to bind himself by party ties. He belongs to Waitsburg Lodge, F. & A.
M.; to Touchet Lodge, No. 5, I. O. O. F.; and to the Ancient Order of
United Workmen; and his wife holds membership in the Methodist church.
Their lives are guided by high and honorable principles and in all
business affairs Mr. Roberts is regarded as thoroughly reliable as
well as energetic. His life record is as an open book. He has always
lived in this section of the state, has always carried on general
agricultural pursuits, and although there are no spectacular phases
in his career, he has ever been regarded as a substantial and valued
citizen because of his loyalty to the best interests of the community
and his cooperation in plans and measures which are calculated to
advance and uphold civic standards.
JAMES H. BOWLES.
The consensus of public opinion names James H. Bowles among the leading
citizens of Walla Walla county. He is the owner of a valuable farming
property and also of a fine residence in Prescott, where he makes his
home. He was born in Warren county, Missouri, November 11, 1854, and
is a son of Thomas H. and Lucinda (Gibson) Bowles, the former a native
of Virginia, while the latter was born in Missouri. They became the
parents of eight children, six of whom survive, but both the father and
mother died in Missouri.
James H. Bowles was reared and educated in the state of his nativity
and had reached the age of thirty-five years when in the spring of
1889 he came to Walla Walla county, Washington. He established his
home in Prescott and later he bought a farm of one hundred and eighty
acres, which he has carefully and persistently cultivated, bringing
the entire place under a high state of development. Upon the farm are
excellent improvements and everything about the place indicates the
careful supervision of a practical and progressive owner. He makes his
home, however, in Prescott, where he owns an attractive residence.
His business affairs have been carefully managed and his thorough
reliability has gained for him the respect and confidence of all, while
unfaltering energy has furthered his prosperity.
On the 14th of November, 1880, Mr. Bowles was united in marriage to
Miss Elizabeth Reavis, a native of Missouri and a daughter of Woodson
Reavis. They have become the parents of the following children: Thomas
Woodson, who died at the age of seven months; Mary Almeda, the wife of
J. T. Janes, who is living near Prescott; James William, residing near
Prescott, who married Lillian N. Coble and has one child, James Eugene;
Sarah Ann, who is the wife of F. E. Grubb, also living near Prescott,
and they have two children, Ora Vale and James Roy; Virginia Frances,
who is the wife of Vergil N. Harris, of Prescott, and has two children,
Genevra Elizabeth and Virginia Ann; one child who died at the age of
nine months; Pearl Margaret, who is the wife of C. L. Jones, living
near Prescott, and they have five children, William Lawrence, Dale
Walter, Ernest Monroe, Alma Elizabeth and James Dewey; Archie Eugene,
who married Elizabeth Helms and resides in Prescott; Walter Jennings,
who married Fay Hazel Nail; and Elizabeth.
[Illustration: JAMES H. BOWLES]
[Illustration: MRS. JAMES H. BOWLES]
Both Mr. and Mrs. Bowles are faithful members of the Christian church
and take an active interest in its work, while contributing generously
to its support. In politics Mr. Bowles is a democrat and has been
called upon to fill public office. He has served as a member of the
city council of Prescott; has also been a member of the school board;
and was deputy assessor for two years. Fraternally he is connected
with the Woodmen of the World. He has never had occasion to regret his
determination to establish his home in the northwest, for here he found
the opportunities which he sought and in the business conditions of
this section of the country he has so directed his efforts that a most
substantial competence has been acquired.
BERT LOGAN JONES, B. S., M. D., C. M.
The alumni of McGill University are found in all sections of the
American continent. The thorough training of that school well
qualifies its students for the various lines of work which they may
undertake and in the main the graduates of that institution have been
most successful. Dr. Bert Logan Jones is among the number who are
actively engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery in Walla
Walla. Pennsylvania numbers him among her native sons, his birth
having occurred in Allegheny on the 11th of May, 1882, his parents
being Reuben Reynolds and Maggie Elizabeth Jones. With the removal
of the family to the west he became a pupil in the public schools
and was graduated from the Baker school in 1898. He then continued
his education in the Washington State College and won the Bachelor
of Science degree in 1907. He afterward entered McGill University as
a medical student and was graduated from the Montreal institution
with the degree of M. D., C. M. He has since practiced his profession
in Walla Walla and in 1914 he was appointed surgeon in the state
penitentiary. In general practice he has made for himself a creditable
position. He is thoroughly conversant with the latest discoveries and
scientific researches that have to bear upon medical and surgical
practice, is most careful in the diagnosis of his cases and seldom if
ever at fault in matters of judgment regarding the outcome of disease.
Moreover, he holds to the highest professional standards and his course
has been an expression of the most advanced ethics of the profession.
