estate and general business interests connected therewith and in 1909
she erected her present modern and attractive home on Alvarado terrace
in Walla Walla. In the meantime, however, following her husband's
demise she removed to California with her children in order that they
might have the benefit of educational instruction there and later she
established her home in Evanston, Illinois, that they might continue
their studies in the Northwestern University. In 1896 she returned to
the old home in Moscow, Idaho, and in 1907 removed to Walla Walla,
where she has since resided, two years later building her present home.
She is a member of the Reading Club, one of the oldest clubs of Walla
Walla, and is active in connection with those interests which work for
intellectual progress and cultural value.
G. B. DAGUE.
G. B. Dague, one of the leading agriculturists of Walla Walla county,
where his holdings embrace fourteen hundred and seventy acres of
valuable land, resides on section 25, township 8 north, range 35 east.
His birth occurred in Kansas on the 31st of December, 1871, his parents
being Henry H. and Mary Elizabeth (Poorman) Dague, the former a native
of Pennsylvania and the latter of Ohio. Soon after their marriage,
which was celebrated in the Buckeye state, they removed to Jefferson
county, Kansas, there residing until the spring of 1872, when they took
up their abode in western Kansas. There the mother passed away in 1881,
and the father's last years were spent with his children.
G. B. Dague was reared under the parental roof and attended the common
schools in the acquirement of an education. In 1889, when a youth of
eighteen years, he made his way westward to the state of Washington
and for a number of years thereafter he worked for others. In 1898 he
located permanently in Walla Walla county and began farming on his
own account, renting a farm near Prescott. Five years later he bought
his first land, coming into possession of two hundred and forty acres
near Hadley Station, while two or three years afterward he purchased
an adjoining tract of one hundred and sixty acres. In May, 1908, he
purchased what was known as the old Sergeant Smith place of six hundred
and fifty-three acres and in 1911 he became the owner of what was
known as the Geaney place of four hundred and seventeen acres, which
is his present home farm. His holdings in Walla Walla county embrace
altogether about fourteen hundred and seventy acres, all located in
township 8 north, range 35 east, much of this being of the very best
and most valuable land in the county. Mr. Dague also has heavy land
holdings in Morrow county, Oregon, and in Benton county, Washington.
His record is indeed commendable and one that should serve to inspire
and encourage others, showing what may be accomplished by industry,
perseverance and determination. Twenty-two years ago he was driving a
header wagon over the land which he now owns and was earning, but a
dollar and a quarter per day. His present financial condition clearly
indicates the progress he has made, for, actuated by laudable ambition,
he has worked his way steadily upward to a position among the most
substantial agriculturists of the county.
On Christmas day of 1901 Mr. Dague was united in marriage to Mrs.
Bertha L. (Prather) Washburn, by whom he has two children, Georgia E.
and George Byron.
He is independent in politics and for thirteen years has ably served
as clerk of the school district. Fraternally he is identified with
Washington Lodge, No. 19, I. O. O. F., of Walla Walla, and he also
belongs to the M. W. of P. His life has been an active, useful and
honorable one, winning for him the high regard and esteem of all with
whom he has been brought in contact, so that the circle of his friends
is almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintance.
FRANK MILLER.
Frank Miller, starting out in the business world as a farm hand when
a young lad in his teens, is now one of the prosperous citizens of
Starbuck, where he has extensive realty holdings. He is also the owner
of much valuable property and is otherwise connected with the business
interests of southeastern Washington in a most active and extensive
way. He was born in Germany, June 24, 1858, and is a son of John and
Louisa Miller, who were also natives of that country, whence they
came to America in 1867. They established their home upon a farm in
Wisconsin, where they spent their remaining days, being long identified
with the agricultural interests of that locality. They had a family of
nine children, but Frank Miller and his sister Josephine are the only
ones now living.
