was educated at a Catholic school in Walla Walla. On starting out in
life for himself he chose the occupation with which he was thoroughly
familiar--that of farming, and has since followed that pursuit
with most gratifying results. In 1909 he purchased his present farm
comprising seven hundred and twenty acres and in connection with its
operation has given considerable attention to the raising of stock,
making a specialty of the breeding of shorthorn and Hereford cattle,
now having about one hundred head upon his place. Besides his valuable
farm property he owns a residence in Waitsburg, which he rents.
In 1892 Mr. Martin married Miss Mary Martin, who, although of the same
name, was not a relative, and to them have been born seven children, as
follows: Wesley J.; Harold A., who is in the army; Cecelia K., the wife
of Albert Goodyear; Melba C.; Oswald D.; Esther M.; and Wilbert H.
The family are communicants of the Catholic church and Mr. Martin is
a democrat in politics but has never cared for the honors of public
office, preferring to give his undivided attention to his business
interests. He is one of the leading citizens of his community, and
takes a commendable interest in public affairs, as every true American
citizen should.
GUSTAV VOLLMER.
Among the pioneers of Walla Walla county who persevered in spite of
hardships of the early days and who are now reaping the reward of their
faith in this section, is Gustav Vollmer, a resident of section 12,
township 9 north, range 37 east, who owns more than eleven hundred
acres of fine land, which he purchased years ago at far less than its
present market value. As time has passed he has adapted his methods of
farming to the changed conditions and his progressive spirit has been
an important factor in his success. He was born in Germany, May 7,
1854, a son of John H. and Emelia (Flaskamp) Vollmer, who passed their
entire lives in that country. Of their seven children, five survive and
all but our subject are still residents of Germany.
Gustav Vollmer attended the public schools of his native country in the
acquirement of his education but when seventeen years old emigrated to
the United States. The first two years in this country were spent in
Illinois, where he was employed as a farm hand, but in 1873 he went
to Nebraska, where he remained until 1879. In that year he determined
to take advantage of the unusual opportunities afforded the young man
in the Pacific northwest and removed to Oregon. In 1880 he took up a
homestead in Umatilla county, Oregon, twenty-five miles southwest of
Walla Walla and for twenty years maintained his residence thereon. For
a considerable period, in order to market his wheat, it was necessary
to haul it to steamboat landings on the Columbia river, which required
three days. While he was gone on such trips his wife remained upon
the farm with her small children, although the nearest neighbors were
miles away. The isolation was one of the greatest hardships which the
early settlers had to endure, but there were also other discouraging
features as, for instance, the low prices, wheat selling one year for
twenty-three cents a bushel. Mr. Vollmer recognized, however, that
with the settlement of the country these untoward conditions would
change and that the fertility of the soil guaranteed the future of the
farmers, and he consistently invested his savings in land. He owns 480
acres of land in Umatilla county, eighty acres adjoining Waitsburg,
where he makes his home. His holdings total 1,193 acres. All the land
is rich and productive and, moreover, his farms are well improved,
the excellent buildings thereon adding materially to the value of his
property. He has given the greater part of his time and attention
to wheat growing and is thoroughly familiar with that business. In
fact his success has been in a measure due to the fact that he has
concentrated his energies upon that line of endeavor. He is now one of
the men of wealth in Walla Walla county and takes justifiable pride in
the fact that he is a self-made man, his prosperity being due entirely
to his own foresight, energy and good management.
[Illustration: GUSTAV VOLLMER AND FAMILY]
On the 12th of June, 1881, Mr. Vollmer was united in marriage to Miss
Henrietta Schmitt, a daughter of John and Katherine (Martin) Schmitt.
To this union have been born nine children: John H.; Clara Augusta,
the wife of Harland Mills; Emma Caroline, the wife of William Harris;
William, who is farming in this locality; Julia, the wife of William
Stimmel; Zelma, Minnie and Charles, all at home and graduates of the
high school; and Katherine, deceased.
