B. and Adelia (Over- acker) Whitmore, natives of Michigan. Mrs. Miller was born at Moscow, Idaho, on August io, 1878, and has three sisters: Mrs. George James, residing at Walla Walla; Bessie and Nellie Denny. The last two are half sisters and reside at Lewiston. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are the parents of four children : Lorena, aged seven ; Glenna, aged five ; Ralph, two years old ; and George, an infant. Mrs. Miller is a lady of culture and refine- ment and stands very high in social circles. Al- though not a politician, Mr. Miller is a good stanch Republican and always manifests a keen interest both in the campaigns and in all local and educational matters. He is a public spir- ited man, generous, and always ready to assist in any enterprise for the advancement of the country. MATTHEW C. BEALE is one of the in- dustrious and well known agriculturists and stockmen of Garfield county. At the present time he resides three miles north from Valen- tine where he has an estate of one thousand acres, all of which is in a high state of cultiva- tion and provided with every improvement re- quired on a first-class farm. He was born in Monroe county, Illinois, on November 5, 1863. His father, William Beale, was a native: of England and came to the United States in 1852, settling on a farm in Illinois. He was a highly respected and prominent citizen of that country. He married Rebecca Chenoworth, a native of Virginia, who had come to Illinois with her parents in the pioneer days. The com- mon schools of his native state provided the educational training for our subject and his life was spent much the same as the youth of that country until 1883, when he removed to Mis- souri. For five years he continued there and in 1889 niade his way west to the Pacific coast. He soon was in the vicinity of Dayton and 39 there remained two years working for wages. In 1 89 1, he came over to Garfield county and worked for wages until 1895, then he rented land and started farming and soon bought until he now has six hundred and fifty-six acres in his estate. During the last two> years Mr. Beale has given considerable attention to raising stock as well as farming and has been very suc- cessful in this venture. The success that he has attained in his labors in this county, show him to be one of the most skillful farmers in the country. In 1898, Mr. Beale married Miss Christina Elsensohn and to them four children have been born, Florence, Helen, Marien, and Clark. Mr. Beale is a member of the K. P. and a highly esteemed man. DANIEL McGREEVY is one of Garfield county's most successful business men. As a financier, he has shown himself both capable and keen, displaying an oversight and determi- nation which have been unswerving as is evi- denced by the success he has gained in financial circles. Daniel McGreevy was born in Down Coun- ty, Ireland, in 1839. His parents, Daniel and Margaret (McGean) McGreevy, were also born in Ireland where they spent their entire life. The common schools of the Emerald Isle contributed the educational training of our sub- ject during the first eighteen years of his life, then stirred by the spirit of adventure, although still a young boy he emigrated to the United States. Soon after arriving he made his way direct to Grant county, Wisconsin, where he operated in the lead mines until 1861. In that year he journeyed on to California and in the Golden State sought precious metal for three years. Then we see him in Boise, then in Florence, and in various other camps he continued the alluring pursuit for gold and was variously 6io HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. successful in the different adventures. In 1868 Mr. McGreevy laid aside the pick and shovel and the prospector's outfit and came to the Tucanon country, investing his savings in sheep. For a decade he was very successful as a wool grower and has the distinction of being the first man to bring sheep into this part of the country. In 1878, he sold his sheep and bought about two thousand acres of land. From that time until 1900, he has been more or less engaged in buying and selling land. In 1900, he removed to Pomeroy and purchased a very beautiful place for his residence. He at once engaged in the banking business and continued in the same until recently, when he sold out to profit and is now determined to take the enjoy- ment of a retired life which he has well earned. In Iowa, in 1878, Mr. McGreevy married Miss Rose Morris, a native of Ireland. Mr. McGreevy has two brothers, Patrick and Thomas. During a good portion of his life, our subject has been on the frontier and is well acquainted with that arduous life in all its phases. He and his wife are highly respected people and it is with pleasure we have traced the path of these pioneers who have taken such an active part in opening this rich and excel- lent country. DANIEL H. McGREEVY resides two miles north from Gould City in Garfield coun- ty. He is occupied in stock raising and general farming and is one of the prosperous men of the country. He was born in Fayette county, Iowa, the son of Patrick and Bridget (Morris) McGreevy, natives of Ireland. The father came to the United States when young and spent a few years in the leading mines of Wis- consin and Illinois. Afterward, he settled on a farm in Iowa and became one of the promi- nent citizens of that country. Our subject at- tended the common schools in Iowa until grown to manhood remaining with his father during those years. In 1886, he determined to take a journey to the west and selected Wash- ington as the objective point. After various investigation, he chose Columbia county as the choice place to settle and embarked in the stock business. For a number of years he raised cat- tle there and then decided to transfer his resi- dence to Garfield county. The place selected is the one where he now resides and he pur- chased six hundred acres of pasture and farm land. It was in February, 1892, and he at once began to fit up the estate for a stock ranch. For twelve years now, he has given his attention to these labors and has made a good success all the time. Early in life, Mr. McGreevy met with adversity and many mishaps, but in the later years he has been favored with excellent success and has now come to be one of the wealthy men of the country. In 1888 Mr. McGreevy married Miss Mar- garet Ryan, the daughter of Thomas Ryan, who came to this county from New York in 1885. Mrs. McGreevy was born in Lewis county, New York. To our subject and his wife six children have been born, namely, Rosa, Marguerite, James, Mary John and Alice. During the time in which Mr. McGreevy has labored here, while he has manifested ex- cellent industry and thrift in caring for his own enterprises, he has not forgotten to give the attention and thought which is due from every good citizen, to political and educational matters. He is an advocate of good roads and general improvements and is known as a man that assists in any enterprise that is for the public welfare. ISAAC LILE has the distinction of being one of the earliest settlers in southeastern Washington. He has also been in the promi- nent mining camps of the northwest in the early days and labored assiduously in that calling for a number of years. With his own hands he has opened up several places in Garfield and ad- jacent counties and is to be highly commended HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. 611 as a worthy man and a sturdy pioneer. He was born in Cooperstown, Pennsylvania, on December 23, 1836. His parents, John H. and Catherine (Fry) Lile, were natives of Penn- sylvania and died when our subject was a child. He was educated in the common schools of his native state and in 1859, crossed the plains with ox teams to Walla Walla, which at that time consisted of fourteen houses. Our subject completed the fifteenth structure in the city and immediately occupied it with a shoe shop, that being the first one in the city. He followed that occupation for some time then went on to the Similkameen mines to seek his fortune. Later, we find him at Orofino and finally he settled at Boise, still searching the golden sands. After following that occupation for some years, he returned to Walla Walla and opened a farm. Later he removed to the terri- tory now occupied by Garfield county and took land where he now lives, five miles northeast from Valentine. Since that time he has been one of the industrious and capable farmers of this county. In 1863 Mr. Lile married Miss Sarah Ellis who was born in Maryland and crossed the plains with her parents to Walla Walla in 1862. To this union the following children have been born ; Townsend, deceased ; George ; and Charles A., deceased. Mr. Lile has been on the frontier all of his life and consequently his career is replete with stirring and thrilling adventures, yet he has demonstrated himself a capable and fearless man, fully equal to the trying circumstances which surround him. He has the pleasure now of being retired from the more active duties of life and enjoys the com- petence which his labor has provided. His son George was born in Walla Walla valley, was educated in the common schools and grew up on the farm. When arrived at manhood's es- tate, in 1 88 1, he located where the father now lives, and has a farm of four hundred and eigthy acres of choice land, well improved and cultivated. In 1891, he married Miss Sarah E., the daughter of Daniel and Cyrene J. Clay- ton, who were pioneers to Walla Walla in 1859, crossing the plains with ox teams. Mrs. Lile was born in the Walla Walla valley. To this marriage five children have been born, Ralph, Cyrene, Carl, Lila and Esther, who are the grandchildren of our subject. Isaac Lile had six brothers, who fought in the Civil War. One, while participating in the battle of Pittsburg Landing, was wounded seven times, yet he would not lay down his gun but continued in the conflict until the end. WILLIAM REILLY is a well known and stirring business man of Pomeroy. At the present time he is handling a first-class hotel there, in fact the only first-class hotel in the city, and owing to his geniality and skill as a host, it is liberally patronized by the traveling public with whom his place is a favorite. Mr. Reilly possesses an adpatability that has ren- dered him successful in every enterprise he has taken up and without question he is a man to be commended for the part he has taken in building up this portion of the country where his life has been spent. He is a public minded man and alive to the issues and interests of the day. William Reilly was born in New York, in 1 861, the son of Daniel Reilly. When three years of age our subject was taken from New York to Salt Lake, his parents having died at about that time, and there he made his home with William Rafferty. For eleven years he was with this uncle, gaining a good education from the public schools. Next we see him at St. George, Utah, after which he returned to Salt Lake City and took up the butcher busi- ness for over a year. His uncle, Joseph Raf- ferty was at Pataha City, Garfield county, and soon after our subject went to live with him. For, two years William made his home here, being occupied on the farm. After that, he 6l2 HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. was engaged in farm work in various places and one year was spent at Lind, Washington, which place was then a hamlet of one store and a postofhce. Returning then to Pataha City, Mr. Reilly was engaged in farming his own place for three years and was also postmaster, then he operated a general store for two years After which he sold out those interests and bought a sixteen hundred acre stock ranch. For this he paid one dollar and fifty-eight cents per acre, and in a short time sold the entire tract for five dollars per acre. In November, 1902, he moved to Pomeroy and bought out a cigar and confectionery store which he has operated con- tinuously since. Sometime after purchasing that property Mr. Reilly opened the only first- class hotel in Pomeroy and has since conducted it in a model manner. He has had the satisfac- tion of seeing his business prosper from the outset and it is all owing to his care and wis- dom in managing and conducting the same. At Pataha, in 1895, Mr. Reilly married Mrs. Nancy Yates, a native of Vermont, and to them one child has been born, Margueritte G., a charming lass of seven years. Mr. Reilly is a member of the K. P. and the Foresters. He always evinces marked in- terest in political matters as well as in local affairs and is an active and wide awake man. JOSEPH G. TROSPER is one of Gar- field county's industrious and prosperous farmers and stockmen. He resides about five miles northwest from Pomeroy, and there owns an estate of five hundred and twenty acres. He secured this farm through the pre- emption right and purchases from time to time. His first location here was in 1884, and from that time until the present he has given histime to his farm and stock continuously. He has always been favored with success, owing to the wisdom with which he has managed his business and now has some of the best horses in the county. They are of the Wilkes breeds and certainly are excellent animals. Mr. Trosper takes great pride in stock breeding and his animals are known throughout the country. He has always taken an interest in politics as well as educational matters, and is. well informed on the questions and issues of the day. Joseph G. Trosper was born in Caldwell county, Missouri, on April 7, 1861. His. parents are Benjamin and Mary C. Trosper,. natives of Caldwell, Missouri, and Morrow county, Oregon, respectively. The father fought in the Civil War and died soon after. Thus our subject was early thrown on his own. resources and his opportunities for gaining an education were very meager. However, by careful labor and the improvement of such opportunities as came to him, he has stored his mind with information and is well versed. He began work on the farm for himself when very young and thus remained until 1884, when he came west. In that year, he came to Washington and located as a pre-emption a portion of the estate that he now owns. Since then, as stated above, he has labored faithfully here and has reaped a reward due honest in- dustry. In 1885, Mr. Trosper married Miss Eva Bonney, a native of Iowa. Her parents,. George and Malinda, were natives of Ohio and Pennsylvania, respectively, and the father was a veteran of the Civil War. To this marriage four, children have been born, Odessa, Joe Wesley, Lloyd and Bennie. Mr. Trosper well knows the hardships of the pioneer life, having experienced them for years. He started in life without any means whatever and has been very successful. By his own efforts, he has overcome all these hardships and the trying times both of opening up the country and the panic since and has prospered in his labors al- though meeting with much adversity. He is a highly esteemed man and has many friends, throughout the country. HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. 613 IRA RUARK is a native of the north- west, having been born in the vicinity of Van- couver, Washington. His father, Thomas Ruark, was born in Kentucky, and crossed the plains with ox teams in the early sixties. He came direct to Oregon and there took a home- stead. Some years later he went to the Walla Walla country, and in 1879, located in what is now Garfield county. He took land and farmed until 1892, when he removed to St. John, Washington, which was his home until 1902. Then he returned to Asotin, where he resides at this time. He married Miss Mary Messinger, a native of Ohio, who accompanied her husband in all his journeys and labors. She is still living, and together they are pass- ing their golden days amid the plenty that their labor has provided. Mr. Ruark was all through the Indian wars of the early days here. Our subject first came to Garfield county when a lad of ten years and here and in the places where the family have dwelt since, he secured his education. He labored with his father on the farm until twenty and then bought a farm in Asotin county, where he bestowed his labors until a flood washed him out, taking his house and all the improvements. Then he sold what was left, and bought property in Asotin. At the present time he has charge of his father's farm of nine hundred acres, which is adjoining Valentine. He is a skilled farmer and suc- cessful stock breeder, and has gained a good property for the time he has labored in this country. Although he has met with many ad- versities, he has a strong spirit and is classed as one of the progressive men of the county. Garfield county is his home, and he is well known all over it, having practically spent all of his life here. In 1888 Mr. Ruark married Miss Lizzie Jones, a native of Oregon. Her parents, Eli- jah and Susan Jones, were among the earliest pioneers of Oregon, and her father was about the first man in Portland. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Ruark, Alvie, Itha. and Eddie. Mr. Ruark has six brothers, John, Charlie, George, William, Joseph and Dan. John fought all through the Xez Perces war. ED MALONE. Any man who makes a success by virtue of wise and continued indus- try, who demonstrates that he is capable of com- ing out victorious in the battles of life, and who, as the chief of the nation says, shows himself a man. "Who can do things," is to be com- mended and his example held up to inspire those who may come after, and have the same obstacles to overcome, and the same battles to fight. The subject of this article is a man who has shown himself worthy to be classed as such an one and it is with pleasure that Ave mention him in this connection. Ed Malone was born in Lucas county, Iowa, on January 8, 1864, the son of J. T. Malone, who was born in Indiana. When a young man, the father moved to Missouri, and in 1850, the next year after the famous cry of "Fortynine," he wended his way across the plains with an ox team outfit and for two years sought for a fortune in the golden sands of California. Then he returned to Missouri, but while crossing the plains on his way back, he was accidentally shot, which rendered him un- able to participate in the Civil War. which he desired much to do. After sometime in Mis- souri, he went to Texas, and for twelve years was numbered with the substantial men of that great commonwealth. After that he returned to Iowa, and in 1864 crossed the plains again, this time coming to Walla Walla. Later he removed to the Willamette valley, and after that came back to Walla Walla. Then he set- tled in what is now Garfield county, and here remained until his death. He was a man of great energy and loved adventure, and was in many of the Indian wars of the west. He had married Miss Allie Flaugher. a native of Texas, and a member of a prominent and highly edu- cated familv. 614 HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. Our subject was with his parents when they crossed the plains in 1864, and in Walla Walla he received his education and wrought with his father until eighteen. Then he started for himself and the same year came to the place where he now lives. He bought land on time and set to work to make a fine farm. He has added by purchase since and now has five hundred and fifty acres of choice land. He had no capital when he commenced and all he now owns is the result of his own labors since those days. He has come to be one of the wealthy and leading men of the commun- ity, and has the esteem and confidence of the people. His estate is provided with the best and latest machinery and all improvements that are needful and for comfort. In 1892, Mr. Malone married Miss Susie, the daughter of William and Sarah (Jones) Ground, among the earliest pioneers in the territory of Oregon. The father's brother par- ticipated in all the Indian wars of this north- west country. Mrs. Malone was born in Ore- gon. She and her husband have been blessed with five children, whose names appear as follows: Alice, Eva M., Leora, Veva F. and Ralph E. Mr. Malone has three brothers, A. H., J. H., and Ira. He is a member of the K. P. and the W. W. It is pleasant to note that Mr. Malone has displayed a keen interest in the affairs of the community and is always tireless in his endeavors to bring forth that which is for the welfare of all. Politically he is independent and always reserves for his own decision the questions of the day. ROBERT TIDWELL is a man of great experience in traveling over various sections of the United States, and although he has been in many trying and dangerous places, he has always managed to make his escape. While in the military, he was known as a brave and trustworthy soldier, who never refused to face the worst dangers of the action, and who was feared by the enemy. Robert Tidwell was born in Clark county, Indiana, in 1849, tne son °f John and Martha (Willson) Tidwell, natives also of Indiana. The father died when our subject was five years of age. Just before the father's death, the mother and her children had gone on to Nebraska, it being 1855, leaving Mr. Tidwell to settle the business and follow soon. How- ever, he was stricken and died shortly after the family's departure for the west, and he never met his loved ones again. This left the widowed mother to meet the trials of the pio- neers life with her nine children, two girls and seven boys. She labored faithfully along until they had made a good home and gained a promising property. When twelve, our sub- ject went to work for himself, and when fif- teen years of age, he enlisted in the First Ne- braska, and for two years and nine months was in active duty against the hostile savages on the various frontiers of the United States. After his honorable discharge, he returned to Nabraska and remained for one winter. Then he crossed the plains by teams to Oregon and engaged in fieighting from Umatilla Landing to Boise, Idaho. Two years were spent in this trying and dangerous business and we find him again in Nebraska. Six months after that, Mr. Tidwell married Amanda C. Rails- back, who was born in Polk county, Indiana, in 1853. Three children have been born to this union, Myrtle, in 1874; Pearl, in 1877; and Oma, in 1886. In 1878, Mr. Tidwell removed to Shellsburg, Iowa and there oper- ated a barb wire machine for three years, and conducted a meat market two years. In 1880, he went to South Dakota and spent ten years there, farming. In 1890, Mr. Tidwell came by rail to Washington, and soon made location on fouf hundred and fifty acres near Pomeroy, which he secured by purchase. Since that time he has continued here, laboring for the success of his enterprises and the general development HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. 6i5 of the country. He has always taken a keen interest in educational facilities and the mak- ing of good roads and general improvement. His place is beautifully located and is one of value. A general air of thrift pervades the premises and Mr. Tidwell is to be commended on the success he has achieved in gaining a good comfortable living since coming to the state. Mr. Tidwell's mother died here in 1898. He has two brothers living in Washington; William, who has been living in Dayton over thirty years; and Lewis, who has dwelt in Pomeroy twenty years. Mr. Tidwell is a member of the Foresters and is a man of influence in his community. At the present time, he is handling a livery and feed stable in Pomeroy, Washington. ANDREW E. LEE, with his step-father, W. L. Freeman, is one of the earliest pioneers of southeastern Washington. At the present time, Mr. Lee has risen to the position of one of the leading men of Garfield county, as well as one of its wealthy and large stockmen. He resides in Alpowa, where he has been post- master for a number of years. Andrew E. Lee was born in Racine, Wis- consin, on August 28, 1859. The father, John Lee, was a native of England and came to America when a boy, and settled on a farm near Racine, and in 1864, journeyed west to San Francisco via the Isthmus. The next year, he came to where our subject is now located. Andrew E. accompanied his father in all these journeys, and when they arrived here in Wash- ington, the entire section now embraced in Garfield, Columbia and Asotin counties was almost uninhabited by white men. One man, by the name of J. M. Pomeroy, lived where Pomeroy now stands, and was the nearest neighbor of the Lees. Our subject gained the education to be had in this frontier region, and from childhood began to learn the stock busi- ness. He became very expert and skillful in this line and continued in the same until the present time. Mr. Lee has also kept an inn since settling on his present place, and still entertains travelers, his place being well known and popular. His .present residence was built by Thomas Grant in 1861, who was said to be a nephew of the noted General. Mr. Lee has occupied this house since 1878. The estate is located most pleasantly. As the traveler comes from the high road of the mountains adjacent where he has made his w r ay through the cold and snow and descends to Mr. Lee's residence, he finds the charms of summer abounding, the birds singing and the flowers blooming. So marked and beautiful is the change that it well pays the tourist to take the trip and remain as a guest in this popular wayside inn, to en- joy the beauty and charm. Mr. Lee's place is known far and near, and the owner is as popular as the estate is beautiful and valuable. He has about two thousand acres of land and large bands of horses and cattle. Five hun- dred acres are devoted to grain and alfalfa, and the balance is pasture. The farm is supplied with everything that can be used or enjoyed in the rural abode, and Mr. Lee may well take pride in the magnificent establishment that he is handling. His stock is all well bred from the best strains and brings the highest market price. In 1884, g Mr. Lee married Miss Mary B. Offitt, a native of Kentucky. She was raised in Missouri and came to Washington in 1883. To this union three children have been born, Robert E., Andrew B. and Mary E. Mr. Lee's father died sometime after com- ing to this country, and his mother married W. L. Freeman, who crossed the plains in 1853, was a marshal in California, then oper- ated in the early campaigns of Idaho and Ore- gon until 1886, when he came to Pomeroy, whence four years later he journeyed to Al- powa creek where he now lives. 6i6 HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. • DANIEL E. SMITH. When a man starts in a new country without means, en- dures the hardships of the pioneer's life, over- comes the obstacles so freely strewn in his path, and then brings out of the wilderness a good fortune, he is to be commended on his pertenacity, his industry, his fortitude and his ability as a financier. Such a man is the subject of this brief review, and it is with pleasure that we outline his career, both since he deserves especial mention among the successful men of Garfield county, and also because it will doubtless in- spire others, who are laboring hard to climb the steep hill of success to toil on with pur- pose, for there is a reaping day ahead to the industrious, who bestow their labors with wis- dom. Daniel E. Smith was born in Lawrence county, Illinois, on September 16, 1865. His father, Charles E. Smith, was a native of Ohio, removed to Illinois with his parents when a child, and grew up on a farm. In 1875, he brought his family to the coast, making settle- ment in Linn county, Oregon, where he did carpentering work in addition to farming. He married Miss Perninar Barnes, a native of Illinois. Together they now dwell in Pataha, being venerable and highly esteemed people. Mrs. Smith had one brother, John Barnes, who fought through the Civil War. Our subject came with his parents to Oregon in 1875, an d m that state, California, and Washington, he completed his education in the public schools. This indicates he traveled con- siderable and doubtless gained much experi- ence that was useful to' him in his labors here in the later years. In 1881 Mr. Smith came to southeastern Washington, and since that time has been closely identified with the " country and has done a remarkable amount of labor in the lines of improvement, manifesting a progressive spirit and a zeal that are truly commendable. In 1886, he purchased the first land he owned here and since that time has added until he has a choice estate of five hun- dred and sixty acres. The same is well im- proved and handled with skill, bringing in annually fine crops of cereals. In addition to this, Mr. Smith owns a half interest in a threshing and heading outfit, which is handled each year in the surrounding country. The farm is well stocked with all implements and animals needed and Mr. Smith ranks to-day as one of the wealthy men of the county. In 1886, Mr. Smith married Miss Jessie M. Butler and to them eight children have been born, Claud E., Mabel L., James B., Clarence D., Ralph C, Vera P., Lester, and an infant unnamed. Mr. Smith is residing in Pomeroy, where he has one of the beautiful and modern homes of the city, but he still oversees his farm property. I. H. SHREFFLER is a typical frontiers- man and has seen the thrilling adventures of those days when it took men of nerve and sta- bility to traverse this country. He has wrought from that time to the present with display of wisdom and ability and the result is that to-day he is one of the wealthy men of Garfield coun- ty and is respected by all who know him. A detailed account of his life would read like the thrilling tales of fiction, and we regret that we have not space to chronicle all his travels and adventures. I. H. Shreffler was born in Richland county, Ohio, on March 7, 1844, the son of Samuel and Kezziah (Ralston) Shreffler. The father was born in Pennsylvania and removed to Ohio when a young man, being a pioneer of Rich- land county. He crossed the plains with teams to California in 1849 an d returned the same way in 1852. His father, Paul Shreffler, and the grandfather of our subject, was a veteran of the War of 18 12. The family is an old and prominent one of Dutch ancestrage. The mother was also born in Pennsylvania and her Mr. and Mrs. I. H. Shreffler Mrs. John L. Stember John L. Stember HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. 617 father, John Ralston, was a captain in the Rev- olution, and a brave fighter for independence. Our subject, as is seen, is descended from loyal and patriotic blood on both sides, and his an- cestors were brave and undaunted men, able and willing to stand for the country they loved. Mr. Shreffler was educated in the public schools of his native place and at the first call in 1861 he promptly enlisted in the Third Ohio Cavalry. At the expiration of that service he enlisted in the Thirteenth Iowa Infantry and participated in the battles of Little Rock, Oakland, and in the siege of Vicksburg. His honorable dis- charge was received in 1863, and the next year he went west to Montana. His objective point was Fort Benton and he trapped and hunted on the Missouri for some time. From the mouth of Milk river, where he had assisted to erect two forts, he went to Helena, being among the very first to arrive there. Being with the first in Helena, Mr. ShrefHer knows well the terrible times of those lawless days and he has faced danger in every form. On one occasion a large band of Indians came to old Fort Union, now Fort Buford, and took all the soldiers' mules away. Mr. Shreffler went with some other trappers and miners and brought back the mules to the soldiers. His was an act that spoke volumes for the bravery of our subject and his companions. They had a ter- rible conflict but they knew no such word as de- feat and finally the savages decamped without their booty. In 1867 Mr. Shreffler, when alone, was attacked by eight Indians, and while he succeeded in killing three of them, he also received some painful wounds. However, the savages, even five to one, and he wounded, showed the white feather and retreated from this brave fighter. Among other occupations followed in Mon- tana was freighting and he made several trips to Walla Walla, the first being in 1864, for sup- plies, flour and apples, which he took to Vir- ginia City. In 1873, having been impressed with this country, he came to Walla Walla to live, and five years later he settled three miles east from Valentine, or where Valentine now stands. He soon had the government land transformed to a fertile farm and his domain is now six hundred acres of fertile grain land and nine hundred acres of pasture land. In 1873 Mr. Shreffler married Josephine Purcell, and four children have been born to them: Daisy, Lloyd M., deceased, Albert S., and Carrie. On September 24, 1903, Mr. Shreffler was called to mourn the death of his beloved wife, who had been a faithful helpmeet and companion to him for more than thirty years. She was a lady who had many friends and her demise was universally and deeply mourned. Mr. Shreffler has won his way to success, having started in life with nothing but his hands and courage. He was in Walla Walla when it was but a government post and he camped where Spokane now stands where there was not a house there. He is well known among the pioneers of the northwest, and especially in Montana. He carried mail in Montana when he was obliged to hide in the brush in the day time and travel at night on account of hostile Indians. During the Nez Perces war he was in Butte, and was one of a company organ- ized to drive out Joseph and his band, but General Howard sent them word either to come into his command or disband and go home and they did the latter. Had General Howard allowed these hardy miners to go forth doubt- less Joseph would have surrendered much quicker than he did. JOHN L. STEMBER resides one and one-half miles west from Alpowa, where he owns an estate 2.820 acres, which is de- voted to pasture and grain. It was the sec- ond place settled here and was the headquarters for the toll road from Walla Walla to Lewis- ton. Mr. Stember gave his attention largely 6i8 HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. to raising stock, in which enterpirse he has met with abundant success, and has at the present time large bands of horses and cattle, all of which are well bred and valuable. He is one of the leading citizens in Garfield county and has clone much to build up the same, having been always a public-minded and progressive man. John L. Stember was born in Cass county, Illinois, on January 17, 1857, the son of Bern- hardt and Annie Stember, natives of Germany. They came to the United States when young and the father settled on a farm in Iowa for a time, then in the early 50's went to California to seek his fortune. In this he was well fav- ored and returned with an abundance of money to purchase the valuable estate in Illinois. That remained the family home until our subject was twelve years of age, when they moved to Kansas. He secured his education in these two places and in 1882 came to Washington. He decided that the territory now embraced in Garfield county was the proper place to locate, and accordingly bought a small piece of land. To this he added until he has the estate mentioned which bears the marks of the skillful and thrifty owner. House, barns, corrals, fences, machinery, and in fact every thing that could be used to advantage are sup- plied and Mr. Stember has the distinction of being one of the best stockmen in the country. His success is the direct result of his industry and wisdom and he may well take pride in the success he has achieved. Very few men in the county have been more successful in handling large enterprises and accumulating wealth than has the subject of this article. Yet this accumula- ation and possession have not made him sordid and contracted, but he is known as a liberal man, always looking forward for the improve- ment of his own estate and the county in gen- eral. It is very important to note that Mr. Stember has secured more prizes at the Idaho Interstate and Garfield county fairs than any other stock grower in this county. In 1886 occurred the marriage of Mr. Stember and Miss Amelia Zabel. The wife was born in Wisconsin and moved to Kansas with her parents when a child. Her father, Frederick Zabel, is a native of Germany and came to Wisconsin when a young man. Later he went to Kansas and is a prominent and in- fluential citizen, having gained considerable wealth during his life. He married Miss Louisa Zabel, also a native of Germany. To Mr. and Mrs. Stember five children have been born, Lena M., Katie S., Herbert R., Alta V., Ralph E. AMARICUS M. HAYS is one of the well known farmers and stockmen residing about five miles southeast from Mayview post- office. He owns an estate of two hundred and forty-eight acres, which is well improved and cultivated. He is a man whose labors have shown marked industry and who is to be commended on the success he has gained, since he came to the country with no means what- ever and is now one of the well to do citizens. Having traveled over various portions of the United States, he has gained a great fund of experience which has proved invaluable to him in his labors in later life. He was born in Smith county, Texas, near Tyler, on October 20, 1856. His father, William Hays, was born in Overton county, Texas, and moved with his parents to Illinois at the age of three. Later, they went to Barry county, Missouri, where he secured a homestead and married Miss Ann G. Landerdale, a native of Tennes- see. She came with her parents to Alabama when a child, and there grew up and received a good education. Her marriage occurred in 1854. In 1846, the father went to Texas, and there engaged in farming. When the Civil War broke out he desired to enlist in the union army, but the rabidness of the people forbade that and soon their hatred run to such a degree that they threw Mr. Hays into prison and kept him there for two years. He bore these in- HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. 619 suits and injustices patiently, being a good man and finally was released and lived to see the day when the principles for which he suffered were established in this nation. He and his wife were the parents of twenty-seven children. Our subject had very poor opportunity for a good education as there were no free schools in Texas until 1869, however, by personal dili- gence and constant care, he was enabled to augment the six months' training which he had received by such knowledge of practical and general topics that has made him a well informed man. In 1868, he moved to south- western Washington, and there engaged in farming for a number of years. He returned to Texas in 1874 and was occupied as a cow boy for a number of years. In 1883, he came to Whatcom and worked for wages up and down the coast. It was 1890, when Mr. Hays lo- cated in Garfield county and selected the place where we find him at the present time. Mr. Hays married, and to him and his wife seven , children have been born, William C. John G, Robert A., Margie A., Flossie D., G. Richard, and Vinati. Mr. Hays is a member of the I. O. O. F, the W. W. and the Rebekahs. He is a man of excellent ability and has manifested great tenacity and adaptability in his career, which has been fraught with many hardships. He is a pioneer in different sec- tions and has shown that sturdiness and de- termination which characterize the true front- tiersman and he is to be commended upon the labor he has done, both in forwarding his own enterprises and materially assisting to build up the country. He is a loyal and patriotic citizen and one of the stanch men of Garfield county. JOHN MITCHELL is one of the stirring and progressive sons of Erin, and has led the life of a pioneer as well as being one of the brave defenders of the stars and stripes in the days of treason's attacks on this fair nation. He now resides about three miles northeast from Peola, on a very choice estate of four hundred acres of fertile land. He was born in Ireland, the son of Alex and Mattie (Mc- Cahie) Mitchell, both natives of the Emerald Isles, where they remained until their death. In 1858, with his young wife, Mr. Mitchell bade farewell to the home country and his loved ones and sailed away to Philadelphia. For two years that was his home. During this time, he enlisted in the Eighty-first Penn- sylvania Infantry, and gave three years of most arduous and trying service for the country of his adoption. A portion of this time, he was under Burnside, and fought dur- ing the struggle of Fredericksburg, also was in the battle of the Second Bull Run and as- sisted bravely to defend the stars and stripes during those three awful days at Gettysburg. During all these trying services, Mr. Mitchell showed himself a man of fortitude and princi- ple. He never shrank from the most danger- ous and difficult attacks and made a record of which he and his family may justly be proud. In 1865, about three weeks after Lincoln's untimely death, Mr. Mitchell was honorably discharged, and he went forth to the civilian's life knowing that he had assisted materially to save the land and preserve the government.- After the war, he went to work in a blast fur- nace and wrought in various places in Penn- sylvania, Ohio, Indiana and Missouri, until 1876, then journeyed west to the Golden State and made his way through Oregon to Washington. In what is now known as Gar- field county, he found a location that suited him in every respect and he took a homestead. To this he has added by purchase until he has four hundred acres as mentioned above. This has been Mr. Mitchell's home since the cen- tennial year and he has given his time and talent to the improvement and cultivation of his estate. He has never forgotten to be greatly interested in political matters and the 620 HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. affairs of the country that he fought to save and is an enthusiastic expounder of those prin- ciples which he believes to be for the welfare of the country. In addition to his land and other improvements, he has about one hundred head of cattle and thirty or more horses. Before leaving Ireland in 1857, he married Miss Jane Kelso, who was born there in 1824. Her father, John Kelso, was born in 1780 and there married Miss Hester McCaughey, a na- tive of the same country, and the date of his birth is 1791. They came to America and in Philadelphia Mrs. Kelso was called to meet the angel of death. In 1882, her husband fol- lowed from their home in the Quaker City. To Mr. Mitchell and his wife one child has been born, Alexander, now living, and three boys and one girl deceased. Alexander is the 3 r oungest and Philadelphia is his native heath and 1866, the date of his birth. In 1883, he came west and is now engaged in handling his father's farm. He is a young man of excellent standing and is known as one of tne substantial citizens of Garfield county. Mr. Mitchell is now privileged to pass the golden years of his life in quiet retirement from the more active and arduous duties of his life, and in the enjoy- ment of that goodly competence which his industry and wisdom have provided in ample measure. JOHN 0. FITZSIMMONS, who resides about seven miles east from Pataha, is one of the leading farmers of southeastern Washing- ton, and has done a lion's share in pioneer work, in the various localities where he has lived. Being a man of adventurous spirit and unacquainted with fear, he has roamed through the western settlements and has been in most of the sections where the wilds were being penetrated with the eager steps of the miner and pioneer. Finally the fertility of what is now Garfield county attracted him and he made permanent settlement and has since devoted himself to the opening and cultivation of a fine farm. His estate is eight hundred acres, all in a high state of cultivation and pro- ductive of generous returns. Mr. Fitzsim- mons is known as one of the leading men of the county and has hosts of friends. He was born in Mahaska county, Iowa, on July 30, 1852, the son of Patrick W. and Harriet (Ellsworth) Fitzsimmons, who are mentioned more particularly in the biography of Charles W. Fitzsimmons. Our subject removed to Kansas with his father when a lad and there grew up amid the lively scenes of the border troubles and has the satisfaction of knowing that he never knew what it was to be afraid. He received his education from the schools of that day and made the best of his opportunities and when arrived at manhood's estate, he went on west further and in 1873, we see him in Colorado, where he spent some time in the saw mills, and then made his way to various other camps in the west. After traveling and experiencing adventures in various sections of the west where his desire to see the country and know its worth led him, he finally lighted on Washington and soon was decided that this was the spot to locate in and accordingly Garfield county has today one of her prominent citizens. Before Washington was a state Mr. Fitzsim- mons was a commissioner of Garfield county and he was a first-class officer. He has always taken a keen interest in the politics of the coun- try and is at the county conventions; 1882 was the year when our subject made permanent lo- cation in this county and he at once bought a farm. Soon he added by purchase until he has now one of the large farms of the section, ag- gregating about eight hundred acres. It is well equipped and is a valuable place and a lovely home. Mr. Fitzsimmons married Miss Amanda Warren, a native of Lawrence county, Missouri, where she was reared and educated. She came west in 1886. Her parents are Cyrus and Amelia (Hartune) Warren, natives of Vir- HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. 621 ginia and Germany respectively. The father was a prominent and well educated man. The mother came to Ohio with her parents when a child, and in 1885 to Washington and here re- mained until her death. To Mr. and Mrs. Fitz- simmons the following named children have been born : Jennie, Dora B., John O., Bessie G, Winnie M., George O., Goldie B. and Lester. DUDLEY P. KIDWELL resides about one mile north from Peola and enjoys the dis- tinction of being one of the sturdy pinoneers who assisted to open up the now prosperous county of Garfield. He was born in Tennessee on April 7, 1836, the son of Joshua and Jenny (Mays) Kidwell, natives of Tennessee. The mother died in Arkansas and the father in Washington. Our subject spent his early days in Tennessee, and in 1848 went to Arkansas and engaged in farming until 1861, in which year he went to Missouri. After that he returned to Arkansas and enlisted in the First Arkansas Cavalry and served eighteen months with dis- tinction, being in some very important engage- ments and seeing much arduous and trying ser- vice. Receiving then his honorable discharge he went back to the farm and remained for four years, then he crossed the plains to southeast- ern Washington and settled on a homestead in the territory now embraced in Garfield county. Later on he bought another quarter section and he has the estate of one-half section today. The same has been improved and is fertile land which yields bountiful crops annually and Mr. Kidwell has come to be one of the pros- perous men of this portion of the county. In addition to general farming he gives attention to raising cattle, horses and hogs and has al- ways been very successful in stock breeding. In Arkansas, in 1880, Mr. Kidwell mar- ried Miss Mary J. Jeffers, who was born in Tennessee and is now deceased. To this union six children have been born, named as follows : Luke, aged twenty-two; Joseph, eighteen; Ara, seventeen; Lily, sixteen; Jessie, fourteen, and Zebulon, thirteen. S. A. McGUIRE is a typical frontiersman and has had a long experience in that life. Born in the west, or what was frontier at that time,, he has followed and led the wave of civilization to the Pacific coast, and has been instrumental in opening much country to the settlement of those who came later. A man of strong nature and fearless, he has been undaunted by the dangers and trials which beset the pioneer and has so conducted himself that he has both ob- tained a good success and also has won the friendship of many, in fact, all who know him. At the present time he is residing about ten miles east from Pomeroy, on the Alpowa ridge^ where he located in the later seventies. S. A. McGuire was born in Iowa, on Feb- ruary 8, 1846, son of J. G. and Martha (Kirk-- patrick) McGuire. The father was a native of the old Blue Grass state and pioneered to Iowa when a young man. He came to California in 1 85 1, later returned to Iowa and in 1862 threaded the plains a second time, on this oc- casion bringing his family with him. He lo- cated in the Walla Walla country and there re- sides now. The mother was taken away from her loved ones in Iowa by death when our sub- ject was a young man. In Iowa S. A. was edu- cated and reared and there learned the art of the farmer. In 1862 he crossed the plains and set- tled with his father on a ranch near Walla Walla. The next year he took up the arduous life of the freighter, transporting goods from Walla Walla to the various mining camps of the northwest. Oxen were the animals used and the work was exceedingly dangerous on ac- count of the Indians. In 1864 he went to the Mormon Basin mining camps of Oregon and the next year took up freighting again, from 622 HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. Umatilla to Boise basin and Idaho City. Then from Kelton, Utah, to Boise, Idaho, then from Toana, Nevada, to Pioche, Nevada. This try- ing occupation was followed until 1876 and then he turned his attention to farming. In 1879 he left his location adjacent to Walla Walla and settled where we now find him, in Garfield county. He secured his first land by government right and has since added by pur- chase until he has a good farm. He has his place well cultivated and improved and is one of the leading farmers of the community. At Pomeroy Mr. McGuire married Miss Alcinda Sweeney, a native of Iowa. She came to the coast in 1864, was educated in Ore- gon and later located in Washington. To this union three children have been born, Laura, Andy and Lily. In great contrast to the days of freighting, when the canopy of heaven was one's covering and the music of the wild ani- mals his entertainment, except when the wily savage stealthily sought his life, in great con- tract to that, we say, is the beautiful home place of our subject. His is one of the finest resi- dences in the county and everything is provided to make the place comfortable and valuable. When Mr. McGuire came across the plains the Indians were hostile and many were the un- fortunate immigrants who fell before their treacherous savagery. Our subject and his train were allowed by Providence to make the journey in safety, however, and he only saw where the bloodshed had occurred. When the Nez Perces war was on here he was in the midst of the hostilities, but did not have any wounds or receive any damage to property. He has the distinction of taking the first grain for ship- ment to the wharf at the mouth of the Alpowa creek. WILLIAM H. BRUNTON is one of Gar- field county's successful farmers. He has been greatly favored in handling stock and stands today one of the leading men of his portion of the county. He is to be classed with the early pioneers of southeastern Washington and cer- tainly has done commendable labor in building up the country and in opening it for civilization. He has shown himself possessed of excellent ability while upright principles have always been evident in his walk. William H. Brunton was born in Missouri on November 11, 1859. He is the son of Josiah and Sarah Brunton. The father was born in Pennsylvania in 181 1, moved to In- diana, then to Ohio, and later to Illinois, after which he went to Missouri. He soon re- turned to Illinois and there died on March 3, 1899. The mother was born in Ohio about 1830. She was with her husband in the various moves made. Her peo- ple were prominent in the Black Hawk war. When six months of age, our subject was taken by his parents from his native state to Illinois, where he received his education in the common schools. In 1878 he put into action a plan that he had long cherished, that of com- ing west, and Walla Walla was the objective point of his journey. For two years he la- bored in various portions of southeastern Washington and finally pre-empted forty acres near his present location, which is three miles northwest from Peola. Later he sold this and bought a section, where he now resides. To this has been added one hundred and sixty acres, which gives him a choice estate of eight hun- dred acres all told. The same is provided with all the necessary improvements and is conduct- ed in a manner that indicates Mr. Brunton to be a first-class and thrifty farmer. Besides other property he has about forty head of well- bred cattle and twenty valuable horses. Mr. Brunton is recognized as one of the influential and leading men of the country. He has the following brothers : Edward, Burris and Levi. At Pataha flat in 1886 Mr. Brunton mar- ried Miss Margaret Lewis, who was born in Walla Walla county in 1868. Her father, Reese Lewis, was born in Kentucky in 1829. HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. 623 He married Mary Jane Rodman, who was born in Iowa, and died in Washington in 1886. To Mr. Brunton and his esteemed wife two chil- dren have been born : Fred, aged eleven ; Loura, aged six. Our subject is a member of the United Brotherhood and is a man always interested in the progress and welfare of the community. WILLIAM LAMBIE. Any one passing through Garfield county would be struck with the magnificent estate owned by the gentleman whose name is mentioned above. The care and wisdom displayed in laying it out and the good taste manifested in locating and arranging the buildings and the thrift evident in every detail, furnish a striking object lesson descriptive of the proprietor, and because it will be interesting to every one we append an epitome of his ca- reer. William Lambie was born near Glascow, Scotland, on March 15, 1846, and has come from strong and prominent families of Scotia's most substantial people of purest blood, and is possessed of that tenacity and firmness of pur- pose characteristic of this well-known nation. Our subject has always manifested those noble and enviable traits that both give success in the financial world and win friends. Mr. Lambie's father, John Lambie, was a native of Scotland also and a very wealthy and prominent farmer, who took marked interest in the public affairs and held many responsible offices. The mother, Margaret (Bryson) Lambie, came from an equally distinguished family and was an hon- orable woman, having many friends. The first twenty years of our subject's life were spent in assisting his father on the estate and gaining an education. Then he went to New Zealand and began life for himself. For four years he was occupied in that far away land in farming, then, it being 1871, he came to the United States, landing first in San Francisco. A few months he spent in investigating the coast re- gions then the same year came to Walla Walla. About six months were employed in working for wages, then he sought out a location for himself and decided to establish himself on Cow creek. Here he started in stock raising and re- mained until 1877, when he sold the property and located a homestead, pre-emption and tim- ber culture, where we now find him, about one mile north from Mayview. Since then Mr. Lambie has added by purchase until he has an estate of twenty-six hundred acres, over one- third of which is valuable grain land and in a high state of cultivation. The place is admir- ably adapted for general farming and stock raising and Mr. Lambie has wisely improved it to be one of the best estates in southeastern Washington. He pays especial attention to breeding fine Clydesdale horses and has about two hundred valuable animals on hand all of the time. His farm is one of the best to be found in this part of the state and his barn is the largest in Garfield county. All other im- provements needed has been amply provided and the estate is one of the most comfortable and enjoyable rural abodes to be found in the west. Everything is kept in excellent shape and Mr. Lambie is known far and near as one of the most careful and wise men of the county. On January 28, 1880, occurred the marriage of Mr: Lambie and Emma A. Clark, a native of Decatur, Illinois. She came with her par- ents, Hazen and Rosanna (Hess) Clark, to California when a child and was there edu- cated. Her father was born near Concord, New Hampshire, and when arrived at man- hood's estate, moved to Illinois. In the early seventies he brought his family to California and there engaged in farming. His ancestors came to the New World in the Mayflower and have always been stanch and patriotic Ameri- cans. The mother was born in Chillicothe, Ohio. Her ancestors were Pennsylvania Dutch and Quakers and are substantial people. Her grandfather was a veteran of the civil war and 624 HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. the war of 1812. Her father was a merchant. To Mr. and Mrs. Lambie one child, John H., has been born, the date being September 27, 1882. In 1903 he was married to Grace N. Jackson, and is residing on the farm with his father. The beginning of his education was gained in the district schools in Garfield county and then completed at Pullman College. His wife was born in Greentown, Indiana, on Feb- ruary 8, 1884, and came to this vicinity with her parents when a child. Mr. Lambie is one of the wealthy and respected men of Garfield county and is well known all over southeastern Washington. He is to be commended upon the fact that though starting without any means and being beset by -all the hardships incident to those pioneer days and then by the difficulties that attended the panic since, still he has pros- pered and has steadily gone forward until he has arrived at the prominence and wealth where he is today. SIDNEY W. DRESSER is without doubt one of the very first settlers in the territory now embraced in Garfield county. He threaded the wilds of this country as a genuine frontiers- man, and without roads or assistance sought out the place where he now resides and took it as a homestead. The place is located about five miles west from where Alpowa now stands. Since those early days Mr. Dresser has given his attention entirely to stock raising and fruit growing and is well-to-do and prosperous. He is highly respected by all who know him, he being now a venerable man and worthy the esteem of all. Sidney W. Dresser was born in Berkshire county, Massachusetts, on November, 30, 1827, the son of John B. and Nacy (Tucker) Dresser, both natives of Massachusetts. The Dresser family is prominent and renowned in Amerv- can history and were among the very first of the Pilgrims to land on the bleak New England coast. Among the early records of the family is to be mentioned the records of the town of Rowley, Massachusetts. John Dresser is there stated as one of the twenty men who bought the township of Rowley from the Boston Bay colony in 1638, only eighteen years after the Mayflower landed. Six hundred and twenty men formed the colony under the leadership of Reverend Ezekiel Rogers and established themselves in Rowley township. During the Revolution the Dresser family formed a com- pany, every member of which was one of the Dresser family. They fought with distinction throughout that entire struggle and some mem- bers of the family were prominent in military circles. The family was also well known and distinguished themselves in the war of 18 12. The father of our subject was of the fifth gener- ation born on American soil. Long before there was a United States the Dressers were loyal and patriotic Americans. Our subject's father followed the blacksmith trade and was a noted mechanic and toolmaker of his day. Sidney was educated in the public and private schools of Stockbridge, Massachusetts, and learned the carpenter trade. After fin- ishing his apprenticeship he went to Philadel- phia and worked in a car foundry. He also, followed his trade in New York city and then spent some years in Colt's Armory at Hartford, Connecticut, during the war. After the war he followed contracting and building in the east until 1877 and then journeyed to the Pa- cific coast. Two years after that, it being 1879, Mr. Dresser located where we now find him residing. For twenty-five years Sidney W. Dresser has been known as one of the stanch, capable and faithful men of southeastern Wash- ington, and during these years he has formed for himself a reputation, unsullied and untar- nished. In 1863 Mr. Dresser married Miss Han- nah E. Finney, a native of Watertown, New York. For over forty years they journeyed' along life's way together and, although not blessed by the advent of any children, they- Mrs. Sidney W. Dresser Sidney W. Dresser Mrs. William R. Parlet William R. Parlet Mrs. Richard E. Largent Richard E. Largent HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. 625 learned to make much of the joys of life and lived secure in the esteem and love of their wide circle of friends. On January 24, 1904, Mrs. Dresser was called away by death and her re- mains sleep in the Pomeroy cemetery. WILLIAM R. PARLET. It is very pleas- ant to see those who have borne the burden and heat of the day in opening the vast front- iers of the west now enjoying the reward of their labors in the competence which they have wrought out with willing and industrious hands. Among that worthy number in Gar- field county we are constrained to mention the gentleman whose name stands at the head of this sketch, and who is well and favorably known in southeastern Washington, where he has so lived for over a quarter of a century that he has won friends from all quarters and has shown his ability to successfully wage the bat- tle of life and gain from shy fortune her smiles and bounties. William R. Parlet was born in Ohio, on June 21, 1852, the son of Moses and Rebecca (Headley) Parlet, also natives of Ohio. The father had three brothers in the Civil war and was a strong union man himself. He movea with his family to Iowa in early days and there was a prominent farmer. The mother came from a leading Kentucky family and her an- cestors participated in the early American wars. Our subject was educated in the com- mon schools of Iowa and then went to work for the Black Diamond Coal Company as pros- pector and miner. Then he married and went to farming in Iowa. This occupation continued for three years and then he determined to sat- isfy his desire to see the west. He prepared for the journey and in 1878 made his way to Walla Walla, bringing his family eight months later. After looking the country over he set- tled to farming there and continued it for three years. In 1881 he came to the territory now embraced in Garfield county and bought a place 40 near Columbia Centre. Four years we find him there diligently tilling the soil and improv- ing the farm. As a true pioneer, he displayed fortitude and industry with great adaptability, which is the indispensible quality of those who would be real pathfinders. In 1885 Mr. Par- let removed to a farm in the Deadman country and there rented for six years. Then he pur- chased the farm he was renting and since then has improved it in a marked degree. The es- tate is about six hundred acres and is one of the very choice ones of the county. It is all good land, fertile and well watered and pro- duces annually magnificent crops of cereals. Bright and sparkling springs abound on the farm and other natural advantages have com- bined to make it very valuable. Mr. Parlet has erected commodious and good buildings and added other improvements as needed, until it is one of the best up-to-date farms in the county. Beautiful shade trees, handsome grounds, orchards and other things combine to make it first-class. Mr. Parlet erected a fine residence in Pomeroy, where he dwells at the present time, and rents his lands. He has ac- cumulated a sufficient fortune to justify him in retiring from the ardous labors of the farm, where he has so long wrought, to the enjoy- ment of the good things of life which justly belong to those who have won the battle and have served the country well. In 1875 Mr. Parlet married Miss Ella Yeo- man, who was born in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Her parents, Richard and Fanny (Ax-tel) Yeo- man, were early settlers of Wisconsin, and she was born on the frontier where the Indian chil- dren were her playmates. The father was born in England, and the mother in Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Parlet have five children, named as follows: Ola L., Mrs. Beatrice Porter, Fay I., Mrs. Fanny C. Dyke and Valentine. Mr. Par- let started in life with no means and has won his way to his present enviable position by vir- tue of his wise management and his industry while during his entire career he has so con- 626 HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. ducted himself that today he has a reputation unsullied and clean, and the good will of all who may have the pleasure of his acquaintance. He is one of the leading citizens of the country and has always taken a lively interest in po- litical matters and the welfare of the country. He has ever labored for better roads, better educational facilities and for all things that tend to improve or better the condition of the country. RICHARD E. LARGENT. Notwithstand- ing the fact that Mr. Largent has been living at his present place but a short time still he has made it one of the choice homes of the country and is so thoroughly identified with the interests of the country and its improve- ments that he is entitled to be represented among the pioneers, which also, in fact, he is, since he is a native of the Occident and has dwelt in the west for many years. He was born in Yamhill county, Oregon, on June 22, 1863. His father, John L., was raised in Illi- nois. He started across the plains with an emigrant train, but owing to dissatisfaction he and two others left the train. They were forced to abandon their teams, and the rest of the journey, incredible as it may seem, was ac- complished on foot, without carrying any food or bedding. The only thing Mr. Largent car- ried was a shotgun and some ammunition, which provided them with sufficient food for each day. In clue time he arrived in Yamhill county, Oregon, after performing one of the most remarkable feat known to any pilgrim crossing the desert plains. This was in 1849, and one of the three is still living in the Grande Ronde valley, Oregon. He soon began pros- pecting after arriving in the west, then took a donation claim in the Yamhill country, went to the Idaho mines, when discovered, and was one of the first to assist in opening them up. In 1 87 1 he came to Columbia county and settled on what is known as Webfoot flat, where he remained until his death in 1875. The year in which he made his remarkable trip across the country was in 1849, an d for over twenty-five years thereafter he was a stalwart pioneer, en- gaged in the common labor of subduing the wilderness and opening up the country. He married Miss Annie Matheney, who had crossed the plains in the early fifties. Our sub- ject received his education in the pioneer schools of Yamhill county, Oregon, and Co- lumbia county, Washington. When he had ar- rived at manhood's estate, he commenced farm- ing and raising stock for himself and contin- ued in various localities until 1900, when he came to where we find him at the present time, about two miles west from Gould City. He owns a section and a half of good land and devotes his labors to general farming and stock rais- ing. He has made his place a good one and has as a result of his labors in the past years a com- fortable fortune. In 1888 Mr. Largent married Miss Mary F. Ingram, who was born in Clackamas county, Oregon, and came to Dayton with her parents when eight years of age. She was educated in the public schools of Dayton and knew her husband many years before marrying him. Her parents were Henry and Sarah (Gilliam) Ingram, natives of Illinois, who crossed the plains in the early fifties to Oregon and then settled in Dayton, Washington, in 1872. ' To our subject and his estimable wife six children have been born, whose names are given below : Edith, Ethel, Altha, Lawrence W., Lester I. and Edward E. Mr. Largent is deserving of much com- mendation for the success he has achieved since he started in life without any means and has now come to be one of the wealthy men in Garfield county. CHARLES HEINZERLING is one of the leading business men of Garfield county and deserves to be mentioned as one especially sue- HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. 627 cessful in building up the country during his many years of residence here. He was born in Germany in 1855, the son of Patoles and Mar-" guerita (Rimmenschnider) Heinzerling, born in Germany in 1802 and 18 12 respectively. They came to the United States in 1869 and settled in Michigan. Later they moved to Ohio, where the father died in 1872. The mother died in Michigan in 1878. Our sub- ject received his schooling in Germany and when fourteen came to the United States with his parents. He worked on the farm until 1878, then went to San Luis Obispo county, California. There he purchased eighty acres of land and opened a dairy business, which he conducted until 1886. In that year we find him in southeastern Washington, where he soon bought a quarter section of land, which has been increased until he now has an entire section of choice wheat land. The same is productive of excellent returns annually and shows a master's hand in its management. In addition to this Mr. Heinzerling is operating a milk ranch, and butcher business in Pomeroy, wherein he is very successful. He also is one of the leading stockmen of the country. The farm is supplied with all improvements necessary, while in town Mr. Heinzerling has a fine residence. In early days he was instrumental in opening a school, which is still running. In February, 1881, while in California, Mr. Heinzerling married Miss Jennie V. Kent, who was born in Oregon on July 18, 1864. Her father, Charles Kent, was born in Iowa in 1834 and followed farming. He married Miss Eliza Gillis, born in Missouri in 1840, and died in San Bernardino, California, November 20, 1902. To our subject and his wife four chil- dren have been born : Charles W., aged twenty- two; Henry O., aged twenty; Amelia, eighteen, and Shelbin, six. Mr. Heinzerling started in life without any means whatever and is now one of the wealthy men of his section. He has gained the entire amount through his own worthy efforts and is to be commended upon the excellent success he has attained. Mr. Heinzerling has just completed a seven- room house in Pomeroy which is modern in every respect ; this is built as an investment and for rental purposes. ELMER A. START was born in Water- ville, Vermont, on May 13, 1865. From the waters of the Atlantic to the Pacific coast Mr. Start has traveled and is thoroughly convinced that there is no better section than where he now resides. His farm of three hundred and twenty acres, which is one of the choice farms of Garfield county, lies about two miles west from Mayview. By his skill and industry the same has been brought to a high state of culti- vation and is one of the most productive pieces of land about. Mr. Start's parents, A. A. and Helen P. (Cutler) Start, were natives of Bakersfield, Vermont asd Massachusetts respectively. The father was a veteran of the civil war and his cousin, Charles Start, was a commissioned lieutenant in that conflict and is now chief jus- tice in the state of Minnesota. The mother had three brothers in the rebellion and one of them, Samuel, enlisted to fight the Sioux Indians after the war was over and in this capacity was killed. In 1867 our subject was brought by his parents to Aspinwall, Nebraska, whence they soon moved to Auburn, Iowa. Later we find them in Cottonwood, county, Minnesota, and in the last two states mentioned Elmer received his education from the public schools. When twenty years of age he leased land for himself and tilled it in connection with his father's farm. In 1890 Mr. Start came to the state of Washington and was. several years occupied in traveling to various parts of the northwest. Finally, in 1894, he started to farming, rent- 628 HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. ing land first. Then he homesteaded a quarter and has purchased as much more and has given his entire attention to its improvement and cul- tivation. Mr. Start has shown excellent wis- dom in his labors and his place is a reflection of this in every detail. During the years of his stay in this county he has won many friends and his standing is of the best. When Mr. Start began to do for him- self he had no capital whatever. Now he is one of the wealthy men of his county and has gained his entire holding by effort of his own industry and wise management. He has the following named brothers and sisters: Gilman C, an ab- stracter and insurance man of Pomeroy; Her- bert E., operating a fruit farm; Mrs. Luella Lovering, in Seattle; Mabel C, a teacher in Seattle, and Mary A., a stenographer, in the same city. Thus far is life Mr. Start has never seen fit to depart from the life of the celibatarian and is evidently quite content with its joys and pleasures. JOHN D. TYRREL, who is dealing in books and leading literature, is well known in Pomeroy, and has held important positions here, ever to the satisfaction of the people. He was born in North Carolina, on September 10, 1834, the son of James and Amy (Hutchin- son) Tyrrel, also natives of North Carolina. The father followed farming and died in 1839. The mother's ancestor's were from France and she died in 1882. Our subject was early left without the care of a father, and as soon as fif- teen he was forced to begin the responsible work of caring for himself entirely. His fath- er's father had left the entire estate to a brother of our subject's father, and thus young Tyrrel was without the help of a dollar from relatives. He gained what education he could in his early days and has always been a close reader and student. For the first years of his life he worked on the farm and later was successful in a financial way by selling wood to the soldiers during the Civil War. In 1864 he went to Mis- souri, and the next year we find him in Illinois, where he farmed until 1875. In that year he gratified a long-cherished desire to see the west, and journeyed to California. Five years were spent in tilling the soil of the Golden State, and then he came to the vicinity of Pomeroy. Here he farmed for seven years, then rented his place and retired to Pomeroy, where he started a grocery and continued in that business until 1894, when he received appointment from Pres- ident Cleveland to the postmastership of Pom- eroy. For four years he held that office, giving satisfaction to all patrons, and then gave way to an aspirant of the other party. Since that time Mr. Tyrrel has dealt in books and has the agency of several excellent lines of publications, which he handles constantly. In 1876 Mr. Tyrrel married Elizabeth J. Greene, who was born in Zanesville, Ohio, in 1 83 1. Her parents were William E. and Mary (Means) Ellis. The father was born in Vir- ginia on February 3, 1799, served as a judge and died in 1874. The mother was born in Virginia in 1804 and died in 1831. Mrs. Tyrrel's brothers and sisters are named as fol- lows : J. M. and J. J. Mrs. Tyrrel is a cousin, of Stonewall Jackson and her family is one of prominence. Mr. Tyrrel is a strong Democrat, of the Jeffersonian type, and takes a prominent: part in political matters. He is influential in party circles and served with distinction on the state central committee of the Democratic, party. He is a member of the F. & A. M. LEROY JOHNSON, a prosperous farmer of Garfield county, residing about ten miles southwest from Pomeroy, was born in High- land county, Ohio, and has passed an eventful life of activity and worthy labors. His father, James P. Johnson, was born in Ohio, in 1806, and there wrought until his death in 1893. Our HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. 629 subject's grandfather, Ashley Johnson, enlisted to fight in the Revolution when a lad of fifteen. He had an uncle, General Clark, who also did service for his country in that struggle. The mother of our subject was Lydia (Kinzer) Johnson, and she, too, was born in Highland -county and there remained until her death. Leroy was reared and educated in Ohio and at the time of the Civil War he enlisted for six months in the Sixtieth Ohio Infantry. After a brilliant service in that capacity for the spec- ified time, he enlisted as artificer in the Eleventh Ohio Cavalry and for three years followed the fortunes of war. Upon his honorable discharge he returned to his early home, whence, in 1867, hie went to Missouri. That was the scene of his labors until 1875, an d then he determined to see the west. The journey to the Pacific coast was made without special incident or accident or trouble, and after proper invesigation he de- cided that the place where he now lives was his ■choice and there he located. Since that time, in all the long years of the formative period of the great state of Washington, Mr. Johnson hias labored patiently and faithfully to do his part and it is the faithful performance of the part alloted to the individual that makes the •crowning success of the great improvements achieved in this state. Mr. Johnson is known as one of the leading and good men of this part of the county and he certainly is deserving of the generous esteem accorded to him by all. On February 12, 1852, in the Buckeye State, Mr. Johnson married Miss Sara J. Wright, who was a native Ohioan, born Janu- ary 10, 1830. She was a noble woman and led a life of devotion to her husband and family, succeeding well in bringing up her children in the path of morality and uprightness. She died on October 16, 1884, leaving a husband and the following named children : Jasper, born Oc- tober 1, 1852; Elizabeth S., born May 6, 1855; Eliza E., born August 12, 1857, and James W., born January 31, 1862. Leroy Johnson is closely related to some of the well known men of letters and of promi- nence in other walks of life. Albert Sydney Johnson is a member of the family on his grand- father's side of the house. Joseph E. Johnson was also a close relative of our subject's grandmother. Grandfather Johnson, of our subject, on his father's side, descended from the Earl of Shaftsbury. This noted personage had two daughters, who married Johnson broth- ers, and in this line came the world-renowned poet, Cowper. The Earl of Shaftsbury men- tioned was Charles Ashley. Our subject had the following named uncles on his father's side: Jephtha, Ashley and Daniel. Mr. John- son is a member of the G A. R. and is well liked by all. He is now privileged to enjoy the well- earned competence his industry has provided, secure in the favor of his friends and the love of his children. WENDLIN NIEBEL is one of Garfield county's most prosperous and thrifty farmers, and resides about four miles northwest from Pomeroy, in what is known as Milton Gulch, where he owns one section of good land. A beautiful mountain stream courses through the estate and he has a very fine residence adjacent, which is surrounded by all conveniences and improvements needed on a fine stock and grain farm. Mr. Niebel may be considered one of the pioneers of this country and has seen the land transferred from a wild prairie without roads, fences and inhabitants, to one of the fertile re- gions of the great state of Washington. In all this labor he has taken a worthy part and has assisted very materially in bringing it about. Wendlin Niebel was born in Germany in 1848, and his parents, George and Mary (Roll) Niebel, were also natives of Germany, where they died. They were farmers. Our subject was educated in the common schools, then worked in a stone quarry until drafted into the regular army. Soon after that he left the army 630 HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. and came to America. When he landed in New York he had two dollars and fifty cents. Two dallors of this was paid for a supper and he slept on the floor for two nights in Castle Garden and then was taken to Warten Is- land, where had the privilege of laboring for his board for six weeks, and Mr. Niebel remarks that the board was very scanty at that. Finally a friend loaned him twenty-seven dollars and seventy-five cents, which purchased a ticket to Iowa. After one year's labor on a farm he went back to Pittsburg and wrought in the foundry there for two and one-half years. Again we find him in western Iowa, where he tilled the soil for five years. Then he went to the western portion of the state and farmed for himself for eight years. In 1881 he sold out and came to Washington, settling on a home- stead of which he purchased the relinquishment for six hundred dollars. Later he bought a quarter section for four hundred dollars and then nearly three hundred acres for three thou- sand dollars, which makes him altogether one section. In adition to the improvements men- tioned he has all machinery and accoutrements needed on the farm besides over fifty horses and cattle. Everything is thrifty and all the details of the farm and stock business are looked after with untiring zeal that points to the se- cret of Mr. Niebel's success. He has two brothers, August and Bruno, who are living in Pittsburg. On May 27, 1877, in Iowa, Mr. Niebel mar- ried Miss Lizzie Miller, who was born in Iowa in i860. She was the daughter of William and Fanny (Hicks) Miller, natives of New York, where also they were married. Later they moved to Iowa and died in 1896. Mrs. Niebel has one brother, George, who owns one thou- sand acres of very choice land near by and which is croped to wheat. He made consider- able money in freighting during the early days and bought land during the grasshopper raid. To Mr. and Mrs. Niebel the following chil- dren have been born : Ernest, Mrs. Mary Slaybangs, Eustina, Elva and Oscar. Ernest is studying in the Pullman Agricultural College and is one of the best known and leading stu- dents of that institution. He has just com- pleted the course in electrical engineering and graduated in the class of 1904. He has com- pleted everything in the college curriculum that pertains to that science and gives promise of being one of the leading electricians in the west. HUGH A. MALONE. Garfield county is favored with many wealthy farmers — men who have gained their present holding by virtue of their industry and careful management of the resources of this favored section. Among these people we are constrained to mention the gen- tleman whose name appears above, and cer- tainly he is to be classed as one of the produc- ers of the county and a pioneer of this section of the northwest. Hugh A. Malone was born in Austin, Texas, on December 15, 1853. His father, John T. Malone, was a native of Indiana and went to Texas in 1852, settling on what was known as a Spanish grant. In i860 he moved to Iowa and there remained for years. Then he prepared to carry out a determination long cherished by him, namely, to see the northwest. Accordingly we find him threading his way across the plains in one of the trains of the day, bringing his family and belongings with him. In due time they landed in Walla Walla and wintered. The next year, it being 1865, they went to Oregon, locating six miles west of Cor- vallis, and the father was one of the founders of the Philomath College. In 1869 they went to Linn county, and thence to Walla Walla county, Washington. That was the family home for thirteen years. In 1882 they sought out a location in the territory now embraced in Garfield county and opened up a farm. Here, in January, 1903, the father passed away. He had married Miss Hulda Robinson, a native Mrs. Hugn A. Malone Hugn A. Malone Valentine Store and Postomce HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. 631 of Missouri, who died when our subject was an infant. Hugh A. accompanied his father on the journeys that we have mentioned and to- gether they sought out their locations in Gar- field county. His present home is in the vi- cinity of Valentine and it is the place that he selected when he first came to this country. He owns three hundred and twenty acres of choice wheat land which he has placed in a high state of cultivation and improved with everything that could be desired on a first-class farm. Mr. Malone's residence is one of the finest in the entire county and he justly takes pride in his beautiful and valuable estate, with its buildings and improvements. In addition to general farm- ing he handles some stock and is prosperous and wealthy. It is much to his credit to know that he started in life without means and has gained his present possession by virtue of his industry and skill. Mr. Malone knows well what the deprivations and hardships of a pio- neer are, being experienced in the panic that came really before the pioneers were well es- tablished, causing much trouble and suffering for them. However, he prospered and has reaped the due reward of his labors. In 1900 Mr. Malone was elected as com- missioner of this county and holds that import- ant office still, having given entire satisfaction to his constituency. In 1877 Mr. Malone married Miss Phoebe Davis and to them the following children were born : Cyrus A., Nora, Claude, deceased, Harry, Bertie, Hulda, Maude and Merle, twins, Phi- lena, Ella and Phoebe. Mr. Malone is a member of the W. W. and a highly respected man. ALPHONSO S. VALLEN is the post- master at Valentine, in Garfield county, and is one of the pioneers of the county. He is also conducting a fine general merchandise establishment in Valentine and his neat store, well-stocked and excellently conducted, testi- fies of his business ability, as does also his first- class success in financial matters. Alphonso S. Vallen was born in Quebec, Canada, the son of Antoine and Sophia (Rob- ert) Vallen, natives of Canada. After complet- ing his primary training in the common schools he finished his education in Maryville College, at Maryville, Canada. At the age of sixteen he left school to do for himself, and his first employment was as salesman in a general store. In 1879 h e came to Salem, Oregon, and one year later travelled to Walla Walla, whence in a short time he came on to Garfield county. He selected government land, where he now lives, and gave his attention to farming and also raised some stock. He was among the very first settlers in this section and knows well the hardships and adversities of a pioneer life. Later he bought more land and now has a choice estate of four hundred and sixty acres, two hundred acres of which are in a high state of cultivation. The balance is pasture. Suc- cess rewarded the careful efforts of Mr. Vallen and in 1901 he opened a small store near his farm. He soon had a fine patronage and he has kept increasing his stock until at the present time he has a large and well assorted stock of all kinds of goods needed in this vicinity. Mr. Vallen saw that a postoffice was needed in this locality and, accordingly, soon after opening his store, took the steps to get one established and has succeeded, being now postmaster. He has given universal satisfaction in this capac- ity and is a man of real worth and integrity. Mr. Vallen has been a man of extended ex- perience in pioneer life and has shown himself capable, both in that capacity as well as in busi- ness matters. He is possessed of a good stock of grit and pluck, and consequently held on through the hard times of opening the country as well as during the panic of the nineties and he has won the meed due to faithfully and wisely bestowed industry. He believes there is no country superior to Washington and is satis- fied to make this his future home. 632 HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. JAMES P. WATSON has spent over twenty-five years in Garfield county and owing to his care and industry, although he landed here with no means he is now one of the wealthy men of the section and has won the best of standing from all who know him while he has been engaged industriously in making a for- tune that he now possesses. This shows con- clusively that Mr. Watson has had a care for the better part of life and has not been subject to the sordidness of mere money-making. He was born in England on December 31, 1855, the son of Porter and Susan (Talbot) Watson, natives of England. James P. was educated in the schools of the native land and in 1871 came thence to America. He soon settled in Kansas and there studied some, after which he took land and later sold it, and in 1875 came to the west. He cast about for some time and in 1877 came to what is now Garfield county. He soon selected a place and in 1878 filed on the land where he now dwells. He has added by pur- chase since until his estate is nearly one thou- sand acres. It is admirably adapted for general farming and stock raising, and Mr. Watson is a man of sufficient skill to have made the most of it. He has an ideal home, one of the choic- est in this whole county, and his taste and thrift are evident in every detail of the pleasant and valuable place. He has a mind well stored with knowledge, being a close and careful ob- server and an extensive reader. He has sur- rounded himself with those things which are edifying and uplifting, being assured that the beautiful plays a large part in making things enjoyable to a mortal. In 1880 Mr. Watson married Miss Emma I. Perkins, a native of Oregon. Her father, John N. Perkins, was a physician and a philan- thropist, his calling being admirably adapted for that gracious work. He was born in Ohio, crossed the plains in 1851, and located in Ore- gon. In 1878 he came to the vicinity of Pom- eroy, or where Pomeroy is now located. His grandfather, Thomas Perkins, was a, veteran of the Revolution. Mrs. Watson's mother was Derisa A. Matsler before her marriage. She was born in Ohio, and accompanied her hus*- band across the plains and was a great help to him in his profession and charity work. She had three brothers, George, David and John, in the Civil War. To Mr. and Mrs. Watson ten children have been born, named below : Charles E., Alva N., Inez D., Elsie I., James A., William C, Edna E., John P., Joseph F. and Iva N. Mr. Watson is looked up to in the county as a man of wisdom and integrity, and the fact that he has won financial success demonstrates his ability, while his raising a choice family and so conducting his ways that he has a repu- tation unsullied and clean, shows his integrity and worth. His children are all following the steps of their parents, and are worthy members of society. CHRIS BROCKMAN. Some of the United States' best citizens are those who have been born in the fatherland. Among that num- ber we may mention the gentleman whose name appears above and who has demonstrated beyond doubt his ability as a capable farmer and his loyalty as a first-class citizen. He re- sides about four miles southwest from Pom- eroy, on a choice estate of eight hundred acres, all of which has been gained by his own labors and business enterprise. Chris Brockman was born in Germany in 1856, the son of Conrad and Maggie (Toeder) Brockman, natives also of Germany. The father was born in 18 19 and the mother in 1 82 1. They were married in 1847, an d the mother died in 1870. The father came to Iowa in 1872 and is still living. Our subject at- tended school until fourteen years of age and was then apprenticed to learn the tailor trade. When sixteen he came to Iowa with his father, and there remained until 1877. In that year he journeyed west to California, and for four HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. £>33 years was engaged in the manufacture of wine in the Golden State. In 1881 he came to Co- lumbia county and pre-empted a quarter sec- tion. At this time his total capital was five hundred dollars, and he bestowed it with wis- dom, and soon sold his place for two thousand dollars. He bought a half section of school land in 1893 and six years later bought another quar- ter section. In 1902 he bought a half section more, which completes his estate of eight hun- dred acres. He has the entire place in a high state of cultivation and has made his farm one of the models ones of the country. His resi- dence is beautifully situated and surrounded with fruit and shade trees, while other improve- ments of various kinds are in evidence. Mr. Brockman handles some stock in addition to general farming and is known as one of .the wealthy men of the country. In 1885 Mr. Brockman married Miss Lena Baden, who was born in Germany in 1867. Her parents are Christopher and Annie (Schmidt) Baden, natives of Germany, where the mother died in 1891. The father came to Washington in 1893, an< l returned to his native country two years later. After that he came again to Wash- ington and was called to pass the river of death in 1 90 1. To Mr. and Mrs. Brockman five children have been born : Fritz, aged seventeen ; Julius, aged sixteen; Willie, aged thirteen; Al- vina, aged three, and Christopher T. Mr. Brockman has one brother, William, and one sister, Mrs. Maggie Kursel. He is a member of the W. W. and a progressive and substantial man. JOSEPH O. MILES resides about two miles west from Mayview postoffice where he is handling an estate of seventeen hundred acres, part of which belongs to himself and the balance he rents. He was born in Lamoille coun- ty, Vermont, in 1847, the son °f Stephen and Susan (Bickford) Miles, natives of Connecticut and Vermont respectively. The father came to Vermont with his parents when a boy and there grew up a prominent and wealthy farmer. The mother of our subject came from a family of pioneers and patriots, her father, Henry Bickford, being a veteran of the War of 1812. Joseph was educated in the common schools of Vermont during the first sixteen years of his life, and then, on January 4, 1863, enlisted in Company K, Eighth Vermont Infantry, to fight for the stars and stripes. He participated in the Red river expedition and was then trans- ferred to the Army of the Potomac. He was with Sheridan in the Shenandoah raid and was then transferred to General Hancock's First Veteran Corps, where he served until July 9, 1865, when he was honorably discharged. After the war Mr. Miles came to Wabasha county, Minnesota, arriving there in 1865. For a time he labored for wages and then engaged in farming for himself. His labors continued there until 1888, when he moved to the west, locating in southeastern Washington. Since that time he has been most of the time in Gar- field county and now is numbered with the prosperous farmers of this section. In 1872 Mr. Miles married Miss Elvira Proctor, a native of Wisconsin. To them two children have been born, Fred and Susie. Mr. Miles is a member of the G. A. R. and a man who takes a lively interest in political matters and local affairs. He is esteemed in the community where he lives and has shown him- self to be a good and substantial man. JOHN WALDHER is a thrifty and well- to-do farmer of Garfield county and has done his share in building up and improving the country to its present prosperous conditions. Like many of our most substantial citizens, he came from the fatherland, having been born in Germany in 1872. His parents, John and Crescence Waldher, were also natives of Ger- many. The father was born in 1834, and fol- 634 HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY. lowed farming" in Germany until he came to Minnesota. In 1884 he came to Garfield county and in 1897 he returned to Germany on a visit and there died on November 22, 1897. The mother was born in 1844 and is now residing in Pomeroy, "Washington. For three years John attended school in Germany and then came with his parents to the United States, where he completed his education. As soon as he ar- rived at manhood's estate he began laboring for himself and in 1898 had sufficient money accumulated to warrant him in purchasing a quarter section of land, where he resides at the present time. Shortly afterward he purchased twenty acres and has improved the place in first-class shape. He has a large house beauti- fully located and surrounded with all conveni- ences that are needed. He handles some stock but devotes most of his time to the cultivation of his farm. In political matters Mr. Waldher is a Dem- ocrat, while in church affiliation he and his wife belong to the Catholic denomination. At Pomeroy on November 7, 1893, Mr. Waldher married Miss Augusta Rubencer, who was born in the state of Washington in 1878. Her father, Lewis Rubencer, was born in Ger- many, and came to America in 1869, making settlement in Wisconsin. In 1878 he journeyed west to Pomeroy and there resides at the present time. He married Johannah Richel, who was born in Germany in 1856, and came to this country in 1869. She was married in 1878 and is still living. Mr. Waldher has the following brothers and sisters : Peter, Joe, Mike, Louis and Mrs. Mary Stevens. To our subject and his wife four children have been born: Lizzie, Mary, John and Tony, aged ten, six, four and two, respectively. PART V HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY CHAPTER I PASSING EVENTS— 1806 TO 1878. The word Asotin was, originally, the Nez Perce word Has-shu-tin, meaning an eel, be- cause that species of fish abound in Asotin creek. With the usual ambition to correct the pronunciation of Indian words this later be- came Hassotin, by which name it was known until the late 70's. Then it became known as Assotin. We have two obsolete formations of the word besides those mentioned, Sotin and Ashoti. From old residents and the public prints we get both the words Assotin and Sotin, as the name of a section of the country lying in this county. Mr. A. F. Beall, who did an extensive line of surveying in that district in the early days, said that the true orthography in the Indian dialect, or patois, was Ashoti. But in 1883, when the county was organized, the word became Asotin. Thereafter the word was spelled with one s in all cases except the townsite of Assotin City — the old town — but by an act of the Territorial legislature of 1886 this, Asotin, was made the official spelling of that townsite. This name was first applied to the creek and has since been used in naming the town and county. Thus much for the genesis of the word "Asotin." As was the case with a large portion of the interior country of the northwest, the first white men to gaze upon the territory now com- prising Asotin county were the members of the Lewis and Clark exploring expedition, who made that memorable and historical trip in 1804-6. In the fall of 1805, when westward bound, the Lewis and Clark explorers arrived at the junction of two great rivers, Snake and Clearwater. Here on the bank of the latter stream they established a camp- There has been in the past some contention concerning the exact location of the temporary home of these pioneer white men, but one tradition at least fixes the spot near the western border of the old Lindsay farm, in the Clearwater addition to Lewistown. Old settlers remember an ancient fort on the high, bank of' the Clearwater, near the Harrington sawmill site. This historic and picturesque structure was well preserved until white men began cultivating the soil in the early 6o's. This fort was circular in outline, and was subdivided into five compartments. The partitions were,' quarter circles, opening into a central court by narrow passages. The main entrance to the fort was by way of a cut in the lofty river banks ; this led from the wat- ers to a point well inside the walls of this castle 6 3 6 HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. in the wilderness. The rampait and partitions were constructed of earth, and were in height about six feet. This fort was the first struc- ture erected by white men in the entire Lewis- ton valley. It is the testimony of Robert Bracken that the place where the Lewis and Clark expedition camped and made a barter with the Asotin tribe of Indians for provisions was pointed out to him by some Indians twenty-two years ago. In the account of Captain B. L. E. Bonne- ville's trip to this vicinity there are some state- ments that might profitably be taken cum grano salis. The assertion that they dined on buffalo meat is probably incorrect, as there were no buffalo west of the Rocky Mountains. The account also conveys the idea that all Indians possessed firearms, which is extremely doubtful. The same may be said of the statement that the Indians habitually used pocket handker- chiefs and gloves. It was in 1 83 1 that Captain Bonneville ap- plied for a two years' leave of absence from the United States army that he might "explore the country to the Rocky Mountains and be- 3 r ond. with a view of ascertaining the nature and character of the several tribes of Indians inhabiting these regions ; the trade which might be profitably carried on with them ;qualityof the soil, productions, minerals, natural history, cli- mate, geography, topography, as well as ge- ology of the various parts of the country with- in the limits of the territories of the United States between our frontier and the Pacific." The request was granted. While Bonneville was informed that the government would be at no expense in fitting out the expedition, he was instructed that he must provide himself with suitable instruments and maps, and that he was to "note particularly the number of warriors that might be in each tribe of natives that may be met with, their alliances with other tribes, and their relative position as to state of peace or war; their manner of making war, mode of subsisting themselves during a state of war and a state of peace; their arms and the effect of them; whether they act on foot or on horse- back ; in short, every information useful to the government." It might seem that a government which de- manded such valuable services ought to have been willing to make some pecuniary returns, or at least, pay all the expenses. But it so chanced that Captain Bonneville was compelled to se- cure financial aid elsewhere. During the winter an association was formed in New York which furnished the necessary means, and on May 1, 1832, the expedition set out, the party number- ing no men. They took with them in wagons a large quantity of suitable trading goods to be used in traffic with the Indians in the basins of the Colorado and Columbia rivers. Bonneville himself went as far west as Walla Walla. Other members of his expedition entered the valleys of the Humboldt. Sacramento and Colorado rivers, but they were unable to compete with the experienced Hudson's Bay and Missouri companies and the enterprise proved a financial failure. This expedition derives its chief im- portance from the fact that it forms the basic structure of one of Washington Irving's most fascinating works, which "in language more thrilling and varied than romance, has pictured the trapper's life, its dangers, its exciting pleas- ures, the bitter rivalry of competing traders, the hostility of the savages," presenting a pic- ture of the fur trade which will preserve to later posterity, something of the charm and fascination of that wild, weird traffic. December 25, 1833, Captain Bonneville and three men left Portneuf, on the upper Snake river, on their memorable trip to old Fort Walla Walla. In a direction trending westerly they traversed a course parallel with the Snake, maintaining their general position several miles south of that river until they won their way to American Falls, and several days later to Fish Falls. Through a narrow, itortuous crevice they descended to the banks of the river, which HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. 637 they traveled downward, continuing on the left bank. January 13, 1834, the party, foot- sore and exhausted, arrived at the mouth of Powder river. Here they discovered that their proposed route up Gum creek was impractica- ble. Consequently they continued down Snake river to the entrance of the gloomy canyon. On the following day they ascended a lofty mountain looming in front of them, and from its summit obtained a magnificent view of all the heaven piercing peaks of the Imnaha, and the turbulent waters of Snake river tumbling over rocks and dashing madly down precipit- ous precipices. Having feasted their vision upon these inspiring and picturesque scenes they descended into the beautiful valley of the Grande Ronde. All of the following day they continued prospecting in the hope of lighting upon a bet- ter and more feasible route. Then they turned toward the Snake river, which they reached after two days' travel. Down this stream the little party pursued its way. For a short dis- ance and a short period their chosen route was comparatively easy, but at length they came to where the river entered the mountains through perpendicular walls. In 18 10 this locality had been named by the Hunt party Caldron Lin. On uncertain and dangerous bridges of ice and snow they were occasionally compelled to cross the river. For a time they traveled on a nar- row and slippery trail over yawning canyons and precipices ; at length they arrived at a point where the bed of the river occupied the entire space in the chasms with perpendicular walls; they could advance no farther. In attempting to scale the lofty mountains to the west a whole days was passed, but all in vain; they were compelled to return to their last camp. On the following day, January 27, 1834, they passed up Snake river about four miles, and toiled all day climbing the steep mountain sides to the west. At night they went into camp on a small piece of bench land. This toilsome march was recumed the next morning, up the mountains, and after twenty-one days of peril, hardship and trouble, climbing up and down precipices and cautiously picking their way along precipitous mountain sides the small party arrived in the valley of the Imnaha. Two days' travel north along this stream brought them on to a camp of Nez Perce Indians, com- prising twelve families. By the venerable chief they were hospitably received, and he set before them such viands as he possessed. The party were voraciously hungry, almost to the starving point, and it is needless to say that they made a hearty meal. After dinner the pipe of peace was lighted and passed around. The party continued down the Imnaha nearly to Snake river. From thence over hills and gulches the next day the espied slender colmuns of smoke. These proceeded from a small en- campment of Nez Perce Indians. Greeting the explorers with a salute of firearms they cordially invited them to encamp. Yo-mus-a-wa-hi-a-cat was the euphonious name of the chief of this band. He welcomed the whites to his camp with the same hospitality and kindness which they had received from other chiefs whom they had encountered on their route. Yo-mus-a-wa- hi-a-cat urged Bonneville to remain with him until the following day when he would accom- pany him and introduce the party to all his peo- ple, providing food for the journey by slaught- ering a colt, which he gave to the half-fam- ished guests. Over a rough and broken country they trav- eled the next day. After going into camp the Indian guide of Yo-mus-a-wa-hi-a-cat departed on some secret mission. The next morning they descended into the Way-lu-wa (Grande Ronde) , a considerable tributary of the Snake river. Here they met the guide on his return trip, the nature of which they were soon des- tined to learn. In a small stream they observed a number of Indians bathing. The chief con- versed with them about the whites, of whom he appeared particularly proud. On the banks of the Way-lu-wa the explorers noticed an iso- 6 3 8 HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. lated mound covered with grass; the chief, with a display of emotion, said : "The big heart and the strong afm lie buried beneath that sod." It was learned that the great chief had been killed while pursuing a party of Shosokies who had stolen the village horses. At this juncture an Indian scout appeared and presented the Nez Perce chief with a powder horn. The latter pointed to a near-by hill and explained that behind it was a village governed by a little chief whom he had notified by his guide of the approach of the whites. This explained the secret mission of the scout whom they had met returning. Then the party doubled the point of the hill where the whole population of the Indian village was drawn up in line, arranged according to rank, and ar- rayed in all their barbaric finery. This village ivas at the junction of Joseph creek and Grande Ronde river, within the limits of the present Asotin county. The Indians discharged a sa- lute of fire arms which was returned by Bonne- ville's party. Then came forward the chiefs, successively, according to rank, and offered the hand of good fellowship until all had pledged their fealty and friendship. For the distinguished guests comfortable lodges were erected. They were supplied with food, water, and other necessities ; their horses cared for, and all this being adjusted they were conducted to the council house, where a ban- quet was spread, consisting of roots, elk flesh, fish and deer. Following this feast there was a prolonged "pow wow," or "big talk," some sentences of which were repeated at the door of the lodge by a crier for the benefit of the whole village gathered on the outside. This was a pe- culiar custom among the Nez Perce Indians, although they were, of course, ignorant of the fact that the same practice obtained among the heralds during the various knightly cam- paigns of the crusaders. If anything of value was lost, no matter how insignificant, it was carried by the finder to the lodge of the chief and proclamation was made by one of the criers for the owner to come and claim his property. Captain Bonneville, who had repeated opportu- nities to ascertain the true character of the Nez Perces, invariably spoke of them as kind and hospitable, scrupulously honest, remarkable for a strong feeling of religion and pronounced them one of the purest hearted people on earth. At this village of Way-lu-wa an Indian proved ownership to a horse that Bonneville had bought of a root digger, and which had been stolen from the Nez Perces. But the Indian owner said : "You got him fair ; you need horse more than I do; keep him; good horse; use him well." Such is but one instance of the considerate and generous treatment accorded Captain Bonneville and party in their really destitute condition. At the mouth of Joseph creek this village of Way-lu-wa was situated, near the mound on which was the Indian burial ground. Concerning this visit of Captain Bonne- ville's party in 1834, to the Indian village on Grande Ronde, Robert Bracken, in 1894, just sixty years afterward, published the fol- lowing in the Asotin Sentinel: "Among the Indians on the Grande Ronde river are four aged members of the tribe who distinctly recollect the time and the great re- ception the party received upon reaching this place, then an Indian village. (Mr. Bracken refers to the Indian village at the mouth of Joseph creek.) Three of these Indians at the time were about fourteen years of age. The fourth was born near the stream of the Im- naha, and is now over eighty years old, and shook hands with the 'bald white chief and his men. From the latter old Indian I gathered the information that at that time the three head chief of the Nez Perce tribe in the Snake river valley were Tu-kul-ku-tsut and Yo-mar- sa-ya-kai-kim and Nos-nu-kow-wits, the latter then living at the Imnaha. But there were, also, minor, or under chiefs, whose power ex- tended no further than their own villages, but the three above mentioned were the head men HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. ^39 to whom the 'little chiefs' always went for coun- sel. The Indian term for Grande Ronde river is Way-lu-wa, and for Joseph creek, Ananna." Having passed a number of days at this hospitable village the exploring party, accom- panied by the Nez Perce guide and Chief Yo- mus-a-wa-hi-a-cat, to do the honors of the coun- try, traveled down the Grande Ronde to Snake river. Thence they followed down the left bank of that stream. They encountered several bands of Nez Perces, to whom the whites were great curiosities. All the Indians gave the hand of friendship when introduced to the pale faces by the old chief. They halted on the bank of the Snake when a considerable distance down the stream, and turned out their horses to graze. There was a group of lodges across the river and from one of them the chief sum- moned his cousin. The latter was introduced by a name singularly Chinese in construction, Chief Ah-tsin-cow-cow. These lodges were at Captain John creek. Ah-tsin-cow-cow joined the party, contributing to the gaiety of the oc- casion a quantity of provisions and tobacco. Continuing on their way the party camped in the hut of a Nez Perce on Couse creek bar. They were here visited by a number of war- riors from across the river, friends of Yo-mus- a-wa-hi-a-cat and Ah-tsin-cow-cow. While at this camp a dog was accused of stealing a valu- able skin from the Bonneville party. On account of this alleged crime the animal was condemned and executed. He was subsequently proved innocent. On the following morning after they had proceeded some distance Ah-tsin-cow-cow dashed ahead of the voyagers and was soon lost to view. They were now near the villege of Ahshutin, over which presided Ah-posh-wye (Looking Glass), commonly known as the "Great Chief." This Indian village of Ahshu- tin was on the present location of Asotin. Bear- ing a powder horn to enable the party to re- spond to a salute, an Indian herald now ap- peared. A scene ensued on their approach to the village similar to that which had occurred at the village of the "Little Chief at the mouth of Joseph creek. Drawn up in line in the field the whole population appeared, arranged with due regard to rank and dignity. Salutes fol- lowed from firearms; then there was shaking of hands; and this last ceremony was partici- pated in by men, women and children. The Indians had learned that this is an indispensa- ble an overture of friendship among the whites as smoking the pipe is among the red men. Another banquet was prepared, at which the guests were introduced to all the choicest viands the village afforded; they were served with extravagant profusion. Feats of agility and horse races completed the entertainment of the day. Indeed this visit of Bonneville's party to Ahshutin appeared to have been the signal for prodigal festivity. For these white wanderers in the wilderness a skin lodge had been provided; wood and water were supplied and their horses and luggage cared for. When "Night drew her sable curtain round, ani pinned it with a star." they retired to seek the rest they so much needed. But in vain; a throng of visitors, eager for a smoke and "heap big talk*' kept them awake until the "russet morning" dawned in the east. It chanced at this time that the sixteen-year- old daughter of Ah-posh-wye was very ill. The fame of Captain Bonneville as a phys'cian procured him a patient for whom he prescribed, curing her with a vapor bath and a dose of gun- powder dissolved in water. With many ex- pressions of gratitude Ah-posh-wye invited Bonneville to remain with him a long t'me, but this could not be. It was necessary to re- turn to the Portneuf so soon as he had ar- rived at Fort Walla Walla. With one of his best horses Ah-posh-wye presented him, de- claring it made his heart glad to see his friend so well mounted. February 24, 1834, under a Nez Perce guide appointed by Ah-posh-wye, Bonneville and his party resumed their journey, passing 640 HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. through the beautiful, undulating country known as Lewiston Flat, to the village of Chief He-min-il-pilp (Red Wolf), which was on Alpowa creek, near where it debouches into Snake river. They were received with the cus- tomary Indian ceremonies at the village. They traveled west-southwest after leaving this point, through an attractive and fertile region; seven days after leaving the domain of He- min-il-pilp they won their way to old Fort Walla Walla, on the Columbia river, March 4, 1834. Those who have read Washington Irving's fascinating book, "Bonnevi'.h's Adventures," will remember the valient hero's journey along the Snake river to Walla Walla. At one point he remarked the wonderful beauty and fertility of the country, and he then predicted, with the true spirit of prophecy, that sometime there would be farms there, and that the wilderness would be made, by the hand of enterprising pioneers, to blossom as the rose. The region of which this prophecy was made and which is so vividly described, must have been in Aso- tin, the corner county. The ministrations of Rev. H. H. Spald- ing, a companion missionary of the martyred Marcus Whitman, have become historical in the annals of the earliest settlement of the Territory of Washington. But he did not con- fine his efforts to spiritual matters alone. For the physicial welfare of both white pioneers and Indians he invariably manifested deep interest. The bringing of apple seeds to the northwest and the planting of the first orchard were brought about by him. Red Wolf planted some of the seeds at the mouth of Alpowa creek and this started the oldest orchard in this part of the country. Albert Stiffel,- who was proprietor of the Asotin Sentinel in 1885, visited this old or- chard and wrote concerning it as follows : "Near the family residence (of David Moh- ler) are a number of apple trees, the seed of which was brought across the plains in the year 1836 by Rev. Spalding, a missionary whose name to-day is familiar to every member of the Nez Perce tribe. The seeds were planted in the spring of 1838 by Red Wolf, then a chief of some notoriety among the Nez Perces in- habiting this section of territory. The trees are six in number, the largest of which is six feet, eight inches in circumference and produced this season over two thousand pounds of apples, realizing to the owner over $50 in cash." It is recorded by another writer in the Aso- tin Sentinel that he "heard the old missionary, Rev. H. H. Spalding, say that he brought out to the coast those same identical apple seeds,, a few being planted on the Alpowa and the bal- ance on the Lapwai creek before the old mis- sion, and where the garrison was afterward located. The year named, 1837, is correct.'" "October 2, 1880, Sheriff Steen presented us with some specimens of the apples grown on the large trees in the old orchard at the mouth of the Alpowa. The apples are of fair size and good quality and would never be taken for seedlings. The tree which produced them has a round body and is twenty-six inches in diameter two feet from the ground. It is beginning to show some signs of decay in the limbs. The seed from which it sprung was brought from the 'states' by Rev. M. Spalding in 1836, and given to Red Wolf, chief of the Alpowas, who planted it the following year. This tree, therefore, is forty-three years old and, undoubtedly, the oldest bearing apple tree in the Pacific northwest. The old orchard has passed from the hands of the Indians who planted it, and is now owned by David Mohler,. who resides on the premises." Thus writes the editor of the Columbia Chronicle. December 8, 1894, the Asotin Sentinel pub- lished the following, reference to which has been made in the history of Columbia county : "H. H. Spalding, of Almota, presented the State Historical Society, at Tacoma, with the first mill-stone ever used in Washington. It The oldest orchard in Washington; seed furnished by Missionary Spalding and planted in the mouth or the Alpowa, now in Asotin county, by Red \Volr in 1838. HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. 641 was ground out of a piece of granite along in the 40's, and used by the Indians near Alpowa to grind the grain they were taught how to raise by Mr. Spalding's father and his col- league, Dr. Whitman. Alpowa. where the stone was used, was the home of such noted chiefs as Red Wolf and Timothy, and is lo- cated in this (Asotin) county, on the Snake river. The millstone was hewn out of a piece of gray granite, a foot thick and has a round hole in the center seven or eight inches in diameter." The above requires some explanation. The present Alpowa postoffice is in Garfield county, and several miles from the Snake river, on Al- powa creek. The writer of the article in the Sentinel which we have quoted, refers, doubt- less, to the Indian village at the mouth of Al- powa creek, where it empties into Snake river. This may, at that early day, have been called Alpowa, and in this event it would have been just within the limits of the present Asotin county. There is undisputable evidence that the Hudson's Bay Company had trappers in this country that is now Asotin county, in the early days. A few miles above Hansen's Ferry, on Los Prairie, in Wallowa county, Oregon, this powerful company had one of their supply sta- tions. And Wallowa joins Asotin county on the south. Y\ nen the first settlers came to the country a part of the stone chimney of one of the buildings was still standing, -but now noth- ing remains of either chimney or the old log buildings to mark the spot. Concerning this supply post and the dealings of he Hudson's Bay Company's people, a correspondent writ- ing from Hansen's Ferry said : "From 1873 to 1875 there lived in this lo- cality at different times several old Indians who had a distinct recollection of the old store, and had made several visits there with their par- ents and had seen them exchanging furs for such supplies as were kept in stock, which con- sisted of gaudy blankets, beads and trinkets. 