Reared and educated in Wisconsin, he is indebted to the public school
system of that State for the opportunities which he had to prepare
for life's practical and responsible duties through the work of the
schoolroom. He went to Illinois when a lad of fourteen years and there
secured employment as a farm hand, in which work he engaged until he
reached the age of twenty-two. He then left the Mississippi valley and
made his way to the northwest, arriving in Walla Walla county, after
which he secured a situation in a brewery in Walla Walla, where he
remained for four years. He then took up the work of gardening at Walla
Walla, which he followed for a year, after which he rented a farm and
for six years was engaged in its cultivation. He took up a homestead
two miles and a half or three miles south of his present home. This
he proved up on and lived there eight years, after which he sold the
place. He then bought five hundred acres, mostly wheat land, much
of which is irrigated, and he also has thirty-five acres planted to
alfalfa and to fruit, having one of the fine orchards of his part of
the state. He is likewise a stockholder in the bank at Starbuck and
he has made extensive and judicious investments in real estate, owning
very large property interests in the village. His business affairs have
brought him very substantial success, for his investments have been
judiciously made and his untiring industry has also brought splendid
returns.
In 1882 Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss Nettie Sack, a native
of Illinois, and they became the parents of nine children, namely:
Louisa, the wife of Charles Krause; Simon; Eva, the wife of H. H.
Foster; George, who married Hazel Schultz; Fred, now in Camp Lewis with
the American army; and Jesse, Ida, Frank and Grace, all yet at home.
The wife and mother died September 30, 1917, and was laid to rest in
Starbuck cemetery. She was loved and respected by all who knew her.
In his political views Mr. Miller is a democrat and gives stanch
support to the party and its principles, although he does not seek or
desire public office. He is a self-made man, for he started out to
provide for his own support with no capital whatever and all that he
has achieved and enjoyed is attributable to his persistent purpose and
well-directed energy. He has been both the architect and builder of his
own fortunes and has builded wisely and well.
WILLIAM S. MALLOY.
William S. Malloy, a retired agriculturist residing in Walla Walla,
where he has the finest home on Washington street, is still the
owner of twenty-four hundred acres of wheat land which is now being
cultivated by a renter. His birth occurred in New Brunswick, Canada, on
the 17th of June, 1844, his parents being John and Catherine (Sutton)
Malloy, the former a native of County Wexford, Ireland, and the latter
of New Brunswick. John Malloy was a young man of eighteen years when
he left the Emerald isle and took up his abode in New Brunswick, where
he was married. In 1853 he and his wife crossed the border into the
United States, establishing their home in Stillwater, Minnesota, where
Mr. Malloy and two sons, Robert and James, were prominently identified
with the lumber industry for many years. It was there that his demise
occurred in 1871, and the mother passed away in 1884. In their family
were the following children: George, John, Robert, James and William
S., of this review.
William S. Malloy, who was a lad of nine years when he accompanied his
parents on their removal to Minnesota, acquired his education in the
common schools of Stillwater, that state. In 1864, when a young man of
twenty years, he left the parental roof and made his way westward to
Montana, and for about six years he was employed in the mining fields
of Virginia City and in Deerlodge county. The year 1870 witnessed his
arrival in Walla Walla county, Washington, and here he embarked in the
cattle business, in which he became extensively interested, his large
herds roaming the plains on the Columbia, Palouse and Snake rivers.
At the end of six years, cattle having gone so low in price that the
business was not promising, he disposed of his cattle and for a period
of twenty months gave his attention to mining in southern Utah. He
then returned to Washington, locating in Columbia county, where he
became engaged in farming and in the stock business, his undertakings
in that connection being attended with prosperity that enabled him
to add to his holdings from time to time until they now embrace
twenty-four hundred acres of valuable wheat land. In the cultivation
and development of this extensive tract he was actively engaged until
1917, when he put aside further business cares and is now living
retired in the enjoyment of well earned rest. In the fall of 1894 he
had established the family home in the city of Walla Walla and there
it has been maintained to the present time. Realizing that the public
domain will soon be gone Mr. Malloy went to Toole county, Montana, in
1917 and purchased in the northwest part of that state, east of the
Rocky Mountains, twenty-seven hundred acres of land in one body, which
he is now breaking and seeding and making other improvements with the
intention of converting it into a farm.
