California, his opportunities being those offered by the common
schools. He studied through the winter months and in the summer
seasons aided in the farm work. When his textbooks were put aside he
concentrated his entire attention upon farming and became identified
with the agricultural interests of Walla Walla county, where he owned
nine hundred and sixty acres of valuable land. He afterward disposed of
the more extensive tract and bought the farm upon which he now resides,
comprising one hundred and sixty-seven acres. This he has since
improved with fine buildings. He now makes a specialty of dairying and
has an excellent herd of Holstein cattle. His dairy is well equipped
in every particular and he has the most sanitary arrangements for the
care of the milk and the handling of his products. He also engaged in
raising Duroc Jersey hogs and his live stock interests as well as his
dairying constitute important features of his business.
On the 11th of December, 1881, Mr. Gross was united in marriage to Miss
Mary E. Cusker, who was born in Walla Walla county and is a daughter
of James and Clementine (Hayworth) Cusker, the former a native of
Washington, D. C., while the latter was born in Indiana. The father
made his way westward to Oregon when a youth of but thirteen years and
later he became a resident of Walla Walla county. Over forty years ago
he settled upon the farm now occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Gross and both he
and his wife died upon this place. To Mr. and Mrs. Gross have been born
six children: Elsie R., at home; Mabel A., the wife of E. Fluke, who
has now departed this life; James B., at home; Orien W.; Myron W.; and
Myrtle Irene.
Mr. Gross holds membership with the Ancient Order of United Workmen and
is a member of the Christian church, guiding his life by its teachings
and conforming his actions to its principles. He has been progressive
in all that he has undertaken and in his business affairs has shown
sound judgment and keen discrimination. He has never been afraid of
hard work nor of close application and is numbered among those who,
taking advantage of the great natural resources of the northwest, have
won success, gaining a place among the most substantial citizens of
this part of the state.
HON. CHESTER F. MILLER.
Hon. Chester F. Miller is judge of the superior court of the district
which embraces Columbia, Garfield and Asotin counties of Washington. He
resides in Dayton and is one of the honored and distinguished residents
of the southeastern part of the state. He has lived in the same voting
precinct for fifty-seven years and has thus been closely associated
with the development and progress of his section of the state from
pioneer times to the present. Nature endowed him with keen intellect
and he has constantly developed his powers until he is recognized as
the peer of the ablest jurists who have sat upon the bench of the
superior court in the northwest. He was born in Linn county, Oregon,
January 6, 1860, a son of George W. and Sarah E. (Ping) Miller, both of
whom were natives of Indiana. The father was born in Crawfordsville,
that state, on the 6th of April, 1830, and was a son of John Miller,
a native of Tennessee, who in turn was a son of John Miller, a
Revolutionary war soldier. George W. Miller crossed the plains with
his parents to Oregon in 1851, the journey being made with ox teams
and wagon. The family home was established on a donation claim in Linn
county and George W. Miller also took up a claim near Albany, where
the parents settled. He served in the Indian wars of 1855 and in 1860
he came to Washington, taking up a homestead where the city of Dayton
now stands. Later he sold that property and removed to Garfield county.
His wife, who bore the maiden name of Sarah E. Ping, crossed the plains
with her parents in 1852, the Ping family settling in Linn county,
Oregon.
[Illustration: CHESTER F. MILLER]
Judge Chester Franklin Miller was an infant of but six months when his
parents arrived at what is now Dayton. He acquired his early education
in the district school, being a pupil in the little old schoolhouse
on the hill, and he attributes much of his later success in life to
the thoroughness of his instruction at that period, his teacher being
the Hon. Oliver C. White, who was then a country school teacher.