41 The Hudson's Bay people had a large herd of horses, and one winter the snow reached such a depth and remained on the ground so long that the only thing they could get to eat was the bark from trees, and as a result of this hard winter a great many of the ponies died. This information was received by your corre- spondent from an old Hudson's Bay trapper, since dead, who in turn obtained it from some of the Indians who had dealings at the trading post during its existence." The proximity of this Oregon trading post to the present territory of Asotin county natur- ally leads to the conclusion that the trappers haunted the Snake and the various creeks in Asotin territory at this early day in search of beaver and other pelts. In 1 85 1 the territory that now comprises Asotin county was traversed by a party of white men. They were thirty is number and were on their way to the Nez Perce country to treat with that tribe for peace. It will be remembered that this was not long after the Whitman massacre. These frontiersman met the Indians at Lapwai, Idaho, where a treaty of peace was signed. There were present over 7,000 male Indians. One of the members of the white party was Samuel W. Childs. who said that from the time they left The Dalles until they returned they did not see a white man's house. There was not a living thing in the Walla Walla valley, according to Mr. Childs, but an old lame Indian pony. Until the year 1858 in what are now Aso- tin, in Washington, and Nez Perce county, in Idaho, the pale faces were decidedly scarce. In 1835 Colonel Craig and Dr. Newell came into this section of the country. It is the evidence of Mr. Robert Bracken that he was acquainted with both of them and had passed many a pleasant hour beneath their roof. Craig's Mountain, whose white peak may be seen from a lone distance derives its name from Colonel Craig. The Colonel, Dr. Newell and Louis Marengo left the city of St. Louis when mere 642 HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. boys, and journeyed west to "fight Indians and trap beaver." They joined the forces of the Hudson's Bay Company; but soon discovered that the life of the trapper was not a bed of roses ; on the contrary decidedly irksome. Soon afterward they struck out for themselves. Louis Marengo, of whom the reader of this history has learned something in the portion devoted "to Columbia county, settled upon a piece of land on the Tucanon, near where the village of Marengo now stands. Dr. Newell was Indian agent at Lapwai late in the 6o's. Where now stands the city of Lewiston the doctor located a farm, but for some reason abandoned it. Colonel Craig settled on a farm on Lapwai creek in the late 30's, and for thirty- seven years continued to reside there. While this has no direct bearing on the history of Asotin county, it serves to show that at a very early date white men had visited and actually settled in this interior country. The territory that is now Asotin county was at one time a part of an Indian reservation. In 1857 what was known as the Whitman treaty was put in force. This made an Indian reser- vation of a large territory, the western boun- dary of which was half way between Alpowa and Pataha, and consequently all of the pres- ent Asotin county and a part of what is now Idaho was included in the limits. Perin Whit- man was interpreter at the time this treaty was made with die Indians, and was for many years afterward. Negotiations for a new treaty were begun in 1862 and completed the following year, which set the west line of the reservation about seven miles east of Lewiston, Idaho. While this later treaty left the Asotin country outside of the reservation, the country for sev- eral years thereafter was practically Indian ter- ritory. Only a few adventurous spirits at- tempted to make settlement in the country in the sixties and the Indians roamed at will. Every winter, owing to the milder climate, dur- ing the early 6o's and up to 1868, not less than 600 natives made their homes on Asotin creek. Here they would pass the winter fishing and hunting, and during the summer months would take up their place of abode in other portions of the country. The oft-times told campaign and defeat of Colonel E. J. Steptoe in the spring of 1858 has to do with the history of Asotin county. An account of this disaster is given in the state his- tory prefixed to this work, but there is some- thing of local interest here that has not been told. The defeat of the United States troops occurred in what is now Whitman county, but it was an Indian living in what is now Asotin county who saved the command from utter an- nihilation ; it was from Asotin county that the command entered the territory of the actual fighting; and it was back into Asotin county that the sorely harassed and defeated troops found refuge and safety. May 6, 1858, Colonel Steptoe left Fort Walla Walla on the expedition to the northern country, with five company officers, 152 en- listed men, about 30 civilians and a large pack train. It was their intention to cross Snake river at the mouth of Alpowa creek, where lived Timothy and his band of friendly Nez Perce Indians. On their third days' march the mouth of Alpowa creek was reached. Upon the approach of*the troops a band of Palouse Indians on the other side of the river was seen to retreat. Timothy had some of his young warriors ferry Steptoe' s command across the Snake. John McBean had been engaged as chief interpreter and guide. He was a half breed, whose father was an old Hudson's Bay Com- pany's man, and had been chief factor at old Fort Walla Walla, the company's post, on the Columbia. McBean backed out and refused to go farther, as he declared it was unsafe for the troops to advance, the Indians being in an ugly mood. Timothy was engaged to act as guide and two other Indians volunteered. These were Levi, who served as scout for General Howard in the Joseph uprising, nearly twenty HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. 643 years later, and a nephew of Timothy, Shinica- to-chit-skin, meaning a blanket made of geese feathers. It is not our province to give in de- tail the result of this expedition, it having been exhaustively treated before, except to say that the troops were set upon by the hostile tribes and that the command was saved from total annihiliation only through the efforts of Timothy. Those who participated in this unfortunate campaign never failed to speak a good word for "Old Timothy," the Nez Perce chief, and the heroic part he assumed in saving the command from destruction. Here is the story of the crossing of Snake river near the mouth of the Alpowa, on the retreat, as told by Thomas B. Beall, who was chief pack master under Colonel Steptoe during the campaign, as related in the Lewiston (Idaho) Teller in April, 1889. The story commences while the troops were still in the vicinity of Steptoe Butte : "As our ammunition was nearly expended, the colonel called a counsel of officers just be- fore sundown. I do not think there were two rounds of ammunition to the man. Our condi- tion was desperate, indeed, for our nearest point of supply was Walla Walla, and the Snake river between us and that place. I now want to say something in regard to our faithful ally, Timothy, 'known to many of us as 'Old Tim- oty.' He told Colonel Steptoe that the com- mand seemed to be completely surrounded, but he would try to find a way to escape. In about an hour he returned and reported that he could get the command through if they could climb a steep hill at a point which had been left un- guarded. The colonel could not do otherwise and he placed the command under the leader- ship of this faithful friend. We built fresh camp fires and left the most of our horses pick- eted so as to deceive the enemy. About nine o'clock p. m., we slowly left our camp under the guidance of Old Timothy. We marched all night and all day, passed down the Steptoe canyon, and camped on the bank of Snake river, opposite the mouth of the Alpowa. Here old Timothy showed his kindness again. He told Colonel Steptoe that the men were tired and he would have his young men stand guard. The next morning he gave us plenty of fresh salmon and what other things he had to spare. Now this Indian never received any pay for services rendered to the government, no; not even was he thanked for them. If any one deserves a pension for services rendered to the government, I think this faithful old Indian does." The march was forced throughout the night of May 1 7th, and continued during the day fol- lowing until 1 1 o'clock on the second night, when Snake river was readied, opposite where the Alpowa flows in. The distance covered was between 80 and 90 miles, and the troops were worn out with the rapid traveling, follow- ing so closely on the desperate engagement. Camp was at once made. Fatigue was not the least of their hardships, for when the stores were abandoned only a half dozen pack animals were loaded and not all of these carried provis- ions, consisting mainly of hardtack. The long march jaded the men and horses, but all were hungry. They were provided abundantly with such supplies as the Indians had and of which salmon was an article served the men in large quantities. Appreciating the condition of these troops and knowing their strength would be taxed to renew their retreat on the following morning, Timothy allayed the fears of Colonel Steptoe, who anticipated a night attack by the hostiles, by offering to furnish a force from among his people to stand guard. The chief placed forty of his young men on picket duty around the camp and in scouting over the coun- try. After all the members of the expedition had enjoyed a night of uninterrupted rest the Indians ferried them over the river. No hos- tiles had ventured near the river and the march was resumed. Speaking of this Nez Perce chief, Timothy, who lived at the mouth of the Alpowa, Rev. 644 HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. H. K. Hines, D. D., in his history of Wash- ington (1893) said: "This Indian, en passant, is worthy of a brief notice. He was a man, with a square, open, benignant countenance, who had never faltered in his friendship to the whites. Under the missionary labors of Mr. Spalding at Lap- awai, not far away from Timothy's home, he had embraced the Christian faith, and was the first Indian to be propounded for membership in the Presbyterian church under Mr. Spald- ing's labors. He was a sincere, honest, unaf- fected man, securing the confidence of all who knew him, and living a sober, industrious and Christian life. In later years the writer knew him well, and has often sat with him on the ground under the shade of one of the great apple trees on the Alpowa creek, whose seed was planted by Mr. Spalding in 1837, near the tepee of the then youthful Timothy, and con- versed with him of the men and the times of which he now writes. Not more than a decade ago his white soul passed into the eternity of the good." Dr. Kuykendall, who was pretty well ac- quainted with the history of the northwestern Indians, furnished to the East IVashingtonian of Pomeroy, the following sketch of old chief Timothy, who died at his home on the Alpowa, in June, 1890: "The death of old Timothy, the aged In- dian chief, at the mouth of the Alpowa, re- moves from among us a prominent character in the history of the northwest. Although a red man, and springing from a savage race, he had many of the noblest attributes of humanity. He was always the white man's friend and when the red hand of murder was lifted and the incendiary torch was lighted Timothy always stood forth to stay the arm of the destroyer. Timothy and his little band have lived at the mouth of the Alpowa for more than three- fourths of a century ; that is known, and perhaps their ancestors for many hundreds of years before. The missionary Spalding ' planted them an orchard about 1837, when Red Wolf was a Nez Perce chief. Some of the old trees remain yet. Ever since the settlement of this country Timothy has been the friend of the whites. He and a number of his band were- early converts to Christianity, and have lived lives that might shame many a white brother. During one of the Indian wars Old Timothy- fitted out a number of volunteers from among his own people and sent them to aid the whites against the hostiles. For this act of loyalty and friendship toward our own people he never- received any compensation. Even the ponies: that the Indian volunteers lost in the fighting were never paid for. In 1858, thirty-two years, ago, last month, Colonel Steptoe's command were whipped out by the savage hordes and: driven from the Palouse and northern country toward Snake river. The colonel beat a hasty retreat, following down the deep gorge, known- today as Steptoe's canyon. When they reached Snake river, opposite the mouth of the Alpowa, their horses were jaded and the men exhausted. Had it not been for the friendly help of Timothy and his people in crossing them over they would have all been butchered by the blood-thirsty savages. The history of the relation of the red men to the- whites on the North American continent af- fords no brighter page than that which records; the friendship and loyalty of Old Timothy. Though wrapped in the skin of a savage he had the heart of a nobleman." Much has been written concerning the good deeds of Timothy, but little has been said of Te-ma, his wife, who undoubtedly exerted a great influence for good as did her husband. The following in regard to Te-ma, written by Newton Gibbs, is of historical interest : "The name of Timothy's wife, Te-ma, lit- erally interpreted, means one who writes. This woman was, so far as known, the last of the- tribe that remembered the visit of Lewis and Clark in 1805-6. She manifested great interest in the white people which was inspired by the: HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. 645 memory of these men. She is said to have learned to speak and write English from some of her people who had been taught by their ■early visitors during their sojourn in the Lew- iston valley. This education gave the child her name and influenced her life as well. The influence of Te-ma aided, no doubt, in making Timothy the great man that he became. "The influence of Te-ma was the cause of /giving the name of Alpowa to her home. The word Alpowa means in the significance of its application to the place, a Sunday-like rest, or a place to enjoy a Christian peacefulness. The influence which gave the name to Te-ma's home extended to every member of the Nez Perce tribe, and this influence had much to do with making them the most civilized of all the American aborigines when the white men first ■came in contact with them. History records the good deeds of no truer heroine in the world than good, old Te-ma. "Timothy and Te-ma rest side by side on a knoll near their old home, Alpowa (Sunday), which their good deeds made. This name is a monument which will stand forever. How- ever, as these good Indians received no manner of reward from public or private sources while they lived, their act of heroism should be pre- served in marble so that all may know the sig- nificance of the name Alpowa and future gen- erations may be reminded of the deeds of Tim- othy and Te-ma, the lowly hero and heroine of the western aborigines." The first white men, with the exception of early explorers and missionaries, who came to the Asotin county territory were gold seekers, or those who came because of gold discoveries. Stock raisers found a ready market for their produce in the mining camps. The trail through the Asotin country was one of the direct routes to the mines of Idaho. The first white settler in Asotin county was one Sam Smith. He "squatted" on the place which, for many years later in the history of the county, was known as the fruit farm of D. H. Mohler, near the confluence of Alpowa creek and Snake river. This was in the vicinity of Old Tim- othy's tribe. Smith arrived there June 10, 1 86 1. He owned a small stock of goods and, also, a sort of a hotel for the accommodation of travelers passing to and from the Orofino mines. Although Smith remained there only a short time his was the first business enterprise in what at present is Asotin county. The second settler in this part of the coun- try was D. S. King. He set his stakes in, and lived on, what is now known as the Andrew E. Lee place, on the Alpowa. This, however, was not within the present limits of Asotin, being just across the line in Garfield county. But King and his place became so closely identified with the pioneer settlers of Asotin county that mention should here be made of his settlement. The house was a famous and familiar hostelry for the miners in those days, on their way to or from the famed gold fields of Idaho. The place was a stage station on the line between Lewis- ton and Walla Walla. The log building which he here erected at this early day on many occa- sions sheltered the miner who had made his "stake," and not infrequently the one who was discouraged, footsore and "busted." By Colonel Craig and others Pearcy's ferry was established in 1861. It was in the autumn of that year that the Florence and Elk City mines in Idaho, were discovered, and became powerful factors in inducing many people to pass through the present territory of Asotin county on their way to this famous mining country. And it was the discovery of the mines already referred to that brought the next permanent settler to the country. This was Robert Bracken — still a resident of Asotin county — the oldest of the old settlers. April 16, 1862, Mr. Bracken located a place at a point eight miles below the present site of Asotin. Here he engaged in stock raising to supply the local markets — the busy mining camps. He had left California in the autumn of 1 86 1 in company with a number of prospec- 646 HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. tors, and directed his steps toward the upper country. Arriving at the mouth of the Alpowa, he wintered in that neighborhood. To the depth of twenty-eight inches the snow fell that winter, and for ninety days remained on the ground. Out of one band of 800 over 200 mules and horses were lost. The following spring Mr. Bracken began prospecting in Idaho. Concerning the condition of the coun- try when he came here in 1862 Mr. Bracken says : "When I first settled in Asotin county my nearest neighbor on the south was living in Grande Ronde valley, Oregon, one hundred and fifty miles from me. At Anatone there was a saw mill which sawed lumber in summer and every fall shut down until warm weather came around again. Starr & Atwood, the pro- prietors, lived in Portland. They operated the mill four years and each spring hired a new crew. With the exception of the ferryman liv- ing near the Alpowa. my nearest neighbor on the north was about the same distance from me as the one on the south. Both east and west I had neighbors nearer, so you will see people in those days lived some distance apart and didn't do much visiting." In the fall of 1862 Starr & Atwood erected, from the first lumber 'sawed, a building for storing goods at the place now occupied by E. Baumeister's store in Asotin. This was the first frame building erected in the county. In 1862 Dr. Simmons came to the country and "farmed" a piece of land six miles below Asotin, on Snake river, near where Clarkston now stands. "Doc" was a* successful rancher; however, he sold his place and inprovements to John Greenfield, who afterward, for nineteen years, conducted a horse ranch on the property. Simmons and his partner, Ben Jones, subse- quently went to Montana. One night Jones was called from a saloon by four men, shot and killed. Simmons left the premises by a rear door which was the last ever seen or heard of him by his Asotin acquaintances. It is pre- sumed that he, too, was done to death by the same parties who had assassinated Jones. During the summer of 1862 the first saw- mill in the county was erected. It was located on a farm, later the property of D. W. Pink- ham, about one mile south of Anatone. This mill was owned by Starr & Atwood. By ox teams the lumber was hauled to Snake river and thence rafted to Lewiston, Idaho; here it was sold for $85 per thousand feet. Until the summer of 1867 lumber remained at that price, when it dropped to $30. At this latter figure the proprietors of the mill thought it would not pay to cut lumber, and accordingly they closed it down. The steam fixtures and other ma- chinery were sold and conveyed to Pine creek, Umatilla county, Oregon. The mill frame was disposed of for $50; but before the purchase price was paid it was destroyed by fire caused by a party of- Indians, who had camped near by. Subsequently Mr. Atwood put in a claim for his property that had been destroyed and re- ceived from the government $250. June 23, 1900, the Asotin Sentinel published the follow- ing : "Mr. Henry Leland, assistant secretary and traveling correspondent of the Washington State Historical Society, visited our city last Monday for the first time since he was a lad in the employ of the milling company, of which his father, Alonzo Leland, was a member, and whose plant was located at the edge of the tim- ber on what is now known as the Pinkham ranch. The lumber was hauled by ox teams to the present site of Asotin, and young Leland was stationed here in a tent to keep tab on the lumber which was put into a raft and floated down the Snake river. Not a house had been built except one of boards by old Chief Jonah, • which he vacated after a few weeks' occupancy,, choosing instead to live in his tepee." In the fall of 1862 two trappers, whose names are not known, built a cabin on the south HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. 647 fork of Asotin creek and made their home there for a time. This cabin remained standing until about 1 88 1. From 1863 to 1866 placer mining was pros- ecuted along the bars of Snake river ; but it was discovered that pay dirt was far too shallow to be worked with profit, and the claims, one by one, were abandoned. Upon these sites now stand some of the best orchards in the county ; the trees are each year laden with rich, yellow plums and lucious peaches, to say nothing of toothsome, mellow apples. Asotin county has passed through a number of more or less exciting mining experiences. The first burst forth in 1865, and was really the most sensational of the many. The point where it was alleged gold might be picked up "by the bucketful," was the bar where Shovel creek flows into Snake river. This Shovel creek is a small, insignificant stream, coursing above the Grande Ronde river, and just within the border of Asotin county. The story of this wild ex- citement which resulted in a stampede is thus related by Robert Bracken, who was then, as he is now, engaged in the stock business : "It was in January, 1865, a party of pros- pectors came to my camp and repeated a story that in i860 — one year before gold was known to exist in any part of this county — three min- ers came down Snake river in their canoes and camped for the night on the Shovel creek bar. One of their number, the following morning, after some little prospecting, found the pay streak from which they shoveled out half a pail of gold in a very short time. They were out of provisions, which, of course, is a very common thing for miners, so they hid their find, only keeping out sufficient to. purchase supplies for which they went to Walla Walla. While there, the story goes, one of the men died, the second was killed and the third turned up missing one morning. "The location of the creek where gold was found by the shovelful was made known by one of the men to an intimate friend, and he in turn told the 'yarn' to others, and as each one told it the story grew bigger. I informed the party of prospectors who came to my camp that the whole story was a canard and that they were being misled, but they wouldn't be satisfied until they had prospected the stream and come back convinced that if such an immense amount of gold did exist in that locality it must have sud- denly sunk below bedrock. The stream after- wards was known as Shovel creek and has since retained that name. But to this day there are men who believe that gold exists in such quan- tities on the stream mentioned, for as late as the summer of 1893 I came across three pros- pectors hunting through the hills for some hid- den treasure. They related the same old tale to me, only somewhat more glittering, but they would not be satisfied, so I pointed out the course for them to Shovel creek, and after three weeks of hard work they came back wiser men. "The same story caused Bill Cussick to lose his life in Grande Ronde river in the spring of 1865. Bill struck Lewiston in the spring of 1863, and in company with another man went to mining on Almota bar, but had some dif- ficulty with the Indians living there at that time and thought it best to leave. In 1864 Cus- sick, Frank Bennett and Jim McCormick mined on the bar at Alpowa creek until 1865, when the Shovel creek excitement broke out. Jim Cussick and Frank Bennett both joined in the stampede that followed. They went in the first crowd that left Lewiston. The party must have numbered forty men, with their pack animals. When they reached Starr & Atwoods sawmill, one mile from where Anatone now is, they bought lum- ber and dragged it down over the trails to Grande Ronde river with ropes tied to their saddle horns. They built a large boat and the entire party crossed the river and camped a short distance below Joseph creek. They came near having trouble with the Indians camped there, but Tim Rebusco, who headed the party 648 HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. of miners, made peace. The miners camped here two days, and one day Cussick attempted to swim the river with his horse and was drowned. His horse was found with the herd next morning - , but Cussick was never seen after- ward. The trails leading to Shovel creek were lined with miners. They came down from Sal- mon river and it was a perfect stampede. I had a very god idea of what the result of the trip would be. I was in Lewiston when they came back and a worse sold party of men I never saw before or since. Actually they didn't find ground that would pay twentyfive cents a day to the man.'" There is nothing new under the sun. The scheme of carrying water from Asotin creek to the flat opposite Lewiston, which has been ac- complished in recent years, and which has ad- ded so much to the prosperity of Asotin county, was first planned so early as 1865. At that time the plan was evolved, not for irrigation, but for mining purposes. Concerning this Rob- ert Bracken has written : "A man by the name of Gillman, who kept a saloon in Lewiston in 1863. first proposed the scheme. In 1865 two surveys were made for the then proposed ditch. Water was to be taken from the creek at the farm now owned by the Oakes Brothers, twelve or thirteen miles from the mouth of the stream. Gillman tried to in- terest men with means, but in this he was unsuccessful because the expense of building figured up more than the ground would pay to mine. "In 1866-7 Gillman employed Jack Oliver to do some work on the ditch. Jack's camp was located on the land now included in Jerry Ma- guire's farm. He worked seven weeks and one evening received orders from the Indians to leave, which request was at once complied with. At this time there were over 900 Indians camped in the vicinity where Oliver was at work. The cause that led to Jack being compelled to leave was for killing a couple of dogs, the property of one of the Indians. Upon one occasion when Jack came in from work he found the dogs in possession of his tent and fighting over a side of bacon. Jack swore vengeance and upon a sec- ond visit the dogs were killed. For this act Oliver had to pack up and leave. "In the spring of 1867 Gillman furnished the means for another survey for a ditch that would cover the greater part of Lewiston flat. The survey located the head of the ditch on Asotin creek, a short distance below where Lick Fork empties into the stream. The ditch line kept along the Asotin creek bluffs and came out on the table land north of William Hopwood's farm. The survey made the length of the ditch twenty-eight miles. Twice as much land would have been under the ditch as the one that was surveyed before, while the cost of construction was not much greater. Again capital was sought, but as before no one was found to in- vest in a mining proposition in those days that required such an outlay of money when there were better properties that could be worked profitably at less cost." In March, 1896, an interesting conversation occurred betwen Mr. Robert Bracken and a gentleman well known in Asotin county. The subject of their colloquy turned upon the se- vere winters experienced in earlier days in this western country, and which one now occasion- ally reads about. Mr. Bracken said that in 1865 he saw ice over ten feet deep on still water in Snake river. The other gentleman gave every indication of doubting this assertion. Still it is true, nevertheless, and December 14, 1865, the snow in the Snake river valley was eighteen inches deep. Two days after a warm chinook wind got up; the snow disappeared rapidly from the points and ridges. Then fol- lowed the freeze; the water that had spread out over the ice already formed along the river, froze, and layer after layer of new ice were added until it had attained the thickness above mentioned. The current of the Snake kept the channel clear of ice. Theodore Schank about HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. 649 this time occupied a buoy ferry six miles be- low Asotin. On the following 18th of Febru- ary there was a break in the winter. On the upper river a thaw set in ; the water rose rap- idly. When the immense mass of ice along the shore line broke loose and went tumbling out, the ferry went along with it, the cable, buoys, boat and skiff were forever lost. The winter of 1861-2 was the severest ever •experienced in the Asotin section of the coun- try; that of 1865-6 came next in severity. And this is the testimony of all the oldest Indians in the vicinity. Among the earliest settlers coming into the territory, subsequently Asotin county, was Jerry Maguire, in 1867. At first he settled upon a piece of ground which is at present the upper portion of the town of Asotin. Soon afterward he moved up on Asotin creek a short distance, where his family at present re- sides. This was in 1868. At that period Mr. Maguire possessed quite a large band of .horses, some 300 in number. During the min- ing excitement in that locality he followed the business of packing betwen the different camps. Later he directed his attention strictly to stock raising. In 1868 came another pioneer, a man named Thomas Broncho, but who was gener- ally known as Rebusco. He located upon land which in later years became the property of James Thornton, about six miles up Asotin creek. He cultivated vegetables, which found a ready market at good prices in Lewiston, the outfitting point for the mining camps. At about the same time D. M. White settled at the mouth of the Alpowa. During the year 1869 there appeared along the banks of the creek quite an important addi- tion in the way of numbers to the local settle- ment. It should be borne in mind that at this period all the rich farming country lying to the south of that creek was uninhabited except by Indians. It was a hunter's paradise — the hab- itat of all large game found west of the Rocky mountains — and the feeding ground for hun- dreds of Indian ponies, as well as large herds of cattle belonging to stockmen. And all this country laid unoccupied by white men until 1877. In the winter of 1868-9 three more set- tlers found residences along the "creek" — No- ble Henry, Gad and William Hopwood. In 1874 Gad Hopwood disposed of his property to James Hopwood and removed from the coun- try. Another 1869 settler was Samuel War- ren. The first frame barn erected in what is now Asotin county, was put up by an Indian, Tom Hi, better known as "California Tom," was the dusky red man entitled to this honor. He had been in the country some time previous operat- ing pack trains and working at different places, but in the spring of 1869 he settled on a place on Asotin creek and developed into a rancher. For the first few years after locating he kept ahead of the whites along the line of improve- ments. The frame building which he erected was a barn and the carpenter work was clone by one Garry, who combined the qualifications of preacher and a carpenter. The exact period of the location in this por- tion of Washington Territory of T. M. E. Schank is a trifle obscure. Mr. Robert Bracken says 1870; the Asotin Sentinel states that it was in 1872 or 1873. He settled upon the present site of Asotin, then a great resort for the Indians, and during the first few years of his residence he was engaged in the stock business, but with indifferent success. Of this early pioneer the Asotin Sentinel, in 1885, said : "Mr. T. M. E. Schank was born in Chris- tiana, Norway, and emigrated to this country about 1.852, and engaged in the harness and saddlery business in New York City. About the year 1854 he. in company with others, left for South America, Mr. Schank locating at Buenaventura, United States of Colombia, where he embarked in business. One year after his arrival there he departed for California, where he was successfully engaged in mining 6;o HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. for a number of years, from where he drifted into the Puget Sound country, where he engaged in business of different kinds. During the min- ing excitement of i860, Mr. Schank went to Lewiston, Idaho, and opened a harness and saddlery shop and did a thriving trade." In 1865 Air. Schank purchased from Mr. Thomp- son the well known ferry across Snake river. This ferry had been built in 1861 by Messrs. Jake Shults. Col. Craige and Robie, later pass- ing into the hands of Mr. Thompson. In 1870 a few more settlers located along Asotin creek. Charles Lyon settled at the mouth of Charlie Fork, so named in his honor. In the fall of the year Thomas P. Page also set- tled on Charlie Fork. George B. Fancher and family also came in 1870. Mrs. Fancher was the first white woman who lived in what is now Asotin county. During the winter of 1870-1 the Fanchers lived on the "Andy Lee place." Then Mr. Fancher sold out to one Veres, more familiarly known as "Kentuck." A man by the name of Cooper was also a settler on the south fork of the "creek," about two years, coming there in 1870. The first white child born in the county was the son of Mr. and Airs. James Hopwood, born in 1874. As already stated James Hopwood, the elder, came to the creek in 1874. and bought out Gad Hopwood, becoming a permanent settler. In 1875 Lige Jones came and settled on the creek in the autumn of that year. One of the earliest set- tlers was David Mohler, who located at the mouth of the Alpowa in 1876, or possibly ear- lier. Previous to the Xez Perce outbreak of 1877 the Indians and whites were on the most friendly terms, and even the former were held in the highest regard on account of their hon- esty and integrity. Not one of Chief Timothy's Indians went on the warpath ; but many of the Asotins donned Avar paint and feathers and joined Chief Joseph's hostiles. The removal of that portion of the tribe living south of Grande Ronde river to Lapwai agency dissatisfied the Indians and, urged on by sympathizing mem- bers of the tribe living on Salmon river, they united forces and started out to rob, burn and murder. While the hostiles did not cross Snake river in the Nez Perce outbreak of 1877, the few settlers in the country that is now Asotin county, naturally became alarmed. Two or three who had taken up their residence in the Anatone country became panic stricken and left. The twelve or fifteen settlers who were then living on Asotin creek did not evacuate the country, but made prepara- tions to defend their homes should occasion de- mand it. At Jerry Maguire's place, only a short distance up the creek, the house was con- verted into a fort, as was, also, the residence of William Hopwood. Loop holes were cut in the log structures and everything put in readi- ness against a possible attack from the red- skins. At these houses the settlers gathered and formulated their plans. But, as stated, no hostiles entered the county and the settlers were not called upon to defend themselves. While a few pioneers had located on Asotin creek in the 6o's and early 70's, the remainder of what is now Asotin county was practically unsettled until 1877. That year a number of settlers took up their residences and built them- selves cabins on Asotin Flat in the vicinity of the present location of Anatone. Among the earliest of these were Joel Matheney and fam- ily. But before they had time to found a home the flames of the Nez Perce war broke luridly forth. Mr. Matheney was compelled to remove his family to the settlements, not through any direct attack upon them, but fear of a possible contingency. In the spring of 1877 Andrew M. Robinson had come to the country. He, too, was driven out, but returned the year fol- lowing and lived on his place near Anatone until his death, April 20, 1897. After these threatening hostiles had been driven away, dur- ing the summer of 1877, there were a number came to the "flat'' and succeeded in establish- ing homes for themselves ; although no women HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. 651 were found on the "flat" that year. Among the first to arrive was Dan Pinkham. In Sep- tember a party of three, J. C. Packwood, his father-in-law, G. W. Lewis, and his brother- in-law, J. H. Pierce, located land near the pres- ent site of Anatone. That same fall came John Dill, John Carter, Elial and John Dodson, father and son, John Hawes and Mr. Stimson. Some of these brought in stock and nearly all came prepared to cultivate the soil — sufficient of it, at least, to supply their own simple and primitive necessities. At the head of Couse creek, in the spring of 1877 J oe l Matheney set- tled upon a quarter section of land. Later the property passed into the hands of J. N. Bog- gan. Matheney was followed by John Carter and D. W. Pinkham. Here the latter contin- ued to reside until his death, January 30, 1893. He was the pioneer settler on Asotin prairie; a member of the Society of Friends, or Quakers, retaining his membership throughout his life. Others flocked in and the country adjacent was now rapidly being settled up and the straggling log buildings be- gan to cluster closer together. In. that part of the county now known as Cloverland there set- tled in 1877 Alexander Sumpter, Harvey Wormsley, J. D. Swain, Hubbard Petty and Brad Hodges. Of course in the early settlement of such a comparative wilderness many were the hard- ships and deprivations of life. It is needless to say that these were endured with that true grit and indomitable perseverance of which all pioneers are possessed. But as the country be- came older these people "grew up" with it ; to- day a majority of them are the solid men of Asotin county. May 11, 1878, E. O. H. pub- lished the following in the Columbia Chronicle, of Dayton : "Ed. Clironiclc: The Asotin to the Aso- tins has been the cry. Not only this, but every- where. Each little valley and tributary stream to the northward is daily being visited by hcmeseekers. What is the matter? The fact is Washington Territory is being made known. It is noised abroad as the land of grub — they are coming, the young, the old ; our thorough- fares are crowded to their utmost capacity. "Quite different from the days of yore when 'Eureka !' was the cry, and the wanderer after seeking for treasures in the land of gold turned back to his boyhood's home. To-day the stranger comes not looking for fabled ingots of gold, but with his flocks, and perhaps his oldest son ; riding upon a sulky plow he is seen hunt- ing a permanent home. Then welcome the tired renter to a new home ; welcome him to the wild lands of the west. He is, certainly quali- fied, as he rests beneath his own cabin roof to enjoy 'Home, Sweet Home.' He who lays the foundation to health and home; struggles to develop the resources of his country, is he who lays the corner-stone of a nation and holds the key to its vital existence. % if * >r= ^ ^ "Yesterday I crossed the Asotin, and where a few short weeks in the past I traced little signs of immigration, I beheld cabins of the pioneer and saw a new made road up the moun- tain side. The tall trees now bow their heads to the settler's ax while the wild deer retreat toward the summit. Seated at this time on a high peak which overlooks this broad domain, the Grande Ronde, Clearwater and Asotin can be seen emptying their waters into the Snake river, which, winding away to the westward, the eye can follow until it is lost in the blue horizon. Myriads of hills roll like the waves of the sea, all clad in their green garb and bathed in the mellow sunlight of spring, they smile uninterruptedly, save when the broken shadows of the clouds drift across their arched surface. All this as far as the power of vision extends is dotted on either slope by little settle- ments — thrifty young towns in places in a pros- perous condition — and we can realize as it were in the briefest of time that that which was an unclaimed wilderness on yesterday, to-day be- comes the, home of many thousands. Then look 652 HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. forward to the time when rising prosperity will jostle through crowded cities — cities with temples of science and costly works of art ; when the steepest hillsides of Columbia county •shall be blooming gardens."' J. C. George, writing to the Columbia Chronicle from Mountain Farm in the Asotin valley, on June 17, 1878, said: "On the 12th day of last September there was not a living soul in the valley, but now they number about 400. Immigration still continues to come in, and there is still room for more. We invite im- migration to this beautiful valley." May 11, 1878, in the Columbia Chronicle Surveyor A. T. Beall had the following ran- dom notes : "On the road from Schank's Ferry on the Snake river to the boundary line between Ore- gon and Washington Territory : Commenced the survey of the road on the 25th of February, 1878. The road is one of vast importance to Columbia county and will in time become one of the most important thoroughfares in East- ern Washington, being much shorter for immi- grants passing through to Wallowa and Grande Ronde valleys to this section of the country than by the way of Walla Walla. The road winds along the bank of Snake river as far as the mouth of the Ashoti, or Assotin creek; thence up an easy grade to the table land north of the Blue Mountain, passing through thous- ands of acres of rich, arable land which will produce excellent grain and now affords good pasturage twenty-three miles from Lewiston, I. T., or from the ferry we entered the timber and then down a small stream a distance of eight miles we come to the Grande Ronde river which river we crossed and proceeded down to another creek up which creek we found an easy grade to the boundary line. Owing to the depth of snow and bad weather we had to make two surveys of the road, twenty-three days in all it required to survey the road to the Grande Ronde. It would be a wise act of our county commissioners not to grant any license to par- ties who may wish to make any part of this road a toll road, or in constructing a toll bridge across the river, but aid in opening a road through to the boundary line. There are a few settlers who have taken up unsurveyed land in the timber who are very desirous to have that country sectioned." The initial Fourth of July celebration in the present Asotin territory was held in 1878. These exercises were in a grove near the base of the mountain and adjacent to Mr. Bean's saw mill. Although the clay was raw, cold and stormy there was present a large assemblage. The celebration was in charge of the following citizens : Committee on Ground — Messrs. Lee Bloyd, Sangster, Sherman, Heiby, Mcintosh, E. Phips. Committee on Music — Mesdames Harris, Scott, Robinson. Committee on Table — Mesdames Whiton, Waltrip, Packwood, Kelly and Mr. Kelly. Rumors of depredations by Bannock In- dians in Umatilla county, Oregon, coupled with the fear that at any time the Asotin country might be invaded, exercised a disquieting effect on the settlers in the fertile and productive farming country in which is now situated the town of Anatone. This was during the sum- mer of 1878. Scores of baseless rumors were circulated. One of them was that hostiles were then en route to annihilate all the settlers. Ever and anon a terrified rider would appear in the settlement disseminating the information that they had sighted bands of painted savages only a short distance away. One had seen a band of 30 Indians riding toward the settlement. In- vestigation proved this party of alleged red skins to be neither more nor less than a herd of cayuses owned by a neighboring rancher being driven to water. Another rider came tearing into the settlement bearing the startling intelli- gence that he had witnessed a large party of Indians swimming in a lake and quite near by. This canard created no little consternation until HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. 653 it was pointed out by some of the cooler ones that there was no lake in that vicinity. Many of the more timid ones made prepar- ations to leave the country, their stock and homes, and repair for safety to some of the larger towns of the country. A few of them did so. But the more courageous and resolute decided to remain on the ground and construct a fort, or rather stockade, for the protection of their families and property. Although, as stated, a few had departed for Walla Walla, Dayton and other points, it was related by a correspondent of the Columbia Chronicle, July 13, 1878, that fully nine-tenths of all the set- tlers remained, and work was immediately commenced on the stockade. The location se- lected was on John Carter's place, one-half mile west of Anatone. This defense was com- pleted within two days, all the settlers cheer- fully joining in the work of construction. A trench about four feet deep was first excavated ; then timber was cut, the logs used being six- teen feet in length ; a double row of these posts- were placed in the trench in an upright posi- tion. Thus a stockade 100 feet square was finished. A diagram of this structure is here appended, showing that, though rude, the little fortification was constructed with some regard to military science, especially the bastions at the four corners of the fort. Twenty stands of rifles were procured and for a few days most of the people in the vicinity passed their time within the protecting walls of the stockade. While no Indians appeared the fort served a useful purpose in preventing many settlers from leaving the country, which would have proved disastrous for most of them. The fort was left standing until 1891. NORTH c / 00 feet \ s & Hi 1* K CO CO ~H 5 '. - \ < t \ _^ Door SOUTH DIAGRAM OF STOCKADE NEAR ANATONE I N 18 t I. CHAPTER II PASSING EVENTS— 1878 TO 1905. A correspondent from the Asotin country writing- to the Columbia Chronicle under date April 5, 1879, stated that there were between 150 and 200 families in that vicinity. He also said that saw and flouring mills were crying necessities; and that a large dry goods store would be liberally supported. There had been threshed that season only about 10,000 bushels of wheat. This grain had yielded from 25 to 2,3 bushels per acre. Such were the primitive industrial conditions of the Asotin country at the dawn of the year 1880. One of the finest of the many fine and fer- tile prairies in Washington is that lying be- tween Aostin creek and the Snake river. It is known as "Asotin Flat." Yet in the spring of 1880 the entire history of its settlement and development covered less than two years. Such pioneers as were there, however, were intelli- gent, thrifty and industrious. At that period all this territory was embraced in Columbia county. The years 1880, 1881 and 1882 were not notable for a rapid increase of population in the Asotin country. The reverse had been the case between 1878 and 1880. Still, a new comer dropped in on the community occasion- ally, and none was leaving. But in 1883 there was a marked revival in the industrial condi- tions of the country. That year a correspond- ent of the Chronicle visited the famous Asotin Flat, and here he "found large fields of waving grain, showing the growth and importance of an energetic class of citizens ; where three years ago the coyote dug his hole unscared, this yeaf will ship many thousands of bushels of wheat and other grains."' At this period Asotin was a portion of Gar- field county. The question of county division first assumed a nebulous form about June, 1883. Soon after this, petitions were in active circulation throughout that part of Garfield county which was later set off as Asotin county, praying for a division of the territory and the consequent setting off of a new county in the extreme southeastern portion of Washington Territory. The town of Assotin City promptly became a prospective candidate for the capital of the new county. Indeed, this was the focal point of the division agitation. It was argued by Assotin City people that the distance to Pomeroy was so great, and the roads so poor, that the present limitations of the county in- flicted a hardship on Asotin citizens. In reply to a question submitted to Alexander Sumpter, of Assotin City, by the Columbia Chronicle re- specting the probability of division he stated that "under certain restrictions the people of the Asotin country were nearly unanimous for division, but some local differences would first have to be adjusted." At a meeting held in September, 1883, a petition for division was drafted. It was a heart-to-heart talk, and it appeared that all mis- understandings had been quashed. The initial steps toward the formation of the new county were taken by the people in the Theon country and the first meeting- was held at Theon. Fol- lowing this action Mr. Jackson O'Keefe, of Assotin City, repaired to Olympia during the legislative session of 1883, and worked suc- cessfully in the interest of a bill creating a new county. He carried with him a voluminously HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. 655 signed petition; two others were in circulation throughout the county. The bill to create Aso- tin county was introduced by Representative Clark in the house on October 12, 1883. Fol- lowing is the journal record : House, October 13, 1883 — House bill 26, to organize the county of Asot'n was reported back by the committee with a recommendation that the name of Asotin as a county be changed to Lincoln. The report was adopted and the bill ordered engrossed. House, October 15 — House bill 26 to create and organize the county of Lincoln was taken up and passed. Landrum voting no. Council, October 16, 1883 — House bill 26 to create county of Lincoln read twice and re- ferred to the delegation from Garfield county. Council, October 18 — House bill 26 to or- ganize the county of Lincoln was discussed, one of the amendments adopted being to strike out the* name of "Lincoln" and call the county "Asotin." Council. October 20 — Council bill 26 to create and organize the county of Asotin passed. October 26, 1883, the Asotin Spirit said: "The bill for division of Garfield county passed the council and became a law on the 19th inst. (This was incorrect, as the law did not become operative until approved by the gov- ernor on October 27th. The people of this part of the county will hail the news with de- light. No more will we be compelled to climb the Alpowai hill and trudge across the country for the sake of paying our taxes at Pomeroy. * * * * Assotin is the name of the new county (The spelling of the word in the bill was Asotin) and the temporary location of the county seat is left to the judgment of the com- missioners to choose between Assotin City and Asotin, and can be moved at the next general election by a two-thirds vote of the county. The news was not confirmed here until Tues- day evening, October 23d. Early Wednesday morning a crowd assembled at Mr. Schank's new store building and the flag was brought out. As the national emblem was run up the pole three hearty cheers for Assotin county went up from the hearts as well as from the throats of the assembly. "And now that the efforts of this people have been crowned with success, so far as divis- ion and temporary location of county seat are concerned, we should not allow ourselves to be lulled into a masterly inactivity, and deceive ourselves with the idea that nothing more is to be done, for as sure as we do what we have done will be undone." We have alluded to the efforts of Mr. O'Keefe at Olympia in his successful efforts to secure the passage of a bill creating this new county. Mr. W. H. Reed was also present at Olympia and assisted in getting the bill through. D. T. "Welch was also very active at home and to him more, perhaps, than to any- one else, was due the credit for the formation of the new county. Following is the text of the organic act creating Asotin county : An act to create and organize the county of Asotin : Section 1. Be it enacted by the Legislative As- sembly of the Territory of Washington: That all that portion of Garfield county situated within Wash- ington Territory, and included within the following limits, be, and the same shall be constituted and known as the County of Asotin, viz : Commencing at a point in the channel of Snake river on the township line between ranges forty-four (44) and - forty-five (45) ; thence running south to the northwest corner of sec- tion thirty (30), township eleven (11) north, range forty-five (45), east of the Willamette meridian; thence west six (6) miles; south one (1) mile; west two (2) miles; south one (1) mile; west one (1) mile to the northwest corner of section three (3) in town- ship ten (10) north of range forty-three (43) east of the Willamette meridian; thence south eighteen (18) miles; thence west three (3) miles; then south to the Oregon line ; thence east on said line to the mid- channel, of Snake river; thence down Snake river to the place of beginning. Section 2. That J. D. Swain, John Weissenfels and William Critchfield are hereby appointed a board of commissioners, with power to appoint the remaining county officers to serve until the next general election or until their successors are elected and qualified. 6 5 6 HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. For which purpose the count}' commissioners herein appointed shall meet at the county seat of Asotin county within thirty (30) days after the approval of this act, and appoint the necessary officers for said county, and perform such other acts and things neces- sary for the complete organization of the county of Asotin. Section 3. That the justices of the peace and con- stables who are now elected as such in the precincts of the county of Asotin be, and the same are hereby declared justices of the peace and constables of the said county of Asotin. Section 4. That the county of Asotin is hereby united to the county of Garfield for judicial and legis- lative purposes. Section 5. That all the laws applicable to the county of Garfield shall be applicable to the county of Asotin. Section 6. That the county seat of the said county of Asotin is hereby temporarily located at Asotin, which in this connection shall mean the town of Asotin, or Asotin City, at which place it shall remain until located permanently elsewhere in said county by a majority of qualified electors thereof, and for which a vote shall be taken at the next general election, viz : on the Tuesday next following the first Monday in November, A. D., 1884, and the officers of election shall receive said vote and make return thereof to the com- missioners, who shall canvass the same and announce the result in like manner as the result of the vote for county officers. Provided, That if there be not a majority vote in favor of such location of county seat at any one place at such election, the qualified electors of the county shall continue to vote on that question at the next and each subsequent general election until some place receives such majority, and the place secur- ing a majority of all the votes cast shall be declared the permanent county seat of said Asotin county. Section 7. That all the taxes levied and assessed by the board of county commissioners of the county of Garfield for the year 1883, upon personal property within the boundaries of the said county of Asotin, shall be collected and paid into the treasury of said Garfield county for the use of said county of Garfield, Provided, however, That the said county of Garfield shall pay all the just indebtedness of said Garfield county, and that when such indebtedness shall be wholly paid and discharged, all moneys remaining in the treas- ury of said Garfield county, and all credits due and to become due said county of Garfield on the assess- ment roll of said year, shall be divided between said counties of Garfield and Asotin according to the usual valuation of said property of the said year: Provided further, That nothing in this act shall be so construed as to deprive the county of Asotin of its proportion of the tax levied for common school purposes for the above named year. Section 8. The county of Garfield shall pay to the county of Asotin the sum of one hundred and fifty dollars ($150) over and above the amount provided for in this act, for its interest in the public property and improvements. Section 9. The auditor of Asotin county shall have access to the records of Garfield county, without cost, for the purpose of transcribing and indexing such portions of the records of property as belongs to Aso- tin county, and his certificate of the correctness thereof shall have the same force and effect as if made by the auditor of Garfield county. It is hereby provided, how- ever, that nothing in this act shall permit the record books of Garfield county to be removed from the office of its auditor. Section 10. The salaries of the county officers of Asotin county shall be as follows, viz : Auditor, four hundred dollars ($400) per annum ; treasurer, three hundred dollars ($300) per annum; probate judge, one hundred and fifty dollars ($150) per annum; school superintendent forty dollars ($40) per annum ; county commissioners, four dollars ($4) per day each, while at work on their official duties ; and these salaries shall be their full compensation from the county treasury, and be in lieu of all other fees from the county. Section II. All acts and parts of acts in conflict with the provisions of this act are hereby repealed. Section 12. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage and approval. Approved October 27, 1883. At the time Asotin county was organized the population was quite limited, not exceeding,, perhaps 1,000 people. But the enthusiasm of the Asotin Spirit let it to exult as follows : "We. have about eight townships of good agricult- ural land, a small part only of which is under cultivation; land, some of which has produced. this year twenty-five bushels to the acre of good wheat, without rain from sowing; land in. which the properties necessary for the produc- tion of the best quality of flour is found in the greatest quantity; land that will bear cultiva- tion with scarcely any diminution of yield for many years ; land that will still be going on in the even tenor of its way after the side hills, around Dayton are worn out and turned out to the commons." Monday, November 12, 1883, Asotin coun-. ty came into actual official existence. On that date J. D. Swain, John Weissenfels and Wil- liam Critchfield, the county commissioners. Snake River, looking north from Asotin HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. 657 named in the enabling act, assembled in the new store of T. M. E. Schank, in Asotin, and formally organized as an official board. Hav- ing taken the oaths of office John Weissenfels was elected chairman. On the 14th the board for the first time met for the transaction of business. J. E. Bushell was made clerk pro tern. Naturally the organization of the new county incited a scramble for the location of the county offices. Four different points were sprung and bidding became quite spirited. Alexander Sumpter offered his store free of rent for one year ; also fuel, lights, tables, desks and safe. D. B. Pettijohn offered his hall free of rent for one year. S. T. Jones agreed to provide free fuel ; T. M. E. Schank offered his dwelling free of rent to the county for one year. All the offers were on condition that the buildings be used exclusively for county pur- poses. The day closed with no awards. Early the following morning Mr. Schank appeared with a new bid offering his dwelling in Asotin, including fuel, lights, desks, table and safe free of cost to the county. D. B. Pettijohn stated that provided the county offices were located in the new dwelling of Mr. Schank he would accept the appointment of treasurer and turn his salary ($300) back to the county treasury. In a like spirit of emulation and patriotic citi- zenship W. H. Wood said that if the county offices were placed in Mr. Schank's dwelling he would accept the appointment of auditor and turn his salary ($400) back into the county treasury. Under such strong inducements the proposition of Mr. Schank was accepted. The raison d'etre of these remarkable concessions was simply a struggle between the old town of Assotin City and the new town of Asotin for the honor of being the actual county seat. The new town won; but it was, after all. in the nature of a compromise, as the final location was about midway between the two towns. The first jurors selected from Asotin, for the district court of Garfield and Asotin coun- ties, were chosen by the county commissioners 42 February 4, 1884. They were: Grand jurors —A. J. Sherrod, Solomon Haworth, Nicholas Flershinger, James Forgey, Wilson Ward and W. E. Benedict. Petit jurors — James Bog- gan, Jackson O'Keefe, Benjamin Tuttle, B. Hodges, Duncan Mcintosh, George Kinear, T. E. Flynn and Charles Richards. The new Asotin county's first tax levy was 18^4 mills. It was divided as follows: Terri- torial, 2 x / 2 mills; Territorial penitentiary fund, 34 mill ; county, 8 mills ; school, 5 mills ; road and bridge, 1 mill ; road property, 2 mills. Friday, May 9, 1884, the upper portion of Asotin Flat was visited by a storm accompa- nied by cyclonic effects. There were at this time few houses in the path of the tornado, but considerable damage was done to fencing. It was described as resembling a funnel with the small end to the ground. It was first witnessed near the ranch of Mr. Robinson. Traveling east it crossed the main road to Anatone. It passed near the ranch of Chet Shumaker, and while on the line of his fence hundreds of rails were in the air at one time. In repairing the fence five hundred new rails were required to replace those splintered in bits. Large boul- ders lying on the prairie were dislodged from their beds. Stock was so roughly handled that many cattle bled at the nose. A severe hail storm passed along at the same time, on the outskirts of the main disturbance, causing con- siderable damage to gardens. The industrial conditions of Asotin county in 1884 are thus described by the editor of the Pomeroy Republican : "The rapid development of the southeastern portion of Washington Territory is nowhere more apparent than in Asotin county. Almost all the public land has been taken up, and the broad, level expanse of the Lewiston and Aso- tin flats are now thickly dotted over with fine farms, every one of which is substantially fenced and other permanent inprovements upon them. The extremely southeastern portion of the county is peculiarly adapted to stock rais- 6s8 HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. ing, being divided up into deep gulches and steep hills, covered with abundant crops of bunch grass, while most of the gulches afford fine streams of cool running water. The farms extend from the flats well up into the wooded hills, and the higher up toward the mountains the richer the lands appear to be. The wheat and other crops throughout the county, al- though there has not been much rain this spring, look beautiful and promise a fine yield." The Walla Walla Watchman, of the same year, supplemented the above with the fol- lowing : "There are postoffices and supply points on the 'fiat,' as it is generally termed, one at Ana- tone, and the other at Theon, with tri-weekly mail and stage to Lewiston. This section has made rapid improvement during the last two years, and now has the appearance of a pros- perous farming community. Grain of all kinds is doing well and even timber planted only last year upon soil that was said to be too dry to raise anything has a very thrifty growth and looks healthv. A gradual slope takes us to one of the finest bodies of timber east of the mountains. Messrs. Bean & Farish have had a saw mill in operation here for sev- eral years, and besides furnishing lumber for home demands have rafted large quantities to different points on Snake river. The lumber manufactured in this district brings the highest price in the market, being of a clearer and finer quality than any other." The assessment for Asotin county for 1884 (the first one) was as follows : Real estate, $137,676; improvements, $40,211; personal property, $227,021; total, $404,908. The number of acres of deeded land was 42,918; the number of acres in cultivation, 5,532. Asotin county would have stood out unique in the history of Washington had it been de- prived of the exhilaration of a county seat con- test. But this was destined not to be. She has had one and one only. At the first general election following organization the struggle be- gan between Asotin and Theon. The latter place was seriously handicapped in this contest by being unable to secure water in sufficient quantity. The townsite owner was D. T. Welch, and he made strenuous efforts to over- come the obstacle. Two wells were sunk; water was obtained in both, but in quantities so small as to be practically worthless. Then Mr. Welch proposed to install a system of water works, bringing the water from Mill creek. It did not eventuate. The failure to secure water was fatal to the hopes of Theon. It was the point most successfully urged against Theon by the people of Asotin during the campaign. New interest was added to the struggle in October by the entrance into the lists, as a con- testant, of Anatone. This was under the fos- tering care and auspices of Mr. Charles Isecke. . The principal objection urged against Asotin was its remoteness from the geographical cen- ter of the county, lying, as it does, on the Snake river, the extreme eastern boundary. The con- test became a battle royal — a triangular duel. That the towns of Asotin and Assotin City were working in harmony for the county seat was made evident by the following card pub- lished a short time before the general election : "We, residents or property owners in the town of Assotin City do pledge our faith to the voters of this county that the town of Assotin City is not, and will not become, a contestant for the county seat at the approaching election, and we caution the voters against bogus tickets having written or printed thereon the name of Assotin City, and any such tickets will not be produced or circulated by any of us, or our friends, directly or indirectly, with our consent or procurement. I. R. Snodderly, R. A. Case, E. Mounce, C. D. Flemming, Fred Ernst, Jacob Moser, Jackson O'Keefe, David Mc- Alpin, Alex Sumpter, Jr." The general election was held November 4, HISTORY OF ASOTIX COUXTY, 659 1884. Asotin won by a plurality of 271. The vote of the different precincts on the question Avas : Asotin. Theon. Asotin precinct 195 2 Cottonwood precinct 71 81 Grande Ronde precinct 28 22 Lake precinct 53 1 Pleasant precinct 30 o Totals 377 106 1 Anatone received one vote and Assotin City two votes. Charles Isecke assured the writer that he did not cast the one vote for Anatone. The winter of 1884-5 was unusually severe in southeastern Washington. In many por- tions of the Territory the loss of stock was heavy, and to this loss Asotin county contrib- uted a quota of about 30 head of cattle. January 16, 1885. saw the county officials removed to their new quarters in the building owned by Dr. Dennison, in Asotin, and form- erly occupied by Messrs. Warm & Mitchell. Here the officials determined to remain until they could see their way clear to erect buildings on the county lots. The same month witnessed a stringency in the local money market. But little cash was received at the office of the coun- ty treasurer, and many people found them- selves on the delinquent tax list with ten per cent added to their burdens. The finances of ihe county were, also, in bad shape. It was as- serted by the most pessimistic that there was not money sufficient to meet the Territorial tax. Deputy sheriffs were busy in attempts to wrest money from those who had it not. As the Columbia Chronicle described the situation, "Property must be sold for taxes if buyers are to be found, and if not then the county of Aso- tin will have to collapse." To this the Asotin Sentinel made answer: "Our total county in- debtedness is $2,662.22; not so bad for a bad year. Stay with the county and you are bound to win. Our county people must all stand to- gether in these hard times and help one an- other out. Just now we are having a hard pull ; many of our best citizens are pushed for money; some of our most active, energetic and progressive men have encumbered themselves in their endeavors to assist their neighbors. We are all more or less in debt owing to the low price of wheat last year."' The total assessment for Asotin county in 1885 footed tip $467,736. an increase of nearly $40,000 over that of the year before. There were 367 persons on the poll tax list. There were under cultivation 13,297 acres of land; 2.700 head of cattle; 3,622 horses; 1,284 hogs and ten thousand sheep. For the same year the county census showed a population of 1,514. Of this number there were 454 males and 180 females above the age of 21 ; 861 sin- gle persons; 546 married. The total number of females was 655 ; males, 859. For the 1885 crop there were over 300,000'bushels of wheat; 100,000 bushels of barley and over 50 tons of fruit. The territorial legislative session of 1886 created a district court for Asotin county. Pre- vious to this a court had been held jointly with Garfield county, with sessions at Pomeroy. The spring of 1886 was accentuated by considerable excitement concerning the move- ments and depredations of a gang of alleged stock thieves said to be plying their nefarious vocation in Asotin and Garfield counties. While many absurd and exaggerated rumors were in the air, it is quite certain that a number of cattle and horses had been driven into the hills and subsequently shipped away by parties who had no claim upon them. Added to this there were reports to the same effect from Xez Perce and Idaho 'counties, Idaho Territory. Several strange men were arrested who could give no satisfactory account of themselves, and the ex- citement increased in intensity. Sheriff Stan- nus, of Xez Perce county, and Sheriff Hosier, of Columbia county, took a hand in the affair and proceeded to investigate the conditions. 66o HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY Then followed the organization and departure for the open country of an exceedingly loud- voiced and demonstrative vigilance committee who declared their intention of holding a "neck-tie social" in the near future. Nothing was heard from them for several days. Then came in the report to Asotin and Pomeroy that from two to four men had been captured and lynched. The fact that these alleged victims came into Asotin and Pomeroy and declared emphatically that they had not been hanged — that the account of their death was greatly ex- aggerated — did much to shake the faith of the entire community in any reports emanating from the scene of the vigilantes' exploits. As illustrative of the conflicting and confusing na- ture of these reports we publish two extracts from the Columbia Chronicle, of Dayton. The first is dated May 15, 1886; the second May 22d : "J. H. Hosier received a letter from one of the horse thieves who was captured by the vig- ilantes on Salmon river last week, and who is now confined in the Lewiston jail, stating that they were surrounded by the vigilantes and after a sharp fight were compelled to surren- der. That four of the captured party were exe- cuted, one taken to Assotin City and one to Lewiston. The up-country people are becom- ing tired of having their stock meddled with and are determined to put a stop to it." Here follows the second edition : "From Sheriff Hosier, who recently made a trip to Asotin county for the purpose of in- vestigating the report of the hanging of horse thieves in that vicinity, we learn that such a report is without foundation and nothing can be learned as to its origin." The Nez Perce News summed up the case, under date June 1st, as follows: "All sorts of absurd stories have been told of the doings of the Asotin crowd who went out on a hanging expedition the other day. There were too many blowhards in the gang to do effective work, and all the killing they did was with their mouths. One of their reputed victims passed through town the. other day with two navy pistols and blood in his eye, and announced his intention of going over to Asotin and cleaning out the yahoo crowd at the drop of the hat. Frank Cham- bers, also reported hanged by the same gang,, showed upon our streets Lewiston, last week, the liveliest corpse we have seen in twenty years. The first principle of a vigilance com- mittee is silence, and unless the boys learn to keep their mouths shut there will be some first- class funerals among them pretty soon. It is getting to be dangerous work to call a man a horse thief in these parts without strong evi- dence." To conclude this episode in the history of Asotin county it is sufficient to state that, un- doubtedly, a number of cattle were stolen ; a vigilance committee was organized ; they went in ostentatious pursuit of the thieves, but no one was hanged, and the good name of the county not in the least tarnished by lynch law.. When the local option law was placed on the statute books by the Washington Terri- torial legislature of 1886, permitting each voting precinct to decide whether or not in- toxicating liquors should be sold, nearly every precinct in the Territory voted on the question. In Asotin county the precincts of Asotin, Cot- tonwood, Grande Ronde and Pleasant asked for and obtained the right to decide by their ballots this question. The campaign here, as in other parts of the territory, was spirited and in Asotin precinct the contest was very- close. The official vote was : For Pro. Against Pro.. Asotin precinct 69 70 Cottonwood precinct jj 27 Grande Ronde precinct. 12 21 Pleasant precinct 15 6 173 124 HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. 66 1 This election was held June 28, 1886. At the same time was submitted to the voters of the county the proposition to build or not to build a county jail and a vault. The result was favorable to the building of the jail, but not the vault. The vote of the different pre- cincts was : For jail Asotin precinct 109 Grande Ronde precinct . . 21 Cottenwood precinct .... 81 Lake precinct 21 Pleasant precinct 8 Totals 240 No For No jail vault vault 14 7 in 1 1 2-7 8 99 9 10 20 14 22 64 26 252 At the close of the year 1886 there were in the county about 224,000 acres of land upon which settlement had been made, and of this 18,600 acres were improved. The value of these farms was estimated at $394,784; live stock, $200,356. The value of the farm pro- ductions for the year was placed at $183,000. The year had been unusually dry and crops were correspondingly light. According to the census there were in the county, April 1st, 4,963 horses; 3,553 cattle; 11,022 sheep and 2,248 hogs. The value was estimated : Horses, $98,260; cattle, $71,060; sheep, $22,060; hogs, $8,992. Total, $200,356. May 1st the county indebtedness, above cash in the, treasury, was $6,851.70. Warrants sold at from 91 to 94 cents on the dollar. Taxes levied for the year were $11,498.23. Asotin county has not a mile of railway within its boundaries. In days past a railroad was considered an absolute necessity to the prosperity of the country and several efforts have been made to have a road built into the county. In 1888, the year that witnessed so much railroad building in the northwest, it seemed probable that one would penetrate this county, but it did not. August 3, 1888, the Asotin Sentinel said: "Day seems about to dawn over Asotin county, and our isolated situation a thing of the past. Earnest efforts are being made to reach Lewiston by the Northern Pacific rail- road management. Also the Oregon Railroad & Navigation Company seem to realize the fact that our people will not forever rest con- tented under the old order of things. A rail- road to Lewiston means a branch to Asotin as sure as fate. Nor do we care whether it comes that way or not, for report says that a party has been spying out the land from the direction of Dayton, by way of Columbia Cen- ter, and entering the canyon by way of a long gulch which is said to afford an easy grade. The shortest line to seaboard with all the com- petition possible is the remedy for all our past troubles. We earnestly believe that before the next crop is ready to ship the cars will be at our doors ready to receive it. Then good bye to the boats; they are entirely too slow for this age, although a pleasant way to travel when one has abundant leisure." Periodically since the date the above was written there have been spasmodic efforts to secure the much needed transportation facili- ties and it is quite evident that the people of Asotin county will never relax these efforts until they result in fruition. Passing over the years 1886, 1887 and 1888, which were lean ones in the southeast- ern portion of Washington Territory, and were laden with business depression, we ar- rive at 1889 only to encounter a partial crop failure and consequent discouragement of many farmers. Still the Asotin Sentinel pa- triotically strove to dispel the gloom, and was moved to say : "The stock interests of Asotin county are a source of wealth, and seemingly the princi- pal industry, one season with another. Horses by the thousand have been driven out or shipped east for a market this season, and yet there are plenty left for all purposes. Cattle and hogs are weekly moving toward Spokane . Falls to supply the butchers there. The par- 662 HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. tial loss of the wheat crop does not leave us in as bad a condition as some other points of the state where less attention is paid to live stock. Our farmers are somewhat imbued with the old granger doctrine of 'selling more on the hoof and less in the half bushel,' which to us seems like a motto containing some good sense." In 1889 there had been a decrease in the population of 185 since 1887, and a gain in property valuation of $2y,S2>6 over the pre- vious year. The loss of population was largely due to failures of stock ranges and migration to better ones. The total valuation of all property assessed was $610,023. The population was 1,477. The following statistical table for 1890 will afford some interesting comparisons between that year and the present : Number of acres of land assessed 94,634 Number of acres of land improved.... 21,693 Assessed valuation of real estate $291,886 Assessed valuation of improvements.... 95.7/0 Assessed valuation of personal property. 261,928 Total assessed valuation $649,584 Increase over previous year 33.795 The State Board of Equalization raised the assessed valuation to $804,889. The popula- tion for 1890 had increased to 1,580. In October, 1890, there was a proposition before the people to bond the county in the sum of $25,000. There were a number of co- gent reasons for this step. There had been extraordinary expenses for a few murder trials. A number of new and expensive roadways had been constructed and improve- ments made on old ones. Added to this were numerous incidental expenses all tending to throw the county into debt. The question re- solved itself into two lines of action ; to largely increase the rate of taxation or issue bonds bearing a low rate of interest, which, it was argued, could be profitably negotiated. The bond proposition found favor in the eyes of the people by a vote of 159 to 77. The elec- tion was held November 4, 1890, and we ap- pend the result by precincts : For bonds. Asotin 70 Grande Ronde 29 Pleasant 6 Lake 11 Theon 25 Anatone 18 Total 159 Against bonds. 17 9 10 5 20 16 77 These bonds were sold in May, 1891, to the Washington Loan & Trust Company of Walla Walla. They bore six per cent, interest and an additional ^ of one per cent, for commis- sion. By reason of the bonding of so many counties and enterprises at this time this was the best rate that could be secured. By the sale of these bonds the entire indebtedness of Asotin county was wiped out. The storm of July 3, 1891, was one of the severest ever experienced in Asotin county, or its immediate vicinity. It came on with sur- prising suddenness. For three days the weather, while not radically hot, had been warm and dry. On the evening of the date above named clouds piled up in the southwest, subsequently developing into a wind, rain and hail storm of magnificent proportion. Luck- ily the hail belt was narrow, but it beat down some fifty acres of grain belonging to T. E. Flinn ; thirty acres for Bert Delapp and twenty acres for J. S. Bay. The White brothers estimated their loss at $400; J. M. Clift and a few others were injured to some extent. The rain extended over a large scope of country and an immense volume of water was precipitated into Asotin creek, doing con- siderable damage. The greatest volume of flood passed down Conner gulch into Alpowa creek. The fine orchard of D. H. Mohler was HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. 66 3 injured to the amount of $1,500, and there were a number of other losses in the same neighborhood. The Asotin Sentinel stated that while many met with loss the gain was in favor of the county, as thousands of acres of late sown grain received great benefit. February 10, 1892, a "chinook" wind swept over Asotin county which created no little havoc. The rapidly melting snow converted small branches into creeks ; creeks into roaring torrents. The Alpowa gained the highest stage ever known to white men. It was re- ported to the Sentinel that a body of water twenty-five feet high came roaring down the canyon, carrying everything before it. A fruit orchard near the toll gate suffered se- verely; the orchard of Andrew Lee was badly "damaged by the freshet. The wagon road was completely washed away in places ; it became necessary to employ workmen to clear away the rocks and debris in order that the stage might resume business. During the height of the flood mail and passengers were carried by way of Peola. The roar of this tor- rent was distinctly heard four miles up Snake river. The census of July, 1892, gave Asotin county a population of 1,713; 147 foreigners; 957 males; 756 females. The assessment was $663,558. The number of live stock: Horses, 5,173; cattle, 5,604; sheep, 4,65 7 ; hogs, i,39 2 - During the "hard times" period, 1893-6, Asotin county, of course, suffered from the effects of the depression and business gener- ally was at a standstill. Yet, conditions here were not so bad as they were in many other counties in the state. It had the advantage of being an excellent stock-raising country. When the price of grain sank too low to en- able one to grow it with a living profit, the in- dustry of stock raising took precedence and the shipment of cattle, horses, hogs and sheep was sufficient to supply the people with the necessities of life. Such shipments were prin- cipally made to Spokane, Seattle and Port- land. Thus, while some of the more pessimis- tic citizens of Asotin county will tell you that everything went to the dogs during the four years of financial depression, they, in fact did not 'know the meaning of the term "hard times" as compared with those who resided in counties devoted exclusively to agriculture. During the year 1893 an enterprise was un- dertaken which promised most favorable re- sults. It was an irrigation scheme by which the farming lands of the county were to be placed under water. The company which un- dertook to execute this work was the Oregon- Washington Irrigation Company, having headquarters at Tacoma. Mr. A. B. Tutton was the local manager of the affair. The an- nounced plan was to collect water by a system of reservoirs at the base of the Blue Moun- tains, where great volumes of water were to be stored and from there conveyed to the agri- cultural districts by a canal. The immediate result of this proposed enterprise, in the spring of 1893, was a stronger one in the real estate market. There was universal anticipation of better times. A correspondent writing from Asotin county at that period said : "Farms which were heretofore considered worthless are now held at high figures, while every foot of vacant land is being taken up rapidly." For several weeks during the spring of 1893 surveyors were at work on the proposed enterprise; then, in the month of May, all operations were suddenly suspended. It was announced that the cost of construction of the company's proposed system was more than had been at first estimated, and it was deemed not feasible to continue the work. Subse- quently the work of surveying was resumed, and many weeks were passed in a thorough examination of the country from which it was proposed to take the water. September 29, 1893, tne Asotin Sentinel said: "There have been many inquiries this week 66 4 HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY in regard to vacant land in this county. This is due to active preparation that is being made to commence construction work on the irriga- tion ditch early next spring. There are still some choice lands in various parts of this county that have been deserted by former oc- cupants on account of drouth, that can now be had merely by entering a contest, the cost of which will be but trifling. The land is of little value at present, but when water is once sup- plied it will be worth considerable, much of it being perfectly level and with good deep soil." In the spring of 1895 the Oregon-Washing- ton Irrigating Company again considered the construction of the irrigation canal, but asked a bonus of the people of Asotin county. They said that if the citizens would raise a bonus, or subsidy, of $2,500 by the first of May, 1895, me company would complete the per- manent survey and also take contracts for water and right of way, the contract for water to be on the three-year plan. April 10th the citizens of the county met in mass meeting at Asotin to consider the proposition. There were over 100 present. The proposition was rejected. The company was unmercifully scored. The dominant sentiment was that when the people should conclude to engage in running surveys for irrigating ditches, they would go a step further and construct and operate the system themselves. They passed this resolution : "Resolved, That the people of Asotin county, in mass meeting assembled, absolutely refuse to take any steps toward raising a sub- sidy for survey of irrigating ditch as asked by the Oregon-Washington Irrigation Company." Another resolution was passed to the ef- fect that the people of Asotin county were not opposed to the system of irrigation, but were anxious to purchase water rights and would do so whenever the company was prepared to deliver the water. The financial depression which at this time pervaded the country was, doubtless, the fatal obstacle that prevented the full fruition of the scheme. It was not until 1895 that all hope of such a consummation was abandoned. In March, 1893, what was known as the Myers case became a casus cclcbrc. As gleaned from residents and .local publications the facts appear to be as follows : Wednesday night, March 15th, soon after 11 o'clock, the City "Hotel and the saloon of John Shaver, in Aso- tin, were burned. In this fire Frank Sherry was burned to death. Several others had nar- row escapes from the flames. From the first this fire was supposed to have been the work of an incendiary. The death of Sherry re- sulted in the only legal execution that ever took place because of a crime committed in Asotin county. Following is the verdict of the coroner's jury: "State of Washington, County of Asotin. In the matter of the inquisition upon the body of Frank Sherry, deceased. "We, the undersigned, the jurors sum- moned to appear before J. D. Swain, Justice of the Peace of Asotin County, said state, on the 1 6th day of March, 1893, to inquire into the cause of the death of a person found burned to death in the town of Asotin, having been duly sworn according to law, and having made such inquisition, after inspecting the body, and hearing the testimony adduced, upon our oath, each and all of us do say that we find the name of the deceased to be Frank Sherry, a resident of this county ; that he came to his death by suffocation and burning in a building known as the City Hotel, on the night of the 15th of March, 1893, ar >d we, the jury, further find and believe that the origin of said fire was incendiary by person or persons unknown. All of which we duly certify by this inquisition in writing by us signed this 1 6th day of March, 1893. H. E. Benedict, foreman; S. T. Jones, J. W. Green, J. O'Keefe, James H. Burger, Benjamin Ayers." The following is the account of the Colum- bia Chronicle, of Dayton, Columbia county, HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. 665 of the subsequent proceedings in the line of avenging- the death of Sherry : "Thursday evening March 23d, Leo Wal- ton, deputy sheriff of Asotin county, arrived in this city having in charge Charles E. Myers, who is under arrest charged with the burning of the Asotin hotel, in which Frank Sherry lost his life. Myers' wife from whom he has been separated for some four weeks, was pro- prietress of the hotel and it is charged that Myers set fire to the building to destroy her and a man of whom he was jealous. "Myers lives on a farm 15 miles from Aso- tin, where he was found when arrested. He was given a preliminary hearing at Asotin and bound over in the sum of $5,000. As there was none present who would go on his bond he was taken to jail. He had been there but a short time when it was learned that a mob •consisting of the neighbors of the late Frank Sherry was being organized and would kill Myers on sight. The sheriff of Asotin county, not caring to take any chances of standing off a mob, had Myers taken to Lewiston for safe keeping. The mob followed, when Myers was taken to Uniontown, and finally to this city (Dayton), where it is considered that he is safe. Parties from Asotin say that there is some strong circumstantial evidence against Myers. Soon after the hotel was found to be on fire a horse was heard going out of town. There were two bridges to cross, and the clat- ter of the horse's feet was plainly heard. The following morning the footprints of the horse were found and traced for several miles in the ■direction of Myers' ranch. Jerry McGuire, who lives three miles from Asotin, heard a horseman pass his house twice during the night. "Another circumstance is that a syrup can in which Myers usually kept coal oil, was found back of the burned building, and that said can was missing from the ranch ; that coal oil was found on Myers' saddle ; that the horse tracks tally exactly with those of the horse that Myers usually rides. Myers is a man who is said to be usually quiet and does not drink to excess. Several years ago he killed a man named Stimson, who had induced his wife to leave him. The brief circumstances of the murder of Stimson are that Stimson and Mrs. Myers passed Myers' ranch one day on their way to visit Mrs. Myers' people. In passing the place they saw Myers and waved their handkerchiefs at him. Myers took very little notice of them, but on returning in the even- ing they repeated the insult, whereupon Myers got his gun and killed Stimson. After a long trial, which cost the county $5,000, Myers was acquitted, as he at that time had the sympathy of the entire neighborhood. "Since the burning of the Asotin hotel in which Frank Sherry was cremated and ' from which George Gibson narrowly escaped, being badly burned about the face and hands, the in- dignation of the Asotin citizens runs high. There have been rumors to the effect that the mob will come to Dayton, but it is to be hoped that they will let the law take its course." In Asotin the tragedy created a profound sensation and aroused a most hostile spirit toward Myers. Fearing an attack upon the jail the prisoner was removed to a place of concealment, after dark, where he was kept until morning, when he was carried to Dayton by Deputy Sheriff Walton, to be placed in jail until April 10th, when court would convene at Asotin. March 31st, the Asotin Sentinel said: "The reports published in some of the news- papers about a plan to lynch Myers on the night of the 21st inst, are greatly exagger- ated, and to a certain extent untrue. Whatever may have been the intention of the eight men who came to town on horseback after dark that evening, it was made known to no one. There was no talk of lynching and no threats made to burn the prisoner at the stake by a mob of 30 or more men. The party left town in as quiet and orderly a manner as they came in, and the next morning found them attend- 666 HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY ing to their duties on the farm, and not pursu- ing a fleeing officer with his prisoner, as news- paper reports say. The people of Asotin county propose to give Myers a fair and im- partial trial and there need be no fear that an attempt will be made upon the life of the prisoner when he is brought back here for trial, but that the law will take its course." Early in July. 1893, Myers was tried, con- victed and sentenced to be hanged, in the su- perior court of Asotin county, Judge R. F. Sturdevant presiding. The members of the jury were : J. E. T. Combs, James Edeburn, William McYey. R. H. Vannausdle, R. A. Campbell, M. Kling. William Jones, James McLeod. Winfield Harryman, Joseph Bilyeu, Robert Pruett and F. Simpson. Myers appealed his case to the supreme court, secured a stay of proceedings and early in 1894 was granted a new trial. This came before the court in April, 1894, in Asotin county. Myers' attorney secured a change of venue to Garfield county because of alleged prejudice against the defendant. June 13th he was a second time found guilty, and the second time sentenced to be hanged. Another appeal was taken to the supreme court, but the decision of the superior court of Garfield county was confirmed. Three petitions for executive clemency were circulated and pre- sented to the governor, but they proved un- availing. Myers was executed at Pomeroy, Garfield county, September 30, 1895, an ac ~ count of which will be found in the History of Garfield county. During the spring of 1894, all the streams in Asotin county, and there are many of them, overflowed their banks and no little damage was done the ranches in the vicinity. In Snake river the highest stage of water was reached of which there is any record. At Asotin the river and creek combined forming a miniature sea, gaining a height three feet above the rec- ord of 1887. Monday night, June 4th, .the highest stage was reached, after which the water rapidly subsided. Considerable damage ws done to the warehouse of Jack O'Keefe, and the stage road between Asotin and Lewis- ton was overflowed in a number of places. In August of this year swarms of grass- hoppers appeared in this section of the coun- try. The pests did irreparable damage to a number of orchards. Many of the. trees were stripped of their foliage, leaving the fruit without protection from the blistening sun. Spring sown grain, also, suffered. Yet, on the whole, this visitation of what is known as the Colorado locust, was as nothing as compared with the ravages of grasshoppers in Kansas, Nebraska, Minnesota and the Dakotas in early days. Industrial conditions of the county in 1894 are shown by the following statistics: Number of acres of land 111,312 Number of acres improved 26,480 Value of lands $271,329 Value of improvements 92,206 Value of town lots 34-965 Value of improvements on town lots. 22,102 Total value of real estate and imp. . . 420,602 Personal Property. 4,842 horses, value $ 90,531 6,244 cattle, value 73.949 2,977 sheep, value 2,977 1,854 hogs, value 3,614 369 wagons, value 10,278 Total personal property $243,787 Exemptions 96,969 Total assessment personal property. . 146,818 At the session of the board of county com- missioners held July 2, 1894, initial steps were taken for the building of a court house. The commissioners decided to submit to the voters at the general election in November the ques- tion of levying a special tax for the purpose of erecting the structure. It was estimated that a suitable building could be put up for $900, thus saving the county nearly $300 a year in HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. 667 rent and expenses. But at the election, held November 6th, the special levy was defeated by a vote of 128 to 37. In 1895 the assessed valuation of real es- tate was $379,660; improvements on same, $81,914; personal property, $104,459. The total assessable property, outside of exemp- tions, was $584,033, being $16,613 over that of the previous year. The month of August, 1896, was accentu- ated by the lynching of Frank Viles, a Nez Perce half-breed desperado. Tuesday, Au- gust 18th, Miss Olive Richardson, a highly re- spected young lady, residing at Enterprise, Oregon, who had been visiting friends at Lap- wai, was returning to her home in Oregon on horseback. Having reached a secluded spot about four miles below Asotin, she was over- taken by the half-breed, dragged from her horse, and after a desperate struggle, out- raged. The lecherous scoundrel then fled and Miss Richardson made her way to Asotin where she related her pitiful story. Viles was arrested and the girl identified him as her assailant. Vengeance was summary and sudden. Be- tween eleven and twelve o'clock the same night Deputy Sheriff Ginsbach went to the Asotin jail, in which Viles was confined, to retire. When within a short distance of the jail yard a number of men who had been concealed be- hind a wheat rack suddenly surprised him, jerked his hat down over his face and pin- ioned his arms behind his back. Deputy Gins- bach thus relates his experience : "One of the men then took my lantern from my hand and while the other two were holding me they told me to make no noise or they would murder me. I couldn't tell whether they were all masked, but know that one was, because by looking sideways from under my hat I saw that the fellow had a white handker- chief tied over his face. The keys to the jail were next demanded and one of the men reached into my pocket and took them out. Two or three of the men then threw me upon the ground and held my arms and legs down. I did not see any other men around. Next I heard Viles, the half-breed yell — that is, I suppose it was him. Then one of the men who was holding me down whispered to his companion, "let's take him around on the other side of the building," meaning Cay- wood's carpenter shop, and said something about "so he won't hear anything," or words to that effect. I was kept standing in a cor- ner facing the building with the two men hold- ing me, perhaps fifteen or twenty minutes, when someone came running back and re- turned the keys to my pocket. One of the men holding me said, "you stay here fifteen or twenty minutes or we'll kill you," and then they left. After they got out of hearing I started for the jail. I found my lantern where I was first halted. I lighted the lantern and proceeded to the jail. The door of the jail yard was unlocked but closed: Inside the jail yard I found the lifeless body of Viles hang- ing. The jail fence leans in somewhat, and the body was hanging a foot away from it. The rope was thrown over the top of the twelve-foot board fence and fastened on the outside to an old woodrack that the men had moved to the place. Next I went and aroused the sheriff and in company with Squire Swain and Dr. Fulton we cut the body down and removed it to a room." Dean Smith, a prisoner in the jail related what occurred in the building as follows : "The first thing I knew I heard parties talk- ing at the outer gate. Next they came in the enclosure, unlocked the jail door and stepped inside. Two men came in first ; one had a rope in his hand. A third followed, holding a' lan- tern dimly lighted. I started to raise up when the man with the rope stepped to the side of my bed and said. 'Smith, you lie still' My bed was made down on the floor in the corri- dor, and I could see what was going on inside the cell where the half-breed was. Two of •668 HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. the men then entered the cell, the one holding: the lantern remaining in the corridor. The man having the rope jumped upon Viles and after several attempts got the rope over the half-breed's head. Viles told him he would go out, and then gave a couple of loud yells. He then told the men they were choking him to death. They had quite a struggle inside and one man spoke to the other saying, 'help me.' They then picked Viles up bodily and carried him out into the jail yard. After they were outside Viles yelled two or three times ; then everything was quiet. The men that en- tered the jail wore handkerchiefs over their faces. The last time Viles yelled I heard one ■of the men say, 'pull the rope.' ' Neither the deputy sheriff nor Smith recog- nized any of the men by their voices. It was thought that the party did not number more than seven or eight. They were determined, and did their work so quietly that residents in the neighborhood of the jail did not know what had transpired during the night until in- formed by the officers the morning following. Sheriff Wormell stated that he had not antic- ipated anything of the kind. No blame was attached to him or his deputy. The sheriff stated further that about ten o'clock that night he received word that Jack Allen, a notor- iously bad Indian and a companion of Viles, was drunk and making threats against the lives of some of the citizens. In company with bis deputy and a private citizen he went down town and arrested the disorderly redskin at an Indian camp on Asotin creek, and locked him up. At that time the saloons and busi- ness houses were closed and no one was seen on the streets. Shortly after twelve o'clock he received word of the lynching. Viles had a wife and two children living near Genesee,- Idaho. The wife was a Flathead half-breed. Viles was about 28 years of age. He had figured on several occasions in the courts of Idaho for crimes committed. His friends claimed the body. An inquest was deemed un- necessary, as from the sworn statements of Deputy Sheriff Ginsbach and Smith, given above, there was no doubt about how Viles came to his death. The lynching of Viles was followed by an Indian scare. Saturday, August 22(1, reports were received at Asotin that some of the In- dians on the reservation were planning to avenge the death of the half-bred. For sev- eral nights armed guards did picket duty about the town of Asotin. Yet the better element among the Indians approved the hanging. Rather misty and unconfirmed news was wafted up from Wallowa county, Oregon, to the effect that Indians were seeking the life of Miss Richardson. These reports appear to have originated from the fact that a party of Nez Perce and Umatilla; Indians was camped near Wallowa lake, engaged in a grand car- ouse, horse racing, gambling and drinking. A reliable and trustworthy reservation Indian passed through Asotin directly from this camp. He stated that to his personal knowledge the bacchanalian red skins had fifteen gallons of whisky among them. The panic among Aso- tin citizens: soon subsided. While other counties in Washington have suffered immense losses by fire, it appears to have been the fate of the citizens of Asotin to be sorely tried by untimely and voluminous deluges of water. Thursday afternoon, May 20, 1897, the valley of Asotin creek, the gar- den spot of the county, was the scene of deso- lation, ruin and destruction. While a gentle shower was falling in Asotin, and the sun was shining in other portions of the county, a ter- rific cloud burst occurred in the mountains at the head of the tributary branches of Asotin creek. A solid column of water, fifteen feet in height then passed down into the valley sweeping everything from its path, destroying homes and farms; drowning stock and leaving ruin in its wake. Five wagon bridges span- ning the Asotin were soon dancing in the water like corks in a mill race. One span HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. 669- alone remained near Asotin Park. The roar of this rushing torrent was heard for a dis- tance of fully five miles. Trees, timbers, fenc- ing and all manner of debris were swept for- ward by the impetuous stream, and the farms along the low lands were plastered with mud and sand, and dotted with huge boulders brought on the bosom of the strong current from other districts. No human lives were lost, which seems miraculous; but some narrow escapes are re- corded. Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Green were in their orchard on the banks of the stream. Mr. Green, who caught the dull intonation of the oncoming torrent, remarked to his wife that it sounded strangely like a cloud burst. Still, the sun was shining brightly; no signs of a storm visible, and Mrs. Green smiled at the idea of connecting the terrors of a cloud burst with the pleasant, peaceful scene around them. Yet within sixty seconds the huge, tow- ering, threatening wave was in sight. Fear rooted Mrs. Green to the spot. She couldn't run, and her husband making a rush grasped her just as the water swept them both from their feet and tumbled them into the seething, boiling stream. Holding his wife with one hand he seized a tree with the other, thus sav- ing their lives before they had encountered the main body of water which followed fast upon the heels of the first advance. Had it caught them nothing could have rescued them from death. There were little children at the Lee Will- iams school in the Hopwood district. The building stood near the treacherous creek. The teacher noticed that the water was rising, slowly, to be sure, but steadily, stealthily creeping up to the house. So he wisely dis- missed the school and told the little ones to go up on the hillside. A few objected, as at that point it was raining, but at last they all re- luctantly followed his lead. Gaining the top of the hill they turned to behold their school house tossed about on the angry waters like an ocean derelict. An Asotin creek correspondent of the Sentinel came into town late in the evening. From his lips it was learned that one could scarcely imagine the ruin that had been wrought. From the village of Grand Junc- tion up for a distance of twelve miles there was scarcely a building left standing. Both humble and costly cottages had been com- pletely demolished. All of the few building left standing were partially wrecked. Many would have to be torn down and rebuilt. Gar- dens were washed away and orchards ruined. Not a piece of property for a distance of fif- teen miles along Asotin creek escaped injury. It was on the north side of the stream that the cloud burst struck, on the divide between Charlie Fork and Conner gulch. The latter debouches into Alpowa creek. The water caus- ing the damage along Asotin creek came pour- ing down Charlie Fork, Dry and Palmer gulches. That which swept down Conner gulch did irreparable damage to the "Mohler orchard" and other property in that locality. A farmer on his way homeward had just driven on to a bridge. He saw the huge, ap- proaching wave, and, leaping from his wagon, ran back. Just in time ! He stood there to witness the bridge swept out and with it his. team and wagon. The animals, however, struggled loose from the harness and reached the shore alive. The houses of Robert Camp- bell, Dill Brothers, Thornton Powell, James Thornton, Michael Thornton, William Hop- wood, the Pitchford residence, William Flor- ence, E. Jones, W. W. Smith and Frank Palmer were demolished, many of them swept away leaving no sign of a< habitation. The residence of George Warfield was left stand- ing, yet so seriously damaged that he was compelled to rebuild it. John Knight's house,, at Grand Junction, a large frame building re- cently completed, was washed from its founda- 6yO HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. tion and turned completely around. One end of the barn of E. Dodson was destroyed. James Morrow's barn was swept away, and with it a hack, wag-on, and harness. The fam- ily of County Commissioner Downen were cleaning house. Much of their furniture was laid out under the shade trees. So suddenly swept down the water that everything was carried away. The barn of John Meador was washed from its foundation and deposited in the road. Trash, rubbish and lumber were scattered throughout his orchard. The orchard and garden of David Morrow was washed over leaving a deposit of earth, gravel and trash. The flume conveying water to Vineland was damaged near the headgate. Dr. Fulton's horse, which was loose in an en- closure at the rear of the doctor's residence, was swept down stream and landed in Edward Baumeister's yard, safe and sound. B. R. Howard was compelled to cut the ropes of his ferry and swing his boat around to save it from being carried away by the wreckage bursting out of Asotin creek into Snake river. Besides losing his house, buildings and all his personal property, Thornton Powell lost, also, a sum of money amounting to $250 aside from valuable papers. Friday morning a subscription paper was circulated in Asotin to secure money to pur- chase eatables and clothing for the women and children of families left comparatively desti- tute. It met with a generous response at the hands of the good citizens of Asotin. The people of Pomeroy contributed a load of sup- plies, merchandise and clothing. The citizens and merchants of Lewiston showed their lib- erality by a cash donation of $206 and $100 in merchandise, besides a lot of clothing. The relief committee who had charge of the distri- bution of the funds and supplies that came from Lewiston and Pomeroy were Messrs. H. E. Benedict, Charles Isecke, G. W. Bailey, Sheriff Kinnear and T. E. Flinn. Had this disaster occurred at any time during the night the destruction of life would have been fearful, as nearly every house washed away was owned and occupied by people with small children and whose escape would have been cut off. The desolate scene of this flood was visited during the week by quite a number of people. The section where the greatest damage was wrought embraces a lin- eal distance of about ten miles, lying between the village of Grand Junction nd Dry Gulch. Friday, June 25th, the valley of Asotin creek was the scene of another flood. Late in the afternoon of that day two storm clouds were observed approaching each other from nearly opposite directions. As they came to- gether lightening bolts shot from one to the other and the resultant roar of heaven's artil- lery was the heaviest that had ever been known in that locality. The precipitation was not like rain; the water poured down in solid sheets; each side gulch tributary to the creek became a maddened torrent. Fencing that had been erected and improvements that had been made since the last overflow were swept away. Gardens were destroyed and many orchards received additional damage. Marion Mahan's ranch at the mouth of Dry gulch was deluged with water and immense damage inflicted. This flood completely wrecked the residence of John Knight, besides carrying away some of his furniture. A new bridge spanning Asotin creek was swept clown the swollen, turbulent stream. The barns of Charles Isecke and J. D. Swain, the former containing harness, buggy, family carriage and horse, were swept away. The horse managed to swim out and gained the bank alive. County Commissioner Downen and his family were confined to an elevated spot of ground with the raging waters surrounding them. In their house the water was ankle deep. Following a slight subsidence of the flood the family was rescued from its perilous position. """^-fr^"^,*^ * ■ 4 " ; ' A point on the irrigation flume, the enterprise which made Clarkston Asotin Prairie, looking south from Asotin HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. 671 Taken "by and large," to employ a nautical term, the year 1897 was one of the most pros- perous in the county's history. It was the be- o-innine of the end of hard times that for four depressing years had held the county in its grip. For this undoubted prosperity there were a number of reasons. Chief among them was the successful irrigation scheme and con- sequent immigration to the Vineland tract. The crops were abundant and prices higher. With the opening of mining operations in Idaho many of the necessary supplies were purchased in Asotin county. New enterprises were originated and actively pushed forward. The Asotin Sentinel said : "The wheat harvest in this county is about half completed, but only a small percentage of the crop has been hauled. The total yield of the county will be greater than expected and will overreach all estimates made earlier in the season. The hay harvest is the largest and best that has been gathered in a number of years. Large sums are coming into the county from the sale of orchard and dairy products. Cattle command a higher figure, than they did a year ago ; sheep almost doubled in price ; the horse market is advancing, and a scene of general prosperity prevails. The big crop and good prices will lift many a mort- gage from Asotin county farms, and it is pre- dicted that the close of the year will witness the county in better shape and its people in better circumstances than ever before." The total assessed valuation of the county for 1897 was $823,648, an increase of $226,- 022 over that of the previous year. The season of 1898 was a replica of the previous one. The county was blessed with bumper crops of grain and fruit, and the stock industry was active. The cattle sales from January to November, including beef cattle and feeders, amounted to $91,000; hogs, $20,000'; sheep, $17,500; wool clip, $10,000; making a total of $138,500 from the stock interests alone. This does not include the increase of cattle, which will be 75 per cent; hogs, 100 per cent, and sheep the same. Barley sales amounted to $10,000 besides what is retained for feeding purposes, which takes the place of oats, very little of the latter being produced in this county. The farmers will sell this year $150,000 worth of wheat and from the orchards about $15,000 worth of fruit has been sold. To the above figures $10,000 more should be added as the proceeds of the dairy and poultry industries. The amounts given only represent actual transactions and do not include that which is held for home consump- tion. It is estimated that in 1898 Asotin county produced: 150,000 bushels of wheat, 100,000 bushels of barley and rye, 2,000 bushels of oats, 5,000 bushels of corn, 10,000 bushels of potatoes, 5,000 bushels of apples, 1,000 bushels of plums and prunes, 1,000 bushels of peaches, 1,000 bushels of pears, 20 bushels of peanuts, 10 bushels of English walnuts, 7,500 tons of hay, 109,500 pounds of butter and cheese, 40,000 pounds of wool, 100 pounds of tobacco, 500 ounces of gold dust, 1,000,000 feet of lum- ber, 5,000 cords of wood, 500 dozen chickens, 10,000 dozen eggs, 5,000 head of sheep, 8,000 head of hogs, 5,000 head of cattle, 2,000 head of horses. The total assessed valuation for 1898, as equalized, was $873,890. In this year, too, the question of building a court house became a live issue. Plans were drawn up and bids for the construction of a court house and vault were advertised for. The citizens of Asotin contributed $1,108 toward the cost of the structure. June nth, 1899, the contract was let to C. W. Cay wood for $3,975, and the same year the building was erected. The total as- sessed valuation for 1898 rose to $909,741. but this was cut down by the state board of equali- zation to $753,377. In October, 1899, the Asotin Sentinel said: "The survey of township 7, north range 45 ; townships 6 and 7 north, range 47, all east of the Willamette meridian, in Asotin county, 672 HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. has at last been accepted at the general land office. The plat was filed at Walla Walla De- cember 4, 1899, an d on and after that date the land embraced in those townships will be sub- ject to homestead entry. Persons who settled on this ldnd prior to the date of the filing of the plats will be allowed 90 days from that date to make entry en the land settled upon. "Although the Grande Ronde river which passes through the townships is meandered, set- tlers will be allowed to take on both sides of the stream. In making final proof residence will date from time of actual settlement. Many have lived on lands embraced in this survey more than five years and can therefore make final proof immediately. The acceptance of the survey is regarded very thankfully by the people of this county ; for it gives the settlers a chance to own the lands on which many have lived for years and made valuable improve- ments, and it puts over 50,000 acres of land in a position where it may become subject to tax- ation and a source of revenue to the county." According to the United States census of 1890 the population of Asotin county was 1,580. At the taking of the census of 1900 the population had increased to 3,366. This was divided among the various precincts as fol- lows: Vineland, 1,175; Asotin. 774; Hansen's Ferry, 318; Anatone, 286; Lake, 245; Theon, 244; Grande Ronde, 173; Pleasant, 87; Ely, 64. The estimated population for 1905 is about 6,000. The years 1900 and 1901 witnessed a large immigration to Asotin county. During five months of 1900 there were 8,000 acres of gov- ernment land filed upon. This was followed during the first five months of 1901 by entries of 10,000 acres of farming, and 2.000 acres of coal land in the Grande Ronde country. True, this was not all first-class agricultural land, but all of it provided excellent pasturage, and its entry proved that settlement of the county was rapidly progressing. The assessment valuation of 190 1, as equalized by the board of county commissioners was: Real estate and improve- ments, $897,830 ; personal property, $380,882 ; total, $1,278,712. This was an increase of $60,639 over that of 1900. The real estate and improvements in 1902 were assessed at $940,- 563, and the personal property at $287,434. In January, 1903, the following petition was circulated, signed and forwarded to the legislature at Olympia : "We, the bona fide settlers of the fractional part of township 6, range 42, in Garfield coun- ty, resolve that it is the unanimous wish of the people of this part of Garfield county known as the isolated portion thereof, in so far that all passable travel by road is positively cut off with all highway facilities ; a matter of impossibility in the future as regards convenience and com- munication in reaching Pomeroy, the county seat ; and we, the undersigned do sincerely pray that you will use all legitimate means in your power in securing the annexation of this frac- tional part of township 6, of Garfield county, to that of Asotin county, Washington." Following this a meeting of citizens was held at the court house in Pomeroy, the avowed object of which was to determine whether a protest should be entered against the proposed annexation to Asotin county of a "tract of mountainous country in the southern part of Garfield county." While it was true that a few people in the district proposed to be an- nexed were in favor of the plan, in order that they might transact county business at the more accessible point of Asotin instead of Pomeroy, nothing resulted from the agitation ; the cov- eted strip of country was not added to Asotin county. The personal property assessment for 1903 was $562,316, an increase of $274,882 over the previous year. The total assessed value of the real estate and improvements was $986,054, making a total of $1,548,370, an increase of $453,447 over the previous year. For the second time in its history Asotin county, in 1903, was the scene of a lynching. HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. 