[Illustration: WILLIAM S. MALLOY]
In 1874 Mr. Malloy was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary P. Lyons, a
daughter of Dan Lyons, of Lyons Ferry. The seven children of this
marriage were as follows: William Lee, Robert Ralph and Ernest
Lyons, all of whom are deceased; Elizabeth, who is the wife of
Oscar Drumheller, of Walla Walla; Minnie F., at home; Thomas D., an
agriculturist residing in Columbia county; and Angeline M., at home.
The wife and mother passed away in May, 1916, and her demise was the
occasion of deep and widespread regret.
Mr. Malloy is a democrat in his political views but has never sought
nor desired office as a reward for his party fealty and in fact has
always refused official preferment. Fraternally he is identified with
the Masons and with the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He has now
passed the seventy-third milestone on life's journey and his career has
ever been such that he can look back over the past without regret and
forward to the future without fear. His memory compasses the period of
pioneer development and later progress here, and he has ever borne his
share in the work of upbuilding and improvement.
O. Z. SKINNER.
With the development of a district, town or city, real estate activity
has much to do and one of the most important factors in substantial
growth and progress is the real estate dealer who wisely directs
purchases and sales and thus adds much to the beauty and development of
the city in which he operates. A notable record of success is that of
O. Z. Skinner, senior partner of the firm of O. Z. Skinner & Company,
real estate and insurance agents in Walla Walla. He was born in Havana,
Mason county, Illinois, December 12, 1853, a son of Orlando and Martha
(Roeder) Skinner, who were natives of the state of New York and of
Illinois respectively. They were married in the latter state, to which
the father had removed in early manhood. He was a well known minister
of the Universalist church and devoted his life to that cause. In 1910
he came to Walla Walla, where he lived retired, making his home with
his son, O. Z. Skinner, up to the time of his demise, which occurred on
the 8th of June, 1914. For a considerable period he had survived his
wife, who died in February, 1897.
O. Z. Skinner was educated in the district schools of his native state
and in the Jefferson Liberal Institute at Jefferson, Wisconsin. After
completing his education he was for some years engaged in merchandising
in Durand, Wisconsin, and still later turned his attention to the drug
business, which he conducted in Fairmont, Minnesota, for a number of
years. He was afterward for thirteen years identified with the lumber
industry in northern Wisconsin, acquiring extensive farming lands there
also, which during these years he operated in connection with the
conduct of his lumber interests. The year 1898 witnessed the arrival
of Mr. Skinner in the northwest. In that year he became a resident of
Walla Walla and entered the manufacturing field, concentrating his
efforts upon the manufacture of mattresses and furniture. He continued
active along that line for five years and then turned his attention to
the real estate and insurance business, with which he has since been
prominently identified. He owns extensive timber land in Union county,
Oregon, and in the summer of 1917 began cutting timber therefrom. He
realizes what this state has to offer and has improved its natural
resources, thereby advancing his individual interests while promoting
general progress and prosperity.
On the 18th of September, 1881, Mr. Skinner was married to Miss Ella
M. Young, of Dunn county, Wisconsin, who was a teacher in the public
schools of that county for a number of years. To this marriage have
been born three children, Arthur, Leslie C. and Ethel V.
Mr. Skinner gives his political endorsement to the republican party
and is well informed on the questions and issues of the day. He stands
for progress along political lines and does everything in his power
to advance the success of the party, yet does not seek or desire
office. He belongs to Blue Mountain Lodge, No. 13, F. & A. M., and is
a faithful follower of its teachings. Those who know him in a business
way speak of him as a dominant factor in the upbuilding of Walla Walla
and as one who has made for himself a notable place especially in real
estate circles.
ALFRED L. WICKERSHAM.