The parents hold membership in the Evangelical Lutheran church and its
work profits by their hearty support. In politics Mr. Vollmer is a
stanch republican and he has served his district ably for two terms as
a member of the state legislature. His interest in education has found
expression in effective work as a member of the school board, and all
projects for the advancement of the public welfare have received his
endorsement. He finds great pleasure in contrasting the early days in
this section, when the settlers were to a great extent cut off from
the outside world, with the present day with its excellent means of
communication with all parts of the country. As an illustration of the
extent to which the pioneers were dependent upon their resources it
may be mentioned that Mr. Vollmer made the furniture used in his home
from timber which he had cut. For a number of years it was necessary to
practice the strictest economy, but he has never regretted his pioneer
experiences and finds pleasure in the knowledge that he has had a part
in the development of this region.
JAMES CHRISTENSEN.
James Christensen, a well known farmer of Garfield county who owns
five hundred and twenty acres of good land on section 2, township 12
north, range 41 east, has resided in various parts of the west and in
Alaska and for some time engaged in mining but for several years past
has devoted his attention to farming and stock raising exclusively. He
was born in Denmark, February 25, 1866, a son of Christian and Gertrude
Petersen, who passed their entire lives in that country. To them were
born seven children, of whom six are living.
James Christensen attended the public schools of Denmark as a boy
and youth, thus acquiring a good education, and in 1885, at the age
of nineteen years, came to America. For one year he was employed as
a farm hand in Nebraska and then was for several years a resident of
California. Later he spent a year in Montana and in 1891 removed to
Walla Walla county, Washington, where he worked on a farm until his
removal to Alaska. A decade was devoted to gold mining there and
during that time he made three trips to Europe. On leaving Alaska he
went to Idaho, but remained there for only a short period, after which
he again came to Walla Walla county, Washington. He decided to turn his
attention to farm work and took up a homestead on Eureka flats which
he cultivated for eight years. He then traded that place for a farm in
the vicinity of Walla Walla but two years later exchanged that property
for his present farm of five hundred and twenty acres on section 2,
township 12 north, range 41 east, Garfield county. Much of his land is
given over to the growing of wheat but he also engages in stock raising
and derives a good profit from both branches of his business.
Mr. Christensen was married in 1905 to Miss Dora Renn, who was born in
Minnesota. They are the parents of three children, namely: George F.,
Gertrude M. and Anna M.
Mr. Christensen is an adherent of the republican party and casts his
ballot in support of its candidates. He has not taken a very active
part in political affairs but is now serving as a school director, in
which connection he constantly works for the advancement of the local
schools. He is a self-made man, having attained prosperity solely
through his own efforts, and his energy and determination have gained
him the respect of all who know him.
JOHN C. WRIGHT.
John C. Wright, deceased, was an early settler of Walla Walla county,
Washington, and engaged in farming here for many years. He was born in
St. Lawrence county, New York, April 2, 1843, a son of Alexander and
Jeannette Wright, both of whom passed away in the Empire state.
John C. Wright was reared at home and received his education in the
public schools. As soon as he was old enough he went to work on the
lake boats and was so employed until he enlisted for service in the
Civil war as a member of Company L, Second Minnesota Cavalry. He was
with the colors for three years and was then mustered out of the
military service at Fort Snelling, Minnesota. In 1878 he and his
wife came to the Pacific northwest, locating in Walla Walla county,
Washington, where he took up a tree claim of one hundred and sixty
acres. He subsequently purchased additional land and gave his entire
time and attention to his farm work. He was successful, harvesting
abundant crops, for which he found a ready sale, and as time passed
his resources steadily increased. His widow still owns two hundred and
eighty acres of excellent land with good improvements and derives a
gratifying income from the rent of that property.