673 It was a dastardly crime for which the mur- derer paid the penalty with his life, and the gruesome story is thus graphically related by the Asotin Sentinel, of date August 8th : Within the past week Asotin county has been the scene of one of the most horrible crimes ever com- mitted in this or any other state, and a happy home has been deprived of one of its dearest treasures, a bright little daughter, and made to undergo inex- pressible suffering, all on account of the foul and murderous acts of a fiendish and most inhuman brute of a man. Words can never be made to tell the agonies that this innocent child passed through before her life was crushed out by that cold-blooded and desperate monster. It was about seven o'clock last Sunday evening, (August 2d), that the people of Asotin were informed over the telephone that Mabel Richards, the 12-year- old daughter of Sheriff and Mrs. Richards, of this city, was lost in the mountains back of Anatone, near where the family had been camping for several weeks, in the vicinity of Farrish's saw mill. Mr. Richards had just returned three or four hours before from an offi- cial trip to California, and on receipt of the sad news hastened with all possible speed to the section where the child was reported to have been last seen. By the time he reached Anatone hundreds of others had joined in the search, and every man in Asotin who could find a mode of conveyance departed at various hours of the night to lend what assistance they could in en- deavoring to find the little girl. The search was kept up all night and until about half past two o'clock in the afternoon of Monday, when Al Craige, James Ross and other gentlemen found the object of their search- but most horrible to relate, in cold death. Little Mabel had been foully murdered. At about 9:30 o'clock Sunday morning Mrs. Richards and three children got ready to attend Sun- day school at the Kelly school house, about a mile and a half from where they were encamped. Mabel, being all ready and anxious to start, secured permis- sion of her mother to start out on foot, expecting to be overtaken by the rest of the family before she had proceeded very far, when she, too, would get into the buggy. But she was never again seen alive by her family. Not finding her there upon their arrival, Mrs. Richards didn't think but what the child would soon be coming along — and that she had simply loitered along the way in usual childish glee, perhaps gathering a few flowers. After an hour or so, and Mabel had still put in no appearance, Mrs Richards became alarmed and went back to camp, thinking, possibly, the child had for some cause or other returned. Being again disappointed the alarm was given and circum- stances made known, and a general search instituted, 43 which resulted in the child being found Monday after- noon, as already stated. Who the murderer was no- body knew ; but a terrible crime had been committed, and the searchers were so wrought up that a more determined effort than ever was made to ascertain the guilty man, and if found, to deal out speedy justice without waiting for the convening of court. Coroner Merchant, at Asotin, was at once notified and together with Prosecuting Attorney Halsey and Dr. Fulton departed for Asotin to hold the inquest — reaching there about seven o'clock. In the meantime Justice J. N. Boggan had sworn in a coroner's jury, comprising the following men : Frank Body, John Burke, Benjamin Fields, T. P. Goodin, A. A. Wormell and J. A. Howard, for the purpose of making a care- ful examination of the grounds and surroundings, and to move the body to Anatone before night-fall, where the inquest could be conducted more satisfactorily. Upon the arrival of Coroner Merchant the jury al- ready sworn in was accepted, and the inquest was be- gun about nine o'clock. Up to this time but little hope was entertained that the guilty party would be found, although William Hamilton had been arrested as a suspect, as he was known to have gone over the same road Sunday morn- ing on his way to a huckleberry patch. Notwithstand- ing he protested that he knew nothing of the whole affair and had not seen the girl, he was kept in cus- tody and used as a witness at the inquest. The inquest was begun at nine o'clock and the examination of witnesses continued until about 2 130 a. m., when all were excluded from the room except the Hamilton boy and the two deputy sheriffs. These three remained with the jury and coroner and prose- cutor. Prior to the dismissal of the large gathering nothing had come out in the evidence that would seem to fasten the guilt on Hamilton in this instance, but through mere accident one or two of the jurymen learned that the suspected man had attempted criminal assault on the eight-year-old step daughter of his brother, only about two weeks before, but failing of his purpose the matter had been kept quiet. Learning this it was thought more could be accomplished by having the remainder of the gathering disperse, and so it proved. Hamilton was then put to the test, and after prolonged questioning and cross-questioning he finally weakened and about five o'clock in the morning confessed to committing the awful crime. In substance Hamilton's .confession was as follows : He met the little girl in the road at a point where it makes a considerable curve. He said "good morn- ing," to which he received a similar reply ; inquired as to where she might be going and was told to Sunday school. Hamilton then got off his horse and went up to the child, put his arms around her and kissed her, then placing both arms around her carried her into a brush thicket about seventy-five feet from the road. He stated the girl tried to scream, but could make 674 HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. a noise no louder than a chicken. She then protested that she wanted him to leave her alone ; that she might go on to Sunday school. Failing to accomplish his villainous object, he made the frightened child promise not to tell on him, or say anything about what had happened. She promised, so the fiend said, but he did not believe her. He choked her insensible as she lay on the ground, and then picking up a dead pine sapling about ten feet long, struck her two deadly blows on the right and left forehead, after which, with one of his feet he turned her over and struck her another blow on the back of the head. In this condition he left her and proceeded to the berry patch, and gathering a basket of berries returned home. On his arrival he met a couple of boys who told him that Mabel Richards was lost, and he so informed his mother. In making this confession he showed no emotion whatever, but told his story in a blood-curdling manner. Having heard this horrible confession the coroner adjourned court to meet at Asotin at ten o'clock, Wed- nesday morning, August 5th, for the purpose of ren- dering a verdict. So soon as adjournment was taken the self-confessed criminal was taken to Asotin by Deputy Sheriffs Hazeltine and Grounds, placed in jail, and a number of guards thrown around the jail and jail enclosure. The object of adjourning the jury to Asotin without having brought in a verdict was for the purpose of getting the prisoner away from Anatone before it was known, for fear of lynching or burning at the stake. And although he reached Asotin safely, the fact that a confession had been made had leaked out and spread rapidly all over the country, and so incensed had the people become that before the middle of the afternoon people began to arrive in town in large numbers from various parts of the county, even Clarkston people turning out by the score, while resi- dents of Lewiston, in Nez Perce county, Idaho, con- tinued to arrive as long as a conveyance could be ob- tained ; by dark there were fully five or six hundred strangers in town who, although quiet in their conver- sations and actions, nevertheless showed a determina- tion in their general demeanor suggesting that there was no law that could mete out justice so swift and sure as they. There was no noise ; no boisterousness of any kind. Everything moved along slowly and quietly as though some of the cooler heads had reached a conclusion, and only awaited a certain time for putting some undertaking into action. Of this there seemed to be no doubt; and when about 11 o'clock a hundred or more men from the Anatone country were reported to be approach- ing the town, it was then presumed, on their arrival, whatever was to be done would soon happen. And so it did. The remainder of this story can be told in a few words. At about 12:15 a. m., Wednesday morning, August 5th, a squad of sixteen masked men marched to the county jail, and although an effort was made to resist their undertaking, the guards were soon over- powered and tied ; the keys obtained and an entrance to the jail yard secured. At this point in the program a shot was fired, evidently intended as a signal for a re- serve force, for no sooner done than a hundred ad- ditional masked men marched with rapid pace to the jail. The prisoner was soon secured, and being held in such a manner as to prevent outcry, was marched about two blocks down Fillmore street to the corner of First, followed by hundreds of citizens of Asotin and elsewhere. Here the prisoner again went over the confession which he had recited at Anatone, and at the county jail, after which a rope was hastily adjusted around his neck and his body drawn about four feet in the air by passing the rope over an electric light guy wire. When life was known to be extinct the loose end of the rope was tied to the large pole near by and the lifeless form of the child murderer left sus- pended in the air. The whole proceeding lasted about twenty minutes, and the only noise heard at any time was just before the maskers departed, when they gave a series of loud cheers as an evidence of being satis>- fied with the success of their undertaking — happy in knowing the the slayer of an innocent child could no more run at large and that the murder of little Mabel Richards had, so far as public sentiment was con- cerned, been speedily avenged without the aid of court or jury. Between 1 -.30 and 2 o'clock the coroner, being noti- fied, went to the scene, cut the dead man down and took the remains to the county jail. Wednesday morn- ing they were claimed by the father and all arrange- ments for burial made. The body was kept at the jail Wednesday and Wednesday night and interment had Thursday morning in the Asotin cemetery. The ver- dict of the jury that held the inquest at Anatone was rendered Wednesday morning at 10 o'clock (after Hamilton had been hanged) and found that Mabel Richards had been foully and willfully murdered, and that William Hamilton was guilty of committing the deed. Wednesday evening another jury was summoned and an inquest held over the remains of William Ham- ilton. The jurymen were John Dodson, V. V. Florence, W. H.' Smith, James Morrisey, Charles McVey and Taylor Trent, and their verdict was that the deceased had come to his death through strangulation by a rope having been placed around his neck and his body hung to an electric light guy wire by a party of masked men unknown to them. Although large crops had been the rule for several years the one of 1904 was a record breaker. An estimate of the crop of wheat and barley of the Lewiston Flat, the forks of Asotin, county seat of Asotin county HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. 675 the Asotin, the Asotin-Anatone Flat, and the Montgomery and Weissenfels ridges was 450,- 000 bushels. At the prevailing prices this crop turned in about $300,000. Estimating the pop- ulation of the county at 5,500 this meant a cash increase of about $55 for every man, woman and child in the county. This alone was from the grain crop of the most thickly settled por- tions of the county and did not include the Grouse, Peola and Alpowa grain sections. The assessed valuation of Asotin county for the year 1904, according to the figures of the coun- ty assessor was : Real estate and improve- ments, $1,157,005; personal property, $454,- 370; total, $1,611,375. The number of acres assessed was 151,945. The number of acres improved, 32,745. The items of personal property and the assessed valuation is as fol- lows : 3,418 horses, $65,851; 7,517 cattle, $85,570; 42,094 sheep, $77,245; 2,864 hogs, $5457; 555 wagons, $13,190; 178 sewing ma- chines, $1,425 ; 284 watches and clocks, $1,160; 115 organs and pianos, $6,920; household fur- niture, $18,865; °ffi ce furniture, $1,380; farm- ing implements, $12,137; firearms, $720; boats, $815; goods and merchandise, $55,520; manufactured articles, $15,080; money in banks, $23,750; money on hand or on deposit, $14,600; bonds and stocks, $4,435; notes, ac- counts and warrants, $22,835 ! improvements on lands held under laws of the United States, and school lands, $7,280; farm products as- sessed, $4,925 ; stock and shares of insurance companies, $375 ; water mains, $7,790 ; tele- phones, $1,655; a ^ other articles, $5,065. Total $454,370. And in this condition we leave Asotin coun- ty at the beginning of the year 1905. Coming into existence as a county organization a num- ber of years too soon, it was a desperate strug- gle to maintain the county's existence. But the people of the corner county, never doubting the ultimate prosperity of their country, struggled against great odds, and have now realized the success which they knew would come. Asotin county is one of the richest in natural resources in the state of Washington, and is now past the experimental stage. It is prosperous and in the best condition it has been in its entire history. But it will improve, and an Asotin county his- tory written twenty years hence would tell of wonderful development from 1905 to 1924. CHAPTER III CITIES AND TOWNS. There are but two centers of population in Asotin county — at Asotin and Vineland — Clarkston. The place first named, the county seat, has a population of about 1 ,000, while the latter has between 1,800 and 2,000. The re- maining 2,000 or more people are scattered throughout the farming and stock-raising sec- tions. Besides these there are nine other post- offices in the county, viz: Anatone, Clover- land, Theon, Hansen Ferry, Bly, Craige, Dodd, Silcott and Zindell. We will first direct our attention to ASOTIN. Snake river, trending upward from the south bends sharply to the west for a distance of about one and one-half miles; thence re- suming its northerly course it leaves a bar from one-fourth to one-half mile in width, with a frontage to the north and quite a gentle slope toward the river, all above extreme high water mark. At the point where the Snake river turns north the Asotin creek forms with it a confluence, coming in from the southwest. This 6/6 HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY is a lively mountain stream with sufficient water power to drive any number of mills or factories, and provide an ample water system for a city of many thousands of inhabitants. Here, on this bar, on the south side of Asotin creek lies the town of Asotin, the capital of the county. It is a beautiful, picturesque and at- tractive little city, at an altitude of 758.77 feet above the sea's level, and is surrounded by all the essentials that are required to make an in- dustrious and progressive people happy. Many years ago, where now is to be found this prosperous mingling of people, following various pursuits of life, stood but one lone cabin in the wilderness, not far from the mouth of Asotin creek. Little dreamed the builder of that humble "shack" that he was taking the initial step in the settling and building up of so thrifty a community and the future capital of Asotin county — not in existence at that period — but forming a portion of the territory of Walla Walla county. The bar, which is the site of Asotin, contains about 300 acres. It is a most favorable location, being the gateway to the river; affording an excellent shipping point for a level plateau of farming lands about twenty miles square. This plateau is so fenced in by the Snake river bluff's and those of Asotin creek that ranchers in the locality could not get to and from the river with their grain and stock for shipment, and their store goods for house- hold use and farm work at any other point. Thus, everything that goes in or out of that twenty miles square of farming country must pass directly through the town of x\sotin. If there is any town in the country that can boast of its climate it is Asotin. Here the mer- cury will not reach the zero mark oftener than once in ten years. The coldest weather that Asotin experienced during the winter of 1903 was fourteen degrees below freezing, and ice never was thick enough to permit the small boy to indulge in skating to exceed three or four days. Many families ate Christmas dinner with their dining room doors open to the weather. Attractive features of Asotin are its ideal streets — never dusty, never muddy. They re- quire no paving; no attention beyond grading and covering with a coarse sand found adjoin- ing the town. They are as perfect as any good bicycle paths in the city of Tacoma celebrated for its roadways. Writing from Asotin a cor- respondent of the Lewiston Teller said : "The perpetual sunshine, fertile soil and an abundance of water come as near meeting the natural wants of man as can be expected in any land of homes. The location of Asotin sug- gests rest from the world's worry. The little mountain stream sings and dances, but it is not the noise of labor. It is the natural lullaby of home. Asotin is a retreat in the everlasting hills, and Snake river, a traffic way of com- merce, is at hand, but Asotin will ever be re- tired behind the hills, a place of rest."' The bar upon which the town is built is almost entirely occupied by houses, and all is now known as Asotin. But in the early his- tory it was the site of two distinct towns; one on the upper end of the bar; the other on the extreme lower portion. Between these twin towns there was, at one period, bitter rivalry. The town at the upper end of the bar was As- sotin City ; at the lower end was plain Asotin. But now it is all Asotin — all is merged — and the bar, at one time thought to be large enough for two cities will, at the present rate of pro- gress the town is making not be large enough for one. The older of these two towns was Assotin City (with the double s until the Territorial legislature changed the orthography in 1886). The townsite was laid out in April, 1878, by Alexander Sumpter. It was not until the sum- mer of 1880, however, that a town made its appearance. The plat was not filed until July 22d of that year. This was then in Columbia county ; the plat was filed by O. C. White, audi- tor, by J. T. Burns, deputy. Alexander Sump- ter and his wife, Lydia E. Sumpter, made the- dedication. The townsite consisted of six. HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. 677 blocks lying along Snake river. One street ran parallel to the river and was named Main street. There were four streets at right angles with this, First, Second, Third and Fourth. A postofhce was established in July, 1880; Mr. Sumpter became postmaster. Little was ac- complished in the way of town building in 1880; but the following year a number of im- provements were made. A flouring mill was built in the vicinity by L. O. Stimson and Frank Curtis; a ferry across Snake river was put in by J. J. Kanawyer in October ; a ware- house was erected by Alexander Sumpter and Jackson O'Keefe, the only shipping outlet in the whole Asotin country. Coming up to the year 1882 we find that quite a thriving little town had sprung up at Assotin City. The town in that year consisted of a flouring mill, general store, livery stable, blacksmith shop, warehouse, postoffice, ferry and a school house where Miss Blanche Marsilliot taught a part of the year with nearly twenty-five scholars. Now leaving Assotin City, at this time at its zenith, let us consider the town of Asotin. We find that the townsite was surveyed at about the same time as Assotin City. In the spring of 1878 A. T. Beall, of Dayton, sur- veyor of Columbia county, was engaged in sur- veying a wagon road through the eastern part ■of Columbia, now Asotin, county, and having completed his work he surveyed the townsite of Asotin. In his notes in regard to this trip, pub- lished in the Columbia Chronicle, of Dayton, May 11, 1878, Mr .Beall said: "Returning we surveyed and laid out the town of Asotin for Mr. Schank. He intends putting up a grist mill and warehouse. This town may, in time, become an important place on Snake river." The plat of this second townsite on Asotin bar was filed in the office of the auditor of Co- lumbia county November 10, 1881, by T. M. E. Schank, William H. Reed, Louise D. Reed and Alexander Reed. It comprised fifteen blocks and is located on section 16, township 10, north range 46 east. Additions to the townsite have been platted as follows : Schank & Reed's first addition was platted December 30, 1882, by T. M. E. Schank and William H. Reed. Other additions platted were: Baumeister's addition, January 11, 1899; O'Keefe's addition, June 26, 1899; W. J. Cleman's addition, July 14, 1902. In the early spring of 1882 all that there was in the present business portion of Asotin was Theodore Schank's cabin. It was not until December of 1882 that the townsite of Asotin was platted and determination made to build a town at this point. This platting of 1882 was an addition to the original town and the above is sometimes confounded with the original town- site. It was after this platting that Asotin be- gan to be a town. Messrs. Schank and Reed were the promoters, and by the time the sur- veyor had completed his labors, it was very noticable, from the way people began to gather here, eager to locate and engage in some kind of business, that the promoters had made no mistake in point of location and that Asotin was bound to be a place of considerable importance. Writing May 26, 1883, an Asotin corre- spondent of the Columbia Chronicle says : "Thinking that a few items from this part of the country would not be uninteresting to many of your readers, I give what news I have been able to glean and also our prospects as a people and the probability of building up a thriving little town at this place. And taking up the last item first, that is, the prospect for a thriving town, we think there is everything to encourage us. In the first place it is the natural and only outlet to a large scope of country known as "Asotin Flats." This land is being rapidly settled up by practical farmers, and al- ready in some places thousands of acres are fenced, broken and planted; good houses and improvements are to be found on nearly every farm, and to a person from the states it looks like the lanes and prairies of Illinois. This land is said to be as productive as any in the Terri- 678 HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. tory, and thousands of bushels of grain will be harvested this fall. "Thus we have a good, solid foundation and backing for a town, viz : A first-class agricult- ural country behind it. In the next place we have some as enterprising and practical busi- ness men as can be found in any community. Among others I would make special mention of Mr. Alexander Sumpter, Jr., Mr. J. O'Keefe, Mr. Friedman, J. Moser, Mr. T. M. E. Schank and D. B. Pettijohn, formerly of Dayton. The latter gentleman has invested largely in town property and is preparing to put up a dwelling and business house, purposing to go into the agricultural and mechanical implement busi- ness. Part of his stock of goods is already on the ground and more arriving daily. Steam- boats land at the warehouse here and as soon as the business of the town will justify they propose to make regular trips between this place and Riparia. The steamer John Gates, of the Oregon Railroad & Navigation Company, came up last week and took off a load of wheat. Thus you see we have all the necessary require- ments to make a town, and as soon as capital notices the many natural advantages of Asotin there is no doubt but that great developments will be made here. Crops never looked better than at the present time. Wheat is all in and a great portion of it up. Messrs. Braden & Curtis are renovating and improving their mill. They will put in another run of burrs and make other important improvements, and promise to soon be ready and fully able to make first-class flour." After the platting of the addition to Asotin, in December, 1882, and when it appeared prob- able that the town of the vicinity was to be Asotin, all new business enterprises located in the new town, Assotin City became stagnant. During the summer and fall of 1883 several new projects were installed in Asotin, not the least being the newspaper. In the advertising columns of the first few numbers of the Asotin \ Spirit, in the fall of 1883, we find the following local business houses represented : Asotin Hotel, A. J. Allen, proprietor; Pet- tijohn & McAlpin, general store; Asotin city saloon, Jacob Moser, proprietor; Dr. W. H. Wood ; Asotin flouring mills, F. Curtis and L. G. Braden, proprietors; S. S. Rogers, real es- tate; Wann & Mitchell, general merchandise. The town continued to grow steadily and in October, 1883, through a special act of the Ter- ritorial legislature the county of Asotin was cut off from Garfield and the town of Asotin named as the county seat. This bit of good fortune gave the place a little unexpected prom- inence, although time has demonstrated that a more acceptable point could not have been chosen, with the object of serving the people from all parts of the county to the best advan- tage. When Asotin was named as the tem- porary capital of the new county, the Asotin Spirit proffered the following advice to the people of the little town : "Two years ago Pataha City was a place of much greater pretentions than we. They had their time of rejoicing over a similar state of affairs as ours at this time. They, too, had 'gained the day' and secured the temporary lo- cation. Now, taking Pataha for an example unto those who have our destinies in their hands we say : Be vigilant, for we are not out of the woods by a half section. Sharp eyes will be watching us from now until the next election, and their owners will not be slow to take ad- vantage of any mistakes we fall into. Work should be the order of the day, and never let up till we have a fixed fact for an uncertainty."' During the fall of 1883, when the new county was formed and Asotin named as the countyseat, the town took on considerable life. New business houses were started and buildings were erected at a cost to exceed $15,000. This is not nn exorbitant figure for a year's im- provements in a town at the present day, but it proved the nucleus of a steady growth, which HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. 679 has resulted in the building up of a fine little city at the mouth of Asotin creek. The im- provements for the year 1883 and the cost were as follows : Sumpter & Shaw, store and hall, $800; Sumpter & Hall, barn and shed, $200; John Flock, dwelling, $300; D. McAlpin, dwelling, $300; T. M. E. Schank, store, $800; T. M. E. Schank, dwelling, $1,000; D. B. Pettijohn, dwelling, $500; D. B. Pettijohn, store, $1,000; S. T. Jones, dwelling, $600; S. T. Jones, barn, $75; A. J. Allen, hotel, $1,000; A. J. Allen, store, $250; A. J. Allen, office, $75 ; A. J. Al- len, barn $75 ; O. W. McAlpin, dwelling, $150; W. H. Fordyce, dwelling, $200 ; T. T. Shetzle, dwelling and barn, $500; Mr. Meador, dwell- ing $300; Curtis & Braden, mill, $7,000; E. Alcorn, dwelling, $200. These buildings were mostly cheap structures and covered a great deal more ground than the figures would in- dicate. The material progress of Asotin during the winter of 1883-4 was somewhat checked by the prevalence of diptheria. There were many cases and several deaths. Schools and public gatherings were closed indefinitely. As is usual in epidemics of this disease the town was shunned and business interests suffered. In the pring of 1884 Asotin again resumed the onward march of progress toward the goal of prosperity. At that time the county offices were located about midway between Assotin City and Asotin. The two towns were about half a mile apart. Asotin then contained a number of neat and attractive residences, two hotels, a store or two — Wann & Mitchell doing the bulk of the mercantile business — a black- smith shop, saloon, grist mill, feed stable, ware- house, ferry and newspaper, the Spirit. A trav- eler writing to the Walla Walla Watchman of May 16, 1884, among other things has this to say concerning Asotin : "Asotin with one s, and Assotin City with two, are names of two embryo towns situate above Lewiston on the Washington Territory side. It is, one or both of them, the countyseat of Asotin county, and the official headquarters are situated midway between the two business points. There is at present a good business done here, and should the two places grow, as there is no doubt they will, unity of interests if not of feeling should unite them under one name and do away with town rivalry.". Here are some of the good words said of the town of Asotin in the spring of 1884 by papers in different parts of the country: Walla Walla Journal: Probably no town in the territory has brighter prospects than Aso- tin. That it will become a large and flourish- ing place in a few years is inevitable because of its situation. Northzvest (New York City) : A good place for enterprising business men searching for a location. The town is growing rapidly. Yakima Record : Asotin is growing rapidly, and will, no doubt, become a place of consider- able importance. Portland Oregonian : Asotin is the most rapidly growing town on Snake river. Notwithstanding the dull times and scar- city of money during the year 1884, Asotin and the smaller town of Assotin City (which two places shortly afterward became one town), made some improvements that year. Among other buildings erected were the Baptist church, midway between the two towns ; a two-story residence by M. B. Mitchell ; a residence by A. J. Allen, and residence by Jacob Moser. Dur- ing 1884 there were about $10,000 worth of lots sold in Asotin, and there were a few left, but not many. The first fire of consequence to occur in Asotin was on Saturday evening, February 13, 1886. At that time the Pioneer Hotel, owned by Mrs. Lile ; the saloon of Justus & Clemans ; and the law office of George W. Bailey were destroyed, the first two properties named by fire ; the last was torn down to stay the pro- gress of the flames. The losses were : Mrs. Lile, $1,200; Justus & Clemans, 68o HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. $1,600; George W. Bailey, $300. There was no insurance on any of the property destroyed. The flames raged fiercely and only by the hardest kind of work on the part of the citi- zens was the entire business part of the town saved. Several merchants removed the greater part of their stocks of goods from the build- ings threatened and small losses were sus- tained on this account. So far the escape of Asotin from disastrous conflagrations has been miraculous. The fire mentioned above was the worst in point of property loss that has ever visited the town. They have no fire protection, nor did they ever have. February 3, 1886, a bill was introduced in the Territorial council to change the spelling of Assotin City to Asotin. Following is the text of the measure : "An act to change the name of the town of Assotin City, in Asotin county, to Asotin. "Be is enacted by the legislative assembly of the Territory of Washington : "Section 1. That the name of the town of Assotin City, in Asotin county, be, and the same is hereby changed to Asotin. "Section 2. This act to take effect and be in force from and after its passage and ap- proval. "Approved February 4. 1886." In April, 1886, a correspondent of the Walla Walla Journal said : "The townsite warfare that has marred local progress in times past will probably soon be adjusted by the operation of natural causes. The region of country back of, and naturally tributary to the almost adjoining rival towns (Asotin and Assotin City), is capable of pro- ducing as much wheat as is marketed at any of our largest shipping points. This fact will, probably, throw in a population sufficient to fill the intervening space between the towns. A sale of lots of the estate of T. M. E. Schank demonstrated that sagacious business men have a faith that impelled them to invest at healthy prices in either town or between them." In 1887 the last business house of the old Assotin City was moved to the later town of Asotin, and all pretense of strife was done away with. During the spring and summer of 1886 about a dozen new buildings had been erected in Asotin. The growth of the town was slow but sure, and there was no fall- ing back. Friday evening. May 25, 1888, the citizens of Asotin met in Baumeister's hall for the pur- pose of making arrangements for the incor- poration of Asotin, and a committee was ap- pointed for the purpose of forming the boun- dary lines and drafting and circulating the proper petition for the property owners to sign. The papers incorporating the town of Asotin were subsequently filed with the clerk of court Tuesday, June 19th. The documents were signed by Judge Langford June 15th. The order of the judge incorporating the town named D. Talbott, J. N. Rice, H. C. Fulton, E. Baumeister and William J. Clemans a board of trustees. The gentlemen met for the first time Saturday evening, June 24, 1888, at the law office of George W. Bailey, and there qual- ified before E. L. Routh, clerk of the district court. D. Talbott was elected chairman and L. J. Dittemore was appointed clerk pro tern. The following gentlemen were then named for the offices of the new . town : Al Short, city marshal; E. L. Routh, city clerk; William Rogers, assessor, J. O'Keefe, treasurer; G. W. Bailey, corporation counsel ; P. C. Brown, street commissioner and N. Ausman, town justice. The next meeting was held Tuesday, June 26th. A number of committees were named to look after the various branches of munici- pal business and an ordinance was passed fix- ing the price of liquor licenses at $400. In the summer of 1888 we find that Asotin contained the following business houses : two HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. 68 1 general merchandise stores (also carrying ag- ricultural machinery), one drug store, three hotels, two livery, feed and sale stables, one blacksmith shop, one butcher shop, one flour- ing mill, one boot and shoe shop, one harness and saddle shop, one saloon, one millinery store, two dressmaking establishments, one Chinese wash house, one newspaper, two ware- houses. The professions were represented by one doctor, one lawyer, one minister. It was a prosperous little place of perhaps about 200 people. Nearly all the grain raised in the county was shipped from this point, it being the head of navigation on Snake river. The first city election was held Monday, April 1, 1889, when the following gentlemen were elected to fill the positions of trustees for the succeeding year : J. K. Rice, D. J. Wann, I. H. Bingham, M. B. Mitchell and James Michie. But this first incorporation was destined to come to naught. February 13, 1890, the state supreme court handed down a decision which in effect made null and void all town incor- porations in the state which had been incor- porated in Territorial days by order of the dis- trict court. This included the Asotin incor- poration. When the town first began its cor- porate existence there were some who doubted the wisdom of the action, but the trial had •convinced all that it was for the best. When it was found that the incorporation was void the citizens at once set about to reincorporate. At a meeting of the board of county commis- sioners, May 29, 1890, the citizens presented a petition asking for incorporation under state laws. This petition was granted by the com- missioners the following day, setting June 2 1st as the date for holding a special election to vote on the proposition and select town of- ficers. I. S. Waldrip was appointed inspector and Charles Isecke and N. Ausman judges of the election. On the date mentioned the vot- ers of Asotin met to select candidates for the municipal election, when the town should be reincorporated June 21st. The candidates selected were : Mayor, Charles Isecke ; council- men, H. E. Benedict, E. Baumeister, N. Aus- man, R. Ruddy and L. B. Howard ; treasurer, J. O'Keefe. At the election only one vote was cast against incorporation, showing that the people believed in the necessity of the move- ment. Thirty-four votes were cast. The officers elected were the same as above named with the exception that J. A. Campbell was chosen councilman in the place of L. B. Howard. The census of 1890 gave Asotin a popula- tion of 200; that of 1892, 244. The first steps toward providing Asotin with fire protection were taken December 22, 1893, but they were laggard steps. A mass meeting was held at Baumeister's hall. E. Baumeister was chairman and Elmer Waldrip, secretary. A membership of thirty was prom- ised, but no organization was perfected and the town has never had fire protection. During the years of the "hard times" — 1893-6 — Asotin did not grow and made but little history. In short it remained at a stand- still until about 1898 or 1899. The opening of the war with Spain, in 1898, was the incentive for the organization of a military company in Asotin. It was prepared and anxious to enter the service should an opportunity present itself. This company was organized May 16th. J .W. King was elected drill master. Following is the roster : Edward Baumeister, F. H. Waldrip, L. W. Tate, M. H. Tate, Stewart Leonard, Char- les Brantner, A. W. Chapman, A. R. Powell, C. W. Caywood, P. W. Dodson, M. T. John- son, James D. Carter, F. W. Werschied, J. H. Tate, O. T. Green, J. S. Meador, O. C. Mont- gomery, D. S. Bingham, W. C. Cooper, George Ausman, Joseph W. King, J. A. Os- theimer, Charles Carroll, Lee Williams and J. W. Jones. This company found no chance to enlist, 682 HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. but a number of them joined C company, of Pomeroy, and were mustered into the service. They were : George Ausman, O. T. Green, Millard Johnson, Charles Brantner, A. W. Chapman, Charles Jackson, Oscar Montgom- ery, Charles Heller, James Chapman, Bert Dodd, L. Feise, Harry King, Leonard Tate, Harry Tate and Perry Barnes. With the spring of 1899 dawned a new era in Asotin county. There were many new enterprises and settlement of the town was rapid. One of the important events of this year was the purchase of the Asotin townsite from the Reeds by the Asotin Land & Water Company. The incorporating trustees were Charles Isecke, Wesley Steel, William Far- rish and W. L. Cook, of Asotin, and Edward Pearey. of Lewiston. At this time the town had gained a population of something less than 500. Many more new buildings were erected in Asotin during the first six months of 1899. Scarcity of timber for a time served as a serious handicap to building operations, but this difficulty was finally overcome. The platting of the additional 80 acres into one and two acre lots, together with the subse- quent high line ditch marked a new era in the progress of Asotin. During the year 1899 there was expended in the city of Asotin $59,100 in improvements, a splendid showing for a town of less than 500 population. Some of the largest items of this list were : Electric Light Company, new ma- chinery, etc., $12,000; county court house and. fixtures, $6,000 ; Asotin Land Company, ditch and flume. $5,000; Eli Bolick, residence and warehouse. $3,000; Presbyterian church and furnishings, $2,500. In 1900 the population of Asotin, according to the United States census, had risen to 470. Among the prominent happenings of this year the erection of the first brick building in the town ; the establishment of a bank, the first in the town's history, and the installing of a brick kiln. All in all, most substantial progress was made during the three years preceding November, 1901. It is estimated that the improvements for the period mention- ed cost between $125,000 and $150,000. During the year 1903 the improvements in Asotin amounted to $51,223.25, according to a list prepared by the Sentinel. January 2, 1904, the Sentinel said: "In looking back over the past year there is nothing in the growth of Asotin to be de- plored. Building operations have been quite active. Many new residences have been erect- ed; one new brick business block helps to beautify our main street; a new ward school house became a necessity, and a stone county jail is now under construction. To this add nearly two miles of sidewalk. * * * Many new people have located among us, and so far as is known none is dissatisfied. Prompted by a desire to know the actual pop- ulation of Asotin without resorting to any of the customary methods generally used in pro- ducing such results, the Sentinel this week, as- sisted by Professor J. B. Jones, made a house to house canvass in order that an absolutely correct canvass of the town might be arrived at. Many towns estimate their census by al- lowing five inmates to every house; others compute the population by multiplying the to- tal school enrollment by two and one-half; some by three and still others go so far as to use five to reach a satisfactory estimate. No such methods, however, were used; and it af- fords much pleasure to state that our trouble in making the canvass was rewarded when, on adding tip, we found that Asotin's population was 1,065. How does that sound and look as compared! with the federal census which in June, 1900, gave Asotin the credit of possess- ing 470 people? To advance from that num- ber in two and one-half years to 1,065 cer ~ tainly indicates that things have been moving during that time; and that we have increased HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. 683 121 per cent, in just 30 months. Of course this isn't a great deal to boast of, but when we look around and note that we are distancing many places throughout the Inland Empire in our onward progress, it is only natural to feel a little proud after all. If the same proposition of increase can be maintained for a few years more, the next federal census will not look so bad in print." There are other localities that possibly can boast of a greater number of churches than Asotin, but, as the Sentinel said in 1903, "as yet there seems to be no need of more churches than the town now has." The congregations represented are the Methodist, Presbyterian, Baptist, United Brethren and Christian. All have large and comfortable places of worship except the Christian denomination. The Presbyterian people own neat and pleasant parsonages. Regular pastors are employed the year round and each Sabbath they are greeted by large audiences. Asotin at the present time is represented by the following fraternal orders : Riverside Lodge, No. 41, I. O. O. F. ; Asotin Encamp- ment, No. 38, I. O. O. F. ; Asotin Camp, No. 356, Woodmen of the World; Asotin Circle No. 215, Women of Woodcraft; J. J. Lewis Post, No. 37, G. A. R. ; Shiloh Camp, No. 35, Sons of Veterans; Woman's Relief Corps; Asotin Camp, No. 5525, Modern Woodmen of America; Welcome Rebekah Lodge, No. 71, I. O. O. F. ; Stootki Tribe, No. 54, I. O. R. M. ; Asotin Assembly, No. 152, United Artisans. Here are the histories of the lodges : The temperance sentiment was quite strong in Asotin in the early days, and the first lodge organized in the town was the Inde- pendent Order of Good Templars. These were the officers chosen : W. C. T., M. B. Mitchell; W. V. T., Miss Effie Fordyce; W. S., C. B. McAlpin; W. F. S„ J. D. Wann; W. T., Mrs. Emma Curran ; W. M., J. D. Lile; W. D. M., Miss Dora Despain; W. C, Rev. I. R. Snodderly; W. I. G, J. L. Vinson; W. O. G., Frank A. Curtis ; W. R. H. S., Miss Etta Snodderly; W. L. H. S., Henry Ausman ; P. W. C. T., Abile Goble; L. D., D. B. Pettijohn; D. D., Rev. I. R. Snodderly. This order re- mained in existence for several years, but fin- ally fell into a state of disorganization. The dispensation for instituting Riverside Lodge, No. 41, I. O. O. F., was received in February, 1886. It was instituted Wednes- day, March 10th, with nine charter members, by District Deputy Grand Master H. E. Ben- edict, assisted by attending brothers from Hope Lodge, No. 30, I. O. O. F., of Anatone, and also from Lewiston Lodge, No. 8, of Lewiston, Idaho. Six members were initiated into the order the same evening. The officers of the new lodge, who were duly installed in office by the district deputy grand master were as fol- lows : C. M. Poor, N. G. ; H. C. Fulton, V. G. ; G. W. Bailey, R. S. ; D. J. Wann, treasurer; E. Baumeister, R. S. N. G. ; J. L. Vinson, W. ; A. Pierstof, C. ; Jackson O'Keefe, I. G. ; C. G. Morey, R. S. V. G. With the exception of the Good Templars, this was the first lodge instituted in Asotin. It is still in existence and most of the pioneers of the locality are members and regard it highly. Another order established soon after, and one in which the citizens took considerable pride, was the J. J. Lewis Post, No. 37, G. A. R., organized in October, 1887. Shiloh Camp, No. 35, Sons of Veterans, was mustered in May 28, 1892. April 30, 1896, the camp disbanded and the charter was surrendered. It was reorganized Feb. 1, 1903, with twenty charter members. The first officers under the 1892 organization were: Alonzo Hutsinpiller, captain; William Cleft, first lieutenant; Lee Smith, second lieutenant; George Ausman, first sergeant; Amos Dodson, quartermaster sergeant. In addition to these officers the charter members were Otto Green, Albert Dodson, F. H. Waldrip, J. T. Welch, A. J. Steel and W. C. Reeves. 684 HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. Welcome Rebekah Lodge, No. 71, was or- ganized in Asotin, February 26, 1895. It be- gan with a membership of 36. Tbe follow- ing named were accompanied by tbeir wives : D. J. Wann, B. R. Howard, Charles Isecke, S. T. Jones, Elmer Waldrip, M. J. Garrison, L. B. Howard, George W. Bailey, M. B. Mit- chell, E. Baumeister, W. A. Barker, W. B. Clift. Aside from these there were : Mrs. Melinda Pierstorf, Miss Carrie Ausman, Miss Grace Toops, Miss Maud Wann, James Chap- man, Leo Walton, W. R. Caywood, E. C. Means, J. B. Jones. H. E. Benedict, B. C. Montgomery and Albert Dodson. Asotin Camp, Woodmen of the World, was organized March 6, 1897, with tbe following officers : Henry Liebenau, Past Council Com- mander; J. B. Jones, Council Commander; M. J. Garrison, Advisor Lieutenant ; Elmer Waldrip, clerk; George W. Bailey, banker; George W. Kinnear, escort; Otto Green, watchman; S. G. Brantner, sentry; Lee Will- iams, first manager; Daniel Wann, second manager; Charles Caywood, third manager; Dr. H. C. Fulton and L. Woodruff, camp physicians. Asotin Camp, No. 5525, Modern Wood- men of America, was instituted May 26, 1898, with the following officers: A. Marshall, V. C. ; E. L. Routh, W. A. ; L. W. Tate, B. ; M. T. Johnson, C. ; William Wamsley, E. ; C. Vance, C. F. ; J. H. Tate, W. ; E. Taylor, S. ; Dr. L. Woodruff, C. P.; F. Werschaid, Rev. I. R. Snodderly and C. S. Pitt, managers. Asotin Circle, No. 215, Women of Wood- craft, was organized with the following offi- cers : Elmer Waldrip, advisor; Minnie Wood- ruff, magician ; Samuel Becker, P. G. M. ; W. L. Cook, clerk; Elmer E. Sage, attendant; Anna Hinkson, I. S. ; Carrie E. Critchfield, G. N. ; Clara Garrison, banker ; Mary Brantner, captain of guards; Mary Jones, O. S. ; Olive Sage, A. P. Powell and L. Woodruff, mana- gers ; L. Woodruff, physician. Asotin Assembly, No. 152, United Artis- ans, was instituted on April 5, 1899. The Woman's Relief Corps was organized September 30, 1903. Asotin Encampment No. 38, I. O. O. F., was instituted May 30, 1902. The Charter members were Elmer Waldrip, D. H. Mc- Kenzie, Peter Gunkel, E. Baumeister and Al- bert Stiff el. Of these only the two last named are now members. The following tribute to Asotin was writ- ten by Robert Raymond, and published in the Sentinel of February 24, 1900: In a quiet little corner where the hills and river meet, Lies the village of Asotin, snugly nestled at their feet ; Where the birds are ever flitting in and out each shady nook, And warbling forth their music to the babbling of the brook. When the trees in gentle springtime take on their robe of green, And the ever blooming roses round each doorway may be seen ; And the fragrant blossoms falling like snowflakes through the air, And the birds among the branches making music every- where. And when the summer sun has lent to us his golden rays, And nature, in her loveliness, has lengthened out the days — Then the golden fruit in clusters hangs on each tree overhead, And the berries blush beneath them within their leafy bed; It is then the small boy takes his rod and seeks the shady pool, Where the speckled trout are found within the waters cool; No happier mortal ever strolled beneath the sun's bright gleam Than these same small barefooted boys, afishing in the stream. And when the summer is ended and the leaves upon the trees Have turned to gold and move at will in the gentle autumn breeze ; We look upon the picture painted, at the close of day, And our village in her autumn robes is as beautiful as May. HISTORY OF ASOTIX COUNTY. 685 ClARKSTON VlNELAND. In this chapter covering the towns of Aso- tin county, we purpose to write the history of "Clarkston — Yineland," While, in reality, there is no such officially recognized place as Clarkston — Vineland, there is a Clarkston and there is a Yineland. The latter is an irrigated tract consisting of about 3,000 acres, laid out in small tracts and thickly settled. Streets run through the place and some of them are lined with sidewalks. One mile square of this territory is an incorporated town — Clarkston. In time, possibly before this volume is taken from the press, all of Vineland will have been included within the corporate limits of Clarks- ton. That is why we write of Clarkston — Yineland. The genesis of Vineland is thus described by the Clarkston Republican of date January 5, 1901 : "The Lewiston Water & Power Company, now the Lewiston — Clarkston Company, have taken water from Asotin creek through 20 miles of ditch and flume, and made fruitful a large body of land in this country, now known as Vineland, at an expense of over $100,000. Hence, what was four years ago a barren waste, known then as 'Jawbone Flat,' which was a fitting tribute, for 'Jawbone' is a west- ern phrase for without means, is now dotted with beautiful homes of many prosperous peo- ple. As its name implies, it is, indeed, a 'vineland.' This land has been laid; out in tracts of from one to twenty acres and is being sold at reasonable figures and on easy terms which enables anyone who so desires to engage in the profitable business of fruit growing with very little capital and on a scale that will suit his circumstances, and build for himself a useful as well as an ornamental home. So rapidly are the people taking hold of this prop- osition and availing themselves of the oppor- tunity that the whole site, 3.500 acres, bears a marked resemblance to a thrify town." In 1903 the population of Clarkston — Yineland numbered about 2,200. Lewiston,. Idaho, had about 5.500 and the country tribu- tary to these two points about 75,000. The elevation of Clarkston — Vineland is 740 feet above sea level. Clarkston was named in honor of Captain Clark, while the town of Lewiston, just across the river, in Idaho, was named in honor of Captain Lewis, the two leaders of the famous Lewis and Clark ex- pedition which passed through the country in 1804-6. At present the chief industry of Vineland is fruit raising. LTider irrigation her rich alluvial soil will raise anything, in- cluding the highest grades of vegetables, while fruits, from the most delicately flavored Eu- ropean grape to the hardy apple, attain their highest state of perfection. One unacquaint- ed with conditions obtaining here, can hardly realize the great gain in these products during the past six years. Tree planting did not commence until 1897, and only small ship- ments of berries and vegetables were made un- til the year 1900. Since then shipments have much more than doubled each season. The scheme of irrigating "Jawbone Flat," the accomplishment of which has made Clarks- ton and Vineland possible, was first conceived as early as 1893. The following appeared in the Sentinel, of Asotin, December 22d of that year, and was written by the Lewiston Flat correspondent to that paper : "It was announced during the week that a movement is on foot to irrigate the lower por- tion of the flat, otherwise known as 'Jawbone Flat.' The promoters of the enterprise are the. owners of considerable land here who all live in Lewiston. The object is to take the water out of Asotin creek, five miles up from its mouth, and thence connect it by canal and flume along the hillside to the bench land along Snake river and to this locality. No in- strumental survey of the ditch line has yet been made, so its exact length and cost cannot be given. It is believed, however, that it will not be over twelve miles in length. A civil en- 686 HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY gineer who has had considerable experience in this kind of work, made an optical survey of the proposed route of the canal and he believes the plan can be accomplished at a cost not ex- ceeding $75,000. Four miles of flume will be necessary along the Asotin creek bluffs. A water right was filed last Thursday. It is es- timated that about 2.000 acres of semi-arid land will be made productive if the plan of ir- rigation is carried out. Under existing con- ditions the land is of comparatively little ben- efit to its owners." It was about the year 1 895 that one of the head engineers of the Northern Pacific Rail- way Company, then making a careful survey of this portion of the west for the most feas- ible routes for extensions of their lines, had his attention attracted to the present sites of Vineland and Clarkston. This engineer of whom we speak, readily foresaw the large amount of money it would require to develop, irrigate and place this wonderfully fertile and advantageously located tract of land on the market. First in his mind came the name of Mr. E. H. Libby, to whose generous and in- domitable energy is due the wonderful success of Clarkston — Vineland. He was quick to perceive the grand opportunities here pre- sented, and as quickly did he put in action his great capacity for organization and promo- tion, resulting in the forming of the Lewiston Water & Power Company, the personnel of which contained some of the best known gen- tlemen and capitalists of Boston, Massachu- setts, headed by Charles Francis Adams, a direct descendant of John Quincy Adams, and late president of the Union Pacific Railroad Company. A survey of a large irrigating canal, eighteen miles long, and costing $300,- 000, was immediately begun. Near the close of the summer of 1896 it was placing water upon land that previous to this was almost valueless, but which subsequently sold for $1,- 000 an acre. The capital stock of this com- pany was placed at $100,000, divided into one thousand shares of $100 each. The incor- porators were: H. E. Libby, of Yakima; C. C. Van Arsdil, Dr. J. B. Morris, of Lewiston ; George W. Bailey and William Farrish, of Asotin. By this company 2,500 acres of the land were owned. The real estate was pur- chased from Edward Pearcy, E. J. . Warner, William Caldwell, S. Wildenthaler, Joseph Alexander, Chris Weisberger, D. S. Dent, John Aubin, and a tract along Snake river was bought from the New England Mortgage Se- curity Company. The price paid for the lands ranged from $20 to $25 per acre. Vine- land was platted April 16, 1896, by the Lewis- ton Water & Power Company, by Edgar H. Libby, president. At this time only a few blocks were platted, but many others have since been added until now about 3,000 acres are included in the site. The original townsite of Clarkston was platted under the name of Lewiston by the Lewiston Water & Power Company, August 10, 1896, and was that portion extending from the Boulevard to Eighth street, and from Elm to Chestnut streets. The name was changed to Clarkston by special act of the legislature in 1 90 1. The bill passed the senate February 13, 1 90 1 ; the house on February 28th, and was approved by the governor March 1, 1901. During the summer and fall of 1896 sev- eral tracts of fruit land in Vineland were sold, and homes began to make their appearance -in different parts of the flat. Irrigated tracts were rapidly disposed of; improvements were made so fast as material could be procured. The Lewiston Water & Power Company in September, 1896, had men and teams employ- ed grading the streets and alleys of the new townsite, and constructing distributing lateral ditches on these lands. A petition was for- warded to Washington, D. C, asking for the establishment of a postoffice and daily mail, and recommending Mr. James for postmaster. HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. 687 At this time two or three stores were in pro- cess of erection, as well as numerous resi- dences. Still, there were only 15 resident peo- ple in Vineland in 1896. But in 1897 the march of improvement was greatly acceler- ated. A two-story hotel and two-story busi- ness block were erected. The public school had an enrollment of 40 pupils. Parties from other states were arriving - daily, and nearly all of them purchased small tracts of land for homes. Canal construction began March 15, 1896; water first reached Vineland, July 18th of the same year. October 14th there were three buildings and lumber for nearly a dozen more on the ground. April 10th, 1897, there were 70 dwellings and business houses, and as many more contracted for the next six months. Several parties who had paid $100, were of- fered $140 and $150 per acre for land. They refused to sell for less than $200. Hundreds of acres were set out to fruit trees. Concord was the name of the postoffice established in Vineland in 1897. February 7, 1903, the Clarkston Republican printed the following: The year of our Lord, 1902, saw, practically, the sixth birthday of Vineland and Clarkston. What is now a large area of happy homes, in 1897 was a desert waste, the range of the coyote and jack rabbit and dis- respectfully known as "Jawbone Flat." In that year the eye of genius and the strength of capital were turned in this direction and from the waste places has sprung into wealth and beauty this wonderful " — map of busy life, Its fluctuations and vast concerns." Three years before 1897 President Libby saw what might be done here in a few years with financial back- ing. He is a scholarly man. As soon as he saw this soil he knew and understood its component parts and knew that it needed only the inspiring force of water to make it the most productive soil on earth. Like Moses in the desert he struck the rock and the fountains burst forth. In 1896 Vineland and Clarkston were at zero. In 1903 a wealthy population of over 2,000 souls, with every modern convenience of water, electric light, etc., occupies the land. The first few years of life in Vineland were years of anxiety for both management and people, but that destiny which hedges about favor- ite location was concentrating the seen and unseen forces until now, in the year of our Lord, 1903, Clarks- ton — Vineland is a place. It is a place on the maps ; is the commercial key to an environment unequaled by any undeveloped section in all America. It is a place and the natural, radial center and outlet for vast industries that are awakening into life on every hand. The growth of Vineland during the year 1898 was rapid. June 21, 1899, only 28 months after the land was placed on the mar- ket, the Lewiston Water & Power Company signed sale contract No. 410. No sooner had this great canal been com- pleted than plans for a fine steel wagon bridge to unite Clarkston — Vineland, Washington, with the city of Lewiston, Idaho, were under way. This bridge was completed in the sum- mer of 1899. A few facts connected with the building of this magnificent structure may prove of interest. The original franchise was granted to E. H. Libby by the city of Lewis- ton, May 18, 1896. Construction began De- cember 15, 1898; the bridge was open for traffic June 24, 1899; the total cost was $110,- 000. The length of the bridge is 1,700 feet; weight of steel in the fabric, 636 tons; total weight of bridge, including piers and abut- ments, 10,100,000 pounds, or about 5,050 tons. It required 624 gallons of paint to cover this bridge once over. There are 200,000 feet of lumber in the floor and rails. Articles of incorporation of the Lewiston — Concord Bridge Company were filed No- vember 26, 1897, in the office of the auditor of Asotin county. The incorporators were E. H. Libby and George W. Bailey. The cap- ital stock was $100,000, divided into 1,000 shares of the value of $100 each ; identical with the capital of the Lewiston Water & Pow- er Company. The contract for the buildings of the bridge was let October 26, 1898, to cost $110,000. This bridge was chartered by a special act of congress approved February 15, 1898, and a permit was issued by the secretary of war August 24th. Concord, the first name given Clarkston, 688 HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. was from Concord, Massachusetts, where re- sided many of the stockholders of the Lewis- ton-Clarkston Company. A petition contain- ing 264 names of citizens of Vineland, was forwarded to Washington, D. C, asking the postmaster-general for a change of name. This petition was accompanied by a strong en- dorsement from United States Senator George Turner, of Spokane. It was contended that the name Concord was entirely too classical, too aesthetic and too romantic for a commer- cial town such as was being projected at Clarkston — Vineland. The authorities at Washington announced the change in name of the Concord postoffice to take effect January 1, 1900. The name substituted in lieu of Con- cord was Clarkston, in compliance with the pe- tition. There was more building activity in this section of the state in November, 1899, than there had been in any other period of its his- tory. Population was increasing at the rate of a score a week. A correspondent of the Sentinel deemed it safe to estimate these im- provements for the year at $100,000 expended on buildings. December 30, 1899, the Asotin Sentinel said : "The growth of Vineland and its newly named town of Clarkston, continues to be a marvel to all visitors. Some 1,500 people, 300 to 400 residences and business buildings, orchards and vineyards, already be- ginning to bear the finest of fruits, graded and graveled streets, over a mile of plank side- walks, a $t 10,000 steel bridge — all these are the growth of less than four years' time." Early in 1900 the matter of incorporation was up for consideration, but intense opposi- tion to the scheme at that time caused the pro- moters to drop the matter, though it is claim- ed that the signatures of the sixty voters nec- essary for action by the county board could have been secured easily. Finally a petition was presented to the board of county commis- sioners asking for the incorporation of Clarks- ton as a city of the third class, and to include all of Vineland. As it is necessary that a place shall have a population of 1,500 to in- corporate as a third class city, the commis- sioners appointed F. E. Brown and W. T. Fansler to take a census of the place. There appears to have been considerable opposition to incorporation at this time, and no further official action was taken in the matter until later. At the opening of 1900 Vineland claimed a population of 1,500. December 29, 1900, the Asotin Sentinel said: ''The Vineland record for 1900 is worth reading. More than 20,000 fruit trees have been set this fall, and the local nurserymen could not fill all orders, many of which had to go over until spring* Over $100,000 has been put into building improvements, includ- ing something over $50,000 in new residences. There are now five schools in session under skilled instructors. Church organizations, having their own houses of worship in Vine- land, now include the Methodist, Christian, Presbyterian, and Adventists, and the Episco- palians are erecting an attractive structure in the Spanish style of architecture. Although Vineland, including Clarkston, is only four years old, it already has as much population as Lewiston had when its settlement began." In June, 1901, times had materially changed in Clarkston since the attempts to in- corporate in 1900, and in the summer of 1901 action was taken to bring about the incorpora- tion of the town. A meeting of the business men was held Monday, June 17th, when the matter was discussed freely. The issue hav- ing been gone into thoroughly it was decided to again petition the board of county commis- sioners to call an election for the purpose of deciding whether or not the town of Clarkston should be incorporated. The proposed boun- daries of the town included about a square mile of territory — only a part of Vineland. The population of the proposed incorporation was about 400. Accordingly the citizens asked to be incorporated as a town of the fourth HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. 689 class. The board acted favorably on the peti- tion and named Monday, July 29th, as the date for holding- the special election. To the peti- tion there were 71 signers. Just previous to the election it was desired to amend the lines of the proposed corporate limits, and the election called for July 29th, was permitted to go by default, so far as those favoring incorporation were concerned. A larger vote was cast than was anticipated, the total being 54, of which 38 were against in- corporation and 16 in favor. This error in the lines caused the electors favoring incorpor- ation to abstain from voting; a number who really favored incorporation voting against the present proposition. In October, 1901, the Clarkston postoffice showed an increase for the year of about 33 per cent., and for the quarter of approximate- ly 50 per cent. The Clarkston school district claimed an attendance of 333 ; every seat in the new school building was filled. The past twelve months had seen 85 buildings erected in Clarkston and Vineland. It was estimated that there were something over 2,000 people in the latter place. In April, 1902, a canvass of Vineland and Clarkston revealed a population of very nearly 2,000 residents. Public sentiment was strong- ly in favor of incorporation — of incorporating the whole of Vineland as a city of the third class. The following petition was addressed to the board of county commissioners : "To the Honorable, the Board of Commis- sioners for Asotin county, State of Washing- ton: We, the undersigned, qualified electors of said county, residing within the limits of the proposed incorporation and described as follows, to-wit: Such portion of sections 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 28, 29, 30, 32 and 33, township 11 north, and such portions of the north half of sections 4 and 5 in township 10 north, range 46 E. W., as lie east and north, that is below and including the right-of-way to the main canal of the Lewiston Water & Power 44 Company, being the territory or lands includ- ed and known as Vineland and Clarkston, in Asotin county, Washington. The number of inhabitants herein described as nearly as may be, are 1,700, and we, the said petitioners, pray that the same may be incorporated as a city of the third class to be known as the city of Clarkston, and hereby petition your honorable body to order an election for the above pur- pose as provided by statute. Dated at Clarks- ton, Washington, April 2, 1902." The special election was held Saturday,. May 24th, resulting in the defeat of this prop- osition by a vote of 109 to 90. Foiled in the plan to incorporate the whole of Vineland as a city of the third class, the citizens in the bus- iness portion of the territory again reverted to the scheme to incorporate within the one mile- square limit, and as a town of the fourth class. At once a petition was thrown into lively cir- culation ; over 70 names were secured asking the commissioners to again grant an election. It was set for August 2, 1902. There was- polled a moderate vote resulting as follows : For incorporation, 45 ; against incorpora- tion, 31. For Mayor — Alexander Robinson, 44; F. G. Morrison, 22. For Treasurer — L. S. Lahm, ^y ; J. P, Goetchius, 2j. The city council consisted of George S. Bailey, C. S. Whitford, A. S. Burnett, V. An- derson and S. J. Roberts and all were elected without opposition. The Clarkston town council met for the first time Friday, August 22d, and merely effected a temporary organization. On the 26th they reconvened ; the other officers elect-- ed were : William Porter, clerk ; Robert F. Klein, marshal; Elmer E. Halsey, city attor- ney. In 1902 the temperance question came to the front in a lively manner. To understand the full significance of this issue it should be known that previous to the incorporation of 690 HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. Clarkston a clause in all deeds to lands sold by the irrigation company stipulated that no li- quor should be sold on the property, and that, upon a violation of this clause the land should revert to the company. When liquor was sold the company assumed the position that it was then an incorporated town and the voters could decide for themselves whether or not they should have saloons. No land has ever been forfeited under the temperance clause in the deeds. Some of the citizens of Clarkston, however, circulated a petition addressed to the city council asking that no license be granted lo saloon keepers. To this the mayor and council replied in an open letter : "Clarkston, September 10, 1902. "To the Public : — With due regard to the petitioners of Vineland against granting sa- loon license, the council of Clarkston in grant- ing the same did so after a thorough canvass of the voters within the incorporated limits of the town. They are satisfied that if it was left to a vote that a large majority would vote for granting license. We find that some one who signed the petition ag'ainst granting license are willing to sign a petition for a license. A ma- jority of the people of Vineland refused to in- corporate the whole flat. Now that Clarkston has incorporated as a city of the fourth class, and a majority have elected their choice for councilmen, we feel that the council has a right to use its own judgment in the management of the same. Your recourse is the ballot box ; not the boycott. (Signed) : Alexander Robin-, son, Mayor; A. S. Burnett, George S. Bailey, V. Anderson, C. S. Whitford." The first municipal election in Clarkston was held in December, 1902. Considerable interest was manifested in the result. The question at issue was whether the old council should be endorsed or a new one substituted. Mayor Robinson and a majority of the old council were re-elected, Robinson winning over Goetchius by a vote of 57 to 42. There were 101 votes polled. For councilman Bailey received 58 votes ; Anderson, 58 ; Ramsey, 58 ; Halligus, 52 ; Whitford, 56. Defeated can- didates for the council received votes as fol- lows : Burnett, 47 ; Leech, 45 ; Conway, 43 ; Crouch, 41 ; Hepler, 40. For city treasurer, L. S. Lahm had no opposition. In 1902 Clarkston — Vineland made its first great advance step. The aggregate ex- penditures for homes reached the figure of $100,000; this sum scattered over the area em- bracing Clarkston and Vineland signified 100 homes built during the year, costing on an average $1,000 each. This year the Episcopal rectory, an elegant structure, was erected at a cost of about $3,500. It occupies a sitely lo- cation opposite the park and commands general attention. E. Bradford built a fine home on The Boulevard costing about $3,000. E. R. Windus' expenditures on his place for the year footed up close to $5,000, nearly all of which is represented in his elegant home. Mrs. Dor- othea Larson invested $2,000 in her new home. The Valley Lumber Company expended $2,- 000 in improvements. The expenditures of the Fair Association came to the same figure. N. C. Busby's residence cost $2,000. The Presbyterian manse touched close to $1,600. The Bank of Clarkston cost, when completed, $1,800. R. B. Crouch paid $2,500 for his store building. Among numerous others were the following: F. M. Hinkly, residence, $1,500; A. J. Garver, brick residence, $2,500; G. W. Crock- er, residence, $2,500 ; Captain H. E. Farns- worth, residence, $3,000; W. W. Herrick, res- idence, $2,400; T. J. Graham, home, $1,500; J. A. Lathrop, home, $2,000; C. B. Irwin, bus- iness block, $1,500; R. A. Langford, home, $1,500; Mrs. E. Dye, home, $1,500; Robert Klein, home, $r,200; A. Strand, home, $1,200; E. Curtis, home, $1,200; I. N. Cunningham, home, $1,200; Frank Caswell, home, $1,200; H. J. Husbey, home, $1,400; B. J. Roper, home, $1,000; E. Peters, home, $1,000; F. Wickes, cottage, $1,000; Mrs. Kroutinger, HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. 691 cottage, $1,000; J. Willison, brick store build- ing, $1,000; Oscar Olson, home, $1,000; J. Ol- son, home $1,000; William Herdt, cottage, $1,000; C. C. Olney, cottage, $1,000; J. W. Stephens, cottage, $1,000. During the year 1902 the population in- creased 25 per cent. ; railroad traffic, 34 per cent. ; use of telephone, 66 per cent. ; increase of postal receipts, 36 per cent. ; an increase of 20 per cent, of children of school age ; wheat crop, 30 per cent.; fruit crop, 25 per cent.; bank resources, 40 per cent. The assessed valuation of Vineland prop- erty for the year 1903, as taken by the county assessor, was: Personal property, $114,272; improvements, $41,380; money, $23,687. To- tal, $179,339- This is exclusive of real es- tate. The item of "money" alone showed the wonderful improvement in the finances of the country. The year previous, in the whole county, only $3,888 in money was assessed. October 16, 1903, the Clarkston Fruit Growers' Association practically closed its business for the season. Its books presented some interesting figures and furnished a finan- cial report most encouraging to the planters of Vineland. This was the association's first season ; the book showed shipments as follows : 100 boxes peaches; 800 boxes cherries; 2,000 crates strawberries; 1,200 crates blackberries, dewberries, etc. ; 400 crates plums and prunes ; 200 boxes cucumbers; 4 cars potatoes; 150 boxes beans; 200 crates cantaloupes; 100 crates watermelons; 400 boxes pears; 800 crates grapes. At the time this report was made the association was still shipping daily from 30 to 50 crates of nectarines, apricots, pears, tomatoes, pumpkins, and squashes. Among the prominent individual shippers were A. S. Butterfield, 2,800 boxes of peaches; Schissler, 1,700 boxes of peaches; Henrichs, 1,300 boxes. The largest shipper through the association of all varieties of fruits and vege- tables was E. R. Windus. The municipal election of December 8, 1903, resulted in the re-election of the old city government, with the exception of Mayor Rob- inson, who had died while filling the office. Those elected were: F. E. Brown, mayor; L. S. Lahm, treasurer; S. T. Ramsey, C. S. Whitford, A. S. Burnett, V. Anderson and A. J. Wood, councilmen. Today, in Vineland, land is worth from $600 per acre for unimproved to $1,500 per acre for improved land, and the young or- chards are not yet at the age of their best pro- duction. All of the immediate vicinity of Vineland is highly cultivated and improved. Elegant residences have been built; beautiful lawns and orchards adorn the entire tract ; it is one of the richest spots of land in the north- west, and susceptible of still higher production. In 1903 the total fruit crop from this small area amounted to 100 car loads. In 1904 a committee from the Commercial Association estimated that the fruit crop would amount to 230 cars, besides many tons reserved for borne consumption. This land is too valuable to be utilized for the growing of alfalfa and other feed crops. By averaging the returns made we find that Vineland soil will produce per acre : Lowest average Best average Strawberries $200 $400 Raspberries 225 500 Blackberries 175 300 Cherries 300 600 Peaches 450 500 Under date Lewiston, Idaho, December 7, 1904, the following was published: "County Recorder Lydon yesterday re- ceived from Sam PL Nichols, secretary of the state of Washington, a copy of the articles of incorporation of the Lewiston-Clarkston Com- pany. The company has a capitalization of $2,000,000, divided into $100 shares, and the board of trustees has power to increase the capitalization to $3,000,000. The Company owns the irrigated lands in Clarkston. 692 HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. "The trustees of the company, together with the amount of stock held by each, are: Grafton St. L. Abbott, Concord, Massachu- setts, 1,000 shares; Charles F. Adams, Lin- coln, Massachusetts, 2,000 shares; William H. Bowker, Concord, Massachusetts, 2,000 shares; George W. Bailey, Asotin, Washing- ton, 48 shares; E. H. Libby, Clarkston, Wash- ington, 2,486 shares ; Elbert Wheeler, Nashua, New Hampshire, 2,568 shares ; William Wheeler, Concord, Massachusetts, 2,496 shares ; E. H. Libby, as trustee, 7,392 shares." This is the company that has made Clark- ston. The field of religious work in Vineland is an active one. Nearly all denominations are represented, and the Presbyterians, Epis- copalians, Methodists, Christians and Chris- tian Adventists, have fine church buildings. Some of them, also, have fine parsonages. The Roman Catholics, also, have a large church nearing completion. Of the fraternal orders the following are represented, all of them being in a prosperous condition and growing rapidly : I. O. O. F. and its auxiliary, the Rebekahs; Modern Woodmen and Royal Neighbors ; Woodmen of the World and Woman's Circle; the Ar- tisans, Masons, and John M. Palmer post, G. A. R. Vineland's first lodge was the W. O. W., Concord Lodge, organized April 23, 1898, with a membership of 20. The officers were : J. M. Justus, C. C. ; Professor R. A. Lang- ford, A. L. ; Charles L. Swain, clerk ; Henry Janes, banker ; C. C. Greg, escort ; L. C. Harris, watchman ; William Jamison, sentry. C. C. Chaffee, G. N. Davis and A. L. Rain- water, managers. ANATONE. This town is situated about eighteen miles south of Asotin, on the Asotin-Wallowa coun- ty road. It lies in the heart of a fine farming and stock-raising country, where crops of every farm product native to the temperate zone may be grown without irrigation. It is the third town in size in the county. It is an excellent trading point, not only supplying the farming country surrounding it, but also furnishing a large amount of supplies to the Snake river and Imnaha mining districts. At the present time the following lines of business are repre- sented : Two large general mercantile stores, one hotel, one restaurant, two saw mills, two blacksmith shops, one livery stable, one drug store, one butcher shop and a barber shop. Possessing a delightful summer climate, Ana- tone is converted into a summer resort during the warm weather by many people from the valley towns of Asotin, Clarkston and Lewis- ton. It lies in the border of the woods that fringe the Blue Mountains. During the day- time Anatone has a valley, in the night a moun- tain climate. No well directed effort has ever been made to convert Anatone into a town. All the businesses have been inaugurated from a sense of real need. The country around it is, therefore, ahead of the town and may, pos- sibly, pull it to the front. Besides having a daily stage service from Asotin, there is a mail route from this point to Zindel and Bly in. Asotin county; also to Hansen Ferry, and an- other route to points in Wallowa county, Ore- gon. The place first came into existence about twenty-five years ago and was the second, or first permanent, trading point established in Asotin county. At that period the "town" con- sisted of a small log house, which served as. dwelling, store and postoffice. Mail was car- ried on horseback from Lewiston, Idaho, three times a week. The first "business house" in Anatone — and the first in the county except Smith's, at the mouth of the Alpowa — was established early in 1878. A man named Daniel Mclvor, who had taken a claim in the Anatone country, had put up a cabin and opened a "store." This primitive emporium carried only a few of the HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. 693 necessities of life ; an invoice showing- that the principal stock in trade consisted of a keg of whiskey and a butt of tobacco. At that per- iod there were not over 25 or 30 families in the country, and this "store" made their trips to Lewiston less frequent. In June of the same year Charles Isecke purchased Mr. Mc- Ivor-'s total interests, consisting of the "store," horses, wagons, etc., for $800. Included in the bill of sale was transportation for Mr. Mc- Ivor, wife and daughter, to Walla Walla. A postomce was established the same year — the first in the county. November 9, 1901, the Asotin Sentinel published the following: "During the past week the first store ever built in Asotin county (should be the second one), has been torn down and the logs from the ancient landmark have been moved to Aso- tin by W. J. Clemans, and used in constructing a large corral in his big pasture west of town. This old log store building was built at Ana- tone in 1878 by a man named Mclvor, but be- fore it was fully completed it was purchased by Charles Isecke, who finished the building and used it for more than two years for mer- cantile purposes. His business grew so rap- idly that it soon became necessary to build a larger structure for store purposes, and since moving the merchandise from it, it was used for a number of years as a warehouse. For a long period it has been the property of W. J. Clemans, and not having any further use for it he has torn it down, as stated, and converted it into a corral." Thus we see that Charles Isecke began bus- iness at Anatone in June, 1878. Soon after this he was appointed postmaster. Anatone is therefore the oldest trading point in the county. It was sparsely settled at the time of Mr. Isecke's arrival. He did his own freight- ing, bringing his goods from Dayton, a dis- tance of nearly eighty miles. Five years later immigration began pouring into this section. To supply the demand Mr. Isecke erected a larger building, subsequently twice enlarged during the few succeeding years. The ori- ginal small stock of goods was increased along the lines of general merchandise. In 1889 he disposed of his business interests in Anatone, after eleven years' residence, to W. J. Clemans. There appears to be good reason for be- lieving that Anatone is an Indian word ; and it may have been, as has been suggested, the name of a Nez Perce squaw. No less an "au- thority than Robert Bracken says that prior to 1877 what is now known as Ten Mile creek was called Anatone creek, and among the In- dians the stream is yet known by that name. Mr. Isecke is positive that Anatone takes its name from a squaw who lived in the vicinity of where the little town now stands. How- ever, there is another version, for which we are by no means prepared to vouch. Mr. J. C. Packwood, who came to the Asotin Flat coun- try in September, 1877, and who has since made his home on the flat gives us the follow- ing in regard to the naming of the place. When the store had been established there and it was proposed to have a postoffice, a public meet- ing- of the settlers was held to select a suitable name. Most of the ranchers were present. Someone suggested the name "Smithville," in honor of an elderly settler named Smith, but the name did not awaken the wildest enthus- iasm, and was not altogether satisfactory. The name Anatone was proposed by John Dill, one of the early pioneers who had considerable influence and standing among his neighbors. Mr. Dill was an Irishman and spoke with a brogue. It has been said that- when replying" to a call to suggest a name for the frontier town he had arisen and said that "Any town" would suit him, and that the place was im- mediately christened Anatone. This, Mr. Packwood states, was not the fact, however, but that the name Anatone, a city in Greece, was suggested by Mr. Dill and it was forth- with accepted. It is not clear, however, that there is a city named Anatone in Greece, at least it is not placed on any of the Century 694 HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. Atlases, and the preponderance of evidence is in favor of the theory of Mr. Bracken. In the earlier days Anatone was the trading point for the Montgomery and Weissenfels ridges ; the Grande Ronde country and, also, the country adjacent on the west, and a good portion of the Lake district. To the west and south was a vast stretch of valuable timber land, and to the southwest an excellent agricul- tural district. In the spring of 1884 we find that Anatone consisted of a dwelling house and store combined, the property of Charles Isecke. Here he supplied the wants of the hungry traveler and his neighbors with the necessities of life, from a needle to a pitch- fork and from a silk dress pattern to hardware. Seldom has an early trading point failed to develop into a town of some importance. Yet, lor some unexplained cause Anatone has re- mained stationary. In 1888 a blacksmith shop conducted by Frank Taplin, and Isecke's store comprised the bulk of the business of the place. In March, 1893, Mr. Clemans was making ar- rangements to lay out and plat a townsite. It was the opinion of the Sentinel that "Anatone is situated sufficiently far away from Asotin, the principal town of the county, to insure for it a. good growth and a prosperity which will redound to the good of its immediate sur- roundings." In December, 1894, Anatone had a first-class outfitting store, a feed mill and a blacksmith shop. Thursday night, April 30th, 1896, Anatone was visited by a destructive fire, and it was certain she had far too little to lose much. The general store of W. J. Clemans, his dwelling and warehouse, with all the contents were con- sumed by flames, entailing a loss of nearly $7,000. The store building was 42 feet long, with a hall overhead, and was stocked with a general assortment of goods generally found in a well-established country store. The resi- dence portion was "L" shaped and attached to the rear of the store. For a period of anx- ious uncertainty the large barn and cattle sheds across the road were in imminent dan- ger. The family and two employees were nearly suffocated by heat and smoke, barely escaping with their lives. The stock and building were fully insured. January 26, 1901, the townsite of Anatone was platted by W. J. Clemans, Edith M. Cle- mans, Pauline Bradley and James A. Brad- ley. The new townsite comprised four blocks. At the present writing it is a small village containing about 100 people. Hope Lodge, No. 30, I. O. O. F., was or- ganized at Anatone in April, 1884 — the first secret society organization in Asotin county. H. E. Benedict was N. G., and Charles Isecke was recording secretary. The lodge is still in existence. Zenith Rebekah Lodge, No. 73, was instituted April 26, 1895, with a mem- bership of 23. The first officers were: Misses Grace Toops, N. G., Lillian Clemans, R. S. ; Pearl Toops, F. S. ; Hattie Barnes, conductor ; Mesdames May Clemans, V. G. ; Ida Sangster, treasurer; S. Whiton, chaplain; Messrs. J. L. Chapman, R. S. N. G. ; Robert Sangster, L. S. N. G. ; A. L. Toops, R. S. V. G. ; H. A. Whit- on, L. S. V. G.; Kenneth Mcintosh, O. G. ; E. W. Lane, I. G. ; W. J. Clemans, P. G. Anatone Camp, No. 424, Woodmen of the World, was instituted March 1, 1898, with 28 members. The first officers were : John B. Bell, C. C. ; W. T. Farrish, A. L. ; Chris Hal- verson, clerk; George Garrison, banker; Char- les Whiton, escort; Martin Zindell, watchman; J. E. Millsaps, sentry ; Robert Sangster, H. A. Whiton and G. E. Farnham, managers. A lodge of the Modern Woodmen of America was instituted April 21, 1898, with 25 members. The first officers were: E. H. Warren, V. C. ; W. T. Farrish, W. A. ; J. N. Boggan, banker ; Berry Clemans, clerk ; F. H. Benson, E. ; J. W. Jones, W. ; H. L. McMil- lan, S. ; George Appleford, A. Drumm and James Ross, manager ; Joseph Bilyeu, C. F. ; L. Woodruff, physician. Evergreen Lodge, Royal Neighbors, was HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. 695 organized February 23, 1899, with 21 charter members. The officers were: Mesdames E. H. Warren, oracle; Hallie B. Robison, re- corder; J. M. Ross, receiver; Letitia Jones, chancellor; Abner Drumm, outer sentinel; Elmer Luce, inner sentinel ; Misses Lou For- gey, vice oracle; Jessie Clift, marshal; A. Drumm, manager. THEON. This at present is simply a postoffice on the Asotin-Anatone stage line, fourteen miles south of Asotin. Here is the store of James M. Benson, who is also postmaster. There are a blacksmith shop, a good school and a church about a mile and a half distant. Yet in earlier days Theon was a rival of Asotin and aspired, through D. T. Welch, its proprietor, to become the county seat. Theon derives its name from .its founder, Daniel Theon Welch. In June, 1880, he opened a store here. In 1882 there were in Theon, aside from the proprietor, only David West, since deceased, and his family. Mr. West was appointed postmaster in Sep- tember, 1880. The first heard of Theon in print was on July 17, 1880, when a corre- spondent of the Columbia Chronicle, of Day- ton, gave notice as follows that there was such a place : "Seventy-eight male citizens above the age of 21 years have petitioned for a postoffice at this place, where they will all receive their mail when it is established. The good people of Theon celebrated on the fifth of July by a meeting in the daytime, with music, speeches and a dinner, and a grand ball in the evening, attended by about 120 persons. They had a royal time, all enjoying themselves hugely." In the fall of 1883 we find the following business houses of Theon represented in the advertising columns of the Asotin Spirit : D. T. Welch, notary public and general merchan- dise dealer; M. I. West, dealer in queensware, tinware, glassware and hardware ; F. E. Scott, dealer in whiskies, wines, cigars, oysters, can- dies, medicines and toilet articles. March 15, 1884, the Asotin Spirit said: "We are informed that the town of Theon has been laid out, consisting of twelve blocks, streets 60 by 80 feet wide, and that Mr. Welch intends adopting a very liberal policy, as one-half of the lots are to be given away for the improving. Two whole blocks are re- served for the use of the county and county buildings. The chances are that Theon will prove a formidable rival to Asotin City in the county seat contest this fall." The town of Theon was platted May 15, 1884, by D. T. Welch. The failure of Theon to secure the county seat, a story of which contest will be found in the county history, was exceedingly disas- trous to the prospects of the little struggling town. What Theon might have achieved had it been given this honor, can be only con- jectured. Having lost the contest the town came to a standstill, but it was not destined to_ be effaced from the map. The Asotin Sentinel said, January 29, 1896: "Fifteen miles from Asotin, in a south- westerly direction, is the village of Theon. A store, blacksmith shop, feed stable, boarding house and several private residences comprise the town. It has, also, its house of worship where once a month the people from the sur- rounding country assemble to listen to the kindly words of the pastor. The townsite of 40 acres which was surveyed into town lots by D. T. Welch, is favorably situated on a broad and level plain, surrounded by a productive farming country. Theon is also the distribut- ing point for all mail en route to Lake and Peola. The Good Templars have a lodge here with a membership of 40." Theon at this time consists of a postoffice and a small store, both conducted by J. M. Benson, and a blacksmith shop by T. Howell. The postoffice was discontinued in December, 1892, the assigned reason being that the office 696 HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. was not sufficiently patronized. But in 1899 a lengthy petition was presented to the depart- ment at Washington asking for the re-estab- lishment of the office. Over seventy signa- tures were attached. This re-establishment was effected in July, 1899, and the same year the store was reopened, which had been dis- continued during the "hard times." CLOVERLAND. In Central Asotin county, in the middle 8o's, a few settlers selected homes. To ac- commodate them, in 1886, a postoffice was es- tablished named Lake. J. D. Williams was postmaster. It continued in existence until November, 1888, when it was discontinued. It was re-established in 1892 and continued to supply the people of what is now known as the Cloverland country until 1904. Now, in what was then known as the Lake country, is a fine irrigated tract — Cloverland — and a little town is springing up in what was in the early days considered one of the poorest sections of Asotin county. Cloverland is about twelve miles from Asotin ; has an al- titude of about 1,500 to 1,600 feet, and is es- pecially adapted to the raising of the very high- est quality of fruit — particularly apples, cher- ries, pears and prunes, in fact the land is adapted to all kinds of fruits, vegetables and grasses, with the exception of the extremely early and more tender varieties. Cloverland was platted March 11, 1902, by the Asotin Land & Irrigation Company, by George H. Kester, president, and Jackson O'Keefe, secretary. Since then the company has platted a number of additions. January 3, 1903, the Asotin Sentinel said : "Not quite a year ago the townsite and tract of fruit land known as Cloverland, was put on the market. The opening price of the land was $30 per acre, and sales were made rapidly ; later the price of lots was advanced to $40 per acre, and at the present time there have been between 600 and 700 acres disposed of. Of this amount about half of it has already been impoved and planted to apple orchards, and something like twenty houses have gone up, with one store and hall and a splendid school house in addition." The price of land has since been advanced to $45 and $50 per acre. In January, 1904, the postoffice at Lake was again discontinued. It was only a short distance from the Clover- land office, which is on the main traveled road and far more accessible. Nearly all the busi- ness of that section was done through the Clov- erland office and the discontinuance of the Lake office caused but little inconvenience. Aside from numerous residences erected in the fall of 1902 and spring of 1903, Cloverland had a good general store, postoffice, black- smith shop and a most substantial school building. At present there is great activity in the vicinity and all enterprises indicate con- siderable future advancement. Where this thriving settlement now is, before the irriga- tion scheme was in successful operation, there was nothing but a barren country. Now thou- sands of acres have been fenced in and put under cultivation, and several hundred acres are planted to apple orchards. SILCOTT. This is a country postoffice just within the boundary lines of Asotin county, on Snake river, near the mouth of the Alpowa. In earlier days, Silcott was quite a flourishing little village. The Silcott of today is a coun- try postoffice and store conducted by Clif. M. Wilson. It has a daily mail and stage, being the eastern terminus of a route between that point and Pomeroy. The postoffice has re- cently been re-established, and was among the first postoffices in Asotin county. In the early days Silcott, named in honor of John Silcott, a pioneer settler, was more than a country postoffice, and the name was, also, HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. 697 that of a flourishing little village located on the historic ground at the mouth of Alpowa ■creek. Here it was that the Indian chief, Red Wolf, lived and planted the first orchard in the Territory of Washington. This was in 1837. Here too, it was, that the Indian chief, Timothy, the white man's friend, lived and rendered such valuable aid to the United States troops under Colonel Steptoe in 1858; and here it was that the first trading post in the county was established, in 1861, by Sam Smith. It was also, here in 1882, during the •county seat fight in Garfield county, that an effort was made to found a town — Alpowa City — to become an aspirant for county seat distinction. E. D. Miner came to the place and laid oue a townsite for W. S. Newland. But the filing of the plat was the nearest ap- proach made toward the desired end. In 1885 several houses, the general mer- chandise store of R. P. Reynolds, flouring mill, saloon and a warehouse with a capacity of 100,000 bushels, comprised the town of Silcott. During this season (1885) over .35.000 bushels of wheat were" shipped from Silcott. Here, also, was White's ferry. It was a station for the stages plying between Lewiston and Pomeroy. One-half mile north from here, down Snake river, was the flour- ing mill and warehouse of Woodworth & White. Near the store was a tract of forty acres platted into town lots and owned by W. S. Newland, of Pomeroy. The townsite was Alpowa City. In front of the store, and on the opposite side of the road was a tract of 160 acres, claimed by Chief Timothy. On sev- eral occasions he had been offered a snug sum for this site, but under the United States In- dian laws Timothy could not obtain title to the land until the expiration of 25 years from the date of settlement.. This, of course, prevented him disposing of the property. Adjoining the ranch of Timothy was a fine garden spot containing a neat cottage which belonged to Mr. Woodworth, one of the partners inter- ested in the flouring mill. This mill was a two and one-half story frame structure, and was outfitted with the most improved pattern of machinery. This mill was operated by water power, which was obtained from Al- powa creek through a flume three-fourths of a mile in length. Originally Silcott was known as Alpowa City. The plat of this latter place was filed for record' April 10, 1882, by William S. New- land and Sarah C. Newland, his wife. The townsite consisted of twenty blocks. In 1885 Alpowa City became Silcott and such it has since remained. In 1886 the postmaster at Silcott was Seth Reynolds. Wednesday evening, July 7, 1886, the flouring mill of Woodworth & White, at Sil- cott, together with all the machinery was to- tally consumed by fire. The flames were dis- covered about 9 o'clock by some of the inhabi- tants of the place; but already they had gained such headway that it was impossible to remove anything from the doomed building. Then the citizens turned their attention toward the tenement house near by, which was with great difficulty saved from destruction. The build- ing and machinery were valued at $20,000, on which there was only a light insurance. The origin of this fire remained unknown. During the late 8o's Silcott, practically, passed out of existence. But it is again en- titled to a place on the map on account of the postoffice of that name. ROGERSBURG. In 1904 the Lewiston Morning Tribune said : "Plats of the new town of Rogersburg have been filed with the auditor of Asotin county. It is located: at the junction of the Grande Ronde and Snake rivers, where a fine townsite has been secured and surveyed. The proprietor of the new town is G. A. Rogers, of Asotin, who, in company with his brother, has 698 HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. large mining and landed interests in that sec- tion. It is reported that a number of lots in Rogersburg have been sold, and that a store and hotel will be put up and conducted there this year. The mouth of the Grande Ronde has long been looked upon as one of the best locations for a trading point in the Snake and Clearwater valleys. The building and opera- tion of the Mountain Gem by the Lewiston Navigation Company is regarded as chiefly instrumental in opening up this section." OTHER PLACES. Bly is a country postoffice in the extreme southeastern part of the county, about 32 miles due south of Asotin. The postoffice is named in honor of its postmaster, Joseph Bly. Craige is, also, a country postoffice in the southeastern part of the county near Snake river. It is 20 miles south of Asotin. Clare Lathrop is postmaster. Dodd comprises a postoffice and boat land- ing on Snake river, 12 miles above Asotin. There are two warehouses at the landing. A. M. Martin is postmaster. The office was es- tablished in the summer of 1898. Hansen Ferry is a postoffice at the ferry of that name, across the Grande Ronde river, 32 miles southwest of Asotin. Zindell, another country postoffice, is near the mouth of the Grande Ronde river, 20 miles south of Asotin. M. W. Zindell is postmaster. CHAPTER IV DESCRIPTIVE. The area of Asotin county, as given by the report of the State Bureau of Statistics, is 640 square miles. It is the smallest political divis- ion in Eastern Washington ; in the entire state there are only four smaller: Island, Kitsap, San Juan and Wahkiakum. Asotin county's greatest length from north to south is 28 miles ; from east to west 22 1-2 miles. It is about one-half the size of the state of Rhode Island. Its southern line is joined by Wallowa county in Oregon, and its eastern borders join Nez Perce county, Idaho, with the great and mighty Snake river, having its source in the Yellow- stone National Park, flowing directly between, thus forming the dividing line. In reaching the northeastern corner of the county the Snake is joined by the Clearwater river, and changes its course in an almost westerly direction, and thereby forms the dividing line on the north be- tween Whitman and Asotin counties. The general topography of the county is level ; but in the southern portion a spur of the Blue Mountains furnishes an abundance of timber. The county is divided by Asotin creek which, together with Snake river, forming the eastern boundary, provides an abundance of water for the purposes of irrigation. The lands may be classified as follows : farm, graz- ing, fruit, timber and mineral lands. The topography of the county may be aptly com- pared to half of a wagon wheel — the numerous ridges forming the spokes ; the town of Asotin the hub. Therefore, while Asotin is on the ex- treme edge of the county, it becomes, practical- ly, the center. The ridges, although narrow at the junction, widen out and incline gradually for a distance of 20 miles — to the timber belt — at which point they average 15 miles wide, of level, fertile land, divided by canyons through which course sparkling trout streams. HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. 699 The county is divided by Grande Ronde river, and by Alpowa, Asotin, George and Ten Mile creeks, into three distinct sections. First : The valleys of these streams, with their numer- ous tributaries, which are narrow. Second; The flats, or plateaus, extending from the sum- mits of these hills along Snake river, at an ele- vation of about 1,000 to 1,500 feet, back a dis- tance of nearly twenty miles to the timber dis- tricts at the base of the Blue Mountains. Third : The Blue Mountain spur extending across the southern portion of the county. The spaces between the canyons are level land suitable for agricultural purposes; there is no sage brush in this locality. Extending back from Snake river for a dis- tance of 15 to 20 miles the general topography of the county is a broad prairie, with the ex- ception of the country bordering the mountain streams which is considerably broken, and forming what is termed "ridges," which have a width of one or two miles and in length in some instances exceeding ten miles. The hillsides bordering the streams, like the prairie land, in the country's native state were covered with bunch grass affording abundance of pasturage for horses and cattle. The slopes and valleys from the very earliest knowledge of the coun- try were famous as the best grazing lands and they also afforded excellent protection to stock during the winter season. Now the greater portion of the lands is devoted to agricultural pursuits, although stock-raising is still one of the industries of the county, and a prominent one. Farms, meadows, orchards and gardens, embraced within a range of altitude from 700 to 4,000 feet above sea level, are cultivated by the people of the county. The varying alti- tudes afford a varying harvest time ; from May until November. Natural grasses afford a rotation of crops for even the herds upon the ranges. The wandering cattle may feed upon the first growth of succulent bunch grass in January ; then follow the changing season to different altitudes, continuing to find new green grass on the slopes and in 'the glades un- til December. And so with cultivated crops; the first harvest of fruit begins in May ; straw- berries, for example, may be gathered in moun- tain slopes in August. This condition holds good with other crops ; not only are the seasons of their prime qualities prolonged, but the range of varieties is increased by these varying conditions of climate. A more minute examination of the topog- raphy of Asotin county shows that everywhere the incline toward the Snake river is sharp, and the descent rapid. All of the tributaries of this stream have falls of from 25 to 100 feet to the mile. There is no stagnant water; no malaria. As a whole the county is exception- ally well watered, as there are about a dozen distinct and well-defined creeks having their heads in the Blue Mountains, a spur of which penetrates the southwestern portion of the county. These streams are fed by the mountain snows which do not pass away until the early summer, and thousands of cool, refreshing springs, thus insuring an abundance of water for stock and domestic purposes. Right here it may not be out. of place to state that these mountain streams all abound in trout. The Grande Ronde is the only stream in the county worthy of the distinction of the name of "river." Amid the lofty peaks of the Blue Mountains it rises ; follows a tortuous, tu- multuous course of 150 miles in a general north easterly direction, and tumbles into the Snake river a few miles north of the southern line of the county. Flowing with great velocity, and over a rocky channel, navigation is of course, impossible, although small boats have been tak- en up the stream a considerable distance. The Wallowa, Menatchie and Joseph creeks are the principal tributaries. The first named is wholly in Oregon. The Menatchie and Joseph creek, debouche into the Grande Ronde within the limits of Asotin county. By the French trap- pers of the Hudson's Bay Company the Grande 700 HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. Ronde was named, although Washington Irv- ing's "Bonneville" gives the name as "Way- lee-way", at the time of Captain Bonneville's visit in 1834. Mill, Kowsh and Ten Mile creeks are small and frequently dry during the summer months. They trend in a northeasterly direction through deep, continuous gorges, to Snake river. Mill Creek enters Ten Mile ten miles above the mouth of the stream ; Ten Mile enters Snake river five miles above Aso- tin and Kowsh twelve miles above Asotin. The Nez Perce Indians named Kowsh creek. This was because of the abundance of "bread root," known as kowsh, which grew along its banks, frequently this is corrupted by Cowse or Cow by the settlers. It is not unlikely that before many years this stream will be known as Cow creek ; it is now generally recognized by the maps and settlers as Couse creek. Mill creek, the furth- est to the south, was so named because Starr & Atwood built on its banks a saw mill in the winter of 1862-3. It was the first mill erected within the limits of what later became Asotin county. As stated in the County History of this work, Ten Mile was known to the In- dians as Anatone creek. It was named Ten Mile subsequently to settlement of the county by the whites. The largest, most rapid creek in the county is the Asotin. In the Blue Mountains it has its course and trends in a generally easterly di- rection, reaching Snake river at Asotin, having danced over a distance of forty miles. From 'its source to its mouth it is a superior water power. Steep are its banks and terraced, ac- cessible to wagons at only a few points. A na- tural barrier is formed by the entire canyon between the country to the south, and the rest of the county. The south fork and George creek, are its only tributaries of importance. George creek joins it about three miles from its mouth, and is christened from the given name of its earliest settler, George Penny. The south fork enters the stream about 15 miles above Asotin. For a distance of fifteen miles Asotin creek courses its way through what is called a canyon, which varies in width from 200 to 500 feet. There is a stretch of country about four miles wide and sixteen in length lying two miles south of Asotin. It is known as Asotin prairie. This strip lies between George and Ten Mile creeks ; on either side of these streams are broad and fertile reaches of country, sepa- rated from the main prairie by the canyons through which flow George and Ten Mile creeks. The first to be settled in Asotin coun- ty was this country, by those desiring to make permanent homes ; the pioneers coming so early as 1875-6. To win his way to this well known and productive section the traveler, on leaving Asotin, will follow a zig-zag road up a hill- side until the plateau above is gained. From this coign of vantage his vision will embrace the broad expanse of country in every direction, outlined by the Blue Moutains on one side of the river ; on the other by the shaggy, snow-cap- ped peaks of the Salmon river range. He will gaze on Snake river winding its sinuous way onward — like the reptile it personifies — until lost to view in the high, precipitous bluff's; he will see at the foot of the plateau the bustling village of Asotin, and six miles down the river Vineland and Lewiston, all combining to form a grand and picturesque scene — a panoramic display first-hand from the wonderful art stores of Dame Nature, the effect somewhat height- ened by the artificial contributions of man in the shape of city and village. Cloverland is the pretty, suggestive name given to a splendid, newly irrigated tract of land in Asotin county. It is about twelve miles from Asotin and includes three thousand acres of the best land in the northwest. This prop- erty was platted and put on the market in ten and twenty-acre orchard home parcels or lots; since then nearly a thousand acres have been disposed of to people who appreciate the value of land that can be irrigated. The soil of Gov- HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. 701 eiiand is a dark loam deposited upon a sub- soil of clay. This loam is from three to six feet in depth, and holds today the humus mat- ter of centuries that has been deposited by an- nual crops of grass that were left to rot and build this soil fold by fold. The impervious subsoil has held this element of fertility, as it holds the artificial and natural water supply. The elevation of from 1,500 feet to 1,800 feet, as it is on the slope from the river to the moun- tain, which reaches 5,000 feet in a distance of twenty miles, influences the climate of Clover- land very advantageously. The Asotin Land & Irrigation Company own the riparian rights of George creek, a beautiful mountain stream that is fed by melting snow till late in the summer and by perpetual springs all the year round. Perhaps the brightest promise for the maxi- mum income from an orchard garden home in Cloverland is the winter apple. It has been dis- covered that one of the best winter apples in the world can be grown on the bench lands of the district of Cloverland. A combination of color, flavor and keeping qualities has been dem- onstrated to obtain in the product of this dis- tinct fruit belt. It has been acknowledged that only irrigation was necessary to produce the perfect winter apple at the elevation of from 1,500 to 2,000 feet along the bluffs of the Snake river,' or its tributaries, in the vicinity of Lew- iston, Idaho, or Asotin, Washington. Grouse is a postoffice located in the north- eastern part of Oregon, just a quarter of a mile from the Washington state line. But there is, also, a tract known as the Grouse country with- in the limits of Asotin county. It is the garden spot of quite a large, and exceedingly produc- tive area. On the north and northwest it is surrounded by the Blue Mountains ; on the east and northeast by the Menatchie canyon, and on the southeast by the Grande Ronde river There is no valley of importance that is, or could be better situated than the section known as the Grouse Flats. From an agricultural view point, the day will never be when the farmers will have to resort to irrigation as a means of production. Wheat, rye, oats and barley grow in great profusion throughout this entire section. Timothy, blue grass, brome grass, clover, orchard grass, millet, buckwheat and the like yield abundantly. Indian corn, Kaffir corn and sugar corn are sure crops here at all times. Strawberries, raspberries, goose- berries, blackberries, dewberries, huckleberries, and berries of all kinds have proven to do ex- ceptionally well at all times. The facilities for stock raising are all that could be desired in any country. In every sense of the word it is a. natural stock country. The Montgomery and Weissenfels "ridges" are contiguous ; in every respect similar and ca- pable of producing the same character of di- versified crops. By some the claim has been strenuously urged that the Montgomery ridge is, in the nature of its soil, the richest portion of Asotin county. But whether this be true or not the fact remains that all owners of Aso- tin county soil appear fully satisfied with their possessions. Both Montgomery and Weissen- fels ridges are considerably smaller than the section known as the Asotin-Anatone Flat. But annually they materially assist in swelling the total output of the county. What is true of this section is likewise true of the Theon country, only three miles from Anatone, and comprising a portion of the same plateau. In this portion of the country reside many of the county's largest and wealthiest farmers, their ranches directly tributary to Theon. The Hansen Ferry country, and other sections known as Bly and Zindel, are almost exclusively devoted to the raising of stock. Here fruit, reaches perfection ; the people easily supply the largest demand. No county can grow finer grain or timothy, yet, owing to the- . distance from market little of the grain is threshed ; nearly all of it is converted into feed for cattle and hogs. On quite an extensive- scale is the stock business carried in this locali- ty, and it is increasing yearly. Aside from each* 7Q2 HISTORY OF ASOTIN .COUNTY. person's individual possessions there is a large area of government land available for grazing purposes. The portions of the county named "Peola" and "Lewiston Flat" are quite similar to that of Cloverland so far as qualities of soil are con- cerned. Much of the Peola country is rough, rugged and hilly, presenting an irregular sur- face, although there is a considerable area of excellent farming land which with practical cultivation will produce fifty bushels of barley and thirty bushels of wheat to the acre. Al- though the growing season is too brief for the cultivation of corn, except on the bottom lands along the creeks, fruit and vegetables do fairly well. Like the rest of the county the Peola sec- tion is well watered. So far no drilling has been done; fifty feet is the greatest depth that any one has had to dig for water. The climate of the valleys of Asotin coun- ty and that of the uplands, or plateaus, is quite dissimilar. In the valleys the winters are no- tably mild with but little snow and only an oc- casional cold day, the temperature seldom fall- ing below zero. Than in these valleys a more delightful climate from October to July can- not be found. It is quite warm and dry dur- ing a short period in the summer. The uplands and mountain districts are visited by heavier snow storms, and the atmosphere is consider- ably cooler, similar to the climate of Missouri. Here the entire summer season is cool and agreeable affording within an hour's drive a perfect retreat from the oppressive heat at times prevailing in the valleys. The mean annual temperature of the county is about 50 degrees ; the rainfall from 14 to 24 inches. The precipita- tion is in the form of gentle showers and they generally come when particularly desirable. As a whole the climate of Asotin county, owing to its local geographical features and lesser alti- tude, is much warmer in winter than that of the more northerly neighboring counties. D. T. Welch, one of the pioneers of the county, pays this tribute to the climate of his town, Asotin : I "After a residence of over 40 years on the Pacific coast, 15 years of which were passed in California, and being well acquainted with the climate from near Los Angeles, California, to Puget Sound, I pronounce the climate of Asotin the best I have ever known." May 7, 1886, the Asotin Sentinel published the following : "Our winters are of short duration and not as severe as those of the middle and eastern states. The mercury seldom drops below zero. The fall of snow generally begins the latter part of December, but seldom covers the ground to any considerable depth, nor for any length of time before it fast melts away before the warm chinook winds which frequently take off the snow in a single night. Spring is early and its warm showers frequent. Last February our farmers were busy plowing and putting in grain." In 1903 the Sentinel said : "When one is asked as to the time of year, when the little city of Asotin is to be seen at its best, it is invariably found necessary to enumerate several phases of picturesque Asotin life, varying as they do with the changing sea- sons. An answer also depends much upon taste of the questioner, if the desire be to please the taste of the interrogated party if merely a per- sonal opinion is requested. To the man from the frigid regions of North Dakota, our winter months would probably offer the greatest charm. Here he could find a climate combin- ing the best features of the invigorating article of his own state, with the much vaunted mild- ness of California, for we have neither of the extremes Here may be found just frost enough to keep active within him the snap and energy which characterizes him from the man from the south. On the other hand our short winters are of such a degree of mildness as to furnish a pleasing and comfortable contrast to those of the east, to say nothing of its beneficial qual- ities, if the new comer be troubled with pulmon- ary or kindred ailments. If the questioner be HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. 703 a man from the south, where the monotony of perpetual sunshine carries with it the redeeming features of perpetual green fields and flowers, he would undoubtedly be told to come here dur- ing the latter part of March or, early April, climb the Anatone hill south of town and be- hold the flower beds of blossoms waving in bil- lows of intermingling colors at his feet. Here he would find a greater beauty than has inspired many a poet in his own native land, and health- fulness of which they have said so little. "To the stranger, no matter from what state or county, our, late spring and summer months possess many advantages not found elsewhere. As naturally, apparently, as for the night to follow day, does our cool and refreshing tem- perature follow the setting of the sun, insur- ing restful, invigorating sleep. Added to this happy state we have a variety of fruits and ber- ries such as few climates can boast of. Our close proximity to the mountains affords a grand opportunity for an outing, or fishing, hunting or berrying — these being not among the least of its enjoyments. That refrain, "The melancholy days have come," has no applica- tion to our autumn months. Warm sunshine, with an occasional shower and green fields, are not conducive to melancholia. And so we could go on in setting forth the glories of a climate in the lower altitudes of this section of the inland west. "So much has been said in praise of Asotin county's climate, mild and equitable, that the stranger, should he happen to be an eastern man would naturally suppose that such a thing as cold weather in any part of our county is un- known. Or to tell him that within a radius of twenty miles we could suit the most fastidious crank from Jamaica to Scotland, would be to call forth from our listener a look of incredul- ous scorn. Yet truth must out no matter what the risk may be. Here in the town of Asotin, or in and around Clarkston one may work out doors in winter in his shirt sleeves while around the thriving little business town of Anatone one might enjoy a sleigh ride any day in the winter months. It is this diversity of climate that gives us such a diversity of products. The fin- est of cereals from our higher altitudes, the fin- est of fruits from the lower ones, plenty of tim- ber for fuel and lumber from the more moun- tainous localities and undeveloped minerals in our hills, give us a range of products that few counties can boast of. What more could one want?" To the sportsman Asotin county affords un- limited opportunities for enjoyment. The streams abound in trout and salmon. The broad and level prairie is the feeding ground for flocks of prairie chickens; grouse and pheasants are found in the timbered sections. In the early clays of the county's history the mountains in the southern part was the habitat of deer, elk, mountain sheep and the different spec ; es of bear. And at present they are far from being exterminated. The creeks and rivers are feed- ing places in the summer months for large flocks of geese, brant and ducks. The spur of the Blue Mountains, forming the western and southern boundary lines, is covered with heavy forests of tamarack, fir and pine; the lumber coming from this district commanding the highest market price. Bord- ering the streams are heavy growths of alder, birch and poplar. The report of the State Bureau of Statistics for 1903 gives the follow- ing figures: Total number of feet standing timber on the Blue Mountains, 80,000,000; square miles of timber, 105; square miles of timber cut, 6; square miles of timber, burned, none. It has been said with all the^significance of an axiom, that "anything that is put into the ground in Asotin county, and properly culti- vated will yield well." Nearly two-thirds of the county's acreage is level, or comparatively so, and of a tillable character ; while the remainder is more or less hilly and mountainous, the great- er portion of which is covered with fine timber. These latter lands are ideal for the raising of. 704 HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. stock, using the mountain lands in the summer, where cattle are afforded ample shade and an abundance of pure water, and the lower, hills and sloping hill-sides during the fall and winter months. When properly and faithfully tilled by the industrious husbandman there is nothing in cereals, grasses and fruits that the soil of Asotin county will not produce, and in abund- ant quantities. The greater portion of the land under cultivation, however, is devoted to the raising of wheat, barley, timothy and wheat hay with some rye and oats. The average yield of wheat throughout the county for the year 1902, can conservatively be estimated at thirty bush- els to the acre, although there were numerous fields that went well above forty bushels. One instance was reported where the Canadian Hy- brid variety yielded better than fifty bushels, and the Little Club went as high as 46 bushels to the acre. Just how much barley can be pro- duced to the acre is hard to say ; but in this, too, it is hardly likely that there are many sec- tions of the great west, or anywhere else, that will excel Asotin county in its barley produc- tion. The 1902 crop, in all parts of the county, yielded from 60 to 80 bushels to the acre, mostly spring sown, hay cut either from timothy or wheat, carried an average yield of from three to five tons to the acre ; while rye and oats did equally well, although but little acreage is given over to the growing of oats. Asotin has gained such a reputation as an irrigation county, that the impression might obtain among outside parties that all the lands require irrigation to produce. So far from this being the case there is only a small portion of the county that has, or needs, water artificially spread upon its lands. The Snake river for a distance of some forty miles, forms the bound- ary of the county and is down deep in the earth being little more than 700 feet above tidewater. This stream, with its several tributaries in the county, with similiar deep valleys, appears to be below the line of sufficient rains to raise crops, while the table lands, lying from 1,000 to 2,000 feet higher have, with rarely an excep- tional year, moisture sufficient for all purposes.. Despite the fact that Asotin county is con- sidered a splendid stock country, and will ere- long become a great producer and shipper of fruit, the chief industry at the present time is the growing and shipping of wheat. Not to exceed one-third of the grain grown here is shipped out. One-third is retained for the feed- ing of stock and seeding purposes, and another third is converted into hay. Still, under these conditions, there were shipped out of the county in 1902, via the Oregon Railway & Navigation Company's boats, including 50,000 bushels con- sumed by the Asotin mill, something close to- the following figures : From Asotin, 200,000 bushels of wheat; Couse creek, 30,000; Ten Mile, 15,000; Clarkston, 25,000; and Silcott, 50,000 bushels, or a total of about 370,000. bushels. Experience has taught Asotin county peo- ple that straight farming is not to be relied up- on ; and much of this industry has become di- versified, proving far more profitable. Besides cultivating grain many raise hogs and cattle, and are able to dispose of several hundred dol- lars' worth each spring and fall ; and when the price of grain is down it can frequently be turn- ed into better, money by feeding it to stock. Seldom, if ever, are both the grain and stock markets stagnant at the same time, so the wis- dom of mixed farming is plainly demonstrated. The following article on "Practical Irriga- tion" was written by Mr. E. H. Libby, and published in the Asotin Sentinel in 1903 : "Any Asotin county man, any man who has lived in this vicinity for eight years, can an- swer the question 'What May Irrigation Do for Asotin County?' as well as I, at least for him- self. Know Vineland and you have the answer. Seven years ago a desert, supporting one lone old bachelor in a one-room log hut. To-day a community of garden-homes. Avith nearly 2,500' people; shipping scores of car-loads of fine fruit ; a flourishing manufacturing industry ;. HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. 