Alfred L. Wickersham, a leading farmer and stock raiser of Walla Walla
township, Walla Walla county, holds title to two valuable ranches and
is meeting with signal success in the management of his affairs. He
was born in Walla Walla county, February 7, 1871, a son of John and
Christina (Albertson) Wickersham, natives of Ohio, who removed to this
county in 1862. For a number of years the father devoted his time and
attention to freighting, as there were then no railroads in this entire
section, hauling freight from Wallula to the mines at Umatilla Landing,
Boise and many other points, also the fort at Boise, to Fort Lapwai and
Fort Colville. At length he purchased eighty acres of land, including
the site of the present race track at Walla Walla and followed farming
during the remainder of his active life. He passed away September 19,
1906. The mother, however, is still living and makes her home with a
son. Ten children were born to their union but only five survive.
[Illustration: JOHN WICKERSHAM AND FAMILY]
Alfred L. Wickersham grew to manhood in his native county and his
education was that afforded by the public schools. By the time that he
reached man's estate he was a good practical farmer, having received
training in the cultivation of the soil and the care of stock from his
father. He purchased the farm on Mill creek in Walla Walla township,
where he still makes his home and which comprises three hundred and
fifty-five acres. He also owns three hundred and twenty acres of fine
pasture land and in addition to growing wheat and other crops suited to
this section he raises stock on an extensive scale and has found that
business likewise profitable.
Mr. Wickersham is a stanch democrat, his political belief coinciding in
large measure with the principles of that party. Although he has never
failed to do his part in furthering the progress of his community, he
has not taken a prominent part in politics, having no desire to hold
office. He is a man of unassuming disposition and of genuine worth and
his energy, his sound judgment and his unquestioned integrity have
gained for him the respect of his fellowmen.
JONATHAN PETTIJOHN.
Jonathan Pettijohn, who was an honored pioneer settler and valued
citizen of Walla Walla county, was born in Ohio, January 13, 1827, but
when still a boy emigrated with his parents to Edgar county, Illinois,
where he remained until he was twenty-three years of age. He assisted
his widowed mother in rearing the family of children, of whom he was
the eldest. In the year 1850 the lure of gold attracted him to the
west. He and three companions started for California on horseback, and
as some of their horses died en route they walked much of the way. On
reaching the Golden state, Mr. Pettijohn at once went to work in the
mines, where he met with fair success, there remaining for two years.
He then removed to Oregon, settling in Harrisburg, Linn county, where
he was married to Miss Hannah Warner in the year 1853. They took up
their abode on a claim and Mr. Pettijohn followed farming. In 1859 he
came with his family to Walla Walla county, Washington, and settled on
a claim in the beautiful Touchet valley. He spent the winter of 1859
and 1860 here and early in the spring went to the Willamette, after
which he removed his family to this valley. Their home was situated a
few miles below the present town site of Prescott. He erected a log
cabin which still stands as a monument to the early days. He brought
with him to this county a band of fine horses and some cattle and, like
most of the early settlers, engaged in stock raising. Starting with one
hundred and sixty acres of land, during the course of years he kept
gradually acquiring more land until finally he owned about thirty-four
hundred acres of valuable farming and pasture land, on which he had
large herds of fine horses and cattle. Later in life, when the stock
business began to wane on account of the disappearance of the free
range, he plowed up his holdings and became a wheat farmer in earnest.
Mr. and Mrs. Pettijohn reared a large family of seven sons and two
daughters, namely: Thomas, Amas, Eli and John H., all of whom were
born in Oregon; and Huldah, A. L., Sherman, Calvin and Mary, who were
natives of Washington. All are now living but two, Eli and Mrs. Huldah
Richmond. Of those surviving all are married except the youngest son,
and are fairly prosperous, enjoying the possessions bequeathed them by
their frugal parents. All are still residents of Walla Walla county.