On the 25th of December, 1916, in Pullman, Washington, Dr. Jones was
united in marriage to Miss Jessie Elliott Hays, a daughter of the
Rev. W. G. M. Hays, D. D. Dr. Hays was the founder of the United
Presbyterian church and the academy at Waitsburg, Washington, in 1886
and was the organizer of the United Presbyterian church at Olympia
in 1895. He also founded the United Presbyterian church at Pullman,
Washington, in 1898 and remained as pastor there for eighteen years.
He has thus had much to do with the moral progress and development of
this section and in his labors has not been denied the full harvest
nor the aftermath of his efforts. Mrs. Jones was graduated from the
Washington State College in 1906, from the State Normal School at
Cheney, Washington, in 1912, and from 1906 until 1916 taught in the
graded and high schools of this state.
Dr. and Mrs. Jones hold membership in the First Presbyterian church of
Walla Walla and he belongs to the Walla Walla Commercial Club and to
the Masonic fraternity, associations which indicate much of the nature
of his interests and the rules which govern his conduct. He is a man of
genuine personal worth, esteemed by all who know him and most of all
where he is best known. While he holds to high professional standards
and gives the greater part of his attention to his profession, he
also recognizes and meets the duties and obligations of citizenship
and in many ways has cooperated in bringing about public welfare and
improvement.
JOHN P. KENT.
While for many years Mr. Kent was one of the best known and most
prominent business men of Walla Walla, he always found time to
cooperate in public interests and the waterworks and the park systems
of the city were largely due to his initiative and to his untiring
effort. His determined purpose and indefatigable energy enabled him
to accomplish whatever he undertook and his worth in matters of
citizenship as well as in business circles was widely acknowledged.
Mr. Kent was born in Boston, Massachusetts, June 29, 1858, and when
about fifteen years of age removed to the Sunset state, arriving
in Walla Walla, where for forty-four years he occupied a prominent
position in connection with the commercial activity of the community.
In 1880 he became engaged in the meat business and later was associated
with William Kirkman, Chris Ennis and A. Beard in organizing the Walla
Walla Meat Company. He retained the active management of the business
until November, 1898, when he retired from that field in order to turn
his attention to insurance. From that time forward until his demise
he maintained an insurance office in the Dooly building and gained a
very prominent position in insurance circles. Mr. Kent was one of the
organizers of the firm of Gardner & Company and served as its second
vice president until his death. He did with thoroughness everything
that he undertook and therefore he mastered every phase of the
insurance business.
On the 12th of November, 1890, Mr. Kent was united in marriage to Miss
Delia A. Lyons, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. P. Lyons, and to them were
born four children: Ruth, the wife of Harry Paxton, Jr.; John Paul,
Mildred Agnes and Omer James, all of whom are living in Walla Walla.
Besides his activity in business circles Mr. Kent took a prominent part
in politics and in lodge, social and church affairs. He was a member
of the city council for two terms, beginning in 1896, and he was a
most aggressive advocate of the rights of the people. It was through
his instrumentality that Walla Walla secured its waterworks. He was
also particularly interested in public park development and did much
toward securing Walla Walla's present chain of city parks. He served
as a member of the first park board and lost no opportunity to further
the interests which he espoused, making the park system one which is
most attractive and creditable. He was one of the most trusted leaders
of the democratic party in the state of Washington and served as a
delegate to nearly every state and county convention of his party.
[Illustration: JOHN P. KENT]
In religious faith Mr. Kent was an earnest and loyal Catholic and
was twice representative of the state of Washington in the supreme
council of the Catholic Knights of America. He was also an earnest and
effective worker in behalf of the United Relief Society and was filling
the office of vice president at the time of his demise. For many years
he was a director of the Walla Walla County Fair Association and in
that connection did much to further public progress. He was also a
trustee of the local lodge of Elks and was a past grand knight of the
Knights of Columbus in Walla Walla. Death called him on the 8th of May,
1917, when he passed away at his home on Poplar street. He had been in
failing health for about a year but was confined to his home for only
the last week. One who knew him well paid to him the following justly
merited tribute:
"In the death of John P. Kent, Walla Walla has lost one of her best
citizens. He was always active in every progressive enterprise and a
factor in everything that had for its object the benefit of his home
city. He was eloquent of speech, which, combined with his recognized
probity and force of character, gave him great influence in the council
of his fellows. He was no trimmer but expressed his opinions on all
questions openly and frankly and even those who disagreed with him
acknowledged and admitted his sincerity of purpose. He was one of the
kindest of husbands, the most loving of fathers and a true and loyal
friend."
GEORGE F. MOTTET.