7o5 two banks ; a newspaper ; two hotels ; a number of stores; electric lights; water works; plank sidewalks; a great steel bridge. Seven years ago all of Asotin county had onlv fifteen hun- dred people. Irrigation of only 3,000 acres has trebled her population, and more than doubled the valuation of taxable property. Irrigation of this small tract has lifted the county's debt; has raised it from the most insignificant county in the state to one of the most truly prosperous in the northwest, with low taxes and conserv- ative administration of its public affairs. "Cloverland is also answering the same question. Two years ago so poor and bare that a few cattle could hardly exist on its worthless acres. Today it has scores of fine orchards well started, a good water system, numerous homes being established, a postoffice, hotel, stores and shops, and all the evidences of growth and pros- perity. This present year will see as many peo- ple dwelling in Cloverland as were in the town of Asotin when Vineland was begun. I pre- dict the lands now selling there at $50 an acre, and being planted with apple trees will, within five years be worth $500 an acre. "With cheap electric power every irrigable bar along Snake river, in Asotin county may be irrigated and teem with people and prosperity. With a government storage reservoir in the Blue Mountains, all of Asotin flat may be ir- rigated. With all these areas under irrigation, instead of a total of, perhaps, 3,000 acres now actually cultivated with water, then over 30,000 acres, irrigated, would increase our population and importance ten-fold and more. "Irrigation made Denver and Colorado pos- sible. It made the southern California of re- mance a fact. It made Utah prosperous. It is making of the old-time arid west, the puzzle of the eastern man, who wonders why his former rules and experience are of so little moment un- der the new conditions, a blooming garden. It is developing new men, new opportunities, new possibilities." The growing of fruits and vegetables re- 45 ceives greater attention on the low lands — in the valleys along the rivers and on the bars ad- jacent to the creeks, where plenty of water is to be had for irrigation purposes. Of course it is not wholly necessary to irrigate to grow either vegetables or the earlier fruits, but the application of water insures a more bountiful yield and a greater size to the products grown, and size amounts for much when placed on the market. Large, lucious, irrigated strawber- ries will sell for considerable more than the small unirrigated berry, although the flavor may be no better, Every kind of fruit, barring the orange, banana and lemon, may be grown on Asotin county soil, carrying with it that perfection of shape, richness and color and deliciousness of taste that are so essentially necessary when placed in competition with the fruits of the world in all of the aristocratic and metropoli- tan markets. Apples, however, and all such hardier fruits, can be grown in the highest state of perfection on the higher lands at an alti- tude of 1,600 to 2,000 feet. When grown at that altitude there are less pest and scale to con- tend with and the keeping quality is simply su- perb. In fact this character of Washington's- fruit — the apple — has been shipped to Liver- pool and London with a loss of only two per cent. As a fruit district the lands along Snake river have become famous. Apples, pears, cherries, apricots, nectarines and plums grow in luxuriant profusion. Grapes reach a splendid size and are of superior quality. Peaches ex- cel in quality those grown in warmer countries. Small fruits yield with abundance and certainty every year. And it is not alone along Snake river that the culture of fruit receives attention ; all portions of the county are dotted with or- chards. These fruits are in quantity about in the order named : peaches, apples, cherries, pears, prunes, plums, apricots, grapes, nectar- ines, not considering the small fruits and ber- ries which are also grown in large quantities. yo6 HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. Of peaches the early and late Crawford and the Elberta are favorites. Of apples the Ben Davis Spitzenberg and White Pearmain prevail, while of cherries there are just two varieties, both of western origin, that are so superior to all oth- ers that little else is planted. These are the Bing and Royal Ann. They are both of very large size, of superior quality, and the best ship- pers in the world. Grapes are almost entirely of the European varieties, such as the Malaga, Tokay, Hamsburg and Sweetwater. They pro- duce more, ship better and bring a higher price than the softer American varietries, like the Concord. Delaware, etc. Almond and other nut-bearing trees grow well and the product is of excellent quality. Strawberries, blackber- ries and raspberries are all very profitable and are raised and shipped in large quantities, being much earlier here than in higher altitudes. Asotin county, or portions of it, is a county of "repeaters" — that is the growing of crops. On the lower lands four, crops of alfalfa can be produced annually. Strawberries and numer- ous other fruits will yield two crops per year — in May and about the first of October. Considering its size Asotin county ships considerable stock, and yet there are compara- tively few who devote their entire attention to this industry. Nearly every rancher, however, manages to raise a few head each year of both cattle and hogs. This helps to bring the aggre- gate number well up in the thousands. Care- ful inquiry as to the extent stock-raising was indulged in in 1902 disclosed the fact that the growers possessed stock in keeping with the following figures : horses, 10,893 ! cattle, 1-5,- 174; sheep, 30,160; hogs, 7,743. Yet, perhaps there is no other county in the state where ad- vantages for limited stock-raising are so fav- orable as in Asotin. The large canyon of the Grande Ronde river extending across the south- ern portion of the county, with its 30 miles of length and 8 of width ; provides a winter past- urage for the many small herds of the farmers living in the uplands, and the breaks of Snake river offer the same advantages to the ranchers on their brink. The winters are not much over six weeks long,. as a rule, and the snow rarely reaches the bottoms of these canyons, although it may be from 18 to 30 inches deep on the top of the hills. In 1903 the Asotin Sentinel, considering the question of mining, said : "Although there are ,no wealth producing mines in, Asotin county, it is not because there are no deposits worthy of development. Many rich and excellent properties of gold, silver and copper have been located for many years, but for the lack of proper transportation facilities in the districts where properties are located lit- tle development work has been carried on. This condition of affairs, however, cannot last much longer, for as all the great railway lines are sure, sooner or later, to follow the natural wa> ter grades in the construction of their roads, it is only a question of a few years at most un- til railway transportation will be had down the Snake river from Huntington. When that time comes the dormant wealth of our mineral deposits will be made to come forth. Even at this time private capital is about to give the district some relief in the nature of steamboat service. This will prove a great boon to the men who have toiled long and patiently, and im- mediate benefits are sure to result." Ever since white men located in what is now Asotin county placer mining has been car- ried on along Snake river. We have told in the "Passing Events" Chapters of this History of the stampede to Shovel creek in 1865. That was the beginning. Occasionally, ever since then, the same spirit that prompted the stam- pede to Shovel creek has caused placer mining excitements along Snake river in Asotin coun- ty. As a rule, however, this system of ex- tracting the gold in this vicinity has seldom amounted to a reward of more than from 25 cents to $1.25 per day. That quartz ledges could be located in Asotin county was discover- ed in 1884 or 1885. The result was quite a HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. 707 bit of prospecting and some development work. In May, 1885, John Mustard, Andrew Pier- storf and others were at work on newly dis- covered silver mine near the mouth of the Grande Ronde river. Messrs. Mustard, Pier- storf, Hatley and Minzer were working what was called the "Grayson lead," having con- tracted to sink 50 feet for a half interest in the mine. They had already shipped a sample to Montana for milling and assay. But only about one-tenth of the rock was considered good enough to ship. Soon after this discovery several hundred strangers passed through Asotin on their way to the newly discovered Cache creek mines near the county line. It was stated at the time that there was some rock there that would assay from $400 to $700 to the ton. Of course this statement was absurd. There were quite a number of Dayton people in the neighborhood. June 5th the Asotin Sentinel said : "The latest news received from the mines in the vicinity-of Cache creek is very encourag- ing. Daily prospectors with pack animals pass through here heading in that direction. The owners of the Grayson have sunk a hole 22 feet, and found as they went down that the vein grew richer. From other claims in the vicinity come the same flattering reports. A rich find of gold-bearing quartz was made near Shovel creek by a party of old prospectors the other day, which raised quite a ripple of ex- citement among the old timers. Good pros- pects have been discovered near the Imnaha, resembling in appearance Wood river ore. From specimens shown us, claimed to have been taken from the mineral belt in these districts, we are of the opinion that when these claims are once properly developed they will prove to be valuable property. Owing to the high stage of water parties bound for the mines experi- enced great difficulty in crossing the Grande Ronde. This, however, has been overcome by the placing of a small boat on the river. The same month J. H. Savage and son lo- cated two claims at the mouth of Grayson creek ; one a quartz ledge and another on a bar on Snake river, the latter placer diggings. The quartz was chloride silver. During the month a number of new strikes were reported, one of them a short distance from Cache creek. This contained some of the richest rock yet dis- covered. Work still continued on the Gray- son ledge, and miners and prospectors continu- ed to arrive daily. The general formation of the country in this section was a blue lime- stone; where the silver began a grey granite, the ledges trending in a northwesterly and northeasterly direction. This mineral belt included a district three miles square partly di- vided by Shovel creek on the north, and Gray- son creek on the south. In all over 30 claims of 1,500 feet each were staked out. According to the Sentinel parties from the Grande Ronde mining district stated that the company from Lewiston were in 16 feet on their claim on Cache creek, and had struck a ledge six feet in width, the ore assaying nearly $100 to the ton in silver, copper and a small percentage of nickel. Many mining claims were recorded in 1888. A large section of country between Grande Ronde and Cache creek being staked off. This mining excitement reached its zenith in 1893, the year of the "hard times," and an- other large block of placer, claims were lo- cated. In April five mining locations of 20 acres each, placer ground, were filed with the county auditor. These locations were on the Snake river bar near the place known as "Jaw- bone Flat." Keener interest was added to this excitement by a mining company from Milton, Oregon, which claimed to have machinery that would save every color of fine gold. In April 1893 the Sentinel was led to observe: "The mining craze which has gradually worked its way up along the Columbia and Snake rivers has struck this section within the last two weeks and is now at its height. The people living along the river were expecting it for some time and were not taken unawares. 708 HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. The ones afflicted with the 'gold fever' are res- idents of other places, and in many instances pay no regard to the laws governing rights of property and have entered on and trespassed upon deeded and improved lands. "This week we had a call from Oregon par- ties and a force from the Palouse country al- so came in unexpectedly. Each dropped sev- eral dollars into the county treasury for record- ing claims. All the river frontage extend- ing from Alpowai creek to within a short dis- tance of Grande Ronde river is now located and if others come here afflicted with the fever, they are simply left, unless they brave the dan- gers of the upper Snake river canyon. People whose lands front on the river have suffered much annoyance from these outsiders within the past few weeks." In August, 1893, twelve mining claims were placed on record by the Asotin county auditor. These locations began at the county line and embraced all the land fronting on Snake river as far as Asotin, including 1,920 acres. This did not include between 400 and 500 acres that had been previously staked. Many other claims were filed subsequently. In Oc- tober the excitement had materially subsided, some little placer mining was carried on along the Snake river, but none of the miners was making a fair day's wage. They were begin- ning to realize what had been frequently pointed out to them, that gold did not exist in paying quantities along that stream. Clean- ups did not average much above 20 or 25 cents a day. Concerning the history of placer mining on Snake river Robert Bracken, who is more familiar with the history of the county of Aso- tin and its surrounding country than any other living man, said at the time of this feverish excitement : "There never will be machinery invented that will prove a paying success in gold mining on Snake river. The pay streak is too shallow and machinery would have to be; necessarily, moved to a different place at the close of each day's work in order to follow up the pay dirt. One man can work out a large piece of ground in a very short time even at the present methods of mining. I have time and again seen in the early days prospect holes sunk from 60 to 80- feet in depth without finding a color below a few feet of the surface. I mined for over one- year on Snake river in the early days. I had eight men employed and we worked four rockers side by side. This was on 'Jawbone- Flat,' seven or eight miles below the town of Asotin, (where Clarkston now stands). This talk of not being able to save this gold is all' a humbug. We saved every color by putting good, new blankets on the apron and on the bot- tom of the rocker. For the first three years after the discovery of gold on Snake river min- ing paid well, but since 1866 very little has- been made. A man undertaking to mine along Snake river is only wasting his time ; the gold is so fine that it looks to be more than there really is. No miner ever found a single piece along the river containing more than one cent in value. Now, I have lived on or near Snake river for 31 years, and, to use the eastern phrase, "seen the elephant from the end of his nose to the tip of his tail," and know what I am talking about. I can save every color of this fine gold with hydraulic sluice and rocker- system, but the great trouble is that gold does not exist along the river in sufficient quantities to make a decent day's wages, and an experienced miner who is anxious to make- money will always let Snake river ground alone. If the gold was there the difficulty of saving it would be easily overcome. The first gold discovered on Snake and Salmon rivers was made July 1, 1862. In the fall of that year- several hundred miners were on both rivers. The ground was easily prospected, as the first shovelful of dirt proves always to be the best." Concerning the Asotin coal fields the Senti- nel published the following in 1903 : HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. 709 "Over on the Grande Ronde river, about twenty-five miles from its mouth, lies a field of coal of nearly three thousand acres, accord- ing to scientific examinations, still in its dor- mant state, that will in the course of a few years at most prove to be a valuable resource to Asotin county. As yet but very little develop- ment work has been done — only enough to satisfy the promoters that a first-class quality of bituminous coal is to be had, when a deter- mined effort is made to procure it. A tunnel has been run nearly 300 feet and an excellent quality of lignite coal obtained. Every test that has been made from it has proven extreme- ly satisfactory, and men who have worked many years in the coal fields of Pennsylvania and other states assert most forcibly that coal exists here in paying quantities. That this wonderful coal field will be made to yield forth its black treasure before long is becoming more evident every day since circumstances and conditions are shaping themselves in such a manner that makes the opening up of these mines imperative. The smelters that are being erected in the Imnaha gold and copper belt, will constantly require a large amount of fuel to carry on operations in the treatment of ores, and it is not reasonable to believe that the men hack of such enterprises as these are going to import coal from mines that are located five hundred or a thousand miles distant, when it can be had close by — not exceeding fifty miles from where the smelters are being built. "True, the present mode of transportation is anything else but what it should be. for the successful handling and marketing of this coal in large quantities ; but where there is a demand for stuff than can be had, the men who control these valuable coal deposits will not long hesi- tate in finding a way to place their products within the reach of the pleople who are anxious to procure and willing to pay for them. Al- though the Grande Ronde coal fields can not be classed as so much available assets, it is good to know that they are located in Asotin county and not elsewhere, for in the near future they will mean much to eastern Washington." To the Clarkston Republican Newton Hibbs wrote as follows : "Very few, if any, of the citizens of Asotin county have a definite idea of the importance of the Grande Ronde coal properties as a prob- able home industry. The existence of a car- boniferous deposit in that region has been cur- rently reported for many years. As strange as it may seem not a ten foot prospect hole had ever been dug to determine the extent and nat- ure of this unusual mineral occurrence, until last summer, 1900. ****** The Grande Ronde coal is of flood-wood origin. The deposit is unusually thick, being as much as 30 feet in some exposures. The ordinary deteriorating influences are not present in this instance, owing to the thickness of the layer and the fact that the overlying structure is of lava formation. The mineral sediment which usually adulterates flood-wood deposits are not available here. The basalts of this country generate oils in a degree to saturate this lignite. This is a general characteristic of this forma- tion. Only true lignite deposits have been found between strata of basalt in other quarters of the world. They are highly inflammable. The naptha districts of Arizona have furnished samples of lignite like the Grande Ronde pro- duct which were free from mineral saturation. They are ideal fuels and the new coal fields of Montana, of which it was said recently in the newspapers and scientific journals that a new theory had been developed, are not unlike the Grande Ronde deposits, and analysis and explo- ration and experts reports have demonstrated the quality and quantity of the Grande Ronde deposits. As the quartz miner would meas- ure his ore, the coal measures of the Grande Ronde river are blocked out and there are in sight 100,000,000 tons. In the light of assay and expert reports the quality of the coal is yio HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. better for domestic fuel or furnace coal than the present commercial coal supply of this dis- trict." In September. 1901, the Spokane Public Land published the following : "Perhaps the largest body of coal that has been discovered in the United States in the last twenty years is that on the state boundary be- tween Washington and Oregon. This great body of coal land is located in Asotin county, Washington, and "Wallowa county, Oregon, and is most easy of access by way of Asotin ; thence by way of Anatone to Hansen's Ferry on the Grande Ronde river, which crosses the dividing line between the two states at the point mentioned. This body of coal crops out at points very close together for a distance of twelve miles on either side of the river and there are thousands of acres that have been filed on under the homestead laws that now show fine coal prospects. There are other thousands of acres that have been covered by local men with coal land declaratory statements, and still other land that has not been covered at all, but which show strong coal measures. "This body of coal is lignite, of fine quality, improves, and with depth changes to bitumin- ous. There are also many indications of nat- ural gas and oil, but no prospecting has been done for either oil or gas. In the coal deposits the local men have run several tunnels and sunk shafts through 20 feet of solid coal; in fact have found so much coal that they did not need to do much digging to get it. There is no question but that the deposit is a very large one. These coal measures are fifteen miles from the mouth of the Grande Ronde river." There is a fine quality of building stone in Asotin county. It is pure white magnesia sand stone, and there is a mountain of it which some day will be extensively used for building pur- poses. Enough of this stone was quarried to erect one building in Lewiston, one of the finest there, but so far this is all that has been taken out. 'February 6, 1891, the Spokesman Re- view said : "G. W. Morrison, secretary of the Lewis- ton Magnesia Stone Company, is in the city (Spokane). The company has recently incor- porated with a capital of $100,000, divided into 1,000 shares of the par value of $100 each. The officers are D. M. White, president ; J. B. Morris, treasurer, and G. W. Morrison, sec- retary. "Mr. Morrison brought with him to this city 18,000 shares, all of which he sold to Spo- kane parties, and telegraphed to Lewiston for more. John Keenan, the well known stone contractor, bought 1,200 shares and will de- velop the quarry for the company and put the stone on the market. "The quarry is situated on Asotin creek, in Asotin county, Washington, fifteen miles from Lewiston. The supply of the rock is, ap- parently inexhaustible. The existence of this remarkable stone was discovered many years ago, but its true value was not known until le- cently. The stone has been used for various purposes for years, and a large piece is now on exhibition in this city, which was recently taken from a fireplace where it had withstood the test of fire for 2J years without injury. Repeated tests have been made in this city which show that the stone is fireproof and capable of with- standing a pressure greater than brick. It is almost a pure white, light in weight and when taken from the quarry is so soft that it can be sawed or cut with the greatest ease. It can be dressed and placed in a wall more cheaply than any other building stone yet discovered in this section." About the same time the Asotin Sentinel said : "Everybody has gone wild in Asotin over the late discovery of magnesian building stone at our very doors. A competent 'rock sharp' visiting the county at the present time would attract more attention than the president of the HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. 711 union. The boys are building imaginary pal- aces out of these discoveries and will fall hard should it turn out that only a guano bed was in sight and no market in the country for fer- tilizers." Concerning the discovery of marble in the county the Sentinel on November 6, 1891, said : "Mr. R. F. Beale, the stone and mineral expert, passed through town two weeks ago. Few, if any, knew his object, as his general ap- pearance did not indicate that he was a prospec- tor or capitalist. Tuesday evening of this week Mr. Beale returned, stating that he has for one year or more known of a very valuable deposit of fine marble, and so started to locate it at the advice and instruction of some parties in Spo- kane. After a hard and rough trip of eight days in company with J. C. Burke and C. C. Taplin, of this county, the mouth of the Grande Ronde was reached. Here they beheld bluffs of marble of the finest quality and in quantities to supply the world. This marble is far supe- rior to any other marble in America, and in fact it is of a better quality and finer grain than the Italian. "Mr. Beale states that the Snake river mar- ble has one great advantage over all others, as it has all the different colors from pure white to jet black; and also light and dark blue, veined and mottled. Jet black marble is found in but two other places in the world, and the new find is equal to that taken from the quar- ries of Egypt, and is susceptible of a high polish." Mr. Henry Landes, state geologist, re- ported from the Washington Geological Sur- vey : "Mr. Miles C. Moore, of Walla Walla, also has another granite quarry further up the Snake river near the mouth of the Grande Ronde river. The stone here is darker col- ored and finer grained than the stone from the other quarry (referring to another quarry owned by Mr. Moore, about 30 miles down the river from Lewiston, in Whitman county.) This stone is said to take a very high polish and has been used to some extent for monumental purposes. This quarry, however, is not very easily accessible on account of the fact that the Snake river is, practically, unnavigable above Asotin. At times of high water, however, boats have been above the quarry and some of the stone has been shipped from there. "Under the microscope thin sections of this granite show it to be composed principally of quartz, feldspar and mica. The feldspar is more abundant than the quartz and both the orthoclase and plagioclase are present. The in- dividual grains composing the rock vary much in size and range from those that are not more than a millimeter in diameter up to those that are as much as one-fourth of an inch in diame- ter — these being the feldspars. In ordinary light the quartz is almost transparent but in the sections examined it is not very common, at least not so common as the feldspar. The feld- spar has a clouded appearance but does not show the zonal structure which is so frequently found in this mineral. The decomposition has taken place among the minute seams which are very common in the feldspars in this granite. In places the sections show spots that have the appearance of being a collection of crushed min- eral fragments. The mica occurs in flakes and masses of varying size, and in the hand speci- mens occur more or less in layers giving them somewhat of a banded appearance. In polar- ized light between crossed nicols the polysyn- thetic twing so characteristic of plagioclase is well shown. In some places inclusions are quite noticable, and these vary considerably in size, but in no instance are they very large. The following chemical analysis shows the composi- tion of the granite from this locality : "Silicia (Si 02), 7170; ferric iron (Fe2 02), 1.46; ferrous (Fe o), 1.80; alu- mina (AI2 03). 14.54; lime (Ca o), 3.13; magnesia (Mg o), 0.39; water at 100 degrees C (H2 o) ; water above no degrees C (H2 o), 712 HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. 0.92 ; alkalies and undetermined, 6.06 — 100.00. In the above analysis the alkalies not having been separated, it does not show the kinds of feldspars that are present nor in what propor- tions. In making the physical tests two-inch cubes of the granite were prepared by cutting them by hand with hammer and chisel to ap- proximate size, and then rubbing the faces smooth. These cubes were used in making tests of the crushing strength of this stone, and it ranges from 10,730 to 16,400 pounds per square inch, while the modulus of elasticity is from 1,532,000 to 5,135,000 pounds to the square inch. While these tests do not give a very high crushing strength for this granite, at the same time it is probably great enough for all practicable purposes and in fact far in ex- cess of the pressure to which it will ever be subjected in any building or structure of any kind. "Reference to table II shows the specific gravity to be 2.677 : tne ratio of absortion as shown in the same table is .36 of one per cent, and the percentage of pore space is .969 of one per cent of the total mass of the rock. The samples used to determine the specific gravity and the porosity were alternately frozen and thawed each day, for a period of 20 days, and the loss in weight carefully determined. It will be seen by referring to table III that the loss in weight of a cube weighing 1 14.417 grams was .043 grams, or .036 of one per cent of total mass of the rock. The crushing strength of the frozen samples was not tested to see how much the stone had been weakened. Samples were heated in the muffle to test the power of this granite to resist high temperature and sudden changes. At a temperature of 800 degrees F. the stone crumbled on the edges and when heated to 1,200 degrees F., and cooled, the sample emitted the peculiar ring characteristic of stone which has been heated to a red heat and the strength of the rock was, practically, gone. A sample was heated to 800 degrees F., and cooled suddenly by being plunged into cold water, the result being that the strength of the sample was almost entirely destroyed, it being so weak that it could be powdered between the fingers. The feldspar was somewhat changed in color, the slightly pinkish tinge which is found in some cases being considerably inten- sified." In respect to manufactured goods Asotin does not lay claim to having accomplished much. Industries along this line are those of manufacturing lumber and flour. There are two saw mills of a considerable capacity located at Anatone, one near Cloverland and two or three smaller mills in what is known as the Grouse country. There is but one flour mill in the coun- ty and that is located at Asotin, with a capacity of about fifty barrels per day. Just what the future will bring forth in this respect remains to be seen, but there are certainly openings for industries of various characters, such as a can- ning and preserve factory, creamery, pickle factory, etc. It takes time to bring all these things to a new country, but they can be had. While there are many things that might be said about Asotin county, one important point is that land is cheaper here than in many other districts in Washington. Splendid farm land can be purchased at from $8 to $20 per acre, and land, too, that will grow double the amount of grain of any land in Minnesota or the Da- kotas. Taxes are low and the county indebt- edness, above all assets, in 1903, did not exceed $20,000. It is one of the smallest counties in size in Wahington, but one of the greatest in natural resources. Undoubtedly flax would be a profitable crop in Asotin county. A few tests have been made and splendid returns have been obtained, but no special attention has ever been given that article to make it a leading product. Just across the line in Idaho, however, it is successfully grown and yields from fourteen to twenty bushels to the acre. Asotin lands are of the same altitude and the growth of flax could cer- tainly be made a leading product. The grow- HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. 7i3 ing of alfalfa is beginning to meet with con- siderable attention from many people who de- sire to secure a large quantity of feed from a small area of land. Of course the growth of this character of grass must be in the irrigated sections where it can have all the water desired. On the low lands as many as four full crops may be successfully grown and harvested an- nually, while on the higher lands two crops may always be raised and sometimes three. This grass will yield about two tons per acre each cutting. It serves as an excellent feed for cat- tle or hogs. There are fourteen postoffices in Asotin county, located at the most convenient places of access, with a service ranging from daily down to three times per week, thus insuring all an opportunity of keeping in constant touch with the great and busy outside world through the mediums of the daily and weekly papers. The four offices that have daily mail service are Asotin, Clarkston, Anatonej and Theon — (the two latter places daily except Sunday. There are twenty-nine public school dis- tricts in the county where school is maintained from four to nine months per year in each dis- trict. All are supplied with comfortable build- ings and considerable apparatus for the success- ful carrying on of profitable school work. CHAPTER V POLITICAL. The gradual growth of a county can, to a great extent, be gauged by the vote cast at its successive elections. At the first election in Asotin county, in November, 1884, less than 500 votes were cast ; and this included the vote of the women, who, at that period in the his- tory of the Territory, enjoyed suffrage. At the election in November, 1904, just twenty years later, 1,066 votes were polled. Asotin county is, normally, Republican so far as na- tional and state issues are concerned ; and it has been so since its formation, with the exception of the period when the Populists controlled political affairs in the county. So far as county issues are concerned it has been customary to elect the best men, or those believed to be the best men, and owing to this quite a number of Democrats have have succeeded to various county offices. In early days and, in fact, up to recent years, salaries of Asotin county officials were extremely low — so insig- nificant indeed, that notlvnp - but the honor re- mained to induce a candidate to compete for office. Yet, despite this fact, the county has ever been most fortunate in the selection of re- liable and capable officials. There has never been a defaulter in the county's service ; this can be said of but few counties in the state. As has been stated in a previous chapter John Weissenfels, J. D. Swain and William Critchfield were named as commissioners for the new county of Asotin. Wednesday, No- vember 14, 1883, these gentlemen met and se- lected the other county officials to serve until their successors were elected and qualified. These first officers were : John L. Vinson, sheriff; H. Wamsley, assessor; S. S. Bennet, probate judge; Charle Goodwin, school super- intendent; J. J. Kanawyer, treasurer; Jackson O'Keefe, surveyer; A. J. Allen, coroner; S. T. Jones, sheep commissioner ; S. S. Rogers, aud- itor. Messrs. O'Keefe, Allen and Jones refused the proffered honors, and Messrs. M. S. Kling, 7M HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. J. M. Robison and R. Tuttle were appointed to these respective offices thus left vacant. Other vancancies occurred before the terms ex- pired and officers were chosen by the commis- sioners for the unexpired terms, as follows : February 4. 1884, Adolph Schrader, surveyor; February 4. 1884, Miss Angie Bean, superin- tendent of schools. These served until their successors, elected in November, 1884, quali- fied in 1885. April 26. 1884. a Republican mass meeting- was held at Theon and D. T. Welch and D. B. Pettijohn were chosen to attend the district con- vention at Dayton. Asotin county's first Re- publican central committee comprised the fol- lowing named gentlemen from the different precincts named : Asotin, S. F. Bennett ; Cot- tonwood, D. T. "Welch ; Pleasant, A. T. Have- Ion; Lake, J. D. Swain; Grande Ronde, M. Mc- Millan. They were selected at a Republican mass meeting held at Asotin, Saturday, May 31, 1884. Of this meeting M. B. Mitchell was chairman and R. A. Case secretary. The first Republican county convention held in Asotin county was called to order at Theon, August 16, 1884, to select candidates for the various county offices. The delegates partici- pating in this convention were : Cottonwood Precinct— D. T. Welch, B. F. Onstott, D. Mor- gan, M. S. Kling, James M. Smith, G. W. Cummings, A. S. Toops, W. E. Benedict and J. J. Lewis. Asotin Precinct — H. A. Simons, Charles Richards, D. J. Wann and E. A. Case. Grande Ronde Precinct — M. F. Galloway, A. M. Martin and J. E. Bushell. Lake Precinct — B. B. McClure, E. Jones and R. A. Case. Pleasant Precinct — A. T. Havelon. D. T. Welch was chairman of the conven- tion, J. E. Bushell, secretary, and C. Richards, assistant. The following were selected as a county central committee: D. Morgan, A. M. Martin, S. R. Hudson, B. B. McClure and H. A. Simons. The candidates for county officers nominated were : Charles Richards, sheriff ; D. J. Wann, treasurer; H. E. Benedict, auditor; B. F. Onstott, assessor; A. S. Toops, J. B. Wardwell and A. J. Sherrod, commissioners; A. Schrader, surveyor; Miss Angie Bean, school superintendent; Dr. H. C. Fulton, cor- oner ; W. R. Tuttle, sheep commissioner ; D. T. Welch, A. T. Havelon and D. Morgan, dele- gates to the territorial convention. The Democrats also held their first county convention at Theon. It was convened Sep- tember 6, and was presided over by J. H. Ro- mane. A. J. Weissenfels was secretary. The delegates participating in this convention were : Grande Ronde Precinct — J. S. Stone, J. A. Weissenfels, Jacob Flock and Charles Heiby. Cottonwood Precinct — Frank Huber, Wil- lis Ward, J. H. Romane, J. W. Newman, J. J. Cole and J. S. Bay. Asotin Precinct — J. Maguire, J. Lyle, A. Sumpter and W. Nixon. Lake Precinct — Thomas Trent, Henry Smith and W. C. Vick. Pleasant Precinct — E. H. Vinson. The county central committee selected were : Cottonwood, H. W. Ward ; Grande Ronde, Charles Heiby; Asotin, A. Sumpter; Lake, J. Copher; Pleasant, E. H. Vinson. These were the nominations for county officers : John L. Vinson, sheriff; John Embree, treas- urer ; John Romaine, probate judge ; John Weis- senfels, assessor; R. C. Ford, coroner; B. Maurice, surveyor; R. Patterson, sheep com- missioner. J. N. Boggan was later named as the nominee for school superintendent. The places for auditor and school superintendent were left blank. Jackson O'Keefe and I. R. Snodderly were selected to serve as delegates to the Territorial convention. Asotin county's initial election was in No- vember, 1884. The precincts and officers of election were as follows : Asotin Precinct — Jackson O'Keefe, in-* HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. 715 spector; L. M. Butler, M. B. Mitchell, judges. Pleasant Precinct — E. H. Vinson, inspect- or; J. D. Cardwell, William Holland, judges. Lake Precinct — W. E. Vick, inspector; E. P. Harlow, John R. Sargeant, judges. Cottonwood Precinct — a. Holm, in- spector; J. P. Bowyer, J. S. Bay, judges. Grande Ronde — J. F. Maness, inspector; J. S. Stone, Jacob Flock, judges. The election occurred November 4, 1884, when new county officials were elected, and the permanent countyseat was selected. Nearly 500 votes were cast in the county, of which about eighty were cast by women. In the main the Republican county ticket was successful, only three Democrats being elected. They were one commissioner, sheriff and assessor. The vote for the different candidates was : For Delegate to Congress — J. M. Arm- strong, Rep., 266; C. S. Voorhees, Dem., 226. For Brigadier General — W. M. Peel, Rep., 282 ; James McAuliff, Dem., 209. For Adjutant General — R. G. O'Brien, Rep., 282; W. E. Anderson, Dem., 208. For Quartermaster General — D. B. Jack- son, Rep., 282; Frank Hand, Dem., 209. For Commissary General — H. W. Living- ston, Rep., 281; Simon Berg, Dem., 209. For Joint Councilmen for Columbia, Gar- field and Asotin Counties — B. B. Day, Rep., 269; C. H. Warner, Dem., 252. For Joint Councilman for Walla Walla, Co- lumbia, Garfield, Asotin, Whitman, Adams and Franklin Counties — I. Carson, Rep., 252 ; S. L. Gilbreath, Dem., 211. For Joint Representative Garfield and Aso- tin Counties — J. A. Perkins, Rep., 210; M. C. Harris, Dem., 193. For Joint Prosecuting Attorney, Columbia, Garfield and Asotin Counties — R. F. Sturde- vant. 325. For County Commissioners— G B. W T ard- well. Rep., 309; A. S. Toops, Rep., 132; A. J. Sherrod, Rep., 285; H. W. Ward, Dem., 268; Brad Hodges, Dem., 258; James Urquhart, Dem., 161. For Probate Judge — R. A. Case, Rep., 353; John Romane, Dem., 117. For Auditor — H. E. Benedict, Rep., 274; S. S. Rogers, Ind., 167. For Treasurer — D. J. Wann, Rep., 293 ; J. A. Embree, Dem., 183. For Sheriff — Charles Richards, Rep., 156; J. L. Vinson, Dem., 328. For Assessor — B. F. Onstott, Rep., 193 ; J. A. Weissenfels, Dem., 281. For Coroner — J. J. Lewis, Rep., 243 ; R. C. Ford, Dem., 220. For School Superintendent — Angie Bean, Rep., 300; J. N. Boggan, Dem., 171. For Surveyor — A. Schrader, Rep., 322 ; B. Maurice, Dem., 166. For Sheep Commissioner — W. R. Tuttle, Rep., 235 ; R. Patterson, Dem., 192. For Countyseat — Asotin, 377; Theon, 106; majority for Asotin, 271. For taxing church property, 158; against, 214. The Republican county convention of 1886 met at the hall of E. Baumeister & Company, in Asotin, and placed a ticket in the field for the fall election. This was on August 27. H. D. Harlow was selected chairman and D. J. Wann, secretary. Delegates to the Territorial convention were R. A. Case, D. T. Welch, S. R. Hudson and H. E. Benedict. They were in- structed to cast their votes for George W. Bai- ley from prosecuting attorney, and for D. T. Welch for representative for the district. The county central committee selected were : H. A. Simons, S. R. Hudson, M. McMillan, H. D. Harlow and D. T. Welch. The nominees for office were: Al Stiff el, sheriff; R. A. Case, pro- bate judge ; H. E. Benedict, auditor ; G. B. Wardwell, J. D. Swain and M. Scully, com- missioners; Mrs. D. A. Mcintosh, school su- perintendent; D. J. Wann, treasurer; A. Schrader, surveyor; W. R. Tuttle, sheep com- 716 HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. missioner ; H. C. Fulton, coroner, and Henry S. Critchfield, assessor. Morey's hall, Asotin, was the scene of the Democratic convention. It was held Saturday, September 1 1. The following ticket was placed in nomination : A. Whiton, W. C. Vick and M. Scully, county commissioners ; E. L. Routh, sheriff; C. G. Morey, auditor; Jackson O'Keefe, treasurer; E. B. Lartigue, surveyor; J. M. Robison, coroner; J. A. Weissenfels, as- sessor; J. L. Vinson, probate judge; Richard Patterson, sheep commissioner; Mrs. S. E. Morril, Independent, indorsed by the con- vention. The campaign of 1886 was far from being exciting. About the same number of votes were cast as in the election of two years be- fore — a little less than 500. At the head of the ticket was C. M. Bradshaw, Republican, and C. S. Voorhees, Democrat, for delegates to congress. Mr. Bradshaw carried the county by a majority of twenty-three over his oppo- nent. The Democrats carried the county for the joint candidate for prosecuting attorney, and elected their candidates for treasurer, pro- bate judge, assessor and school superintendent. The vote : For Delegate to Congress — C. M. Brad- shaw, Rep., 251 ; C. S. Voorhees, 228. For Joint Councilman (Columbia, Garfield and Asotin Counties) — O. C. White, Rep., 269; W. E. Ayers, Dem., 212. For Joint Representative (Garfield and Asotin Counties)- — R. A. Case, Rep., 265 ; D. H. Poyneer, Dem., 195. For Prosecuting Attorney (Garfield and Asotin Counties) — W. N. Noff singer, Rep., 234; L. J. Dittemore, Dem., 235. For Sheriff— Al Stiffel, Rep., 280; E. L. Routh, Dem., 172; D. McAlpin, Inch, 28. For Auditor — H. E. Benedict, Rep., 359; C. G. Morey, Dem., 125. For Treasurer — D. J. Wann., Rep., 222; Jackson O'Keefe. Dem., 258. For Probate Judge — D. F. West, Rep., 213; J. L. Vinson, Dem., 253. For Assessor — H. S. Critchfield, Rep., 221 ; J. A. Weissenfels, Dem., 252. For School Superintendent — Mrs. D. A. Mcintosh, Rep., 157; Mrs. S. E. Morrill, Dem., 305. For Coroner — H. C. Fulton, Rep., 272 ; J. M. Robison, Dem., 41. For Surveyor — A. Schrader, Rep., 256; E. B. Lartigue, Dem., 201. For Sheep Commissioner — W. R. Tuttle, Rep., 276; R. Patterson, Dem., 211. For County Commissioners — M. Scully, Rep., 321; J. D. Swain, Rep., 274; G. B. Wardwell, Rep., 287; A. Whiton, Dem., 265; W. C. Vick, Dem., 194. April 3, 1888, both the Republican and Democratic county central committees met at Asotin and selected delegates to attend the Ter- ritorial conventions to select delegates to the opposing national conventions. The Repub- licans selected C. M. Poor, D. T. Welch, H. A. Simons and Eli Cooper. The Democrats chose L. J. Dittemore to attend their Territorial convention. The Republican county convention assem- bled September 5, 1888, at Asotin. D. T. Welch was selected chairman and John Dill, secretary. Delegates to the regular Territorial convention were D. T. Welch, E. Baumeister, J. N. Rice and William E. Benedict. They were instructed to vote for J. B. Allen for candidate for delegate to congress. The county central committee selected were H. C. Fulton, chair- man ; W. E. Benedict, J. D. Swain, M. McMil- land and Wiggins. September 15 the Democrats got together at Asotin with S. T. Jones in the chair and E. L. Routh, secretary. With the exception of auditor, which office was left with the county central committee to fill, a full ticket was named. The following were selected members of the county central committee : D. Talbot, HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. 7i7 chairman; J. S. Bay, W. C. Vick, James Bog- gan and J. L. Vinson. November 6, the day of election, the woman suffrage law had been declared unconstitutional, consequently less than 300 votes were cast in Asotin county. The Republicans carried the county for the head of the ticket — delegates to congress — by 54 majority ; and the county for their candidates for joint senator and represen- tatives, besides electing the larger part of their county ticket. The Democrats elected their candidates for treasurer, school superintendent, surveyor and two commissioners. The official vote: For Delegate to Congress — John B. Allen, Rep., 193; Charles S. Voorhees, Dem., 139. For Joint Councilman (Columbia, Gar- field and Asotin Counties) — D. T. Welch, Rep., 194; M. M. Godman, Dem., 131. For Joint Representative (Garfield and Asotin Counties) — W. S. Oliphant, Rep., 181 ; Joseph Ledgerwood, Dem., 154. For Sheriff— Al Stiffel, Rep., 195 ; K. Mc- intosh, Dem., 139. For Auditor — H. E. Benedict, Rep., 223, no opposition. For County Commissioners — Edward Knox, Rep., 218; F. Sandoll, Rep., 136; A. S. Toops, Rep., 142; G. W. Philips, Dem., 181; J. S. Stone, Dem., 135; Frank Huber, Dem., 177. For Prosecuting Attorney (Garfield and Asotin Counties) — W. N. Noffsinger, Rep., 209; M. F. Gose, Dem., 132. For Probate Judge — G. A. Rogers, Rep., 236; J. A. Weissenfels, Dem., 99. For Treasurer — J. N. Rice, Rep., 155; Jackson O'Keefe, Dem., 176. For Assessor — W. R. Turtle, Rep., 220; E. L. Routh, Dem.,' 112. For School Superintendent — D. S. Jen- nings. Rep., 145 ; W. W. Henry, Dem., 189. For Surveyor — A. Schrader, Rep., 154; D. Carson, Dem., 172. For Coroner — Len Henry, Rep., 179; J. N. Boggan, Dem., 104. For Sheep Commissioner — James Fuller,- Rep., 157; D. A. White, Dem., 129. For the election of delegates to the consti- tutional convention in 1889 Washington was divided into twenty-five districts. District No. 8 included the counties of Adams, Garfield^ Asotin and Franklin. Each district was re- quired to elect three delegates. This election was held May 14, 1889. ^ n Asotin county only 188 votes were cast — about half the total vot- ing strength of the county. The vote of the county was: Elmon Scott, Rep., 99; D. Bu- chanan, Rep., 101; Gray, Dem., 68; S. G. Cosgrove, Incl, 58; F. W. D. Mays, Ind., 24. For the election to be held on October 1, 1889, to adopt or reject the constitution of the proposed new state of Washington and to elect representatives to the state legislative body and a county clerk, which office was provided for in the new constitution, the Republican and Democratic parties of Asotin county held their conventions in August. The Republican con- vention was held at Asotin on the 29th. Dele- gates to the Territorial convention were : E. Baumeister, H. E. Benedict and M. McMillan. Candidates were selected as follows : Represen- tative, William Farrish ; clerk, John Dill. The Democrats convened at Asotin on the 31st, and' selected as their delegates to the Territorial con- vention I. R. Snodderly and J. L. Vinson, G. W. Phillips was placed in nomination for rep- resentative and D. W. Savage for clerk. The election of October 1st to select the first state officers, vote on the constitution, the location of the state capital and other questions brought out a trifle less than 300 votes in Aso- tin county. The Republican party was found to have a majority of forty-eight on state of- ficers, and they carried the county for all their candidates except for one of the supreme judges— B. L. Sharpstein. The official vote: For Congressman — John L. Wilson, Rep.,. 172; T. C. Griffetts, Dem.. 124. 7 i8 HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. For Governor — Elisha P. Ferry, Rep., 171 ; Eugene Semple, Dem., 125. For Lieutenant Governor — Charles E. Laughton, Rep., 172; L. H. Platter, Dem., 124. For Secretary of State — Allen Weir, Rep., 172; W. H. Whittlesey, Dem., 124. For State Treasurer — A. A. Lindsey, Rep., 172; M. Kaufman, Dem., 124. For State Auditor — T. M. Reed, Rep., 172; John M. Murphy, Dem., 124. For Attorney General — W. C. Jones, Rep., 172; H. J. Snively, Dem., 124. For Superintendent of Public Instruction — R. B. Bryan, Rep., 170; J. H. Morgan, Dem., 126. For Commissioner Public Lands — W. T. Forrest, Rep., 172; M. Z. Goodell, Dem., 124. For Supreme Judges — R. O. Dunbar, Rep., 173; Theodore L. Styles, Rep., 143; John P. Hoyt, Rep., 173; T. J. Anders, Rep., 180; El- mon Scott, Rep., 161 ; J. B. Reavis, Dem., 124; W. H. White, Dem., 125; B. L. Sharpstein, Dem., 166; Frank Ganahl, Dem., 99; John Paul Judson, Dem., 124. For Superior Judge (Columbia, Garfield and Asotin Counties) — R. F. Sturdevant, Rep., 165: M. M. Godman, Dem., 128. For Joint Senator (Columbia, Garfield and Asotin Counties) — C. G. Austin, Rep., 164; John Brady, Dem., 129. For Representative^ — William ,, Farrish, Rep.. 212; G. W. Phillips, Dem., 84. For County Clerk — John Dill, Rep., 173; D. W. Savage, Dem.. 122. For the constitution, 83; against constitu- tion. 201. For woman suffrage, 97; against woman suffrage, 173. For prohibition, 113; against prohibition, 147. For Location of State Capital — North Ya- kima, 122; Ellensburg, 167; Olympia, 5; Pasco, 1. The Republican county convention of 1890 was held at Asotin September 20. There were no aspirants for the offices of prosecuting at- torney and coroner ; otherwise a full ticket was placed in nomination. Delegates to the state convention chosen were : E. Baumeister, Charles Isecke and D .T. Welch. The county central committee chosen were : H. C. Fulton, D. S. Trescott, A. H. Huntsinpiller, M. Mc- Millan, Al Stiffel and S. R. Hudson. In the campaign of 1890 the Prohibitionists entered the field for the first time, nominating an incomplete ticket. The convention was held at Asotin, September 25. J. L. Vinson was elected delegate to the joint convention which was later held at Pomeroy. To attend their state convention of 1890 the Democrats selected F. Huber, J. N. Boggan, W. J. Boggan and J. H. Craig. Their county convention was held at Anatone, August 20. The Democrats met at Asotin October 4 and placed in nomination candidates for all county officers except representatives, coroner and surveyor. The county central committee chosen were : Elmer Waldrip, chairman ; G. C. Percifull, H. W. Ward, J. S. Stone, D. Mor- row and E. H. Vinson. The election was held November 4. There were cast 320 votes. As usual the result was the election of members of both parties to the county offices. For the head of the ticket the Republicans had a plurality of 30. On the county ticket the Democrats elected two com- missioners and their candidates for treasurer and school superintendent. The Prohibition vote was not large. The official vote : For Congressman — John L. Wilson, Rep., 139; Thomas Carroll, Dem., 109; Robert Abernathy, Pro., 18. For Representative — William Farrish, Rep., 223; John L. Vinson, Pro., 76. For Assessor — William Rogers, Rep., 152; S. T. Jones, Dem., 132; Z. K. Heinzman, Pro., 25. HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. 719 For Auditor — H. E. Benedict, Rep., 237. For Clerk— D. T. Welch, Rep., 159; El- mer, Waldrip, Dem., 153. For County Commissioner (First District) — Charles Isecke, Rep., 127; W. H. Smith, Dem., 175. For County Commissioner (Setond Dis- trict — D. F. West, Rep., 118; R. H. Vannaus- dle Dem., 133; James Forgy, Pro., 36. For County Commissioner (Third District) — O. Gilmore, Rep., 142 ; Frank Huber, Dem., 140; Emory Lathrop, Pro., 19. For School Superintendent — D. W. Sav- age, Dem., 214. For Sheriff — James Justus, Rep., 162; Benjamin F. Patterson, Dem., 142. For Treasurer — J. N. Rice, Rep., 144; Jackson O'Keefe, Dem., 176. For Location of State Capital — Ellens- burg, 135; North Yakima, 88; Olympia, 57. For county bonds, 1 59 ; against county bonds, jy. The Democratic convention of 1892 was held at Asotin August 13. James Urquhart was chairman and John A. Weissenfels, sec- retary. Delegates to the state convention se- lected were Jackson O'Keefe, S. T. Jones, J. A. Weissenfels and Henry Talbott. There were a number of contests for the nominations for several of the county offices. Members chosen for the county central committee were : J. A. Weissenfels, S. T. Jones, John Dick, R. H. Vannausdle, J. S. Bay and Henry Talbott. A second convention was held by the Dem- ocrats October 4. This was rendered necessary on account of the withdrawal of several of their nominees. James Urquhart was chairman and J. A. Weissenfels, secretary. Those participat- ing were the same delegates as attended the first convention. They completed a county ticket. July 12 the Republican county central com- mittee met at Anatone. They selected H. C. Fulton, I. H. Bingham and Al Stiffel to repre- sent the county at the state convention. September 24 the Republican county con- vention was held at Asotin. D. F. West was chairman and D. S. Trescott, secretary. The county central committee selected were: J. W. Green, chairman, J. W. King, E. W. Peck, Daniel McGilvery, W. J. Clemans, E. W. Craig and D. F. West. This convention devel- oped considerable friction, and there were con- tests for nearly all the offices. The struggle for the nomination for sheriff was three-cornered and twenty ballots were required to select a nominee. The candidates before the convention were B. R. Howard, J. M. Justus and Charles Rice, the first named winning out. The election was held November 8. There were cast 380 votes, a gain of sixty over the vote of two years previous. The county was found to be still in the Republican column, the Republican presidential electors having majori- ties over the Democratic nominees of a trifle less than fifty. The Republicans also carried the county for their nominees for congressman, state and district officers. On the county ticket there was again a division. The Democrats elected the prosecuting attorney, treasurer, sheriff, assessor and one commissioner. The vote: For Presidential Electors— Republicans, 194; Democrats, 148; People's party, 18; Pro- hibitionists, 16. For Congressmen^ John L. Wilson. Rep., 183; William H. Doolittle, Rep., 172; Thomas Carroll, Dem., 145 ; James A. Munday, Dem., 140; M. F. Knox, Pp., 16; J. C. Van Patten, Pp., 16; C. E. Newberry, Pro., 12; A. C. Dick- inson, Pro., 12. For Governor— John H. McGraw, Rep., 183; Henry Z. Snively, Dem., 143; C. W. Young, Pp., 25; Roger S. Greene, Pro., 21. For Joint Senator (Columbia, Garfield and Asotin counties)— J. A. Kellogg, Rep., 169 ; U. Z. Ellis, Dem., 117; Ernest Hopkins, Pp., 60. For Superior Judge (Columbia, Garfield and Asotin Counties) — Robert F. Sturdevant, Rep., 241; J. E. Edmiston, Dem., 115. 720 HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. For Representative — William Farrish, Rep., 234; Matthew Scully, Dem., 135. For Prosecuting Attorney — G. C. Perciful, Dem., 155; scattering, 4. For Clerk— D. T. Welch, Rep., 206; George Pimpell, Dem., 172. For Auditor — H. E. Benedict, Rep., 231; James Urquhart, Dem., 141. For Treasurer — John Dill, Rep., 173; L. B. Howard, Dem., 202. For Sheriff— B. R. Howard, Rep., 156; John L. Wormell, Dem., 224. For Assessor — William Rogers, Rep., 148; George Kirmear, Dem., 230. For School Superintendent — D. .S. Jen- nings, Rep., 213; Albert Cook, Dem., 154. For Surveyor — M. S. Kling, Rep., 192; John C. Burke, Dem., 170. For County Commissioner (First Dis- trict) — Edward Knox, Rep., 170; W. H. Smith, Dem., 198. For County Commissioner (Second Dis- trict) — Robert Sangster, Rep., 218; R. H. Vannausdle, Dem., 147. For County Commissioner (Third Dis- trict) — Orville Gilmore, Rep., 241. Saturday, August 11, 1894, the Democrats of Asotin county met at the town of Asotin, L. B. Howard in the chair. Only four candi- dates were placed in nomination — for the offi- ces of treasurer, sheriff and two commissioners — and they were made by acclamation. Dele- gates elected to the state convention were : L. B. Howard, J. N. Boggan and John A. Camp- bell. The county central committee named were : W. A. Barker, J. N. Boggan, John Fine, James Morrow, Michael Flerchinger and H. W. Ward. The Republicans assembled September 6th with I. H. Bingham in the chair and L. N. Troyer, secretary. One of the resolutions adopted by the convention was : "That equal consideration should be given to both of the money metals, and that each United States dollar should be kept at the value of one hundred cents, whether of gold, silver or paper." The delegates to the state convention were D. T. Welch, William Farrish and H. E. Ben- edict. The county central committee selected were A. S. Toops, O. Gilmore, Samuel John- son, M. S. Kling, James Michie, D. T. Welch, chairman. A full ticket was placed in the field.. This year marked the first appearance of the people's party in Asotin county. The mem- bers of the first county central committee were :.: G C. Perciful, chairman, John B. Dick, A. B. Craig, L. K. Brown, John Weissenfels, M. Scully and B. B. McClure. Peter Maguire was-, selected to represent the county at the state convention. The members of this party met in. convention at Asotin Saturday, September 29th. W. J. Boggan was chosen chairman: and B. W. Knox, secretary. The delegates to this initial People's Party convention were: Asotin Precinct — Peter Maguire, James Thornton, Spencer Haworth, B. W. Knox, R. W. Caywood, D. P. Filer. Pleasant Precinct — J. B. Dick and two proxies. Lake Precinct— E. W. Peck, W. T. Trent, J. E. Knight, J. A. Cramer. Theon Precinct — B. F. Onstott, H. A.. Whiton, G. C. Perciful. Anatone Precinct — J. A. Weissenfels, and one proxy, Frank Huber, L. K. Brown, Henry Schiebe. Grande Ronde Precinct — W. J. Boggan, J. H. Craig, M. McMillan. The convention placed a full ticket in the field with the exception of prosecuting attor- ney. A new county central committee was se- lected as follows : W. J. Boggan, chairman, L. K. Brown, secretary, H. A. Whiton, M. Mc- Millan, J. B. Dick, R. W. Caywood, John Knight. The election was held November 6th. Over 400 votes were cast. The entrance of the People's Party into the- campaign changed the political complexion of HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. 721 the county. The new party developed consid- erable strength, and on state and national is- sues the candidates of that party ran even with those of the Republicans. The Democrats lost heavily to the People's Party., and were a poor third on national and state issues. In the coun- ty the Populists elected representative, assessor, coroner and one commissioner; the Democrats elected their candidates for sheriff and treas- urer; and the Republicans auditor, clerk, school superintendent and one commissioner. The vote : For Representatives in Congress — Samuel C. Hyde, Rep., 165; William H. Doolittle, Rep., 166; N. T. Caton, Dem., 52; B. F. Heus- ton, Dem., 51; J. C. Van Patten, P. P., 162; W, P. C Adams. P. P., 165. For Supreme Court Judges — Ralph O. Dunbar. Rep., 159; M. J. Gordon, Rep., 166; Thomas N. Allen, Dem., 57; John L. Sharp- stein. Dem., 67; J. M. Ready. P. P., 156; H. L. Forest, P. P., 160. For Representative — H. E. Benedict, Rep., 192: C. G. Gibson. P. P., 210. For Assessor — Orville Gilmore. Rep., 184: George Kinnear, P. P., 207. For Auditor — D. T. Welch, Rep., 225 ; J. A. Helman, P. P.. 177. For Clerk — Joseph W. King, Rep., 202; Michael Smith, P. P., 197. For Coroner — L. Woodruff, P. P.. 201. For School Superintendent — D. S. Jen- nings. Rep.. 218. For Sheriff — J. L. Wormell, Dem., 255 ; R. W. Cay wood, P. P.. 141. For Surveyor — George Burger, Rep., 201 ; L. K. Brown, P. P.. 169. For Treasurer — L. B. Howard, Dem., 247; B. W. Knox, P. P., 143. For County Commissioner, Second District — Robert Sangster, Rep., 73; L. F. Fine. P. P.. 38. For County Commissioner, Third District — C. A. Hollenbeck. Rep., 48; Henry Talbott, Dem., 26: Frank Huber, P. P. 64. 46 August i, 1896, the Republicans decided on an early convention. Accordingly they met at Asotin August 1st, when a full set of nominees was selected. This convention was presided over by W. J. Clemans, of Anatone, and John Bell, of the same place, was secretary. Al- though it was known that a majority of the voters of the county were in favor of the free silver movement, the convention passed reso- lutions endorsing the national Republican plat- form and the "clear and concise statement of the fundamental principles of Republicanism therein." The delegates elected to the state conven- tion were : E. Baumeister, William Farrish, W. J. Clemans, J. O. Tuttle and George W. Bailey. The county central committee selected were: James Michie, chairman; William Rog- ers. Secretary; H. E. Benedict, Eli Farnham, Nels Sherry, Robert Wilson, Charles Pitt, Isaac Dillon, John Bell, W. E. Benedict and B. W. Yeoman. The members of the People's Party held their first convention, for this year, at the Grand Junction school house, June 13th, and selected delegates to the district convention which was later held at Dayton. J. A. Weis- senfels was chairman of this convention and L. K. Brown, secretary. John B. Dick, of Pleas- ant precinct, and Frank Huber, of Anatone, were chosen delegates. The Populists who had made such a good showing at the previous election and who, it was believed, had gained strength in the two years succeeding, met in their second 1896 con- vention at Asotin Saturday, August 15th, and placed in nomination a full county ticket. W. J. Boggan, of Grande Ronde precinct, presided over the convention, and L. K. Brown, of An- atone. was secretary. There were 24 votes cast in the convention and there were contests for many of the nominations. The following county central committee was selected : W. J. Boggan, chairman; L. K. Brown, secretary; George Kinnear, John Dick, John Knight, "J22 HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. John Weissenfels, A. A. Wormell, Thomas Craige and Perry Mallery. Old line Democrats were scarce in Asotin county in 1896, and they did not put a county ticket, in the field. At the election, November 3d, there were 498 votes cast. For president the county was carried by the People's Party by a plurality of 40 votes over the Re- publican electors. For state officers the fusion candidates carried the county over the Repub- lican candidates by nearly as large pluralities. On district and county officers each party elected a portion of its ticket. For joint sena- tor the Republican candidate had a small ma- jority, while for representative and superior court judge the People's Party candidate car- ried the county by small majorities. The Re- publicans elected their candidates for clerk, auditor, treasurer and one commissioner; the People's Party elected the rest where there was opposition. The official vote : For President — Republican electors, 214; Democratic electors, 16; People's Party elec- tors, 254 ; Prohibition electors, 3 ; National electors, 1. For Congressmen — S. C. Hyde, Rep., 216; W. H. Doolittle, Rep.. 211; James H. Lewis, P. P., 252; William C. Jones, P. P., 252; C. A. Saylcr, Pro., 4; Martin Olson, Pro, 2; Charles E. Mix, Nat. 1. For Governor — P. C. Sullivan, Rep., 219; John R. Rogers, P. P., 249; R. E. Dunlap, Pro., 8. For Judge Superior Court — Columbia, Garfield and Asotin — R. F. Sturdevant, Rep., 236; M. M. Godman, P. P., 237. . For Joint Senator — Columbia, Garfield and Asotin — E. Baumeister, Rep., 242; J. C. Van Patten, P. P., 232. For Representative — D. T. Welch, Rep., 231 ; R. W. Caywood, P. P., 242. For Sheriff — Robert Campbell, Rep., 226; George W. Kinnear, P. P., 252. For Clerk— J. W. King. Rep., 254; C. T. Craige, P. P., 212. For Auditor — Elmer Waldrip, Rep., 283; J. A. Helman, P. P., 192. For Treasurer— W. S. Rogers, Rep., 259; J. A. Weissenfels, P. P., 233. For Attorney— Walter Brooks, Ind., 197; Lee Williams, P. P., 233. For Assessor— O. Gilmore, Rep., 216; H. A. Whiton, P. P., 253. For School Superintendent — J. B. Jones, Rep., 236; Hallie E. Robison, P. P., 239. For Surveyor — George Burger, Rep., 275. For Coroner— John Steel, Rep., 281. For Commissioner, Third District — C. A. Hollenback, Rep., 220; Frank Huber, P. P., 246. For Commissioner, First District— Samuel Downen, Rep., 246; Peter Maguire, P. P., 219. The Democrats of Asotin county having lain torpid during the campaign of 1896, again entered the field in 1898. Theirs was the first convention held, and convened at Asotin June 25th. Nearly a complete ticket was placed in nomination and the county central committee was authorized to fill any and all vacancies.. The members of the new county central com- mittee were W. A. Barker, chairman; A. T. Ginsbach, secretary; W. F. Fansler, N. D. Flerchinger, J. T. Morrow, Fred Whitney and James Ross. At Asotin, July 30th, the Republican coun- ty convention was held. D. T. Welch was chairman and J. L. Chapman, secretary. A complete ticket was nominated. Delegates to the state convention selected were : H. C. Ful- ton, D. T. Welch, and William Farrish. The county central committee comprised J. W. King, chairman; O. A. Janes, Henry Critch- field, J. L. Chapman, Robert Wilson and Eli Farnham. The Populists met in mass meeting at Asotin, September 7th, and selected Lee Wil- • liams and Frank Waldrip as delegates to the state convention. Their convention for nomi- nating candidates for county officials had been held September 3d, when for the first time HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. 723 fusion was attempted in Asotin county. This was accomplished by the Democratic nominees agreeing to withdraw, and the Populists de- clining to name candidates for auditor and clerk and agreeing to throw their support to the Democratic nominees. The county central committee named were: Lee Smith, W. J. Boggan, Frank Huber, Peter Fiker, T. J. Snyder, J. B. Dick, H. W. Ward and T. W. Enos. The election of November 8, 1898, dem- onstrated that populism was on the wane in Asotin county. The party carried the county by about 40 votes in 1896; it did not elect a single candidate in 1898. There were cast 503 votes at this election, which was a gain over the presidential year of 1896. The Re- publicans carried the county by a safe plur- ality and elected every candidate on their county ticket except that for sheriff, the Dem- ocratic nominee being elected. The official vote: For Congressmen — Wesley L. Jones, Rep.. 243; Frank W. Cushman, Rep., 247; James H. Lewis, P. P., 197; William C. Jones. P. P., 185; A. C. Dickinson, Pro., 8; C. L. Haggard, Pro., 13; Walter Waker, Soc. Lab., 3 ; M. A. Hamilton, Soc. Lab., 2. For Representative — John F. Chrisman, Rep., 274; Peter Fiker, P. P., 191. For Sheriff— W. L. Cook, Rep., 160; J. L. Wormell, Dem., 166; James McLeod, P. P., i55- For Auditor — Elmer Waldrip, Rep., 375; W. A. Barker, Dem., 69. For Clerk— A. G. Burnette. Rep., 281 ; A. T. Ginstech, Dem., 160. For Treasurer — W. S. Rogers, Rep.. 257; Henry Liebenau, Dem., 43; David Powell, P. P., 180. For Assessor — M. J. Garrison, Rep., 284; Benjamin Flock, Dem., 88; T. W. Enos, P. P., 105. For School Superintendent — J. B. Jones, Rep., 280; Hallie E. Robison, P. P., 192. For Attorney — Walter Brooks, Rep., 241 ; Lee Williams, P. P., 216. For Surveyor — Charles L. Swain, Rep., 265 ; F. P. Mesick, P. P., 192. For Coroner — Charles Isecke, Rep., 359; scattering, 1. For Commissioner, First District — S. C. Downen, Rep., 289; Hubert Flerchinger, Dem., 36; R. E. Wright, P. P., 145. For Commissioner, Second District — George W. Cummings, Rep.. 330. The 1900 Republican county convention was held at Asotin, July 2d. All the proceed- ings were marked by a spirit of harmony. The delegates to the state convention who had been selected in March were D. T. Welch, W. J. Clemans, O. A. Janes, and B. W. Yeoman, W. J. Clemans, of Anatone, was made chairman and W. M. Clemenson, of Clarkston, secre- tary. Aside from the delegates selected iri March to an earlier state convention, Elmer Waldrip, Dr. H. C. Fulton, W. J. Clemans and F. G. Morrison were chosen to represent Asotin county at the later state convention. They were instructed to use their efforts for the nomination of E. Baumeister, of Asotin, for joint senator for the counties of Colum- bia, Garfield and Asotin, and, also, for the nomination of S. G. Cosgrove, of Pomeroy, for governor. The county central committee selected were: J. W. King, chairman; R. A. Wilson, W. W. Zindel, B. W. Yeoman, R. Sangster, J. A. Bradley, Robert Campbell, Charles Fairbanks, C. T. Cowan and George N. Ausman. July 1 6th the Democrats and Populists met in convention at Asotin and a harmonious fu- sion of the two parties resulted. A complete county ticket was placed in nomination. Dem- ocrats were named as candidates for represen- tative, auditor, sheriff, prosecuting attorney, superintendent of schools, two commissioners and coroner, while Populists were named for treasurer, clerk, assessor and surveyor. There was a sharp struggle for the nomination for 724 HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. the office of treasurer; otherwise there were few contests. W. A. Barker presided over the convention and T. J. Snyder was secretary. Fifty-two delegates participated in the pro- ceedings. R. W. Caywood and F. H. Waldrip were selected as delegates to the People's Party state convention, and John McMann and Mr. Davenport to represent the county at the Democratic state convention. The Demo- cratic county central committee named were: H. E. Liebenan, chairman; J. Dyas, secretary; Herman Whiton, F. H. Sturgill, J. S. Stone, E. L. Routh and C. L. Haynes. The People's Party county central committee were Charles Caywood, chairman; Lee Williams, secretary; Peter Maguire. Peter Fiker, Thomas Craige, Frank Huber, T. J. Snyder, Joseph Bly, J. B. Dick and M. P. Mesick. Nearly 800 votes were cast at the election held November 6, 1900. Very few straight tickets were voted, the "scratching" being more pronounced that at any other previous election held in the county. The county, which had been carried by the fusion forces in 1896, was now found in the Republican column, the Republican electors having a pluarality of about 70. The Republican nominees for congress carried the county by somewhat smaller plur- alities. The fusion candidate for governor carried the county by 13, the balance of the state ticket being Republican by pluralities ranging from 37 to 70. On the district ticket the Republicans carried the county for joint senator, while the Democrats carried it for judge of the superior court. On the county and legislative tickets the fusionists elected sheriff, clerk and surveyor, while the Repub- licans secured the rest. The fusion ticket was officially labeled "Democratic Ticket." The official vote : For President — Republican electors, 398; Democratic electors, 328 ; Prohibition, 25 ; Socialist Labor, 1 ; Social Democrats, 5. For Congressmen — F. W. Cushman, Rep., 387; W. L. Jones, Rep., 379; F. C. Robertson,. Dem., 321 ; J. T. Ronald, Dem., 322. For Governor — J. M. Frink, 350; John R. Rogers, Dem., 363. For Joint Senator — Columbia, Garfield and Asotin counties — E. Baumeister, Rep., 401 ; H. M. Beach, Dem. 331. For Judge Superior Court — Columbia^ Garfield and Asotin counties — Chester F. Mil- ler, Rep., 359; M. M. Godman, Dem., 372. For Representative — John F. Chrisman,. Rep., 401 ; John McMann, Dem., 331. For Sheriff— William B. Clift, Rep., 264; J. L. Wormell, Dem., 473. For Clerk — Silas F. Bennett, Rep., 345 ;. W. G. Woodruff, Dem., 388. For Auditor— John B. Bell, Rep., 414; W. A. Austin, Dem., 323. For Treasurer — Charles S. Florence, Rep., 402; James Parks, Dem., 328. For Prosecuting Attorney — Walter Brooks, Rep., 418; John Romain, Dem., 318. For Assessor — Martin J. Garrison, Rep., 431 ; Thomas Craige, Dem., 306. For School Superintendent — Joshua B. Jones, Rep., 411 ; Mrs. Myra Roadruck, Dem., 3 2 7- For Surveyor — Charles L. Swain, Rep., 349; L. K. Brown, Dem., 385. For Coroner — Charles Fairbanks, Rep.,.. 381 ; N. V. Pound, Dem., 335. For Commissioner, Second District — Burt. W. Yeoman, Rep., 365 ; T. J. Snyder, Dem., 361. For Commissioner, Third District — Alex- ander Robinson, Rep., 366; M. A. Crippen,. Dem., 362. Monday, July 7, 1902, a Republican county convention was held at Asotin. Har- mony prevailed and all the nominations were made by acclamation. J. B. Jones served as chairman and William Porter as secretary. Delegates elected to the state convention were- D. T. Welch, M. J. Garrison, J. F. Chrisman,. HISTORY OF ASOTIX COUNTY 725 W. J. Clemans and Benjamin H. Yotaw. Members of the new county central commit- tee selected were: J. B. Jones, chairman; S. G. Brantner, W. R. Day, R. D. Ruckman, J. A. Bradley, L. A. Woodward, D. Justice. Philip Brown, R. A. Wilson, Ira McKenzie, W. H. Case and Robert Sangster. The Democrats assembled Saturday, July 1 2*th. As with the Republicans the conven- tion was notable for harmony, and all the nominations were by acclamation with the ex- ception of the selection of one commissioner. A. R. Powell was chairman and Frank W. Xessley. secretary. The new county central committee were: Samuel T. Jones, chairman; L. K. Brown, secretary; James Morrisey, Frank Sturgill, M. V. Pound, William Rob- inson. T. J. Snyder. J. E. Knight, T. B. Hicks and H. A. Whiton. Delegates to the state convention were : A. R. Powell. R. W. Cay- wood, J. O'Keefe, W. T. Fansler, M. A'. Pound and A. B. Day. At the general election held November 4, 1902. the vote was considerably lighter than at that of the presidential election of 1900, there being a vote of less than 750. The county was found to be still in the Republican column by a plurality of about 140, although the Democrats elected their candidates for clerk, surveyor, and one commissioner. Prac- tically, the people's party had faded from view. The official vote : For Judge Supreme Court — Hiram E. Hadlev. Rep.. 407: Tames B. Reavis, Dem., 267. For Congressmen — W. L. Jones. Rep.. 410: F. W. Cushman. Rep.. 423: W. E. Humphrey. Rep.. 403 : George F. Cotterill, Dem.. 268: O. R. Holcomb. Dem., 258; F. B. Cole Dem.. 265. For Representative — G. W. R. Peaslee, R e P- 375- Samuel Ramsey. Dem.. 347. For Sheriff — Robert H. Richards, Rep., 434: A. A. Wormell. Dem.. 298. For Clerk — William Porter, Rep., 192; W. G. Woodruff, Dem., 540. For Auditor — John B. Bell, Rep., 519. For Treasurer — Charles S. Florence, Rep., 523- For Prosecuting Attorney — Elmer E. Halsey, Rep., 482. For Assessor — Robert A. Wilson, Rep., 367; James H. Morrisey, Dem., 349. For School Superintendent — Lillian Clemans, Rep., 470; James Barkley, Dem., 255- For Surveyor — E. M. Clark, Rep., 332; J. Swain, Dem., 376. For Coroner— H. R. Merchant, Rep., 458. For Commissioner, First District — J. D. Swain. Rep., 331 ; Jackson O'Keefe, Dem., 386. For Commissioner, Third District — C. T. Cowan, Rep., 382; Simon Adams, Dem., 333. The delegates to the Democratic state con- vention of 1904 were selected at a meeting of the county central committee April 2d. They were A. B. Day, S. T. Ramsey, R. W. Cay- wood. S. T. Jones. J. L. Wormell and T. B. Hicks. The Democratic nominating conven- tion was held, August 27th, at Asotin. A complete county ticket was placed in nomina- tion. Samuel T. Jones presided and J. N. Boggan was made secretary. There was an excellent attendance, all precincts except Grouse and Ely being represented. The fol- lowing county central committee was named : S. T. Jones, chairman : C. W. Hunton. sub- chairman; Perry Steen, A. J. Crow, C. W. Whiton, A. B. Day. M. A*. Pound. Henry Tal- bott. J. E. Knight, T. B. Hicks and Joseph Ely. The Republicans held two conventions pre- ceding the election of 1904. The first of these was on May 1st. and was for the purpose of selecting delegates to the state convention. Out of the quota of forty-three allowed there were thirty-eight delegates present, when 726 HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. Chairman Elmer E. Halsey called them to- gether. George A. Brown was made secre- tary. The following delegates were selected : George W. R. Peaslee, W. J. Clemans, George A. Brown, Ralph Atine and Emil Mathes. In view of the fact that Asotin county was one of the four in eastern Washington which gave a majority for A. E. Mead for governor at the election in November, the following res- olutions adopted unanimously at the conven- tion may be of interest : "We endorse the present Republican state administration and congratulate the people of the state on the efficient manner in which the affairs of the state have been conducted by it. We endorse the stand taken by Governor Mc- Bride against the railroad lobby. We think he should succeed himself to carry out the work he has begun. We favor a railroad com- mission, non-partisan in character, to be ap- pointed by the governor, and so instruct our delegates to the state convention to use all hon- orable means to secure the re-nomination of Governor McBride and support him as long as he has a reasonable chance for the nomina- tion, and that the delegates vote under the unit rule." The second convention was held at Asotin September 5th. There were present 42 dele- gates. Kay L. Thompson was elected chair- man and C. A. Lewis, secretary. At this later convention a strong railroad commission plank was adopted, and resolutions were carried en- dorsing the nominees for president and vice president ; the candidates for congress, and the administration of Governor McBride, but no mention was made of the Republican state ticket which had been nominated. A full county and legislative ticket was nominated. The following gentlemen were selected as members of the county central committee : J. B. Jones, chairman ; H. J. Clark, A. S. Bur- nett, W. R. Day, J. A. Bradley, Duncan Mc- intosh, S. R. Greene, A. L. McNeil, W. H. Case, R. A. Wilson, Martin Zindell and Charles Fairbanks. For the first time in the history of this county the Socialists placed a ticket in the field. A convention was held at Clarkston in August and a partial county ticket was placed in nomination. The nominees were : Chris- tian Frost, representative; O. D. Carpenter, sheriff ; L. W. Bishop, auditor ; H. W. Bishop, treasurer; A. H. Forrest, assessor; O. G. Breckke, commissioner. The Republican landslide which swept the country November 8, 1904, did not miss Aso- tin county, and with the exception of county treasurer every Republican on the ticket from president to coroner carried the county by large majorities. The county cast 1,066 votes, the largest in its history, having made a remarkable increase over all previous elec- tions. The official vote : Presidential Electors — Samuel G. Cos- grove, Rep., 747; L. B. Nash, Rep., 740; George W. Bassett, Rep., 739; Al J. Munson, Rep., 742; Herman D. Crow, Rep., 744; Fred Thiel, Dem., 227; John J. Carney, Dem., 226; John Trumbull, Dem., 227 ; J. S. Darnell, Dem., 226; S. P. Richardson, Dem., 227. Outside the vote of the Republican and Democratic parties, there were 8 votes for the Socialist-Labor ticket, 33 by the Socialists, 4 by the People's Party and 23 by Prohibi- tionists. For Congressmen — W. E. Humphrey, Re- publican, 675; Wesley L. Jones, rep., 6yy y Frank W. Cushman, Rep., 681 ; Howard Hathaway, Dem., 295 ; James J. Anderson, Dem., 296; W. T. Beck, Dem., 293. For Judge Supreme Court — Frank H. Rudkin, Rep., 658; Mark A. Fullerton, Rep.,. 674; Alfred Bradford, Dem., 303. For Governor — Albert E. Mead, Rep.,. 528; George Turner, Dem,, 469. For Lieutenant Governor — Charles E. Coon, Rep., 572; Stephen Judson, Dem., 400. HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. 727 For Secretary of State — Sam H. Nichols, Rep., 606; P. Hough, Dem., 356. For State Treasurer — George G. Mills, Rep., 602; George Mudgett, Dem., 367. For State Auditor — Charles W. Clausen, Rep., 608; R. Lee Purdin, Dem., 349. For Attorney General — John D. Atkinson, Rep., 605 ; Charles H. Neal, Dem., 362. For Commissioner Public Lands — E. W. Ross, Rep., 604; Van R. Pierson, Dem., 350. For Superintendent Public Instruction — R. B. Bryan, Rep., 610; Walter D. Gerard, Dem., 348. For Joint State Senator — S. S. Russell, Rep., 603 ; Frank Cardwell, Dem., 376. For Judge Superior Court — Chester F. Miller, Rep., 602; M. M. Godman, Dem., 391- For Representative — H. C. Fulton, Rep., 563; J. L. Wormell, Dem., 440; Christian Frost, Soc, 34. For County Auditor — Charles S. Florence, Rep., 695; L. W. Bishop, Soc, 50. For County Treasurer — Henry Howard, Rep., 435; W. G. Woodruff, Dem., 567; H. W. Bishop, Soc, 19. For Sheriff — R. H. Richards, Rep., 794; O. D. Carpenter, Soc, 32. For County Clerk — M. P. Shaughnessy, Rep., 665; A. H. Harwick, Dem., 314. For Prosecuting Attorney — George H. Rummens, Rep., 687. For Superintendent of Schools — Lillian Clemans, Rep., 565 ; Amy Shelman, Dem., 445- For Assessor — Frank E. Brown, Rep., 532; Charles Lambert, Dem., 467; A. H. For- rest, Soc, 25. For Surveyor — Jay-"Swain, Rep., 737. For Coroner — H. R. Merchant, Rep., 674; P. W. Johnson, Dem., 319. For Commissioner, First District — S. C. Downen, Rep., 621 ; August Beckman, Dem., 375- For Commissioner, Second District — Frank Body, Rep., 578; Frank Huber, Dem., 421. CHAPTER VI EDUCATIONAL. The opening of this chapter will treat of the public schools of Asotin county in general. This will be followed by the history of the Asotin and Clarkston schools, these places being the only two centers of population in the county. The first school in the territory that is now Asotin county was established in the autumn of 1879. Settlers in the Anatone country, at that period the most densely populated portion of eastern Columbia county, built and maintained this school without assistance from the county or territory. The school house was on the present site of Anatone, and when opened was the only school in the county east of Pomeroy. Miss Angie Bean was the first teacher and the school began with an attendance of 15 or 20 scholars. The first school in Asotin City was the sec- ond in the county. It was opened in 1881 and Miss Blanche Marsilliott was the teacher. Fol- lowing is a roster of her pupils : Carrie, Mary, Ida, Effie, Nellie and Curtis Stimpson; Celia, Addis, Jasper and Ulysses Kanawyer ; Nannie, Fanny and Nathan Sumpter ; Ida and Lillie Hoskins ; Wilber and Annie Hoskins ; Frank 728 HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. and Gussie Grounds ; Mary Cole, Annie Pierce, Verdie Pierce, Clarence King, Edith Marsil- liott, Mary Montgomery. In 1884 there were 12 school districts in the county. Nine of them had terms of varying length during the year, and there was a fair attendance. Such was the status of educa- tional affairs soon after Asotin county had been created. In 1886 the number of school districts had increased to 16 with a large at- tendance of scholars. The Asotin City schools held six months' terms ; the schools of the other districts having shorter terms, and generally during the summer months owing to the fact that during the winter the pupils could not at- tend, being widely scattered over the district and the distance they would have to travel through snow and rain was too great. The total receipts of school money for 1886 was $3,161.61. There were a sufficient number of resident teachers in the county possessing ex- cellent qualifications. The school report for 1901 revealed a vast improvement in school affairs over previous years. There were 1,423 children of school age within the limits of the county, and of these 1,160 were enrolled in the public schools. There were employed 36 teachers, and there were 2^ school houses with a seating capacity of 1,360. Such was the notable improvement within the period of fifteen years. In 1902 there were 1,597 children of school age within the county according to the superintendent's report for that year, and still 23 school houses. At the present writing, January, 1905, there are 1,780 children — -910 males and 870 females — of school age in the county, against 1,667 f° r tne previous year. Of the 1,780 there are 1,525 pupils enrolled, with an average daily attendance of 1,087. The total days' attend- ance for the year was 172,166. Forty-two teachers were employed, against 40 for the year before. The total amount of teachers' wages paid this year was $15,165.70, against $11,- 434.50 for the year 1903. The average wage paid male teachers was $70 per month, an in- crease of $5.60; average wage of lady teachers, $49.60 per month, an increase of $4.17 per month. There are 26 school houses in the county, or two more than for the year previous — five of which are log buildings and 21 frame, and their estimated valuation is $32,325 ; with an additional sum of $6,270 in furniture; $1,920 in apparatus, maps, etc., and $610 in libraries, making a total valuation of all school property in the county of $41,225. There are five first-grade certificates held by Asotin coun- ty teachers; 29 second grade; and 5 third grade certificates. The whole amount of re- ceipts for school purposes for the year was $32,870.21, against $28,819.90 for the year previous. The report showed that the county schools had made a most satisfactory gain dur- ing the year, and Asotin county people are proud of their schools. Nothing speaks better for a county than to be able to show a constant improvement in school work, and in this respect Asotin is keeping pace with all her sister counties. The most of these schools are rural, some- times called "ungraded" schools. This term "ungraded" will, perhaps, convey a wrong im- pression to people who received their schooling under the old system. The Asotin Sentinel of May 9, 1903, said: "All our schools are, in a measure, graded, inasmuch as all are working under an excellent manual, or course of study, issued by the state office of public instruction. There is also uni- formity of text books which aids in the working out of the manual instructions in a more per- fect manner. The advantages of this grading and uniformity are obvious. This is noticeable when compared with the old system, where each small rural district was a law unto itself as to what studies should be pursued, or what text books should be used. It is the aim of the administrative officials of the schools of Asotin county to unify the work, so that the problems of education, so nicely worked out in the so- HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. 729 called graded districts, shall have a broader application and reach the rural schools. In other words, our schools are trying to study toward a definite end culminating in the com- mon school course with eight years' work. On the completion of this eight years' course all pupils must pass a satisfactory examination be- fore they may enter the high schools. It is to be observed that this examination is not a local affair, but a very rigid test formulated by the State Board of Education. All examinations are held at the same time throughout the state under the supervision of the county superin- tendents. Those who satisfactorily pass are granted diplomas by the state superintendent of public instruction, which entitles the holders to admission to the higher schools. "The last four years have been of unusual activity in school matters in Asotin county. In quite a number of districts the increase in reg- istration has been so rapid it has taxed the in- genuity of the school boards to properly care for and accommodate it. There are now 23 school buildings with a total seating capacity of 1.564 pupils. The estimated value of these buildings, including furniture and apparatus, is $33,600. All the buildings constructed dur- ing the past three years have been good, sub- stantial, plain but sightly structures, that are ornaments to the districts in which they are located. It is becoming generally recognized among our people that it is a business proposi- tion to build the best they can afford, rather than construct a cheap, small building that re- quires repairing and additions almost every year; and then never pleasing to the sight, nor comfortable for the pupils. These 2^ buildings and districts are so distributed, and district lines so nearly conform to physical features, that any part of the county is easily accessible to some good school. As far as Asotin county is concerned no intending settler need be solici- tous as to his chances of becoming remote from a school, no matter in what section of the coun- ty he may cast his lot. The number of children between the ages of 6 and 21, residing in these districts in 1902 was 1,597, anc ^ the number enrolled in the schools was 1,338; the average length of term maintained was nearly six months, or to be exact 5.8 months. There was- apportioned by the county superintendent dur- ing this same time to the different district funds the sum of $13,525.53. In addition to this there was raised by special tax and from other sources, $4,087.97, which makes a total of $17,613.50 used exclusively for the support of these schools. This, indeed, is a magnificent showing for the small county of Asotin, and proves conclusively that our people are keenly alive to the grand work of education and are not of that unprogressive kind who 'don't care whether school keeps or not.' " The town of Asotin did not secure her pres- ent handsome school building without consider- able trouble, complexity and anxiety. In Oc- tober, 1883, the school superintendent of Gar- field county announced that the clerk of Dis- trict No. 29 (Asotin), had failed to report the scholars of the district, with the consequence that Garfield county did not receive its propor- tion of school money. The Asotin Spirit said: "Either the clerk, the mail or the superintend- ent has gone wrong and the children of the district are the sufferers." The school building issue first came up as live matter in October, 1883. There was a meeting at the small school house in Asotin November 12th, for the purpose of urging the levying of a tax for a school during the winter. It was urged that a school was of first import- ance and that all should be interested. The people declared that education was necessary and that it would do more to build up the town than any other one attribute. November 9th the Spirit said : "We are getting desperate on the school question. What is going to be done?" The Asotin school district. No. 29, was eight miles square. It could not be ex- pected that one school house could, physically, accommodate all within the limits of such an 73° HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. extensive territory. It was reasoned quite cogently that calculations should be made for more than one school building. By November 30th the school, under the efficient superintend- ence of Miss Angie Bean, was making rapid progress. Still, the district was unfortunate in not having a suitable school house, but it was without funds to erect one. But in April, 1884, a day was set for a special school election for the purpose of voting on a proposition to levy a tax for school build- ing purposes. This election was held on the 1 2th of April. But conditions were still un- favorable, and the tax proposition failed to secure a majority of the votes. This, however, was not unexpected at the time. It seemed un- reasonable to suppose that people living from six to ten miles from the point where it was proposed to erect the school building would vote for a tax which could in no way materially benefit them. At the same time steps were being taken toward the organization of a new school district. This appeared to be the only way in which to cut the Gordian knot. So late as August 10, 1888, the Asotin Sentinel said, with some show of justification : "What about that school house that we in- corporated the town to build? Or was it all a bait to catch gudgeons? Don't all speak at once. That house must, shall and will be built, or else we will forswear American citizenship and favor remanding the town back to its orig- inal inhabitants." At this period the schools of Asotin were held — one in a church building; the other in a vacant butcher shop. November 2, 1889, the year in which the Territory of Washington was admitted into the union, another school election was held ; it was for the purpose of placing in power a new set of directors who, as the Sentinel expressed the sentiment: "are alive to the necessity of building a creditable school house just as soon as the legislature formulates a law to regulate the issuing of bonds by school districts for that purpose." Indeed, Asotin had waited long — - and impatiently. She possessed miserable school accommodations, and was nothing loth in bewailing the fact. Still, disaster "followed fast and followed faster." April 10, 1890, at a special election held that day, by an overwhelming majority the citizens voted to issue bonds in the sum of $4,400 to erect a school house. But a fatal spell appeared to have been cast on this long delayed enterprise. After the contracts had been let it was sorrowfully discovered that the building could not yet be erected owing to a not uncommon display of legislative stupidity in drafting the bill ; it was found necessary to call another special election before the $4,400 school house could be legally erected. This election was held August 6th ; the vote in favor of issuing bonds was almost unanimous. In the fall of 1890 the school house that had been erected in Asotin after a world of trouble ex- tending through a number of anxious years, was found to be too limited in capacity to ac- commodate the growth of the town. Two hun- dred and six children were enrolled in the spring of 1899, and they proved a severe tax on the capabilities of the building, and another was later erected. In 1903 the Asotin Sentinel said: It is apparent to even a moderately close observer that not withstanding the abundant natural resources back of and tributary to Asotin, there is one thing which has aided more than all else in the upbuildng of the town, and that is its very efficient school. This school is the crowning glory of the town, being of such a character as not to suffer by comparison with any town in the union. This is no vain boast used for advertising purposes, but an actual fact which may be verified by a visit to the school and its different departments. Every one is freely invited to inspect the work and make comparisons, and we believe that this inspection will show that we are second to none. A member of the faculty of one of our higher institu- tions of learning stated that the students entering the said institution from the Asotin High School were the most thoroughly prepared, so far as the course reached of any that entered. It is the commendable ambition of our people to maintain this high state of HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. 731 efficiency so that the children of the town shall be equipped for the battle of life, and launched upon the sea of social, politicial and business affairs, properly prepared to perform their respective parts with credit to themselves. To the high standard maintained in the school is due also the fact that Asotin claims the distinction of being a town of homes; a town where no landlord is required to maintain empty buildings. From a total enrollment of 116 a few years ago, the school has steadily advanced to a total of 356 for the year 1902-3, and the opening of the fall term next September will find 400 pupils on hand. A few years ago three teachers were sufficient to carry on the work of instruction ; now there are seven employed. Dur- ing this time the number of months of school session has advanced from six to nine. A very good course of ten years' duration, or ninety months, has been pre- pared, from the first year to the close of an excellent two-year high school course, the whole so wisely con- trived and articulated in its various parts that no energy is dissipated by unnecessary duplication of work, and no gaps in advancing from one grade to another. As an example of the preparation necessary to take up the high school work, it might be stated that all pupils are required on completion of the eight years of common school work to pass the state exami- nation for eighth grade before they are allowed to take up the higher work. The high school course of- fered is ample and broad, with no unnecessary cram- ming, and those who satisfactorily complete it are granted diplomas by the authorities. In the past four years the school has graduated 27 students who are a credit to the community. The school building is an airy, pleasant, and com- modious six-room edifice, including the small room used for library purposes. It is centrally located on River- side street, facing the majestic Snake river, and easily accessible from all parts of the town. The building is well supplied with furniture and with apparatus as far as the finances of the district will permit. But the present quarters are not large enough to accommodate the increase in registration, and to relieve the congested condition the board has rented the Asotin Free Library building for school purposes during the present term. A new school building will be in the course of con- struction early this summer, ready for the fall opening. Asotin has been fortunate in her selection of teach- ers for her schools, owing to a great extent to the wise policy of the board in retaining in their posi- tions those teachers who prove themselves worthy and capable. No one can doubt that our teachers are the most enthusiastic, devoted and progressive public ser- vants, giving full value of service to the- district. In- deed it is indispensible to the success of any school that the teachers have a broad grasp of mind, a thorough knowledge of the various branches, and tact in administering school discipline. That the Asotin school has been successful is proof that its teachers are not wanting in the qualifications necessary for suc- cess. Right here the Sentinel considers it more than just to say a few words about the man who has systematic- ally brought the Asotin school to the point where it is recognized in rank as one of the best graded schools in the state. That man is Prof. J. B. Jones. When he became principal, nine years ago, the Asotin school was little, if any in advance of our better rural schools. Being a thorough college man, fresh from one of the country's best colleges and imbued with the high call- ing of the teaching profession, anxious to give his best endeavors to the cause of education, Mr. Jones went to work with the determination to make a name for the Asotin school. The success of his undertaking has been recognized for several years past ; and a more sincere and conscientious school man is not to be found anywhere. The success of his labors will stand forth as a worthy monument to one who follows teaching for the good he can do rather than for the salary that may be connected with the work. The quarters were found to be inadequate and in the summer of 1904 there was completed a new building of two rooms, in time for the fall opening of school. To illustrate the course of work of the Asotin school, it is said that at the Washing- ton state college of Pullman, the Asotin school graduates stood higher than from any school in the state. In November, 1903, the Clarkston Repub- lican published the following graphic and in- teresting historical sketch of the rise and progress of the Clarkston schools. "There is no one thing which is a better index to the real worth and progressive spirit of a community than the interest that it takes in its public schools. The fact that Clarkston has within the past seven years — while its citi- zens were building their own homes on what many had supposed to be a worthless pile of sand — established and organized a school which now accommodates five hundred pupils and employs thirteen teachers, is the highest compliment that can be paid to any people. In January, 1897, school opened in a little "up and down" boarded building fourteen by twenty feet, with twenty pupils under the charge of our fellow townsman, C. L. Road- 732 HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. ruck. The enrollment rapidly increased and Mrs. Roadruck was employed to assist her husband and together they completed the year. "In the fall of 1897 Judge Lang-fordi, pres- ent chairman of the board of directors, was employed as principal, with C. L. Roadruck as assistant. At the close of the six months term the enrollment had reached 119. During this time school had been carried on in halls, churches and dwelling houses, but in 1898 the Lewiston Water & Power Company donated to the school district two and one-half acres of land at the corner of Chestnut and Thir- teenth streets, on which was erected a four- room brick building, and Miss Harrington, since county superintendent of Nez Perce county. Idaho, was installed as principal with three assistants. In 1889 ^ r - J- M- Adams was employed as principal having four as- sistants, and 281 pupils were enrolled. Dur- ing his second year he had five assist- ants and enrolled 375 pupils. This build- ing having been destroyed by fire in the summer of ' 1900, he and his assistants were compelled to hold school in halls, churches and dwellings again. In the sum- mer of 1 90 1 our splendid modern building was erected on the site of the one destroyed by fire. The building contained six large, well lighted rooms and the superintendent's office, all finished in native wood and supplied with every convenience of a modern school building. "In the fall of 1901 Professor A. B. Towne was engaged as principal, with six as- sistants and later in the year the seventh was added. During the second year three more teachers were added and 500 pupils were en- rolled. Superintendent Towne did much toward improving the school and giving it the splendid reputation it now enjoys, but owing to poor health he decided to quit teaching. During the last summer an addition to these rooms was made to the central building, which completes the building and gives Clarkston one. of the most excellent school buildings to be found anywhere. Also an elegant one- room building was erected in the south part of the city. School opened this fall with Su- perintendent Randall and eleven assistants to organize about 450 pupils into a well ordered school. It was soon found necessary to add another teacher. "This excessively rapid growth has de- veloped some very hard problems. Those who are acquainted with the school laws of this state know that the state levies such, a school tax as will, taken together with the revenue derived from the permanent school fund, ag- gregate $10 per year for each child of school age in the state. This income is apportioned among the school districts according to the total number of days' attendance in each dis- trict during the year next preceding the ap- portionment. Now it will be seen that school facilities have had to be provided for about 100 new pupils each year for which there is no rev- enue derived from the state fund. Were the people of Clarkston made of different stuff, this would have been a burden too great to shoulder, but under the leadership of such men as Judge Langford, J. R. Conway and Her- man Doege and many others who have had no official connection with the school, it has per- formed this stupendous task and all are proud of the results. In casting about for a man who should be intrusted with the general su- pervision of the schools, the board selected Superintendent Randall, then at the headi of the department of physics and chemistry in the Lewiston State Normal. Mr. Randall is especially fitted for just such a position, being a graduate of the Iowa State Normal School and also a college man as well as having estab- lished for himself a splendid record as princi- pal and superintendent of schools in Iowa. "The schools have been so organized this fall that each teacher has from 40 to 50 pu- pils divided about equally into two sections. Usually these divisions belong to the same grade, but in a few instances teachers have HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. 733- sections of different grades. This arrange- ment gives each teacher an opportunity to do her best work. The board has been especially fortunate in the selection of teachers. To em- ploy 13 teachers and to have each one of them be sucessful in his or her work, is one of the finest compliments which can be paid to the judgment of any board." Clarkston in 1900 employed six teachers; in 1901, eight; in 1902, 11; in 1903, 13, with a certainty of being compelled to employ one or two more. The enrollment in Clarkston in 1902 was 360. The enrollment in 1904 was 461. This included an estimate of the children who would attend the south side school when the building was completed 1 . It showed an in- crease of about 25 per cent, over 1903. The Clarkston school house, completed in 1900, cost, with furnishings, $6,000. In 1899 the Vineland school opened with an enrollment of 144 pupils. At the close of the term in June, 1900, the number had just doubled, it then being 288, and at that time five teachers were employed. At the open- ing of the schools in September, 1900, 333 pupils were enrolled, and now at the close of the present term there are 375 names on the register of the Vineland school, and six teach- ers employed, giving an average of 62 pupils to each teacher. Five years ago, (1897), says the Clarkston Republican in 1902, the enroll- ment was 22; in 1900 it had reached 281; in 1901, 375 and in 1902, 502. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES ASOTIN COUNTY OSCAR D. CARPENTER resides in Vineland adjoining Clarkston, where he has a five acre tract of choice land set to all kinds of fruits and berries. In addition to handling this property, Mr. Carpenter does contracting and building, being a practical brick layer and stone mason. He was bom on November 14, 1847, in Dane county, Wisconsin. Russell G. Carpenter, a native of the state of New York, was his father. He was a jeweler by trade yet came as a pioneer to Wisconsin and settled on a pre-emption in Dane county. He was deputy sheriff of his county for four years and died in 1894, aged seventy-seven. He was a relative of the noted capitalist, Stephen Van Rensaler of New York city. He married Jane Head, also a native of New York, who died in 1896, aged seventy-seven years. The children born to this worthy couple were: Roland B., who served in the Civil War and died in 1904; Oscar D., the immediate subject of this sketch; and Washington L, now dwelling in Mobile, Ala- bama. After completing the course in the common schools, our subject attended Albion academy and was a classmate of ex-governor and United States Senator, Knute Nelson, of Minnesota. For two years after leaving the academy he entered the training service of the Chicago and Northwestern and continued there four years. In 1878. Mr. Carpenter went to Watertown, South Dakota, and began to learn the brick and stone mason trade. He followed that business for several years, then went to Duluth, Minnesota. In 1893, we find him in Aitkin, Minnesota, where he was one of the leading men, being a justice of the peace, school clerk and a successful business man. In January, 1903, Mr. Carpenter sold his place in Minnesota and came to Washington, selecting the five acre tract above mentioned, which is now supplied with all improvements needed. He has a comfortable residence and is employ- ed at his trade in addition to supervising the fruit business. On February 7, 1886, Mr. Carpenter mar- ried Emma Farnworth, the daughter of Nathan and Sarah (Crompton) Farnworth, natives of England. They journeyed in early life to Philadelphia and there Mrs. Carpenter was born. Mr. Farnworth was an engraver and he and his wife are now both deceased. The brothers and sisters of Mrs. Carpenter are Mrs. Anna Peacock of New York city ; James R. and Nathan T. of Baraboo, Wisconsin. Mrs. Carpenter is the youngest of the family. To Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter one child has been born, Roy Grafton, the date of his birth is December 31, 1887, and he is now a student in the Lewis Commercial College at Clarkston. He is also a member of the Christian church. Mr. Carpenter is a member of the I. O. O. F., being past grand of that order and now present district deputy grand master. He has been a member of this order for twentv vears 736 HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. and is past chief patriarch in the Encampment. Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter are members of the Rebekah lodge and she is present chaplain. JOHN HIGGINS, a well known farmer of Asotin county, resides some six miles south- west of Cleveland. He was born in Newton, Ireland, in 1841, the son of Dennis and Honora (Xevells) Higgins, natives of Newton, Ire- land. During his youthful days he had very little opportunity to gain an education and saw much hard work. When a young man, he came to the United States, accompanied by a younger sister, and settled in Westminster, Pennsylvania, where he wrought on a farm until the breaking out of the war in 1861. He at once enlisted in Company G, Seventh Penn- sylvania Cavalry, under Captain Andrews and Colonel Winecoop and was placed in General Bank's army. His first service was at Mur- physville, Kentucky, after which he was at Bowling Green, Fort Donelson, and Nashville Tennessee, in engagements. We next see him under Brigadier General Neglee, after which he was at Murfreesboro, remaining there until July 5, 1862, doing garrison duty. Two days after that time, his command met General For- rester and every man was taken prisoner ex- cept a few who were on scout duty. Mr. Hig- gins, being one of the scouts, escaped capture. The scouts arrived at Nashville and were placed on scout duty under General Neglee, remaining until General Rosecranz came to Nashville. Then his division was joined to General Thomas' command. Mr. Higgins acted as courier to General Thomas at Mur- freesboro then at Chickamauga. After this, he fought at Shelby vi lie under General Stanley and was again detailed to carry orders under General Minteer. He had a narrow escape from the rebels, but being well mounted, he got into the Federal lines. After this, he was at Chattanooga and there joined General Sher- man. He fought the rebels at Turner Hill,. Buzzard Roost, Resaca, Marrietta, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree creek, Atlanta and Jonesborough, being under the immediate com- mand of Generals Kilpatrick and Love joy. On one occasion, Mr. Higgins was surrounded and cut his way through the rebels back to his own lines, then he took part in the Kilpatrick raid where General McPherson was killed. After Bragg was superseded by Hood they met the rebel army at Rome, Georgia, and later was in the engagement at Nashville, and was also in.. the battle of Franklin river. Here, Mr. Hig- gins' term expired and he at once went to Huntsville, Alabama, and re-enlisted in the same company and regiment for three years. Receiving a thirty-day furlough, he visited his home in Pennsylvania, then returned to his regiment at Louisville, Kentucky. Receiving a new mount, he was again detailed as orderly, this time to Brigadier General Minteer. He took part in the Wilson raid through Tennes- see, Georgia and Alabama. At the fight at Selma they captured two thousand five hun- dred prisoners. The next move was to Mont- gomery, which surrendered. At Columbus, Georgia, his company saved a bridge from de- struction, then went to Moscow, Georgia, on the right of Sherman's army, which was march- ing to the sea. About this time, they received news that the war was over, with instructions to capture Jefferson Davis, which they did about sixty miles below Macon, Georgia. Here- he was mustered out of the army, having been in service four years and one month. Returning to Winchester, he engaged on the Pennsylvania Central railroad until 1874, when he journeyed to California, via the isthmus,, and speculated in mining stocks for three years. In 1877, he went to Arizona, then to Los Angeles, then to the mines near Owen's Lake, afterwards to Carson City and Virginia City, Nevada, then he visited Reno, Sacramento, San Francisco and Portland. In the latter- place, he wrought on the O. R. & N. railroad: HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. 737 and also at The Dalles. On March 15, 1878, he landed in Walla Walla and took his present place as a homestead. This has been his head- quarters since, although he has wrought much of the time with Dr. Blalock and John Bryant. Mr. Higgins is a member of the G. A. R. and is an energentic and stirring man. He was raised under the influence of the Catholic church but does not belong to any denomina- tion. DUNCAN A. McINTOSH, a pioneer of southeastern Washington, a representative citizen of Ascotin county, and one of the most thrifty and up to date farmers in the state of Washington, resides just west from Theon, where he has a magnificent estate of nearly two sections. The improvements upon the estate have been made by Mr. Mcintosh and are of the best, manifesting his excellent taste and wisdom. At present he handles about four hundred acres to crops each year, while the balance of the land is summer fallowed or pastured. Duncan A. Mcintosh was born in Glengarry county, Ontario, Canada, on July 30, 1850. His father, Alexander Mcintosh, Avas born in Scotland near Edinburgh and was an early set- tler in Canada. He was of gentle birth and a man of influence where he lived. He married Isabell McLennan, a native of Canada and of Scotch Irish ancestry. The excellent schools of Ontario furnished the educational training of our subject and he remained on -the farm with his parents until seventeen when he journeyed to Clearfield county, Pennsylvania, and engaged in lumbering. Seven years were spent in the employ of Redding and Fisher, then he returned to Canada for a couple of years. In 1877, he journeyed to California and was occupied in the redwood forests of Mendocino county. The next year he came north to Washington and settled in Columbia county, that portion which is now Asotin county. His 35 location was on March 22, 1878, and he bought the right of a settler, Mr. Hopkins, where he resides at the present time. Like most of the early pioneers in that country, Mr. Mcintosh was forced to go to other parts of the state to • earn money for his living for the first few years of his residence. Not to be daunted, however, he labored faithfully on and being a careful man and good manager, he soon began to pros- per. In due time he purchased other land and has kept adding to his estate betimes since until he has the amount mentioned above. Mr. Mcin- tosh is a man of integrity and honor and his life has been such that everyone has confidence in him. If, however, there is one characteristic of the man more than another, it is his thrift and good taste. These have been displayed so continuously that he has the name of being the best farmer in his county and surely an inspec- tion of his property would lead one to say the decision was correct. His beautiful home, well cultivated fields, his perfectly laid out farm,, and his fine stock, all give evidence of this fact. Another point is very noticeable in Mr. Mc- intosh's life, which is, that he is so careful of detail that everything about his farm is in per- fect order. One of the crowning works he has done here was planning and erecting the larg- est barn in Asotin county, a magnificent build- ing which accommodates forty horses and forty cattle, so laid out that it has all the fine points known to modern architecture of barns and so beautifully built that it would be an ornament in any country. The same is supplied with a water works system equal to that found in any modern house and Mr. Mcintosh may justly take pride in his excellent achievements. This is the result of his wisdom and industry, and constantly the people of his county are stimu- lated by his example to worthy efforts and im- provements more that we are able to show. Certainly, Mr. Mcintosh has done a magnifi- cent work for Asotin county. He brought the first threshing machine to Asotin flats and op- erated it for fourteen years. In addition to 738 HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. the enterprises before mentioned, Mr. Mcintosh is interested in the Blue Mountain Mill Com- pany and the Diamond Chief Mining Company of Asotin county. At Lewiston, Idaho, on November 29, 1883, Mr. Mcintosh married Miss Alice, the daughter of Joseph and Mary (Burk) Bymas- ter, natives of Illinois and Almira, New York, respectively. The father was a soldier in the Rebellion. Mrs. Mcintosh was born in Ogle County, Illinois, and is a graduate of the Ore- gon high school. She (taught for several years before her marriage. To Mr. and Mrs. Mcintosh the following children have been born: Eva, in Asotin county, on January 5, 1885, and died January 6, 1901 ; Burke A., on the farm, on July 18, 1886; Glenn D., in Ogle county, Illinois, on August 2, 1888; John K., on the farm, July 17, 1891 ; Francis W., on the farm, April 10, 1897, and died July 22, 1898. Mrs. Mcintosh was a noble woman and a faith- ful helpmate. On December 30, 1900. at the home on the farm, she was taken away by death. She was universally and sincerely mourned and was laid to rest with becoming honors. Mr. Mcintosh has the following named brothers and sisters : Thomas, Kenneth, Ewen, Mrs. Anna Frazer, Mrs. Ellen Monroe, Mrs. Mary McArthur, Mrs. Christina Walker, Mrs. Margory McDonald, and Mrs Kate McLen- nan. Mr. Mcintosh is a man of prominence in Asotin county. Although in political matters he has never aspired for office, he is one of those men who would merit the encomium spoken our president, "He is a man who does things." This is evidenced by his whole life and he is one of the most substantial, capable and thrifty men to be found in this part of the countrv. LOUIS W. BISHOP is the owner of and conducts the Bishop hotel in Clarkston, a neat structure of twelve rooms, provided with modern conveniences, as hot and cold water, electric lights, baths and so forth. It is a popu- lar resort and is conducted in such a neat and business like manner that it gives universal satisfaction. Louis W. Bishop was born in Bishop, Mason county, Illinois, on May 19, 1872. His father was John Henry Bishop, a native of Germany, who came to the United States when fifteen years of age and settled in Mason county, Illinois, being one of the earli- est pioneers there. He owned land where Bishop now stands and the town was named for him. He was one of the leading and wealthy men of the country, and died there on August 3, 1893, being in his seventieth year. He had been a life long member of the Evangel- ical church and a man who supported worthy institutions. He married Catherine E. Wess- ling, also a native of Germany, who came to the United States with her parents when two years of age. She was brought up in Mason county and now owns the old home place, al- though she resides at Dixon, Illinois. Our sub- ject is the ninth of a family of fifteen children, fourteen of whom are living. He was reared on the farm and received his education in the public schools. Then he attended Bushnell college and afterward taught school. Subse- quent to that, he took a course in the Dixon business college and also studied telegraphy and for a time followed it". From his boyhood days he has always been a lover of music and has manifested no small talent in that line. He was playing a cornet in a band when fifteen years of age and is now the leader of the Clarkston concert band and evinces great inter- est in orchestral music. Mr. Bishop is also an ardent admirer of out door sports and was a member of the base ball team in Illinois. He followed farming some in Illinois and then in the fall of 1 90 1, sold his property there and came to Clarkston. For a time he was clerk in a store here and then in 1903, he purchased the lot of ground and erected the hotel above men- tioned. Since that time, he has given his at- tention to the management of the hotel and also HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. 