Mr. Wright married Mrs. Sallie Vangilder and to them were born three
children: Emma Strand, a resident of Spokane, Washington; and two who
died in infancy. In 1871 the wife and mother passed away and in 1872
Mr. Wright was again married, choosing as his wife Miss Carrie Griffin,
a native of Vermont and a daughter of Daniel and Rhoda (Fullington)
Griffin, natives respectively of New Hampshire and of Canada. In 1862
the family removed to Minnesota and there the father died, but the
mother subsequently went to Kansas, where she spent her last days. To
them were born eight children, of whom only two survive. Mr. and Mrs.
Wright became the parents of eight children, of whom the first three
died in infancy, the others being: Ada, who is married; Burt C., who is
at home with his mother; Myrtle, the wife of Otis Denny; Carrie, who
married Leigh Homer, of Montana; and Jack C., a railroad agent.
Mr. Wright was interested in public affairs and well informed on
political issues but he never had the time nor inclination to hold
office. His was a quiet, unostentatious life, marked by careful
attention to his affairs, by the support of movements seeking the
general good and by uncompromising honesty at all times. He passed away
in 1898 and those who knew him well still cherish his memory.
CHARLES B. LAMBERT.
An eventful career is that of Charles B. Lambert, who, of Swedish
birth, spent some time as a sailor on the high seas and also sojourned
for a period in Alaska. He is now living a less spectacular but none
the less useful life as an architect and contractor of Walla Walla and
in professional circles has gained for himself a creditable position.
Born in Sweden on the 6th of April, 1871, he is a son of August and
Louise (Von Bose) Lambert, both of whom were natives of Sweden, where
the mother passed away but the father is still living. In their family
were five children, three of whom survive.
Charles B. Lambert was reared and educated in Sweden, where he attended
the common schools until he reached the age of fourteen years. Desirous
then of providing for his own support, he went to sea and spent three
years as cabin boy and sailor. At the age of seventeen he returned to
his native country and took up the study of architecture, to which he
devoted two years, having thorough training in that regard. It was in
the year 1890 that Mr. Lambert sailed for the new world, hoping to find
better business opportunities on this side of the Atlantic. He landed
in New York city, where he was employed for a time and later went to
Chicago and to St. Paul, continuing in architectural work in these
different cities. In 1897 he made his way to Alaska, where he remained
for a year and a half, and in 1898 he arrived in Walla Walla, where he
embarked in business on his own account. He has since become widely
and prominently known as an architect and contractor and his skill and
ability are manifest in many of the most substantial structures found
in this city and through the surrounding district. The attractiveness
of his plans has added much to the beauty of Walla Walla and in
the erection of buildings he studies closely utility, comfort and
convenience as well as the attractive exterior.
In 1901 Mr. Lambert was married to Miss Alma O. Jones, a native of
Sweden, and they became the parents of two children: Ruth L., who is
now a high school student; and Edith E. The family occupy an attractive
residence which Mr. Lambert owns. He is prominent in Masonic circles,
having taken all the degrees of the York and Scottish Rites up to
and including the thirty-second degree in the consistory, and he is
now eminent commander of the Knights Templar commandery. He also has
membership with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and with the
Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. His study of the questions and
issues of the day has led him to give his political endorsement to
the republican party. He is a man of high personal worth and marked
professional ability and a most progressive citizen who exemplifies
in his life the spirit of western enterprise, progress and successful
accomplishment.
BAILEY H. GROSS.
Bailey H. Gross was for more than a third of a century a resident of
Walla Walla county and became one of its extensive landowners and
prosperous farmers. He was a native of Illinois and ere reaching man's
estate became a resident of Iowa--in fact continued to make his home
in Iowa through the greater part of his childhood. It was there that
he wedded Miss Julia A. Rice, who was born in Indiana and also became
a resident of Iowa in her girlhood days. They began their domestic
life in that state, where they continued until 1862 and then started
on the long journey across the plains with the Pacific coast as their
destination, but on reaching Virginia City, Nevada, were so pleased
with the conditions they found that they decided to locate there. For
eight years the father was engaged in dairying in that place and in
1870 resumed his interrupted journey westward and for ten years was a
resident of what is now Modoc county, California. On the expiration of
that decade he made his way northward into Walla Walla, Washington,
arriving in the year 1880, accompanied by his family. Here he turned
his attention to farming, in which he prospered greatly, and as his
financial resources increased he kept adding to his landed possessions
until he was the owner of thirteen hundred and sixty acres of fine
wheat land. He personally supervised the operation of his farm, which
was largely devoted to the production of wheat and other cereals.