Subsequently Judge Miller attended a private school in Dayton for two
years and there prepared for college under the preceptorship of the
Hon. J. E. Edmiston, who was at that time one of the instructors in
the Dayton College. Mr. Edmiston and Judge Miller were afterward law
partners, their association being maintained for nine years. In 1878
Judge Miller entered the Willamette University at Salem, Oregon, where
he continued his studies for a year and still later became a student in
the Oregon State University, from which he was graduated with honors
in the class of 1882. Three years later his alma mater conferred upon
him the degree of Master of Arts. Following his graduation he returned
to Dayton and while acting as deputy clerk of the district court he
read law under the direction of Colonel Wyatt A. George, the nestor of
the Columbia county bar, who was known as "Old Equity" by his fellow
practitioners.
In 1886 Judge Miller was admitted to the bar by Judge Langford on the
recommendation of T. J. Anders, D. J. Crowley and R. F. Sturdevant,
his examining committee, and soon afterward entered the office of M.
A. Baker and commenced the practice of law. In 1889 he formed a law
partnership with the Hon. J. E. Edmiston, which continued until the
close of the year 1890, when Mr. Edmiston was elected prosecuting
attorney. Judge Miller and his brother-in-law, Charles R. Dorr, then
became partners and in 1892, upon the death of Mr. Dorr, Judge Miller
again entered into partnership relations with Mr. Edmiston, with whom
he continued to practice until the latter's death in 1900. No dreary
novitiate awaited Judge Miller. Almost from the onset he was accorded
a liberal practice which constantly grew in volume and importance as
the years went on. He won for himself very favorable criticism for the
careful and systematic methods which he followed. He has remarkable
powers of concentration and application and his retentive mind has
often excited the surprise of his professional colleagues. As an orator
he ranks high, especially in the discussion of legal matters before the
court, where his comprehensive knowledge of the law is manifest and
his application of legal principles demonstrates the wide range of his
professional acquirements. It was but natural that the ability which
he displayed in his profession should win for him the recognition that
demanded his service in public office. In 1893 he was elected mayor of
Dayton and he served at different periods as city attorney and clerk of
the city of Dayton. In 1900 he was elected to the office of superior
judge and was reelected to that position in 1904 by a greatly increased
majority. Reelection has since continued him upon the bench of the
superior court, where he has displayed a masterful grasp of every
problem presented for solution. Moreover, his decisions indicate strong
mentality, careful analysis, a thorough knowledge of the law and an
unbiased judgment.
On the 24th of May, 1888, Judge Miller was united in marriage to
Miss Nettie Dorr, a daughter of Dr. J. C. and Ellen R. Dorr, who
were among the earliest settlers of California, and in 1879 came to
Columbia county, Washington. The father was a member of the California
Legislature of 1864 and later became recognized as one of the
prominent and distinguished citizens of this state. Judge and Mrs.
Miller are the parents of six daughters, namely: Haidee, Sarah, Hilda,
Conchita, Luneta and Alice.
There is an interesting military chapter in the life record of Judge
Miller, who was captain of Company F of the First Washington Volunteer
Infantry during the Spanish-American war, being mustered into the
United States service with his company on the 11th of May, 1898. He
sailed with his regiment for the Philippines in October of that year
and there acquitted himself with credit until incapacitated by illness,
when he was sent home and on the 12th of May, 1899, was honorably
discharged from the service. Judge Miller is a past commander of Dayton
Lodge, No. 3, K. P.; a past master of Dayton Lodge, No. 53, F. & A. M.;
a past high priest of Dayton Chapter, No. 5, R. A. M.; a past grand of
Patit Lodge, No. 10, I. O. O. F.; a past chief patriarch of Franklin
Encampment, No. 13, I. O. O. F.; and past grand master of the grand
lodge of Odd Fellows of the state of Washington. He also has membership
with the Woodmen, the Workmen, the Eastern Star, the Rebekahs and the
Rathbone Sisters. Such in brief is the record of Judge Miller, one of
the oldest of the pioneer settlers of Columbia county who can claim to
be a native son, one of the most progressive citizens and one of the
most eminent jurists of southeastern Washington. His name is written
high on the roll of honor in Columbia county and his seventeen years'
service on the bench indicates that he possesses the broad-mindedness
which not only comprehends the details of a situation quickly but
also which insures a complete self-control under even the most
exasperating conditions. He has made a splendid record in the discharge
of his multitudinous, often delicate, duties and is spoken of by his
colleagues and contemporaries as a man of well rounded character,
finely balanced mind and of splendid intellectual attainments.