739 to overseeing the tract of fruit land which he owns adjoining town. The land is now set to various kinds of fruit, all of which are in bear- in. On August 31, 1898, Mr. Bishop married Mary E. Loux, who was born in Jersey county, Illinois. Her parents died when she was small and she was an only child. At the time of her marriage she was saleslady in a dry goods store. To Mr. and Mrs. Bishop three children have been born, Mildred D., Beulah B., and the baby, a boy. Mr. Bishop is a member of the I. O. O. F. and the W. O. W. His wife belongs to the Rebekahs and the Circle. Mr. Bishop also carries one thousand dollars in an old line insurance compny and two thousand each in W. O. W. and the Bankers' Life. He and his wife are well known and highly re- spected people and have many warm friends. RALPH BERTRUM HOOPER is one of the leading merchants of Clarkston and was born on July 31, 1870, at Atwater, Minnesota. His father, John Y. Hooper, was a native of New York and an early pioneer to Minnesota. He was court stenographer of Scott county for several years and also served four years in the Civil War among the Minnesota Volunteers. He was bugler in his command and partici- pated in several leading battles, among them being Gettysburg. He had been wounded sev- eral times, although only slightly, and his death occurred at Belleplaine, Minnesota, in 1888. He married Helen J. Baldwin, a native of Madison, Wisconsin, and now living in Omaha, Nebras- ka. After studying in the common schools, our subject took up shorthand under his father and was stenographer for several different law firms in the east. In 1889, he came to Sprague, Washington, to accept a position with the Nor- thern Pacific railroad. Shortly afterwards, he was installed as agent and held the position for a few years. Then he was transferred to Spo- kane and became claim agent for the company. Later we find him in Lewiston and when the bank of Clarkston was organized, he was in- stalled as cashier. Later, he resigned that po- sition to take up his present business and in 1 90 1, with C. M. Evans, he embarked in the commercial world. They have a fine store building, fifty by one hundred feet, which is divided into two compartments, one being filled with farming implements and the other with a full line of grocieries, hardware, tinware and house furnishing goods. In addition to all this, the firm carries a large amount of supplies of mining goods and a full line of crockery. They enjoy an excellent patronage and by a close at- tention to business and deferential treatment to all have won the confidence of. the people. On November 1, 1890, Mr. Hooper mar- ried Emma J. Montag at Belleplaine, Minne- sota. She was born in St. Paul, in that state. The fruit of this union is two children, Beryl Bernice and Ralph Bertram. Mr. Hooper is council commander of the W. W. and a member of the K. P. It is in- teresting to note that when Mr. Hooper, came west he was without capital and everything that he now possesses is the result of his care- ful industry and thrift. He is a man of excel- lent habits and standing and has many friends. ROBERT SANGSTER is one of the fore- most men of Asotin county. For six years he served his country in the capacity of commis- sioner and during that entire long term dis- played the probity, wisdom and keen foresight that have characterized him in private business. He was as alert for the interests of the county as for his own private enterprises and the re- sult was that Asotin county profited much by his extended term of service. For two years of this period, he was chairman of the board. Mr. Sangster now dwells about one mile north of Anatone, where he has one of the choicest 740 HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. estates of the country and which manifests his ability as a farmer, stockman and a fruit raiser. Robert Sangster was born in Glengarry county, Canada, on May 20, 1853. His father, John Sangster, a native of Aberdeen, Scotland, came to Canada when young, followed farming and there married Ann Mcintosh, a native of Canada. The first eighteen years of our sub- ject's life were spent in his native county, working on the farm and gaining a good educa- tion from the excellent home schools. In 1876 he turned his face to the west and next we find him lumbering in Mendocino county, Califor- nia. In 1878, he settled down for the winter and on the 21st of April of that year, he landed in Lewiston, Idaho, and the following day, he came on foot in company with Duncan Mc- intosh to the Asotin Flats and on his arrival, he immediately purchased a relinquishment of Frank Leucovish. Mr. Sangster went to work to make a home and since that time has dwelt on this land. He has brought it to a high state of cultivation and has supplied a great many fine improvements. During the Indian troubles Mr. Sangster assisted to build the fort near Anatone and he has ever been a progressive and active man in improvements of every kind for the county. When he was elected to the commissioner's office, his name appeared on the Republican ticket and he has always been a stanch supporter of the principles of that party. At Lewiston, Idaho, on February 15, 1880, occurred the marriage of Mr. Sangster and Ida B. Whitton, Parson Riggsby officiat- ing. Mrs. Sangster's father, Abner Whitton, was born in Connecticut and was a pioneer to Minnesota, Oregon and Asotin county, Wash- ington. He married Harriett S. Bell, a native of Ohio. Mrs. Sangster was born in 01m- stead county, Minnesota, on November 2, 1863, and is now the mother of the following named children : Minnie B., born on August 22, 1 881, and now the wife of B. N. Clemans ; Maude, born on April 8, 1883, the wife of W. L. Clemans; Charles, born June 9, 1886; Cart R., born March 22, 1888; Margerrie, born July 2, 1893; George R., born October 27, 1895; and Theodore born June 3, 1903. Mr. Sangster is a member of the I. O. O. F. and has passed all the chairs of that order. He also belongs to the grand lodge of the state,, to the Encampment and to the Rebekahs. He is an adherent of the Presbyterian church and is known far and near as a man of uprightness, and stability, governed by wisdom and good, principles. JOHN T. MORROW, a prosperous and leading farmer of Asotin county, who resides about four miles southeast from Cloverland, was born in Hall county, Georgia, on May 5, 1863. His father, David Morrow, was a na- tive of the same state and later dwelt in Brown county, Texas, and in 1882, came overland' with teams to Walla Walla. His death oc- curred in Asotin, in 1902. He married Amanda Moore, a native of Georgia, who is- still living in Asotin. Our subject received his education in the common schools of Texas and Asotin county and spent his youthful days, on the farm. In 1883 ne took a pre-emption and then a homestead near where Cloverland is now and began the improvement of the same and also raised stock. Later, he bought his present home at the head of .the Smiley Gulch> which is an estate of between seven and eight hundred acres and very beautiful. It is nearly all under the plow and producing fine crops of the cereals. Mr. Morrow has a large stock of cattle and is one of the prosperous men of the section. He has held various offices since coming to the country and is a man whose stability and worth are well known. At Moscow, Idaho, in 1890, Mr. Morrow married Ana E. Baggett, the daughter of A. E. and Nancy E. Baggett, formerly from Arkan- sas, their native state. Mrs. Morrow was also, born in that state and the fruit of this mar- HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. 74i riage is mentioned as follows with the dates of their respective births : Bert, on December 7, 1 891; Ruth, on March 7, 1893; R° v > Novem- ber 27, 1894; Earl, November 2, 1899; Ralph, November 30, 1901 ; Hazel, August 9, 1903. Mr. Morrow has the following brothers and sisters, James V., a farmer in Asotin county; William H., living near Cloverland ; David A. and George W., living in Asotin county; Mrs. Talor Trent, living in Asotin ; Mrs. J. D. Wil- liams, Riverside, Okanogan county ; Mrs. L. F. Fine, in Modesto, California; Mrs. J. H. Mor- risey, of Asotin ; Mrs. Louis Closuit, of Asotin ; and Miss Tillie Morrow, of Asotin. Mr. and Mrs. Morrow are good people, have many friends and have contributed ma- terially to the advncement and upbuilding of the county. DEA W. SAVAGE is a farmer residing about two miles northwest from Theon. He was born in Marion county, Oregon, on May 6, 1863. His father, James H. Savage, was a native of Missouri, and a pioneer settler of Oregon and Columbia county, Washington. He married Catherine Pitman, a native of Missouri. In 1872, the elder savage brought his family to Dayton in this state, and there our subject received his education. After finishing school, he taught for two years and then in 1884, came to Asotin county, taking a home- stead on Fisher Gulch. He spent fourteen years there, during which time he taught school in various places in the county and was then appointed superintendent of schools for the unexpired term of W. W. Henry. That having been completed he was elected on the Democratic ticket to the same office and held it for two years. He sold his Fisher Gulch farm and later bought the place where he now re- sides, which was formerly owned by E. Scott. In 1898, Mr. Savage located at Farmington, in Whitman county, where he learned the black- smith trade. Fourteen months after he came there he returned to Asotin county, where he has remained since. In 1892, in this county, Mr. Savage mar- ried Miss Addie C. Millsaps. Her parents, Robert and Holly (Carpenter) Millsaps, are natives of Missouri and Tennessee,respectively, and pioneer settlers of this county. They now reside at Vineland. The brothers and sisters of our subject are Hiram, at Farmington. Wash- ington; Marion, at Gifford, Idaho, and Mrs. Sarah Knoblock, of Dayton, Washington. To our subject and his wife the following named children have been born: Walter O., on De- cember 12, 1894; Sarah E., on November 29, 1895; Edna L., on March 1, 1898; James H., on May 7, 1900; Gladys I., on June 16, 1902; Pearl O., on March 21, 1904. Mr. Savage was raised under the influence of the Baptist church and politically has always been allied with the Democratic party. In ad- dition to making a success of financial matters, wherein he has shown great industry, he has also done a worthy and commendable work in educational lines. His term of office was fraught with efficiency and thoroughness that show the manner of man and he accomplished a great deal of good altogether. Mr. Savage is known as one of the leading, substantial and progressive men of Asotin county. SAMUEL W. ROBISON, one of Asotin county's farmers, is now dwelling at Anatone, where he has one of the good farms of the county. He is industrious and a careful and wise manager in his business enterprises. He was born in Richwood county, Arkansas, on December 31, 1870, the son of James M. and Julia (McLaughlin) Robison. The father was born in Mississippi, and fought in the Rebellion. He had a large capital tied up in slaves and when the war came he lost every- thing. In 1876, being discouraged with the country, he came west and settled in the terri- 742 HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. tory now embraced in this county. His death occurred in Columbia county, in 1887. Our subject was educated in the public schools of this and Columbia counties and received also excellent training from Mrs. John Tuttle, county superintendent. He spent his early life on the farm, and in 1892 took a homestead. Since that time, he has given his entire atten- tion to general farming and raising stock. He has some very fine stock and is one of the' best authorities on stock in this part of the state. It is interesting to note that, physically, Mr. Robison is said to be the strongest man in Aso- tin county. He has good improvements on his farm and the latest machinery. At Genesee, Idaho, on July 1, 1893, Mr. Robison married Miss Hallie Boggan, the daughter of James N. and Retta (Parker) Boggan, natives of North Carolina and Mis- souri, respectively, and pioneer settlers of Aso- tin county. Mrs. Robison was born in Kansas City, Missouri, on September 29, 1872. To our subject and his wife, three children have been born: Lee Wayne, on November 3, 1894; Julia Retta, August 11, 1896; Gwendoline, on September 2, 1903. Mr. Robison is a mem- ber of the M. W. A. Mrs. Robison studied in the state normal at Ellensburg, and is an ardent worker in the ranks of the educators. In 1896, she was elected county superintendent of schools by a majority of three, over J. B. Jones, Republican. Her, name appeared on the People's ticket. She gave the best of satisfac- tion and did much for the cause of education. She and her husband are popular people and have many friends throughout this and ad- joining counties. MORGAN H. TATE resides in Asotin and is retired from active business. He was born in Pettis county, Missouri, on July 12, 1847, an d has spent a good portion of his life in the west and on the frontier. His parents, Allen C. and Elizabeth (Scott) Tate, were born in Ohio and Kentucky, respectively. The father was a relative of the beloved and noted General Scott. The common schools of Put- nam county, Missouri, furnished the educa- tional training of our subject and his early life was spent on the farm. On February 8, 1864, he enlisted in Company C, of the Twelfth -Cav- alry, under Captain William L. Delaney and General Thomas. He served two years, two months and one day and was discharged at Fort Leavenworth,. Kansas. He saw much hard service and was in the battles of Nash- ville, Franklin, Pulaski, Marshall, Holly Springs, and frequently came into contact with Forrester and Ouantrell, besides other bush- whackers. After the close of the war, he was in service under General Conner, in Nebraska, Wyoming, and Utah, quelling the Indians. Following his discharge from the army he re- turned to Missouri and there remained until 1874. In April of that year, he came west to Washington and settled on Mill creek, just east from the town of Walla Wall. Here he had the great misfortune to lose his wife, one daughter and one son, who were crushed by a snowslide. One child escaped death out of that terrible catastrophe. In 1875, Mr. Tate left Walla Walla county, settling in Asotin county on a tract of land on the Snake river, where Vineland is now. Later, he sold this property to the Lewiston Water Power Com- pany, having made that his home for eleven years. Then he moved to Asotin and opened a blacksmith shop, operating the same for thir- teen years. After that he came to the new town of Cloverland and opened a shop which he sold in 1904, then removed to Asotin, where he now resides. In Putnam county, Missouri, in 1866, Mr. Tate married Barbra J. Walls, a native of the same county, who died near Walla Walla, on January 22, 1875, as stated above. In Walla Walla, on August 6, 1877, occurred the sec- ond marriage of Mr. Tate, Sarah E. Gable, HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. 743 a native of Illinois, then becoming his bride. He has the following named children : Mrs. Mary Hodge, living in Walla Walla; Leonard W., born in Walla Walla; J. Harry, born in Umatilla county, Oregon ; Benjamin, born in Garfield county; Bertha A., born in Asotin county; and Elliott J., born in Asotin. Mr. Tate is a member of the G. A. R., and is past commander. "He is well known through the country and has shown himself an industri- ous and thrifty man and is one of the good citizens of Asotin county. JAMES HAMILTON, who resides about four miles southeast from Anatone, was born in Dodge county, Wisconsin, on May 10, 1836, the son of William and Maria (Kimlin) Ham- ilton, natives of Ireland. The father came to the United States when young and was a pio- neer in Dodge county, Wisconsin. Our sub- ject grew up on the farm and attended the dis- trict schools in the winter. When twenty he went to Green Bay and later bought a farm in Juneau county. In 1859, he went to Cali- fornia with his father. They intended to stop at Pikes Peak, but hearing such discouraging reports, they went on. For two years our sub- ject mined near Grass Valley then returned to Wisconsin. In 1865, he came via the isthmus to Sacramento and for a year raised poultry. Then he went to Colusa comity, but owing to ill health journeyed to the mountains and mined. Later he went to Sacramento valley, then was in Washington, and after that settled in Jackson county, Oregon. He farmed six years there and then, it being 1878, came to Columbia county. He settled in the Mayview country, eighteen miles northeast from Pome- roy, and engaged in raising stock. Eight years later, he went to Fisher Gulch, in Asotin coun- ty, and finally purchased a half section where he now lives. He gives his attention to hand- ling stock. In Dodge county, Wisconsin, on July 3, 1858, Mr. Hamilton married Miss Martha A. Weldon, the daughter of Leonard and Polly (Morse) Weldon, natives "of New York. Mrs. Hamilton was born in New York state, Ot- sego county, December 31, 1842. Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton have the following named chil- dren : George, near Portland ; Mrs. Flora Last, in Walla Walla; Mrs. Carrie L. Hatch, near Spokane; Mrs. Ella M. Phillips, at home; Frank L., in the Grande Ronde valley; and Harry W., at home. Mr. Hamilton was elected justice of the peace in Jackson county, but refused to qualify. He affiliates with the Methodist church. WILLIAM E. APPLEFORD. A resi- dence of over twenty-five years in the territory now embraced in Asotin county and a close identification with its upbuilding and improve- ment in all these years, amply justify the class- ifiction of our subject as one of the pioneers of this section and also one of the real builders of the country. He was born in England, on April 28, 1853, tne son °f Daniel and Mary (Ayers) Appleford, natives of England and early pioneers to Canada. The public schools of Canada gave our subject his education and he remained with a cousin until twenty-one years of age. Then he began life's work for himself by renting farms. This continued in Canada until 1878, when he came to the states and journeyed west. Washington was the point of occupation for him and after some time in looking over the country he settled in Columbia county, that portion which is now Asotin county, and took a homestead and a preemption. He at once gave his attention to the breaking up and improving of this estate, and since those days he has continued here in the good work of the husbandman and has now two hundred and forty acres under the plow and producing bounteous crops. His 744 HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. improvements are good and substantial and the place shows marks of much thought and labor. Mr. Appleford has a small stock of cattle and horses but gives his attention mainly to the production of grain. Mr. Appleford has two brothers and four sisters, George, Darius, Mrs. Ann McCready, Rachel, Mrs. Hannah Learn, and Mrs. Louisa Wilson. In Asotin county, Mr. Appleford married Miss Beatrice Stone, the daughter of Jacob S.. and Martha (Harbolt) Stone, who are men- tioned in another portion of this volume. The wedding occurred in 1883 and Mrs. Appleford was born in Appanoose county, Iowa. The names of the children born to this union, with the dates of their birth, are given below; Law- rence, on June 10. 1885; Otville, May 17, 1887; Edward E., May 26, 1889; Rubie M., April 13, 1891 ; Hattie C, August 8, 1893; Tracy, February 24. 1896; Dewey, August 9, 1898; Bertha. July 13, 1900; and Ethel, De- cember 8, 1901. Mr. Appleford is a member of the W. W., and has served on the school board for many years. He is also road super- visor of his district. GEORGE APPLEFORD is properly placed in the class of deserving men of whom onr president says,' "They do things." He is not especially a man of words, but may easily be classed as a man of deeds. This is discerni- ble from the success he has won and from his career which has manifested those qualities of worth and stability that characterize the true man and the progressive and prominent citi- zen. George Appleford is now dwelling in Aso- tin, where has has a comfortable residence. His birth occurred near Redding, in Berkshire, England, on February 14, 1855. His parents, Daniel and Mary (Ayers) Appleford, were also natives of Berkshire and immigrants to Canada in 1857. Our subject was but an in- fant when they arrived in Canada, and there he received his educational training and was reared. Until 1878 he remained in his chosen country, and then came out west to Washing- ton. After due search he selected a homestead on Montgomery Ridge, and commenced the good work of improvement and upbuilding. He labored steadily along, adding to his estate from time to time, until it is now 960 acres, all choice land and all in a high state of cultiva- tion. The original homested is the nucleus of the estate and the thoroughness and continuity displayed by Mr. Appleford in his labors man- ifests the secert of his splendid success. Thrift and sagacity have also characterized him while integrity and a keen sense of honor are al- ways apparent in his conduct. In addition to the labor of farming, which for more than a quarter of a century he has prosecuted with success, he has also devoted himself to stock raising and has a good band of cattle now. . At Springfield, Ontario, Canada, in 1892, Mr. Appleford married Miss Lizzie Stirton, whose parents were natives of Canada. She was born in Ontario, on December 19, 1864, and died in Asotin County, on June 9, 1903. She had been a devoted wife and mother, and in the early summer of the year mentioned fell asleep to wake amid the realities of the world beyond. Her life had showed forth the real faith that makes faithful, and comforted with the graces of Christianity, she bade farewell to loved ones below and calmly passed away. The children left were Richard Lee, born June 18, 1893; Edison J., born December 31, 1894, and Maida A., born December 31, 1898. Mr. Appleford has the following named brothers and sisters: William E., in this county ; Darius, a farmer in Canada ; Sarah, the wife of Robert Wilson, of this county; Ann, wife of Tames McCradev, in Canada ; Rachel, in Canada, and Hannah, wife of George Learn, also in Canada. Mr. Apple- ford is a member of the Presbyterian Church, is also identified with the W. W., and in poli- tics is a strong Republican. Mr. and Mrs. George Appleford HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. 745 KAY L. THOMPSON, a genial and pop- ular business man of Asotin, Washington, is the owner and editor of the Asotin Sentinel, one of the brightest, newsiest and liveliest papers ■of the state. True to its name, it is always on guard for the interests of the people of Asotin county and is progressive in spirit. A review •of Mr. Thompson's career can but prove inter- esting to all and it is with pleasure that we ap- pend the same. Kay L. Thompson was born in Jackson •county, Indiana, on March 18, 1867. His par- ents, Dr. J. M. and Nancy Elizabeth (Cooper- writer) Thompson, were natives of Indiana. The mother died when our subject was an in- fant and when four years of age, he was taken by his father to Meadville, Missouri, where he was reared and received his educa- tion. At the age of fourteen, he commenced his training in the office of the Meadville Mes- senger as an apprentice, and for six years he was associated with that paper. Then he left home and went to Caldwell county, Missouri, where he became one of the publishers of the Caldwell County Sentinel. After a short time in that capacity he sold his interests and worked in various parts of Missouri and Kan- sas. He was always imbued with the spirit of adventure and exploration and soon we find him in the west, his first location being Mos- cow, Idaho, where he was engaged with the Star of Idaho for one year. Then he went to Lew- iston and remained nine years on the Lewis- ton Teller. On April 1, 1899, Mr. Thompson landed in Asotin, Washington, and was soon engaged with Elmer E. Waldrip in publishing the Asotin Sentinel. Two years later he pur- chased his partner's interest and since that time has continued the paper alone. As stated before, his paper is one of the finest in the state, and Mr. Thompson may well take pride both in the high literary standing of the sheet which he handles and the mechanical ability displayed in its makeup. In policy, it is for Asotin county and it is for the people. In principle, it is fearless and always champion- ing those measures which obtain for right and truth. While in taste and style, Mr. Thomp- son has a bright, taking, yet forceful way that wins him an excellent hearing both among his supporters and his colleagues. Asotin is to be congratulated upon securing as a permanent resident this experienced and capable newspa- per man. At Chillicothe, Missouri, on November 12, 1890, Mr. Thompson married Miss Dora Estep, the daughter of George W. Estep, one of the pioneer merchants of that state. To this union, one child, Kay L., Jr., has been born, the date thereof being November 20, 1892, and his native place, Lewiston. Mr. Thompson is a member of the I. O. O. F., the K. P. and the Woodmen of the World. He also belongs to the Encampment and has passed all the chairs in that branch, and is past grand patriarch. He was also prominent in the Grand Encampment in Idaho. He is at present a member of the city council. Mr. Thompson is a man of affability, is public spir- ited and kind, and the result is he has hosts of friends in all portions of the county. RINGOLD C. STONE resides about one mile east from Craige, and is one of the most substantial farmers and stockmen of Asotin county at this day. He is a man whose suc- cess in life has been gained by virtue of good hard work, wisely bestowed, and continued thrift and close attention to business. He is possessed of that sterling quality of determina- tion and tenacity that brook no defeat, and stop at no obstacle, and have constantly pressed him forward to excellent achievements. His estate is a fine one, half given to pasture and half to grain and the fruits of the field. It consists of about one and one half sections, and shows throughout a thrift and air of taste 746 HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. and care which commend the proprietor to the esteem of all lovers of well doing. Ringold C. Stone was born in Appanoose county, Iowa, on April 22, 1861, the son of Jacob S. and Martha (Harbolt) Stone, the former born in Ohio, and the latter a native of •Kentucky. They were pioneers of Asotin county, and are still living here. The district schools of Iowa and Oregon contributed the educational training of our subject and when the time came to lay aside his books, he took up farming, as he had spent portions of each year in that work with his father during school days. In 1873, we & n d him in the vicinity of Corvallis, Oregon, engaged in tilling the soil, and later in Benton county, in the same occupation. In the fall of 1879, Mr. Stone came to Columbia county, that portion now embraced in Asotin county, and settled on Montgomery ridge. He had a little patch of land, a* pair of ponies and eighty dollars worth of debts. At once he took hold with his hands and soon prosperity smiled on his efforts with the result that now he has one of the large estates of the county, and all the improvements that could be desired, besides a fine herd of well bred cattle. The marriage of Mr. Stone and Kate Mc- Millan occurred in Lewiston, on July 4, 1885. Her parents, Morrison and Lucinda (Millott). McMillan, were born in Ohio and Indiana, respectively, and were pioneers of this county, where they now reside. Mrs. Stone was born in Chippewa county, Minnesota, on October 24, 1869. Mr. Stone has the following broth- ers and sisters, Samuel, Mrs. Beatrice Apple- ford, Mrs. Hattie M. Bond. Mrs. Stone has three brothers and two sisters, Orlando, Will- iam, Herbert, Mrs. Maude Miller, and Pearl. Eight children have been born to our subject and his worthy wife, whose names and dates of birth are given as follows ; Cress R., Sep- tember 14, 1886; Myrtle A., November 11, 1887; I ya ]■> April. 1, 1890; Winnie A., May 26, 1892; Adelia O., April 28, 1894; Melva M., June 3, 1899; Esther P., June 23, 1902; and Jacob Clay, July 26, 1904. Mr. Stone is not a politician, but takes a keen interest in the campaigns. He has been constable of his precinct four years, and is a zealous supporter of school matters. He was reared under the influence of the Christian denomination, but does not belong to any, although a supporter of them. ORVILLE GILMORE is one of the popu- lar residents of Asotin county. After a long period of active labor, wisely bestowed, Mr. Gilmore is now privileged to enjoy the fruits of the same in a retired life amid many friends where he is esteemed for his worth and integ- rity. He was born in Great Barrington, Mas- sachusetts, on January 5, 1843. His father, Orville Gilmore, was a native of Cambridge, Vermont, and a descendant of the noted David Gilmore, of Colonial fame. He was a cloth manufacturer. The mother, Wealthy M. (Miller) Gilmore, was a native of Minder Hook, Cambridge county, New York. After completing his studies in the common schools of his native town, our subject graduated from the commercial college at Poughkeepsie, New York, in August, 1863. In December of the same year, he enlisted in Company K, Six- teenth New York Artillery, under Captain J. H. Otis and Colonel Joseph H. Morrison, and took part in the campaign at Yorktown, Peters- burg and Richmond. In 1864, and in Jan- uary, 1865, he participated in the storming of Forts Fisher and Bloomington. Then he joined Sherman's army at Goldsbo rough, North Carolina, and was finally mustered out at Fort Worth, D. C, on August 28, 1865. In addition to doing active work in the field, he had served as clerk in the adjutant's office and the quartermaster's department, and was also mustering in clerk of the company. Upon leaving the army he came west and in 1867, we find him in Illinois, and for a time he was HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. 747 with the American Life Insurance Company of Chicago. The next year he returned to New York and engaged in the commission business on the Hudson river. Finally, he opened up in the same business in the Wash- ington Market, continuing there until 1873. In that year, he left for Iowa, settling at Red Oak, where he farmed until 1878. In the year last mentioned, Mr. Gilmore came to Walla Walla, and was engaged with Major Truax in government surveying for some time. He sectionized the counties of Spokane, Asotin and portions of the Blue Mountains, and they assisted in surveying Lincoln, Douglas and Adams. He was chainman in this work, and was assisted by C. C. May, formerly a banker in Davenport, and T. F. Richardson of Wil- son Creek. They were all poor boys then, working for wages. While in this capacity, Mr. Gilmore selected a homestead and timber culture claim in Asotin county, which he still owns. Immediately following the completion of the survey work, he returned to his farm and began improvements. There were but few settlers where he settled on Montgomery Ridge, and none had made improvements, as they were waiting for the land to be surveyed. Mr. Gilmore has given attention to farming from that time on until 1903, in which year he sold a portion of his property and is now living a retired life in Asotin. Recently he returned to the east and visited his native place, where he did business in New York, and came back to this country more assured than ever that he was dwelling in the best portion of the United States. Mr. Gilmore is an active Republican and has always taken a very keen interest in the campaigns. He has served his county for four years as commissioner with the utmost satis- faction to all concerned. He is one of the old- est settlers in the county, and has maintained from those pioneer days to the present time, a clean record and is a capable and upright man. He has one brother, who is engineer of the waterworks system of Detroit, Michigan. Mr. Gilmore is a member of the G. A. R., and was raised under the influence of the Methodist church, although he belongs to no denomination. He is perhaps better posted on the lands in Eastern Washington as a whole, than any other man in the county, having examined them in person throughout the en- tire section mentioned. He has many friends and has shown himself a man with qualities to stimulate the admiration and confidence of all good and upright people. Since the above was written, Mr. Gilmore died, the date of his demise being August 10, 1904. Heart failure was the immediate cause. WILLIAM R. DAY, who is at the head of a prosperous harness and saddle business in Asotin, is one of the best known men of the county, and without exaggeration we may say, one of the most popular. He is a modest and unassuming man and believes in doing things and doing them well. He has practiced this in Asotin county for a number of years, and the result is that he has not only accumulated a nice property, but has also won the esteem and confidence of all the people. He is a man on whose judgment one may rely, and whose integrity has always been unswerving. In ad- dition to handling the business mentioned, Mr. Day is also in company with Mr. Clemens in the stock business and they handle a fine lot of cattle. William R. Day was born in Lancaster, Grant county, Wisconsin, on July 27, 1869. His father, Theodore B. Day, who is living in this county and an honored member of the G. A. R., was also born in the Badger State, and served his country five years in the Second Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry during the dark days of fratricidal strife. The mother, Rachel 748 HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. Day, is a native of New York city. In the common schools of Walla Walla, our subject completed the education which had been be- gun in Wisconsin, having come to the Ever- green State with his father in 1881. He began life for himself by farming in Asotin county in company with William J. Clemens, in which capacity he labored assiduously for eight years. During this time they also raised cattle, horses, hogs and sheep and were very successful in their labors. In 1903, Mr. Day retired from the farm and began the manufacture of harness and saddles in Asotin, having become master of the trade previously. He still is interested with Mr. Clemens in the cattle business, and the firm is known as the Day and Clemens Stock Company. It is greatly to Mr. Day's credit when we mention that the entire prop- erty that he holds at the present time has been accumulated through his own industrious labors in the past few years in this county. But not like many who made money at the •expense of everything else, Mr. Day has gained in popularity and esteem as his wealth has in- creased. In Anatone, on September 22, 1894, Mr. Day married Miss Hattie B. Barnes, the daugh- ter of O. P. and Minerva Barnes, both pioneers of Oregon. Mrs. Day has one brother, Haz- ard P., who lives in Anatone. She was born in Cove, Union county, Oregon. Our subject and his wife have been blessed by the advent of two children, Edith Helen, born December 12, 1898, and Myron B., born April 1, 1903. The ranch is the native place of both. Air. Day is a member of the I. O. O. F., and has passed through all the chairs as well as having been delegate to the Grand Lodge. He also belongs to the Patriarch Militant and the Rebekahs. Mr. Day is a Republican of the stanchest kind and displays marked en- thusiasm and energy in the campaigns. He has served as a member of the central com- mittee and in various other capacities. JAMES A. BRADLEY, of the firm of Mitchell & Bradley, leading merchants of Anatone, is one of the best known business men in Asotin county, and stands in his present position as the result of continued and hard labor. Mr. Bradley is especially deserving of commendation and of the high esteem in which he is held by his friends. He was born in Adams county, Iowa, on March 13, 1858, the son of Joseph A. and Sarah E. (Leeper) Brad- ley, natives of Pennsylvania, pioneers to Iowa, and early settlers, also, in Clackamas county, Oregon. Our subject had very little oppor- tunity to gain an education as he was on the frontier during school days, but what oppor- tunity denied him has been furnished through determination and careful improvement in his spare moments since. He has come to be one of the well informed men of the country, and has gained it all through his own personal ef- forts. In 1879, he moved with his mother to the vicinity of Dufur, Oregon, where he en- gaged in farming for ten years. In 1889, he sold this property and moved to Wallowa coun- ty, Oregon, locating near Joseph and engaging in the sheep, cattle and horse business. In 1891, he removed from that location to Asotin county, and purchased the ranch formerly owned by Chief Joseph. Here he labored until 1898, in raising stock and doing general farm- ing. In 1889, Mr. Bradley entered into part- nership with W. J. Clemens in a general mer- chandising establishment started by Charles Isecke at Anatone. Later, Mr. Mitchell pur- chased Mr. Clemens' interest and he and Mr. Bradley own and operate the business at the present time. They have a very fine large stock of goods, well assorted, and their patron- age extends for many miles in every direction. Under McKinley's administration in 1898, Mr. Bradley was appointed postmaster at Ana- tone, and he holds this position at the present time. He is also a director of the Bank of Asotin County at Asotin. HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. 749^ At The Dalles, Oregon, on December 16, 1879, Mr. Bradley married Miss Pauline Al- len, daughter of James and Pauline (Rigg) Allen, natives of Missouri and pioneers to Wasco county in 1853. Mrs. Bradley was born in Polk county, Oregon. Mr. Bradley has the following brothers and sisters. Thomas, Robert, John, Mrs. Hailey Hadley, and Mrs. Nancy Raab. The names of the children of Mr. and Mrs. Bradley are given below. Geor- gie, born in Dufur, Oregon, wife of Thomas Farrish; Willard L., born in Dufur; and John W., Frank A., Hester and Lloyd, all born in Asotin county. Mr. Bradley is a member of the I. O. O. F., the M. W. A. and the W. W. He is an enterprising and progressive man, popular and well known and has discharged to the satis- faction of all, all public duties which have been assigned to him. He is a good citizen and has accumulated a fine property. JAMES SANGSTER resides about a mile northwest from Anatone, where he has one of the choicest and best equipped and arranged farms in this part of the state of Washington. He is known far and near as one of the most thrifty agriculturists of the country and his skill and taste in laying out and conducting the farm is remarked by all. He is now complet- ing a commodious residence in Asotin where he expects to dwell. James Sangster was born in Glengarry county, Ontario, on September 17, 1848, the son of Robert and Christina (Ross) Sangster, natives of Aberdeenshire, Scotland, and Can- ada, respectively. The world famed schools of Ontario furnished the educational training of our subject and the balance of his early life was spent on the farm. In 1868, he left Can- ada for California, journeying thither via • Panama. In due time he landed at the Golden Gate and engaged in farming for a while, then he went into the woods in Mendocino county and worked in the logging camps for over nine years, for the Gualala Lumber Company. In the fall of 1877, he determined to find him- self a home in the northwest and accordingly decided upon Walla Walla as the objective point. From that city, he walked to Lewiston, passing only a few houses en route and when he came to the Asotin flats was so taken with the country that he immediately located a tim- ber culture and pre-emption claims. A few fam- ilies has preceded him to the flats and the coun- try was very new. In 1878, with others, he assisted to erect the stockade or fort which served to defend the settlers against the In- dians during the Bannock war and which stood until two years since. Mr. Sangster gave his attention almost exclusively to stock raising during the earlier years of his resi- dence here, but of late has given that up and is occupied almost entirely in general farming. In 1880, at Lewiston, Idaho, Mr. Sangster married Miss Jennie Robisson, the daughter of Andrew M. and Louisa (Russell) Robisson, natives of Alabama and Mississippi, respec- tively. The father was a pioneer to California in 1852, crossing the plains with ox teams. Mrs. Sangster was born in Austin, Texas, in 1 861. To our subject and his wife three chil- dren have been born; Walter D., on July 31, 1 88 1 ; Rena B., on October 3, 1886, and died on September 16, 1887; and Beulah, on Feb- ruary 28, 1 89 1. Mr. Sangster is a member of the I. O. O. F., and has passed all the chairs of the order and belongs also to the grand lodge of the state. He and his wife are sub- stantial members of the Presbyterian church and are highly respected people. Mr. Sangster remarks that when he landed on the Asotin flats, there were no buildings, save a small shack where Mr. Baumeister's store now stands. There were no roads and all travel was on horseback, while packing was the only method of transporting freight to the interior. 750 HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. HENRY D. POWELL is one of the early settlers of southeastern Washington, and he has labored here with display of energy and in- dustry until the present time. His home place is about five miles west from Asotin, where he has six hundred acres of land. He gives his attention to general farming and stock raising. Henry D. Powell was born in Ruthin, Den- bighshire, North Wales, on June 21, 1850, the son of David and Ruth (Owens) Powell, na- tives of Wales. The public schools of his na- tive country furnished the educational training of our subject and then he learned the stone mason trade. At the age of twenty, he entered the coal mines and labored there until he came to the United States in 1871. After landing in New York, he proceeded to Ottumwa, Iowa, and entered the coal mines there. After some time spent in this labor, he traveled to various other states mining and finally in 1874, re- turned to Montgomery county, Iowa, where he began farming. This occupied him six years, then he moved to Washington. He first stopped in the Deadman country, Garfield county, it being then 1882. After that, he selected the homestead where he now lives, also a pre-emption and a timber culture claim. These have been proved up on and he is now farming- this estate. He commenced stock raising at once with his farming and now has a fine herd on the range. When Mr. Powell arrived in this country, he and his wife had five children, and in three weeks after lost four of them with the measles, which made a very dismal introduction to the new country. In Beacon, Iowa, on October 28, 1872, Mr. Powell married Miss Elizabeth Jenkins, the daughter of Evan and Elizabeth (Thomas) Jenkins, natives of Wales. Mrs. Powell was born in Dowlais, Glenmorganshire, South Wales, on November 4, 1851. Mr. Powell has one brother, Owen, who lives near. To our subject and his wife the following children have been born: Emrys. on April 18, 1875; Maude A., on January 30, 1881 ; Arthur, born on May 19, 1885; Edwin, born on September 23, 1887; David, Ruth, Evan and Naomi. The last four named are those who died of the measles as stated above. Mr. Powell was raised under the influence of the Presbyterian church but is now a Meth- odist. Mr. and Mrs. Powell have considerable talent for music and several of their children have excellent voices, especially his daughter who has a beutiful soprano voice which is charming indeed. Mr. and Mrs. Powell are well known throughout the country as genial, hospitable, kind and upright people. Their circle of friends is as wide as their acquaintance and their standing is of the very best. WILLIAM A. HACK, who was born in Warren County, Kentucky, on September 7, 1853, is now a farmer and stock man residing some two miles south from Grouse, Asotin county. His parents, Richard and Nancy (Russell) Hack, were born in Kentucky. The father was a member of the Confederate army and was killed during the war. The common schools of his native county contributed the educational training of our subject, and also those of Pike county, Illinois, whither he went with his mother when a lad. He remained in this latter place until 1884, busied in farming. Then he removed to Bates county, Missouri, residing there until 1889, also farming. After that, he came west to Washington, settling first in Garfield county, near Pomeroy, where five years were spent in tilling the soil, his principal crop being small grain. Afterward, he lost his property there, owing to the panic that swept the country, and in 1894 he came to Grouse creek and took a homestead. He improved it in nice shape and made it his dwelling place until 1900, when he sold it and bought his present farm in the breaks of the HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. 75i ] Grand Ronde river. This place was first set- tled upon by John Koock. Mr. Hack gives his attention largely to raising stock, and also does some general farming, and is come to be one of the appreciated and substantial men of this part of the country. In Pike county, Illinois, on April 15, 1880, Mr. Hack married Miss Mattie Holford. She is the daughter of Joseph and Annie Holford, natives of Illinois. The mother's death oc- curred in Bates county, Missouri, on March 5, 1885. One child was born to this union, Ed- ward A., in Pike county, Illinois, on May 30, 1881. Mr. Hack was raised under the influence of the Campbellite church and adheres strongly to that denomination at the present time. He has one brother in Latah, Washington, and one, Eugene C, in Nez Perces county, Idaho. Mr. Hack is one of the very first settlers in his end of the county and is doing all in his power to bring the country to the front. He is an indus- trious and good man and has secured the es- teem and confidence of those who know him, while he has shown himself the true pioneer. HON. JOHN F. CHRISMAN is well known in Asotin county and stands to-day one of the leading citizens here as will be noted by the following. He resides two miles south from Craige, where he owns four hundred and ten acres of choice land. He has the same well laid out and improved in the best and wisest manner, which demonstrates his ability as a farmer to be first-class. Everything needed in the way of buildings and so forth is found on the estate and Mr. Chrisman is one of the pros- perous and well to do men of the county. John F. Chrisman was born in Andrew county, Missouri, on April 13, 1852. Peter F. Chrisman, his father, was a native of Vir- ginia and a pioneer to California, having crossed the plains in 1850, and later returning east. He had served in the Mexican war under General Winfield Scott and also made a second trip across the plains in 1865. He married Miss Lusina Flannery, a native of Virginia, who died in Oregon. After com- pleting the common school course in Polk and Lane counties, Oregon, our subject attended LaCreole academy of Dallas, Oregon, until his education was completed. Then he taught school for five years in Oregon, largely in Union county. After that, he turned his atten- tion to farming and stockraising in that coun- ty and was one of the prominent citizens there for twenty years. During this time he was county commissioner, justice of the peace and deputy assessor. In 1889, he moved to the Willamette valley and the following spring came on to Asotin county. He soon selected a portion of his present place, and purchased it. He added another half section by purchase later and is now handling the entire estate. For fourteen )-ears, Mr. Chrisman has been labor- ing assiduously and industriously, both for the enhancing of his own fortune and in building up this part of the great state of Washington. His labors have not been without good suc- cess and by his upright life he has won the confidence and good will of all who know him. In 1898, Mr. Chrisman's name appeared on the Republican ticket for representative to the state legislature, his competitor being Peter Fiker, the nominee of the Populist party. Our subject gained the day by eighty-two majority and when in the legislature was appointed on various committees. He was chairman of the dairy and live stock committee, and a member of the committee on agriculture. So well did he serve the interests of his constituency dur- ing his term that in 1900, he was again elected this time by seventy majority over John Mc- Mann. the Democratic nominee. During this term he was chairman of the committee on printing and supplies. He also served on the labor and state penitentiary committees. Mr. Chrisman memorialized congress through the 752 HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. state legislature for an appropriation to im- prove the upper Snake river, and although, at that time, this was adversely reported on, still, since then,, an appropriation of $25,000.00 has been made by congress for this purpose. He introduced a bill to compel irrigation people to place screens across the heads of their ditches. Besides this, he fostered many other bills and was a very active and influential man in the legislature. After this, he was ap- pointed Deputy United States marshal at Walla Walla but refused to accept the posi- tion. Also, we notice that Mr. Chrisman in- troduced a bill to establish a fish hatchery on the Grande Ronde river; a bill to elect the road supervisors instead of having them ap- pointed; and a bill to give cities and towns of the third and fourth class the privilege of levying taxes by districts for the construction of waterworks for irrigation and domestic pur- poses. It will be noticed that Mr. Chrisman is a man of decidedly practical ideas always trying to foster those measures which are not theoretical but are for the actual benefit of all the people of the state. In this, he is to be especially commended. In Union county, Oregon, in 1878, Mr. Chrisman married Miss Emma Hayden, whose parents were natives of Illinois. She was born in Hancock county, Illinois, on January 19, 1849 and died in Asotin > March : 4- I9°°- Four children were born to this marriage: Anna M., on June 29 ,1880; Elmer P., on July 5, 1882; Hugh A., on September 15, 1884; and Hattrude B., on December 22, 1887. The children were all born in Union county and are variously engaged at tHis time. Mr. Chris- man has taken great care to properly train and educate his children and they will make very excellent members of society. In church relations, our subject favors the Baptist denomination, while in politics, he is a good strong Republican, though in earlier life a Democrat. Personally, he is genial, kind and retiring. He is a man of much thought and executive ability to carry out the plans he deems worthy of trial. WILLIAM H. RAMSDELL, more famil- iarly known as "Uncle Billy," is one of the best known men in Asotin county and few, if any, have more friends and acquaintances than he. He is a generous, genial, kind man, hav- ing always displayed a faithfulness and relia- bility that commend him to all. William H. Ramsdell was born in Wash- ington county, Maine, on April 3, 1836, the son of Joseph and Sarah A. (Wilcox) Rams- dell, natives of Maine and Novia Scotia,, respectively. The father came from' old Revolutionary stock and the mother descended from Irish parentage. From the common schools of his native country our subject received his education, and in 1885. went to the Island of Grand Manan, where he entered the coasting trade and visited all the important coast towns on this side of the Atlantic and some on the other. He re- mained thus engaged until 1866, when he came to the Pacific coast and engaged in the lumber business. In 1878 he came to Washington and settled in what is now Asotin county and entered the employ of William Farrish as a lumberman. He continued here eleven years, or until 1889, when he purchased from Mr. Farrish a tract of land, where he now lives, about one mile south from Anatone. He has im- proved the place in good shape and displays thrift and energy as a farmer. He also took a homestead, but sold that later. In addition to farming Mr. Ramsdell also carries on a wood business. At Eastport, Maine, in 1856, Mr. Rams- dell married Miss Clara J. Griffin, the daughter of Elisha and Bolinda Griffin, natives of Maine. Mrs. Ramsdell was born on the Island William H. Ramsdell Daniel T. Welcn Isaac R. Snodderly Jackson O Keefe Lewis K.. Brown HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. 753 of Grand Manan in 1838 and died there in 1894. Mr. Ramsdell has the following broth- ers and sisters : Andrew, in Stafford county, New Hampshire; Stephen, a seafaring man, and James, also in Stafford county, New Hampshire. In fraternal affiliations Mr. Ramsdell is as- sociated with the I. O. O. F. and among churches his preference is the Baptist. DANIEL THEON WELCH, familiarly known as the father of Asotin county, and one of the most active promoters of progressive steps in all lines in this county, is a man of ability and energy. He was born in Waynes- burg, Stark county, Ohio, on April 10, 1835. His father, James Welch, M. D., was born in Warren county, Ohio, in 1799, graduated from the Jefferson Medical College of Phila- delphia and was a prominent man in his state. He married Miss Susan Shaeffer, a native of Somerset county, Pennsylvania, and daughter of Daniel Shaeffer, the founder of Waynes- burg. Our subject received a good academic education and then drove a team on the Ohio canal for three years. For two years and one- half subsequent to that he was clerk in a gen- eral store, and when twenty-one he went to In- diana. He located at South Bend and taught school there for three years. At Harris Prairie he cast his first vote, it being for John C. Fre- mont. Next we see him at Plymouth, Indiana, as clerk in a hotel, after which he was station clerk for the Fort Wayne & Chicago railroad. In July, 1 86 1, Mr. Welch enlisted in Company I, Twenty-ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, under Captain Casey. Later he was trans- ferred to Company K, in the same regiment. His discharge occurred on August 17, 1862, owing to the wounds he had received. He first saw service at Mumfordsville, Kentucky, and at Shiloh was wounded three times. His thigh was pierced with a bullet and one thumb was shot away. He was sent to Evansville and thence to his home in Plymouth. Three months later, when recovered, he assisted in raising Company F, of the Seventy-third In- diana Regulars and acted as adjutant until re- lieved by the government. In 1863 Mr. Welch went to California by stage and arrived in the Sacramento Valley on July 26. He farmed and taught school until 1867, when he went into a store as salesman again. In 1869 he returned to his Ohio home and the next year came back to California and accepted a posi- tion in the railroad station in Batavia, and handled in addition a grain and farmers' sup- ply warehouse in connection with this work. After this he made a trip to Washington and Oregon, then returned to California and farmed for one year, then engaged with his former partner and soon had charge of the grain loading along the line of the California Pacific. In 1879 ne severed his relations with the grain company and came to Dayton, Wash- ington, and soon thereafter was in Asotin. On October 9, 1880, he located land at Theon, which is named after him, and there settled to farming and handling a general merchandise store. He was instrumental in getting a post- office established and conducted the store for six years. During those early years this county was a part of Columbia county. Three years later Garfield county was cut off from Columbia county, and when the time came to locate a county seat four points were launched, namely, Pomeroy, Pataha City, Mentor and Asotin by their respective supporters. No se- lection could be made, and as Mr. Welch was representing, the Asotin interests, had 204 votes, he dictated to the contestants to the ex- tent that the matter would never be settled unless Asotin county was created. This fin- ally obtained, and hence he is called the father of the county to this day. In 1890 he was chosen county clerk and served two terms. In 48 754 HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. 1894 he was called by the people to the office of county auditor and declined nomination for a second term. Then he was nominated by the Republicans for the Legislature, but lost the day by a combination of Democrats and Popu- lists. He held the office of Deputy United States marshal, mayor of Asotin and other po- sitions. He is now court commissioner and police judge of the city. Since removing to Asotin Mr. Welch has handled the West hotel and is doing a good business. His estate is rented and he is privileged to retire from the more active duties of life. He has one sister living, Mrs. Louisa M. Kimmel. On July 6, 1862, Mr. Welch married Miss Helen A. Waters, at Plymouth, Indiana. To this union three children were born, Mrs. B. F. Patterson, of Waitsburg, this state; Carrie A., deceased, and James Theon. The second mar- riage of Mr. Welch occurred in Asotin, on April 2, 1901, when Mrs. M. I. West, the daughter of William Leslie, and widow of David West, an early pioneer of this county, became his bride. Mr. Welch lost his son, James Theon, in 1899. In all the political campaigns Mr. Welch has shown a stanch- ness for the Republican party that stamps him one of the wheel horses. When he stumps the county, as he does some times, he is always greeted with enthusiastic hearers, as his speeches are telling and interesting. He is a prominent member of the G. A. R., and for eight years held the office of notary public, having been appointed under the territorial government. He is a good citizen and has hosts of friends and stands well. Mr. Welch takes especial and pardonable pride in the fact that Asotin county is today called the garden spot of Washington. Though small, it has much to commend it, and it is due to the telling efforts of such stanch men as himself and Jackson O'Keefe that it is a sepa- rate county at this time. ISAAC R. SNODDERLY is well known in various portions of the west as a faithful and capable minister of the gospel. In later years he has retired from that calling and is now oc- cupied in raising fruit near Asotin. He was born in Union county, Tennessee, on August 5, 1849. His parents, John and Eliza (Sharp) Snodderly, were also natives of Tennessee and the mother is still living in Asotin county, aged seventy-nine. The father enlisted in the Second Tennessee Infantry under General Burnsides and died while in the service. Dur- ing the first seventeen years of his life Isaac R. studied in the district schools of Anderson county, Tennessee, then he began farming for his mother, continuing the same until he was twenty-one years of age. At that time he rented a farm for himself and soon there- after bought land. In 1871, having sold his property in the east, he came to California and settled in Woodland, where; he did general farm work for six months. After that he went to Linn county, Oregon, following the same business for five years. It was in 1877 when Mr. Snodderly settled at Alpowa ridge, near Pomeroy. There he took pre-emption, home- stead and timber culture and made his home until 1882. In that year he took charge of the Dayton Baptist church as pastor and continued for one year, when he was appointed home missionary to Asotin, and, in March, 1884, began his labors, which resulted in the erection of the place of worship for the Baptists which is still occupied. He continued as preacher there for five years. He then was called to mourn the death of his wife. For two years subsequent to this he labored in the missionary work at Dayton, after which he returned east and took a course of lectures in the Baptist Theological Seminary at Louisville, Kentucky. After that we find him in the evangelistic work throughout Tennessee, where he remained until 1895. Returning to Washington he HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. 755 stopped a short time in Asotin and then took charge of the Baptist church at Reardan, Lin- coln county. A year later he returned to Aso- tin and bought a farm in the Vineland country, where he put out an orchard and lived for two years. Then he sold the property and bought where he now lives near Asotin. He has a choice place, all under irrigation and in a high state of cultivation. During 1899 and 1900 Mr. Snodderly was engaged in operating a warehouse. In Tennesse, in 1870, Mr. Snodderly mar- ried the daughter of Hon. F. C. and Margaret (Petrie) Hansard, natives of Tennessee. Mrs. Snodderly was born in Knox county, Tennes- see, and died in Asotin county, on January 19, 1889. To this marriage six children were born, the only living one being Ettie, now the wife of J. O'Keefe. In 1893, in Union county, Tennessee, Mr. Snodderly married Miss Eliza J. Stooksberry, whose parents, Jacob and Hulda (Craige) Stooksbury, were born in Tennessee. Mrs. Snodderly owns Union county of that' state as her native place and 1859 was the date of her birth. Three chil- dren have come to bless this marriage : Pharah L., born in Tennessee, on April 11, 1894; Jay Claude, born in Union county, Ten- nessee, on March 17, 1895, and Hettie May, born in Asotin county, on August, 1899. Mr. Snodderly has two brothers and two sisters, Joseph B., Jasper L., Mrs. Nellie B. Mitchell and Mrs. Tabitha C. Nash. Mr. Snodderly is a member of the Artisans and the Sous ot Veterans and is Chaplain of the Jurisdiction, Washington and British Columbia. In 1900 he was elected justice of the peace for Asotin precinct, was re-elected two years later and is now serving his third term in this office. He is a strong Republican and a first-class citizen. JACKSON O'KEEFE has spent many years in southeastern Washington and is en- titled to the distinction of being a pioneer. His ability and labors were highly instrumental in getting Asotin county set off from Garfield county and his plans were used in obtaining the measure through the Legislature. He is well and favorably known in this county and has held some of the most important offices in the power of the people to give. He was born in Daviess county, Missouri, on March 17, 1851. His parents, Timothy and Sarah (Johnson) O'Keefe, were natives of County Kerry, Ire- land, and Jo Daviess county, Illinois, respect- ively, and early settlers of Missouri. In the schools of Pattensburg, Missouri, Jackson re- ceived his primary education and the same was completed in Bryant & Son's Commercial College in Chicago in 1884. In 1872 he stepped from the parental roof to assume the duties of life for himself, and in the same year came to Myrtle Creek, Oregon, where he wrought as a farm hand for a time and then taught school. Later he was salesman in a general store in Rose- burg, then farmed there until 1878, when he came to Walla Walla, crossing the hills in the midst of the Indian war. Next we see him in Pomeroy and in company with Gilmore, May, Richardson and others, entered the employ of Major Truax to survey a large portion of east- ern Washington. While in this work he took a homestead with Mr. Gilmore on Montgomery ridge and the next year, 1880, he opened a warehouse on the Snake and handled grain on commission. For fifteen years he was in this business and controlled all the warehouses on the river above Lewiston. In the fall of 1886 he was elected county treasurer, his name ap- pearing on the Democratic ticket, and for six years he was kept in this office by an appre- ciative people. In the summer of 1901 Mr. O'Keefe built an irrigation ditch, taking the water from George creek, which covers over three thousand acres, the place being known as Cloverland. He has been a moving spirit in this important enterprise and is to be greatly commended, as it has brought great wealth to 756 HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. the county and the possibilities in this line for the future are hardly to be over-estimated. He is secretary and manager of the company and displays marked ability in these capacities. In 1902 he was elected county commissioner and has given excellent satisfaction in this official capacity. In Asotin county Mr. O'Keefe married Miss Mary E. Snodderly, and to them the fol- lowing" named children have been born : Louis, Jay, Macel, Wallace, Bayard, Ruth and Helen. Mr. O'Keefe is a member of the A. O. U. W. and is one of the county's most substan- tial and pushing business men. LEWIS K. BROWN owns and operates a machine shop in Asotin, Washington, and also conducts a farm, which is located near by. He is a machinist of the first grade and has de- monstrated his ability to handle any machine and build any engine entire. His birth oc- curred in Grundy county, Illinois, on May 19, 1852, the son of Henry and Amanda (Baker) Brown. The father was born in north Ireland, came to the United States when thirteen, and was a pioneer of Grundy county, Illinois. The mother was born in Luzerne county, Pennsyl- vania, the daughter of stanch Americans, who fought in the Revolution and in the other co- lonial struggles. The public schools of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, whither he had moved with his father when seven, furnished the primary education of our subject. Then he graduated from the State Normal at Oshkosh, after which he gave his attention to teaching school. Dur- ing this time he learned carpentering and plas- tering. Wisconsin was his home until 1878, when he came west, arriving in Asotin county on March 25 of that year. He selected two claims on Weissenfels ridge, which he im- proved and sold. Then he bought the claims of Jim Skinner, near Anatone, on which he made his home for many years. In the spring of 1883 ne began the construction of his first engine. It was for a chop mill at Walla Walla. Also there he constructed the first pipe boiler in this part of the country, which showed his ability in the field of mechanics. His engines are built on a double cut-off model, which makes a great saving in steam. In 1885 ne built a threshing machine, which he has oper- ated for about twenty years. He has also con- structed several other machines and many en- gines, demonstrating that he is one of the most skillful men in the entire west. For two years Mr. Brown consented to give his services for the county in the office of surveyor and it was. he who brought the water down from Ten Mile Creek to the Asotin flats. At Eau Claire, Wisconsin, he married Miss Alice Prickly, a native of Wisconsin, the date being June 3, 1887. Three children have been born to this union, Helen M. and Eva L., the former in Walla Walla, in 1889, and the latter in Asotin, in 1897, and Waldo H., born in Walla Walla, March 6, 1888, and died the twelfth day of the following August. He was. laid to rest in Walla Walla. JAMES M. BENSON, one of the vener- able residents of Asotin county and a man who has passed a very active career all over the- United States, is now postmaster at Theon where he also conducts a thriving general mer- chandise establishment. He was born in Sus- quehannah county, Pennsylvania, on March 8, 1829. His father, Jobe Benson, was a native of Vermont and a pioneer settler in Pennsyl- vania in 1804. He was a patriot in -the War- of 1 812 and was wounded at Black Rock on the St. Lawrence river. His ancestors were among the earliest colonial settlers and form- erly came from Sweden. He married Philia Aldrich, a native of New Hampshire and also of old colonial stock. Our subject was educated in the district: HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. 757 -schools of his native county then began to learn the trade of the carpenter and joiner. In 1854, he did his first job of contract work, which was coal cars for the Delaware and Lackwanna and Western Railroad. After two years in that service he came west to Wiscon- sin and engaged in sawmilling for eighteen months. After that, he constructed a flat boat and went down the Wolf and Fox to the Mis- sissippi to Albany, Illinois, where he assisted in rebuilding the steam ferry which had been wrecked by a tornado. Later, he operated at -Clinton and other points until 1863, when he enlisted in Company A. Eleventh Iowa Vol- unteer Infantry, under Captain John Ander- son. He was attached to the Seventeenth Army Corps and saw service at Vicksburg tinder General Grant. Then he was at Jack- son, Mississippi, later in Tennessee, Hunts- ville, Alabama, Lookout Mountain, Chatta- nooga, then went with Sherman to the sea. At Bentonville, he received a wound in his left leg and was mustered out of service at Louis- ville, Kentucky in 1865. He also took part in the grand review at Washington and was hon- orably discharged as a private. Immediately following that, he went to Augusta, Maine, for a short time, then went to Pennsylvania to visit his parents, arriving there just in time to keep them from holding a funeral for him. He remained there until January, 1866, then engaged with the Erie Railroad and in 1868, came to Newton, Kanas, and worked for the Santa Fe as bridgebuilder. We find him in that capacity until 1874, when he bought railroad land and farmed for three years. In the spring of 1877, Mr. Benson crossed the plains with mule teams to Walla Walla, ar- riving there on July 25. He opened a res- taurant near the Baker depot and a year later, came to Asotin county, took a preemption and bought a quarter section. In 1880. he re- turned to Walla Walla and engaged with the Oregon Railroad and Navigation Company and for three years was foreman, handling from seventy to one hundred men all the time. The winter of 1883 ws spent on a farm and the next spring and the next year he went on the Northern Pacific as bridge foreman, con- tinuing two years. In 1886 he returned to his farm and remained there until 1889, when he retired from that business and took up mer- chandising. He has made a good success in this and carries a well assorted stock and has a fine patronage. In 1853, at Susquehannah, Pennsylvania, Mr. Benson married Miss Lavinie Snell, who died at Clinton, Iowa, in 1863. Then Mr. Benson married Mrs. Frances M. Rodgers in Susquehannah county, Pennsylvania. She was the daughter of John and Orfie (Phipin) Harris, natives of Rhode Island and Vermont, respectively, and descended from English and French ancestors. The father's family came to the colonies in 1610. Mrs. Benson was born on August 26, 1837, in Susquehannah county, Pennsylvania, and by her first husband has two children, Ella C. Rogers, a temper- ance lecturer; Ida M., the wife of William Millmore, of Sitka, Alaska, and now deceased. By his second marriage, Mr. Benson has two children, Eveleen B., the wife of Richard Newman, of Woodside, and Fred H., living on the farm with his father. Mrs. Benson's first husband, Levi S. Rodgers, was a member of Company B, Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cav- alry, and died in the service in 1863. He was captain in his company. Mrs. Benson has al- ways been on the frontier and has had some thrilling experiences with the Indians. She has now a fine collection of Indian relics, a great many of them coming from Alaska, and they are valued very highly. Mr. Benson is a good, strong Republican and is a very pro- gressive and public-minded man. ■» » » ELMER E. SAGE is at the head of a fine blacksmith business in Asotin. Like men of his craft, generally, he is a sturdy, independent,. 758 HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. progressive man and by his excellent work and genialty, has won many friends. His birth oc- curred in Jefferson county, Iowa, on August 1 8, 1 86 1. His parents, David L. and Elizabeth (Bibbins) Sage, were natives of Iowa and fol- lowed farming. Our subject was educated in the district schools of Jefferson county, Iowa, and there remained until he was nineteen years of age. Then came the trip west to Washing- ton, Walla Walla being the objective point. He engaged in work for the Oregon Improvement Company for a time, then entered the employ of the Northern Pacific. It was 1882 when he came to Garfield county and located at Pataha City. There he learned the blacksmith trade and followed it for twelve years. In 1894 he came to Asotin county and located at Asotin, opening his present establishment which he has operated since. He is a good workman, has a fine trade and is prosperous. At Pataha City, on May 1, 1884, Mr. Sage married Miss Olive E. White, the daughter of Charles White, who was a native of Rhode Island and a pioneer settler of Walla Walla, having crossed the plains in 1849. He died in Pataha City in 1876. Mrs. Sage was born in Walla Walla county in October, 1867. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Sage ; Lula M., in May, 1886; Lillie I., February 28, 1888; Versey, October 14, 1890; Charles F., December 17, 1893; Daisy, January 1, 1898. Mrs. Sage has the following named brothers and sisters : William, a stockman in Garfield county ; Mrs. Lillie Linderman, of Portland ; Mrs. Casanna Cox, of Idaho ; Mrs. Emma O'Brien, who lives in Portland; and a half brother, James W. Rigsby, of Seattle, a banker. Mr. Sage is a member of the W. W. and the Circle. He has always been a good strong Republican, takes an interest in politics and ed- ucational matters and in all enterprises for the improvement of the country and is a thorough and up-to-date man. ORLANDO M. McMILLAN is a well- known stockman of Asotin county, where he has operated in this industry for a long time. He is skillful and enterprising and is making a good success of the business. His place is in Maguire Gulch, about three miles west from the town of Asotin, and he handles cattle and horses. Orlando McMillan was born in Monroe county, Wisconsin, on October 21, 1862. His parents, Morrison and Lucinda (Millott) Mc- Millan, were natives of Ohio and pioneers in Wisconsin, having come from Scotch ances- try. When our subject was six years of age, the family went to Minnesota and: there he gained his education in the schools of Monte- video. In 1877, the family came on west to Baker City, Oregon, having crossed the plains in wagons. For one and one half years, they remained there, and then, in July, 1879, moved to Asotin county. Orlando remained with his father until he decided to locate government land, which he did where he now lives. Then he engaged in the stock business for himself, raising horses principally for the Spokane mar- ket. After that, he began to raise cattle also and he has now a large amount of stock both on the range and in pasture. He is very suc- cessful, especially in the description and judg- ment of stock and is well-known throughout the country as one of the best stockmen here. At Asotin, on December 21, 1902, Mr. Mc- Millan married Mrs. Alice Kassel, the daugh- ter of Jurgen and Sophie (Sutreth) Holtorf, natives of Germany. Mrs. Kassel was born near San Francisco, California, on June 9, 1882. To this union one child has been born, Lettie, on August 28, 1903. Mr. McMillan is a member of the M. W. A. He is active and interested in politics, educa- tional affairs and community matters and shows a marked wisdom in the decisions of all questions in public matters as well as in private business. HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. 759 OSCAR L. HASELTINE is the present incumbent of the marshal's office in Asotin. In this capacity he has made an excellent record and is known as a conscientious and faithful officer. He also has done business in Asotin county for years and is well known as a man of ability and energy. His labors have resulted in excellent success and he is now possessed of a goodly competence in dividend paying property. Oscar L. Haseltine was born in Maine, on October 2, 1856. His father, John B. Hasel- tine, was born in Maine and married Mary Doe, a native of the same state. Our subjeci was raised on a farm and attended the district schools a portion of each year until he was eighteen, then he did general work, and in 1875 journeyed west to Minnesota, settling in Min- neapolis where he engaged in the lumbering business dealing in Minneapolis and in the woods for ten years. During this time he made several trips to Dakota and Montana. In 1885, he decided to see the west and according- ly started out for the Evergreen State and fin- ally landed in Walla Walla, whence he came to Asotin county and engaged in the timber trade in the Blue Mountains. After that he was employed by William Farrish where he worked for six years. Then Mr. Haseltine took a trip to Oregon and spent some time in prospecting, with what success we are not told. After that he returned to Asotin and again en- tered the employ of Mr. Farrish, continuing for two and one-half years. Then he took a home- stead on Asotin creek, which he sold later, on account of the flood. Subsequently we find Mr. Haseltine in Genesee, Idaho, engaged in the hardware business for W. J. Herman. Later, he farmed for two and one-half years and in 1900 he returned to Asotin county and settled down on the place where he now re- sides. He engaged again with Mr. Farrish at the Anatone mills" and was busy there for two years in logging. In 1902 he was appointed city marshal of Asotin and still holds that position. On November 14, 1887, at Lewiston, Mr. Haseltine married Miss Alice M. Pitchford, of Asotin county. Her parents, John P. and Eliz- abeth (Wilson) Pitchford, are natives of Kan- sas and pioneers in this country. Mrs. Has- eltine was born near Collins, Kansas, on Au- gust 6, 1867. The following named children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Haseltine: Pearl E. ; Maude, born in Oregon and died in Idaho; Luella, born May 16, 1894; May, born in Genesee, on May 1, 1897; and Bulah and Ulah, twins, born on November 29, 1901, in Asotin. Mr. Haseltine is a member of the United Artisans and is a popular and substantial man. He was raised under the influence of the First Day Adventist church but is not affiliated with any denomination although he is a liberal sup- porter of that as well as all worthy causes. ROBERT H. RICHARDS, the sheriff of Asotin county, is one of the most popular men in southeastern Washington. He has honestly won the position, owing to his substantial qual- ities, his integrity, his genialty and his liberal- ity. Mr. Richards is a thorough and capable officer and stanch and faithful friend, a pro- gressive and broad minded citizen and a first- class man. He was born in Wood county, Wisconsin, on June 14, 1862, the son of Charles and Elizabeth (Farish) Richards, na- tives of New Brunswick. The father is now living in Wisconsin. Until 1880, Mr. Richards spent his life in the west and in that year came to Asotin and en- tered the employ of William Farish in the lum- ber mills of Asotin county. Sixteen years were spent there, then he took charge of the govern- ment mills of the Nez Perce reservation. After that he operated the Cceur d' Alene mills near 760 HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. Tekoa for three years but resigned the position owing to the ill health of his family. Then he returned to this county and remained for one winter, after which he took a trip to the Hawaiian Islands in the interests of a land company. After a stay there, he was obliged to resign the position, owing to ill health, and again returned to Asotin. He established his family here, then he went to Silver Lake, Ore- gon, and invested in a lumber mill which he operated for two years. Selling the property he was then appointed city marshal of Asotin, and later took up mining, being the president of the Diamond Chief mines of the Thunder Mountain District. In 1902, Mr. Richards was elected sheriff of Asotin county, his name ap- pearing on the Republican ticket, by a majority of one hundred and thirty-six over A. A. Wor- med, the Democrat. In 1904, he was chosen again to the position over the Democratic ticket. He has given an excellent administra- tion and is a thoroughly capable and conscien- tious officer. In Monterey county, California, on Feb- ruary 12, 1889, ^ r - Richards married Miss Blanch Marsilliot. Malcom Marsilliot was her father. He was born in Ohio and served for the government in the war of the Rebellion in the navy. After, the close of the war, he was commissioned as an engineer of the United States Revenue service on the lakes and held the position for thirty years. During this time he was also operating in the same service along the entire seaboard of the United States. His death occurred at Port Townsend, Washing- ton, in 1895. He has been a pioneer settler here in this county, having taken a homestead on the flats in 1880. He married Julia Johnson, a native of New York city and now living in this county. Mrs. Richards was born in Wis- consin, on July 18, 1864. She was a school teacher before her marriage and taught the first school in the city of Asotin, the same being located in the old town. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Richards, are; Charles Percy, on November 25, 1889; Mabel Elizabeth, on July 8, 1 89 1, and died August 3, 1903 ; Robert Dale, on July 28, 1893, an d died June 12, 1898; Julia Marcella, on March 23, 1896. All were born in this county. Mr. Richards is a member of the I. O. O. F., and has passed all the chairs. He also belongs to the encampment. He was raised under the influence of the Congrega- tional church but the family are now members of the Methodist Episcopal church. They are very highly esteemed people and are well and favorably known throughout the southeastern part of this state. ROY E. TOOPS has the distinction of being a native son of the territory now em- braced in Asotin county, and not only so, but the first white child born on Asotin flat, or in the county of Asotin. This event occurred on the 8th day of October, 1878. His father, Albert S. Toops, is a native of Ohio, from an old Pennsylvania Dutch family and a pioneer settler of this county. He is also a veteran of the Civil War. He married Miss Belle Davis, a native of West Virginia, who died in Asotin county, in 1881. Our subject gained his educa- tion from the district schools in this county and attended the one at Theon, taught by Mrs. Blanche R. Marsilott, now Mrs. R. T. Rich- ards. His early life was spent on the farm with his father, and his first venture was min- ing in Idaho, which proved not very successful. He then settled down to farming and took a homestead in the vicinity of Theon, which he has in a high state of cultivation. His present home lies six miles north from Theon post- office and is utilized for stock raising and gen- eral farming. He has some fine cattle and horses and a full-blood registered stallion, which is a fine specimen. Mr. Toops is an am- bitious and energetic man and bids fair to be one of the leading property owners of south- eastern Washington, as he has accumulated Mr. and Mrs. Roy E. Toops Thomas D. Robinson Richard Ireland HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. 761 property very rapidly since entering business for himself. At Theon, in 1902, Mr. Toops married Miss Ora Whisner, the daughter of Nick and Elizabeth (Dodd) Whisner, natives of Kansas. Mrs. Toops was born in Linn county, near Twin Springs, on November 5, 1881. Mr. Toops has the following named brothers and sisters : Mrs. Carrie Cummings, Mrs. George W. Gorrison, Mrs. Flora Benedict, Mrs. Pearl Newell, Mrs. Grace Chapman and Harry C. To our subject and his wife one child, Carrie, was born on February 24, 1903. Mr. Toops is a member of the I. O. O. F. and stands well in the community. THOMAS D. ROBINSON is a typical American. A man of energy, which has been shown in the labors he has performed in the last twenty years, he has the pleasure of know- ing that though he started in life without cap- ital, he has accumulated a nice fortune and is now privileged to spend the days of his life in overseeing his property from his handsome and comfortable residence on the banks of the Snake. Thomas D. Robinson was born in Colum- bia, Missouri, on October 19, 1869, the son of Thomas W. and Pauline (Forsha) Robinson, natives of Missouri. The father settled in Garfield county in 1876, or the territory now embraced in that county, and died in Pomeroy in 1891. He was commissioner of Columbia county for years and a prominent man. Thomas D. was educated in the common schools of'Co- lumbia county and spent his youthful clays on the farm. When eighteen he moveed to Pom- eroy and engaged in the warehouse business, which he conducted until 1891. Then he en- tered the employ of Dave Mohler at the mouth of Alpowa creek, and handled horses on the range. Later he took horses to the eastern market, and in 1894, in company with his brother, L. W. Robinson, he purchased the property owned by Mr. Mohler at the mouth of Alpowa creek. This included the old farm owned by Red Chief and the place where the well known missionary, Mr. Spalding, located a mission. Mr. Robinson has on his place an apple tree planted by Mr. Spalding in 1836, and it is bearing fruit to this day. Two others, planted at the same time, were cut down and taken to the world's fair at Chicago. Mr. Robinson has thirteen acres of orchard, which is well supplied with water from the creek and is one of the valuable fruit producing orchards of this part of the state. He also has a large acreage of wheat land on the plateau and handles stock besides. He has all improve- ments needed and a residence one-half mile north from Silcott. In Whitman county, Washington, on June 2, 1897, Mr. Robinson married Miss Sidney Davis, the daughter of James and Mary (Scales) Davis, natives of Kansas and Ohio respectively. Mrs. Robinson was born in Ohio. She has two sisters, Mrs. Chena and Mrs. Mattie Robinson. Mr. Robinson is a member of the Foresters and an active man in educational matters. He has the following named brothers and sisters: John M., Rich- ard H., Louis W., Samuel G., Mrs. Dave Moh- ler and Mrs. J. B. Glover. RICHARD IRELAND is one of Asotin county's prosperous and enterprising stock- men. He also deals in cattle and stock of all kinds and is known throughout the surround- ing country as a business man of influence and reliability. He dwells about a mile east from Silcott, where he has a choice location with a modern residence, and other improvements quite commensurate with the place. Richard Ireland was born in Jackson county, Indiana, on August 1, 1859, the son of Isaac and Elizabeth (Durham) Ireland, na- 762 HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. lives of Indiana and of Irish and German an- cestrage respectively. The family removed to Iowa and in the public schools of Mount Ayr our subject received a good training. His early life was spent on the farm and he ac- quired an expertness and skill in both general farming and stock raising that have been of great assistance to him in the years that have succeeded. When thirteen he journeyed west to Polk county, Oregon, where he was em- ployed in a butcher shop. In 1873 ne went to Walla Walla, and there was in the employ of Dooley & Kirkman for two years, handling their butcher business. In 1877 ne was w ^ tn Small Brothers, who had the contract of sup- plying the government troops at Spokane Falls. After this Mr. Ireland drove cattle from Oregon to Wyoming, and in 1879 went to Deadwood, Dakota, and engaged in the stock business for himself, where he operated for seven years. A year before he quit that coun- try he came to Olympia on a visit and then re- turned and sold his interests there. After that he was occupied in buying and- selling stock at Fremont, Nebraska. In 1899 Mr Ireland was engaged in the Boss Market in Lewiston, and after that removed to Asotin county and set- tled at the mouth of Alpowa creek, where he attends to stock raising and shipping fruit. He has a good business and has prospered in his labors. At Fremont, Nebraska, on June 8, 1883, Mr. Ireland married Miss Jessie Riley, the daughter of James and Ellen Riley. Mrs. Ireland was born in Iowa on August 1, 1869, and died at Galena, Dakota in 1887. At Alli- ance, Nebraska, on October 21, 1888, Mr. Ire- land contracted a second marriage, Sadie Riley, a sister of his former wife, becoming his bride. To this union the following named children have been born : Jessie May, at Ga- lena, Dakota, and Blanche E. in Pactola, Da- kota. They both live at home. Mr. Ireland is a member of the I. O. O. F. and has filled all the chairs of the order, while also he is director of the school and has always been an active Re- publican. He was reared under the influence of the Methodist church and is a supporter of all denominations, although not a member of any at this time. He is a popular and substan- tial man and has the power of winning and re- taining the friendship of all. ♦ « » SAMUEL T. PACKWOOD. Descended from a family of renown that has figured for more than two hundred and fifty years as scouts and frontiersmen in the west and north- west, and having accomplished much as a path- finder and pioneer it is evident that the gentle- man, of whom we speak, should receive specific mention in a work of this nature. Samuel T. Packwood now dwells about three. miles south- east from Anatone and devotes his attention to mining. He was born in Bartholomew county, Indiana, on December 29, 1832. Elisha Pack- wood, his father, was a native of Patrick coun- ty, Virginia, and his ancestors settled in that country among the earliest colonists. In 1845, he joined the Meek party that made its way across the plains with ox teams and became a pioneer of the Willamette valley. He had mar- ried Paulina Prothero, a native of Shelby coun- ty. From Monroe county our subject came with his father across the plains in the train men- tioned and finally settled in Yamhill county, Oregon. Two years later they moved to Turn- water, Washington. In the following year our subject took passage on the brig, Henry, at Linton, which is now Portland, and journeyed to Santa Clara county, California. He was at the Quick Silver mines and very soon after the discovery of gold, fitted out the first wagon train, in company with Mr. Marshall, to invade the new district. They made their way to El- dorado county and remained thirty-eight months. Then Mr. Packwood returned to the states and brought back about four hundred head of cattle and horses. He took them to HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. 763 the mines and immediately engaged in mining and furnishing supplies to the miners. This occupied him until 1864, when he came back to Oregon, settling in Union county near where Sangster is now located. He engaged in min- ing there until 1866, when he moved to Yamhill county and took tip the wood business. The fol- lowing year he came to Washington and settled on the Snohomish river near where Everett is now located. Lumbering occupied him here and he took up a homestead, making that his dwell- ing place for twenty-six years. During that time he was engaged with Eugene Smith in the large lumber and planing mills. It was 1896 that Mr. Packwood made his way to Asotin county and since that time his home has been here. He has some very valuable mining prop- erty on the Snake river which is being devel- oped and shows very flattering results. In Santa Clara county, California, on Jan- uary 6, 1 86 1, Mr. Packwood married Miss Ma- tilda Wardle who was born in Holt county, Missouri, on July 10, 1847, and now dwelling in Tacoma. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Packwood are: DeWitt G, and Gertrude P., wife of Harry Compton, both living in Ta- coma ; and Otto at Ellensburg. Mr. Packwood is a member of the A. F. & A. M., and has served as justice of the peace and in other offices at various times in his career. He is well acquainted with the country from the Rockies to the Pacific ocean, is acquainted with most of the leading camps and is well known as an old timer, pioneer, miner, and a good citizen. JOSEPH C. PACKWOOD resides some three miles south from Anatone and devotes his attention to farming and stock raising. He was born in Yamhill county, Oregon, on November 29, 1847, tne son °f Elisha and Paulina (Pro- thero Packwood. A more particular account is given of his parents in the sketch of Samuel T. Packwood, found in this volume. Owing to the primitive schools of the west, our subject was favored with a very limited education, the same being obtained at San Jose, California. After that, he assisted his father and brother in bring- ing stock across the plains, and in 1864 he moved to Union county, Oregon, where he dwelt three years. After that, we find him in Yamhill county in the same state, and in the spring of 1868 he was in Snohomish county, near where Everett, Washington, is now lo- cated. He took a homestead there and resided until 1876, when he took a trip to Yakima and secured a claim on the Kakima river, near where Kennewick is now located. Owing to the dryness of the country, he left it and on September 21, 1877, took a homestead where he now resides. Here he has lived ever since and has put the place in good shape. When he settled here there were two others located in this region, John Carter and Dan Pinkham. In the spring of 1878, Mr. Packwood located many settlers in this new country. In Union county, Oregon, on November 16, 1874, Mr. Packwood married Sarah F. Pierce, a daughter of Calvin and Nancy A. (Dodson) Pierce. The father is deceased and the mother, a native of Kentucky, is now the wife of George W. Lewis, a pioneer settler of Asotin county. Mrs. Packwood wasborninHolt county, Missouri, on January 25, 1857. The children born to this union are; Leland L., at Seattle, in August, 1875, and now living in this county; Hollis E., on the Yakima river, on June 9, 1877; Ebez A., in Asotin county, on August 12, 1881 ; Lena M., wife of William Williams, living on the Nez Perces reserve, Idaho ; Alta V., in Nez Perces county, Idaho, on October 31, 1885; Ethel V., in Asotin county, on October 30, 1891 ; and Ruby E., in this county, on June 1, 1896. The brothers and sis- ters of Mr. Packwood are : Samuel T., William H., a merchant in Seattle; Mrs. Chilitha E. Barnett, of Everett; Mrs. Augusta A. Lee, in 764 HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. Ogden, Utah. Mr. Packwood is a member of the M. W. A., and has always been a good ac- tive Democrat. HON. WILLIAM FARRISH, a lumber dealer of Asotin, was one of the early settlers of this county and one of the most energetic and enterprising men of industry that have dwelt in its boundaries. He is a man of intelligence and influence and has labored assiduously to bring Asotin county to its present prosperous con- ditions. William Farrish was born in the province of New Brunswick on August 8, 1836, the son of William and Catherine (Smith) Farrish, na- tives of Scotland. Mr. Farrish was reared and educated in his native country and there re- mained until seventeen, when he removed to Grand Rapids, Michigan, and engaged in the lumber business and other enterprises until 1878. In the spring of that year he found his way to the territory now embraced in Aso- tin county, at that time Columbia county, Washington, and located in the Blue Mountains ; near where the Anatone mill is now situated. He at once erected a sawmill together with Mr. T. G. Bean, and which he operated until, it was replaced with a larger plant. Since that time Mr. Farrish has erected eight different mills in Asotin county, four of them having -been burned and rebuilt. At the present time he has three mills in operation. He is president of the Blue Mountain Lumber and Manufac- turing Company, with his headcmarters in Aso- tin and does an immense business throughout the county. The company has been organized and brought to its present prosperous condi- tion through his efforts and executive ability. Mr. Farrish represented his county in the first state legislature of Washington and has been reelected three different times, always on the Republican ticket. He was a .prominent man in the house and an important character in bring- ing about measures for the advancement of this part of the state. At Plover, Wisconsin, on March 31, 1869, Mr. Farrish married Miss Content V. Bean, the daughter of Thomas G. Bean, a native of Vermont. Mrs. Farrish was born in Union, Wisconsin, on April 14, 1848. Mr. Farrish is a member of the A. F. and A. M. and the I. O. O. F. He is a man of strong spirit and enterprise and has done much for Asotin county. He has never forgotten to so conduct himself that he has received and de- serves the esteem and confidence of all. HON. GEORGE W. R. PEASLEE re- sides just out from Clarkston, where he has a fine large nursery, having now over seven acres in orchard and eighteen acres devoted to closely planted nursey stock of all kinds. He does an extensive business, both in raising fruit and in supplying trees throughout the country. He is successful and enterprising and by his push and wisdom has built up a very profitable busi- ness in Asotin county and the surrounding country. George W. R. Peaslee was born in Osh- kosh, Wisconsin, on April 14, 1866, the son of Wilbert N. and Caroline P. (Johnston) Peas- lee, natives of Maine, who followed lumbering and farming. After completing a primary school course our subject began the printer's trade at Omro, Wisconsin, and at the age of nine- teen, he became publisher of the Omro Stakvart, which he conducted about one vear, when he disposed of his interests and was engaged on various papers throughout the state until 1889, when he started the Ironwood Neivs Record at Ironwood, Michigan. He continued as editor and owner of that paper until 1897, making it one of the bright sheets of the country. In that year he sold out and came west to Wash- ington. He was attracted west by the white HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. 765 pine of Idaho, and in the course of his looking up the lumber interests he became acquainted with the Clarkston flats, which were then being opened up. He immediately invested here, re- alizing the grand future of that country and since that time he has given his undivided at- tention to the nursery business and fruit rais- ing. Politically Mr. Peaslee is active and influ- ential, being a Republican. In 1902 he was elected to the state legislature by a majority of twenty-eight over S. T. Ramsey, Democratic nominee. He at once took a prominent posi- tion in the house and served on the committees of agriculture, horticulture, printing and two others. He was very influential and active on the railroad commission bill and fought for the same. He also supported Harold Preston for the United States senate. At Spokane, Washington, on April 12, 1899, Mr. Peaslee married Miss Evelyn R. Na- son, a native of Pennsylvania. Two children have been born to this union, Verna, October 1 , 1 90 1, and John, November 24, 1902. Mr. Peaslee is a member of the A. F. and A. M., the K. P., the M. W. A. and the Knights and Ladies of Security. Mr. Peaslee has one sister, Mrs. H. L. Waite of Clarkston. He is a popular young man and has shown an ability and forcefulness of character that presage a bright and successful future, both in business and political matters. J. PHILEMON RAMSDELL was born in Washington county, Maine, on September 29, 1866. Now he lives just east of Asotin, where he has a fine blacksmith and wheelwright shop and a good farm, supplied with comfort- able buildings. His parents, Joseph and An- nette (Ingalls) Ramsdell, were natives of the same county as our subject. The father fol- lowed sawmilling. After attending the district schools of his native county until eighteen years of age Philemon spent a portion of each year in fishing and sailing on the banks of New Foundland and then devoted his entire time to sawmilling and fishing until 1889. In that year he determined to come west and accordingly crossed the continent from Maine to Washing- ton. He finally located in Asotin county on April 18, of the same year and began to work in the sawmills owned by Farrish near Ana- tone. Three years were spent in that labor, then, in company with his brother, William, he took a homestead near the sawmill, which he improved in good shape. The balance has large timber on it. For eight years Mr. Ramsdell gave his attention to farming, and in 1897 he moved to his present place on Asotin creek, purchasing the land, buildings and shop where he now operates. He has a comfortable home and other improvements and his shop is one of the well-equipped ones of the country. Mr. Ramsdell is an experienced engineer and a skilled mechanic. He is a man of economy and wisdom and the result is that he now has a fine competence to show for the years of labor that he has spent in Asotin county. He owns considerable property in Asotin besides that which has been mentioned. His standing- is of the best in the community and he is looked up to by all as a man of wisdom and uprightness. Mr. Ramsdell has one brother, Kinsman, who lives in this county, and one sister; he also has one half-brother, William Ramsdell, a pio- neer of Asotin county. Mr. Ramsdell is a. member of the Baptist church and a liberal sup- porter of the faith. He has ever taken a keen interest in political matters and educational af- fairs and every movement for the benefit of the community, while his influence has always been given for good government and improve- ment. DAVID S. TRESCOTT resides about twelve miles southeast from Asotin and follows farming and stock raising. He was born in 766 HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. Columbiana county, Ohio, on April 6, 1841, the son of Isaac and Jane (Steere) Trescott, na- tives of Connecticut and Michigan, respec- ively. The father was a commercial man and a pioneer of Ohio. Both were members of the Quaker church. Our subject received his edu- cation from the public schools and the private Quaker schools of his native county and re- mained in Ohio until 1877, when he came west. Twelve years of his life in the east were spent as a salesman for the dry goods company of Zeigler & Swearengen, of Philadelphia. In November, 1861, he enlisted in Company C, Second Ohio Cavalry, under Captain Barnett and Colonel Doubleday. He was placed in General Blunt's command and fought in the army of the west. He saw hard service through Missouri, Arkansas and Kansas, and much of the time was on detached service as bodyguard to the colonel and general, having been first cor- poral. His discharge occurred in Columbus, Ohio, in 1863, owing to injuries received in the line of duty. He was captured once by Quan- trell and suffered the loss of all his effects, but was later turned loose. After the close of the war he engaged in Philadelphia until 1877, when he came to Walla Walla. In November, 1877, he located in what is now Asotin county, on Mill creek, taking a homestead in company with his brother, Lane. He remained there until four years since, when he bought his present place and improved it. In Columbiana county, Ohio, on December 12, 1863, Mr. Trescott married Miss Ascenath A. Votaw, who was born in that county on January 31, 1842. The children born to this union are : Alice, the wife of Arthur Butler, of Portland, Oregon ; Florence, wife of Hiram Johnson; Iva, born June 16, 1878, and died September 16, 1883; Walter L., born January 3, 1881, and died September 6, 1883; Ralph, born in this county, on January 10, 1887. Mr. Trescott is a member of the G. A. R., being past commander. He has served as jus- tice of the peace for many years in the county, being the first one on the flat and is still hold- ing the office. He is one of the earliest settlers here and a man of industry and thrift and has hosts of friends. NEIL McLEOD resides about three miles south from Anatone and gives his attention principally to farming and stock raising, al- though he does considerable business in buy- ing and selling property. He was born in Gray county, Ontario, on November 15, 1858. The father, Finley McLeod, was a native of Islay, Scotland, and married Mary McCammel, a na- tive of the same town. Our subject spent his early days in Ontario and received a good edu- cation from the first-class schools of that country. Farming occupied him there until twenty-two, when he moved to Duluth, Min- nesota, and engaged in the lumber woods one year, then on the Northern Pacific railroad as a bridge contractor, from the Rosebud river to Missoula, for three years. He also had charge of the supplies and the water station at the O'Keef canyon. In 1884 Mr. McLeod came to this county, arriving in July, and soon there- after entered the employ of McLeod & Wams- ley, threshing machine men, then took a pre- emption on the Weissenfels ridge and later added a homestead adjoining. He made this place a fine farm, well improved, productive and dwelt there steadily, and bought a half section more of land adjoining. In 1903 he sold out and moved to Asotin and later bought the ferry property. He now resides on the Snake river, just below Asotin. Mr. McLeod has held various offices, as school director, road supervisor and so forth. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., has passed all the chairs, and of the M. W. A. Mr. Mc- Leod has one brother, James, who is a stock- man in Glendive, Montana. In addition to the other property that our subject owns he has an interest in the Diamond Chief mines in Thunder HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. 767 Mountain and is a shareholder in the Copper Mountain mines on Snake river. He is a stanch and upright man, descended from worthy an- cestry, and is well and favorably known. CHESTER SHUMAKER, a prominent stockman and farmer of Asotin county, resides some seven miles south of Anatone. He was born in Winnebago county, Wisconsin, on April 12, 1850, the son of Charles and Lucy (Towle) Shumaker, natives of Saratoga and Troy, New York, respectively. The father fol- lowed merchandising. Our subject was edu- cated in the common schools of his native coun- try and spent his younger days in Neenah and then went into the woods of Wisconsin, where he worked for four years. In 1876 he moved to Utah and after spending one winter, came to Dayton 1 , Washington, where he located, re- maining three years. He engaged in farming and then took land north of Anatone, now the property of L. K. Brown. In 1888 Mr. Shu- maker bought the home he now lives upon, which is located on the Grande Ronde river at the mouth of Pearson's gluch. The place is a first-class stock farm, and he also has about ten acres of irrigated orchard. For sixteen years Mr. Shumaker has been making a splendid suc- cess in his stock raising and has a very nice place, well improved, besides good bands of stock. At Green Bay, Wisconsin, on June 17, 1874, Mr. Shumaker married Miss Flora Nims, the daughter of Loyal and Silvey (Angle) Nims, natives of New York state. The father was an early settler in Dodge county, Wisconsin, and also an emigrant to Columbia county, Wash- ington. The mother's native place is Water- town, New York. Mrs. Shumaker was born in Hustisford, Dodge county, Wisconsin, on Janu- ary 6, 185 1. To our subject and his wife the following named children have been born: Anna Luella, the wife of Richard Hoskins and living in Wallowa county, Oregon; Charles Lloyal and Ella Almeda, both at home. Mr. Shumaker was raised under the influence of the Presbyterian church but does not belong to any denomination. When he came to this country he was ac- companied by Major Carr, of Dayton, and L. Nims. Mrs. Shumaker has two sisters, Mrs. Annie Carr, of Dayton, Washington, and Mrs. Almeta Fox, of Pomeroy. Mr. Shumaker is a man of reliability and prominence in the com- munity and has shown his ability in the success he has won here. FRANKLIN L. WILLIAMS, a rising and capable attorney of Asotin, is at the head of a thriving and steadily increasing practice, which he has won by his erudition and success in the law. He is a man well fitted for this profes- sion and has fortified himself with extensive and thorough reading in all branches pertaining to the general practice. His ability as a for- ensic orator is well known and he is rapidly rising to the front rank of attorneys in this part of the state. His birth occurred in Nor- folk county, Virginia, on October 27, 1868. His father, Albert L. Williams, was born in Connecticut, and is now practicing law in Port- land, Indiana. He was United States marshal in Norfolk county, Virginia, and was district judge in Indiana. During the Rebellion he served as brigade commander under Sherman on his march to the sea. The mother of our subject is Pauline (Lee) Williams, a native of Virginia also, and the descendant of Richard H. Lee. Franklin L. was educated in the private schools of Portland, Indiana, and in the Dan- ville Normal, graduating from the latter in 1885. He taught school for several years and in 1890 came on west to Walla Walla, where he en- tered the study of law under C. M. Rader, and also taught school. In due time he was admitted to the bar, and also had purchased a farm. In ;68 HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. 1893, however, he had transferred his residence from Walla Walla to Pomeroy and continued his law reading under the tuition of M. F. Gose, the date of his admission to the bar being in 1895. In the same year he cast his lot with the Asotin county people and at once began the practice of law. The following year he was elected to the office of county attorney on the fusion ticket and he held the position for two years. He also taught school some in this county, but is now devoting himself to the prac- tice of law entirely, wherein he is achieving a good success. He is also a notary and does much transferring. On May 2J, 1899, Mr. Williams married Miss Ellen E. Baggett, the daughter of Abram and Nancy E. Baggett, natives of Arkansas and old settlers of this county. Mrs. Williams was also born in Arkansas, the date being May 27, 1882. One child is the fruit of this union, Mentor L., who was born in Asotin county, on May 27, 1 90 1. Thus it seems that the date of 27 is a prominent one of the history of this family. Mr. and Mrs. Williams are well known and have a large circle of friends and enjoy the es- teem and confidence of all. BURT W. YEOMAN resides some four miles northwest of Hanson's Ferry, in Asotin county, and was born in Lorain county, Ohio, on April 20, 1862. His parents are Richard and Fannie C. (Axtell) Yeoman, natives of Yorkshire, England, and Ohio respectively. His family removed to Mahaska county, Iowa, in 1865, and there our subject was raised on a farm and received his education. He remained there until twenty-two years of age and then, the year being 1884, he came west to Dayton, Washington. Shortly after landing in Dayton he walked across to Pomeroy and there opened a blacksmith shop, operating the same there for three years. Then he laid aside that voca- tion and came on to Asotin county. On the breaks of Manatchee creek he selected a home- stead, which he improved and on which he now resides. Stockraising and farming have occupied him since, and he has made a good success of his labors. In 1900 Mr. Yeoman was elected county commissioner on the Republican ticket and in this capacity he did splendid work. His en- thusiasm and progressive ideas stirred things up and he was instrumental in bringing in many improvements, among which may be mentioned roads of the county, the county jail, new vaults in the auditor's office, and many other good things. Mr. Yeoman is a man who believes in striving for the best and he put this thoroughly into practice while in public office, as he does in his private life. It was very fortunate for the county that such a man was placed as county commissioner, for he has not only brought about the benefits mentioned but has stimulated others along similar lines. Mr- Yeoman is a keen and careful business man. and a good citizen. In Garfield county on February 22, 1888, Mr. Yeoman married Miss Viola M. Patter- son, the daughter of Newell S. and Mary (Tat- low) Patterson, natives of Ohio and Illinois respectively. The father is a pioneer of Oregon and served in the Rebellion. He is now a member of the G. A. R. Mrs. Yeoman was- born in the Willamette Valley, on December 1, 1868. The children born to our subject and his wife are: Lavonia F., in Garfield county, on January 13, 1891 ; Lenney M., in Asotin, on December 8, 1896; Hazel A., in Asotin county, on August 19, 1898; Opal, on Decem- ber 31, 1900; Burt Wellman, on December 14,. 1902, and James Edgar on December 25, 1904. In addition to those mentioned they have two children deceased, Walter L. and Edna, both buried in Pomeroy. Mr. Yeoman is a member of the order of Washington. He' has one brother and one T.- Mr, and Mrs. Burt W. Yeoman c# 1 .^fl jjfl 4* "J i&nn&ji <3g33S Hfct' ^n^SSS MSs' 'v^^a ■f>' ^hiS rauSL^^BI jfifi W eldon Wilson George A. Rogers HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. 769 sister, William R., living in this neighborhood, and Mrs. W. R. Parlett, dwelling in Pomeroy. Mrs. Yeoman has one brother, Frank, living near. WELDON WILSON, an active and en- terprising citizen of Asotin county, is now the postmaster of Silcott, where he owns a fine, large farm of 400 acres. A portion of the same is utilized for pasture and the balance is planted in fruits and vegetables. Weldon Wilson was born in Lawrence county, Illinois, on December 28, 1864, the son of Lafayette and Catherine (Bunn) Wil- son, natives of Ohio and Illinois respectively. The father was a millwright and a veteran of the Rebellion, being in the Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Weldon was educated in the public schools of Lawrence county, Illinois, Ripley county, Missouri, and Clay county, Arkansas, in which places his parents lived during his boyhood days. He spent the times between his studying on the farm until he was twenty-one. Then he was attacked with a strong western fever, which could only be cured by Horace Greeley's prescription, "Go west, young man, go west." He commenced the treatment by journeying to Colorado in 1887, where he be- gan to find relief. He spent some time in look- ing over the state and then decided that the Evergreen State was the place for him and hither he came. He first settled near Clarkston and then removed to the mouth of Alpowa creek, where he operated the well known Snake river placer mines for two years. The success he attained there is not mentioned, but after two years he diverted his attention from this line of industry to fruit raising and soon purchased the land formerly settled on by C. C. Davis. He at once began to set out fruit and now has a choice and large orchard in bearing. In ad- dition to this Mr. Wilson raises considerable truck and also breeds stock. He turned the Alpowa creek from its natural course and 49 utilized it to water thirty acres of choice fruit land. He makes a specialty of cherries and- peaches in the fruit line and in stock he handles, horses, cattle and hogs. He is skillfull in all these lines of industry and has made a first-class success. In school matters Mr. Wilson is active and gives of his time to serve on the board. During the present administration he was appointed post- master at Silcott, and is giving universal sat- isfaction. He is a faithful worker in the Sun- day school and also a supporter of churches. Mr. Wilson chose as his life partner Miss Jennie Baker, the daughter of Washington and Sarah A. (Monroe) Baker, and the wedding occurred in Lawrence county, Illinois, in 1886. Mrs. Wilson was born in Lawrence county on January 7, 1886. Mr. Wilson has two broth- ers and two sisters, Elsworth L., Cliff M., Mrs. . Mary Rubush and Mrs. Ella Mason. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson have five children : Lafayette W., born in Clay county, Arkansas, in 1887; Lloyd, born in Asotin county ; Anna Laura, McKinley and Earl, all born on the ranch. The family are members of the United Brethren church and active workers in the faith. Politically Mr. Wilson is an active Republican and well informed on the issues of the day. GEORGE A. ROGERS is conducting a real estate office in Asotin, and also has under his management the operation of several promising mining properties. Fie owns con- siderable real estate through Asotin county and much mining property in various sections. Mr. Rogers is also the promoter of a new town on a favorable site near the mines he is operat- ing on the Snake river, at the mouth of the Grande Ronde river, which promises to be an important distributing center for this mining district, which now has a bright outlook. George A. Rogers was born in Elgin county, Ontario, on March 31, 1864. His 770 HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. parents being James and Lucy A. (Scott) Rogers, natives of New Brunswick and New York .respectively. After studying in the common schools our subject completed a high school course at St. Thomas in 1882. In the same year he started west with Washington as the objective point and finally landed at Day- ton, after which he took a trip to British Co- lumbia and the coast and then returned to Co- lumbia county and settled near where Asotin now stands. He took a pre-emption near Ana-' tone and later a homestead. In addition to this he operated a steam shingle mill for some time and then moved to the town of Asotin, holding the office of deputy sheriff under J. L. Vincent. After this he took charge of the auditor's office for his brother Scott. In the fall of 1884 he opened an office for himself as notary public and general conveyancer. He took filings on government land and heard final proofs and did practically all the busi- ness in his line in the county. Mr. Rogers also was general agent for various lines of goods and also handles the county clerk's office. In 1887 he was elected probate judge of Asotin county and held the office until Washington became a state. He has always been a strong Republican and takes a lively interest in pol- itics. Mr. Rogers owns considerable real es- tate and some very promising mines at the mouth of the Grande Ronde river in Asotin and Wallowa counties. They show rich de- posits of copper and gold, and he is doing some extensive development work upon them. Mr. Rogers has never seen fit to forsake the life of a bachelor for the uncertainties of matrimonial existence. He was raised under the influence of the Methodist church and is a man of integrity and sound principles. WALTER J. BOGGAN, better known as "Major Boggan," is a representative citizen of Asotin county and one of the leading men of property and influence in this part of the state. He was born inWadesboro, North Carolina, on March 13, 1841, the son of Norfleet and Jane Gould (Hammond) Boggan. The father was one of the prominent men of his county and came of English and Irish ancestrage. He was a large planter. The mother was a native of North Carolina and comes from old Virginia stock. After studying in the subscription schools of Wadesboro our subject finished the higher schools and in 1859 graduated from the King's Mountain Military College, of South Carolina. After this he returned to his native town and clerked in a store until the breaking out of the war. He promptly enlisted in the Fourth North Carolina Volunteers and served for one year under Colonel Junius Daniel and saw service in several skirmishes. Upon the expiration of this year he returned to Wades- boro and raised a company of one hundred men and was elected captain. His company was joined with the Forty-third North Carolina In- fantry and he was chosen major of the regi- ment, which was placed in the second army corps under Stonewall Jackson. He served in the following named battles : Williamsburg, the seven days' fight near Richmond, Wilderness (first and second), Fredericksburg, Petersburg, Gettysburg and all the large battles of the army of north Virginia. He also was in many skir- mishes besides the engagements mentioned and remained in service until the end and was pres- ent at the surrender of General Robert E. Lee, at Appomattox Court House, on April 9, 1865, Then he returned home, but found everything demoralized, and he was state guard for a time. Then he went to Texas for a year and then settled in Fayetteville, Arkansas and taught school. In 1874 he started west to Oregon, and after a short stay in Jackson, that state, he landed in Walla Walla, in 1875. He taught school there and in Columbia county until 1878. when he settled where he now resides, a few miles southeast from Anatone. April 9, was the day of his settlement and since then he has HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. 