Mr. Pettijohn assisted three territories over the threshold into
statehood by voting for the state constitutions of California,
Oregon and Washington, and he was a delegate to the constitutional
convention of Washington. In the way of public education he was indeed
a benefactor. Public money for school purposes was often inadequate to
meet the teacher's salary. He felt that the school must be maintained
at any cost so he often paid most of the amount of the salary out of
his own pocket. He believed in the employment of thoroughly efficient
and competent teachers and some of the best teachers that the country
afforded taught in that little country school near his home and
received a salary equal to any. Another work in which Mr. Pettijohn
deserves creditable mention was in connection with a scheme that was
put forth to bond Walla Walla county for three hundred thousand dollars
to subsidize a railroad company. Mr. Pettijohn with a number of others
enjoined the county from making the appropriation, although many were
in favor of the issue. There was a very wordy war between the two
factions and every inducement was brought to bear upon Mr. Pettijohn,
the leader, to change his course, but with characteristic determination
he stood for what he conceived to be right and and won out. In after
years many thanked him for the stand he had taken, as time has
justified the wisdom and value of his position.
Mr. Pettijohn was of a very sturdy type of manhood and a splendid
representative of the class of hardy pioneers, who helped to make this
county what it is--a land of fine schools and beautiful homes. Along
in the early '60s mines were discovered in Idaho, Montana and Oregon
and supplies were necessary for the miners in the various camps. So the
settlers fitted out pack trains or freight wagons and packed or hauled
freight to all points where needed, the pay being sufficient to make it
very profitable. Mr. Pettijohn chose the ox team and freight wagon for
his and for a number of years spent much time on the road freighting.
His wife remained at home caring for her family amid the dangers and
hardships incident to pioneer life. She was a woman of rare courage,
going calmly about her duties with hordes of half-savage Indians camped
at her very door. On occasions they would creep up and peer in at
the window as she sat at her work. She pretended not to notice them,
knowing that if she showed fear or concern they would become insolent.
Not one of these noble women but met with experiences that would make
the bravest heart quail, yet they never complained, for it seemed a
part of life's duties to endure without a murmur.
Mr. Pettijohn passed away in June, 1913, at a ripe old age, joining
that large number who have left very thin the ranks of the real
pioneers remaining. His memory, however, is enshrined in the hearts
of many who knew him and long years will pass before his work in the
community will be forgotten.
ELLERY J. NELSON.
Ellery J. Nelson is engaged in general farming on section 30, township
8 north, range 36 east, Walla Walla county, and it was upon this
farm that he was born on the 22d of August, 1871, a son of Hiram and
Sarah (McInroe) Nelson. He was educated in the Valley Grove district
school and also in the Walla Walla Business College, thus becoming
well equipped for life's practical and responsible duties. His youth
was also largely devoted to farm work and he early became familiar
with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops.
After reaching young manhood he continued to assist his father in his
extensive farming operations and was thus engaged until 1900, when
he began farming on his own account. He is now operating a portion
of his father's landed holdings and is ranked among the successful
and progressive agriculturists of the county. He pursues the most
thoroughly up-to-date methods in caring for his fields, and in the
cultivation of his crops is meeting with excellent success, annually
gathering substantial harvests.
On the 1st of July, 1915, Mr. Nelson was united in marriage to Miss
Julia Kane, of St. Louis, Missouri, and to them were born two sons,
Ellery J., Jr., deceased, and Joseph Vincent. In his political views
Mr. Nelson has always been a republican since attaining his majority,
and while he does not seek nor desire office he is always loyal to the
best interests of the community and gives active aid and cooperation
to many measures for the benefit of town and county. He concentrates
his efforts and attention upon his farming interests, which are wisely
and carefully directed, and as the years pass by he is meeting with a
gratifying measure of success.
WILLIAM E. GROSS.
William E. Gross, a resident farmer of Walla Walla township who is
engaged in dairying and stock raising, was born in Davis county, Iowa,
on the 15th of February, 1858, his parents being B. H. and Julia A.
(Rice) Gross, the former a native of Illinois, while the latter was
born in Ohio. They resided for some time in Iowa and then determined
to cross the plains, making the journey with ox teams. This was in the
year 1862. They first settled in Nevada, where they resided for eight
years, and then removed to northern California, where they remained for
a decade. On the expiration of that period, or in the fall of 1880,
they came to Walla Walla county, Washington, where they took up their
abode upon a farm which continued to be their home until a few years
before they were called to their final rest. They moved to Walla Walla,
where they passed the last years of their lives. They had a family of
nine children, of whom six are now living.