CLARK WALTER.
In this day of international warfare one is apt to think back over
the history of the country to see what is the American record in
times of strife. History presents many tales of heroism, showing that
the American character is one that measures up to full standards
of loyalty, of duty and of courage. Among those who fought for the
preservation of the Union during the dark days of the Civil war was
Clark Walter, who is now a retired farmer residing in Walla Walla.
Mr. Walter was born near South Bend, Indiana, on the 7th of April,
1841, a son of Lucius and Adaline (Fellows) Walter, the former a
native of the state of New York, while the latter was probably born in
Connecticut. They were married in the Empire state and became parents
of two children there before they removed to Michigan about 1839 or
1840. The mother's people had preceded them to that state but after a
brief period passed in Michigan, Mr. and Mrs. Walter went to Indiana,
establishing their home near Notre Dame. At a later period, however,
they returned to Michigan, where the death of the mother occurred in
1853. The father afterward married Miss Anna Dopp and continued to
reside in Michigan until called to the home beyond.
[Illustration: MR. AND MRS. CLARK WALTER]
Clark Walter was reared in that state and pursued a common school
education there. He was twenty years of age when in April, 1861,
he responded to the country's call for troops, enlisting for three
months as a member of the Second Michigan Infantry. It was soon seen,
however, that the war was to be no mere holiday affair and he offered
his services for three years, joining the army on the 30th of July,
1861, in response to the call for three years' men. He was mustered
in as a member of Company A, Sixth Michigan Volunteer Infantry, and
at Baltimore, Maryland, was assigned to General Dixie's command. The
army remained in Baltimore until February, 1862, when they were sent to
Fort Monroe and afterward to Ship Island in the Gulf of Mexico for the
attack on New Orleans. After General Farragut's capture of New Orleans
they went on transports up the river to Vicksburg and later returned to
Baton Rouge, Louisiana. On the 14th of October, 1862, Mr. Walter was
honorably discharged from the service on account of disability. He had
participated in a number of important engagements and at all times had
proven his marked loyalty to the cause which he espoused.
After receiving an honorable discharge Mr. Walter returned to Michigan
and in 1864 he crossed the plains to California, making the trip
for the benefit of his health, which was still impaired because of
the rigors of his military service. In the fall of 1865 he returned
eastward as far as Minnesota, taking up his abode in Dakota county.
He afterward removed to Sibley county, that state. He had married in
Michigan in 1864, prior to crossing the plains, and with his family
he continued his residence in Minnesota until 1877, when he once
more crossed the plains, this time accompanied by his wife and three
children. Arriving in Oregon, he settled near Athena in Umatilla
county, where he purchased a quarter section of railroad land and
began farming. He had used his homestead right in Minnesota, but the
grasshopper scourge which continued for four years in that state
caused him to lose all that he had, so that he came to Oregon with
but very little money. He acquired two hundred and forty acres in his
home place, on which he resided until 1898, when he removed to Walla
Walla in order to give his children the advantages offered by the city
schools. He has here since made his home and is one of the valued and
respected residents.
On the 7th of March, 1864, Mr. Walter was united in marriage to Miss
Hannah B. Kinsey, and they became the parents of eight children, six
of whom still survive, namely: Mabel L., who is the wife of Dr. J. A.
Moffitt, of Sacramento, California; Charles A., who follows farming
in Walla Walla county; Edith, who is a Sister of St. Francis in the
convent at Pendleton and is a painter and musician of ability, teaching
both arts at the convent; John C., who operates a farm of his own and
also his father's place in Umatilla county, Oregon; Francis H., who is
a resident of Pierce county, Washington; and Gertrude, who is the wife
of Elmer T. Matheny, of Walla Walla.