771 ■continued here one of the progressive and prominent agriculturists of the county. He has always been a leading figure in the community, owing to the fact that is a man of letters and integrity and a fine example of honest industry, virtues which should always lead. In 1880 Major Boggan was chosen justice of the peace, being the first officer of this kind in this commu- nity, and he has held the position for eighteen years. He was nominated by his party to rep- resent his district in the legislature, but went down with his ticket. He is a stanch Demo- crat and a man of force and solid information. At Fayetteville, Arkansas, on April 9, 1868, Mr. Boggan married Miss Ida J., the daughter of Hon. John and Nancy (Framell) Enyart, natives of Kentucky and Missouri, respectively. The father was a member of both branches of the legislature in Arkansas for many years. Mrs. Boggan was born in Washington county, Arkansas, on July 5, 1848. She has the fol- lowing named brothers and sisters: Stephen, Eben, Mrs. Mary Thompson and Mrs. Louisa Jette. Major Boggan has two brothers, Wil- liam H. and James N. Mr. and Mrs. Boggan have three children: Walter C, at home; Northfleet, living near, and Rosa J., who died in infancy. Major and Mrs. Boggan are mem- bers of the Episcopal church and are substan- tial and good people. CORNELIUS A. HOLLENBECK, one •of the pioneers of Montgomery Ridge, living about five miles southeast from Dodd postof- fice, was born in Cortland county, New York, on December 18, 1845. His parents, Casper and Hannah (Egbertson) Hollenbeck, were! also natives of New York state and followed farm- ing. The education of our subject was ob- tained in the common schools of his native county and he remained on the farm until nine- teen years of age. Then he did various labors until 1870, when he journeyed from New York state to Iowa and settled in Linn county. For two years he cultivated the soil there, then re- moved to Pocahontas county, in the same state, where he remained one year, then he journeyed to Ness county, Kansas, where he did general work and raised stock, handling the Texas cat- tle that were brought in for the market. In the spring of 1881 Mr. Hollenbeck determined to move west, selecting Washington as the place he wished to dwell in. He came overland with horses and wagons, having fourteen horses and one cow. Among the horses was a well- bred stallion, which was the originator of the now popular Hollenbeck horses, some of the best known and most excellent animals in this part of the northwest. For years they have been on the Spokane market as leading horses and Mr. Hollenbeck is certainly entitled to great credit for the skill that he has displayed in breeding horses. He at first settled on Al- powa creek in Columbia county, and in 1882, came to the territory now embraced in Asotin county and took a pre-emption on Montgomery ridge. He began the industry of horse raising and was so skillful that he has continued more or less in it until the present time and now has some very choice horses. In addition he has a good many well-bred cattle and horses and is very prosperous. Mr. Hollenbeck has his farm in a high state of cultivation, well improved and productive. Altogether he is considered one of the leading citizens and best farmers of the country. In Cortland county, New York, on April 12, 1866, Mr. Hollenbeck married Miss Mary A. Story, the daughter of Daniel and Martha Story, natives of England. Mrs. Hollenbeck was born in Onondaga county, New York, on October 29, 1847. The following named chil- dren have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hollen- beck : Carrie, January 13, 1867, and now the wife of Henry C. Talbert of this county; Mar- tha, September 29, 1868, the wife of William McMillan, living near; Etta, December 20, 1869, the wife of Jacob Blyev, of Oregon; 77* HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. Casper J., February 2, 1871, living close by; Frank C, June 17, 1876, also living near by; George H., July 17, 1878, at home, and Mary, February 5, 1883, wife of Herbert McMillan. Mr. Hollenbeck attempted to enlist in the United States army at the time of the Rebellion but was refused on account of disability. He is a patriotic and progressive citizen, a man of in- dustry and sound principles and is highly es- teemed in this community. ALLEN E. McGEE, a farmer residing about two miles southeast from Craige, is one of the industrious men who have wrought with excellent results in building up this county and opening it for the advancement of the west that is sweeping over the country. He was born in McDonough county, Illinois, on May 5, 1862, the son of William and Mary Mc- Gee, natives of Illinois and farmers by occupa- tion. The first twelve years of our subject's life were spent in Illinois working on the farm and attending school. He then went with the balance of the family to Iowa, where he wrought and studied for two years more. Then, it being 1876, he came on west and settled in Columbia county, this state. He labored there with his father in farming and stockraising for twenty years. They had brought some fine horses west, having the first Norman stallion ever transported west of the Rockies. In 1890, Mr. McGee came to this county and en- gaged with Mr. Farrish as teamster in the lum- ber mills. For twelve years he continued at that business and then bought the farm where he now resides, and which he has been cultivat- ing since that time. The farm was originally owned by A. B. Craige. It is a good place and Mr. McGee has added considerable improve- ment and has it in a high state of cultivation. At Lewiston. Idaho, on October 12, 1884, Mr. McGee married Miss Mary F. Miller, the daughter of James and Martha Miller, pio- neers of this and Columbia counties. Mrs. McGee was born in Columbia county, in 1870. Three children are the fruit of this marriage, Martha A., Elmer A., and Deloss, all born in this county. Mr. McGee was raised under the influence of the Christian church, but he and his family do not belong to any denomination. In politics he is independent, and always takes a good interest in this as in educational mat- ters and in general improvement of the county and the development of its resources. MARTIN W. ZINDEL, who is postmas- ter of the office at Zindel, is one of the well- known and substantial citizens of Asotin coun- ty. He is a man of sound principles, a hard worker, and has done much to bring the wilds under the sway of civilization here. He was born in Erie county, Pennsylvania, on April 5,. 1868, the son of Conrad and Elizabeth (Bat>- bendorf) Zindel, natives of Germany and im- migrants to the United States in 1840. The public schools of Erie county .furnished the- educational training of our subject and until he had attained his majority that county was his home. By that time, he had also learned well the trade of the carpenter, which more or less he has followed during his life. In 1890 he came west, and after first settling in this, county, he made his way to Pullman, Whit- man county, and there wrought at his trade for two years. Then he returned to Asotin coun- ty and was busied at the craft for three years, more. It was in 1895 tnat he took a home- stead where he now dwells. His place is the Zindel postoffice and in addition to farming and raising stock, he also handles a ferry across the Grande Ronde river. His place is the old wintering ground Of Joseph and his bands and was well known from time beyond record. It is located on the Grande Ronde river near the mouth of Joseph creek, and is a splendid place. At Lost Prairie, Oregon, Mr. Zindel mar- HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. 773 ried Miss Maude Day, the date being June i, 1898. Mrs. Zindel's parents are Theodore B. and Anna (Korcke) Day, natives of Saxony, Germany, and early settlers in the Walla Walla country. Mrs. Zindel was born in Reno coun- ty, Kansas, on March 18, 1875, and is now the mother of two children; Zella V., born in Lost Prairie, Oregon, on July 21, 1899; and Orville W., born in Asotin, on September 14, 1903. Mr. and Mrs. Zindel were raised un- der the teaching of the German Evangelical church. He is a strong Republican and in No- vember, 1904, was chosen justice of the peace. Mr. Zindel is. a great reader and keeps himself well posted on the issues and questions of the day. He is a progressive man, has labored un- tiringly for the general advancement, and is one of the county's best citizens. In addition to the other enterprises mentioned, he is also operating a weather station for the govern- ment WILLIAM P. WEISSENFELS is one of the pioneers of Asotin county. In fact, he set- tled here before there was an Asotin county and was instrumental in bringing about the or- ganization of the same. Mr. Weissenfels was "born in Eau Claire county, Wisconsin, on Au- gust 14, 1859. His father, John A. Weissen- fels, is a native of Germany and one of the ■early settlers of the country now embraced in Asotin county. For many years he was com- missioner here and also served as assessor for two years. At the present time he is residing in Wisconsin. He was a very influential and prominent man of Asotin county and the ridge where he first settled is known as Weissenfels' ridge at this time. He married Henrietta Stumm, a native of Prussia. She died when •our subject was three years old. The father then married Caroline A. Mead, who died on Weissenfels' ridge in 1902. Our subject was educated in the public schools of Eau Claire county, Wisconsin, and spent a portion of his early days on the farm with his father. Then he entered a telegraph office and remained with the West Wisconsin railroad until eighteen years of age. In 1878 he came west to Washington, accompanying his father, and after due investigation, settled in that portion of Columbia county which is now Asotin county, where he resides at the present time. He took a homestead and pre- emption and immediately turned his attention to stock raising. He was very sucessful in this enterprise and about 1884 gave his atten- tion to farming, which he has continued ever since. Mr. Weissenfels handles cattle and horses and has very fine bands. In political matters and other affairs of the county, he has taken the part of a good citizen and has always shown himself progressive. He is a public- minded man and like his father, always labors for those measures which are for the benefit of the county at large. At Anatone on May 17, 1899, Mr. Weis- senfels married Miss Barbara Kiesecker, the daughter c,{ George A. and Christina (Stein) Keisecker, natives of Germany and pioneers of this county, where they reside at this time. Mrs. Weissenfels was born in Germany, on January 23, 1882. Our subject and his wife are the parents of two children, Anna H., born on November 17, 1900, and Frederick A., born July 31, 1902. Mr. Weissenfels was born under the in- fluence of the Roman Catholic church and is an adherent of that denomination still. He has one half brother, Joseph M., and one sis- ter, Mrs. Anna M. Stumm. Mr. Weissenfels is one of those stirring, substantial men who are governed by the principle that "What is worth doing, is worth doing well," and conse- quently has achieved the best of success in all his labors and undertakings. No detail of his business is too small for his attention, while its general oversight and planning are done with 774 HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. wisdom and foresight that commend him as a leading man in his line. He stands well in the community and is entitled to the position as one of the builders of Asotin county. ROBERT A. CAMPBELL deserves to be classed as one of the stanch pioneers of Asotin county and is certainly one of the substantial citizens of this section at this time. He stands at the head of a large stock business, being the heaviest sheep owner in the county. He also, handles horses and cattle and is well known as a man of ability who achieves success in his ventures. Robert A. Campbell was born in Oakland county, Michigan, on May 6, 1852, the son of William and Ann (Mclllvey) Campbell, na- tives of Scotland and north Ireland, respect- ively. They were pioneers in Michigan and wrought in the development of the country. Our subject was reared on a farm and was edu- cated in the section where he was born. Un- til 1876 he remained there and in the great Centennial year, he determined to try his for- tune in the west. He landed in Colorado in due time and participated in the exciting- times of making it a state. He did mining in and around Leadville until 1881, and then came to Idaho and mined in Logan county for one year. Then Mr. Camp- bell determined to try the stock business and accordingly made his way to Asotin county and secured his present place, which lies some fifteen miles west from Asotin, and which he has improved to be one of the good ones of the county. He began raising horses and cattle and soon added sheep and in this good work he has continued since with the splendid suc- cess that he is the heaviest sheep owner in the county and a man well-to-do and of recognized worth and standing, and his integrity in the long years of his residence here has commend- ed him to all lovers of substantiality and true principles. At Lewiston, Idaho, on June 16, 1884, Mr. Campbell married Miss Sarah Dill, the daugh- ter of John Dill, one of the old pioneers of the Anatone country. Mrs. Campbell was born in Cork, Ireland, on October 6, 1865. The children born to this household are : Robert, George, Claud, Earl and Vera. Mr. Camp- bell is a popular member of the masonic fraternity in Clarkston, having been one of the charter members. He also belongs to the W. W. and in political matters is allied with the Republicans. JOHN HENRY SCHEIBE has resided in the territory now embraced in Asotin county for twenty-five years and during that length of time has been engaged in agriculture .and stock raising. He has made good success in his la- bors and owns fine property at this time. He resides about eight miles east from Anatone on the land he took by squatter's right when he first came here in 1878. This was then Co- lumbia county and he has assisted in the creat- ion o,f Asotin county and has been instrumental in its progress and development up to this time. John Scheibe was born in Allegheny coun- ty, Pennsylvania, on September 15, 1858. His parents, Frank and Martha (Ausman) Scheibe were both natives of Germany and pioneers of Dunn county, Wisconsin. John H. received his education in the common schools of Dunn county and was raised on the farm. In 1878, he left the Badger State for the west, making* Washington the objective point. In due time he reached the country embraced in Columbia county and selected the place where he now lives and took a homestead and a timber cul- ture claim. He soon put the same in a good state of cultivation and from that time to the present, he has constantly been adding various HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. 775 improvements until his estate to-day is one of the choice ones of this portion of Washington. He has fine buildings and an excellent orchard and everything needed on a first-class farm. At first he gave attention almost entirely to grain raising, then he added stock raising and has today some very fine and well-bred ani- mals. However, Mr. Scheibe gives most of his attention to raising horses, being very skillful in this industry. He raises the food for all of his stock and is enabled to secure each year much profit from the farm and the pasture. Mr. Scheibe has one brother, John, and one sister, Emma, both living in Asotin. ' The wedding of Mr. Scheibe and Miss Elizabeth Huber occurred at Anatone, on Au- gust 9, 1891, Major Boggan performing the ceremony. Mrs. Scheibe's parents, Frank and Augusta (Bell) Huber, are natives of Germany and pioneers of Asotin county. Mrs. Scheibe was born in Montgomery county, Illinois, on February 20, 1867. To our subject and his wife, six children have been born, Raymond F., Augusta A., Clara Bell, George Dewey, Sidney S. and Henrietta. While engaged actively in the business en- terprises of his life, Mr. Scheibe has not for- gotten in the years past to take a keen interest in political matters and educational affairs. He is a Democrat and influential in his party. In religious persuasion, he is an adherent of the Evangelical denomination. THOMAS RUARK has large real estate interests in three counties in southeastern Washington and has chosen Asotin as the place of his residence, which speaks highly of the natural advantages and choice location of this pleasant town. Mr. Ruark is living a re- tired life although he personally supervises and conducts all his various estates. He has a very comfortable dwelling an Asotin and is deeply interested in the welfare and building up of the town and county. Thomas Ruark was born in Franklin coun- ty, Indiana, on September 4, 1833. Peter Raurk, his father, was a native of Kentucky, and his father, the grandfather of our subject, was a native of Germany and a pioneer settler of Pulaski county, Kentucky. Peter Ruark married Jane Herron, also born in the Blue Grass State. From the common schools of Franklin county, Indiana, Mr. Ruark received his early education and in that county remained until he was seventeen years of age. Then in company with the balance of the family, he journeyed on west to Wayne county, Iowa, and settled down. Until 1857, we ^ nc ^ n ' m there and then he moved to Kansas and re- mained in Linn county until 1859 in which year he returned to Iowa, locating at the old home place again. On May 20, 1862, having previously learned much of the great north- west and the opportunities here offered to peo- ple, Mr. Ruark fitted out teams and in com- pany with twenty other ox team outfits, turned towards the west and began the journey from Iowa to the Pacific coast. For, five months they journeyed steadily on and finally arrived at Vancouver, with- out any especial incident on the way more than the usual wear and tear of that terrible jour- ney. He selected a homestead in Clarke coun- ty, ten miles northeast from Vancouver and to the improvement and development of the same, he gave his labors for eight years. Dur- ing this time, he was dairying also. In 1870, Mr. Ruark came to Walla Walla county and settled near the county seat and engaged in the stock business. Three years later, he dropped that for farming as he preferred tilling the soil much better. Seven years were spent in Walla Walla and then, it being 1878, he settled in the Deadman country in what was then Columbia county but is now Garfield county. He pur- -chased a large tract of land and personally farmed the same until 1890. Then he rented 776 HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. this estate and moved to the vicinity of St. John, Whitman county, Washington. There he took up horse raising and farming com- bined, having purchased a nice estate and con- tinued in the operation of the same until 1892. Then he rented the entire property and re- moved to Asotin, where he erected a comfort- able residence and is now living. In Asotin county, Washington, on July 24, 1853, Mr. Ruark married Mary A. Messinger, the daughter of Frederick D. Messinger, a na- tive of Massachusetts. Mrs. Ruark was born in Knox county, Ohio, on September 29, 1835. The children born to our subject and his wife, are named as follows: John C, living in Dixie, Washington; Charles A., living in Gar- field county; George, a merchant, living in Pomeroy; William T., a carpenter, living in Pomeroy; Ira N., living in Asotin; Joseph, living in Whitman county; Dennis B., living in Whitman county; Mary J., wife of Frank M. Palmer; Sarah A., wife of E. J. Rice, of Clarkston ; Martha A., wife of John W. Johns, of Asotin county; Carrie B., wife of W. B. Smith, of Garfield county. Mr. and Mrs. Ruark are consistant and conscientious members of the United Brethren church of Asotin and he gives much time and labor for the advancement of the interests of this denomination. Through their efforts al- most entirely was this place of worship erected and he has heartily labored for the spreading of the gospel and the upbuilding of the faith. He takes great interest in these things and all of his time that is not spent in overseeing his prop- erty is given to this work. In political mat- ters, Mr. Ruark is independent and takes the interest that becomes the good citizen. He and his wife are very highly esteemed people and are loved bv all who know them. EDWARD BAUMEISTER is practically the father of Asotin county and stands to- day as one of the strong men of the state. He is serving his second term as state senator from Asotin, Garfield and Columbia counties, and has demonstrated to the people that he is possessed of ability sufficient to handle their interests as properly in the halls of legislation as well as of integrity and principle to main- tain the same in the face of all cunning and opposition. Mr. Baumeister is a striking ex- ample of one taking hold with his hands in the humbler walks of life and by effort, by real worth, and by ability, ever bringing himself to the front as one of the leading men of the state. To such too strong commendation cannot be given, for they are the real pillars which ob- tain to make this country strong and safe. And to the youths who will soon be called upon to fill the positions of trust and responsibility, the example Mr. Baumeister has set should speak in most emphatic terms and cause that their lives be so spent as to prepare the way for better things. Too much cannot be said in favor of this foundation principle, so important and so much overlooked. It is with pleasure that we are permitted to give somewhat in detail the outline of Mr. Baumeister' s career, for it can but prove interesting and instructive to all. Edward Baumeister was born in Saxe- Weimar, Germany, on June 24, 1848. His father, Ernest Baumeister, was a native of Er- fort, Germany, and came to the United States in 1854, bringing' his family. Settlement was made in New York state, and so thoroughly did the elder Baumeister identify himself with the interests of the country of his adoption that upon the breaking out of the terrible Re- bellion he promptly stepped forward and en- listed in the New York Regiment of Volun- teer Cavalry and served with distinction and valor until the last conflict at Fredericksburg, when -he was wounded and soon gave his life for his country. He had married Miss Char- lotte Schroeder, also a native of Germany. Our subject was but a lad when his father died, still the same spirit that pervaded the breast of the ancestor was found well planted un the Edward Baumeister Richard P. Steen Peter Maguire HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. 777 heart of the son. He, too, has taken up the cause of his country in a determined and loyal way, championing those measures and prin- ciples which are for the upbuilding and fur- thering of our free institutions. After attend- ing the common schools of New York, at the age of twelve, Edward accompanied his brofther Max to California. For two years he served an apprenticeship there as a barber, and in April, 1863, he and his brother moved to Washington and settled in Walla Walla. Since that time they have been known as sub- stantial and faithful men of ability as will be seen. The elder Baumeister now lives in Walla Walla, a highly esteemed citizen. For nine- teen years our subject and his brother followed the barber trade in Walla Walla, then sold out and Edward immediately engaged in the real estate and insurance business, and followed it until 1885, when he moved to Lewiston and ac- cepted a position in a general store, under John P. Vollmer. For seven months he served faith- fully there and in the fall of 1885 came to the town of Asotin, which was then built farther up the river than where it is now. Mr. Baumeister selected the place where Asotin now stands and opened a fine general merchandise establish- ment, which was sadly needed there. From that time until the present he has continued in the pursuit of his business and has manifested great wisdom and skill as a business man. In 1900 he opened a bank in connection with his mercantile business and has operated the same successfully since. It has been a great accom- modation to the stockmen of Asotin county and Mr. Baumeister is to be commended in these pioneer improvements that he has made. His store has been enlarged from time to time until he now carries one of the most complete stocks in the country and the goods from his shelves find their way throughout northeastern Oregon and southeastern Washington, over a very large range. In addition to the property already mentioned, Mr. Baumeister has extensive hold- ings in real estate both in Asotin county and other places throughout Washington. He is one of the wealthy men of the state as well as one of its most substantial. In political matters Mr. Baumeister has been a life-long Republican, and, as stated. above, is serving his second term as state senator. While in Walla Walla he was named as city councilman and throughout his public career, it may be stated of him, that the same care and painstaking ef- fort that brought him his success in his busi- ness enterprises are manifested together with unswerving loyalty to the interests of the peo- ple and have established him in their confidence and esteem immovable. Fraternally Mr. Baumeister is an Odd Fel- low, having joined that order in Walla Walla in 1869. He has passed all the chairs and is a member of the grand lodge of the state. To his personal efforts more than any other one in- dividual, is due the magnificent home of this order in Walla Walla, and many of the aged members enjoy the comforts of that establish- ment through the wise efforts of our subject. At Collegepoint, New York, May 3, 1870, Mr. Baumeister married Miss Elizabeth Miller, a talented and cultured lady, who has accom- panied him in his pilgrimages for the last thirty odd years, displaying the graces of the noble woman. To Mr. and Mrs. Baumeister two children have been born, Anna C, widow of Dr. Herbert Williams, and Alletta W., wife of W. L. Thompson of Pendleton, Oregon. Mr. Baumeister was raised under the influence of the Potestant Episcopal church, but does not belong to any denomination. However, he is a liberal supporter of such movements, as he is of every public benefaction. HON. RICHARD PERRY STEEN, de- ceased. The late Richard Perry Steen, a prom- inent and well known man of southeastern Washington, was born in Wheatland, Indiana, on February 29, 1840. His parents, William 778 HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. G. and Naomi (Robinson) Steen, were also natives of Indiana. Together with his par- ents he crossed the plains in 1852 and located at Salem, Oregon. In that town Mr. Steen continued his education, finishing in the Wil- lamette University. The Willamette valley was his home until July, 1861, when he moved to Walla Walla and became a farmer and stock raiser until 1874. Washington was then a territory and the country new and un- settled. He was in that portion of Walla Walla county that was cut off to form Columbia county, and thus became a citizen of a new county. Shortly after the formation of Colum- bia county Mr. Steen was elected sheriff, and in 1878 was again re-elected, thus serving four successive years in that office. In 1880 he was elected representative to the first legislature of the state of Washington from Columbia county, and for two years was a prominent member of that body. While in the legisla- ture he served on the committee on codifica- tion of the state laws, on the committee of counties and was chairman of the engrossing committee. Upon the division of Columbia county it was Mr. Steen who suggested the name of Garfield for the new county, which w r as adopted and has since been retained. He was a member of the first city council and was chief of the first city fire department of Day- ton, of which place he was a resident. His name appeared upon the Democratic ticket when elected to the legislature, and he was one of the foremost men in local politics of those days. He served his constituents faithfully and leaves an enviable record for his public serivices. In 1883 he moved to Pomelroy and en- gaged in sheep raising. In 1887 he moved to Lewiston, Idaho, continuing in the stock busi- ness until 1902, when he moved to his farm on Asotin creek, near the town of Asotin, Washington. Here he continued to reside, engaging in fruit raising until the time of his death. He was a member of the order of F. and A. M. for more than forty years, and was a charter member of the lodge at Clarkston, Washington at the time of his death. On June 18, 1863, Mr. Steen was married to Elizabeth Ann Teel, Rev. Cushing Eells, the well known pioneer missionary, being the of- ficiating clergyman. Mrs. Steen was born in McHenry county, Illinois, on the 1st day of April, 1845, trie daughter of Joseph and Mary (Alexander) Teel, natives of New Hampshire and Massa- chusetts respectively, and pioneer settlers of Walla Walla. To our subject and his wife the following children have been born: Eurette A., Richard R., Mary Naomi, wife of Calvin Boyer of Waha, Idaho, and Luella Mae, wife of George H. Rummens of Asotin. Mr. Steen had the following named broth- ers and sisters : Abner M. Steen of Salem, Oregon ; Hon. John E. Steen, of Murray, Idaho, representative to the Idaho State Leg- islature from Shoshone county; Hon. William M. Steen, now deceased, formerly a member of the state legislature of Oregon from Uma- tilla county ; Nancy A., wife of Dr. J. H. Ken- nedy, of Milton, Oregon, and Louisa J., wife of John Florence of Creston, Washington. After a brief illness Mr. Steen died Janu- ary 2, 1905, of pneumonia, at his home near Asotin, and was buried at the Asotin ceme- tery under the auspices of the Masonic lodge of Clarkson, of which he was a member. PETER MAGUIRE, more familiarly known to the pioneers as "Jerry" Maguire, re- sides about three miles west from Asotin on an estate which he secured by government right in 1866, thus being one of the first settlers of this favored region. He has always been on the frontier, has passed a career which is crowded full of interesting incident and thrill- ing- adventure, and is a man of marked talent HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. 779 and native ability, especially as a frontiersman and brave Indian fighter. He was born in New York city on June 10, 1832, the son of Michael and Catherine (Mullen) Maguire, na- tives of Ireland, and immigrants to the United States in the early twenties. The family set- tled later in Unionville, Orange county, New York, where our subject received his educa- tion, which was not so extended as he wished, owing to the meager facilities for school in that then pioneer country. However young Maguire made the bejst of his opportunities and has since supplemented his training by careful and extended reading and so is a well- informed man. In 1842 the family moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and five years were spent there and in other places in that state. In 1852, in company with Patrick Carlan, our subject started across the plains and at Omaha joined the main train. Aside from several deaths by cholera no trouble outside of the ordinary attended them, and in due time they were in Downieville, California, where Peter Maguire went to work at boy's wages, amount- ing to $6 per day. Later he mined in Virginia City district, Nevada, and then went into com- pany on a rich gulch, where he and his partners made some money. Then he made his way north and finally searched on the Rogue river for some rich diggings which they never found. After this he went to the mouth of that stream and established a ferry, and there he was found for many years. In 1855 he was aroused by the Indian attacks and on October 26, of that year, he enlisted in Company K, Second Oregon Mounted Volunteers, under Captain John Poland. He was first lieutenant, and served for some time, or until the war was ended in 1856. He had many harships to en- dure in this frontier war and lost the hearing of his right ear, owing to the bursting of a mus- ket. Under Major R. B. Reynolds, Mr. Ma- guire was scout and did some excellent work on many occasions. He was also interpreter of the Indian language and was express messenger for him. He was offered the captaincy of Com- pany K, Mounted Volunteers, but refused, ow- ing to what he supposed was insufficient educa- tion, but he was fully qualified to discharge the duties of that position. On one occasion, with sixty-two men under his command, he sur- prised the Indians on Pistol river and captured them. This was a great blow to them. Later he succeeded in establishing a treaty of peace with them and secured their consent to go quietly to the reservation the government had set aside for them. When Captain Poland was murdered by the savages Mr. Maguire was detailed with a small com- mand, under Captain Auger, to the dangerous task of securing and burying the body. Later he was instrumental in saving Colonel Bu- chanan and his command from being annihil- ated by the savages by a ride of great danger through the Indian country. It is thus seen, and by many more adventures and services of the highest kind, which could be related, that Mr. Maguire has rendered most excellent service for his country and for the pioneers of this western section. He is to be commended for his bravery and his faithfulness in those trying times of trouble and danger. After the war he was honorably discharged and upon returning to his ferry he found himself bank- rupt. Thus did the sturdy pioneers have to suffer from the hardships and dangers of those days. He bravely started again and in 1866 made his way from the coast country to this region and located on Asotin creek, his near- est neighbor being fifteen miles away. He be- gan the stock industry and has since continued it. He has acquired great land holdings and has a large amount of stock at this time. Mr. Maguire has become one of the leading men of the country and is a suhstantial and capable citizen. He has accumulated much property and wealth and now, as the days of the golden years of his life draw on, he is privileged to take the enjoyment that is the reward of the industrious and upright. 780 HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. Air. Maguire had five brothers and two sisters, of whom three survive. Mrs. Sarah Flynn, in Idaho, and Thomas and Barney in Wisconsin. In Osborne county , Kansas, near Kill Creek, Mr. Maguire married Miss Frederica Hanson, the daughter of John Hanson, and a native of Iowa. To this union, the following" named children have been born; Ida May, wife of Frank Boozer, a farmer near Mohler, Idaho; Frank, and Ralph P. All the children were born on the home ranch and have been reared in Asotin county. Mr. Maguire was reared under the influence of the Catholic church and has always supported that faith. In political matters he is a Democrat. He is a member of the pioneer's association and also of the Indian War Veteran Association of the north Pacific coast. By way of reminiscence. Lieutenant Ma- guire had a fine large Newfoundland dog when in the army and he was with his master all through the trying times of service. He was also the mascot of the company and the Indians were filled with grave superstition regarding the dog. In the spring of 1856, Captain Smith, of the dragoons, with a command of one hun- dred men was ambushed and thirty-five of his men were either killed or wounded at Fort Big Bend. Captain Auger was sent to the rescue of the besieged men, and Mr. Maguire with some friendly Indians essayed to accom- plish what seemed to be an utter impossibility, that is, to get succor to the besieged men. He succeeded, but only by the utmost skill in deal- ing with and understnding the tactics of the Indians, and showing the most brilliant brav- ery and courage. GEORGE FLOCH is one of the good, sub- stantial agriculturists who have made Asotin county what she is today, one of the prosperous political divisions of the great state of Wash- ington. A country is measured as to its strength by the number and substantiality of its homes. In that Mr. Floch has builded a good home and improved his place well, he has thus far laid the foundation of a successful and prosperous county. In addition to this he has evinced a keen interest in the political and other affairs of the county and has labored for advancement on all lines. George Floch was born in Harrison coun- ty, Indiana, on July 5, 1858, the son of Chris- tian and Rhoda (Thomas) Floch, natives of Ohio. In Knox county of his native state, George studied in the public schools and in 1876 he came west to Oregon. For one year he resided in Canyonville, and then came to Columbia county. He took a pre-emption claim south from where Anatone now stands, then a homestead four miles east of Anatone, and now he dwells on the homestead formerly owned by his brother, Christian. For several years he labored here after settling and then took a trip to Oregon and later to Illinois and Indiana. In 1881, he came back to the claims and since then he has continuously remained here. He has four hundred and forty acres of land well improved and in a good state of cul- tivation. He is one of the thrifty and pro- gressive men of the county and has an excel- lent standing. At Anatone, in 1891, Mr. Floch married Miss Katie Huber, who was born in Illinois in 1 87 1 and came to Asotin with the family when eight years old. Her father, Frank Huber, is a native of Germany and a pioneer settler of this county. The children born to our subject and his wife are Ollie C, Roy E., Robbie R., Fred C, and Desda F. Mr. Floch has the fol- lowing named brothers and sisters : John, liv- ing near ; Abraham, deceased; William, in Ore- gon; Jacob, in Pullman, Washington; Christ- ian, deceased; Samuel, in Illinois; Benjamin, living near by; Mrs. Sarah Bringle, in Indi- ana; Mrs. Rebecca Reilly, also in Indiana; and Mrs. Rhoda Martin, on the Snake river. Mr. HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. 781 and Mrs. Floch are adherents of the Baptist church and are exemplary and good people, who have the confidence of all in this com- munity. ELIAS FORGEY, a venerable and highly respected citizen of Asotin county, now dwells in Asotin, being retired from business. He has followed farming and the stone mason trade for many years with such success that he is now rated as one of the substantial and well-to-do men of the county, who is fully warranted in re- tiring from the activities of life. He was born in Leesville, Indiana, on March 7, 1832, his parents being Andrew J. and Ann (Roller) Forgey, natives of Tennessee and West Vir- ginia, respectively. When quite young he came with his parents to Henderson county, Illinois, where he attended school and remained until 1852, engaging in farming. In the year last mentioned, he fitted for a trip across the plains and, in company with his brother, journeyed from the prairies of Illinois to the Willamette valley with ox teams. . They settled in Linn county, and Mr. Forgey engaged in farming and in the stone mason business. He continued there until 1879, and then removed to Asotin county, locating on the flats near Theon. He took a homestead and a pre-emption and later added three hundred and twenty acres of fine farm land by purchase which gives him a choice estate of one entire section and one of the valu- able farms of the county. For twenty years he labored on the farm and then erected his pres- ent residence in Asotin and moved here, whence he oversees his estate. He has, by his success, by his kindly and generous manner and his up- right principles, won the love and admiration of all and has many warm friends throughout the county. In Linn county, Oregon, in 1865, Mr. For- gey married Colestine Holman, who was born in Ray county, Missouri, on May 29, 1847. Her father. Thomas Holman, was a native of Tennessee and married Elizabeth Welch, who was born in the same state. To Mr. and Mrs. Forgey the following named children have been born : Mrs. Victoria Brooks, in Nez Perces county, Idaho; Elvina, wife of Eli Bloeck, of this county ; William, living in Montana ; Isaac R., farming in this county; Clebern D., a sheep- man in Montana; Delila O., wife of Perry Barnes, of this county; Louisa, wife of Charles Cliff of this county ; L. Watkins lives at Asotin ; Elias J., who died in Montana in 1900; Mar- cus, a student, born in this county, April 29, 1886. Mr. and Mrs. Forgey are both stanch members of the Cumberland Presbyterian church and have ever exemplified their faith in their Christian walk. In politics Mr. Forgey is allied with the Democratic party. He and his wife have trav- eled the pilgrim course for over forty years to- gether and have seen much of the hardships and labor of pioneer life in the west. Through it all they have prospered on their way, win- ning both a success in financial matters and making for themselves a reputation and stand- ing among the very best in the county. They are good people and deserve the esteem and confidence reposed in them. JOHN F. TUTTLE, who is and has been for the past decade heavily interested in mining in different localities of the northwest, is now dwelling at Asotin, where he handles the prop- erties of the Copper Mountain Mining & Mill- ing Company. He is an expert in mining mat- ters, having given his attention to this steadily for years. He has operated all through Wash- ington, Oregon, Brititsh Columbia and Idaho, and is well acquainted with the leading mining camps in these sections mentioned. John F. Tuttle was born in Sagnache, Col- orado, on March 16, 1872. the son of J. Ben- jamin and Nancy (Goff) Tuttle, natives of Ontario and pioneers of this county in 1879. 782 HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. Our subject was educated in the public schools of this county and then the family removed to the Big Bend country, and later settled in Stevens county, this state, near Springdale. There Mr. Tuttle engaged in mining and in 1896 took a homestead, the same being in Clarke county. For the past ten years, however, he has given his attention, practically, to mining, and has wrought all over the northwest. He has also given much attention to prospecting and, in 1901, with his brother George, and A. P. McAvery, he formed a corporation which was named the Copper Mountain Mining & Milling Company. Altogether they own some fifteen claims in different localities and all show es- pecially rich in copper and kindred metals. Mr. Tuttle is the superintendent and director of the company and gives his attention to furthering its interests, with headquarters in Asotin. He also has claims in other portions of the country in his own name and is sanguine of good re- sults soon. It was 1901 that Mr. Tuttle re- turned to Asotin and here he is dwelling at the present time. He is an enthusiastic supporter of this country and believes it one of the best in the northwest. He is a progressive and push- ing young man, with plenty of energy and sa- gacity and is doing a splendid work in his min- ing. He is a member of the Methodist church and stands well in the community. GEORGE KINNEAR is well known in Asotin county as a man of adventure and cour- age, as well as an industrious worker, both for the prosecution of private enterprises and the advancement of the general welfare whenever it is in his power to do so. He has held public office of the county and has shown himself an upright and capable man, always executing the trust placed in his hands with an exactness and thoroughness that commend him to all lovers of right. He was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on April 2, 1854, the son of George and Eliza- beth (Smith) Kinnear, natives of Scotland. When seven George was left an orphan and was then taken to the home of his uncle in Marquette county, after which he went to Co- lumbia county, remaining in this latter place until he was nineteen. His education was ob- tained in the various places where he dwelt while in his boyhood, and when nineteen he went to Minnesota, where he wrought for a time, then went on to Iowa. Later, in the fall of 1877, he came on west and the next year landed in Dayton. In 1879 ne went to Garfield county and there labored for five years. Then he was in the lumber mills for a time and in 1884, he came to Asotin county and took two claims on the Lewiston flats. To the improve- ment and cultivation of these he gave his at- tention for some time and also raised stock. In 1892 he was chosen assessor of the county on the Democratic ticket by a majority of eighty- two. In 1894 he was re-elected by a majority of twenty-three, and in 1896 he was chosen sheriff of Asotin county, his name appearing on the Fusion ticket and the majority being twenty- six. His opponent was Robert Campbell. In 1899 Mr. Kinnear went to the Alaska gold fields, and there remained for two years, being in company with R. A. Cay Wood, George Brown, Benjamin Dill and Albert Kester, all well known men in this section. Two years later he returned to this county and again en- gaged in various enterprises. In 1901 Mr. Kinnear went to Thunder Mountain and en- gaged in mining. He is now a large stock- holder in the Thunder Mountain properties, such as Diamond Chief, of which he is man- ager. In 1885, in this county, Mr. Kinnear mar- ried Miss Lottie Asman, the daughter of Frank later he returned to this county and again en- near was born in Iowa in 1866. Four children are the fruit of this union : Mable C, Byrom G., Alta E. and Thalma. Mr. Kinnear is a member of the W. W. and the Eagles. It is of interest that in 1885 Mr. Kinnear was operat- HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. 783 ing a general store at the mouth of the Alpowa and there was well acquainted with the noted Indian chieftain, Timothy, pronounced by those who knew him well, the best and most talented Indian in the northwest. WILLIAM H. FOREDYCE is a vener- able and respected citizen of Asotin county, and dwells in Asotin at this time, whence he oversees his interests of farming and fruit growing. He was born in Decatur county, Indiana, on February 7, 1831, the son of James and Mary E. (Gregg) Foredyce, natives of In- diana and Kentucky, respectively. Our sub- ject was educated in the common schools of Indiana, where he remained until 1850. Then he set out on that most unique of all journeys on this continent, the trip from the Missouri river to the Willamette valley by ox teams. He made settlement near Oregon City and at once engaged in farming and lumbering. In 1857, he removed to Yamhill county, and re- mained until 1 86 1. Then he went to Marion county and for some years was engaged in a flour mill. Then he came to Columbia coun- ty, the year being 1878, and located on a claim near Mr. William Rogers. He took a timber culture and a pre-emption and remained there for five years. Then he sold and removed to Asotin, purchasing property here. Later, Mr. Foredyce took a homestead on Tammany creek, in Idaho, which he improved and where he planted an orchard. He remained there until 1900, then sold out and purchased a tract of land on Asotin creek in this county, where he planted another orchard. In addition to this, Mr. Foredyce is interested in horse and sheep raising and is a prosperous man. His son is in partnership with him and they are handling some good stock. On May 29, 185 1, Mr. Foredyce married Miss Matilda A. Beauchamp, the daughter of James R. and Adeline Beauchamp, pioneers of Oregon. Mrs. Foredyce was born in Missouri on December 16, 1836. The children born to this marriage were : J. William, now at Col- lege Place, Washington; Aaron L., in Nez Perces county, Idaho; Charles E., a well known sheep man of this county. The rest of the children are dead, there being eleven in the family originally. Mr. Foredyce is a member of the Christian church and has always been an active Republican. He is a man held in high esteem and has wrought with industry and wisdom for all the years of his long career. WILLIAM H. BOGGAN, a well known educator and property owner of southeastern Washington, is now dwelling about four miles southeast from Anatone, in Asotin county, where he has a good estate. He is a plain, un- assuming man, yet possessed of wisdom and experience that gives him a prestige and cause him to be looked up to by all who know him. William H. Boggan was born in Anson county, North Carolina, on June 15, 1843, trie native spot being near the town of Wadesboro. His father, Northfleet D. Boggan, was a na- tive of North Carolina, and came of Irish and English ancestors. He was clerk of the court of his county and a prominent planter. He married Miss Jane Gould Hammond, also a native of North Carolina. Our subject was trained in private schools and then completed his education in the military academv of Hi 11s- boro. At the breaking out of the Rebellion, he enlisted in the Fourth North Carolina In- fantry under Colonel Daniels. After one year's service, his regiment was reorganized to the Fifty-ninth North Carolina Volunteer Cav- alrv under Colonel D. D. Ferebee. Mr. Bog:- gan enlisted then in Company C, for three years or until the end of the war, and was placed under General Stewart in the army of Northern Virginia commanded by General 7 8 4 HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. Robert E. Lee. He saw his first service in the battle of Ashbys Gap, then fought at Ce- dar Mountain, Gettysburg, Petersburg, and in other of the fierce battles of the war. He was body guard and courier for General Stewart in his daring raids, among which was his cap- ture of the stock of General McClellan. At the surrender at Appomattox court house, our subject was under Wade Hampton. He was wounded in the battle of Gettysburg. During the war he had served as drill master. After the war he found the country demoralized and so he went west to Texas and there began teaching school. Two years later he went to Fayetteville, Arkansas and taught for five years. He continued this profession and finally taught all over the coast until 1879, when he took his present place and since that time has devoted himself to the improvement and cultivation of the same. He has also raised stock and is one of the prosperous men of the country. Mr. Boggan has two broth- ers who are neighbors, Walter J. and James N. BENJAMIN FLOCH is one of Asotin county's promising farmers, while also he holds a most gratifying position as a popular and leading citizen. He resides at the present time about two and one-half miles east from Anatone, where he has one of the best farms to be found in this section. Mr. Floch is one of those progressive, up to date men who al- ways strive for the best, whether in public af- fairs or for himself in his regular business. His farm is a model of neatness and thrift, well laid out, and in a high state of cultivation. It is- supplied with plenty of good buildings and so forth, and wisely arranged, while his stock of cattle and horses are among the best to be had. His implements are of the very best and latest type and comprise everything that could be utilized on a first-class Washington farm. Mr. Floch located his present home place in the spring of 1879, taking a homestead. He then found that his earthly possessions amounted to about fifteen dollars, including his grub stake and everything he had to start with. He was a man not to be deterred, how- ever, on account of such things as that, and soon was at work with a will and his industry has made him to be one of the wealthy and in- fluential men of Asotin county. Benjamin Floch was born in Harrison county, Indiana, on September 6, 1855. His father, Christian Floch, was born in Butler county, Ohio, on January 31, 181 1, and died in 1899. He came as a pioneer settler to the territory now embraced in Asotin county, in 1878. He had married Miss Rhoda Thomas, a native of North Carolina, who died in this county in 1897. Our subject began his edu- cation in the common schools of Jasper coun- ty, Indiana, and when fourteen years of age, transferred his residence to Knox county and later to Clay county, Illinois. In 1877, he left Illinois for Oregon and located in Douglas county. In August, 1878, he left that region for Columbia county and finally took up a homestead on Ten Mile creek, which is now in the precincts of Asotin county. Mr. Floch has three hundred and thirty acres of extra choice land all stocked, as mentioned heretofore. In addition, he owns an interest in the Copper Mountain mines and some other property. At the Harbin ranch, on July 4, 1882, Mr. Floch married Mary C. Harbin, the daugh- ter of John and Elizabeth (Bailey), Harbin, natives of Virginia and New England, respect- ively, and pioneer settlers of Oregon, having crossed the plains with ox teams. Mrs. Floch was born in Linn county, Oregon, on Novem- ber 14, 1866. To Mr. and Mrs. Floch the fol- lowing named children have been born ; Travis M., on January 18, 1884; Virgil T., on De- cember 21, 1885; Lillian V., on September 23, 1889; Neva A., on May 28, 1893; Chalsey B., on October 22, 1896; Tiffany M., on August 28, 1899; Elma Fern, on September 25, 1901 ; and Benjamin, on May 21, 1904. .^•CfT i ^^H ..■:■.... l^BB KV *jm ^ W" ■4 <**»'» -*' JACOB S. STONE, a prosperous and well known agriculturist dwelling about one-half mile north from Craige, in Asotin county, de- serves to be classed with the early pioneers and veterans of this county, since he has labored here for twenty-five years and has so wisely bestowed his efforts that he has gained for him- self a fine competence, besides assisting materi- ally in building up the country. He was born in Madison county, Ohio, on August 30, 1835, and his father, Algernon S. Stone, was a native of Vermont and descended from old English stock. The ancestors took part in the Revolution. The father married Miss Even Slyk, a native of Maryland and de- scended from German ancestors. Our subject gained his education in the old log school houses in Madison county, Ohio, and spent his boyhood days on the farm with his father. » When fifteen, he moved with his father to Ap- panoose county, Iowa, and there they engaged in farming. Our subject remained there until 1874. Then he journeyed west to the Willa- mette valley and settled in the vicinity of Cor- vallis, where he lived until 1881, also tilling the soil there. In the fall of the year last men- tioned, he moved to his present home on Mont- gomery ridge and took up a homestead. Later, he took a timberculture claim and then a pre- emption and since that, he has given his atten- tion to the improvement and culture of the es- tate. He raises considerable fruit and handles some stock. His farm is a fine one, well im- proved and wisely laid out and conducted, and the result is that each year he receives bounte- ous returns from it. Mr. Stone has four broth- ers, Philip, Cornelius, Algernon, Henry M. In Appanoose county, Iowa, on February 16, i860. Mr. Stone married Miss Martha J. Harbold, whose parents, William and Cather- ine (Overstreet) Harbold, were natives of Kentucky. Oldham county, in the Blue Grass State, is the native place of Mrs. Stone and the date of her birth is July 9, 1837. Four chil- dren have been the fruit of this union ; Ringold C, who lives with his father; Beatrice, the wife of William Appaforcl, a pioneer settler in this countv and named elsewhere in this volume; 792 HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. Samuel L., living on the Snake river; and May, the wife of Olive Bond. For one term Mr. Stone was commissioner of his county and gave universal satisfaction. He and his wife are members of the Chris- tian church and are people who have made an excellent reputation for themselves wherever they are known. MARTIN J. GARRISON is one of the leading merchants of Asotin. In public life and business enterprises he has always shown an ability and integrity which vouchsafe suc- cess as well as careful attention to the business intrusted to him. He was born in Cass county, Nebraska, on October 22, 1856. His father, John B. Garrison, was a native of Indiana and a pioneer to Nebraska. He married Sarah Nichols, who was also born in the Hoosier State. Our subject was educated in the public schools of Hendricks county, Indiana, whither his father had moved from Nebraska. That was the family home until 1878, when another move was made to Cass county, Nebraska. There Mr. Garrison farmed until 1882. In that year he went to Butte. Montana, and took a position in the smelter, holding the same for one year. In March, 1893. ne made his way to Asotin county and took a pre-emption on the flat. He improved the same in good shape, then, owing to ill health, was obliged to give up farm work. Until 1887 he traveled to different places and was engaged in various work. Then he took a position with E. Baumeister & Com- pany where he worked steadily for ten years as salesman in a general merchandise store. In 1897 the people of the county called him to accept the office of assessor, his name appearing on the Republican ticket. In 1900 he was elected by an increased majority and held the office until January 1, 1903. During this long service he gave the best of satisfaction and showed an accuracy and justice in his judg- ment that commend him to all. In 1902 Mr. Garrison bought the interest of D. O. Powell in the general merchandise establishment now conducted in the name of Brown & Garrison. He is now giving his attention to this business and is meeting with the success that careful industry deserves. For seven years Mr. Gar- rison was treasurer in Asotin, which demon- strates conclusively that he has the full confi- dence of the people. For the past few years he has also been identified with the Asotin Land & Water Company, furnishing water for the city and for irrigating purposes. He is a stock- holder and secretary of this company at the present time. In 1 89 1, at Asotin, Mr. Garrison married Miss Clara Liebenau, whose father, August Liebenau is a citizen of Stockton, Kansas. Mrs. Garrison was born in Independence, Iowa. To our subject and his wife, two chil- dren have been born, Leslie C, August 9, 1892, and Elsie L., March 25, 1894, both: being na- tives of Asotin county. Mr. Garrison has one brother, George W., who lives near Clarkston, in this county, and one sister, Mrs. Francis Johnson, who lives in Hendricks county, Indiana. Mr. Garrison is a member of the I. O O. F. and the W. W., and has passed all the chairs of both lodges. He is a strong and active Re- publican and takes a keen interest in political matters. His wife is a member of the Presby- terian church and they are both highly esteemed people. SAMUEL T. JONES, one of the promi- nent men of southeastern Washington, is at the present time operating a large grain warehouse at Asotin and Dodds Ferry. For years he has taken a leading part in public matters and has always stood at the head of a large and prosper- ous business. He is well known throughout Asotin county and other portions of Washing- ton and Oregon and has won the respect and esteem of all with whom he has come in con- HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. 793 tact. His business ability is of a high order and the success that he has achieved in public life as well as in his own enterprises indicate the manner of man. Samuel T. Jones was born in Mercer coun- ty, Illinois, on July i, 185 1. His father, James F. Jones, was a native of Kentucky and mar- ried Miss Elizabeth Miller, who was born in Illinois. They are now living in Pomeroy, Washington. In 1852 our subject was brought by his parents across the plains in an ox train to the vicinity of Albany, Oregon, where the father took up land. This son was educated in the common schools of Albany college and in 1869 began life for himself. His first venture was work on a stock ranch on Willow creek in Umatilla county. The headquarters were about where the unfortunate town of Heppner now stands. Two years were spent in this oc- cupation and in 1871 he moved to Washington with an uncle, George W. Miller, and engaged in the sheep business near Gould City on the Snake river. There he took a homestead and was one of the leading sheep men of the coun- try for ten years, and during that time he was elected as sheep commissioner of Garfield coun- ty. In 1 88 1. Mr. Jones moved to Asotin coun- ty and settled where the town of Asotin is now located. Since that time he has resided here and thus it is seen that he is one of the pioneers and leading builders of the town and county. He erected the Asotin House and other build- ings and has been actively engaged in business since his location here. In 1884 he was ap- pointed postmaster and held that office until 1889. After turning it over to his successor in that year, he moved on to a farm near Aso- tin and there remained until 1894, then he was again appointed postmaster of Asotin under Cleveland's administration and held that office for five years more. When leaving the office in 1899, he took up other occupations for a while then moved to Pullman to educate his children. He finally returned to his home in Asotin and since then has been buying grain for the Kittenback Grain Company of Lewiston. Mr. Jones is also justice of the peace and has been in this office most of the time for the past ten years. At Dayton, Washington, on October 26, 1877, Mr. Jones married Mrs. Almeda, the daughter of Andrew J. and Harriet (Church) Allen, natives of Kentucky and New York city, respectively, and now living in Whatcom coun- ty, Washington. Mrs. Jones was born in Or- egon. Mr. and Mrs. Jones have four children, Walter D., Bertha R., Millie R. and Marvin A., all born in Asotin, except Millie, whose birth place is Anatone. Mr. Jones is a member of the I. O. O. F. and the grand lodge of the state. He has passed through all the chairs in the local lodge. In political matters, he is an old-fashioned Democrat and is able to give a reason for his views. He is chairman of the county central committee of his party and has been for some time, and is a strong worker in the campaigns and a leading figure in the county. He has been a member of the city council and also held other public offices. In religious persuasion, Mr. Jones is a Methodist. He is a good man and is possessed of that energy which makes him a sincere and stanch friend while also he is known a^ a patriotic citizen, public minded and progressive. EDWARD N. DOW, a venerable and es- teemed pioneer of Asotin county, dwells about two miles south from Anatone. He has the distinction of being the first permanent settler in the territory now embraced in Asotin county and for all the years intervening he has labored faithfully in the improvement of his place and the building up of the county. He was born in Hancock county, Maine, on Deer Island, on July 26. 1 82 1. His father, Nathaniel Dow, came from old colonial stock and a member of the family participated in the Revolution under 794 HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. General Washington. He married Polly Weed, a native of Maine, who was the daugh- ter of an English soldier, who deserted the English forces at the battle of Bunker Hill and joined the American army. The schools in the states in the twenties and thirties were very scarce and our subject had limited opportuni- ties to gain an education. However, owing to the careful training of his father and mother, he was well instructed and remained at home until eighteen years of age. After that he did general farm work until the declaration of war with Mexico, when he enlisted at New York city under Commodore Connor in the naval forces. They sailed on the frigate, Potomac, and participated with the land forces in the capture of Vera Cruz and other coast cities, under General Winfield Scott. He was active during the entire war and was mustered out at New York city, in 1847, during the month of June, having been eighteen months in service. After that we see him next in Buffalo, New York, where he was engaged in steamboating. Four years later he took passage on a bark around Cape Horn to San Francisco, and after seven months arrived there in good shape. He went immediately to the mines there and for four years did well mining for himself. Then he sold his claim and took a trip to Australia. He landed at Melbourne and for some time sought the golden sands of that country and in all mined there about ten years. Then he went to New Zealand and followed the same occu- pation for three years. After that, he returned to the United States, landing at San Francisco in 1866. He went back to California and worked as a carpenter for some time, then de- termined to explore the north part of the Pacific coast. He finally made his way into Columbia county and explored the Asotin Flats, finally selecting a homestead about four miles south from where Anatone is now situ- ated. Since that time he has stayed here stead- ily, having spent nearly thirty years on one farm. He has done general farming and stock raising and has been quite successful. Owing to his advanced age, being now past eighty- three, Mr. Dow is retired from active work and rents his farm. For his services in the Mexi- can War he receives a nice pension and is a prosperous man. He belongs to the Mexican War Veteran Association in New York. Mr. Dow has never married and is the only one of a family of eight children who are still living. From the time that he landed in this country until the present he has never been out of the territory embraced in Asotin county except one week spent in attendance in court in Day- ton. He is well known all over the county and receives the esteem and confidence of the people. GEORGE H. RUMMENS is one of the younger business men of Asotin county and has gained distinction by his labors in his chosen profession as attorney-at-law. Although a native of Washington, still he is one of the later settlers in Asotin county yet he has so thoroughly identified himself with its interests that he is to be mentioned as one of the leading citizens here to-day. He was born in Klickitat county, Washington, on March 16, 1878, the son of William J. and Barbara E. (Smith) Rummens, natives of Wisconsin and Illinois, respectively. The father is a stock man at Pomeroy. The schools of Pomeroy furnished the ordinary training of our subject and when he had completed the high school course in 1896, he turned his attention to studying law. On March 16, 1897, he registered with M. F. Gose and began a course of reading that al- lowed his admission to the superior court of the state in May, 1899. From the time of his admission, he began actively the practice of law at Pomeroy with Judge R. F. Sturdevant, under the firm name of Sturdevant and Rum- mens. This arrangement continued until April 1, 1903, when Mr. Rummens moved to Asotin and opened an office in partnership with HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. 795 M. F. Gose, of Pomeroy, the firm being known as Gose & Rummens. In this capacity Mr. Rummens is at the present time engaged and is at the head of a large and lucrative practice. His natural ability especially fits him for his profession, while his studiousness and untiring labors in the preparation of his cases, assure a success and a bright future for Mr. Rummens. He practices in all the courts and is now attor- ney of Asotin county. Mr. Rummens has two brothers, J. Orville, living in Portland, Oregon, and Bert, living at Pomeroy. He is a member of the F. & A. M., the K. P., the Foresters and the Eastern Star. In political matters, Mr. Rummens is a strong Republican. He also takes an active part in politics and is a strong campaign worker. While in Garfield county he was assist- ant county attorney, and during his life has so conducted himself that he has won the respect and esteem of all who know him. On October 5, 1904, Mr. Rummens mar- ried Miss Luella Mae Steen, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richard P. Steen, of Asotin. JOSEPH W. KING, the present efficient postmaster of Asotin is one of the popular and well liked men of Asotin county. He was ap- pointed to his present position in 1901, under the McKinley administration, and has given most excellent satisfaction. He is a genial man, public spirited and generous and always allied with every movement which is for the advancement of the interests of the town and county. A review of his career will be very in- teresting to the citizens of Asotin county and we append the same with pleasure. Joseph W. King was born in Jefferson county. New York, on one of the Thousand Isles of the St. Lawrence river, on February 14, 1847, tne son °f Benjamin and Angeline (Wiley) King, natives of Kentucky and New York, respectively. The father was a carpen- ter, came of Irish stock and died at Utica, New York, in 1850. Our subject attended the schools in Jefferson county until twelve years of age, then finished his education in the Os- weg'o County Academy. His early years were spent on the farm and when thirteen years of age he began boating on Lake Ontario in the lumber trade and continued the same until Sep- tember 22, 1861, when he enlisted in the Eighty-fi'rst New York Volunteer Infantry, under Captain T. Dwight Stowe and Colonel Rose. He was attached to the army of the Potomac in the First Brigade, First Division, Fourth Army Corps under George B. McClel- land. He soon was plunged into the horrors of war and participated in the battles of York- town, Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, Savage Sta- tion, Malvern Hill or The Seven Days Battle. After this, his regiment was detached from the main army of the Potomac and placed under General Foster, later under General Gilmore in front of Charleston, South Carolina, where he took a part in the siege. In the fall of 1863 his regiment was sent to the Dismal Swamps of Virginia, under General Butler, where he re- enlisted on the first day of January, 1864. He was given a furlough for a visit home, and on his return was placed under Butler on the James river expedition and was in several en- gagements. He was in the charge of Cold Harbor when three hundred men of the regi- ment went and only ninety came out. He was at Petersburg, and also in the attack on Rich- mond or Fort Harrison and was among the very first troops to enter Richmond. He stood guard at Libby prison when Lincoln made his visit, and in addition to the awful horrors of war that he had participated in, in the years previous, he was permitted to see the release of the poor prisoners from this pen. Mr. King was mustered out of the service at Albany, 796 HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. New York, on July 24, 1865, as corporal, hav- ing served nearly four years, during which time he was never captured or wounded or in the hospital for a single day. In the fall of 1865 he came to California via Panama, thence to Portland, and boated on the Columbia river from that city to The Dalles. After three years of this business he returned to the east via Panama and remained there until 1879, en- gaged in steamboating in Louisiana and Texas. Then he came west by wagon, crossing the plains to Pueblo, Colorado, where he worked for himself for three years. In 1883 we find him in southern Idaho mining and engaged in overland staging. The next year he was in Baker City, Oregon, and mined and did saw- milling until 1887, when he came to Asotin county and located on the Snake river, just be- low Asotin, on a homestead, which he im- proved. In 1894 Mr. King was called to take the position of county clerk of his county, his name appearing on the Republican ticket and his majority being five. After a successful term, he was nominated again and beat the Fusion ticket about forty-two votes. In 1900 he was appointed enumerator in the census and the next year was appointed postmaster. Mr. King has a half-brother, Madison Brudell, a member of the police force in Chicago and a veteran of the Civil War, from the Tenth Illi- nois Cavalry. In 1890, at Anatone, Mr. King married Miss Annie McVay, the daughter of William and Jane (French) McVay, natives of Illinois and the father a member of the Forty-fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Mrs. King is a native of Jasper county, Illinois. To this couple four children have been born, Dora E., Elton, Allen and May. Mr. King is a charter member of the G. A. R. post in Asotin and belongs to the Order of Washington. He was chairman of the central committee of the Republican party and is al- ways active in political matters. GEORGE W. BAILEY, one of the leading attorneys of southeastern Washington, is too well known in Asotin county to need any in- troduction to the people. He is known to the people as a leading spirit in any line of improve- ment or progression, while in the profession he is recognized by his colleagues as a powerful lawyer, whose weight and success are due to both a liberal endowment of natural talent and an erudition which is deep as well as complete. Added to these happy qualifications one is able to see acumen and keenness backed by sound judgment and a convincing manner due to the consciousness of having the facts. The birthplace of George W. Bailey is Hardwick, Vermont, and the date of that event July 27, 1854. His father, Harvey Bailey, was also a native of the Green Mountain State and came from a strong and old New England fam- ily which can trace its lineage to the sixteenth century. He married Miss S. Jane Field, a native of Vermont. Our subject was gradu- ated from the University of Vermont with the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1880. He imme- diately accepted a position as instructor in the Mclndies academy and in due time his degree of Master of Arts was conferred. During- this work he began the study of law. In 1882 Mr. Bailey came west and in June of that year he associated himself with John B. Allen, United States attorney at that time in Walla Walla, for the study of law. He was duly admitted in 1884 and took the business management of the Daily Union. In the spring of 1885 he came to Asotin and built his office among the first structures in the new town. Since then he has continued steadily laboring in his profession and has won success all along the line. He practiced alone until 1896, when the extent of his work demanded a partner and he is now as- sociated with Judge R. F. Sturdevant, of Day- ton. Mr. Bailey practices in all the courts of The United States and has been connected with the leading cases, both criminal and civil, that HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. 797 have been tried in this part of the country. He is the attorney of the Lewiston Water & Power Company and is associated with the following named men of note : Charles F. Adams, G. St. L. Abbott, William H. Bowker, E. Wheeler and E. H. Libby, in the management of their im- portant company. At Asotin, in 1889, Mr. Bailey married Miss Anna Dillon, who was bora in Missouri. the daughter of Isaac and Mary Dillon, resi- dents of Asotin county. To this marraige one child has been born, Harvey D. Mr. Bailey is a member of the I. O. O. F. and has passed all the chairs of the local lodge and belongs also to the grand lodge of the state. He is also a member of the W. W. Mr. Bailey has many friends from all parts of the country and his walk has been such that he re- ceives the unstinted confidence of the people. JAMES N. BOGGAN, well known throughout Asotin county, is one of its heavy land owners and a wealthy and respected citi- zen. He was born in Wadesboro, Anson county, North Carolina, the son of Northfleet and Jane G. (Hammond) Boggan, natives of Wadesboro, North Carolina. James N. was well educated in the private institutions and when sixteen enlisted in Company G, Fortieth North Carolina Heavy Artillery, under Colonel Hedrick, and was stationed at Fort Fisher. Later he was taken prisoner and sent to El- mira, New York. Being released he returned to his command and was sent home on a thirty- day furlough, and during this time Lee sur- rendered. He was wounded during the siege of the fort. Following the war Mr. Boggan went into the mercantile business in Wades- boro and was burned out in 1868. After that he clerked in his uncle's establishment and in 1869 came to Kansas City and taught school- Later he practiced dentistry for three years and in 1877 came on to Washington. He selected a pre-emption in Columbia county and gave at- tention to improving this and to teaching school. Later he sold all this property and came to his present location in Asotin county, where he took a homestead. He has added to this since by purchase from time to time until he has over one thousand acres of choice land, all of which is in a high state of cultivation. He raises diversified crops and is prosperous and very successful. He handles large bands of cattle, horses and some sheep. Mr. Boggan has been active and prominent in advancing the educational facilities of the county and is a zealous laborer in all lines of improvement. He was nominated by his party (Democratic) for county superintendent, but suffered defeat with his ticket. He is justice of the peace in his pre- cinct and has been for six years past. Near Kansas City, in the state of Missouri, on October 18, 1871, Mr. Boggan married Miss Retta Parker, the daughter of Henry and Linna (Cannada) Parker, natives of Kentucky. Mrs. Boggan was born in Jackson county, Mis- souri, on February 7, 1853. Nine children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Boggan ; Hal- ley, wife of Samuel Robison; Connie, wife of Cyrus Bingham, in Oregon ; Rosa, wife of James Hering, in Los Angeles, California; James N., Jr., Eula, Charles V., Hampton R., Wade T. and William G., al at home. In the years that have gone by Mr. Boggan has de- monstrated his ability as a financier and a suc- cessful business man and the magnificent prop- erty that he has accumulated speaks volumes for his industry and wisdom. He is keenly in- terested in progress and upbuilding and labors zealously for these worthy ends. He is liberal and broad-minded and a man whose labors and acts have been such that he has an unsullied reputation and a standing of the best. LEONARD J. WORMELL, a well-to-do and venerable gentleman, is one of the highly respected citizens of Asotin, and is entitled, be- 79 8 HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. cause of his wise and assiduous labors here for a long time, to be classed as one of the makers and builders of Asotin county. Steadily and well he has continued in his way of honest in- dustry and has now the privilege of retiring from the hard labor of the husbandman and enjoying the fruits of his toil during the golden years of a well-spent career. Amid many warm and admiring friends, with his family sur- rounding, and supplied with comforts and lux- uries, it is pleasant to behold the old pioneer secure in the land where he opened the wilds and brought forth the well tilled farms, whose fruits have made glad the heart and brought recognition to this fertile spot among the com- mercial centers of the west. From the far away state of Maine hails the gentleman of whom we now speak, and on July 26, 1834, his parents, Joel and Elmira (Frye) Wormell, were called to rejoice over a son born. They then lived temporarily in New Brunswick, but came to Maine while Leonard J. was a small boy, settling in Washington county. They were natives of Portland and Kennebec county, Maine, respectively. The father was a seafaring man and this son, who had completed his education in the schools of his native heath, went to sea, being then eight- een years of age. He was in the coast trade and touched all the important points. During the rebellion he was in the West India trade to Boston, Philadelphia and New York and had many thrilling experiences. He continued be- fore the mast and as mate of his vessel until 1869, having gone the year previous to Cali- fornia. He crossed the Isthmus and located in Sonoma county, where he continued for ten years. Farming and lumbering occupied him and in 1880 he came to Washington, settling about nineteen miles distant from where Asotin is now located. He took a homestead and later bought land until he is now one of the heavy real estate holders of the county. His place is well improved and supplied with all needs to make it a first-class farm. At Cutler, Maine, on March 7, i860, Mr. Wormell married Miss Mary A. Andrews, the daughter of John L. and Nancy (Corbett) An- drews. The father was a shipbuilder and was born in Machias, Maine. The mother was born in Novia Scotia, and is a relative of ex-Senator Corbett, of Oregon. Mrs. Wormell was born in Lubec, Maine, on June 17, 1840, and has two sisters, Mrs. Permelia Huntley and Mrs. Abbie Wright. Mr. Wormell has the following named brothers and sisters : John W., Mrs^ Elizabeth Meggs, Mrs. Anna Bleumortier, Mrs. Jane Bayman, and Mrs. Harriett Wor- mell. To Mr. and Mrs. Wormell thirteen children have been born : Emeline, the widow of George Kimble, and now living in Asotin; John L., the former sheriff of this county and new dwelling at Anatone ; Mrs. Edna Curtis, of Fresno, California; Albert A., in Asotin; Lena A., a teacher in the county; Ida B. and Ada A., twins, the former Mrs. Frank Bodie, of Ana- tone, and the latter Mrs. Vincent Anderson, of Clarkston; Everett H, of Anatone; and Winifred P., a school teacher in the coun- ty. The others are deceased. Mr. Wormell belongs to the I. O. O. F., being a charter member of Occidental Lodge No. 234, of Son- oma county, California, and has passed through all the chairs. He was raised in the Methodist church and is a supporter of the faith. SAMUEL J. SARGENT, a well known man of southeastern Washington, is at present conducting a cigar and confectionery establish- ment in Asotin. He was born in Lane county, Oregon, on March 26, 1868. His father, John R. Sargent, was a native of Illinois and a pion- eer settler of Oregon. He was a veteran of the Rogue river war and now lives in this county. He married Phoebe Ross l a native of Virginia. Our subject came with his father to Walla Walla county in 1873 and in the public schools of Dixie received his education, together with HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. 799 training in Columbia county and settled at the forks of Asotin creek, where he was engaged in stock raising and farming. In 1888, he went to eastern Oregon in the same business and the next year returned to Washington and took up a pre-emption on Montgomery ridge. Later he sold this property, and in the spring of 1893 he leased wheat land and engaged in farming. However, owing to the depressing times he was not successful in that venture, and in 1895 we find him on a homestead on the Grande Ronde river. He improved his place and did stock raising until 1899, when he took up min- ing on the Snake river. After that he was in- terested in the Imnaha mines and did much con- tract work in this capacity until 1903, when he removed to Asotin and engaged in his present business. He has an excellent patronage and has pros- pered since opening his store here. For he is one of the popular men of the county. At Asotin, on February 22, 1904, Mr. Sar- gent married Miss Emma A. Zimmerlee, the daughter of William and Julia (Miller) Zim- merlee, pioneers of Oregon and Columbia county, Washington. Mrs. Sargent was born in Oregon and to her and her husband five children have been born, as follows: Ruby C, in December, 1894; Hazel, October 1, 1896; Ruth, in November, 1899; Gladys, in April, 1902, and an infant son, November, 1904. Mrs. Sargent has the following named broth- ers and sisters : Levi, Elias, John, Mrs. Martha J. Zimmerlee, Mrs. Viola McKenzie and Mrs. Nettie Coon. - Mr. Sargent is a member of the Eagles and" the W. W. SAMUEL FLINN, who is proprietor and operator of the Mint Resort in Asotin, was born in Bates county, Missouri, on April 25, 1873. His father, Thomas E. Flinn, was a native of Tennessee and a pioneer settler of this county, having crossed the plains with wagons. The mother was Elizabeth R. (Porter) Flinn, also a native of Tennessee. Samuel was edu- cated in the district schools, attending the first session of the Pine Grove school, taught by Frank Echols. He finished in the Asotin schools. The early days of our subject were spent upon the farm, and the first enterprise of his own was the establishment of a saloon in Anatone in 1898. In August of the same year he opened his present business in Asotin, which he still conducts. He was formerly in partner- ship with Mr. Frank Waldrip, but is now hand- ling the estate alone. In Asotin, in 1898, Mr. Flinn married Miss Mollie Graham, the daughter of Edward Brun- ton, of Garfield county. She was born in AYalla Walla county, in 1878, and they have one child, Bessie. Mr. Flinn is a member of the Eagles and o the Red Men. He is a public-spirited, gener- ous man and gives close attention to his busi- ness. CHARLES ISECKE, a retired merchant at Asotin, is one of the best known men in southeastern Washington. He has not only been in the territory now embraced in Asotin county for a long time, but during that time has thoroughly identified himself with the in- terests of the county and every new enterprise in the building up of the same, but has made himself a very wide circle of friends. His business ability, sagacity and sound judgment have won for him the success in every line of enterprise that he has started, which follows these qualities. He is a man of stability and worth and it is with pleasure that we are per- mitted to embody an epitome of his career in this volume. Charles Isecke was born in Pommern, west Prussia, on May 7, 1842. His father, Thomas Isecke, was a native of the same county. His education was secured in the common and nor- mal schools of his county and then he learned 8oo HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. the trade of the miller before coming to the United States in 1866. He first located in Buffalo, New York, and there took up carpen- tering" for several years. Later he operated as bridge builder for the C, C. & C. rail- road, and in 1874 put into execution the desire he had long cherished, namely, that of visiting California. He was employed in the car shops at Salida for a few years and in the spring of 1878 came to Washington. After searching about, he decided to locate in Anatone and ac- cordingly purchased the mercantile stock owned by McKeiver. He enlarged the business at once and soon had a very thriving trade. He increased from time to time until 1889, when he sold the entire stock to W. J. Clemens. Then he removed to Asotin and conducted a general exchange business. In 1896 he erected the Asotin flouring mills and after operating for some time, sold out. He is also one of the stockholders of the property on which Asotin now stands. He assisted to incorporate the bank of Asotin county and also in very many other enterprises, all of which were for the up- building and benefit of the country. Mr. Isecke was the first mayor of Asotin and held the po- sition for five years. He was again elected to the office in 1902 and has also been councilman for several terms. At Buffalo, New York, in 1866, Mr. Isecke married Miss Barbara Backhof , a native of Ger- many, and to them two children were born, Frank and Clara Tammage. Both live in Buf- falo, New York. In 1879 Mr. Isecke married Mary Southerland at Anatone. She was born in Canada. Mr. Isecke was a charter member of the I. O. O. F. at Anatone and has passed all the chairs. He also belongs to the grand lodge of the state and is a member of the Encampment and the Rebekahs. He is also president of the Asotin Land & Water Company and has been the leading spirit and promoter of very many worthy enterprises. In all these, as well as in public life, he has shown a marked thorough- ness that commends him to the people, whose confidence and esteem he has won and retains. HENRY C. FULTON, M. D., has the dis- tinction of being a pioneer physician of Asotin county and for many years he traveled through the entire country, handling a large practice. Later he retired from the active practice of medicine, erected a fine brick block in Asotin and opened a first-class drug store, which he is conducting at the present time. He has a very complete stock of goods, a tasty and up-to-date store and is a thorough pharmacist. Henry C. Fulton was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, near; Burgettstown, on November 17, 1852. His parents, Rev. James P. and Frances (Schouse) Fulton, were na- tives of Pennsylvania and the father is still liv- ing. He was a minister in the Presbyterian church. Henry. C. attended the common schools in New Derry, Pennsylvania and then com- pleted a course in the Dunlop academy. After that he began the study of his profession under Dr. J. S. Van Voohies, of Belvernon, Pennsyl- vania. For three years he prosecuted his studies there, then entered the Jefferson Medi- cal College in Philadelphia, where he continued for three years more, graduating in the class of 1875. He at once began the practice of medi- cine in Venango county, Pennsylvania, and remained there three years. In the fall of 1878 the Doctor journeyed west to Kansas and lo- cated in Harper county. The first winter he taught school and then gained a fine practice in medicine, and continued at the head of the same until the summer of 1883, when he came to Washington. One winter was spent on the Sound and, on June 26, 1884, he arrived at Asotin. He immediately started the practice of medicine, and for eighteen years continued at the head of a very large practice, riding far HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. 801 and near. He also was interested in the drug business from the first and has been almost con- tinuously since. In 190 1 he erected his busi- ness building and opened a complete and up-to-date store. Since then he has retired from the practice of medicine and is giv- ing his entire attention to his drug busi- ness. He has been health officer of the city and county and several times was elected county coroner, but refused to qualify. In educational matters Dr. Fulton has been very zealous and active. He has done very much to put the schools of Asotin and Asotin county in their present prosperous condition and is a warm advocate of the best in this im- portant line. At Harper, Kansas, in 1882, Dr. Fulton married Miss Katie H., the daughter of Ho- ratio S. and Olive (Adams) Reed, natives of New York and Vermont, respectively, now liv- ing in Asotin. Mrs. Fulton was born in the state of Illinois. To her and her husband five children have been born : William V., with his father in the store ; Jefferson H., Horatio Reed, Althea Grace and Lois Mildred. Dr. Fulton has seven brothers and two sisters of whom James P. and Charles A. are living in Asotin. Fraternally Dr. Fulton is affiliated with the I. O. O. F. and the W. W. In the former he is a trustee of the Asotin lodge and has passed all the chairs, having also represented his lodge in the grand lodge of the state. He is exam- ining physician for the Mutual Life, the New York Life, the Equitable and the Pacific Mu- tual. • For seventeen years ■ continuously Dr. Ful- ton was a member of the school board of Aso- tin and has recently been elected to serve three years more. He has been mayor of the city for four years and is one of the best known men of the county. His faithful services here have been highly appreciated and he is a gentleman of honor and abilitv. WILLIAM J. CLEMANS needs no intro- duction to the people of southeastern Washing- ton. He is a man of vast experience, as well as great wealth, and in his long career has. shown executive ability and kindness very com- mendable. Being of an energetic and stirring- spirit, he has been active in business since boy- hood days, and it may be said of him that though he has constantly been in contact with shrewd business men, he has always been ena- bled to so conduct his affairs that his efforts have been crowned with success. He is residing in Asotin at the present time, devoting his en- tire attention to overseeing his mammoth stock and real estate interests. He probably owns more land in Asotin county than any other one man, while his stock holdings are equally large. William J. Clemans was born in Hall county, Georgia, on May 4, 1850, the son of Rudric P. and Wealthy (Tapp) Clemans, na- tives of North Carolina and Maryland respect- ively. The mother's ancestors were very im- portant personages in both the Revolution and the War of 1812, being patriotic and stalwart Americans. AVilliam was not favored with, school opportunities before the war and during that conflict everything was so upset that he had no opportunity then to study. Finally, after the cannons had ceased to roar, people turned their attention again to the instruction of the young and he was privileged to attend a private school for several months. After that he had to depend entirely upon his own efforts to secure a training and the fund of information which he possesses in generous measure at the present time. His hungry spirit urging him for- ward to gain knowledge and thus properly us- ing all leisure moments was the one fruitful principle that has later brought about his suc- cess. At the age of fourteen he commenced life for himself and drove a team for the govern- ment. This continued in Arkansas and Mis- souri until the spring of 1865, then he enlisted to fight Indians in the west but, owing to sickness, 51 802 HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. was honorably discharged. After recovering he entered the employ of a cattle company in Missouri and drove stock south. Next he made one trip in Tennessee. Then he returned to Arkansas, and in the spring of 1867 went to Texas, and for two years was engaged there in the stock business. Then he bought cattle for himself and returned to Missouri, where he lost over half of them, owing to the tyrannical quarantine. However, he sold the balance at a good figure and that brought him out even. He bought a stock of horses and then took them to Arkansas and for three years he was in that state. During the period of reconstruction he was appointed sheriff and then was elected by the people. It was a very trying and dang- erous position, yet, owing to his tact and geni- ality, Mr. Clemans successfully discharged the duties of this office. After that he returned to the northern part of the state and operated a general merchandise store and distillery in con- nection with farming, for three years. Also, he handled stock. In 1877 he determined to leave the Mississippi valley and consequently went to the mountains of Colorado and engaged in sawmilling and stock business out from Pueblo. In 1882 we find him in southern Idaho near Mountain Home. There he sold his stock interests and entered the saloon business. In 1885 he sold out and came to Asotin county and opened a saloon, also handling stock. In 1889 he sold out the saloon and bought a gen- eral merchandise establishment of Charles Isecke, and conducted the same until June, 1904, meeting with excellent success. At that time he retired from this business and since has given his entire attention to the manage- ment of his estates and live stock. He has many thousands of acres in Asotin county. Mr. Clemans was married in Arkansas to Miss Isabella Burke, who died in Colorado in 1882. To this union two children were born, Lillian, now superintendent of the schools of Asotin county, and Berry M., at Anatone. The second marriage of Mr. Clemans occurred in Asotin, when Edith M. Barker, a native of West Virginia, became his wife. Three chil- dren are the fruit of this marriage: Earl G., born March 13, 1888; Mark Twain, born Au- gust 1, 1891, and William J., Jr., born August 25, 1901. Mr. Clemans is a member of the I. O. O. F., the Rebekahs and the Encampment. The family also belongs to the Presbyterian church. Po- served his party on the central committee and litically he has always been active and has a delegate to the state convention. RICHARD H. ROBINSON, who resides a half mile north from Silcott, was born in Boone county, Missouri, on August 5, 1862. His father, Thomas W. Robinson, was a na- tive of Missouri and married Pauline Forsha, also a native of Missouri. They came as pio- neers to Columbia county in 1873, and he was a warehouse man in this county. Our subject was educated in the common schools of Boone county, Missouri, until 1873, when he came with his parents to California, settlement being made in the Sacramento valley, near Marys- ville. That was their home until 1876, when they journeyed north, finally locating in Co- lumbia county, near Pomeroy. Richard H. did farming there for nearly fifteen years, then moved to Alpowa creek, locating near the mouth, and engaging in fruit and stock rais- ing. He bought a tract of land which was formerly owned by Mr. Van Pelt and which is a part of the original Spalding Mission grounds, which were located in 1836. Also, it was the home of the well-known and good man, Chief Timothy, one of the most noted Indians of the northwest. Mr. Robinson has improved the place in excellent shape and gives his at- tention largely to the production of peaches, although he handles apples and other fruits, besides his stock. He ships from six to ten thousand boxes annually and is one of the HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. 803 leading men in this industry in this part of the country. He has become very successful in fruit raising, as is fully demonstrated by the splendid results he obtains from his work. Mr. Robinson is a well-known citizen, substantial and upright, and has served much of the time as school director and is very alert for the in- terests of the community. At Lewiston, Idaho, on January 11, 1888, Mr. Robinson married Miss Ida McKee, whose parents are Jefferson W. and Martha (Davis) McKee, natives of Ohio, and still living. The father served during the Rebellion in an Ohio regiment. Mrs. Robinson was born in Law- rence county, Kansas, on January 19. 1872. To our subject and his wife four children liave been born: Pauline F., at Pomeroy, on March 28, 1892; Mabel C, at Alpowa, Oc- tober 1, 1894; Florence, on the ranch, on Feb- ruary 9, 1897, and Elva May, on the ranch, on July 3, 1899. SAMUEL G. ROBINSON, one of the substantial young agriculturists and orchard- ists of Asotin county, resides about a mile south from Silcott, where he owns a quarter section, which he is fast bringing to a high state of cul- tivation and supplying with excellent improve- ments. Twenty acres of land are under irri- gation with abundance of water, and he has a most excellent peach and cherry orchard which promises a splendid revenue in a very short time. He has been a resident of southeastern Washington for many years but has not dwelt in Asotin county as long as some, yet his in- dustry and thrift have given him a fine holding since coming here and he is considered one of the industrious and capable men of the vicinity. Samuel G. Robinson was born in Boone county, Missouri, on September 5, 1873, the son of Thomas W. and Pauline (Forsha) Rob- inson, natives of Missouri and mentioned in the sketch of their son, which appears elsewhere in this work. Our subject came to southeast- ern Washington with his parents in 1876 and his education was largely gained from the pub- lic schools of Garfield county. He was reared on the farm, and after becoming of proper age did general farm work in various places until 1899, when he removed to Asotin county and took his present place as a homestead. He has labored assiduously here and has made his one of the valuable places of the valley. In Spokane, Washington, on October 7, 1897, Mr. Robinson married Miss Esther, the daughter of Isaac and Littie (Ferris) Brown- field, natives of Kansas and Iowa, respectively. Mrs. Robinson was born in Knox county, Mis- souri, on August 18, 1882. To this union two children have been born: Emily, in Garfield county, on March 26, 1899; Thomas E., in Whitman county, on August 14, 19.01. Mr. Robinson has always voted the Democratic ticket and takes a keen interest in political mat- ters. He has also shown himself active in building up the community and in advancing those measures which are for the benefit of all. In addition to other property mentioned Mr. Robinson also owns a fine band of cattle and is successful in stock raising. ALBERT A. WORMELL is an energetic and progressive young business man of Asotin, who enjoys the respect and esteem of all who know him as well as abundant success in busi- nes ventures At the present time he is carry- ing on an insurance and real estate business in addition to handling his warehouse in Asotin. In both of these lines he is reaping the reward of his labors in good success and is considered one of the substantial men of the city. Albert A. Wormell was born in Sonoma county California, on January 10, 1873, the son of Leonard J. and Mary A. (Andrews) Wor- mell, natives of Machias, Maine, and pioneer settlers of Asotin county. He was educated in 8o4 HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. the common school of Asotin county, having come in with his parents in 1880. The first twenty-three years of his life were spent in farm labor in addition to securing his educa- tion and then, in 1897, he engaged in the ware- house business with Jackson O'Keefe. For four years he conducted this, then purchased the warehouse in company with S. T. Jones. At this time, he was appointed deputy sheriff under his brother, John L. Wormell, and continued in that capacity for four years. In 1893 Mr. Wormell added the real estate business in com- pany with W. H. Hooper, and since then they have taken up both fire and life insurance. In these lines Mr. Wormell is doing well and is a master of every detail of his business. At Hillsborough, Washington county, Ore- gon, on June 29, 1904, Mr. Wormell married Miss Eva M. Cypher. Her parents, George and Mary Cypher were natives of England and very old settlers in Oregon. Mr. Wormell is a member of the I. O. O. F. and has passed all the chairs in that order. He also belongs to the Encampment and is past chief patriarch and is a member of the W. W. Among the churches his preference is the Presbyterian, al- though he does not belong to any denomina- tion ; still he is a liberal supporter of all things that tend to build up and advance the commu- nity. Mr. and Mrs. Wormell are highly esteemed people and are leading members of society. HERBERT D. BENEDICT is well known in Asotin county, having been a resident here between twenty and twenty-five years. During this time he has always shown himself a substantial man, thrifty and wise, and ever in- terested in the public affairs for the building up and improvement of the country. At pres- ent he resides in Clarkston, where he owns a fine residence and nine acres of choice irrigated land, which is set to fine fruit. In addition he has some four hundred and eighty acres of land near Theon, where he took his homestead in 1882 and which is devoted to the production of the cereals. Herbert D. Benedict was born in James- town, New York, on May 20, 1862, the son of Isaac and Mary (Hall) Benedict, natives of New York and Vermont, respectively. The father was engaged in the wool manufacture. Our subject was educated in the common schools of Adams county, Wisconsin, where the family removed when he was young and where he remained thirteen years. In the spring of 1882 he came west with his mother and they selected the homestead near Theon, which we have already mentioned. Since that time Mr. Benedict has thoroughly identified himself with the territory now embraced in Asotin county and has done a splendid work in devel- opment. In 1 90 1 he purchased a tract of land of nine acres, where he now resides, and began improving the same for his home place. He has a handsome residence and a splendid young or- chard. He is already shipping and disposes of his fruit through the Clarkston Fruit Growers'' Association, of which he is a stockholder. In Theon, on March 30, 1887, Mr. Bene- dict married Miss Flora, the daughter of Al- bert and Bell (Davis) Toops, natives of Vir- ginia and Ohio, respectively. The father was a veteran in the Rebellion and a pioneer settler of this county. Mrs. Benedict was born in Athens, Ohio, on June 1, 1869. Mr. Benedict has four brothers and sisters: William E., a farmer, near Anatone; Flora, the wife of Joe Margeson, in Grand Rapids, Wisconsin ; Mrs. Lizzie Mix, of Missoula, Montana, and Hiram, who was for many years auditor of Asotin county and is now deceased. He was a soldier for the Union during the Rebellion. To Mr. and Mrs. Benedict five children have been born : Guy, on January 30, 1891 ; Rollo, on August 6, 1893; Grace, on October 4, 1895; Byron on December 3, 1896, pearl and Pansy, on August 8, 1900. Mr. Benedict is a charter member of the HISTORY OF ASOTIN COUNTY. 805 I. O. O. F. in Anatone and has passed all the chairs. He was raised under the influence of the Methodist church and in politics has al- ways been an active Republican. SIMON ADAMS, one of the stirring real ■estate men of Asotin county, resides in Clarks- ton. He was born in McComb county, Mich- igan, on January 16, 1845, the son of John and Alma (Demon) Adams, natives of Vermont and New York, respectively. The district schools of McComb county, Michigan, fur- nished the early educational training of our subject and then he completed his studies in the academy at Almont, Michigan. His early life had been spent on the farm, and when twenty-four years of age he engaged in the grocery and crockery business at Fentonville, Michigan. Later he took up lumbering and furnished to the car factories. Next we see him in the lumber business at Evart, Michigan, where he also did much building and contract- ing. Eight years were thus spent when the western fever compelled Mr. Adams to go to Colorado. He stopped at Silver Cliff and oper- ated a hotel for several seasons, doing prospect- ing in the summer. He was the first assayer in Telluride, having spent eleven years in this lo- cality. Next we see him in the upper part of Michigan engaged in lumbering, in which line he cleaned up a handsome fortune. Again he did building and contracting at Ewen, Mich- igan, where he resided for nineteen years, doing also a real estate business. Then he came wsst and located at Clarkston and since that time has been one of the hustling real estate men in this part of the state. He has served as justice of the peace and owns much fine property in and about Clarkston. During his mlining career Mr. Adams took a trip for Governor Alger into into Mexico, examining some prospects there. At Atlas, Michigan, in 1870, Mr. Adams married Miss Eva Wilder, a native of that town. His second marriage occurred at Ewen, Michigan, in 1891, Mabel O. Ettinger, a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, becoming his wife at that time. Mr. Adams has two children, Wilbur Edward, who was born at Evart, Mich- igan, on February 6, 1877, and is now a min- ing engineer at Denver, Colorado, being a graduate at the Golden school of mines, at Golden, Colorado, and Mabel Lucy, born at Omaha, Nebraska, on July 8, 1878. Mr. Adams is a member of the A. F. and A. M., of the Knights Templar and of the Maccabees. He enlisted in the Twenty-second Michigan for service in the Rebellion, but was rejected on account of physical disability. Mr. Adams is a generous, kind man, well known and highly esteemed and has won hosts of friends in this part of the country. Although Mr. Adams has been an extensive traveler and is intimately acquainted with many sections, which are rich and good, still he has chosen Clarkston as his future, home and is well satisfied to remain in this most splendid country, remaking that the future will develop the wisdom of his choice in demonstrating this to be one of the best locations in the entire northwest. PART VI CHAPTER I THE PRESS OF WALLA WALLA, COLUM BIA, GARFIELD AND ASOTIN COUNTIES. "In no department or field of material prog- ress in Washington has there been more intel- ligent and helpful advance than in the estab- lishment of an active, loyal and energetic country press. In the early history and settle- ment of the wilds east of the Mississippi river it was said that the most adventurous settler rarely pitched his tent and planted his first corn be- fore he was greeted by the presence of the Methodist itinerant preacher. In the further west the weekly country newspaper is the early colaborer with the combination cross-roads postoffice and store, and it may be said that these courageous educators have frequently taken the place of both the pedagogue and preacher — they have become both the school- master and the church. "In the Territory and State of Washington the country press has been particularly aggres- sive and especially beneficial. Frequently the man who was devil, editor, printer and press- man, did more to settle the country about him than every other agency combined. There are few personal inconveniences that he has not borne with a heroism worthy of far more con- sideration and greater substantial recognition. Uupretentious, modest, hard worked and un- derpaid, the country editor and his newspaper have fought local battles, advertised the re- sources of their vicinity, consoled with kindly notice the sorrows of the mourning, cheered the enterprise of the public-spirited, exposed rascality, and sustained morality. Not one of these papers that has not labored in sunshine and rain for the highest and most progressive interests of the people among whom it cir- culated. Not an editor who has not advanced measures for the advantage of his patrons, nor who has failed to encourage the settler and in- spire him with greater confidence. If editorial articles were sometimes written on a cracker box, or picked up directly out of the case by the combined writer and type-setter, the actu- ating design has been a pure one, and the end sought commendable. The work done by the country press of this state cannot be measured. Its influence extends in a hundred directions, and the material prosperity of the whole people has been secured. No state in the union has a more loyal country press than this country." Thus wrote the editor of the Seattle Post- IntclHgcnccr in July, 1890. Following is the "Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia's" defini- tion of a newspaper: Newspaper: A paper containing news; a sheet containing intelligence or reports of passing events, issued at short, but regular intervals, and either sold or distributed gratis; a public print, or daily, weekly or semi-weekly periodical, that presents the news of the day, such as the doings of political, legislative, or other political bodies, local, provincial, or national cur- rent events, items of public interest on science, relig- ion, commerce, as well as trade, market, and money reports, advertisements, etc. Newspapers may be classed as general, devoted to the dissemination of in- telligence on a great variety of topics which are of 8o8 PRESS CHAPTER. interest to the general reader, or special, in which some particular subject, as religion, temperance, literature, law, etc., has prominence, general news occupying only a secondary place. The first English newspaper is believed to be the "Weekly News," issued in London in 1622. The beginnings of newspapers in Germany and Italy are said to reach back to the sixteenth cen- tury, although it is often stated that the oldest news- paper is the "Franklin Journal." founded in 1615. In the United States "Public Occurrences" was started in Boston, in 1690, but was suppressed ; the Boston "News-Letter" followed in 1704; but the oldest exist- ing newspaper in the country is the "New Hampshire Gazette," founded in 1756. There now exists but two newspapers which were in being in Queen Ann's reign, namely, the "Loudon Gazette" (but that has been kept alive through its official nursing) and — but one due to private enterprise — Berrow's "Worcester Journal," which was established in 1709. Whatever has been said in the above con- cerning the "field" of newspaper work, general or special, all will be found covered by the av- erage country paper. Perhaps it is devoted more particularly to the chronicling of purely local news, but its range is vast, and in every issue some inkling may be obtained from the country newspaper of what is transpiring in the great world without the ken of the pioneer settler of the great west. But it is the local news of the vicinity in which it is published that imparts incalculable worth to the country paper. It gives its readers, what no other peri- odical can give them, the happenings of the community in which they are directly inter- ested. Short-sighted people have said, "What ! Two dollars for a country weekly? Why, I can get a city weekly for a dollar." True; but the city weekly will give you nothing of your home town or community's doings ; your local paper will give you all. Let us now direct our attention to the country press of Columbia, Garfield and Asotin counties : COLUMBIA COUNTY. There are being published at the present writing (January, 1905) in Columbia County four weekly newspapers ; the Columbia Chroni- cle, the Dayton Courier-Press and the Colum- bia County Dispatch, all of Dayton, and the Star of Starbuck, at Starbuck. The newspaper history of the county began in 1874 and since that time there have been started several daily papers, one or two monthlies and many week- lies, which have survived for periods varying from a few weeks to twenty-six years, and nearly all of which have done good for the community in which they were published. The beginning of things is generally the most interesting in history. So it is in the his- tory of newspapers, and the story of the found- ing and life of the Dayton News will, possibly, prove the most entertaining of any of the many papers which have since made their appearance in Columbia county. As is often the case the "first things" are among the most difficult to secure accurate data in regard to, and that for, the history of the Dayton News is no exception to the rule. The files of this paper, together with the entire plant were destroyed by fire, and if any copies of the paper are in existence, that fact is not known to the writer, who made diligent search for them. The first copy of the Dayton News, the first paper established in Washington Territory, east of Walla Walla, was taken from the press in September, 1874. Prior to this time the people of Dayton and the "upper country" were forced to content themselves by telling their troubles to the Walla Walla papers, through weekly correspondence. They wanted a new county formed and wanted Dayton to be a county-seat town, and this fact, probably as much as any other, led to the establishment of a paper in the little village on the Touchet. The News was not much of a paper at its inception in quantity. It was a little four-column sheet, and the plant consisted of (as W. O. Matzger, who helped get out the first issue, described it to the writer), a toy press and a hatful of type. It answered the purpose, however, and the citi- zens of Dayton were very proud of the new PRESS CHAPTER. 809 ■enterprise. Elisha Ping furnished the capital for the venture and A. J. Cain the experience. The combination worked well, and under Mr. Cain's direction the News developed into a lively paper. A brief sketch of the first editor of this pio- neer paper, who took an active part in the his- tory-making of Columbia county, may not be -out of place here. Andrew Jackson Cain was born at Indianapolis, Indiana, about 1829. While a young boy he worked on a steamboat as clerk on the Mississippi and Ohio rivers, and at a very early day came to the Territory as pri- vate secretary to Governor Isaac Ingalls Ste- vens. He was afterward appointed general In- dian agent for Eastern Washington - and Ore- gon, which office he held for several years. He practiced law a number of years at Walla Walla, and was at one time prosecuting attor- ney for the district. Among his other news- paper ventures in the west were the starting of the Umatilla Press and the Walla Walla Real Estate Gazette. In the late 70' s he was in the service of General Howard in the Indian cam- paigns, and he was said to be the best posted man in the country on Indian affairs. Mr. Cain died July 6, 1879. The News was started as a Democratic paper and that continued to be its politics dur- ing its eventful life. In January, 1876, the paper having suspended publication for a time, was purchased by James Kerby. In May, 1877, another change in partnership was made, T. H. Crawford and J. E. Edmiston coming into possession at that time. These gentlemen pub- lished the paper until January, 1878, when M. H. Abbott & Sons bought the plant. In the following April the News was enlarged to a seven-column folio, and many improvements were made. Abbott & Sons sold on July 28, 1879, to J. E. Palmer and James Seaman, two gentlemen who had just come from the east, the purchase price being $2,000. Mr. Seaman did not long remain with the paper, selling his half interest September 1st to W. D. Crow, of Oakland, California, and the publishing firm became Palmer & Crow. These gentlemen re- mained in charge until April 1, 1881, when the last change in proprietorship occurred. The new publishers were Walter Crosby and J. Y. Ostrander. Mr. Ostrander was a young law- yer who had been practicing in Dayton for some time. Mr. Crosby was a brother-in-law of his partner and a new arrival in Washing- ton. Mr. Ostrander wielded the editorial pen and his partner acted in the capacity of business manager. Some improvements were made, and among others was the making the Nczvs an all-home print paper in July. Misfortune overtook the News, it being totally destroyed in the disastrous conflagration of August 12, 1882. The loss was estimated at $2,000 and it was insured for only $600. This proved its death blow, and the paper was not resurrected. The passing of this pioneer institution of the county was like the death of a dear friend. Coming into existence as it did before the birth of Columbia county, and when the town of Dayton was in its infancy, its failure to resume publication after the fire was regretted by all the pioneer settlers. The News was one of the chief factors in the rapid settlement of Colum- bia county and in the formation of the county ; and it will ever live in the memory of those who lived and grew apace during the years it was being published. The second newspaper to be issued in the county was the Columbia Chronicle. It is the oldest paper now being published in the county, . and there are only a few publications in the state of Washington which have been published so long. It was started in opposition to the Dayton Nezvs, the pioneer paper of the "upper country," and its politics were strenuously Re- publican, whereas its contemporary was as strongly Democratic. The first number of the Chronicle was taken from the press Saturday, April 20, 1878. It was a six column folio, and all four of its pages were printed at home on a Washington 8io PRESS CHAPTER. hand press. The subscription price was $3 a year. T. M. May was the financial backer of the new enterprise and the publishers were T. M. May & Company. H. H. Gale was Mr. May's partner in the paper and he was its first editor. E. R. Burk served in the capacity of business manager at the start, but severed his connection after the publication of two or three issues. In the first number of the paper this promise was made : "The Chronicle will be Republican in poli- tics, and in all political and public affairs it will be our aim to advocate the best interests of the people, censuring the wrong and advocating the right on general principles." After a careful perusal of the files of the Chronicle we believe we are safe in saying that these promises have been fulfilled. Though many changes of ownership have taken place, the Chronicle has always been found in the Re- publican ranks, and in county and municipal affairs it has always advocatd that which would result in good to the community. Among the local items in the first issue of the Chronicle we find the following: "Afloat — We have launched the Chronicle and spread sails for a long newspaper voyage, and we do not see any alarming breakers ahead. If we do not find a breeze we will make one and sail right along. Fare, three dollars. All aboard." It is needless to say that breakers were en- countered. In fact the Chronicle was all but on the rocks before the first year's cruise. But it weathered the storm, as it has all that have since overtaken it. It has had a long voyage. Mr. Gale's health was delicate and for a short time during the summer of 1878 he was assisted in the editorial work by Hon. M. W. Mitchell. By the first of November Mr. Gale's health had failed to such an extent that he was forced to retire and on that date T. M. May & Company sold the Chronicle to J. E. Eastham and F. M. McCully. During the few months that Mr. Gale had charge of the editorial columns the paper ranked among the best in Washington Territory, and quickly gained a reputation. Mr. Gale died November 25, 1878, less than a month after severing his connection with the paper. Both members of the new firm of pub- lishers were school teachers, who had previous- ly had little or no newspaper experience. Mr. McCully did the editorial work. They were ambitious to make the Chronicle one of the leading papers of the Territory and contributed to it a great deal of hard and conscientious work. January 4, 1879, the paper appeared in enlarged form, being then made a seven-col- umn folio, and all being printed at home. Mr. McCully sold his interest in the Chron- icle May 17, 1879, to O. C. White, who at that time was county auditor, and for a short time the paper was published by Mr. Eastham and Mr. White under the firm name of J. E. East- ham & Company. July 12th, of the same year, Mr. White purchased his partner's interest and became sole proprietor. When Mr. White as- sumed control the Chronicle was almost bank- rupt, and although he had had no previous newspaper experience, by rare editorial judg- ment and business ability, he placed it upon a sound financial basis. Concerning his first "offense" in attempting to run a newspaper, Mr. White, years afterward wrote as follows to Mr. R. E. Peabody, the present publisher: "It was about midsummer, 1879, when I acquired the privilege of pulling the Chronicle out of the financial morass, where it was fast disappearing. As I had up to that time writ- ten only two articles for publication, it was in- deed a white elephant which demanded and re- ceived 'stacks of fodder' before it began to pay for its keeping. My first experience with the monster was to play the 'devil' (since a com- mon occurrence), by inking the forms while B. M. Washburne, the foreman, 'pulled' the old Washington hand press. About this time a 'tramp' printer was given employment as com- positor at a salary of $15 per week, payable when he could get it. He was young, but had PRESS CHAPTER. 811 most pronounced opinions on politics ; was in fact a coon-bone Democrat. * * * * You, Bob, was that 'tramp' printer and Missouri Democrat, now owner and publisher of the paper and a sound Republican." During the first year of Mr. White's pro- pretorship he was assisted in the editorial work by the former owner, F. M. McCully. October ii, 1879, the Chronicle was made an eight-col- umn folio with the two inside pages patent, but on February 7th of the following year in- creased patronage made it necessary to make the paper again all home print, and it still re- mained an eight-column paper. Mr. White presided oVer the destinies of the Chronicle until February 10, 1883, when he sold it to E. T. Wilson and F. M. McCully, late proprietors of the Pomeroy Republican. The consideration was $5,000, and the new proprie- tors took charge February 26th. Mr. McCully did not long remain with the journal, selling to his partner on May 15, 1883. ft was during Messrs. Wilson and McCully's reign that Day- ton was first blessed with a daily newspaper. The Daily Chronicle, a five-column folio, even- ing paper, made its appearance April 7, 1883. It started out with good advertising patronage and sold for $9 a year. Time demonstrated that Dayton was not yet prepared for this met- ropolitan enterprise, and September 30, 1884, after an eighteen months' trial the Columbia Daily Chronicle appeared with turned column rules, and that was its last issue. No lengthy obituary notice appeared. Across the top of the title page appeared the words : "Dead — Not gone before, but gone be- hind." That told the whole story. Years after- ward E. .T. Wilson told why he bad started the daily and why he had discontinued it, as follows : "There came a time during my incumbency of the editorial tripod when it appeared that what Dayton most needed was a daily of its own. The matter had received some consid- eration and great encouragement was offered by the business men of the little city. We had not yet fully decided upon a line of action when we learned by the 'underground' that our competitor, the Democratic State Journal, was, also, contemplating such a move, and that the editor of that sheet was then in Portland with a view to purchasing a plant. We had suffi- cient material in the office for the emergency and as the Chronicle had never been 'scooped' we could not submit to anything which would make of it a second fiddle in its limited field, so a hurried canvass of the town was made one Saturday in April, 1884, and on Monday morn- ing following the Daily Chronicle, in all its maiden modesty and folio of five columns, burst upon the reading public. It was well re- ceived and was the recipient of many compli- mentary notices from the press. It was ap- parently prosperous, but only the aching head of the business manager, whose duty it was to meet all bills promptly, realized in all that it implied that the enthusiastic support (?) of the business public meant that we could divide their former patronage between the weekly and daily; not one cent additional coming into our exchequer for the outlay of time, money and labor necessary to give Dayton a daily paper. It was discouraging, but the Chronicle boys were gritty and hung on for 18 months, when the weakling succumbed to the inevitable and was quietly laid to rest among the daisies. The epitaph told the tale tersely: 'Not dead, but Sleepeth ; Not Gone before but Gone Behind.' Much criticism was offered because the daily was not continued, but it came principally from those business men who were reaping the bene- fit of its existence, but resolutely refused to extend a helping hand in the hour of need." May 2, 1885, Mr. F. W. Agatz, who had been business manager of the Chronicle for six- teen months previous, purchased a half interest of Mr. Wilson, and publication was continued under the firm name of Wilson & Agatz. They continued to publish the paper until September 8l2 PRESS CHAPTER. 