His methods were most progressive and his labors brought him most
gratifying success. He continued to supervise the operation of his
farm until 1913 and then retired, taking up his abode in Walla Walla,
where his remaining days were passed in the enjoyment of well earned
rest, his death occurring March 12, 1915. He had for about three years
survived his wife, who died in June, 1912. During the thirty-five years
of his residence in the county he witnessed great changes as the work
of progress and of transformation was carried steadily forward. His
activity as an agriculturist constituted a substantial contribution to
the development of the state and, moreover, his life work proved what
can be accomplished through individual effort and ability. He started
out in the business world empty-handed and by reason of personal
worth and effort gained a place among the substantial citizens of the
northwest.
[Illustration: BAILEY H. GROSS]
HENRY SCHMITT.
Henry Schmitt engaged in farming for many years and won a competence
which enables him to live retired in Waitsburg. He was born in Lee
county, Iowa, December 17, 1859, a son of John and Katharina (Martin)
Schmitt, both natives of Germany. In 1840 they emigrated to America
and located in Iowa, whence they removed to Nebraska where the mother
passed away. Subsequently the father returned to Iowa with his children
but after living there for a year went to Umatilla county, Oregon, and
became the owner of a good farm there. He is deceased and six of his
ten children have also passed away.
Henry Schmitt passed his boyhood and youth mainly in Iowa, and after
completing the course in the common schools became a student in the
high school at Burlington, from which he was graduated. For some time
thereafter he resided at home, assisting his father, but on attaining
his majority began farming in Umatilla county, Oregon, the family in
the meantime having removed west. He purchased one hundred and sixty
acres of land on which he resided for thirty-four years, during which
time he brought the place to a high state of development and made many
excellent improvements thereon. His practical methods and his industry
were rewarded by large crops and he gave careful attention to the
markets, and thus was able to dispose of his crops to good advantage.
Since selling his farm he has taken up his abode in Waitsburg, where he
owns a fine residence and three acres of land.
On the 7th of September, 1881, Mr. Schmitt was married to Miss Carrie
Piepke, a native of Germany. Both hold membership in the Methodist
Episcopal church and can always be counted upon to do their part in
promoting its welfare. Mr. Schmitt is identified with the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows in Oregon and has exemplified in his life the
beneficent principles upon which that organization is based.
EMMETT S. HENNESSEY.
Emmett S. Hennessey, senior member of the firm of Hennessey & Calloway,
a leading undertaking firm of Walla Walla, was born in Saratoga,
Illinois, December 27, 1881, his parents being Joseph Daniel and
Kathrine (Harney) Hennessey, who are natives of Illinois and of Irish
parentage. In 1908 they removed westward to Walla Walla, where they
still reside. They were the parents of five children, all of whom are
yet living.
Emmett S. Hennessey, the eldest of the family, pursued his education
in the public schools of Henry, Illinois, until graduated from the
high school on the 1st of June, 1900. He is also a graduate licensed
embalmer. After completing his high school course he spent one term
as a teacher in a rural school at Grafton, Nebraska, and for one year
was teller and accountant in a bank in Michigan, North Dakota, but
fearing for his health, he left the bank to enter the University of
Minnesota as a medical student. Later, however, he changed his course
to the study of anatomy, embalming and sanitary science. He took up
the undertaking business in Walla Walla in connection with the oldest
undertaking company of the state in 1903, becoming a member of the firm
of Picard & Hennessey. That association was maintained until 1908, when
he bought out the interests of his partner and conducted the business
alone until recently, when he became associated with Mr. Calloway. His
reliable methods, his enterprise and the excellent line of goods which
he carries have secured to him a very liberal and gratifying patronage
and he is now regarded as one of the leading undertakers of the Inland
Empire.