Mrs. Walter is descended from Revolutionary stock, her maternal
great-grandfather having served for seven years in the war for
independence. His sister, Deborah Sampson, also served as a common
soldier in that war, being disguised as a man and known by the name
of Robert Shurtliff. She carried a gun and participated in numerous
battles, being twice wounded, once through the arm and later through
the breast. She recovered and subsequently married. She was received
by General Washington, who conferred honors upon her, and she was one
of the few women given a life pension by our government. Mrs. Walter's
grandfather Sampson was a soldier of the War of 1812.
In his political views Mr. Walter is a stalwart democrat, and while
never an aspirant for public office, he has repeatedly been honored
in local affairs. He was elected to the board of county commissioners
of Sibley county, Minnesota. He served as justice of the peace, as
town clerk and as assessor in Sibley county and after his removal
to the west was appointed to fill a vacancy on the board of county
commissioners of Umatilla county, Oregon, and was twice thereafter
regularly elected thereto, serving for six years. He was a member of
the board and one of the leading factors in the building of the new
one hundred thousand dollar courthouse of Umatilla county. He served
continuously as a member of the school board almost from the time
of his arrival in Umatilla county until his removal to Walla Walla.
Fraternally Mr. Walter is connected with Blue Mountain Lodge, No. 13,
F. & A. M., with A. Lincoln Post, No. 4, G. A. R., and is most loyal
to the teachings and purposes of these organizations. Through his
connection with the latter he maintains pleasant associations with
his old army comrades and proudly wears the little bronze button that
proclaims him as one of the "boys in blue." There is in his life record
nothing spectacular but his career is one that places him with the
substantial citizens of the northwest--men who have consistently done
their duty year by year and in the legitimate advancement of their
own fortunes have contributed to the upbuilding and prosperity of the
district in which they live.
CHARLES COYLE.
Charles Coyle is a partner in the firm of Coyle Brothers, well known
dairy farmers of Walla Walla county. His home is on section 27,
township 7 north, range 35 east. He was born in Oregon, September
14, 1865, and is a son of James Coyle, who is mentioned elsewhere in
this work in connection with the sketch of Byrd Coyle. He came to
Walla Walla county when but a year old, the parents removing with
their family to this state. He has since lived upon the farm which
he now occupies and which is therefore endeared to him through the
associations of boyhood as well as those of later years. He acquired
a common school education and when not busy with his textbooks his
attention was given to the work of the fields, for he was early trained
to the tasks of plowing, planting and harvesting. He remained at home
until he attained his majority, since which time he and his brothers
have carried on farming together and have long made a specialty of
dairying. In this business they are very successful and for that
purpose they keep a large herd of fine cattle. Everything about their
dairy is in excellent condition. Their arrangements are of the most
sanitary and the products of their dairy find a ready sale on the
market.
In 1911 Mr. Coyle was married to Miss Lela Truitt, a native of
Missouri, who in 1909 became a resident of Walla Walla, where her
parents are still living. To Mr. and Mrs. Coyle have been born three
children, Inez M., C. Bruce and Maxine. The parents are members of
the Christian church and in politics Mr. Coyle is a democrat. He has
served as school director and as school clerk in his district and
is interested in all that tends to promote educational progress. In
fact he stands for advancement and improvement along all lines and is
acknowledged a man of worth, highly esteemed wherever known and most of
all where he is best known.
CLYDE H. BROWN.
Farming interests of Walla Walla county find a worthy representative in
Clyde H. Brown, who is living on section 4, township 9 north, range 36
east. He was born in Waitsburg, this county, on the 18th of June, 1877,
a son of Albert N. and Justina (Kent) Brown. The father was a native
of Iowa and the mother of Illinois, but they were married in Kansas,
where they had lived for some years, each removing to that state with
their parents. In 1876 they came to the Pacific coast, making their
way westward by train to San Francisco and thence by boat to Portland.