4, 1886, when they sold out to O. C. White and J. K. Rainwater, the consideration this time being $6,000. The latter took possession October 1st. During the time Mr. Wilson had charge of the Chronicle a first-class paper was published. Mr. Wilson was a man who con- sidered it the duty of a newspaper to be neutral in nothing. He took a decided stand on every question that came up from matters affecting the welfare of the nation to a dog fight between neighbor's canines. His likes and dislikes were strong and those who had the misfortune to secure his enmity were unmercifully grilled in the columns of the Chronicle. He made enemies, but he also made many warm friends, and the Chronicle did not deteriorate under his management. After disposing of the Dayton paper Mr. Wilson moved to Ellensburg, where he lived for a number of years. He became prominent in politics and by unanimous con- sent became the acknowledged leader of the Re- publican party in Washington. In 1892 he was prominently mentioned as a candidate for gov- ernor and could have secured the prize but for some unknown reason refused the honor. Under White & Rainwater's proprietorship the Chronicle suffered its first loss by fire. In the big conflagration of June, 1887, the plant was entirely destroyed. A new outfit was se- cured immediately and publication was not in- terrupted. In size the paper was reduced after the fire to a seven-column folio. Mr. White purchased his partner's interest on October 1, 1888, and became sole proprietor. In March, 1890, Mr. White sold a half in- terest in the Chronicle to R. E. Peabody. who took charge of the paper April 1st. Mr. White was at this time, and had been for some time living in Olympia, where he held a political po- sition. Mr. Peabody, who has since presided over the destinies of the Chronicle, has been connected with the paper in one capacity or an- other almost continuously since it was founded. He assisted in getting out the first issue April 20, 1878, and with the exception of about two years has made the.Chronicle his home ever since. In the fire of August 1 1, 1890, the Chronicle plant was again destroyed. The loss was about $4,000, covered by $2,200 insurance. Again a new plant was secured and publication was continued without missing an issue. Au- gust 30, 1890, the form of the publication was changed to a five-column quarto, all home print. October 25th of the same year Mr. White sold his interest in the paper and thereafter it was published by R. E. Peabody & Company. The form was again changed May 14, 1892, at which time it became an eight-column folio. For a few weeks, beginning Monday, Decem- ber, 5, 1892, there was issued in connection with the weekly paper a little 6x9 daily evening paper known as the Nonparicl. As a result of the "hard times" on December 2, 1893, the Chronicle was reduced in size to a seven-col- umn folio, which form it retained for many years. March 13, 1897, two pages of patent matter were used, the second time in its his- tory. This feature was discarded July 8, 1898, when it again became all home print. A daily paper was issued again from the Chronicle office during the campaign of 1898, the first issue appearing July 2d. It was known as the Daily Chronicle and was issued as an evening paper. May 5, 1900, the five-column quarto size was again adopted, which form was retained until April 26, 1902, when it was made an eight-column folio, all printed at home. This was changed to a seven-column quarto, with four pages of patent matter on October 4th of the same year, and that is its form at the present writing. Mr. Peabody leased the Chronicle February 23, 1901, to Jesse Matzger and James D. Burns, both of whom had been employed on the paper for some time. Mr. Burns died September 29, 1901, and from then until March 1, 1902, the paper was published by Peabody & Matzger. On the latter date the lease expired and Mr. Peabody again assumed full control. The Chronicle owns its own home, a fine one-story brick- building with PRESS CHAPTER. 8i3 basement for a press-room, and has an up-to- date plant in every particular. As it has, ever since its founding, the Chronicle wields an in- fluence for good in Dayton, and ranks among the leading papers of the state. Probably but few people will remember the Dayton Reporter, which lived a very brief life in the spring of 1881. It made its bow early in May and its exit late in the same month. It was a little four-column paper and was edited by E. S. Gay. The press work was done in the office of the Dayton News. Mr. Gay decided to have a plant of his own, and suspended publication until it arrived. The plant came, but before the Reporter could be revived the fire of August 6th destroyed his press, and the attempt to add another paper to Dayton was abandoned. The rest of the plant was taken to Pomeroy and used in the publica- tion of the Republican. One of the popular publications of the early days in Dayton was the Democratic State Jour- nal, or as it was known in later years, the In- lander, which for over eleven years greeted its readers each week. In the early 8o's Columbia county was normally Democratic, and when the Dayton News was burned out in April, 1882, it left the Democratic party without an organ. Of course this condition of affairs could not last long and Friday, August 4th, of that year, the Democratic State Journal made its appearance. Tryman O. Abbott, probably the youngest publisher on the coast at that time, was the editor and proprietor. His youthful- ness did not prevent him from printing a good paper, however, and the Journal at once became popular. It was started as a seven-column folio, but in less than a year it became an eight- column paper. In August, 1884, J. E. Edmis- ton, who had formerly been connected with the Dayton Nezus, assumed editorial charge, but he remained with the paper only a short time. November 8, 1884, the Democratic State Jour- nal was purchased by W. O. and G. N. Matz- ger, and in the next issue a complete change was made. The name was changed to The Inlander and its politics became Republican. Typographically there was a pronounced im- provement in the paper. Matzger Brothers published The Inlander until August 1, 1886, when it was purchased by Mr. A. B. Thompson for a consideration of $1,500. With this change the paper again be- came Democratic. Within a brief period Mr. W. E. Ayers purchased an interest and the pub- lishers became Ayers & Thompson, but on Feb- ruary 5, 1887, Mr - Thompson purchased his partner's interest and became sole publisher. In March, 1888, Mr. Thompson having accepted a clerkship at the Territorial penitentiary, turned the editorial management of The In- lander over to Henry Gaddis, then a newspaper man recently arrived from Kansas, but who later became well and favorably known through long association with the different newspapers of Dayton. Mr. Thompson continued to pub- lish The Inlander until in September, 1892, when it was purchased by Mr. G. S. Livengood. With this change The Inlander began to advo- cate the doctrines of the People's Party. The "hard times" of 1893 proved too much for The Inlander. In the fall of the year attempts were made to sell the paper and get it on a sound basis once more, but to no avail. In Decem- ber, 1893, the plant was purchased by the Day- ton Courier and the The Inlander was no more. Hard times, added to the fact that three papers were more than Dayton could support at that time, were the causes of its suspension. Through the efforts and influence of a num- ber of teachers in. southeastern Washington, an educational paper was published at Dayton for a time in the early days of the town's history. This was the School Journal, a monthly, eight- page paper devoted exclusively to the school interests of Washington Territory, and was issued first in April, 1884. R was well filled with reading matter, consisting of selected arti- cles, letters from prominent educators, short editorials, some local matter and original arti- 8i4 PRESS CHAPTER. cles by the editor. The Journal was published by the Journal Publishing- Company, and F. M. McCully, who was a prominent teacher and who had had some newspaper experience, was the editor. The paper was published for sev- eral months, but not receiving the support it merited, it suspended publication. The me- chanical work was done in the office of the Co- lumbia Chronicle. In the spring of 1890 the Baptist Sentinel, a weekly religious paper, which had before been published at Tacoma, was moved to Dayton, through the efforts of members of the Baptist church and others. Rev. G. B. Douglas, who had edited the paper at Tacoma, retained his position when it started in its new location. March 26, 1891, The Baptist Sentinel Publish- ing Company was incorporated with a capital stock of $5,000, and the Sentinel started out on its second year on a more substantial foot- ing. The following named gentlemen took stock in the company: J. H. Martin, P. M. Martin, A. H. Boothe, W. T. Stott, R. M. Hes- ter, W. E. Ayers, J. O. Maxwell, C. A. Mc- Ilroy and G. B. Douglas. The last named was retained as editor and manager under the new company. He remained with the paper until the summer of 1892 when he resigned. The publication was continued after this for some time under different managements. Mr. Moore being editor for a time and later Mr. Arthur Royce. It suspended publication and the plant was moved to The Dalles. The Sentinel was devoted principally to religious matters, but treated more or less of local affairs, and is en- titled to a place in the history of Columbia county. The Democracy of Columbia county is ably represented by the Dayton Courier-Press, pub- lished by Al Ricardo. The Courier-Press re- sulted from a combination of the Democratic Courier and the People's Press, January 1, 1898. The Dayton Courier was the older of these two papers, having been established May 21, 1 89 1, by O. E. Carter and Thornton Heskett. It was a seven-column folio, all home print, and it has been all home print ever since. It was Democratic at its inception — it has remained Democratic ever since. Messrs. Carter and Heskett published a good paper, but they la- bored under difficulties, and December io, 1 89 1, they sold the plant to W. H. Van Lew. The new proprietor installed Henry Gaddis as editor, which position he held until his death, January 8, 1893. Mr. Gaddis had been con- nected with the other Dayton newspaper offices for a number of years, and soon put the Courier on a firm basis, it having been enlarged to an eight-column folio May 19, 1892. The plant was enlarged December 7, 1893, by the pur- chase of The Inlander plant, the latter paper on that date suspending publication. As a re- sult of "hard times" the Courier was at this period reduced in size to six columns, but in the following spring was made a seven-column paper. During the years 1895 an d 1896- Mr. H. L. Bowmer was editor of the Courier and acted as business manager for Mr. Van Lew. The latter continued as proprietor and pub- lisher until the consolidation with the Press on January 1, 1898. The People's Party movement became a power in Columbia county politics, as it did in all parts of the west during the middle 90's, and in the latter part of April, 1895, the first and only organ in the county of that party was established, with the excepion of The Inlander for a short time under Mr. Livengood. This was the People's Press. The plant used was the one upon which E. R. Burk had printed his Tri-Weekly. George Wright was the editor of the Press and guided its destinies until the consolidation with the Courier. This amalga- mation was accomplished January 1, 1898, and thereafter both parties of the free silver forces were represented in the Dayton Courier-Press. The new owners were the Courier-Press Pub- lishing Company, composed of leading Demo- crats and Populists, chief among whom were PRESS CHAPTER. 8i5 W. H. Van Lew and C. H. Goddard, the latter having editorial charge. The paper was made a six-column quarto, all printed at home, and there has been no change in form since. One of the fruits of the consolidation was the establishment of a daily. This was known at first as the Daily Record, and the first issue appeared December 20, 1897. The publishers were the Courier Publishing Company, and the paper was a six-column folio, all home print. It was the intention to publish the daily as an independent paper and the weekly as an organ of the fusion forces. This proved to be too much of an undertaking, as should have been known at the outset, and on January 10, 1898, the official change was made. The Daily Rec- ord became the Daily Courier-Press and its political utterances were in line with those of the fusion party. When this change was made the publishers became the Courier-Press Pub- lishing Company, and no pretense was made of being distinct from the weekly publication. De- cember 31, 1898, after a little over a year's existence the Daily Courier-Press appeared for the last time. A newspaper man will, probably, have guessed the reason — it didn't pay. In July, 1898, the Van Lew interests in the Courier-Press were purchased by C. H. God- dard, who then became sole proprietor. Two months later, however, the pub- lishers became C. H. Goddard & Com- pany. In January, 1899, the Cou- rier-Press was incorporated as a stock com- pany, the capital being $5,000. The corpora- tion was known as the C. H. Goddard Publish- ing Company, and those taking stock were C. H. Goddard, M. M. Godman, George B. Baker and J. C. Marckley. December 26, 1899, the Courier-Press suffered a loss of over $1,000 by fire, but this was fully covered by insurance. December 10, 1900, the plant was purchased by Al Ricardo, of Walla Walla, and E. B. Cox, of Dayton, and was published under their man- agement until May, 1901, when Mr. Ricardo became sole owner and publisher. Burk's Tri-W eekly was the name of a pub- lication started in Dayton in September, 1894, by E. R. Burk. Backed by one wing of the Republican party, which party was not a unit in the campaign of 1894, Mr. Burk purchased a plant and launched his tri-weekly publication. For a time it appeared that success would crown the efforts of the management, but in common with so many papers in the country at that time it succumbed to the inevitable. The last issue appeared Saturday, February 9, 1895. Following its suspension the plant passed into the possession of Thomas May and H. H. Wolf and later into the possession of the Peo- ple's Uarty and was utilized in the publication of the People's Press, which appeared in April. The first paper to be established in Colum- bia county, outside of Dayton, was the Starbuck Signal, which made its appearance early in July, 1896. It was established, and for a time was edited by Mills & Esry, but shortly afterward passed into the hands of J. J. Stod- dard. It was Republican in politics, but its energies were devoted principally to the inter- ests of Starbuck. For a time it suspended pub- lication, but in the fall of 1900 it was revived by Mr. Stoddard and was published until Sep- tember, 1903, when it was discontinued and the plant removed. Humanity was the name of a paper estab- lished at Starbuck by Mr. S. S. Martin in May, 1899. Mr. Martin had long entertained ideas in regard to humanity which do not occur to everyone, and it was for the purpose of getting his thoughts before the public that he entered the newspaper field. This publication was printed in the office of the Starbuck Signal. It survived one month. The Consitution was a Democratic publica- tion established in May, 1900. It was edited by Fred R. Marvin, and was printed in the office of the Courier-Press. The Constitution did not follow the flag, and was hauled down after a few issues. 8i6 PRESS CHAPTER. The latest candidate for honors in the newspaper field of the county seat town is the Columbia County Dispatch. Although young in years it is old in experience, and the changes in management have been many and frequent. It was started as a semi-weekly in February, 1903, by J. S. Williams. It was a six-column folio and was all printed in the home office. In April of the same year the Dispatch was purchased by A. H. Harris, who installed Roy McClary as manager. September 5th Mr. Mc- Clary was succeeded by C. F. Lake, and the paper was enlarged to a quarto, the extra pages being patent matter. The first of the year 1904 found Mr. Lake and R. V. Hutchins as managers. March 16th Mr. Hutchins became sole manager. May 13th the semi-weekly was discontinued and the Dispatch became a weekly. June 3rd R. A. Watrous secured an interst in the paper and the publishers became Hutchins & Watrous. July 8th Mr. Hutchins withdrew and at the head of the editorial column ap- peared the name, "Dispatch Publishing Com- pany," as publishers. In September the Dis- patch was purchased by H. C. Benbow. Starbuck was not long without a newspaper after the suspension of the Signal. The Star of Starbuck was established about February 1, 1904, by Charles H. O'Neil, who also published the paper in Prescott, in Walla Walla county. The Star is a six-column folio and two of its pages are patent. The mechanical work for the paper is done in Mr. O' Neil's office at Prescott. GARFIELD COUNTY. Garfield county at the present writing (Oc- tober, 1905,) supports two newspapers, the Garfield County Democrat, Democratic, and the East Washingtonian, Republican, both being published at Pomeroy. The launching of newspapers in Garfield county in its history of a quarter of a century has not been so pro- miscuous as in some of its neighboring coun- ties, but those that have been put out and strug- gled and have weathered the storms — or died — have histories that prove interesting. The first paper to be issued within the pres- ent boundaries of Garfield county was the Washington Independent, which made its first appearance at the little village of Pomeroy on August 12, 1880. Rev. F. W. D. Mays was the founder and for nearly twenty-four years was the editor and proprietor. Mr. Mays, of Irish and German descent, was a native of Pittsylvania county, Virginia. He attended the common schools and later became a student of a school at Stony Point, Virginia, where he received a military education. During the early part of the War of the Rebellion he joined a boy company for home protection, and was made first lieutenant. During the last two years of the struggle he was in the Confederate army, serving under Generals Early and Breck- enridge, and was captured by General Sheridan at Fisher's Hill or Bell Grove. After the war Mr. Mays devoted his time to religious study, and in December, 1870, he was licensed to preach in Giles county, Virginia, and joined the Holston conference of the Methodist Epis- copal church, South, in 1871, at Morristown, Tennessee. He preached a year in Wythe county, Virginia, and then in Tennessee. In August, 1873, he accompanied Bishop Doggett to Oregon and joined the Columbia conference. He was appointed to Lafayette and Tillamook circuit and then to Eugene City. In 1875 he was sent to Walla Walla, which place he made his headquarters for two years, preaching in the country. In 1877 he was sent to Boise City, but re- turned to Walla Walla the following year. He went to Dayton in 1879, where he was engaged in ministerial work until the following year, when he established the Independent at Pome- roy. On the twentieth anniversary of the founding of his paper Mr. Mays published the following reminiscence of that event: "Twenty years ago to-day this paper was PRESS CHAPTER. 817 born in the village, now city, of Pomeroy, in the California Restaurant building in the din- ing room of what is known as the Allen House at this time, and conducted as a hotel and residence. We remember what large crowds pressed around to see the first paper come off the press. In fact the jam was so great that we had to lock the door to keep out the crowds so we could work at all. This was one of the proudest days in the history of Pom- eroy, when the paper entered upon its career. The noble pioneers and enterprising men here at that time felt their success was assured. Be- fore that time the countyseat agitation had made it a little uncertain where the chief town in this part of the county would be. "We remember that we gave J. M. Pome- roy the first paper that came from the press that day. There was a big time in the old town that night. The old boys celebrated the occasion according to the custom of the times, and there was not one of them there who would harm a man, woman or child for any consideration." For nearly twenty-four years Mr. Mays published the Washington Independent. Dur- ing this time he was honored on several different occasions by election to office, among other posi- tions he held being representative in the Wash- ington legislative body and mayor of Pomeroy. He also held for a number of years the office of vice-president of the National Reform Press Association. The Independent was a Democratic paper until the rise of the People's Party. Then it became an ardent supporter of that cause. Dur- ing the greater part of its life it was a seven- column folio, with two of its pages patent mat- ter. In the big fire of July 18, 1900, the plant was destroyed, entailing a loss of $3,500, with no insurance. Publication was not resumed until in March of the following year, when Mr. Mays purchased a new plant and again began publishing the Independent, this time as a five- column quarto with four pages of patent mat- ter. He continued to publish the paper until 52 the spring of 1904, when it was discontinued. Garfield county's second newspaper was the Pataha City Spirit. With the springing up of the rival towns, Pomeroy and Pataha City, only three miles apart, the people of both towns considered a newspaper an absolute necessity to further their interests. Pomeroy was the first to secure a paper, the Independent. So early as June, 1880, the people of Pataha City began agitating the establishment of a journal in their town and succeeded in raising $1,000 toward that end. It was not until June 25, 1 88 1, that the Pataha City Spirit made is ap- pearance, however. It was a six-column folio all printed at home. G. C. W. Hammond was the editor and he continued to publish it until February 4, 1882. The Spirit was a Republi- can paper with independent proclivities, but its principal aim was to make Pataha City the lead- ing town of eastern Columbia county, and, in- cidentally, secure for it the countyseat of the prospective new county. February 4, 1882, Mr. Hammond sold the paper to Dr. J. S. Denison and Charles Wil- kins. The two latter continued publication until October, 1883, when the plant was sold and moved to Asotin City, where it was con- tinued in the interest of a division of Garfield county. In a large measure the creation of Asotin county was due to the Spirit in its new location. After the removal to Asotin City the paper was known as the Asotin Spirit, but in October, 1884, it became the Asotin Sentinel. Its later history will be found in the press news of Asotin county. After the creation of Garfield county by the act of the legislative assembly in November, 1 88 1, there were exciting times in the young county. On January 9th following the location of the county seat was to be decided and a com- plete set of county officials was to be elected. These facts led to the hasty establishment of Pomeroy's second newspaper and the county's third. Saturday, December 10, 1881, the first number of the Pomeroy Republican was taken 8"i8 PRESS CHAPTER. from the press. It was a little four-column folio, but it was well filled with matter relat- ing to the subjects which were uppermost in the minds of the people. The proprietors, T. C. Frary and E. T. Wilson, did not have time to secure a plant and the paper was printed from the office of the Washington Independent. It advocated the cause of Pomeroy in the coun- tyseat contest and the election of the Republi- can ticket. After the election publication was suspended unil a plant could be procured. About this time Deacon Gray was labor- ing under the delusion that Dayton needed an- other paper and he had purchased a printing press from which to launch the Dayton Re- porter. Mr. Wilson purchased this and some other material, brought it to Pomeroy and on March 4, 1882, the Republican made its second appearance, and this number was reckoned the start of volume one. Mr. Wilson was the sole proprietor at the time of its second advent, and he issued a very creditable publication. He was an ardent Republican, and the paper which was started under his proprietorship (now the East Washingtonian has ever since supported the principles of that party. Late in May Mr. Wilson sold a half interest in the Republican to F. M. McCully. who had previously edited the Columbia Chronicle, at Dayton, and who had, also, been prominent in educational work in the shire town of Columbia county. On July 19th, though only a few months old, the paper was enlarged from a six, to a seven-column folio. Messrs. Wilson and McCully continued to publish the paper, the former having charge of the local, and the latter the editorial, col- umns, until the latter part of January, 1883, when the plant was purchased by Harry St. George. July 2 1 st, of the same year, Dr. L. C. Cox became the proprietor, but the following month sold to J. B. Lister. The paper did not flourish financially during these many and frequent changes. The country was suffering from a financial depression and the Republican did not escape the general result of the "hard times." On March 22, 1884, the Pomeroy Publishing Company appeared at the head of the editorial column as publisher. Mr. Lister still conducted the paper. The next change occurred on July 26, 1884, when the Republican not only changed proprietors, but its name as well. On the above date it appeared as the East Washingtonian, and its publishers were W. L. Lister, F. H. Washburn and E. H. King under the firm name of Lister, Washburn & King. Some improve- ments were made in the paper at this time. Au- gust 23d Mr. Washburn withdrew from the firm and on October 25th Mr. King withdrew leaving W. L. Lister sole proprietor. Under the latter's management the East Washingto- nian was a first-class publication and became one of the leading papers of the Territory. Mr. Lister was publisher for five years, selling to E. M. Pomeroy September 7, 1889. Mr. Pomeroy conducted the paper for sev- eral years, and sold the plant in 1893 to Peter McClung, who has since that time been editor and proprietor. September 29, 1900, the paper was enlarged to a six-column quarto, with four pages of patent matter, and on February 14, 1903, was again enlarged, being made a seven- column quarto. The East Washingtonian has taken rank among the leading papers of southeastern Washington, and under Mr. Mc- Clung's management has become a power in the affairs of Garfield county. While the paper is Republican in politics, it has independent leanings which make it extremely popular with its many readers and adds to its power in the councils of its party. The local option law, which became an issue in every county in Washington Territory in the spring of 1886, was the raison d' etre for the establishment of Pomeroy's third newspa- per. But the East Washingtonian and the Washington Independent were strongly in favor of the local option law and prohibition. It was to advocate the other side of the ques- PRESS CHAPTER. 819 tion that in May, 1886, Hon. Alf. D. Bowen, a member of the legislature from Pacific coun- ty, came to Pomeroy and launched the Pomeroy Times. He brought with him a plant and pub- lished a neat and very interesting paper. Mr. Bowen did not remain in Garfield county long after the election, and in July the paper was purchased by Henry Bowmer, who had been foreman under Mr. Bowen. Some improve- ment was made with this change, one being an enlargement to an eight-column paper. In De- cember of the same year A. J. Thomsen pur- chased a half interest in the Times and it be- came a Democratic paper. After a very short time Mr. Thomsen purchased his partner's in- terest. Three papers were too many for Pome- roy, and in July, 1887, after a life of a little over a year, the plant passed into the hands of J. V. Hamilton and was taken to Garfield, in Whitman county, to be used in the publication of a paper in that town. The second and last paper to be started in Pataha City was the Pataha Farmer, which came into existence in June, 1892. The paper started out with bright prospects of success. A correspondent to the East Washingtonian of May 21, 1892, said of the prospective paper: "Pataha City is to have a newspaper. Mr. Troyer has been working the matter up for some time. Today, Saturday, May, 14, Colonel J. B. Edwards, of Moscow, Idaho, arrived and has been looking over the pros and cons and says that he is much pleased. The press will come from Oakesdale. As the matter now looks it will be the state paper for the Farmers' Alliance, and in the interest of the third, or People's Party, movement. They have a sub- scription list (Mr. Troyer says) of 1,500 north of Snake river and can make it up to 2.500 on this side. Our new paper will be called the Pa- taha People and will make its first bow to the public Saturday morning. May 28, 1892. Mr. Troyer, who engineered this matter, has proven himself to be the right man in the right place ; has shown marked ability as an organizer and a leader, and in securing the services of Col- onel Edwards has placed the enterprise above suspicion or doubt as to the ability and honesty of the paper's management." The much talked of paper came out in June as the Pataha Farmer, an advocate of the Peo- ple's Party principles, with Edwards & Loop as proprietors. Mr. Edwards soon after be- came sole manager. In the campaign of 1892 the Farmer supported Weaver and Fields for president and vice president but immedia- ately after the election Colonel Edwards an- nounced that the paper would thereafter be a Democratic organ. In accordance with the new principles the name was changed to Pataha Democrat. The paper was not destined to become a permanent instituion of Garfield county. In May, 1893, M r - Edwards, who had conducted the paper nearly a year and who had labored hard for the advancement of Pataha City, re- tired. Herman E. Loop then took hold and attempted to continue the publication, but the undertaking proved too much and the paper soon after suspended. The plant was pur- chased by the East Washingtonian of Pomeroy. When the publication of the Washington Independent was discontinued by Mr. Mays in the spring of 1904, the plant was purchased by H. C. Benbow, who, on April 28, began the publication of the Garfield county Nczvs, a five- column quarto with four pages patent. The A r ezcs was Democratic in politics. January 1, 1905, the Nezvs was purchased by A. E. Ben- jamin, who shortly afterward changed the name to the Garfield County Democrat. ASOTIN COUNTY. Asotin, being one of the smaller counties of the state, in population as well as in size, has not an extensive press history. At pres- ent only two papers are being published within its borders, the Asotin County Sentinel and the Clarkston Republic, and in the county's en- 820 PRESS CHAPTER. tire history, only five newspapers have been es- tablished. The pioneer paper of the county is the Aso- tin County Sentinel, published at Asotin. For just fifteen years the Sentinel was the only paper that was issued within the county, and during the greater part of that time there was not sufficient patronage to properly support the one paper. In the spring of 1882 the question of starting a paper in Asotin City, or the newly platted town of Asotin was first considered. Charles Hammond, who had previously pub- lished the Pataha City Spirit, but who was at that time looking for a location, came to the Asotin country. He looked the field over but considered that the country was yet in too raw a condition to warrant the launching of a journal. But in the fall of the following year a paper became a necessity to the people of the eastern part of Garfield county. They wanted to di- vide Garfield county and form a new political division from the eastern part. Pataha City, formerly the rival of Pomeroy, was then on the wane. Dr. J. S. Denison was publishing the Pataha Spirit there, but saw that the ambitions of that town were decayed, so it was no great efforts to induce him to dispose of his plant. In September it was purchased by D. B. Petti- john and J. H. Ginder and moved to Asotin. Here, on October 12, 1883, the first paper pub- lished in the county of Asotin-to-be was taken from the press. Its name was the Asotin Spirit and the publishers were J. H. Ginder & Company. It was a seven- column folio, carrying two pages of pat- ent matter. The Spirit was patronized by every business house in the new location, which, however, did not result in the Spirit carrying more than three or four local advertisements. December 21st of the same year the name of the paper was changed from Assotin Spirit to Aso- tin Spirit. When the county was formed, just previous to this, the name of the county was spelled with the single s, and the change in the name of the paper was made to correspond. Mr. Ginder did not long remain with the journal. He published his valedictory June 18,. 1884, and Mr. Petti John became sole proprietor. Some little improvement was noticed with the change. In politics Mr. Petti John made the Spirit independent. The local option law was an issue in the Territory during Mr. Petti John's control of the paper and he made it a strong temperance organ — made it so strong, in fact, that the publication of the news was neglected The next change was made September 12 1884, when Mr. Pettijohn, who had come into possession of the Spirit more from accident than choice, sold to T. M. E. Schank, the pioneer settler of Asotin. Dr. H. C. Fulton was installed as editor and the paper was published under the firm name of the Sentinel Publishing Company, and October 3rd the name of the paper was changed to the Sen- tinel. Under Mr. Schanks' ownership the paper became Republican in politics, but took no very active part in this field. It became a strenuous champion of Asotin in the county- seat contest, which disturbed tthe voters of the new county during the campaign of 1884. The temperance and woman suffrage questions,, which had been paramount with Mr. Pettijohn, were made seconadry matters with his succes-- cor. Dr. Fulton did not long preside over the- destinies of the Sentinel. December 1, 1884, E. H. King, who divided his time between the- practice of law and the editing of newspapers, having formerly been connected with the East Washingtonian at Pomeroy, assumed editorial charge. He remained with the paper until June, 1885, when his law practice claimed all his at- tention and he retired from the paper. Mr. King's successor as editor-in-chief was Al Stif- fel, who coundcted it for Mr. Schank until the- later's demise, October 3, 1885. Al Stiffel and Charles M. Poor purchased the plant after the: PRESS CHAPTER. 821 death of Mr. Schank, assuming control Novem- ber 23, 1885. A great improvement was no- ticed at once. January 2.2, 1886, the paper was made a six-column folio and all but four of the pages were printed at home. Although the new management had been in charge but a short time the subscription list had been greatly increased and the plant put on a paying basis, a condi- tion which had not been experienced previously. In a burst of confidence at this time the Sentinel announced that there were only forty-one per- sons in the county whose names did not appear on its subscription list, and that in the spring an effort would be made to secure those. The cen- sus of the county that year shows that the Sen- tinel had a majority of the inhabitants on its list. Mr. Siffel sold his interest to his partner "May 14, 1886, and for the next two years Mr. Poor conducted the Sentinel. Under the man- agement of Stiffel & Poor and later under Mr. Poor the Sentinel maintained a neutral position in politics. The journal did not retain the po- sition it had gained under Mr. Stiffel's super- vision and was anything but a first-class paper, from 1886 to 1888. I. S. Waldrip came into possession July 6, 1 888, and following the example of most of his predecessors, he caused the Sentinel to maintain a neutral attitude politically. August 2, 1889, the journal became a seven-column folio. This was an increase in size, but two of the pages were now patent matter and in reality it was a reduction. This was made necessary by a local financial depression, caused by almost total crop failure. In the latter part of the year Mr. Waldrip announced that the Sentinel would no longer remain neutral on political questions but would hereafter discuss fully all political mat- ters from an entirely independent point of view. The paper was unable to place itself in any ex- isting party or to identify itself with any ex- isting policy. As expressed by Mr. Waldrip he was a sort of a long-haired Republican, but there was no party which was entirely in accord with him. Despite the bold assertion that politics was to be a feature of the Sentinel thereafter, that paper did not take a very active part polit- ically. Mr. Waldrip formed a partnership with his son, Elmer, January 31. 1890, and there- after the publishers became I. S. Waldrip & Son. During the ownership of Mr. Waldrip and later Waldrip & Son the Sentinel was a fair paper and, undoubtedly as good as the pa- tronage would warrant. It was not an easy mat- ter to maintain a paper at Asotin during those early years. To appreciate the extent of the source of a paper's revenue it must be remem- bered that at this time Asotin had a population of only about 200, while in the county were only about 1,500 people. September 25, 1891, Al Stiffel again pur- chased the Sentinel and for nearly eight years was the publisher. A reduction to a six-column folio with two patent pages was made shortly after he secured control, and that was the form retained during his ownership. The Sentinel took no part in politics during these eight years. Mr. Stiffel made his country correspondence a feature, and during the several years of "hard times," which proved the downfall of so many publications, he kept his paper off the shoals and breakers largely through the interest thus maintained in the country districts. Elmer Waldrip, who had formerly been connected with the Sentinel and who had later served in the capacity of county auditor, and Kay L. Thompson, who was a practical newspaper man of Lewiston, secured the Sentinel from Mr. Stiffel on April 8, 1899. Some visible improve- ments were immediately made on the paper. It was enlarged to a six-column quarto and four of its pages were home print. The name was at this time changed from the Sentinel to the Asotin County Sentinel. In politics the paper became independent. Mr. Thompson pur- chased his partner's interest January 5, 1901, and has since conducted the paper alone. The Sentinel now ranks among the best publications in southeastern Washington and is a credit to the town and county of Asotin. It 822 PRESS CHAPTER. is always bright and newsy. It does not under- take to right the wrongs in national and state affairs, but devotes itself almost exclusively to presenting the city and county news. It has been in the past an important factor in the up- building of the county. It is now engaged in the same work and is the means by which the abundant resources of Asotin county are made known to the outside world. It was not until October, 1898, that the sec- ond publication was issued in Asotin county. This was the Vinelander and was issued from Vineland, or as the postoffice was at that time named Concord. Messrs. Leach, Henshaw & Lewis were the publishers at the start, Mr. Hen- shaw later withdrawing. Vineland was fast settling up at this time and the interests of the place demanded a publication. October 12, 1899, Charles S. Florence secured an interest in the paper and changed the name to the Vine- land Journal. Mr. Florence published the Journal until after the election of 1900, when publication was suspended and the plant was taken to Xez Perce and used in the publi- cation of the Nez Perce Neivs. The Clarkston Chronicle was the name of the third paper that asked support from the citizens of Asotin county. The first issue appeared in January, 1900, and Messrs. W. H. Leach and C. S. Lewis, who had formerly pub- lished the J'inclandcr, were the founders of the new paper, the name appearing at the head of the editorial columns being the Vineland Pub- lishing Company. The Chronicle was a neat, four-column folio. Vineland was not able to support two papers at this time and in May, 1900, the Chronicle suspended. The proprie- tors moved the plant to Juliaetta, Idaho, where they began the publication of a paper. January 5, 1 901, the next paper was estab- lished at Clarkston. It was the Clarkston Re- publican, a seven-column folio, and L. A. Woodward was the editor and proprietor. Be- fore the second issue was gotten out Mr. Wood- ward sold the publication to C. F. Lake and W. A. Austin. The second issue was a five-column quarto. The new proprietors announced that the paper would thereafter be independent in poli- tics and that the name of the publication would be changed. February 16, however, the publish- ing firm was again changed and Austin & Ar- nold became editors and proprietors. Another change took place April 6, when L. A. Wood- ward again became the owner of the Republican. The form of the paper was made a seven-col- umn folio, but January 4, 1902, it again was made a five-column quarto. It December of the same year it was enlarged to a six-column quarto, which is still the form of the paper, it now being printed all at home. In the closing days of 1902 new machinery was installed and several other improvements made in the office. May 14, 1904, Will EWillis purchased the plant and until he disposed of it in December of the same year, published one of the best country weeklies ever issued in Eastern Washington. December 2, 1904, C. Murdock, formerly of Worthington, Minnesota, purchased the plant, changed the name to the Clarkston Republic, and is now the publisher. The Republic is an excellent publication and this fact is appreci- ated by the citizens and business men of Clarks- ton. The latest newspaper venture in the county resulted in a failure. The River Press was the name of this paper, which was first issued on July 11, 1903. It was published in magazine form, the first issue consisting of twenty-two pages, and Frank Barnes was the editor and owner. The next month it was purchased by B. T. Warren, who published it until Novem- ber, 1904, when O. U. Hawkins, formerly editor of the Springdale Republican, pur- chased the plant. He remained only until the first of the year, when Mr. Warren again took possession. The River Press was suspended in April, 1904, the greater portion of the plant being purchased by the Republican proprietors. PRESS CHAPTER. 823 WALLA WALLA COUNTY. Essentially like that of other frontier Amer- ican communities is the journalistic history of Walla Walla county. The need of a news- paper was realized when the first settlers had barely secured the necessities for subsistence. Several years previous to the beginning of per- manent settlement of a printing press was not an unknown thing. It is reliably stated as a histo- rical fact that the first printing press ever used on the Pacific coast found service at Lapwai, originally a part of Walla Walla county. It was a Ramage, printing, copying and seal press No. 14, and was forwarded from Boston by the American board of commissioners for foreign missions to the missionaries to Honolulu. This was in 18 19. Twenty years later it was brought to Lapwai, the mission then in charge of Rev. H. H. Spalding. During nine years Mr. Spalding employed this machine to print trans- lated portions of the Bible and other religious literature in the Nez Perce tongue. To Hills- boro, Oregon, this press was removed in 1848. Finally it found a permanent resting place in the Museum of the Oregon University. No others were introduced in the country until after the beginning of settlement in i860, and it remains the pioneer press of the Inland Empire. While they do not particularly pertain to the history of Walla Walla county the names and dates of the first papers published in Wash- ington may prove of interest. They were : First, The Columbian, Olympia, September 11, 1852; second, Puget Sound Courier, Steila- coom, May 19, 1855; third, Washington Re- publican, Steilacoom, April 3, 1857; Puget Sound Herald, Steilacoom, March 12, 1858; fifth. Northern Light, Whatcom, about July 1, 1858; sixth. Port Townsend Register, Port Townsend, December, 2^, 1859; seventh, The Northwest, Port Townsend, early in July, i860; eighth, Vancouver Chronicle, Vancouver, July, i860; ninth. Olympia Washington Standard, Olympia, November 17, i860; tenth, Weekly Pacific Tribune, Olympia, March, 1861 ; eleventh, Overland Press, Olympia, July, 1861. East of the Cascade range of mountains the first paper in Washington Territory was the Washington Statesman, which came into existence in November, 1861. An effort had been made a few months previous to start a paper, which was unsuccessful. Daniel Dodge was the promoter of the contemplated enter- prise, who went as far as to select a name for the journal, The Northern Light. A canvass of the town of Walla Walla discouraged Mr. Dodge and the paper was never started. The Washington Statesman was first issued November 21, 1861; the first paper ever printed in eastern Washington. The States- man was a weekly paper, six-column folio, all home print and, politically, independent, al- though during the Civil War union in senti- ment. Of this venture the editors and propriet- ors were N. Northrop. R. B. Smith and R. R. Rees, although the latter did not come into the enterprise until 1862. Soon after its first issue, in December, 1861, Mr. Smith made a horseback ride through Umatilla and Walla Walla counties, and secured two hundred sub' scriptions at five dollars apiece. This number constituted nearly all the adult population of the region. The advertising rates of the Statesman, suggestive of pioneer days, were as follows : One square (ten lines or less), four insertions. $6; for each additional insertion, $1; one square per year, $20 ; yearly advertisements of two years or more, per square, $16 ; half yearly, per square, $12. In their salutory the pub- lishers, in part, said : ; We send forth this morning with our congratula- tions, the first number of the Washington Statesman and respectfully solicit the attention of the people of Walla Walla and count}- to its pages. From a care- ful consideration of the demands of the people to whom we shall look for support, in sustaining a weekly newspaper at this point, we feel warranted in the conviction that we are inaugurating an enterprise which will be the means of vastly enhancing the development, 824 PRESS CHAPTER. prosperity and permanent interests of the most favor- able section of the upper country, and which, conducted with prudence and economy, will be reasonably re- munerative to its projectors. These considerations, connected with the prospective march of enterprise and development, which must characterize the events of the next season, and in all probability of-years to come, throughout the whole upper country, have guided our judgment in locating a press at this point. That a weekly publication devoted to the various interests of the county, containing all the news which may be gathered from different quarters, is essentially needed in the Walla Walla valley, we premise no per- manent resident will deny ; this admitted, we have no misgivings as to the disposition of the people to rome forward and promptly sustain an enterprise so materi- ally calculated to further their own interests as a com- munity. Hence, we expect, at least, that every man who is fortunate enough to possess a home in this beautiful valley will at once subscribe to the States- man and pay in advance. ******* As indicated in our prospectus, the Statesman will be independent on all subjects. By independent we do not mean neutral : but when occasion requires we shall express our views fearlessly upon all subjects legitimate for newspaper discussion; and in doing this we shall be our own advisors and regulate our business in our own way. November 10, 1865, William H. Newell became editor and proprietor of the paper; he changed the name to the Walla Walla States- man. Mr. Newell had previously been con- nected with The Dalles Mountaineer. Under Mr. Newell's management the paper supported Democratic principles, down to the time of his death, twenty years later. In many respects Mr. Newell was a remarkable man. Quite early in the history of his connection with the paper he undertook the policy so often afterward re- newed, of establishing something more than a weekly paper. September 2, 1869, he began to issue a tri-weekly. Proving to be somewhat in advance of the times he was compelled to re- turn to a weekly issue. However, in October, 1878, he issued the Daily Statesman, probably the first daily in eastern Washington. He died suddenly on the 13th of November, following. A native of New York was Nehemiah Nor- throp. In 1853 he, in company with his brother, Henry, and Alonzo Leland, published the Portland Democratic Standard. In 1859 he became one of the proprietors of the San Fran- cisco Evening Journal. In i860 he disposed of his interests, removing the next year to Walla Walla. Mr. Northrop died of consump- tion in. February, 1863, at the age of 27 years. One of the foremost journalists of the state was Colonel Frank J. Parker. He was an Englishman and had had a varied experience as a miner, scout, soldier, correspondent and poli- tician. Colonel Parker continued the publica- tion of the Daily Statesman a short period; but this was found too expensive for the pat- ronage of the sparsely settled region, and it was discontinued. Again, in February, 1880, Colonel Parker determined to attempt the pub- lication of a daily, and at this time set up the first steam power press ever used in Walla Walla. Until June, 1900, Colonel Parker remained in control of the daily and weekly Statesman. Then the journal fell into the hands of the Statesman Publishing Company, the principal owner being Dr. E. E. Fall. To an eight-page paper the size was increased. In 1901 Freder- ick R. Marvin, formerly of Spokane, was editor. The present managing editor of the Statesman is Perry Holland. The Walla Walla Union has been the po- litical opponent and rival of the Statesman throughout its career. It was the first Repub- lican paper published in the Walla Walla valley, and it issued its initial number April 17, 1869. It was first published by an association of citi- zens. In May, of the latter year, R. M. Smith & Company, were announced as publishers. A number of able newspaper men have been con- nected with the Union, but the one name at once suggested in connection with it is that of Captain P. B. Johnson. The first editor of the Union was H. M. Judson, although the policy of the paper was under the control of a committee comprising P. B. Johnson, E. C. Ross and J. D. Cook. But soon after the establishment of the journal R. PRESS CHAPTER. 825 M. Smith and E. L. Herriff became the owners, which proprietorship they retained ten years. Mr. Judson was succeeded as editor by E. (J. Ross, which position he held until 1876, when Captain Johnson became editor. Mr. Smith's interest in the paper was purchased by Captain Johnson a few years later, and later still he be- came sole editor and proprietor. Noted for the vigor of expression and energy of character was captain Johnson. On most questions of public concern he assumed an uncompromising position. He was a Republican of the stalwart order. This political element in Walla Walla ■county, under his energetic leadership became aggressive and well organized. Heavy Demo- cratic majorities which had marked the earlier history of the county were succeeded by equally emphatic Republican majorities. To Charles Bresserer Captain Johnson dis- posed of his interest in the paper in 1890. The former was at that period conducting the Walla Walla Journal, and for some time the paper was published under the name of the Union- Journal. Of unique and. strongly marked traits were the newspaper men of Walla Walla, but it is safe to say that of all the peculiar and orig- inal characters that ever appeared in Walla Walla journalism Mr. Bresserer heads the list. He was a German by birth, of Spanish descent and well educated in his native country ; a sol- dier in the Crimean war and also in the Amer- ican Civil War, and in Indian warfares afterward, acting as manager at various times for a bakery, a distillery, a hotel, and had, also, been a postmaster, justice of the peace, a sheep- man, a farmer and lastly an editor. Through- out all changes in his circumstances. Mr. Bres- serer retained his unique personality. Of marked ability as a writer he understood well the requirements of the newspaper business. Until 1896 Mr. Bresserer retained his in- terest in the Union, disposing of the same to Herbert Gregg and Harry Kelso. With vigor and success these gentlemen conducted the Union as a bed-rock, simon-pure Republican paper, holding strong opinions of its own, yet amenable to reason when party necessity ap- peared to render it judicious. Messrs. J. G. Frankland, Lloyd Armstrong and Bert La Due purchased the Union in 1899, successfully con- ducting it for a year. It again changed hands in 1900, Hon. Levi Ankeny becoming the pur- chaser ; J. Howard Watson becoming editor-in- chief. At present Eugene Lorton is managing editor of the Union. Aside from the Statesman and Union there are, and have been, other papers in the field; some of them of short life, but all deserving of mention. Among these was the Walla Walla Messenger, established in August, 1862, by R. B. Smith and A. Leland. It did not long sur- vive. Another was the Spirit of the West, founded in 1872 by J. W. Ragsdale. One of the editors was Charles H. Humphries, and he was followed by L. K. Grim and Charles Bresserer. It was independent in politics. Of this paper Mr. Bresserer became proprietor in 1877, changing its name to the Walla Walla Watch- man. Again it was changed to the Walla Walla Journal, ultimately merging into the Union- Journal, as has been previously mentioned. The Morning Journal of 1881 and the Daily Events of 1882, both published by Mr. Harris, were other newspaper ventures. The lUashington- ian, edited by W. L. Black, appeared in 1882. In 1894 the Garden City Gazette was estab- lished by W. F. Brock, and the Watchman, edited by J. J. Schick, developed from this jour- nal. Several short-lived campaign sheets ap- peared about this period, but no permanent ef- fect was produced by them on the newspaper history of the county. The Saturday Record presents a striking il- lustration of the evolution of a newspaper. In 1894 it was established by Wilbur Fisk Brock, under the name of the Garden City-Gazette. J. J. Schick purchased it two years later, and changed the name to the Watchman. In the autumn of 1900 J. G. Frankland puchased the plant. It was then that the name was changed 826 PRESS CHAPTER. to the Saturday Record, the charcter of the pub- lication changed and material improvements made. To the Bingham building. Alder street, it was taken and housed in commodious quart- ers. Thus the old Watchman became an eight- page paper ; a typesetting machine was installed, a complete job plant and other requisites to make an up-to-date office added. September 22, 1898, the Argus, in Walla Walla, was founded by Walter Lingenfelder and C. H. Goddard. The interest of Mr. God- dard was acquired by J. E. Mullinix in Febru- ary, 1899, he. in turn, selling out to Walter Lingenfelder, who thus became sole proprietor. This journal was a weekly and independently Democratic. At one period the Inland Empire, a most creditable monthly, was published jointly lin Spokane and Walla Walla. Its propreitor and editor was A. H. Harris. It was a magazine of 24 pages, containing elaborate articles of both historic value and high literary merit. At pres- ent it is published at Spokane and the Walla Walla edition has been dropped. In March, 1878, the first edition of the AYaitsburg Weekly Times was issued. A few of the public-spirited citizens of the town con- ceived the idea of issuing a newspaper in their midst. Accordingly a meeting was called and a company known as the Waitsburg Printing and Publishing Association was organized with a capital stock of $1,250, in shares of $25 each. Soon the stock was all taken ; March 1 6th the Waitsburg Times was issued; B. K. Land became editor. The career of the Times was successfully guided by him for a few months, but soon it entered shoal water, from which Mr. Land was unable to clear it and, not having a dollar in- vested, he appeared willing to let the journal- istic craft go to pieces. Under these parlous circumstances the directors leased the plant to D. J. Edwards. Within six months he re- tired from the editorial tripod. During the few weeks following this event the Tinies remained dead to the world. The plant was then leased to J. C. Swash, who infused new vitality into the otherwise moribund publication. He con- tinued with the paper eight months, August 20, 1 881, C. W. Wheeler purchased the lease from Mr. Swash, and in March, 1882, bought the entire plant. A teacher by profession, and hav- ing served as superintendent of public instruc- tion of Walla Walla county, and also, as Ter- ritorial superintendent, he entered upon the management of the Times with great vigor and business sagacity. His two sons, E. L. and Guy Wheeler, assumed charge of the paper in 1900, thus affording their father a greatly de- sired rest. In politics the Times is strongly Republican. June 3, 1889, the Daily Times was launched, an evening paper, four-column folio. It was enlarged to a five-column folio Novem- ber 15 of the same year, and the last issue of the daily was on December 28. In 1903 E. L. Wheeler became sole editor and manager. The Waitsburg Gazette is the Democratic rival of the Times. The first issue appeared June 29, 1899, the editor and proprietor be- ing R. V. Hutchins. June 7, 1900, the paper passed into the hands of C. W. McCoy, and he, January 1, 1901, disposed of his entire interest to J. E. Hotchins. Throughout Walla Walla and Columbia counties it has acquired a large circulation. CHAPTER II REMINESCENT. ONE OF COLONEL HUNTER S STORIES. In his book, "Reminescences of An Old- Timer,'' Colonel George Hunter, a pioneer of the Pacific coast, and who for many years was a resident of Columbia county, tells the follow- ing- story of one of his many experiences in Washington Territory. The scene of the ad- venture was in Columbia county : "Late in the fall of 1864 I sent the (pack) train to Blackfoot in charge of Stephen Allen (George Hunter's father-in-law) and (Fult) Johnson, I remaining with the family at Walla Walla. They made the trip to Bear Gulch, in Montana. On their return they followed to Pend d' Oreille lake trails, and in the severe snowstorm they lost forty-seven animals on the trail near Pack river, and finally arrived at old Fort Taylor, at the mouth of Tucanon, on Snake river, with the remnant of the train. As I had heard of their trouble I took two large train horses that I had and packed one of them with clothing, boots and a supply of provisions, and started in a storm to meet them. I had about fifty miles to go across the rolling hills by trails. When I had made about thirty miles I came to a wayside place called 'Dobson & McKay's Ranch,' the last house I would pass till I ar- rived at the mouth of the Tucanon. It was just night and blowing a gale. The snow was about eighteen inches deep. It had snowed about a foot, then thawed some, turned cold and crusted ; then six or seven inches of fresh snow had fallen on this crust, and the air was full of snow. On my arrival at this ranch I put up my horses, had supper, and was ready to turn into my blankets when a pack train pulled in from Tucanon. The men told men that Allen and Johnson were coming behind, and un- doubtedly couldn't make it with their worn out animals. I at once resaddled and packed up, and started in the storm to meet them. There were thirty or forty packers at this ranch, who assured me that no man could make the Tucanon in such a storm in the night. The snow had drifted in the trails so that it was impossible to follow them ; and they said that no one but a fool or a mad man would undertake it. This made no difference to me. I told them I should try it, at least, and I did. As soon as I got to a corner of a fence that sur- rounded a small piece of land, I found that it was out of the question for me to follow the trails ; so I left them to my right and, keeping the wind to my back, strove to travel parallel with them. By walking and leading my horses I knew I could tell if I came to the trails, as the crust had been broken by the trains recently passing. "I plodded my way for an hour or so, then turned to my right, keeping the wind on my shoulder and in a short time found the trails, and left them as before. These maneuvers I kept up for hour after hour, and until I had made fully ten miles, when, while looking for the trail I heard a noise which I supposed to come from some wild animal. Peering into the darkness and through the driving snow I saw what I suposed to be a wolf or mountain lion .828 REMINISCENT. (cougar) ; I stepped to my saddle horse, took my pistol out of my holster and was about to fire when the thought occurred to me to 'haloo' be- fore shooting. I did so, and to my surprise was answered by a man's voice near by. I recognized the voice as that of my father-in- law and partner. It was his horse I had seen, t and the noise I heard was the whinny of the horse. "I found Allen sitting on the machillas of his saddle, exhausted, while the horse had given out. Examining his feet I found they were not frozen, but his boots were so worn that they were filled with snow around his socks. I strove to put on him an extra pair that I had brought along, but he was so chilled that he couldn't help me. I caught up a blanket and wrapped strips of it around his feet, put over them my own buffalo overshoes, then helped him mount my own riding horse and started back for Dobson & McKay's ranch. Knowing my horses would follow the trails when headed for home. I followed on foot, whipping Allen's wornout horse along. In a short time Allen declared he couldn't stand it any longer, but must get off and walk. I helped him off, when he staggered a few steps and fell, saying he could not walk. Then came the 'tug of war,' as he was a man who weighed over 200 pounds, and was so badly chilled that he could not help himself a particle ; it proved to be quite a job for me to help him on to the horse again. I finally succeeded; then I wound blankets around him and tied them and him to the sad- dle; took the bridle off the horse; took out a flask of brandy that I had brought along and had him drink all he could of it, as I told him he would stay where he was until Ave reached the ranch. He thought I would freeze myself, as I had but thin calf boots on my feet after giving him my overshoes. I told him I could make it by keeping close up to the horses which broke the trails and kept the wind off me to some extent. "The wind and snow cut like a knife, but by running, whipping and taking an occasional pull at the flask I got along finely. I gave Allen a dose semi-occasionally. In the course of an hour Allen said he was warm and would get off and walk and let me ride awhile ; but I thought I wouldn't trust him off again, and I knew that if I stopped running and walking I would soon chill so that I wouldn't be able to help either of us ; so on he stayed until we reached the ranch, which we did near morning. On our arrival at the ranch we awoke the proprietor, who took care of our stock, and we sat down by the stove. Some one of the packers asked Allen where he was from, and he told them Tucanon. They asked if he had met a man riding a large horse. He, not thinking of me, replied 'no.' The packer said, 'Well, I pity that d d fool.' Being told at the breakfast table that I was the per- son he had spoken of he said he had no apology to offer for his past remarks, as he believed that no one but a fool or an idiot could have done what I did in such a storm and night. I accepted the 'apology,' for I could planly see by the countenances of most of those present that they indorsed his sentiments, and that in declining to apologize I was liable to ge a worse instead of a better one. Next day the storm having abated I went on to Tucanon with the provisions and clothing for our men, Allen go- ing with the others to Walla Walla, where I arrived soon afterward with the team, a chi- nook wind having taken the snow off." LADY JURORS. The women suffrage law which went into effect in Washington Territory in 1883 not only entitled women to vote, but also to do jury duty. Accordingly when the jury lists were made out in the fall of 1884 the county com- missioners selected eleven ladies for grand jury duty and fourteen to serve as petit jurors. Those for the grand jury in Columbia county REMINISCENT. 8291 were : Mrs. J. H. Putnam, Josephine Farmer, Mrs. M. E. Armstrong, Mrs. Charles Wright, Mrs. Mary Monnett, Mrs. W. A. Belcher, Mrs. W. S. Strong, Mrs. Sarah A. Wilson, Mrs. Leah H. Wolfe, Mrs. F. G. Frary and Mrs. John Mustard. For the petit jury they selected Mrs. Delilah Muncy, Mrs. Prudence George, Mrs. John Brining, Mrs. H. S. Cavanna, Mrs. W. H. Kuhn, Mrs. S. M. Wait, Mrs. D. C. Guernsey, Mrs. J. E. Edmiston, Mrs. E. Ping, Mrs. John Stanifird, Wealthy J. Dexter, Mrs. J. A. Star- ner, Mrs. Matt Hunter and Mrs. A. K. Curtis. Court was held at Dayton in January, 1885, and a number of these ladies were drawn as jurors. One of the important cases was the trial of Glover on the charge of murder, who was convicted on a lesser charge than first de- gree. On this jury were five women and seven men, and while the verdict met with popular approval, it was the general opinion that, of course, the five women were solid for acquittal in the case which took several hours to arrive at a verdict, and would have been in any case where the punishment would have been death. A mean man. signing himself "Ben," writing in the Columbia Chronicle, had the audacity to intimate that women as jurors were not a suc- cess, and declared himself in the following lan- guage. "The term just closed has been a notable one from the fact that the experiment of female jurors has been tried. In many of the ca. c es that have been left for them to decide they have ex- hibited both judgment and firmness; but as an interested and close observer I have at times thought his Honor did not exactly agree with them in the verdict rendered. The muscles of his face and the peculiar manner of clearing his throat intimated as much when the Glover verdict was handed him to read, and I could not rid myself of the idea that he thought the sympathetic nature of women unfitted them to sit upon a jury where the life of a fellow being hung in the balance. While the verdict met with popular approval, my humble opinion is that a verdict of 'guilty as charged' — murder in the first degree — would not have been set aside by the court." Of course such a libel could not go unan- swered and a lady, signing herself "Anna Bell," who said she earned $9 doing jury duty, rose to the occasion. We gallantly give the lady the last word : "In the last number of the Chronicle I no- tice some censorious comments on women as jurors. Merely a straw or two to show which way the wind blows in that 'neck o' the woods' sacred to the Chronicle. 'A Close Observed shows himself a poor apothecary in that he gives us first the sweet 'taffy,' then the bitter prejudice, thus leaving a bad taste in the mouth. After complimenting the women (alas for the- insignificance of men jurors!) he goes on to say that their sympathetic nature unfits them to decide a case where the life of a fellow being- hangs in the balance. How utterly too sweet!' He further says that the 'working of the mus- cles of his Honor's face' and the 'clearing of his Honor's throat' indicated to 'Close Observer' that in the Glover case a verdict of guilty as charged, i. e., murder in the first degree, would have been more acceptable. Cannot justice be rendered then, unless the judge is pleased with the verdict? If twelve good jurors and true, cannot under their solemn oaths, and with the evidence before them and the judge's instruc- tions still ringing in their ears, render a just verdict, because it does not fully please the judge, then away with the jury system ! 'To all whom it may concern !' Beware ! When Judge Wingard clears his throat, or permits the muscles of his face, tired of inglorious ease, to 'work' a little. How extremely displeased the judge must have been with the entire pro- cedings of the court, for he seldom spoke with- out clearing his throat. The undersigned was simple-minded enough to suppose it was chronic. 'Close Observer' looked at his Honor with prejudiced eyes ; 'through a glass, darkly,' but 8 3 o REMINISCENT. others saw him 'face to face,' for if the work- ing of the judicial countenance meant anything in particular, it expressed unalloyed pleasure when the Glover verdict was brought in; wit- ness the extremely light sentence which sup- plemented that verdict. The judge had the power to send Glover up for twenty years, and that he did not give him at least ten years is a matter of surprise to many, chiefly those who did not listen attentively to the whole evidence, or those who listened with a biased mind. 'A Close Observer' 'cannot rid himself of the idea' (how he must suffer!), that women are unfit to serve as jurors on criminal cases; perhaps a plain statement of facts may ease him. Who presented the indictment, murder in the first degree? On the grand jury there were eleven men and five women. On the first ballot five women and eig-ht men voted 'yes,' (i. e., for in- dictment aforesaid), and three men voted 'no.' Just what would have suited the 'sympathetic nature' of those three men deponent sayeth not, not knowing. On the petit jury there were seven men and five women. On the first bal- lot one man and two women voted for acquittal, and two women and not one man voted murder in the first degree. So it seems that one man was troubled with a 'sympathetic na- ture,' and two women pocketed that angelic attribute, as it were, and wanted to hang their fellow being. Alas ! 'Twas ever thus ; facts are fatal to fiction. I heard a man who was de- feated as plaintiff in a business case say that he would never bring a suit of that kind into court here again, as women are too ignorant of business to be able to decide fairly. Now the truth is that on his jury, consisting of five men and seven women, one man and one woman 'hung' the jury for plaintiff all night, but were finally forced to yeild and decide again him, the man expressing indifference at the last mo- ment as to which party won, saying it was 'no difference to him.' Oh! Had a woman acted in that manner we should, in the language of Mrs. Gradgrind, 'never heard the last of it.' "To conclude : 'The best laid plans of mice and men gang aft aglee.' When those gentle- men placed 'we uns' on the grand and petit jur- ies instead of 'bluffing' us they honored us. 'Some are born to honor; some achieve honor and some have honor thrust upon them,' saith Shakespeare ; we belong to the latter class, and have shown our high appreciation of our posi- tion by going bravely forward and 'without fear of favor' fulfilling our duties conscien- tiously. I can testify from personal experience that the gentlemen of the grand jury treated the ladies in a perfectly courteous manner, and our sessions were rather enjoyable than other- wise. I earned $9, minus the discount, with which I intend purchasing materials for cro- cheting a buggy robe as a present to my hus- band, who really deserves some token of grati- tude for keeping household affairs in such ap- ple-pie order and getting the meals so punctu- ally. I shall have the supreme pleasure of knowing that the robe is a really truly present, bought with my own money. The lady petits assure me that their experience was not disa- greeable." THE GREAT BEAR SHOW. During the short time that Dayton was a 'closed town,' the result of the local option law of 1886, many amusing things took place. Among others was the patronage bestowed on the town pump. The prohibition, however, did not strictly prohibit people from securing in- toxicating liquors. Monday, August 23, 1886, was circus day in Dayton and the town was thronged with people who came to witness the wonders under canvas. But they were awfully thirsty. Ben Scott was at that time propreitor of the city brewery and had on hand a large stock of beer. Ben was a philanthropist and the thirst of the multitude hurt him almost as much as it did the thirsty. He conceived a plan whereby the thirst of the multitude might be REMINISCENT. 831 quenched in sparkling lager without violating the local option law. A pet bear belonging to George Ihrig was procured, a showman's license, costing $5, was applied for and a flam- ing sign, "The Great Bear Show,'" was painted on a piece of cotton cloth. The bear was placed in the rear of the brewery, the sign hung in the window and Ben, with a visage over which not a ghost of a smile flitted, 'tended door.' The price of admission was 25 cents, which all who entered had to pay. The bear was a drawing card and performed to a crowded house all day. Those who were thirsty helped themselves to beer from several kegs whose long-nosed faucets protruded from the ice chest, the beverage being free to all who paid to see the bear. Ben coined money and the thirst of the circus-goers was quenched. In justice to Mr. Scott we will say that he closed the 'show' in the afternoon before any person became intoxicated from the antics of the bear. INDIANS TAKE DAYTON. The following is from the Columbia Chron- icle: Last Sunday night, September 28, 1890, about twenty-five drunken Indians gave the sheriff and justice of Dayton considerable trou- ble. Late in the afternoon the Indians were seen to be having a big time among themselves. A large number congregated in the vicinity of the Catholic church, where several fights oc- curred. About half past eight they began to infest the city, riding their horses at full speed on all streets, and yelling at every jump. About nine o'clock Sheriff Marquiss heard a pistol shot and immediately went over to see if there was a man for breakfast. An Indian was seen coming up Third street yelling, and waving a large revolver. The sheriff stood in an alley- way until the Indian got nearly opposite him when he sprang out and ordered the Indian to stop, at the same time trying to catch the pony by the bridle. The Indian quickly wheeled his horse to one side and escaped, but the sheriff took a parting shot at him. Before the Indian was out of sight he was seen to fall forward and throw his arms around the pony's neck, and it is thought that he was wounded. From 9 o'clock until 1 a. m. the city was in a continu- ous uproar. Indians were riding and running everywhere, and were being chased by the police and citizens. Their hideous warwhoops frightened many ladies and were not exten- sively enjoyed by men. Many prominent citizens could be seen parading around Fourth street with Winchesters in their hands ready to down the first Indian that came in range. Many shots were fired and five Indians were captured and placed in jail. If there were any wounded they succeeded in getting away before the fact was learned. At one time it was thought best to call out the militia, but after consultation with officers it was found that it could not legally be done. About one o'clock the enemy had been completely routed and quiet was restored. One of the captured Indians was bleeding considerably from wounds about the body and face, and for a time it was thought he was wounded as he had been shot at in the chase. But it was discovered on examination that he had run into a barbed wire fence and got badly cut in several places. He tried to get away by leaving his horse and taking to a corn field. He threw off his blanket and all his clothing except a shirt, and had he not encountered the wire fence would have made good his escape. Monday the prisoners were given a trial and fined $15 and costs each. They all paid their fines Tuesday and were released. The author- ities are now looking for the rascal who sold them whiskey. MURDER AND SUICIDE. "A horrible tragedy," says the Columbia Chronicle, "was enacted in Dayton last Mon- day morning, November 24, 1890, which 8 3 2 REMINISCENT. caused a great deal of excitement and resulted in the death of two worthy citizens. There seems to be a long chain of circumstances which lead up to the time of the tragedy and which will never be revealed, having been buried with the unfortunate victims. "The principal cause of the trouble between Mr. Sigmund Marquis, and Mr. A. E.'McCall, seems to have been concerning a straw stack, half of which, according to good authority, be- longed to Marquis and half to McCall. For several years Marquis has been a renter of Mc- Call's farm near Covello. This season a verbal agreement was made between Marquis and Mc- Call that McCall should have the entire stack of straw if he would pay for the stacking, pro- viding Marquis removed to another county, which he talked of doing. It was, also, under- stood, that if Marquis remained in the county he would be entitled to half the straw stack, and was to pay for half the stacking. After harvest Marquis decided to remain in the coun- ty. He rented the Thronson farm and recently moved his family on to the place. When settle- ment was made for threshing he paid his part for stacking the straw. Last Saturday he went to haul his part of the straw to his new home, but was forbidden to take any by some one in authority who is now living on McCall's farm. Marquis said he would take the straw as it be- longed to him. In the afternoon it was his in- tention to haul another load, but was persuaded by his wife not to do so until he had consulted with Mr. McCall about the matter. Marquis spent Sunday with his family and attended church. Monday morning he carried water for his wife to help along with the wash- ing and then started for town. Before leav- ing his wife cautioned him not to have any trouble with McCall, to which Marquis re- plied, 'I will have my rights or I won't live.' He then went to the barn to get his horse. When about half way to the barn he stopped, as if in meditation ; then turning, walked a few steps toward the house; then turned again, went to the barn, got on his horse and started for town. On the road he met Dan Duty, with whom he held a short conversation, and among other things said that he was going to town to have a settlement with McCall, and that if the settlement were not satisfactory, 'I won't live. If anything happens, be good to Johnnie and the family.' "As near as can be ascertained Marquis rode directly to McCall's residence. He hitched his horse to the fence and went into the house where he found McCall. It is supposed a busi- ness talk was had between the two men, and from what soon after transpired it is evident was not satisfactory to Marquis. The two men came out of the house on the north side, and as McCall turned to go into the back lot Marquis said, 'Well, are you going to let me have that straw; yes or no?' McCall replied, 'no.' Mar- quis then drew a revolver and shot McCall in the left breast. McCall, being unarmed, fled.. Marquis followed and continued shooting until he had emptied his pistol, the second shot pass- ing through McCall's hat, and the fifth and last shot striking him in the back as he jumped the fence on Fourth street. McCall ran upstairs, loaded his revolver and stepping ont on the porch, fired one shot at Marquis who had stopped in the corner of the lot. After firing. McCall fell on the porch. Marquis, seeing him fall, put the pistol to his own head and prilled the trigger, but the last shot had been fired. He then drew a pocket knife and, turning to John Church who rode up on horseback, said, 'Have I fixed him?' Church replied, 'I guess you have.' Marquis then stabbed himself four times, in the left breast, once in the right, and soon fell to the ground. Church took the pistol and knife from him, and Marquis said, 'Here is the pistol that done the shooting and there is the knife that done the cutting. Don't blame any- body. I did it myself.' "The shooting took place about 10:30 a. m., and a few minutes later almost every inhab- itant was shocked by the horrible news. As- REMINISCENT. 833 soon as possible physicians were on hand, but it was beyond their power to do more than re- lieve intense suffering, as the wounds inflicted were fatal. Mr. Marquis was then taken to a room in Engel's boarding house where he died soon after 12 o'clock, m. His last words were, 'All that I regret about this is that McCall is not dead.' "His remains were taken to the residence of J. M. Morgan, in Brooklyn, from where he was buried on Tuesday. He was fifty years of age and leaves a wi'fe and two children to mourn his loss. He was a poor man, finan- cially, but from all accounts was rich in friend- ship and commanded the respect of his neigh- bors, who all have a good word to say for him, for what he has been in years gone by. "Mr. McCall lingered until Tuesday morn- ing at six o'clock, when he expired. He had been a resident of the county for many years, and had acquired considerable property. Not very long ago he purchased the Rainwater place and moved his family to the city of Dayton, no doubt for the purpose of taking the world easy and schooling his children. He had always been a hard working man and had just reached such circumstances as would enable him to live in comfort the remainder of his days. At one time he represented Columbia county in the Territorial Council, was a member of the United Brethren Church, and had raised a fine family. He made his will Monday leaving all his property to his wife. His funeral, which was held at the Southern Methodist Church, Wednesday morning, was largely attended. His remains were interred in the cemetery near Co- vello. He was forty-five years of age, a man of considerable ability, universally respected by his neighbors, and worshiped by his family." "That none can tell what a day may bring forth was startingly illustrated in the distress- ing occurrence on Monday last, which culmi- nated in the death of two esteemed citizens, thrilled with horror the entire community, and plunged in unspeakable woe the relatives of the slayer and the slain. That the principal actor in this dark tragedy committed an offense-, which finds no justification in the circum- stances which incited him to it, must be admit- ted by all. It is more than probable, however, that for the time being, at least, he was morally irresponsible. Constant brooding over real or imaginary wrongs begot in him a morbid state of mind, and the slight altercation with his vic- tim on the morning of the tragedy threw him into a frenzy, which, let us believe in all charity,, rendered him irresponsible. The inference that he was irrational is further borne out by the method which he employed to effect his own destruction; the grim and awful heroism of which could only have been born of insanity. These victims of a tear-compelling fate were in life both useful citizens, highly esteemed in the communities where they resided. One was a member of the church, in good standing, and both were heads of exemplary families. To render accurate judgment in the matter is im- possible. Sympathy for the bereaved living and charity or silence where the dead are in- volved, is the kindest and wisest attitude. The difficulty which resulted in the fatal affray does not affect the community at large, and between the dead men it has been terribly and finally settled." HOW PENAWAWA WAS NAMED. In one of her very interesting letters to the San Francisco Spirit of the Times Mrs. Bee- croft gives us something worth preserving re- specting Snake river, and one of the popular pilots on that stream who is known to almost all Astorians. We quote from her letter writ- ten July 20, 1878: "Texas rapids exercise all the skilL of our 53 834 REMINISCENT. lithe-limbed, active pilot to overcome, and with deep respirations of relief he exclaims : "'It was a long tug, wasn't it? It's an ugly place ; one of our captains sunk a steamer in that whirl back there, and it cost the com- pany $20,000 to raise her.' "Genius hath no abiding place, and to the realm of poesy came pilgrims singing the mel- ody of strange countries and tongues. It is not surprising then that as we approach the ancient camping ground of Penawawa the fol- lowing impromptu parody should drop in quaint rythm from the bearded lips of our face- tious, ready-witted pilot from Wallula, Cap- tain W. P. Gray : 'Now we come to Penawawa ! Here the son of Hiawatha, With his uncle, son and brother, When he left his poor, old mother, Left the poor old Minne-ha-ha, With her toothless gums and wa-wa, Taking all her rings and trinkets, And forgot to leave her blankets ! Took with him the belt of wampum, Hiawatha thought so bunkum, Here this noble siwash landed Where the sinuous Snake expanded. Once he heard of William Penn, Memory brought him back again, As he stood beside the river; As he watched the sunbeams quiver; Penn-a-wa-wa, then he murmured, Then he gazed aloft and wondered What the rest was, but he knew not; Memory would not span the black spot, So his braves with one loud haw haw Called the camp ground Penawawa.' "Wa-wa signifies 'talk' in the Indian dia- lect, and this historically intelligent savage had, doubtless, heard of William Perm's talk with the red men of the embryo Keystone State. As to give emphasis to the romance of our story, as we came to the landing, several native dressed Indians with squaws and pap- pooses came down to the shore and watched with the utmost eagerness every parcel and package which was unladen from the steamer's deck." LAND JUMPING. The following from Gilbert's History is reminiscently interesting : Considerable "land jumping" was indulged in by various parties in the vicinity of Dayton in the spring of 1878, and the farmers united to discourage such proceedings. A committee waited upon J. M. Sparks and notified him to vacate a ranch he had "jumped," but instead of heeding their warning he defied and abused them so vigorously that they were glad to re- tire from his presence. On the afternoon of the 27th of March Sparks was in Dayton when he was approached by the son of one of the com- mitteemen, who knocked him off the sidewalk. From the appearance of a number of men standing around Sparks was satisfied that they were "after him," and he drew his revolver and fired a harmless shot at his assailant's legs. Sparks was then attacked by a brother of the assailant whom he wounded by shooting him in the leg. Several others then advanced to the at- tack, and Sparks ran into Shrum's stable, then behind an adjoining harness shop, from which place he exchanged shots with a man who was watching for him in the street. Sparks received a bullet in the cheek and another in the neck, and it was with difficulty that the officers and people of Dayton prevented the angry farmers from lynching the wounded man. When Sparks recovered he left the country, and the Settlers' Protective Committee gave public notice that land-jumpers would not be tolerated in the fu- ture. The man wounded in the leg suffered amputation of that limb. KILLING OF PEU-PEU-MOX-MOX. George W. Miller: The killing of Peu- Peu-Mox-Mox and the other prisoners who had been captured while bearing a flag of truce, at the battle of Walla Walla, in 1855, has. been REMINISCENT. 835 settled one way or another by every writer who has approached the question. A descrip- tion of the killing of these Indians and the sen- timent of the volunteers who were present is given by George W. Miller, who served in the battle as a member of Company H, of the First Regiment, and was an eye-witness of the tragedy. Mr. Miller came to what is now Co- lumbia county in i860 and has been a highly respected citizen ever since, and his opinion of the justification of the act will prove interesting to all residents of Columbia county. Mr. Miller describes the incident as follows : "The baggage train and flag of truce pris- oners had already arrived at the La Roche cabin, which was .used as a hospital. Peu-Peu- Mox-Mox with his stentorian voice, began to cheer up his warriors and encourage them to be brave, receiving responses from them at short intervals. Colonel Kelly had just ridden from the front back to the hospital, when Frank Crabtree came in with his shoulder shattered and his arm dangling by his side and reported Captain Layton wounded and surrounded with five or six others on the hills at the front. Just at this critical moment the question was asked, 'What shall be done with the prisoners?' Col- onel Kelly took in the situation at once and said, 'My men are all needed at the front. Tie or kill them; I don't care a d d which,' and rode back to the front. Ropes were pro- cured to tie the prisoners, but the)' refused, ex- cept one, a young Nez Perce, who croosed his arms and said he wanted to be tied. One very large Indian, known by the name of Wolf- Skin, who was very talkative, and who had tried to escape from the guard the night before, drew a large knife concealed in his leggins, uttering a demon-like yell, and began to cut his way through the guard, wounding Sergeant Major Isaac Miller severely in the arm. The others, excepting the Nez Perce, who had been tied, were trying to make their way through the guard and escape to the hills, but their efforts were futile. It was only the work of a mo- ment, brought on by their own remorseless hands, when they fell to the grounl weltering in their gore. If the body of Peu-Peu-Mox- Mox was multiliated the act was brought on by a relentless foe, whose mode of warfare al- ways was insensible to the feelings of others. At this time and place those brave volunteers had their feelings wrought up to the highest pitch, and their excitement ran wild as they saw the scalps, perhaps of a brother or a sister, or some relative flapping from the top of some pole planted on a prominent point on the hills to our left. A fair and candid mind could hardly look on the scene before him without exonerating the boys in all that was done. "Here let me quote one sentence from F. T. Gilbert's historic sketches of Walla Walla, Whitman, Columbia, Garfield and Asotin counties. Regarding the killing of the pris- oners he says : 'All were scalped in a few min- utes and, later, the body of Yellow Bird, the great Walla Walla chief, was mutiliated in a way that should entitle those who did it to a prominent niche in the ghoulish temple erected to commemorate the infamous deeds of soul- less man." "Oh, Colonel Gilbert! Thou art a jewel, and those brave volunteers who fought at Walla Walla, the most hotly contested battle ever fought on the Pacific coast, will mock thee to scorn until the last one has gone where the scoffer's pen will never again mar their feel- ings." BOB PEABODY S STORY. R. E. Peabody, editor and proprietor of the Columbia Chronicle, Dayton, assisted in getting out the first issue of that paper in April, 1878. From the summer of 1881 until the present he has been continuously connected with it. Here is the story of how he happened to come to Dayton and his connection with the Chronicle, as told by himself in his usual interesting and happy manner: 8 3 6 REMINISCENT. "Twenty-six years ago, 1878, I landed in Walla Walla from Sacramento, California, where I had passed the winter working on the Daily Record Union, in the state printing office and Crocker's job office. I had been informed by good judges of horseflesh that if I did not quit the printing business I would soon wither and die. Any one who has ever worked any length of time on a morning paper does not need many advisers as to his health to realize that they are all truthful and know whereof they speak. If there is anything on earth that will give a man 'that tired feeling,' it is a job on a morning paper. "So with that awful tired feeling and the constant advice of other printers, who no doubt wanted my job. I began to cast about for some other kind of employment. Went to San Fran- cisco with a friend who had a notion of joining the United States navy. Said it was just the thing to build up one's constitution. My friend had an acquaintance in the city, an attorney, whose advise we agreed to take. Whatever he advised us to do we were going to tackle it. We consulted the attorney and his advice was to go to the Territory of Washington. He said it was attracting a great deal of attention and was the best place for young men to go. The attorney also said, 'Boys, whatever you may do, don't go into the navy.' We took his advice. I immediately bought a ticket for Portland. The fare was only $8 first-class; $3.50 steerage. My friend said he would not buy a ticket until the next day. In this he missed it. The next day the fare was raised to $30 first-class and $15 steerage. The next day also found my friend in poor circumstances. He must have set in a game somewhere and lost, for the next morning he said that he did not have enough money to buy a steerage ticket. He took a boat that afternoon for Point Rays. Have not seen or heard of him since. "But I was booked for Washington and sailed in the Ancon in a few days for Portland. Arriving there I visited the Oregonian office, not for the purpose of seeking employment, but just to keep the smell of the shop in my nos- trils. I had resolved to be a farmer and longed to reach the bunch grass hills of Washington, of which I had heard much talk. My stay in Portland was brief, owing to the fact that I wanted to get as far away from daily news- papers as possible, and to the further fact that I wished to continue the journey with acquaint- ances whose destination was Walla Walla. On- reaching Wallula the surroundings impressed me as being unsually dismal. An army of bed- bugs had charge of the hotel and a couple of thugs and grafters seemed to have charge of the bedbugs. The hotel was crowded and the thugs seemed to take delight in sicking the bugs on to new arrivals until they were willing to give up their beds after half a night's battle, to the next unfortunate who would be charged full price for the remainder of the night. A business man of Walla Walla went among the- tenderfeet with cheering words, telling all not to be discouraged, as we were just on the bor- der of the promised land. "The Baker railroad was in operation and the crowd of tenderfeet was so great that box- cars were used foir passenger coaches. We were herded into several of these and Baker's, big dog trotted by the side of the train to keep stock off the track and to see that none of us got away. The train arrived at Walla Walla about noon. I was at once favorably impressed, with the beautiful valley and the green fields on every side. Another and most substantial ob- ject which met my vision at the depot was an uncle whom I had not seen for fifteen years. I immediately made myself at home with him and allowed him to stay with me several weeks immediately following. This brings us up to the time of our arrival in the Territory twenty- six years ago. My previous history up to that time, although interesting to myself, perhaps, would not be to the readers of the Chronicle. Suffice it to say that my race had degenerated to such an extent that it is learned that my REMINISCENT. 837 forefathers came over in the Mayflower. I had always considered this fact sufficient to account for my being such a daisy. In the month of April, 1878, about a month after my arrival in Walla Walla, I learned that a new paper was soon to be started in Dayton. My sojourn in Walla W'alla had so built up my constitu- tion and ambitions that I felt equal to a short siege on a weekly paper. I wanted to work for awhile and in the meantime select the farm on which I was to expend by future energies and recuperate great physical power. "About April 12 I arrived in Dayton by hand, with $3.75 in my pocket, which I believe was about the right per capita at that time and season of the year. The night before I stopped at the Starr place, five miles below Dayton. Mr. Starr treated me kindly and only charged 75 cents for supper, bed and breakfast. I con- sidered this exceedingly cheap, for I had been used to paying from 50 cents to $1 for meals ever since arriving in the Territory. Most people had a great graft in those days and the tenderfoot's sack had to be rather bulky to stand the constant strain. Arriving at the old bridge across the Touchet I stopped to look at the water and wondered if the fishing was good. Proceeding up town I soon found the Chronicle office. Mr. Gale informed me that he very much needed a printer, and I was hired at once. A few columns of type had been set for the first issue, but not a single ad was up. I was put on to the ads, and, as is the case in all new offices, 'sorts' ran out in nearly every font. By the use of yards of wooden reglet, metal furniture and a freight team load of swear words, I finally managed to land all the ads in the form. The first issue was printed on Saturday, April 20, 1878, and I will remember the eager crowds that hung around the office waiting for the first copies. E. R. Burk was solicitor at that time and took great pride in delivering the paper about the city. T. M. May was the treasurer and financial backer. He bought the outfit and stood bv the paper until it passed into other hands. It took considera- ble hustling to get out the first issue, but the second week, the ads all being up, the printers had a picnic. Mr. Gale and Mr. May held a consultation. As they did not know how they were going to prosper they decided to put a lady at one case, and with the help of Gale's brother, they thought they could get along. At the end of the second week Mr. Gale in- formed me of the new arrangement and told me that Mr. May would settle. This was a gentle hint that my pay would stop at that mo- ment. So I quit. The following Monday Mr. May hunted me up and paid me off. He said he hoped that I would not have any hard feel- ings in the matter, as it was a new concern and they did not quite see their way through as yet to pay all expenses. This ended the first chapter of my experiences on the Chronicle. During the two weeks that I worked on the paper I boarded with Pap Stevens, who ran a little restaurant about where Kit Robinson's shop is to-day. Pap Stevens waited on the table himself. He smoked a meerschaum pipe about the size of a teacup, and it was annoying to see him come into the dining room with a plate of ham and eggs in one hand and smoking his big pipe, which he was obliged to hold up with the other. ''In those days it made very little difference to the proprietor whether the guest liked the bill of fare and the way it was served or not. If vou did not like it all you had to do was to say so. Then the old man would carry eggs and pipe in different hands for a day or two. thus giving a complete change to the bill of fare. Soon after being fired by Tom May I went to the Alpowa ridge in search of that ranch. Found a good piece of land and built a house on it. Remained on the ridge all winter cutting rails and wood. During the summer assisted the Dixie and Demaris hoys harvest near Dixie. While threshing near the latter place an eclipse ( f the sun occurred. It became so dark that the work was supended for half an hour. In 8 3 8 REMINISCENT. passing through Dayton to the harvest field Mr. Gale offered me a position on the Chronicle, but I refused on the grounds that the harvest field was much the best place for me, as I was tired of printing anyhow. About this time B. M. Washburne appeared on the scene and took charge of the office. The spring of 1879 found McCully & Eastham in charge of the Chronicle. I worked a week for them and then went to Boise City, Idaho. From there to Montana by packtrain and back to Washington horse- back the following year, via the Mullan road. In the spring of 1881 O. C. White offered me a situation on the Chronicle. I accepted and have been a hanger on in one way and another ever since. It is unnecessary for me to go into detail as to my conduct since assuming com- plete control of the Chronicle, as every reader is familiar with what really belongs to the public. "Since assuming control of the paper I have at times found it to be a very large ele- phant to care for, and have personally carried water through the back yard to it to keep it from famishing. At other times it seemed to appre- ciate its keep and very little extra fodder was necessary in order to keep it contented and pros- perous. * * * Let me also say that the farm I . so much coveted in the early days is a re- ality. It now furnishes and promises to fur- nish all the energy and physical force I or any other man can bestow upon it for the next twenty years. It is a brush ranch on the moun- tain. It is owned by my wife." COMPANY F (DAYTON) AT THE BATTLE OF SANTA ANA. BY LIEUTENANT GEORGE B. DORR. The battle of Santa Ana was a part of what is now known in history as the second battle of Manila, it being the part taken by the Second Brigade, First Division of the Eiehth Army Corps, General Thomas Anderson being divi- sion commander, and General Charles King brigade commander. The Second Brigade con- sisted of the First Washington, six companies of the First California, eight companies of the First Idaho Volunteers and Battery D, Sixth Artillery, with two three-inch guns, under com- mand of Liutenant Scott, numbering in all about 2,000 effective men. It is not my intention to enter into the causes that led up to the breach of the friendly relations heretofore existing between the two opposing forces. Suffice it to say that these relations had been somewhat strained for the last thirty days preceding the battle of Febru- ary 4 and 5, 1899. Both armies were well drilled and in fine condition for a fight, but the instructions to our men were not to be aggres- sive, or in any way aggravate our opponents, but to be constantly on our guard and ready for any emergency that might arise. In compli- ance with these instructions it had been the custom for the brigade commander to send one batallion to reinforce the outposts every even- ing after nightfall and return to quarters about daylight the next morning. In this connection, or to show the varying fortunes of Company F, I desire to state that on the night of February 3d they formed a part of the force that were ordered out to reinforce the outposts at Blockhouse No. 11, and took their position at the exact point that Company A, of our regiment, held on the day of the bat- tle. This position was to the right and a little in advance of Blockhouse No. 11, and proved to be the most exposed point of our line, being subjected to the cross-fire from the insurgent troops on the left at a fortified knoll, and on the right from the adobe fort. Company A had more men hit on the day of the battle than any other company on the entire fourteen miles of our line. They were finally withdrawn by order of General King and placed in a less exposed position. I mention this fact simply to show how fortune favored us, for had the battle begun REMINISCENT. 839 twenty- four hours sooner Company F would have had the largest casualty list in the regi- ment, and some of the brave boys who are with us tonight would surely now be sleeping in a soldier's grave. Agoncelia's now famous message to Aguin- aldo that "If anything was to be done it must be done before the 6th of February" had been received. All was life and bustle within the camp of the Filipinos. Our commanders had received information through our spies, that an attack was to be made. Company F having been on the line the previous night, was some- what surprised to receive orders on the night of the 4th to report to Captain Forston, then acting major, and march to Blockhouse No. 1 1 to reinforce the outpost. Quite a number of the boys were absent from quarters with leave and we mustered but 63 as we marched from the old tobacco factory to the bishop's palace and placed ourselves under the command of that gallant hero, who afterward lost his life while leading his men across the bridge in the face of the enemy's fire at Passig. How many of us as we stepped off at the command "march" that night realized to what we were marching ? Little did we think that ere another sun rose we would have received our baptism of fire and behold sights the like of which comes but once in the life of a soldier, as he witnesses the sights and scenes of his first battle. Arriving at the bishop's palace we found that our companions in arms for the night were Company I, of Walla Walla; Company E, of North Yakima, and Company G, of Vancouver. We immediately started for Blockhouse No. 11, but meeting the field officer of the day at the cross-roads he directed Captain Forston to take his batal- lion to Blockhouse No. 10. Companies I and G were ordered to cover the ground between Blockhouse No. 10 and Concordia Convent, while Companies E and F were to take a position on the left of the road opposite the blockhouse, and await orders. Thus far there was nothing out of the common in our proceedings, but everything had been done exactly the same as we had done many nights before. It was now eight by the clock and quite dark. The men spread their blankets on the ground and prepared to take their rest as usual. Captain Booker and myself, together with the officers of Company E, were sitting on a log in the road conversing on one topic and another and we finally agreed as to how we would di- vide the watch for the night. Lieutenant Lemon and myself were to take the watch until one o'clock, while Captain Booker, Lieutenant Briggs and Captain Forston were to take their rest. At one o'clock we were to call Captain Booker and Lieutenant Briggs, but were not to disturb Captain Forston, unless something happened out of the ordinary. Something did happen. All at once a rifle shot penetrated the still night air, immediately followed by a ragged volley. Silence for a moment or two; then an- other volley ; then another, and still another. All at once it dawned upon us that something was up. We knew from the direction of the sound that the firing was across the river in the vicinity of the Nebraska camp. It was but the work of a moment to rouse the men from their slumbers, roll their blankets and form their their companies along the road. In this posi- tion we awaited orders. Speculation was rife among the men as to what was going on, and considerable sport was had, the general opinion being that this' was the beginning of "China New Years," and the moon-eyed Celestial was celebrating with a vengeance. About this time the Utah battery unlimbered their guns and be- p-an firing-. The boom ! boom ! of the cannon allayed any doubts that might have risen that the battle was on. The lone sentry across the bridge that spans the little estuary in front of Blockhouse ■ No. 10 was heard to command: "Halt; who goes there?" Every soldier's pulse quickens as he awaits the reply. "A friend from the First California." "Advance, friend, and be recog- nized." A courier had arrived from the First 840 REMINISCENT. California, stationed at Pandacan, with instruc- tions to. ask for reinforcements. Pandacan was on our left about a mile and a half, and immediately across the river from the Nebraska camp. From this courier we learned that the fight was on, and that the insurgents had at- tacked the outposts of the Nebraska regiment. Captain Forston ordered Company F to march to Pandacan to reinforce the California com- pany. This was the extreme left of our line and was at that time the nearest point to the firing, so that when we started on the double- quick we thought we were going right into the thick of the fight, and I pause here to re- mark that F Company never looked so grand and imposing as at that moment when every man sprang to his place and all moved forward with a bound. Breathless and weary with our hard march we reported to Captain Stanton, of Company B, First California, who had 103 men. all inside a stone enclosure which sur- rounded the house in which the captain and his lieutenants had taken refuge, except a squad of twelve men, who were at the outpost on the bank of the river, a thousand yards in advance. We saw at once that the gallant captain ( ?) was in no immediate danger and that we would be afforded an opportunity to recover our breath. At 12 o'clock our outpost was fired upon and sent a courier back for reinforce- ments. Company F was ordered to the out- post. Arriving there we found a skirmish line along the bank of the river and awaited developments. Now and then a shot came our way, but this only served to nerve our boys up to what was to follow. Our instructions were to reserve our fire until the center of our line had advanced far enough so it would be out of range of our guns. At 2 :45 the firing began on our center at Blockhouse No. 11. It was quite dark and from our position we could see a long line of flashes from the enemy's rifles, and the an- swering flashes from the Springfields — still we reserved our fire. We lay in this position until daylight. So soon as it was light enough to see, our position was discovered by the oc- cupants of Blockhouse No. 9, across the river, and they at once opened fire on us, the bullets flying thick and fast. Here was our oppor- tunity. We could fire in this direction without danger of injury to our own men, and we re- turned volley for volley at a range of 400 yards. Thus matters went on for about an hour when a three-inch shell from one of Scott's guns struck the blockhouse amidships and sent the splinters flying and the enemy running. We saw them as they left the blockhouse, carrying four or five of their dead or wounded comrades and strike across the fields for the town of San- ta Ana. About this time the gunboat Lagoona de Bey moved up the river to a point opposite our line and shelled the brush in front of the Nebraska regiment, and also threw some shells into Santa Ana. At daylight General King wired the division commander, for permission to advance. He, in turn, wired the corps commander for such permission. The answer was: "Defend your line but do not attack." Every moment the fire became hotter. The Fil- ipinos had been taught to believe that they only had to open fire and advance and our fellows would fall back. The position was very try- ing to lie there and be fired upon ; the men be- came restless and all wanted to advance. At last the order came. At nine o'clock word came from the division commander, "Clear your front." General King's idea was to ad- vance by rushes, using the bugle for the com- mands. About half way between our line and the enemy's there was a rice dyke, some two feet in height, running parallel with our line. He expected to advance to the dyke, halt, lie down, fire several volleys, then charge from this position. He had not calculated on the temper of those volunteer soldiers who were in their first battle: who had been on the open field for hours with bullets falling around them like hail ; once released from this terrible strain, thev were hardlv accountable for what fol- REMINISCENT. 841 lowed. The bugle sounds the advance; for- ward they go, moving slowly at first, firing as they advance, their speed increasing with every volley from the line of Mausers in front of them. Now the dyke is reached and the bugle sounds the halt. But they do not halt. Some one in the line yells, "Charge!" and away they go. Three times the bugle sounds the halt, but those volunteer soldiers, experiencing their first real charge, with the fire of victory shining in their eyes, halt not. On they go, over the dyke, across the rice fields, wading in mud and water up to their middles, shooting and yelling as they run, driving the enemy from his entrenchments and in full retreat toward the river. It was the action of the Washington regiment at this time that led General King to remark : "There goes the American volunteer and all hell can't stop him." It was a grand sight. I can still hear the glorious bursts of cheers that sprang from those brave and loyal throats as they reach the enemy's works. I can still see the noble form of the brave and gallant Forston as he stands upon the mound with his revolver in his hand, firing rapidly, while with his right he pulls his comrades up the steep slope of the mound beside him. Away go the enemy on their mad rush to the river, and as they go they pass in front of Company F. Then it was that our sharp shooters, of whom we were all justly proud, got in their deadly work. From the mound to the river, a distance of 700 yards, the field was strewn with the enemy's dead and wounded. Closing in on the enemy on all sides, many of them threw away their arms and plunged into the stream ; others threw their arms into the river, surrendered and the battle was won. Our right center pushed on into the town of Santa Ana. Five thousand Filipino troops evacuated the town and retreated up the river, passing through the towns of San Pedro, Macati, Pasig, Caienta, Tay Tay and Antipota, closely pursued by the First Cali- fornia. Our regiment captured 150 prisoners, 128 rifles and two ten-inch Krupp guns. In summing up it was found that our brigade had suffered the heaviest loss, and of our brigade the Washington regiment, and of our regiment Company A. It was afterward learned that the enemy considered the point covered by our brigade to be the weakest point on the line, and had hurled their greatest force against this par- ticular point. So soon as it was possible to do so, a message was flashed along the wires, eight thousand miles, to the anxious ones at home that Company F was all right. I under- stand that the wording of the message was not satisfactory at the time, as it created the opinion that F company had not been in the fight. But I guess by this time you all know that F Company was very much in it. All the members who were absent when we left quarters and all of those on sick report who were not confined to hospital, managed to find their way to the company on the morn- ing of the 5th, and although we left the quart- ers with but 63 men, when we returned on the morning of the 6th we had 87 in line, our full complement, and every man had done his duty. CHRONICLES. The memorable contest betwen the towns of Pomeroy and Pataha City for the county- seat of Garfield county in the early 80' s was one that will ever remain green in the memory of those who participated in it. Columns upon columns of reading matter occupied the space of the newspapers of Washington at the time, in discussion of the memorable contest. Here is a history of a part of the contest as it ap- peared in he Pomeroy Republican in 1884: "It came to pass in those days that many people went to the far west and drove out the heathen before there were the red-skinned folk, who were called in the speech of that land, Dig- gers. Now after the red skins had been well 842 REMINISCENT. driven out and much people moved in, they said 'let us go up and divide the land and set boundaries to it.' And so they appointed men skilled in learning, who divided the land, and they called one part Garphield and another Klumby. Now Garphield was the newer part of the land and in it in those days dwelt many of the tribes of Ruffs, Kowbois, Shepurders, Bummers and Galoots, but the greater part of the inhabitants were of the latter sort. And it came to pass after the division of the land the chief men and rulers said, let us now make unto ourselves a chief city. Now the chief city of the land was called in the tongue of those people Kowntyseat. There was, therefore, in the land of Garphield, two cities upon the plain in the valley of Putawhaw, even as Sodom and Gomorrah of old, and the name of one of the cities was Putawhaw, which in the language of the Digger, signifies 'much brush.' Behold the name of the other city was Pumroi, which signifieth 'one that loveth beer.' Now the city of Pumroi, was founded by a citizen named Pumroi, a man of goodly countenance who feared God and gave alms to much people. And it came to pass that when Winefaver saw that the city of Pumroi began to grow and wax fat he said within himself, wherefore should I not build me a city likewise? And behold he arose and marked off a great city, reaching from the east unto the west and from the north unto the south, and he called the name of it Putawhaw. Now there arose about this time a strife between the cities of the plain, even Pumroi and Putawhaw, and the Pumroites said the Putawhawites be base fellows and their city is small and of mean reput; lo, it is nothing but a frog pond and how shall it ever be good for anything? Then the Putawhawites reviled them and said, the Pumroites do always blow and esteem themselves better than others. Lo ! is not our city in the very midst of the best land, and is it not a goodly site for a city? Lo! when the great iron horse cometh, will he not stop and paw up the ground even of Putawhaw, and we shall keep the great iron horse even at Putawhaw, and we shall wax great and Pum- roi shall diminish. And so it came to pass that there was no small strife between the two cities, for each said we shall have the iron horse stop with us. "And it came to pass that as the people were about the choose their rulers, the head men said we will choose our Kownytyseet by lot. Now Kowntyseet was a place where scribes and law- yers met and darkened counsel by a multitude of words, and where justice and judgment were prevented, and the korts were where black was made white. And lo, the peo- ple cast lots and the lot fell upon Pumroi, and, lo, Pumroi was proclaimed Kowntyseet through all the land. Now there was no small rejoicing about that time in Pumroi. So when it was noised about that Pumroi was become Kowntyseet, all the inhabitants thereof were full of joy and some were full of strong drink. Then the chief men of the city, together with the tribe of Hoodlum and the seed of Beerguzzlers, Kowbois, Bummers and the stock of Galoots, said, 'Let us get us up now and go to the city of Putawhaw and give the Putawhawites a saloot.' So, being filled with new wine and old bourbon, they were, accord- ing to the speech of the land, on a big jam- boree. And so they went unto the city of the Putawhawites, and as they went to the city they did screech and howl like unto lunatics, so much that the women of Putawhaw fled into their houses. Now the strong drink in them having died and their wind being gone, they re- turned unto their own city, even Pumroi. And it came to pass that the inhabitants of Putaw- haw, even the Putawhawites, were exceedingly wrath, and they said, 'Wherefore do these Pumroites make damphools of themselves?' "And so thee was strife between the two cities. ;"Now about this time it came to pass that certain of the scribes and lawyers of Putawhaw began to question among themselves, saying REMINISCENT. 