On the 25th of May, 1909, Mr. Hennessey was united in marriage to Miss
Mary Harter, a native of Walla Walla and a daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
Anton Harter, who are natives of Germany and came to America in 1868.
In 1872 they established their home in Walla Walla, where, they still
reside. To Mr. and Mrs. Hennessey have been born four children, namely:
Charles, Patrick, Harry and Mary, all of whom are still under the
parental roof.
Mr. and Mrs. Hennessey are members of the Catholic church, in which Mr.
Hennessey is serving as a trustee. He also holds membership with the
Knights of Columbus and is a past grand knight. He belongs to the Elks
Lodge, No. 287, with which he has been identified for twelve years, and
at the present writing, in 1917, is holding the office of loyal knight.
He likewise belongs to the Commercial Club and cooperates in all of its
well defined plans and movements for the upbuilding of the city. In
politics he is a republican and in 1911 and 1912 filled the office of
county coroner. He does not seek nor desire political preferment to any
extent, however, as he wishes to concentrate his efforts and attention
upon his business affairs. He is well known in this city and through
the period of his residence here has gained an extensive circle of warm
friends.
JAMES E. SHORT.
In the death of James E. Short, Walla Walla county lost one of its
pioneer settlers and progressive farmers. He was born in Grant county,
Wisconsin, April 8, 1847, and was a young lad of eleven years when his
parents removed with their family to Iowa, where they continued to
reside until he reached the age of nineteen. The family home was then
established in Texas, where the parents later passed away.
James E. Short was reared and educated in Iowa, pursuing his studies
in the public schools through the winter months, while in the summer
seasons he worked in the fields. He was thus employed until he was
twenty-three years of age. In the meantime the family had removed to
Texas and in the Lone Star state he was married to Miss Martha E.
Vickers, who was born in Texas. They began their domestic life there
and after thirteen years removed to Oklahoma, where they resided for
a number of years. On the expiration of that period they sold their
property in the southwest and came to the Pacific coast country with
Washington as their destination. In 1905 Mr. Short purchased land in
the Walla Walla valley, becoming owner of six hundred and forty acres.
This is wheat land, all under a high state of cultivation. He ranked
with the leading and prosperous farmers of the county and followed the
most progressive methods in all of his work. His place ever presented a
neat and thrifty appearance, which indicated the careful supervision of
a practical and progressive owner.
To Mr. and Mrs. Short were born nine children, namely: Adelaide T.,
who is a graduate nurse; James V.; Amie E., who is the wife of William
F. Dolling; William E.; John W.; Oscar N.; Susan Eva; Elma M. C.; and
Martha S.
[Illustration: MR. AND MRS. JAMES E. SHORT]
The family attend the Methodist Episcopal church, as did Mr. Short,
and his influence was ever on the side of right, truth, reform and
progress. His political allegiance was given to the democratic party
and of its principles he was a stanch champion, but he never sought nor
desired political office. He served, however, as a school director and
was interested in all that pertained to the intellectual advancement of
the community. He died May 7, 1917, and was laid to rest in Mountview
cemetery in Walla Walla, leaving a widow and nine children to mourn his
loss. His death was also the occasion of deep regret to many friends,
for he had become widely and favorably known during the period of his
residence in this section of the country. He had many substantial
traits of character, was thoroughly reliable in business and was a
public-spirited citizen. His widow and sons now operate the farm and
the family occupies a prominent social position in this section of the
state.
JAMES P. NEAL.
James P. Neal, deputy prosecuting attorney of Walla Walla county and a
resident of the city of Walla Walla, was born in Westfield, Indiana,
November 12, 1883, a son of the Rev. A. G. Neal, who is pastor of the
First Methodist church of Fort Wayne, Indiana, and of Laura (Johns)
Neal.