The following fall and winter were spent in the Willamette valley
and in the spring of 1877 they came by wagon and team to Walla Walla
county, Washington, taking up their abode upon a homestead claim two
miles north of Waitsburg. The father proved up on this property and
there resided for five years. He afterward removed to a small place
one mile west of Waitsburg, upon which he also spent five years. At
the expiration of that period he sold the property and purchased the
Bolles Junction ranch of four hundred and twenty acres half way between
Waitsburg and Prescott. Upon that place he lived for thirteen years and
then disposed of the property and purchased the farm upon which his
son Clyde H. now resides, adjoining the city limits of Prescott. Here
he owned nine hundred acres of land which he continued to cultivate
and improve up to the time of his death in January, 1911. His widow is
still living and makes her home with her son Clyde.
A western man by birth, training and preference, Clyde H. Brown
displays in his life the spirit of enterprise and progress which have
ever been a dominant factor in the upbuilding of this section of the
country. He was educated in the Bolles Junction school and in the
Waitsburg public schools and was early trained to the work of the farm,
assisting in the tasks of plowing, planting and harvesting from early
boyhood. On account of his father's ill health the management of the
farm devolved upon him when he was yet a young man and he has since
continued in control, carefully and wisely directing the development
and further improvement of the place. He has brought the fields under
a high state of cultivation and upon the farm there are substantial
buildings which indicate the care and supervision of the owner. He
seems to lose sight of nothing that should be accomplished in the work
of further developing his place and his labors have brought substantial
results.
On the 15th of September, 1899, Mr. Brown was united in marriage to
Miss Ethel Miller, of Bolles Junction, and to them have been born two
sons and a daughter, Myrle, Duane and Iris.
In his political views Mr. Brown is a stalwart republican. He belongs
to Waitsburg Lodge, No. 16, F. & A. M.; Walla Walla Chapter, No. 1,
R. A. M.; Washington Commandery, K. T., of Walla Walla; and El Katif
Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Spokane. He also has membership with
Prescott Lodge, No. 46, I. O. O. F., and he and his wife are members
of Waitsburg Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star. Mrs. Brown is
also connected with the Methodist Episcopal church. They are widely
and favorably known in their part of Walla Walla county and have an
extensive circle of warm friends who esteem them highly. Their social
qualities, their loyalty in citizenship and their devotion to the best
interests of the community insure for them an enviable position in the
public regard.
ANDY TAYLOR.
Andy Taylor, one of the extensive wheat growers of Walla Walla county,
within the borders of which he has resided for the past three decades,
makes his home in the city of Walla Walla. For some years he engaged
in the cultivation of seven hundred and ninety-seven acres of land
nine miles north of Prescott and also operates a tract of two thousand
acres under lease. His birth occurred in Greene county, Tennessee, on
the 15th of July, 1857, his parents being William and Susan (Carey)
Taylor, who were also natives of that state. In 1889, one year after
the arrival of their son Andy, they made their way to the Pacific coast
country and for a time resided in Oregon. Subsequently, however, they
took up their abode in Walla Walla and here spent the remainder of
their lives.
Andy Taylor spent the first nineteen years of his life in the state of
his nativity and about 1876 removed to Petersburg, Illinois, where he
was actively engaged in general agricultural pursuits for more than a
decade. It was in 1887 that he came to Walla Walla county, Washington,
and here he was employed as a ranch hand for a period of five years. At
the end of that time, in 1893, he took up a homestead ten miles north
of Walla Walla, residing thereon for five years or until he established
the family home in the city of Walla Walla, where it has since been
maintained. In the fall of 1917 he disposed of his tract north of
Prescott. The prosperity which he now enjoys is indeed well merited,
for he has ever manifested industry, enterprise and keen discrimination
and in the management of his extensive interests has been notably
practical, persistent and progressive.
[Illustration: ANDY TAYLOR]
[Illustration: MRS. ANDY TAYLOR]