843 wherefore and in what manner was the casting of lots done where the people did cast lots for Kowntyseet ? "And they sent a parchment to the judge of the land saying, 'Behold O, Judge ! there hath been a mighty question among the people. One part do claim that Putawhaw is a mighty city, the chiefest in all the land, and the other part do say that the like unto Pumroi is not to be found in all the earth. Now, O, Judge, we have voted thus and thus and cannot agree. Do thou, therefore, judge between us and mete out the law, and say which of the cities is Kowntyseet.' "This writing was sealed and sent to the judge, and lo, when the judge had looked upon the parchment and read the writing thereof, he did push up his spectacles and, lo, he scratched his head and said, 'Those fellows be, truly, in a bad fix.' Now the judge was a man of great wisdom in matters pertaining to law and tobacco, and handled the pipe with great cunning. Having, therefore, filled his pipe and offered burnt incense to the gods, he did write upon parchments, and this is the interpretation thereof : " 'Behold now, O, people of Garfield, you have not cast lots according to the laws of the land, and behold ye have no legal Kowntyseet, according to the statutes and ordinances. Lo, your Kowntyseet is like unto a chariot which hath wheels, even like the chariot of Paddy which may be rolled from place to place.' "And it came to pass that when the Pum- roites had read the proclamation of the judge, behold immediately their countenances fell and their under jaws did drop the full space of ten degrees, even as the shadow went back on the dial of Ahaz. "And it came to pass when the Putawha- wites read the writing on the parchment, be- hold their countenances arose and their horn was exalted, even that same hour, and they smole exceedingly. "Now the Putawhawites said if it be so now that the Kowntyseet be like unto a chariot, even like unto Patrick's buggy on wheels, wherefore should we not wheel it up to Putaw- haw ? They therefore commanded the Kum- misheners to wheel it up to Putawhaw. And, lo, they did not wheel worth a cent. Seeing-, therefore, there was no real Kowntyseet, the in- habitants of the land grew weary and said, 'who will decide for us where it shall be?' And some said, we will cast lots again, and others said, nay, verily, when our rulers assemble them- selves to take counsel one with another, and to consider the laws, then they shall say where the Kowntyseet shall be. "And it came to pass that when the time was fully come, the rulers of the land were as- sembled with orie accord at the place where the laws were wont to be made. On a certain day the governor being heavy with sleep had fallen into a deep slumber, and wist not what was being done, and, lo, the scribes, lawyers, pub- licans, men of the council and lobby, together with the phlunkeys and dedbetes, were in a saloon casting lots for the drinks, with cun- ningly devised pieces of parchment, bearing curious inscriptions and images. These pack- ages of parchment were called in the speech of that nation, yukerdeks. Now, as they set and played and communed with one another, one Koonselman, of great wisdom, did with ex- ceeding cunning slip a jack into his sleeve, and, lo, he said, 'What shall we do with the Kownty- seet bill of Garphfield ?' And, lo, one answered and said, 'Let us pass it.' And another looking at his card said, 'Yea, verily, I pass.' Then someone said, let the people cast lots again, and others said, 'nay, verily, but let us fix the Kowntyseet.' And, lo, some said, put it at Pumroi, and some said at Putawhaw, and others said let us stop the strife and put it be- tween the two cities, even at Berlin. "Now, Berlin, which signifieth the place of saleratus, was about twelve furlongs from Pumroi. When the lawyers, scribes, Kownsel- men and publicans could not agree, no one 8 4 4 REMINISCENT. could tell wh'ich way the matter would go. About this time the inhabitants along the river of Putawhaw did mark out for themselves great cities which did spread in the imagination exceedingly. It was commonly believed that in no great length of time brick stores, national banks, factories and grain elevators would rain down from heaven and fill all the plain. Now the inhabitants of Pumroi feared the rulers would make Putawhaw the Kowntyseet and the Putawhawites feared Pumroi would be made Kowntyseet, and both were afraid Berlin would be Kowntyseet. And it came to pass that the people of Garphfield heard how it was with their rulers who were assembled to make laws, and they said let us send men up to lobby for us. Then the Pumroites chose one from among them, even Bentwentaforeo'wrs to go up and work for the Kowntyseet bill. So, also, did the Putawhawites employ a man skilled in all matters pertaining to law to work for them. "Now when the Pumroites had gathered together many pieces of silver, they put them on a bag and gave it to Bentwentaforeowrs and said' go up now and the Lord be with thee and prosper thee in thy work, and give the great victory, and do thou valiantly, and our city, even Pumroi, shall be exalted.' "Then the Putawhawites sent a letter into the man of law, at the place where the laws were wont to be made, and said unto him, 'bust 'em ef ye kan.' And so Bentwentaforeowrs set out on his journey." A STAMPEDE. The following is from an interview with Robert Bracken published in the Asotin Sen- tinel, March 2, 1894: There are just as many cattle on the Asotin county ranges as there were in the '70's. Of course, the big herds have all disappeared and no one individual has any great number as in former years, but the stock is now owned by hundreds of men, while in the early days, before this section of Washington was so thickly settled, cattle roamed the ranges in great herds and were owned by probably not more than half a dozen men. These cattle seldom saw any one, only at the annual roundup, or when they were gathered together to be sold ; consequently they became very wild. Eastern buyers would come in here and probably buy a whole herd at so much a head, according to age. They would drive them east as far as Kansas or Nebraska the first season, where they would again change ownership and be distributed among other buyers. In order to make the drive a profitable one the herds that took the trail generally were counted by the thousands. Get so many wild cattle together in a bunch, and for the first few days after being taken off the range they must be handled very carefully as the least strange noise or thing might startle them and stampede the whole herd. Between here and Grande Ronde valley, in Oregon, trouble was most always experienced with herds, and frequently stampedes occurred, and, as is sometimes the case, with disastrous results. One would never suspect that there was so much action in one of those big, bulky range cattle, but get them aroused and started and the way they get over the ground is sur- prising. The last cattle stampede I witnessed, and which is still fresh in my memory, oc- curred in the spring of 1880. A buyer by the name of Taylor purchased 2,700 head of cattle in the vicinity of Lewiston and Asotin. I sold him a few, and as an act of accommodation, helped him on the drive for the first two or three days out. After we got the herd started from the Lewiston Flat, this county, (Asotin), camp was pitched that night near the mouth of Dry Hollow. Our force numbered forty men and we herded the cattle all night. The next morning we started them moving and when near the head of Dry Hollow, without a mo- ment's warning, every hoof was going at full REMINISCENT. 845 speed. No one knew what started them, but everyone knew what it meant. The most dar- ing cowboys got ahead of the herd and tried to turn the leaders in order to get them running in a circle, called "milling," on the big, open prairie just ahead. But they might as well have tried to turn Snake river. The now frantic cattle headed toward Alpowa creek. The shouts of the cow boys ahead only seemed to in- crease their speed. The noise made by the herd sounded like distant thunder. The wagon road to Alpowa creek was some- what nearer than the direction taken by the runaway cattle, so I kept the road and reached the bank of the stream a few moments before the herd. But here they came on a dead run, never once slackening their pace down the big hill ; first a great cloud of dust, then the riders on their fleet and sure-footed ponies; for to stumble and fall meant instant death to man and horse; followed by a mass of moving bodies, heads lowered, frantic and desperate. Dave Mohler had a field on his farm on Alpowa creek inclosed with a good, substantial rail fence, and whoever constructed it evidently in- tended that it should remain for all time. When the cow boys were within sixty or seventy yards of this barricade, and fearing they would be hemmed in, they divided and while part went up Alpowa creek, the others kept on down the stream. The cattle, however, struck the fence, and down it went like so many straws. The herd kept on in its wild rush across the field and the fence on the opposite side went down just as easy as the first. The cattle kept on up the stream for a distance of probably a mile and a half when the riders got them turned, but then they came down in just about as as lively a gait as they went up. For the second time they were on the property of Dave Moh- ler, and after they had crossed over nothing remained of his stock corrals and not a post of the fence surrounding his field was left stand- ing. Dave afterward congratulated himself that his young orchard and house were not in line of the stampede. The herd kept on their mad plunge down the stream until it reached Snake river, up which they turned. When the cattle reached the place, now the site of John Weiss' farm, the cow boys got them to "milling," and in twenty-five minutes more had them quited down. Dave Mohler now appeared on the scene and was the most scared, and yet the maddest looking man ever seen. He demanded $600 for; the damage to his property. Taylor told him he was willing to pay any reasonable amount, but he thought that $600 was a little too steep. Dave then reconsidered the matter and thought about $400 would be about right. That even- ing while we were camped on the Alpowa four young men struck our camp. They were on foot and were fresh from the east. They were seek- ing employment and were offered work with the herd. At first they refused, stating they could not ride wild horses, but when Taylor of- fered to furnish them with gentle animals, they accepted. The next morning the four raw re- cruits were each given a gentle stock horse to ride and instructed what to do. Taylor was afraid more trouble would be experienced with the cattle that day, so before starting that morn- ing he hired all the Indians that were not too lazy to ride to assist him in the drive as far as Pataha creek. Our force numbered at this time sixty horsemen. Occasionally along the route the young immigrants would display some of their feats of horsemanship, for, whenever they undertook to drive a truant animal back into the herd at full speed, their horses being well trained in this work, would sometimes come to an unexpected halt, but the riders would keep right on going over the animal's head and make a dive for the ground. But the days for the big cattle herds and stampedes are over with. A HISTORIC SPOT. The town of Asotin is situated on a bar of Snake river. Just across the river in contrast 846 REMINISCENT. to the level site of the town, rise high and al- most prependicular rocky bluffs. They are in Idaho, but are so much a part of the town of Asotin that it would be impossible for one to picture in his mind's eye the town without the bluffs across the river. The most wonderful basaltic formation on the whole course of Snake river lies just opposite Asotin. Columns of great length and many-sided, some straight and others curved in rainbow form may be found. A competent geologist could here find much to interest him. If the word of the Indians who have made their home in this country for many years is to be taken, the bluff just opposite the town was once, before the white men came to the country, the scene of a fearful massacre. The Indians of the Nez Perce country were at almost con- tinual warfare with the Spokanes, who inhab- ited the country to the north. In one of the most bloody of the battles between these two peoples the Spokanes greatly outnumbered their foes and drove them to these rocky, barren cliffs. Being unable to escape the unfortunate warriors, their women and children were all slaughtered. Surrounded on all sides they put up a brave fight, but in the end were all killed, and the carnage was said to be fearful. Blood ran down the rocky sides of the bluff in rivulets and the Snake was colored red. he scene of this massacre is called by the Indians Tan-ne- ca-me, and is looked upon as sacred ground by the few natives remaining in the country. Near the city of Asotin is the alleged burial place of the victims, which is marked by hundreds of mounds. AN EARLY DAY INCIDENT. Robert Bracken: In the spring of 1862 there lived on Clearwater river an old Indian named Wathous-hi-hi, and his attractive daugh- ter Tum-i-hum. Living in the locality was a young Indian named Leaping Panther. He was a frequent visitor at the lodge of Wathous-hi-hi. but when he asked the old man for his daughter and was told that she should become the wife of Vick Trevit, a white man then conducting a saloon and grocery in Lewiston, the young In- dian's visits ceased. This kind of information Leaping Panther did not expect to receive and disheartened and discouraged he left for the Indian village on the upper Clearwater where he related the re- sult of his interview with the old man. Leap- ing Panther brooded over the disappointment for several days and finally concluded that he or Trevit must die, and sent the latter word to that effect by two Indian friends of the young buck. Trevit accepted the challenge and the fol- lowing day was set for the duel. The spot se- lected was near the present location of the court house in Lewiston, and the weapons were to be knives. As the hour approached the crowd of Indians, miners, prospectors and packers in- creased. The girl consented to marry the vic- tor, never for a moment doubting that Leaping Panther would easily overcome his foe in a hand to hand encounter. The sheriff was off in the mountains, running down highwa)mien, and the fight could go on uninterrupted. A ring was formed and the Indian and his white opponent stepped to the center, and took posi- tions two yards apart. Each was handed a bowie knife and the word to advance given. They went forward and both parties sparred carefully, but Leaping Panther, thinking to end the fight with one blow, struck with all his might. Trevit leaned back and escaped the blow, which fell with such force that the Indian turned half way around. Then came Trevit's opportunity, and quick as thought the keen knife blade of the latter pierced the Indian in the shoulder and his arm fell powerless and the knife dropped from his grasp. Leaping Panther wanted to continue the fight with his left hand, but friends interfered, as there was no possible show for him to win. Dr. Booth dressed his injury. REMINISCENT. 847 A short time after this occurrence Tum-i- hum was missing one night and her parent com- menced a diligent search for his daughter in the Indian villages then in that neighborhood. No trace of her could be found and the belief commenced to dawn that probably the girl had committed suicide to escape marrying the white man, Trevit. The following morning a search party of Indians observed a canoe on what is now the Asotin county shore, a short distance below Pearcy's ferry. The party crossed over and when they reached the place where the ca- noe was stationed the imprints of two moccasin tracks were observed in the loose sand along the shore line. One was a small track and the second somewhat larger, but they both led up stream and were followed to the Deep Eddy, about one hundred yards above the ferry land- ing, where they turned toward the stilL water and were suddenly lost to view. Jack Thrasher, a ferry hand, had grappling irons and in a skiff began a search of the river. The theory of the Indians was proven correct. In a little while the lifeless forms of the Indian maiden and the rejected suitor were raised to the surface firmly locked in each others' em- brace. Trevit closed out his business shortly after and went to The Dalles, on the Columbia river. lie was a man that had many friends. One day while passing up the Columbia the river boat steamed by an island and Trevit remarked to some of his fellow passengers that if he died in the northwest he desired to be buried on that spot. He died a few years later ; his wish was complied with and the place was ever afterward known as Trevit's Island. STUBBS. Robert Bracken : In the early days of this section there lived along Asotin creek an Indian who was known among the whites as "Stubbs," and by the Nez Perces called Its koom-skits, which means short. Stubbs belonged to a tribe in Northern California, and in 1857 had as big a reputation for being a horse thief as Joaquin Murietta had in Southern California. Upon one occasion Stubbs and two companions stole a herd of horses from the Indians in the north- ern part of California and ran them up north to Fraser river, British Columbia. The Fraser river excitement was at its best in 1857, and horses commanded a good price. There was such little difficulty in disposing of the stolen property that a second raid was planned, but the thieves were not so fortunate in escaping at this time. On Pit river in California they came across a hunting party of Shasta Indians that had quite a bunch of horses. Stubbs' plan was to take the horses and leave the Indians afoot, so that pursuit would be impossible. One of the thieves, however, considered the undertaking too risky and refused to become one of the party. Finally the horses came up missing and so did Stubbs and his partner. The hunting party, however, had two bunches of horses, kept in separate val- leys, and this the thieves were not aware of at the time, or the job would have been managed differently. When it became known that the stock had been stolen the Indians at once fol- lowed. The trail led them near Klamath lake, Oregon, thence to the Columbia, where they crossed the river a short distance below Uma- tilla Junction. The Indians came in sight of the thieves with the stolen stock in the Yakima valley. Stubbs was captured but his compan- ion in crime made good his escape. The pris- oner was securely bound hand and foot, and as a punishment for the theft both his feet were hacked off at the ankles. Then as a still further punishment the four fingers of his right hand were taken off at the knuckles, leaving nothing but the thumb. In this condition Stubbs was shortly after found by a party of friendly Indians. They took him to their camp and doctored his 848 REMINISCENT. wounds^ Afterward he came to Asotin creek, where he lived for fifteen years. He was an expert rider and was employed for some time by Peter Maguire. When Chief Joseph and his band of Nez Perces went on the war path Stubbs accompanied them. He crossed the British line and after a few years' stay in that section he was kicked one day while passing a horse and instantly killed. MEDICINE DANCE. The deep and temperate canyons, which pierce Asotin county and lead into Snake river, were, before the advent of the white men to the country, the homes and camping places of the Indians who inhabited this part of the country. After civilization had claimed this territory and the Indians had taken up their abode in other prescribed places, they were wont to come, dur- ing the fishing season, to these, their former places of abode, where they passed a part of each year. A correspondent to the Sentinel, at Asotin, thus describes what he saw in one of their camps on the Grande Ronde in February, 1895: "A few years since your correspondent, in company with a few trusted friends, visited the Nez Perce camp near the mouth of Grande Ronde river and were initiated into the mys- teries of the medicine dance, and participated to a limited extent in the pleasures thereof. The camp at this time consisted of three wigwams, one that was, perhaps, sixty feet long by twenty feet wide, and two others of the ordinary round style of architecture. These smaller ones ac- commodated two or three families each, while in the largest one twelve or fifteen families were domiciled. In this latter the dance was held. The heating and lighting system consists of four camp fires built equal distances apart through the middle of the wigwam. The in- terior decorations did not differ materially from that of the other wigwams; pole of dried beef interspersed here and there with pipes, beaded tobacco pouches, and other trinkets of Indian manufacture adorned the walls. There are two entrances to the large wigwam, both on the sunny side. "About 7 :30 in the evening we arrived and made our way to the scene of festivities. As we entered and came into the light of the camp- fires, a lively scene was thrust upon our view. A motley congregation of warriors, squaws, pappooses, dogs and cats were ranged along each side and end, sitting or reclining on mats of burlap sacks, blankets and skins of animals. At one end they were preparing supper for some belated friends just arrived from Lapwai. Upon the kind invitation of our Indian friend, George Raymond, we took seats within his family cir- cle, about midway in the tent, where our chance for observing was good. "Promptly, acording to program, a few minutes before nine o'clock a warrior who was seated near one end, in a slow, even, distinct tone of voice, a good deal after the fashion of a court crier, began what appeared to be a formal speech, which lasted about twenty minutes, at the conclusion of which he went outside and repeated part of it to the inmates of the other wigwams, when he returned and resumed his seat. The Indians were all clothed in their usual attire, except as they would become warm dur- ing the dance, they would occasionally drop off their large and heavy blankets. Presently a noble brave arose and advanced to the middle of the tent opposite an entrance. There he stood with head erect and form as straight as an arrow, in the attitude of one listening to some- thing in the distance. His gaze was fixed 'away off' ; he was flying with his thoughts back to 'childhood's happy hours;' in imagination he saw a war party of Nez Perces with the fallen Joseph at the head, making a sneak upon some unsuspecting settler, and his heart was wild to be with them. Then he turned and walked slowly toward the other end, stopping near the REMINISCENT. 849 door. There he stood a few minutes when the occupants of the other wigwams arrived, filed in and took seats opposite their white guests. "Presently a low, plaintive, apparently dis- tant, strain of music greeted our ears, succeeded by one a little louder, and so on advancing in tone, until it reached an ordinary pitch. The music was entirely vocal, started by the head dancer who began by singing a few words, when the others finished or respond by singing, using words part of the time. The singing is more in the nature of a chant than a song. "By this time the Indians had nearly all risen to their feet and were singing and keep- ing time to the music by motions of their hands and bodies, something after the style of 'balance all' in our quadrilles. In the meantime our bold, brave leader was dancing. To simply say he was dancing mildly expresses it. He was 'just hoeing it down.' He danced as though he had a time contract on it ; was a little behind, and death was to be the penalty of failure. The dancing step was patterned after the hop, or the school girl's practice in skipping the rope, only the Indian's feet both leave the ground together, and they do not move a muscle of their body. The leader was growing more and more excited as the dance progressed ; per- spiration was pouring from his face, and with a wild, blank stare he would gaze in the direc- tion of the Big Dipper and anon toward the evening star, and thus he danced back and forth through the wigwam, followed by three or four other braves in single file. They danced in this manner perhaps three-quarters of an hour, with frequent intermissions of a few minutes for breathing, when all took their seats. This appeared to be the end of the first dance, the complete exhaustion, or going into a trance, of the leader is a signal for the set to come to an end. "After a rest of ten or fifteen minutes, we again heard the melancholy song begin and once more the dance was on, this time led by another brave, and so they continued until seven 54 or eight times they had danced. The third dance was led by a diminutive, dried up war- rier upon whom the spirit had taken a violent hold. He was almost frantic before he began dancing, and after two or three rounds he ap- peared to be a raving maniac. He lost his." reason and consciousness, sight and feeling, and all he wanted in the world was to dance, and dance he did in the stiftTmg smoke of that wig- wam. He danced against the warrior ahead of him and against the one behind him. He danced through the fire and against the spec- tators until he could dance no more, and when the time came to rest he could not stop, but kept on jumping until the brave who had kept near him to prevent his doing serious damage, caught and held him to await the instructions of the Medicine Man, who was soon on the scene. The maniuplations of the Medicine Man consisted in laying hands on the poor unfortu- nate, who, by the way, was doing his best to jump as he was held in a standing position by the stout warrior, while the music continued, though in a lower key; the 'doctor' singing some and at other times talking to his patient, and after having been worked on for perhaps ten minutes, he was sufficiently quieted to be laid away to make room for the next perform- ance. "There appears to be no particular one ap- pointed to lead in the dance. When the spirit moves one he gets right up and dances. This spirit seized one of the dusky matrons, and throwing aside her native modesty, she bal- anced to the front and led the cotillion. Her step differed some from that of the previous leaders, inasmuch as it partook of the nature of a schottish. The lady succeeded in becoming- as badly frenzied as the little warrior. How- ever, we doubt the genuineness of her trance, as the fact of her having made a studied and successful effort to fall into the arms of our friend, 'Bones,' would indicate that reason and judgment still reigned. "Before the dance commenced we were re- 8 5 o REMINISCENT. quested to remove our hats, which little point of etiquette two of us had neglected to observe. After the dance had commenced we were asked to 'stand up, boys,' and upon our exhibiting symptoms of dancing we were encouraged by a warrior saying, 'That's right, boys ; go ahead,' which we did a little, and by so doing pleased ■our host greatly, as was evidenced by the laughter and clapping of hands, especially from the little ones. Whether the object of these dances is pleasure, muscular development, or for the glory of God, your correspondent was unable to learn." INDIAN BATTLEFIELD. Lewiston Teller : On the Grande Ronde river, fifteen miles from the mouth, a mound of stone marks an old battle field. This monu- ment occupies the center of a fine garden spot and the owner, Mr. Hansen, decided recently to remove the stones. He worked faithfully with horse and cart until he reached the last tier in the base of the monument. There he found a row of human skulls lying side by side, face down, with a heavy stone on the back of each head. This ghastly discovery shocked the old gentleman, and he left his work. An old Indian was sought and asked to explain the significance of the unusual sepulcher. He said the skeltons were those of some Snake Indians who had been killed in battle many years ago, and that the bodies had been buried face down according to Indian custom in the case of an enemy. The large stones were placed over the heads of the dead foes so that they could not rise up again and do battle as spectral warriors. The Grande Ronde valley was at one time dis- puted territory between the Nez Perce and Snake Indians. This old grave is a silent wit- ness to a conflict of arms of which there is no written history. A BUSTED MINING BOOM. i Asotin Spirit, April n, 1884: Another mining company has been organized, who pur- pose to mine on the townsite of Asotin, where it is reported the long lost treasure of Captain Kidd is concealed. That there is gold in the bar on which the town is located is not doubted, and with good management we believe the diggings will pay to work. Go in and win. April 18th : If any one doubts that the center of the townsite of Asotin is not in a fair way of being mined out, let him take a stroll from the auditor's office to the ferry, and note the numerous stakes with names thereon, the ground all properly laid off by Surveyor Briggs, and then say that the company do not mean business. It is said that as soon as water can be procured by the mining ditch, work in good earnest will be begun, and it is believed that if old Kidd buried his ill-gotten gains here it will be unearthed. It makes one think of the old mining days to see the townsite of Asotin dotted over with miners' stakes. The locality of the treasure has been ascertained, but no gold has been taken out as yet. May 2d : We will say for the encourage- ment of persons getting ready to start for the Asotin mines that there is still as much gold in the gravel bed on the townsite of Asotin as at any time this year, as none has been taken out as yet, owing, no doubt, to the fact that no work on the claims has yet been done, sus- picions being entertained by some evil disposed persons that the mines will not pay working. May 9th : The Captain Kidd treasure re- ported to be concealed in the gravel bed oh which the town of Asotin is located, is in no immediate danger of being unearthed, as the mining company, formed some time since for working the claims staked out, find it much pleasanter to sit in the shade and speculate with their mouths as to the probable richness, than with pick and shovel to explore for the long lost treasure. REMINISCENT. 85i A BAD INDIAN. In 1868 there came to Asotin creek a half- breed Indian named Charles Jackson. The Jackson family came from Oregon and settled between Dayton and Walla Walla. There were four boys in the family, but there was nothing remarkable about any of them except this one. He was about eighteen when he came here, and appeared to be the most innocent, good-natured fellow that one seldom meets, and he had the appearance of being a person w r hom it would be impossible to get into a quar- rel with. However, he left his mark on several' white men and a number of Indians between here and Walla Walla, and was only arrested once for his misdeeds, and always escaped pun- ishment. In 1869 there lived at the mouth of Ten Mile creek an Indian named Big Dick. One day Dick and a white man got into trouble and the pale face was getting the worst of the bargain, for the Indian was a strong and power- ful fellow. About this time Jackson appeared upon the scene, and seeing how matters were going and that the white man was more than overmatched, slipped up behind Dick and plunged a bowie knife into the small of his back up to the hilt. This ended Dick's career as a pugilist, and for over a year afterward he was not able to leave his camp. He lived for many years in Asotin county but was always lame from the effects of the wound received on that occasion. Some years later, about 1874, I believe, Jackson and a companion started out upon a horse stealing expedition, and, as was afterward learned, the plan was to take the stolen property to Kansas and dispose of it there. At Almota, on Snake river, they stole sixty-five head of horses from the Indians then camped there. The stock was driven to what is now Lake, in Asotin county, and here the herd was increased by seventy-five more ponies belonging to the In- dian village that stood where the town of Asotin is now built. Nobe Henry, the well known scout and stockman, was looking after his stock on the range and observed the trail made by the stolen horses in crossing George creek near its head, and at once reported the matter to the Indians. Six of the latter immediately started out and followed the trail and came upon Jackson and his partner in camp on the edge of Grande Ronde valley. Shooting commenced at once. At the first fire the horse Jackson was on fell under him shot dead. Jackson emptied his revolver in rapid succession at the approaching party, but only one of his bullets took effect. Stootki, a chief, was hit, the bullet passing- through his jaw. He recovered from his wound, and his familiar figure is often now seen in Asotin and vicinity. The stolen horses were all recovered. Charles Jackson returned to Asotin creek a few years later and in 1877, in company with his brother, James, they traded for 130 head of horses that had been captured from the hostile Indians, then on the war path, and took them to Montana. In Montana five Indians stole sixty head of horses from the herd and tried to escape with them. Charlie followed them alone and killed three of them, and a short time afterward he was killed near the Missouri river by a roving band, and scalped. GAME IN EARLY DAYS. Asotin Sentinel, April 7,1893: "Talk about the upper Snake river country being a good hunting ground, don't you know it's no com- parison to what the section of country adjacent to the Blue Mountains and the valley of Grande Ronde river was in the early settlement of this country," remarked an old hunter during this week, after coming in from a month's hunting and prospecting trip up Snake river. "I hunted all through these mountains be- fore there was a white settler here, and I know every trail. Myself and two partners passed 852 REMINISCENT. the winter of 1859 and i860 along the Snake and Grande Ronde rivers, and we had quite a successful trapping season. Over along the Grande Ronde river in the fall of 1859 myself and companion were riding along a dry canyon one day with a view of heading it, and watching the thickets below for deer. The wind was blowing briskly towards us, when suddenly at the bottom of the canyon I saw the broad back of a cow elk. I sprang from my horse, but just then a huge bull stepped out of the brush, not more than two hundred feet away. This was the first time I had ever seen a real live elk. I was quite young then and must have instantly taken what the old frontiersmen call the 'buck fever,' for I commenced to shake all over and my teeth began to clatter. I remem- ber thinking how one careful shot would bring the noble game before me down. Then I braced my nerves and fired. The cows in the brush tore up the canyon with great noise, but the bull turned the other way and could not get out of a walk. I had shot him through the lights and a stream of blood was flowing from his side. He slowly climbed the hill opposite me, but I was so excited by this time that I missed him every shot until he came on a level with me ; then I hit him on the backbone, when he cringed toward me and fell over on his side, dead. He was big as a cow and had a great spread of horns over four feet from tip to tip." Robert Bracken in Sentinel, April 13, 1894: Twenty-five years ago game was very plentiful on the prairie lands of Asotin county. Bear were as thick as flies and each fall of the year would come down from the mountains and seek the lowlands, where they remained until they retired to their dens for the winter. Many a one have I seen where the town of Asotin is built. The first permanent settlers came to Asotin prairie in the spring of 1877. Deer traveled in big droves then just as cattle do now and could be seen at any time, half hidden in the tall and waving grass that then covered the prairie. Up to the year 1866 gray timber wolves were quite numerous and made a peck of trouble for the Indians then living along Snake river and Asotin creek by attacking and kill- ing their horses. They always went in large packs and were more troublesome in the winter time than at any other season of the year. They disappeared ' all of a sud- den and now it's only occasionally that one hears of a few being seen and then its away back in the mountains and thickly timbered sec- tions that are seldom visited except it be by hunters and trappers. One winter they killed 100 horses near the present site of Asotin. * * * Henry McNally, now deceased, had quite an exeperience in the summer of 1878 while com- ing down along Asotin creek from his ranch. Henry was carrying a pitchfork and his shot- gun loaded with a charge of fine shot. At the upper end of what is now James Thornton's farm, there was a dense growth of tall birch trees whose tops- leaned up against a ledge of rocks, along which was a narrow trail. While Henry was coming over the high and narrow path, not more than fifteen feet ahead, crouch- ing in the forks of one of the birch trees, he observed a large and vicious looking cougar. Mr. McNally thought that at so short a dis- tance the small shot would have fatal effect, and so he emptied the contents of the gun at the animal's head. No sooner had he shot than the animal tumbled down from its perch to the ground below. Mr. McNally, supposing that the cougar, was dead, laid down his gun and with his fork picked his way down over the rough and steep hillside. After he had reached the base, and just after turning a projecting ledge of rock, there sat the cougar upon his haunches, apparently none the worse off for his. tumble. As soon as Mr. McNally came in sight the animal made ready to spring, and as it did so McNally held out the fork, whose sharp-pointed prongs entered the animal's breast their full length. At the same time the end of the fork handle struck Henry in the REMINISCENT. 853 breast, knocking him senseless. When he came to the cougar was stretched out on the ground within a few feet of him, dead. PREHISTORIC HISTORY. Snake river valley and those of most of the creeks have been inhabited by Indians for over a century. The vast quantities of salmon and other fish in Snake river, and the beautiful, cry- stal streams of the county, vast number of deer, bear and other animals; the wonderful flocks of wild geese, brant, chickens, pheasants and ducks ; the goodly supply of animals valuable for fur; the warm, healthful and enticing cli- mate ; the boundless range for stock, which could live without care or shelter upon the ever-present and fat-producing bunch grass, made this the natural home of the Aborigines in the days before the white man first looked tipon this country. — Asotin Sentinel, December 31, li INDIAN HISTORY. Robert Bracken : During the early '6o's, when white men first undertook to make their homes in what is how Asotin county, the rul- ers, or head chiefs of the different branches of the Nez Perce tribes were : He-min-il-pilp (Red Wolf), who was chief of the Alpowai Indians, and lived with his tribe at the mouth of Alpowa creek. It was he who planted, in 1837, the eleven apple trees, the slips for which were furnished by Missionary Spald- ing, and started the oldest orchard now in the state of Washington. Red Wolf died about 1863. and was buried near the place where his village once stood After his demise Timothy became chief and reigned until his death in re- cent years. Jason, who lived where the town of Asotin now stands. Ucussin-American, who lived at Lapwai, and who later died while on the return trip from Washington, D. C, where the four chiefs had been on some mission connected with their tribe. ! Lawyer, who lived on the south fork of Clearwater river, at Kamai. These were the head chiefs of the tribe. Besides these there were a number of under chiefs. Among these was old Chief Joseph, who lived on Joseph creek, on what later became the farm of J. A. Bradley. Under his jurisdiction was all that section of country from the Grande Ronde river, along- the Imnaha and to near the source of that stream. After the old chief's death his son, Joseph, stepped into his father's moccasins and governed this wing of the tribe until after the Indian uprising of 1877. During these early days the Indians of the Nez Perce tribe were on the constant move all summer. First they would visit the camas grounds twenty miles north of Lewiston, then known as Shy wawa ; next they went to Weippe; and about the first of August they would go to Wallowa and remain until, gener- ally, November 1st, when they would seek their accustomed retreats along the streams and pass the winter season in horse racing, foot racing and target practice. ADDRESS TO THE COLUMBIA RIVER. Columbia ! Ancient and wonderful river ; Thy span is an empire : thy grave is the sea ; Through cycles unmeasured, still sweeping on evei, The flight of the ages is nothing to thee. O, sullen Columbia, tell me thy history, That deep in oblivion is lost to my ken ; Inscrutable river, reveal the deep mystery, That darkly hangs o'er thee, un fathomed by men. For ages the mastodon trod thy broad marshes. Or ranged through the forests that margined thy shores ; Now. deep in the beds of alluvial washes Lie buried those giants that flourished of yore. 854 REMINISCENT. The ponderous relices of animal relics, That drank of thy waters for millions of years, Are witness of God, in rock-graven traces, O, time tiring tide, to thy ancient career. Ah, tell me, thou beautiful, shimmering river, Who first the boat lightly rowed over thy waves? Serene on thy bosom they'll rock again never, Deserted their homes, forgotten their graves. Full well didst thou know of their loves and their sighing; How fierce were their battles, and often thy shore Has echoed the war-whoop, or wail of the dying; Mute river, re-echo their story once more, Columbia, opulent, wealth-laden river, Thy sands are all gleaming with bright, gleam- ing ores ; From thy snowy capped mountains thou bore them on ever, And scattered them over thy picturesque shores. Thy riches would surfeit the coffers of nations; Make scepters and crowns for the mighty of earth, And all is poured out, in most gracious libations To the beautiful land of our liberty's birth. Thy waters once skimmed by canoe of the native, Bear the ships of the nations, with riches untold ; With fruits of the field from acres creative ; The pine of the forest ; with silver and gold. How proudly rise cities, where the wigwam was stand- ing, The scream of the engine is heard on the plain ; While industry thrives, and brain is commanding, And savagery shall never trouble again. Proud river, I gaze with sublimist emotion, Upon thy deep gorge in the mountains blocks ; And on thy broad waters in sinuous motion, Mid shadow and light of thy towering rocks. The falls of Multnomah leap down from the mountain, And break into mists like the veil of a bride; Then murmur on down in their silvery fountain To sigh on thy bosom and join in thy tide. Columbia ! 'tis said in the years of thy morning, Thou fashioned an arch o'er thy bosom to span ; And fringed it with green for its lofty adorning, While silent below it thy dark waters ran. Mount Hood and Mount Adams, both lordly, were standing As sentinels, guarding thy shingly shores ; White, ancient and lofty, with mein of commanding, And eager to test their Titanian powers. There, each at the other his threatenings muttered, 'Til they their hot breath could no longer restrain ; Their belchings were fiercer than hell ever uttered ; With thunderings loud and sulphurous rain ; Afar in the heavens shot lurid fires flashing, And thick o'er the land fell the hot, hissing stone; The mountains, like demons, were roaring and clashing, While thunderbolts shot from the storm-kings throne. Thy boson then heaved like the sea when its troubled, As the smile of the sun grew black at thy gaze; Thy waters in terror convulsively bubbled, The universe shook in teriffic amaze. The great spanning arch was now swaying to sever, The Bridge of the Gods, though ruined forever, Had made the cascades, with their billowy swell. Columbia! Majestic and deep flowing river, Thy mountains have powdered the mountains to sand ; And drifted them silently, seawardly ever, To bar the proud breakers that dash on the strand. Thou Lordly Columbia ! Grand and inperious, Hast sundered the mountains and swept to the sea, And dared the wild ocean, whose howlings mysterious, And surf rolling thunders can never fright thee! The statliest monuments man ever builded Of granite or marble, have crumbled to dust; His cities and temples and palaces gilded, Have fallen a prey to the rot and the rust. The arts of old Egypt and Chaldea's glory Are lost in oblivion and never can be Re-echoed in song, or be uttered in story; But Time's desolations are nothing to thee. While the smile of the sun lifts the mists from the ocean ; Or clouds by the breezes are blown o'er the land; Or falls the soft snow in its feathery motion, Thy beautiful waters shall flow to the strand. Sometime in the flight of eternity's aeons, The sun will grow dim and the ocean go dry; Earth float in its orbit, in darkness lethean, Then, mighty Columbia, thy grandeur will die. At last I would sleep to the sound of thy splashings, Where murmurings soft of thy magical flow, Or swell of thy beautiful cataract's dashings, Shall sigh to the sea winds as softly' they blow. In the years that are coming some sculpturist lonely, May pause on thy shore by the side of my grave; I would on thy walls he should carve my name only, Above where thy waters eternally lave. G. B. KUYKENDALL, M. D. CONTRIBUTION BY GEORGE W. MILLER. The following is a brief sketch of a class of men whose characteristics were peculiar. REMINISCENT. 855 They built cabins along the Nez Perces trail at the crossing of each stream of water ; the ranch being generally held down by a man who lived with an Indian woman. William Buntin and a man who went by the name of "Club Foot'' George lived at the crossing of Whiskey creek. Freelon Schnebley, who went by the name of "Stubbs," lived where the Nez Perces trails crossed Touchet river, where Dayton now stands; he lived with an Indian woman and one child. William and Martin Bailey, brothers, lived one mile above the crossing of the Touchet river on the present Rainwater place ; Joseph Ruark, commonly called "Ken- tuck," lived in the forks of the Touchet river, two miles above the crossing. William Rex- ford lived where the Nez Perces trails crossed the Patit creek, which is now called the Gra- ham place. "Bill" Buntin and "Clubfoot George" were hanged by Vigilantes in Montana in the early 'sixties, and Stubbs was shot by the soldiers at the mouth of the Okanogan for stealing gov- ernment mules. Now come the sturdy old pioneers ; men who came with a will to settle up the country and make for themselves homes. Samuel L. Gilbreath and his wife, Mary H. Gilbreath, are now living on their homestead taken up by them in 1859. Mrs. Gilbreath claims the honor of being the first white woman who ever set- tled in Columbia county, and their child, born in March, i860, was the first white child born in Columbia county. Their first house was built near the foot of the hill where the Nez Perce trails first entered the Touchet valley, four miles down the river below Dayton. After- ward he built a fine residence on his homestead, one-half mile farther up the valley, where Mr. Gilbreath and others had previously built a large and well equipped grist mill. Both the O. R. & N. and W. & C. R. railroads pass right in front of his residence, with side tracks and warehouses at the mill. His homestead is one of the most desirable farms in Columbia county, well adapted to all kinds of farming. Israel Davis settled on Whiskey creek, not far above where it empties into the Touchet, some- time during the year 1859, and he is conceded to be the first settler in Columbia county who raised and harvested a crop of grain. Lambert Hearn and Elizabeth Hearn, his wife, together with their large family of chil- dren, settled on a claim just above Gilbreath, at the mouth of Payne hollow, in the fall of 1859. Mrs. Hearn was the second white woman to settle in Columbia county. John Forsythe, a single man, took up a claim just below Gilbreath's in the fall of 1859, and at once commenced to improve the same. James S. Dill, a widower, with two children, took up a claim next below Forsythe's in 1859. Oliver P. Platter settled on Tucannon in 1859, where the first wagon road to Lewiston crossed that stream. James Boice in the same year settled on the Tukanon, six miles below Platter's. . George T. Pollard took a claim in the Touchet valley on the north side of the river adjoining the present town of Huntsville, in the year 1859. During the fall of i860 he married Harriet A. Wiseman, of Walla Walla, and later on he moved on his claim at Huntsville. He is living on the same homestead at this time and has a fine residence and well improved farm. The following young men took up claims during the fall of 1859 and the spring of i860, but, generally speaking, took their residence with them wherever they went : David Whittaker, David Fudge, John Fudge and Joseph Starr took up claims in the vicinity of Huntsville. James Fudge and John C. Wells took up claims on Hogeye creek, which took its name from "Hogeye" Davis. Newton Forrest and Thomas T. Davis located between Hearn's and Stubbs' place, where Dayton now stands. Amasa West located in 1859 on the "old donation claim of Henri M. Chase, on the Touchet, next above "Stubbs," now known as the Mustard place. Elisha Ping and family 8 5 6 REMINISCENT. settled on the Patit, just above its mouth, in August, i860. A portion of Dayton is now located on his farm. His claim was the first located on the Patit between Stubbs' and Rex- fords'. He was engaged in stock raising- until the spring of 1862, when he began to open up his farm, which was all good plow land. George W. Miller and family settled on the Patit next above Ping's, by the side of the Nez Perces trails, in August, i860, and soon com- menced opening up his farm. In the spring of 1862 he bought seed oats of Louis McMorris, two miles below Walla Walla, and hauled them thirty-two miles to his home. The oats cost him eight cents per pound. On account of the high price of seed and his lack of money, his crop was not very large that year. In 1863 he hauled his crop of oats to Fort Lapwai, twelve miles above Lewiston, and sold them to the quartermaster for twelve and one-half cents per pound. Mrs. Gilbreath and Mrs. Hearn were the only white women in Columbia county when Ping and Miller settled on their farms. Jesse N. Day, early in the spring of i860, took up a claim on the Touchet two miles below Dayton, and built a cabin; that fall he went back to his home near Roseburg, Oregon, and during the spring of 1861 he moved on his claim with his family. In 1864 he bought the place on which Dayton is located of Frederick D. Schnebly. Frederick D. Schnebly homesteaded this place after his brother "Stubbs" was killed. Day then moved on the place and kept a way-house for the accommodation of the travel. In 1870 he and William Kimball, of Walla Walla, opened up a store, which was soon after placed under the management of Dennis C. Guernsey. Early in the spring of 1872 the town of Day- ton started up and soon made a lively place. Day soon after built the fine residence on First street which he made his home until his death. Louis Raboin, usually known as Louis Ma- rengo, undoubtedly was by far the oldest settler in Columbia county. His son, Edward Ra- boin, now government interpreter in the Fed- eral courts of North Idaho, claims to have been born at Marengo, on the Tukanon, in 1847. Raboin settled just below where the Nez Perces trails left Tukanon going over the hills to Pataha. He was of French descent and had a Red River Indian woman for a wife. He had several children, and one of his daughters mar- ried Henri M. Chase, who was quite prominent in the early history of this section. In 1864 the first postoffice established in Columbia was named Touchet, after the name of the stream that wends its way out of the mountains, gliding swiftly down past Dayton, thence onward fifty miles to where it empties into to Walla Walla river, eight miles above Wallula. G W. Miller was appointed post- master, keeping the office at his residence on the Patit creek, one-half mile above Dayton, for a period of nine years. In 1873 the town of Dayton, started the year before, gave promise of being one of the leading towns of the Inland Empire, and G. W. Miller resigned as postmaster and the office was removed to Dayton and Jesse N. Day appointed as post- master. The report of J. F. Wood, school superin- tendent of Walla Walla county, made in 1864, says : "There are now fifteen school districts or- ganized in the county, and seven school houses either completed or in process of erection." He further says that nine of the districts organized made their reports showing 600 children of school age in the nine districts reported, and that he distributed $3,750 of school money in those districts. The school house in district No. 15 was built in 1864 by the side of the Nez Perce trails on G. W. Miller's homestead one mile northeast of Dayton, and from J. F. Wood's reports and the circumstances con- nected with the building of the school house, it is certain that it was the third school house built in Walla Walla county, then comprising what is now Walla Walla, Columbia, Garfield REMINISCENT. 857 and Asotin counties, and was the first school house in Columbia county. The first board of directors were Elisha Ping, Alexander Mont- gomery and Jonathan Buzzard. G. W. Miller was elected clerk and held that office for four- teen years continuously. A school was taught in 1864 by W. W. Sherry, and at the end of the year a report was made to J. F. Wood, superintendent, and district No. 15 drew its proportion of the $3,730 allotted to the nine districts making reports. From that time on no year has passed without from three to nine months school in the district. When Colum- bia county was set off from Walla Walla, the number of the district was changed from No. 15, to No. 2. There seems to have been no record kept of the school taught by W. W. Sherry in 1864, but a record was kept of the next term, taught by W. H. Elliott in 1865, which has been furnished your historian. The first Methodist Episcopal church of Dayton was the first church of any denomina- tion built in Columbia county. In 1874 G. W. Miller, J. K. Rainwater, J. M. Hunt, J. H. Kennedy and P. G. Earl, the trustees of the Methodist Episcopal church, held a meeting and elected a building committee composed of the full board of trustees with the exception of P. G. Earl, whose place was filled by S. G. Ellis. A church building, at the cost of $3,000, was immediately commenced and pushed to completion. By the end of the first week in March the house was ready for services and on March 10th the first sermon was preached in the church by G. W. Canady, the preacher in charge. At the same time a Sunday school was organized by R. T. Watrous as sperin- tendent. In 1878, under the pastorate of S. G. Havermale. a parsonage was built at a cost of $1,200. In 1 89 1. under the pastorate of W. T. Ford, the parsonage was destroyed by fire and rebuilt the same year at about the cost of the former one, but more commodious and of much finer appearance. In 1891, under the pastorate of F. A. LaViolette, the church was remodeled and enlarged at a cost of $2,720, and the parsonage repaired. In 1877 the Co- lumbia Seminary association was incorporated under the charge of the Methodist Episcopal Conference, and S. G. Ellis, G. W. Miller, J. K. Rainwater, J. H. Kennedy, J. M. Hunt, R. F. Sturdevant, George Eckler, J. N. Day, Wil- liam Matzger and J. L. Smith were named as trustees, with S. G. Ellis as president. For more than a year the building of the seminary was held out before the people without receiv- ing sufficient encouragement to warrant the trustees in attempting to build, owing chiefly to the fact that it was a denominational school. In 1878 the Dayton Academy Association was formed under the management of the same board of trustees for the purpose of es- tablishing a non-sectarian school, and $2,600 quickly subscribed and preparations made to erect a suitable building for that purpose, but after mature deliberation the trustees decided that it was not expedient to erect the building, indications showing that sufficient support could not be relied upon. The Nez Perces trails are the old landmarks of the Inland Em- pire. It has been said and often repeated that the Indians of this northern country, in the ages past went down into Mexico to steal horses and drive them back into their own country, making these trails. But the most probable conclusion to be arrived at in this day and age of the world, is that the Indians of this country packed up their furs, buffalo robes and other merchandise that had accumulated on their hands, and packed them down into Mex- ico, where they traded for great droves of horses' which they drove back to their own country, making what is known as the Nez Perces trails. It is supposed that the Nez Perces were the chief factors, hence the name. These trails were made on the most direct route possible, though at times swerving to the right or left to avoid the most abrupt places. And when the first wagon road was built 858 REMINISCENT. through the country, in the main, it followed the trails, and although they did not form a very feasible route, yet they were selected for that purpose. There were from fifteen to twenty-five trails beaten in the ground side by side, wide enough for a team or wagon to travel in two of the trails with a ridge between. But there were exceptions to this rule, and in the summer of i860 an old pioneer started up the hill from Coppei about midway between the outside trails, and he found the exception to be the rule before he reached the top of the hill ; the trails were worn and washed so deep in places that the front axle dragged the dirt off the ridge between the wheels, but where the trouble came in was half way up the hill, where both trails merged into one leaving both horses and wagon in one trail, and the ridges too high to climb over ; but stop an old pioneer if you can ; he went to his wagon and took out a shovel and dug down the ridges, filling up the trails until he had a road wide enough to drive out to one side where he would have more range and not be cramped as before. OLD FORT WALLA WALLA. In the "River of the West," by that gifted authoress, Mrs. F. F. Victor, is narrated how Chief Trader McKinley cleaned the fort of a band of hostile Indians, who came there in- tent on mischief. The same incident has been published in newspapers, never, however, accu- rate in detail. Its hero was Archibald Mc- Kinley, Esq., in charge of Fort Walla Walla from 1 84 1 to 1846. By request he furnished the following correct version of the affair, upon which the narrative is founded : At old Fort Walla Walla it was the duty of the officer in charge to furnish all the interior parties from Utah to British Columbia with horses, pack sad- dles and other necessary equipments. A man was employed at the fort especially to make pack saddles. The only hard wood suitable for the purpose was birch, which was obtained from the Blue mountains at a distance of at least fifty miles from the fort. The saddles required that season had been finished, and quite a large surplus of saddle wood remained at the house of the saddler. Visiting the house I found that the saddle wood was fast diminishing in bulk, and upon inquiring was informed that both whites and Indians helped themselves, and that the saddler thought as the complement of pack saddles had been furnished, such wood was no longer of any value To which I re- plied, "It would be useful another season, and no per- son, neither white nor Indians must be suffered to take a stick of it. A few days afterward the saddler made the com- plaint to me that an Indian had just taken a piece, and that upon remonstrating, the Indian refused to give it up. I sent my clerk, William Todd, to see about it. Hearing a noise a few minutes later I went to a window and saw an Indian rush out of the saddle house, pick up a stone, and instantly Todd was also out grappling with him. Two other Indians standing near assisted their comrade, and seized hold of Todd. I drove them off, intending Todd should have fair play, although Todd's opponent was much the stronger man of the two. Todd got him down and kicked him unmercifully. Upon separating them I found the Indian to be the son of Peu-peu-mox-mox, chief of the Walla Wallas. I censured Todd for being too hasty and told him we would have trouble. All the men at the fort except Todd, the saddler and myself, were at the time at work in the field, distance two miles. I did not apprehend anything more than a "big talk." In about an hour the old chief, accompanied by some 40 or 60 men, came into the fort and through the kit- chen into my room. On seeing him I politely invited him to be seated. Instead of accepting my invitation he and his party rushed by me and seized Todd. As soon as I could reach them, and I was just in time to catch the chief's uplifted arm, who with tomahawk in hand was about to strike Tod upon the head, I managed to draw him toward my writing desk, where three pistols were hanging. Those pistols were not revolvers ; I do not belive they even were loaded. As the chief and I continued to scuffle, the men had re- leased their hold upon Todd to watch our struggle. I then handed one pistol to Todd with instructions not to fire until I gave the word. The other two I re- tained. Peu-peu-mox-mox then presented his naked breast, asked me if I was going to shoot him, saying, "If you shoot me, you shoot a man.'' I replied that it was not my wish to shoot him, but if he again attempted to use his tomahawk on Todd's head, I would certainly use the pistol. Then ensued a long conversation about the code laws introduced among the Indians by Dr. Elijah White (sub Indian agent east of the Rocky mountains, 1842), by which was provided that if an Indian strike a white man he should be punished by a flogging. And also if a white man struck an Indian, he was to re- ceive Indian punishment. I told the chief that I would never submit to any such indignity, and that if his son had soundly thrashed Mr. Tood, I should not have taken any notice of it. Peu-peu-mox-mox still REMINISCENT. 859 insisted that Todd should receive from the Indians a flogging, to which I answered that they would first have to kill me. While I was conversing the chief who had received the thrashing from Todd struck me in the ribs a severe blow from behind. I seized him by the hair, intending also, to strike him, but knowing such a course would be certain death, I released my hold. At this moment I thought of the keg of powder in the adjoining room; spinning through the door I seized a flint and steel, and standing over the open keg in the attitude of striking fire, defied them to harm Mr. Todd, who was yet in their grasp. Before I had really realized what I was doing, not an Indian re- mained in the house except Peu-peu-mox-mox and his son. The former after sitting some minutes thus ad- dressed me; "Don't you think you are smart to fright- en my young men and make them leave? But you can- not frighten me; I have heard that you whites are in the habit of taking guns and challenging one another; let us, you and I, do the same." To which I replied; "There are only six whites at the fort, and of you there are many hundreds. If I should be killed there is no one to take my place as chief of the whites. Should I kill you there are plenty in your tribe as good, if not better than yourself." At that the father and son went off in high dudgeon. Peu-peu-mox-mox sent messengers to the Cayuses and the Nez Perces announcing that his son had been killed by the whites. For two days Indians gathered around, but something more unusual interested the fort. On the coming of the second day Five Crows, Cayuse chief (uncle of the young man flogged by Todd), a very old friend of the whites, and who had a very great regard for me, came from a great distance and entertd the fort, he having no knowledge of the trans- action. 7 must here digress to mention that a few days previously Governor Peter Skeen Ogden, a chief fac- tor of the Hudson's Bay Company, had passed down the Columbia river, and my wife had accompanied him to Fort Vancouver. At The Dalles Gov. Ogden's boat upset and he lost two men. Five Crows had heard of the accident, and upon my asking him upon his arrival whether he had heard of the occurrence, I alluding to the fight between Todd and the young Walla Walla chief, he referred to Governor Ogden's mishap and answered he had, and commenced to relate what he had he^rd of the accident to my father-in-law. When I told him I had also heard of that accident, but I did noi allude to that, but meant the trouble with his brother-in-law, Peu-peu-mox-mox. He then expressed his wish to learn the particulars. I referred him to the Indians for the truth, as Indians considered the white men liars. Upon this he said, "Did you ever know me to doubt your word and go among the Indians listening to their idle tattle?" I answered: "Now, as you have thus spoken, I will tell you," and I repeated what had transpired. He expressed his sorrow for what had happened; said it was a great dis- grace for d chief's son to be whipped. I explained to him that had my young man got the worst of it, I should have thought nothing of the matter ; that both of the joung men were to blame. To this he male no further reply. He remained all night in the fort, attended only by an Indian boy. Next morning Five Crows told me he woud send for Peu-peu-mox-mox, and to my surprise sent his boy. He said to me that "his brother-in-law knew he was a peace maker and he will not come." At this time Five Crows and Peu-peu-mox-mox were not on speaking terms. Shortly after Five Crows left the fort, saying that he might see his brother, To-wa-ta, head chief of the Cayuses, to whom he would give my ver- sion of the affair. At noon To-wa-to, accompanied by Elijah, an elder son of Peu-peu-mox-mox, came to the fort. This Elijah, sometimes called Elijah Hedding, was a young man who possessed considerable smatter- ing of English, had learned to read and write at the Methodist Institute at the Willamette. He was after- wards killed in California in 1844. Both were clean- ly dressed, full armed with gun, pistol and sword. This was in my opinion more for a show than violence. Having been seated for some time To-wa-to broke the silence by stating the object of his visit to be to see if there was a probability of coming to some agree- ment in settling the difficulty. After I had fully explained my views he proposed to send for the Walla Walla chief. Peu-peu-mox-mox at length arrived, accompanied by at least five hun- dred Indians. If I remember correctly, all were not armed. They filled the house, every nook and cqrner, and they crowded outside the windows; in fact every available space was occupied. After Peu-peu-mox-mox had entered, we each made our statements to To-wa-to. Peu-peu-mox-mox disclaimed all enmity to me per- sonally, but insisted that I should at once send Mr. Todd out of the country. I replied I would do nothing of the kind ; that Todd had been sent to me as associate by the white head, Dr. McLoughlin, chief factor of the Hudson's Bay Company, in charge of the company's affairs west of the Rocky mountains, being so called by the Indians ; that Todd had committed no grave offense and that I could not and would not discharge him ; that they had the strength and numbers to kill us, but our lives would be revenged. If his heart was not good toward Todd it could not be toward me. He sprang up from his seat; beat his breast, and excitedly exclaimed : "My heart will never be good," and rushed out of the door. A few minutes of dead silence ensued. You might have heard a pin drop, when To-wa-to, rising to his feet sternly addressed me, saying I was a fool ; that I wanted blood, and I should get enough of it. Then followed another silence as oppressive as the last. It continued for several minutes.' It was a critical 86o REMINISCENT. time. After thinking a moment I broke the silence by asking To-wa-to whether he was a chief or not. He sneeringly answered : "Ask my young men." I told him I knew he was the son of a great chief, that his father was known among the early whites as a great and good man; that no number of white men would make him through fear do wrong; that I was a chief, also ; that the numbers who surrounded me would not make me change one iota of what I had said. A murmuring sound followed, the Indians con- sulted together in low tones for some time. I observed To-wa-to give an order which caused a young man to leave the room. Shortly after Peu-peu-mox-mox entered the room and without any preface or cere- mony, came forward and offered me his hand in token of friendship. With an expression of surprise I ac- cepted his hand, asking him if his heart was good. He answered, yes, striking his breast. I then asked him if his heart was good toward Todd. He answered, "Yes, and to prove it and wipe out all ill-feeling for- ever, my son is coming with a horse as a present to Todd." To seal the compact I made the son a present of a suit of clothes. He then smoked the pipe of peace ; a peace that lasted through the entire term I had charge of the fort. FAMOUS NEZ PERCES EXPEDITION. 'i That a correct understanding may be had of the lives of the remarkable men, Hee-oh'ks- te-Kin (the Rabbit's Skin Leggins), and H'co-a-h'co-a-h'cotes-Min (No Horns on His Head), whose portraits appear in the earlier portion of this volume, it is necessary to add a further account. Those having read the pre- vious parts of the book are already familiar with the famous journey that four Nez Perces made from this western country to St. Louis in search of the "White man's Book of Heaven." This journey was in 1831 or 1832 and Wil- liam Clark of the Lewis and Clark expedition, who was, after the expedition, governor of the territory of Missouri, was at the time these Indians came to St. Louis, superintendent of Indian affairs of the northwest for the United States government. The two older members of the Indian expedition had seen Clark when he journeyed to the coast in the early years of the century, 1805. These two older clr'efs died on the banks of the Mississippi without seeing the object of their journey accom- plished. The remaining two made their desires known to Mr. Clark but failed to get the "Book," as is stated in the oration given by one as he bade Mr. Clark adieu, and which speech is reproduced in the first part of this book. A clerk or secretary in Mr. Clark's office was so touched by this plaint that he im- mediately wrote to friends in Pittsburg and this awakened a keen desire to ascertain more about this wonderful state of affairs. After bidding adieu to Mr. Clark, these two Indians were taken on board of the steamer "Yellow- stone," which was making a trip up the Mis- souri to the Yellowstone river, and was the first steamboat to navigate that latter stream. On board of that steamboat was the artist, Georg-e Catlin, since become famous the civil- ized world over. He says : "I traveled two thousand miles companions with these two young fellows, toward their own country, and became much pleased with their manners and disposition. When I painted them they were in beautiful Sioux dresses which had been pre- sented to them in a talk with the Sioux, who treated them very kindly, while passing through the Sioux country. These two men were a part of a delegation that came across the Rocky Mountains to Saint Louis, — to en- quire for the truth of the representation which they said some white men had made among them, that our religion was better than theirs, and that they would all be lost if they did not embrace it. "No Horns on his Head died near the mouth of the Yellowstone river, on his way home, with disease he had contracted in the civilized district. The other one, I have since learned, arrived safely among his friends, conveying to them the melancholy intelligence of the death of all the rest of the party." Mr. Catlin re- marks again that as the Indians had said nothing to him about the "Book" while on the journey with him on the steamboat, he doubted the authenticitv of the matter, REMINISCENT. and when asked about it in Pittsburg in 1833, he wrote to Wm. Clark of St. Louis, who confirmed it to him, as also Mr. Clark did by personal conversation with Mr. Catlin. Then Mr. Catlin, in his- letter No. 48, to the Com- mercial Advertiser, New York, wrote of this singular mission. The attention attracted by the publication and the incident resulted in action by the Amer- ican Board of Commissioners for Foreign Mis- sions and of the Methodist Board of Foreign Missions. Jason and Daniel Lee, brothers, along" with others, were sent to Oregon in 1835 by the Methodists, and the now famous Dr. Marcus Whitman and Dr. Samuel Parker came in 1836. Mr. Catlin in 1836 met Rev. H. H. Spald- ing and wife in Pittsburg, who were on their way to Oregon as missionaries, and, in con- versation detailed to them the incident above mentioned with others of Indian life. Concerning this incident, the editor of the Smithsonian Report for 1885, part second, says : "No more romantic incident than this can be found in northwestern history — the four Nez Perce Indians traveling thousands of miles in search of the book, looking for the white man's Deity." Thus it is seen that the men who led civiliza- tion into the country now* known as the Inland Empire, came in response to the call of these men, these four Indians who went to seek the "Book." Having become aware of the fact that the government bought the entire collection of paintings made by George Catlin, and which created such a sensation over the world at the time of their exhibition, the publishers did not rest until they located the paintings of these two Indians, whose names are mentioned above, and then, through the courtesy of Richard Rathbun and Prof. O. T. Mason, who are in charge of the Smithsonian Institution, photo- graphs were made of the original paintings and from these photographs have been made the original plates which appeared in our works for the first time in the west, so far as is known. These portraits will be found in the first part of this work. The Rabbit's Skin Leggins is the only one who lived to reach his people after the journey. CORRECT SPELLING OF WILLIAM CLARK'S NAME. Although in the earlier portion of this work, the reader will find this gentleman's name spelled "Clarke," we wish to state that such is not the correct way to spell the name. It was in reliance on such authorities as the Century Encyclopedia, that we used that spelling, while being doubtful of it, we began operations to find the way in which Mr. Clark spelled his name. Not, however, until the first portion of the book was printed, did we get positive proof of the correct spelling, and as the following letter briefly gives the information we have se- cured from various sources, we append it in full. St. Louis, Missouri. Western Historical Publishing Company, Spokane, Washington, Dear Sirs : Your letter to the Secretary of State was sent to me by him, he thinking that by reason of my being president of the Missouri Historical Society I might be able to give an authoritative answer to your question. The Historical Society has a collection of letters of Governor Clark's and I have seen many other of his writings. In every instance he spells the name "Clark," as all the members of his family did and still do. He wrote the name something like this (and here follows a marking in the letter showing the flourish Mr. Clark made at the end of his name.) I have not made the flourish at the end quite like he generally did. Some times it looked not at all like an e — -sometimes very much like one, 862 LIEU-LANDS AND SUBSEQUENT LITIGATION. but at all times it was only a nourish. The usage of spelling the name "Clarke" in the public prints came, I think, from Gass's book. That book, as you know, was the first published account of the expedition. Gass was an unlet- tered sergeant, whose notes were written out by a Virginia country school master, in what is now West Virginia. Gass no doubt had letters or papers signed by Clark and the school mas- ter took the nourish for an e. The Historical Society has commissions given to military offi- cers of the state by Clark when governor. These are all printed "William Clark, Governor of Missouri Territory." George Rogers Clark, the Governor's brother, wrote his name with a like flourish, yet it was never mistaken for an e, and his name is always printed "Clark." I may add one other bit of evidence. A monument to Governor Clark, erected by his descendants over his grave, was unveiled here last fall. Upon that the name is also spelled "Clark." These various instances ought to settle the question. Yours truly, Walter B. Douglas. Hon. Walter B. Douglas was, at the time of writing the above letter, judge of the Eighth Judicial District of Missouri. CHAPTER III LIEU-LANDS AND SUBSEQUENT LITIGATION. During the earlier days in Columbia county — what might be termed the transition period — the questions involved in the distribution of railroad lands became of vital importance to settlers. There was expressed much indigna- tions; heads of families who had staked their all in improvements upon government lands were loth to resign them to what they were pleased to term the "rapacity of railroad man- agers." This contest between settlers and the Northern Pacific Railway Company was con- tinued through many years ; occasionally the settlers would win a point or two in the courts ; at times the railroad company would make favorable concessions and extensions. But con- siderable injustice was wrought, undoubtedly. In order to obtain a fair understanding of conditions surrounding "lieu-lands," it is im- perative that we go back so far as the closing days- of the Civil War ; also to bear in remem- brance the fact that an entire strip of country between the Mississippi river and Puget Sound was affected by the somewhat vague and un- certain legal status of these lieu-lands. While it is unnecessary to enter upon an extended nar- ration of the prolonged contest between the Northern Pacific Railroad Company and certain settlers along its line, a brief outline of the struggle which for many years disturbed the peace and equanimity of a large number of citi- zens of certain counties in Eastern Washington will be attempted. Congress had granted to the Northern Pa- cific Railroad Company all the odd sections of land for forty miles on each side of its track, in the territories, and for twenty miles in states, from St. Paul and Duluth, Minnesota, to Puget Sound, and to tidewater on the Columbia river. At the time it was not considered that any great amount of these lands would be occupied in ad- vance of certain acts of the railroad company necessary to have these lands withdrawn from settlement. The immense volume of the rapidly increasing tide of western immigration was underestimated by both the United States gov- ernment and the beneficiaries of the act, the LIEU-LANDS AND SUBSEQUENT LITIGATION. 863 Northern Pacific Railway Company. But ex- perience demonstrated the fact that this immi- gration was not content to remain behind the slowly advancing iron rails, and when the com- pany had completed its obligations the govern- ment awoke to the fact that thousands of acres of land had been settled upon under the gen- eral land laws. Out of this imbroglio a way must be found. Therefore, to reimburse the company for these heavy losses Congress passed an act granting it "other lands in lieu" of those already occupied. The lands might be selected anywhere within a strip ten miles on each side of the original grant. This act was ap- proved by the president of the United States October 14, 1873. The original grant of this immense tract of land, good, bad and indifferent, was made in 1864. It provided for a statutory withdrawal fro msale or from homestead entry of all odd sections within the limits heretofore described, so soon as a line of general route had been determined. In Washington Territory this pro- vision became effective when the map "of July 30, 1870, had been filed and approved. This map showed the line as entering the Territory near its southeast corner, about ten miles north of the Oregon line; thence running nearly due west to the junction of the Walla Walla and Columbia rivers ; thence along the course of the Columbia to about the first range line west of the Williamette principal meridian ; thence north to the point where the international boundary line touches the tidewaters of the Pa- cific ocean. February 16, 1872, the railroad company filed another map. In transmitting it its presi- dent stated that it was "a map of the prelim- inary line of the road of this company, from the Red River of the North to the Columbia, at the mouth of the Walla Walla river." He re- quested withdrawal of all the odd numbered sections of land along said line, and the acting commissioner of the general land office, Mr. Curtis, directed the register and receiver at Walla Walla to withhold odd sections within forty-mile limits of this amended line, and to increase the price of lands in all even num- bered sections to $2.50 per acre. This new line entered the Territory at a point about one hundred and eighty miles north of that at which the line designated by the map of 1870 crossed the eastern boundary. Running thence in a southwesterly direction it joined the Columbia opposite the mouth of the Walla Walla river as did the line of 1870. It should be noted by the reader that this was a second map of the general route; and that in ordering a with- drawal of lands in accordance with its specifica- tions, the acting land commissioner proceeded without instruction from the department of the interior. It certainly must be patent to all, the in- justice of permitting this double withdrawal of valuable lands — vast domains actually neces- sary to those hardy pioneers and settlers des- tined to build up a magnificent commonwealth. A map of the general route is filed in 1870; in accordance with this withdrawals are made ; homestead entries on odd sections are prohib- ited ; the price of even sections is doubled. Then, when many have purchased lands at the ad- vanced price, the entire route is changed and another eighty mile belt is established. Clearly a grave error on the part of government ser- vants elected, or appointed — to conserve the in- terests of the people. It was not until October 4, 1880, that the Northern Pacific Railway Company filed its map of definite location. According to this the line of the proposed road was to enter Wash- ington Territory some miles south of the point established by the map of 1872. Withdrawals of odd numbered sections for forty miles on each side of the definite line were ordered. The company was. also permitted to select lands be- tween the forty-mile limit lines and lines estab- lished ten miles further from their road, and in so selecting they laid claim to many lands in various Eastern Washington counties, and else- 864 LIEU-LANDS AND SUBSEQUENT LITIGATION. where, which had been located upon and im- proved by bona fide settlers. The leading case of the whole contest was that of the Northern Pacific Railway Company vs. Guilford Miller. The defendant was a resident near Almota, Whitman county. His land was without the limits of the map of 1870; within those of the map of 1872 ; and more than forty, but less than fifty miles from the line of definite location. It had, therefore, been reserved by the order of the acting land commissioner in '1872; and was, also within the "lieu-lands" belt. It had been selected by the railroad company as a part of its indemnity land; suit was brought to have Mr. Miller's entry cancelled. But there was at this period a strong man in the presidential chair; a man disposed to make an attempt to arrive at the merits of the con- troversy regardless of whatever monopolistic interest might be jeopardized. As tersely ex- hibiting the principle involved, we interpolate a letter of President Cleveland addressed to Hon. L. Q. C. Lamar, then secretary of the interior, concerning this "lieu-land muddle" — muddled by an apparently, incompetent sub-official of the land department : Executive Mansion. Washington, D. C, April 28, 1887. To the Secretary of the Interior, Washington, D. C. Dear sir : I have examined with much care and interest the questions involved in the conflicting claims of Guilford Miller and the Northern Pacific Railway Company to certain lands in Washington Territory. The legal aspects of the case have been examined and passed upon by several officers of the government who do not agree in their conclusions. Miller claims to be a settler upon the land in ques- tion, whose possession dates from 1878. He alleges that he has made substantial inprovements upon this land, and cultivated the same, and it appears that he filed his claim to the same under the homestead law, on the 27th of December, 1884. The railroad company contends that this land is within the territory or area from which it was entitled to select such a quantity of public land as might be necessary to supply any deficiency that shall be found to exist in the specified land mentioned in a grant by the government to said company in aid of the construc- tion of its roads, such deficiency being contemplated as likely to arise from the paramount right of private parties and settlers within the territory embracing said granted lands and that the land in dispute was selected by the company on the 19th day of December, 1883. A large tract, including this land, was withdrawn by an order of the interior department from sale, and from preemption and homestead entry in 1872, in anticipa- tion of the construction of said railroad and a defi- ciency in its granted lands. In 1880, upon the filing of a map of definite location, the land in controversy, and much more which has been so withdrawn was found to lie outside of the limits which included the granted land ; but its withdrawal and reservation from settle- ment and entry under our laws was continued upon the theory that it was within the limits of the indem- nity lands which might be selected by the company as provided in the law making the grant. The legal points in the controversy turned upon the validity and effect of the withdrawal and reservation of this land and the continuance thereof. The attorney general is of the opinion that such withdrawal and res- ervation were at all times effectual, and that they oper- ated to prevent Miller from acquiring any interest in or right to the land claimed by him. With this interpretation of the law, and the former order and action of the interior department, it will be seen chat their effect has been the withdrawal and res- ervation since 1872 of thousands, if not millions, of acres of these lands from the operation of the land laws of the United States, thus placing them beyond the reach of our citizens desiring under such laws to settle and make homes upon the same, and that this has been done for the benefit of a railroad company having no fixed, certain, definite interests in such lands. In this manner the beneficent policy and intention of the government, in relation to the public domain, has for all these years to that extent been thwarted. There seems to be no evidence presented showing how much, if any, of this vast tract is necessary for the ful- fillment of the grant to the railroad company; nor does there appear to be any limitations of the time within which this fact should be made known and the corporation obliged to make its selection. After a lapse of fifteen years this large body of the public domain is still held in reserve, to the exclusion of settlers, for the convenience of a corporation benficiary of the gov- ernment, and awaiting its selection, though it is en- tirely certain that much of this reserved land can never be honestly claimed by said corporation. Such a condition of the public land should no longer continue. So far as it is the result of executive rules and methods these should be abandoned; and so far as it is a consequence of improvident laws, these should be repealed and amended. Our public domain is our national wealth, the earnest of growth and the heritage of our people. In the case under consideration I as- sume that there is an abundance of land within the area that has been reserved for indemnity, in which no LIEU-LANDS AND SUBSEQUENT LITIGATION. 865 citizen or settler has a legal or equitable interest, for all purposes of such indemnification of this railroad company if its grant has not already been satisfied. I understand, too, that selections made by such corpo- ration are not complete and effectual until the same have been approved by the secretary of the interior, or unless they are made, in the words of the statute, under his direction. You have thus far taken no action in this matter, and it seems to me that you are in a condition to deal with. the subject in such a manner as to protect this settler from' hardship and loss. I transmit herewith the papers and documents in the case, which were submitted to me at my request. Grover Cleveland. In 1888 the Guilford Miller case came be- fore Secretary Vilas for trial. Notwithstanding the opinion of the attorney general that Miller's entry should be canceled, the secretary decided that the withdrawal in accordance with the map of 1872 was void. He said that when the statutory withdrawal had been once exercised it was exhausted and could not be taken ad- vantage of a second time; that therefore the amended map was without authority in law. Though this decision secured to Mr. Miller his right to the land and was a decided victory for the many other settlers similarly situated, it did not end the controversy. The company would not yield its claims on account of one defeat, and the vexatious uncertainty about titles continued to disturb the minds of the lieu-landers. In 1893, in the celebrated case of Charles Cole vs. the Northern Pacific Railway Com- pany, a determined effort was made by the de- fendant corporation's counsel to have the Guil- ford Miller case overruled. But in an elabor- ate decision, the then secretary of the interior, Hoke Smith, sustained the rulings of Secretary Vilas, and the lieu-lands contest, so far as Whitman county was concerned, was consid- ered as practically determined. Not so, however. The company appealed to the circuit court of the United States and finally to the federal supreme court. But the Guilford Miller decision and decisions follow- 55 ing it were sustained everywhere. Neverthe- less, each case had to be tried on its own merits. Even those who had obtained United States patents to lieu-lands could not rest secure, as a reversal of the rulings under which these were issued might invalidate their deeds. The cases dragged their weary lengths along through the departments and courts, the company fighting with ability and vigor and with heartsickening tenacity and the settlers contending for their homes with equal firmness. By the decisions above referred to, it was decided that bona fide settlement on odd num- bered sections within indemnity limits prior to 1885 would give the land to the settlers. But a case in which settlement was made subsequent to that date was, in March, 1898, decided against the settler, and his filings refused. The effect of this was to recognize the -validity of the company's selection of 1885, a "d conse- quently to take from the numerous claimants who had made entries subsequent to the said selection both their lands and the valuable im- provements thereon. In order to prevent this hardship and loss, Congress passed an act pro- viding that in cases in which railway lieu-lands were held by bona Me settlers under color of title or claim of right under any law of the United States or any ruling of the land depart- ment, the company might relinquish its claim and select lands in lieu thereof wherever it could find an equal amount not mineral or re- served and free from valid adverse claims. There are other provisions of the act but this is the substance. The statute was intro- duced and pushed by Senator John L. Wilson, and carried as a rider to the Sundry Civil Ap- propriation Bill. It proved a great boon to the settlers, saving them the expense and anxiety of prolonged litigation and in some instances, perhaps, the loss of their homes. Critics of this measure contend that it was of still more benefit to the railroad company, inasmuch as it permitted their selection of timber lands much more" valuable than the agricultural lands relin- SC6 LIEU-LANDS AND SUBSEQUENT LITIGATION. quished, but it is not within the province of this work to attempt to determine the truth or falsity of this assertion. February 27, 1884, large numbers of farm- ers from Columbia county flocked into Dayton ; at 11 130 o'clock, a. m. 3 a citizens' meeting was called to order, Hon. R. G. Newland in the chair ; Hon. John Brining, secretary. Drake's Opera House was packed with earnest-minded, sturdy settlers. The call for this meeting was read by the secretary, which stated the object of the gathering. It was moved and carried that Mr. Paul Schulze should be requested to state reasons why the railroad company held the lands at the present high figures, etc. Mr. Schulze prefaced his remarks with a history of the legislation concerning the land grant of the Northern Pacific Railway Company. To his audience he stated many facts not then gener- ally known. He said that the company could go into any state or territory along its line and select within the first indemnity limits sufficient to make good any losses by pre-emption, home- steads, etc.. in any other state on the line of the road. He directed attention to the fact that there was a second ten-mile indemnity belt in which lands could be selected for losses in the state or territory only in which the selections were made. Mr. Schulze said, moreover, that he had diligently searched through the com- pany's papers and had failed to discover any documents authorizing agents to sell land at $2.60 per acre. It was, he said, quite easy to pass resolu- tions, but they could at any time be annulled. Many questions were asked by members of the intensely interested audience, and answered by the speaker. The circular signed by J. W. Sprague was handed to Mr. Schulze. By him it was pronounced a simple advertisement, after which it was read by the meeting. Secretary Brining also read a letter from Paul Schulze to Hon. R. G. Newland, outlining existing con- ditions of the lieu-lands. Subsequently speeches were made by a number of people interested in the question, and a committee composed of E. C. Crouch, R. L. Dasheill and Garret Romaine was appointed to draft resolutions asking that the government declare forfeited all unearned lands held by the Northern Pacific Railroad company, and that the government set a price for the sale of lands held by the railroad company. Copies of these resolu- tions were forwarded to the president of the United States, senators and representa- tives in congress, the commissioner of the general land office and to the secretary of the interior. For the especial benefit of the North- ern Pacific Railway Company the following resolution was prepared : Resolved: That we would respectfully repre- sent that the great majority of the settlers in the lieu- lands have made valuable improvements on said lands, with the expectation of purchasing the same at the rate of $2.60 per acre, and we would respectfully ask the Northern Pacific Railroad Company, in sonsideration of the above facts, to hear our prayer and sell said lands at said price. There was a diversity of opinion as to the best methods to employ. The resolutions were adopted, and then the action was reconsidered and the resolutions were laid on the table to be considered at a meeting to be held March 1st. At this latter meeting, after a few changes in the wording of the resolutions, they were passed. At this period similar meetings were being held all over Eastern Washington. In March, 1884, the Walla Walla Union pub- lished the following: In the discussion of the railroad question many questions are recalled. On the 19th of November, 1879, the directors of the Northern Pacific formally adopted a resolution which in substance offered all the agri- cultural lands of the company west of the Missouri, to actual settlers, at $2.60 per acre. The object of this resolution was to induce the settlement of the country. It appears to have been believed at that time by the directors that the true policy of the company was to encourage settlers to go upon the lands granted to it, and, cultivating them, make them furnish business and income to the corporation for all time. This policy was inaugurated under the presidency of C. B. Wright, LIEU-LANDS AND SUBSEQUENT LITIGATION. 867 continued under Frederick Billings and Henry Villard until May, 1883, when Mr. Villard and Land Commis- sioner Lamborn announced in interviews published in the Oregonian a partial change of policy. Their an- nouncement was the first official intimation of a "change of heart." They then announced that future settlers would have to pay the appraised price of the lands, but that in cases "where in past years a settler had gone on railroad land in good faith, resided upon and improved it for a home," he could buy it for $2.60 per acre, cash, or $4 per acre on time. So far as the public knows the resolution of November 19, 1879, has not been formally rescinded by the board of directors. It is possible that it is still in force, and that its abro- gation is the sole work of the head officials of the .com- pany. One thing is certain, the action in relation to railroad land prices, taken by the officials of the North- ern Pacific since 1882 has caused more hard feeling, more distrust of the company, more clamor for the for- feiture of the grant than all else combined. Had the resolution of November 19, 1879, been car- ried out in letter and spirit, the Northern Pacific would have had a thousand friends west of the Missouri river where it has one to-day. The present policy of the com- pany seems to be inspired by the desire to make all the money possible out of the land grant, while letting its future sources of income take care of themselves. It is the application of the policy so successfully pur- sued by the owner of the goose that laid eggs of gold. Possibly it is not too late to resume the wise policy adopted on the 19th of November, 1879, and by so doing turn the tide and make friends instead of enemies out of the present and prospective hundreds of thousands of settlers within the limits of the grant. Probably it was for the purpose of resuming this policy that Messrs. Lamborn and Schulze were recently summoned to New York City by President Harris. Not, however, without good results was this agitation of the lieu-land question, and in- dignation forcibly expressed by the people of Washington Territory over exorbitant prices demanded by the railroad company for its land. At the time Mr. Schulze was in Dayton he an- nounced that all persons who had actually set- tled upon lieu-lands prior to July i, 1880, were entitled to purchase the same at $2.60 per acre, cash, or $4 on time payments. Shortly after his return to Portland the time was extended to July 1, 1 88 1. The following telegram re- ceived by Mr. Hall shows that still further con- cessions had been made, and that the time had been extended until 1882. But it would not do for the railroad company to suddenly recede — to back down — from its strongly fortified posi- tion : "Portland, March 26, 1884: N. P. Hall, Local Land Agent, Dayton, W. T. — Please announce in papers and other ways as one of the results of Mr. Schulze's visit east, and upon which you are authorized to act, that all persons who were actual settler up to July 1, 1882, upon the agri- cultural lieu-lands of this company, selected in Eastern Washington, can purchase now to the extent of 160 acres so settled upon, at $2.60 per acre, cash, or $4 on time. "R. W. Mitchell." A telegram from Mr. Schulze on March 26, stated that the date was June 20, 1882, instead of July 1, 1882, as in the previous telegram. Among the last gusts of the lieu-land storm which had for a number of years swept over the Territory of Washington is the following except from the Columbia Chronicle of April 28, 1 "The settlers on 'Indemnity lands' in Colum- bia county met according to adjournment in the court house in Dayton, Saturday, April 21st, at one o'clock p. m., Mr. H. H. Wolfe in the chair. The committee appointed at the last meeting to employ counsel to take the general management of the cases in contest reported the employment of the firm of Anders, Brents & Clark to conduct the cases through all the courts to which they may be carried ; also a preamble with resolutions giving the settlers' view of the matter in contest, with an appeal to the courts before which the cases may come to adjust them as speedily as their importance will jus- tify. * * * J. C. Van Patten was appointed to attend the contests at Walla Walla, and to as- sist in their management." CHAPTER IV PRELUDE TO AND BATTLE OF WALLA WALLA. The following is a sketch of the battle of Walla Walla, taken from a diary kept by George W. Miller, while in the service of Com- pany H, First Regiment Oregon Mounted Vol- unteers : In accordance with the plans of George L. Curry, governor of the Territory of Oregon, a general concentration of troops was ordered to Fort Walla Walla, now called Wallula. At The Dalles, November 12, 1855, Major Mark A. Chinn, with Captain Layton's Company H, Captain Hanson's Company B, and Captain Munson's Company I, took up their line of march to Fort Walla Walla; pushing forward they reached Welles' springs on the 17th inst. That night a courier came with a dispatch from Narcissa Raymond stating that Peu-Peu- Mox-Mox had sent a large force of his warriors to watch the movements of the volunteers, and that he had taken Fort Walla Walla, with 1,000 warriors stationed at the most advantageous positions around the fort, and advising Major Chinn to await reinforcements, believing his force of 150 men were not sufficient to attack such a large band of warriors as were concen- trated at Fort Walla Walla. This information determined Major Chinn to abandon the attempt to reach that place until reinforcements could be obtained from The Dalles, for which a dispatch was sent the next day. Under these 'circumstances he pushed forward to Umatilla river, and fortified, build- ing a stockade one hundred feet square, with two bastions of round logs on two of the angles, which he called Fort Henrietta in honor of Major Haller's wife. November 21st Major Chinn sent another courier to The Dalles, asking for two companies of volunteers and artillery to assist him in moving upon Fort Walla Walla. November 27th Captain Cor- noyer arrived at Fort Henrietta with Company K, and on the 29th Captain Wilson with Com- pany A, and Captain Bennett with Company F, accompanied by Lieutenant Colonel Kelly. On reaching this place he took command of the forces at the front. Colonel Kelly here learned that the Indians were in full possession of Fort Walla Walla and its immediate vicinity, and he at once com- menced active operations to get his force in readiness. At sundown, December 2d the com- mand moved out from Fort Henrietta with colors flying and the boys all eager for an affray, hoping to surprise the enemy at day break the next morning. But incidental delays, caused by a heavy rain which set in at dusk and con- tinued until late the following morning, pre- vented the troops from reaching Fort Walla Walla until late in the afternoon, finding the fort pillaged, defaced, deserted and everything of value carried away. The volunteers re- mained there to reconnoiter until the morning of December 5th, when Colonel Kelly with 200 men, without baggage or rations, marched to the Touchet river, thence up that river to the canyon to find out of possible the location of the Indians. Major Chinn, with the balance of the command, 150 men, and the baggage were ordered to the mouth of the Touchet river, there to await orders from the main army. Col- PRELUDE TO AND BATTLE OF WALLA WALLA. 869 onel Kelly, after gaining the foot of the canyon sent scouts in advance to look out for prowling bands of Indians. After reaching a point where the hills on either side of a deep canyon shut out the surrounding view, the advance guard in approaching the summit descried a party of six Indians in their immediate front advancing toward them. In an instant they were covered by the guns of the guard and ordered to halt. One of the party, carrying a flag of truce proved to be Peu-Peu-Mox-Mox. A parley en- sued and it was soon discovered that a large body of Indians were coming from the direction from which the chief had come. A signal was given and the advancing party halted ; every one of whom dismounted and stood by his horse. Then the old chief asked if Nathan Olney, the Indian agent, was with them. On being in- formed that he was the chief expressed a desire to see him ; a messenger was sent back to report what had transpired at the front ; the volunteers were halted on the hillside in plain view of the flag of truce, while Colonel Kelly and Agent Olney, with John McBain as interpreter, went forward to meet the great Walla Walla chief. When they met Peu-Peu-Mox-Mox he in an in- solent manner demanded why an armed force had come to invade his country. Colonel Kelly, answering, said he had come to chastise him and his people for wrongs they had com- mitted. Then the chief talked about peace ne- gotiations, saying that he had committed no wrongs and that he desired to live in peace with the whites. And then Colonel Kelly told him about the pillaging and destruction of Fort Walla Walla ; the seizure of the government property left there; the carrying away of the Hudson's Bay Company's goods, and the burn- ing of the store house of Brooks, Noble & Bunford, and appropriating the goods to their own use. When confronted with these criminal acts the chief denied having done any of the things ascribed to him ; but finally admitted that they were acts of his young men whom he could not restrain; but when informed that Howlis Wampum, a Cayuse chief, had testified to see- ing him distribute the goods to his people with his own hands, and lay out a great pile of blan- kets as an inducement to the Cayuses to join with him in war against the whites, he made no reply. Finally he offered to make his people restore the goods so far as they were able, and make payment for the balance. Colonel Kelly explained to him that this would not te sufficient remuneration, but that his men must come in and give up their arms and ammunition. To this the old chief gave his assent, promising to come in the next day and deliver up arms and ammunition. But Colonel Kelly believed from his deportment that he only desired to make ready for battle. Therefore he instructed his interpreter to explain to him distinctly that he could take his flag of truce, go back to his village and make ready for battle; but that if he did so an attack would be made on him im- mediately ; while on the other hand if he and his associates chose to remain with them until the terms of the proposed treaty were fulfilled his people would not be molested. Thus hard pressed the old chief consented to remain as a hostage for the fulfillment of his words, assur- ing Colonel Kelly that none of his people would remove from their camp during the night, and that they would cook plenty of food for the soldiers to eat the next morning. Colonel Kelly, after marching his force a short distance with Peu-Peu-Mox-Mox, saw that he was being led into the canyon. Calling a halt and holding a short consultation with his officers, he moved back a short distance and camped for the night without food, wcod or water. He thought it was necessary to be cautious when all the surrounding circum- stances went to show that there was a probabil- ity the chief would have all his available forces at different positions in the canyon to cut off retreat. That evening the chief asked per- mission to send one of his men that was taken 870 PRELUDE TO AND BATTLE OF WALLA WALLA. prisoner with him, to his village to apprise his people of the terms of the proposed treaty, and instruct them to fulfill it. Colonel Kelly granted this request, little thinking he would ever come back. And he did not. The young Nez Perce that was taken prisoner with Peu-Peu-Mox- Mox, understood their language pretty well, and afterward he related that when the wily old serpent instructed his messenger to tell of the terms of the bogus treaty, he had, also, told him to ask the women to pack up in haste and go to the mountains. That night the elements spread their fleecy mantle of white over the thin blankets of the volunteers. During the night the Indians kept shouting messages from the hill tops to the prisoners in camp, but in a language but little used at that time which was not understood by Colonel Kelly's interpreter. The following morning another Indian was captured who took the place of the messenger who had failed to return the evening previous. The son of Peu-Peu- Mox-Mox was permitted to come into camp and talk with his father. When the two met the old chief said he wanted his people to come in and make a treaty of peace ; but his son said they were waiting for Five Crows to come back before deciding what to do. This proves an- other fact related by the young Nez Perce in his narrative to Colonel Kelly after the battle, when he said Peu-Peu-Mox-Mox had sent all his available force of warriors, under command of Five Crows, sixty miles distant to accomplish a feat of prowess over Major Chinn's command at Fort Henrietta. No doubt he believed that Five Crows would obliterate that little band of volunteers and that the soil of Umatilla would drink up their blood as it would a shower of rain. When the volunteers were ready to start for the Indian camp, the whole purpose of the old chief appeared to be to obtain as much delay as possible. This would bring Five Crows much nearer his relief. He was sparring for time ; he said his people required time to prepare and cook food for so many soldiers; he wanted it ready for them to eat on their arrival at his vil- lage. Thus he delayed our movements until nearly noon, when the volunteers made march to the Indian camp with a vague hope of en- joying a sumptuous feast on their arrival. Great was their consternation on finding the camp deserted, with only a few Indians to be seen on the surrounding hills who were watch- ing the movements of the volunteers. This was a direct violation of the treaty of peace con- cluded between Peu-Peu-Mox-Mox and Col- onel Kelly on the preceding day. The reader will notice that every act of this hypocritical Indian from the time he signed the treaty with Isaac Ingalls Stevens, governor of the Terri- tory of Washington, until the day he fell by the hand of his vigilant guard, showed treach- ery on his part, and had he been dwelt with ac- cording to the laws of nations his life would have paid the forfeit. The command of Colo- nel Kelly, being overcome with hunger, and knowing that they could not get a. bite to eat until they gained Major Chinn's camp at the mouth of the Touchet river, were soon on the march to that place, arriving there a short time after nightfall. That night one of the pris- oners, a large Indian by the name of Wolf Skin, who was very talkative, tried to make his escape by running, but his guard at that time being the fleetest runner in the command, over- hauled his prisoner in one hundred yards and brought him back to camp. After this the In- dians were all tied until morning. Early dawn revealed the fact that half of Five Crow's army was on the hills surrounding the camp, which substantiates, without a doubt, the narrative re- lated by the young Nez Perce Indian. BATTLE OF WALLA WALLA. \ On the morning of December 7, 1855, Companies B and H crossed the Touchet, and formed in line. Soon after Companies I and K did likewise, and Companies A and F were PRELUDE TO AND BATTLE OF WALLA WALLA. 871 detailed to guard the baggage wagon and pris- oners. The Indians had been gathering in con- siderable numbers on our left and front, and before any movement to start bad been made by the volunteers, the report of a gun was heard on our left. This appeared to be the signal to charge, and as the companies formed in line they dashed forth, opening a heavy fire on the enemy as they ran. A running fight ensued, the Indians taking across the hills eastward to the Walla Walla river ; the volunteers pursuing at the top of their speed, shooting whenever an opportunity presented itself. Those having the fastest horses sped away, leaving others behind until they became widely scattered. My horse not being as fleet as some, I did not get along as fast as others, but I soon found I was near- ing the front from the continued sound of mus- ketry and deafening yells of the Indians. The force of the enemy kept increasing in num- bers from the time the skirmish commenced until we reached the Walla Walla river, at the Larogue cabin, while the force of the volun- teers was growing less and more widely scat- tered. Here the enemy became stubborn and slow to move. This afforded the volunteers who had been left behind an opportunity to come to the front. The Indians were driven back almost at the point of the bayonet, a short distance above the Larogue cabin. By this time their whole force was engaged in battle, and estimates were made of their number, which ranged from 600 to 2,000. My own estimate, written in my diary at the time, was 1,000. Governor Stevens, who crossed the Bitter Root Mountains about the time the bat- tle took place, and who came to our camp a few days after it ended, in a short speech said : "Peu-Peu-Mox-Mox, the great Walla Walla chief, was extremely hostile to myself and party, and he had repeatedly said I should never reach The Dalles. I owe my life to the Oregon Mounted Volunteers whe engaged the Indians in battle at Walla Walla. This was the means of drawing all the Indians out of the country through which I had to pass. They were all, numbering from 1,200 to 1,500 war- riors, engaged in battle there." From Governor Steven's report my esti- mate is low; but be this as it may, their num- bers were so overwhelmingly in excess of ours that our forces were checked. The hills were on our left and the river on our right. The In- dians formed a line across the plain from the foot-hills to the river. This plain was par- tially covered with brush. The hills were dot- ted with mounted hostiles who played an active part and were commanded by leaders of match- less skill and daring. Their purpose was to leave no foe to rise behind them. Their policy was the policy of extermination. Their flags were the scalps of our people murdered in cold blood, whose gray locks -floated from the tops of poles raised on every prominent point on the hills to our left, with squads of the bloody fiends executing their war dance around them. From the brush on the plain and the tim- ber along the river they poured a murderous fire on the volunteers who w r ere compelled to fall back. This was the hottest place any- where during the engagement. Here Henry Crow and S. S. Van Hagerman fell mortally wounded. At this critical moment Lieutenant J. M. Burrows, of Company H, was detailed to take a detachment of men and cross the fence that surrounded the Laroque cabin, and charge the Indians out of the brush. The writer was one of those who crossed, and he was only a few steps beyond the fence when the brave Burrows fell dead. Captain Munson and sev- eral others were wounded. A dispatch was sent to Captain Wilson to come forward with Company A. They soon came at full speed, dismounted and with fixed bayonets pushed their way through the brush, driving the In- dians before them. In a short time Captain Bennett, with Company F, was on hand, and by these reinforcements the Indians were driven about one mile further up the Walla Walla river. Here they took possession of a 872 PRELUDE TO AND BATTLE OF WALLA WALLA. cabin with a close fence around it. In attempt- ing to dislodge them Captain Bennett, of Com- pany F, and Private Kelso, of Company A, were killed. Soon after this Captain Wilson came with a howitzer, from Fort Walla Walla, and brought it to bear upon the Indians. But having nothing but a sand knoll to lay the piece upon it burst when the fourth round was fired, and wounded Captain Wilson. But it dispersed the enemy from their stronghold. This advantage was followed up by the volun- teers and the bodies of Bennett and Kelso were recovered. The baggage train and prisoners had already arrived at the Laroque cabin which was used as a hospital for the wounded. Peu- Peu-Mox-Mox, with his stentorian voice, be- gan to shout messages to his warriors on the hill side, receiving responses from them at short intervals. The writer had come in just a few minutes before as one of the bearers of the body of Lieutenant Burrows to the hospital. Colonel Kelly arrived a few minutes later and about the same time Frank Crabtree came in with his shoulder shattered and his arm dangling by his side. He reported that Captain Layton, of Company H, was wounded, in the hills at the front, and with five or six others, was sur- rounded by hostiles. At this critical moment the question was asked, "What shall be done with the prisoners?" Colonel Kelly took in the situation at a glance and said, "My men are all needed at the front ; tie them, or if they re- fuse to be tied, kill them.'' The writer, stand- ing near Colonel Kelly, was between him and the prisoners. Ropes were procured to tie them, but they refused, all except the young Nez Perce, who crossed his arms and said that he wanted to be tied. Wolf Skin, the large Indian who had tried to escape from the guard the night before, stooped down and pulled from his leggins a large knife which he had, un- known to the guards, concealed there. Utter- ing as he rose a most hideous yell, he began to cut his way through the guard, wounding Ser- geant Major Isaac Miller severely in the arm. At the same instant Peu-Peu-Mox-Mox at- tempted to wrench a gun from the hands of his guard, and all, except the young Nez Perce, who had been tied, attempted to get through the guard and escape. But their efforts were futile. It was only the work of a moment, brought on by their own relentless hands, when they fell to the ground weltering in their gore. If the body of Peu-Peu-Mox-Mox was muti- lated it was brought on by the hands of a re- lentless foe whose mode of warfare was always insensible to the feelings of others. At this time and place those brave volunteers had their feelings wrought up to the highest emotion, and their excitement ran wild when they saw the scalp, perhaps of a brother, a sister, of some relative flapping from the top of a pole planted on some prominent point on the hill to our left. At the same time they remembered that this was nearly the identical ground where eight years before Dr. Marcus Whitman, his wife and their associates, thirteen in number, had been inhumanly massacred by a horde of red demons brought up under the tutelage of Peu- Peu-Mox-Mox, who could easily have pre- vented this horrible tragedy had he desired to do so. A fair and candid person could not look on the scene before him without exonerating the boys in all that had been done. The con- test lasted until sundown, when the Indians withdrew, and the volunteers returned to the Laroque cabin tired and hungry. Camp fires were built and kettles and coffee pots were hung over the blaze to prepare a scanty meal for the boys who had fought so nobly during the day. A guard of twenty, the writer being one, was on its way up the hill to be stationed on duty, when a ball from one of the enemy's guns whizzed by. Over went the camp kettles and coffee pots to extinguish the flames and all remained on guard until morning. The enemy fired occasional shots into camp during the night. November 8th, early in the morning a PRELUDE TO AND BATTLE OF WALLA WALLA. 873 hearty meal was prepared" and partly eaten, when the Indians came in increased force, re- taking every position from which they had been ■driven the day before. Lieutenant Pillow, with Company A, and Lieutenant Hannon, with Company H, were ordered to charge the In- dians out of the brush. Lieutenant McCauliff, with Company B, Lieutenant Fellows, with Company F, Lieutenant Hand, with Company I, and Captain Cornoyer, with Company K, were ordered to take possession of the most available positions on the hill and to assail the hostiles at every point practicable. They fought with all the skill and bravery of the previous day, especially in the brush where they fought like demons. Three of Company H, and one of Company A were wounded while charging them out of the brush. In a draw, or slough, that extended from the foot-hills to the river, and which was covered with brush, Lieutenant Hannan pulled off his coat, hung it on a stick and, placing his hat on top, raised it above the brush. In an instant the brush was mowed down around the object by bullets from the enemy's guns. The contest continued until dark, when the war-whoops ceased and the In- dians withdrew from the field. That night a courier was sent with a dispatch to Fort Hen- rietta for Companies D and E to come to our assistance. On the morning of the 9th they were at their work again, but not so early as the preceding morning. As the volunteers were fatigued and nearly worn out Colonel Kelly decided to act on the defensive and hold the positions the same as before until Compa- nies D and E came to our relief. During the day attacks were made on Companies A and H in the brush, and B in the foot-hills which resulted in great loss to the enemy. The other companies on the hill did good service in re- pelling attacks made on them during the day. Thus another day's work was done. Late in the evening the war-whoops ceased and the hostiles again withdrew. December 10th: Early this morning it was discovered that the Indians had possession of every available position held by us the three preceding days. So soon as breakfast was eaten Lieutenant McCauliff, with Company B, charged the Indians who had taken possession of the breast- works thrown up the day pre- vious, on the point of a hill, to protect them from flying bullets. They had not taken such a deep hold on the brush as visual on account of the severe loss they had sustained the day before. Companies A and H soon recovered the brush and drove them from the pits dug on the sand knolls the preceding day. Skirmishes were frequent until afternoon, when the companies on the hills made preparations for a charge and as many as had horses suitable for the occasion were mounted. They gallantly charged the enemy in the face of a heavy fire, scattering them in every direction, to return no more to the battle field. Thus ended the long contested struggle be- tween contending foes. In his official report Colonel Kelly said : "I cannot say too much in praise of the conduct of the officers of the several companies and the soldiers under their command. They did their duty bravely and well during those four days of trying battles." The loss of Company H was half the num- ber of all the killed and wounded during the engagement. The following were either killed or wounded : Captain Charles Bennett, Com- pany F, killed; Lieutenant J. M. Burrows, Company H, killed; Private Andrew Kelso, Company A, killed ; Private S. S. Van Hager- man, Company I, mortally wounded; Private Jasper Flemming, Company A, mortally wounded ; Private Joseph Sturtevant, Company B, mortally wounded; Private Henry Crow, Company H, mortally wounded ; Sergeant Ma- jor Isaac Miller, Company H, wounded twice ; Captain A. V. Wilson, wounded; Captain L. B. Munson, Company I, wounded; Captain David Layton, Company H, wounded ; Private Casper Snook, Company H, wounded; Private 8/4 PRELUDE TO AND BATTLE OF WALLA WALLA. T. J. Payne, Company H, wounded; Private Frank Crabtree, Company H, wounded ; Pri- vate Nathan Fry, Company H, wounded; Pri- vate John B. Smith, Company H, wounded; Private A. M. Addington, Company H, wounded ; Private Frank Duval, Company A, wounded; Private G. W. Smith, Company B, wounded; Private J. B. Jervias, Company K, wounded. It is a difficult matter to obtain the number of Indians killed in this battle. The bodies of 39 were counted on the battle field after it was all over, and it is estimated that at least 30 were carried off in time of battle and that the same number were dragged away at night by putting ropes around their necks and pulling them with a horse. It was plain to see the trails where they were dragged away. At that time no one put their loss in the field at less than 100. The ratio of wounded to the num- ber killed is generally estimated at two and one-half to one. At this rate the loss of the Indians in killed and wounded in the fight would be 350. This would be, at a close esti- mate, one-third of all their warriors engaged in the battle. I ■a p. i