George F. Mottet is a retired stock man of Walla Walla who at the age
of twenty-seven years came to the new world and established his home
in this section of the state. Throughout the intervening period he has
been connected with the sheep industry but has now largely put aside
the active cares of business life to enjoy in well earned rest the
fruits of his former toil. He was born in France, February 17, 1859,
and is a son of Francis and Virginia Mottet, who were also natives of
France, where they spent their entire lives. They had a family of seven
children, but George F. is the only one now living. He was reared and
educated in France, enjoying liberal opportunities. He completed a high
school course and afterward served for four years in the French army.
He then determined to try his fortune in the new world and in 1886 he
came to America, making his way at once to Walla Walla. He has since
been identified with the interests of the northwest. He was engaged in
the sheep industry for twenty-four years and his affairs were wisely
and successfully managed, so that he derived therefrom a handsome
competence. After almost a quarter of a century he sold out and retired
from active business life, making his home at the present time at No.
440 Chase avenue in Walla Walla, where he occupies a fine residence.
In 1895 Mr. Mottet was united in marriage to Miss Leonie Vincent, a
native of France, and they have become parents of three children:
George, who died at the age of eleven years; Anna, who is a high school
graduate of Walla Walla; and one who died in infancy.
In his political views Mr. Mottet has always been a stanch republican
since becoming a naturalized American citizen but has never been an
aspirant for office. He and his wife belong to the Catholic church.
He is a self-made man--one who deserves much credit for what he has
accomplished. He has never had occasion to regret his determination
to come to the new world, for here he found the opportunities which
he sought and in their improvement has acquired a handsome fortune.
In addition to the home which he occupies in Walla Walla he has seven
other residence properties there, from which he derives a gratifying
annual income. His business interests have been carefully managed, his
methods have been characterized by the utmost integrity and the results
which have accrued are most satisfactory and creditable.
JOSEPH UTTER.
Joseph Utter, residing in Prescott, is identified with several
important business enterprises of the town and is also actively and
successfully engaged in farming in Walla Walla county. He was born in
the state of New York, February 22, 1855, a son of Alex M. and Alida
(Putman) Utter, both of whom were natives of the Empire state. They
removed to Wisconsin in 1859 and there resided until 1861, when they
became residents of Minnesota, establishing their home upon a farm. In
1862 the father enlisted for service in the Civil war, his patriotic
spirit prompting his ready response to the country's call for aid. He
joined Company G of the Third Minnesota Infantry and served until the
close of the hostilities, after which he returned to Minnesota, where
both he and his wife passed away. In their family were nine children,
eight of whom are yet living.
Joseph Utter was reared and educated in Minnesota and in 1882 arrived
in Walla Walla county, Washington, taking up his abode on a farm near
Prescott which he still owns. His place comprises eight hundred and
five acres of rich and productive land, all of which is improved. It is
largely devoted to the cultivation of wheat, for his farm is situated
in the midst of the rich wheat belt of Washington, famous throughout
the entire country. The methods which he employs in his farm work are
productive of excellent results. In addition to the growing of wheat
he is also engaged in stock raising and both branches of his business
are proving profitable. He is likewise a stockholder and manager of
the Prescott Warehouse Company and is the president of the Prescott
Telephone Company. In all business affairs he displays keen discernment
and unfaltering industry and his carefully directed labors are bringing
to him substantial returns.
[Illustration: JOSEPH UTTER]
In 1878 Mr. Utter was united in marriage to Miss Carrie Pettijohn, a
daughter of Thomas and Charity (Wisby) Pettijohn, both of whom were
natives of Ohio but spent their last years in Minnesota. Mr. and Mrs.
Utter became the parents of eleven children: Arabelle, who is the wife
of W. H. James, now of California; Thomas H., who is living on the home
farm; Carrie May, the wife of A. W. Reser; Richard, who is married and
follows farming; Mildred, the wife of Henry Goe; Juliette, the wife of
John Reid; Ralph, who is married and resides in Prescott; Lilian and
Walter Wayne, who are living at home and two have passed away. The wife
and mother died in July, 1916, and was laid to rest in the Odd Fellows
cemetery. She was a consistent member of the Congregational church and
was most devoted to the welfare of her family. Her loss was also deeply
regretted by her many friends.
Mr. Utter holds membership in Prescott Lodge, No. 46, I. O. O. F.,
in which he has filled all of the chairs, and he also belongs to
the Woodmen of the World. In politics he is a republican but not an
office seeker. He has through individual effort and determination
become one of the prosperous farmers of Walla Walla county and one
of its representative business men. His worth is widely acknowledged
by all with whom he has come in contact and his business career is
characterized by a forcefulness and resourcefulness that is most
resultant.
DAVID W. MILLER.
David W. Miller, one of the representative and prosperous
agriculturists of Walla Walla county, within the borders of which he
has spent almost his entire life, makes his home in the city of Walla
Walla. He owns six hundred and twenty acres of productive land in
Spring Valley and operates altogether about fifteen hundred acres. His
birth occurred in Wyoming on the 22d of August, 1874, his parents being
David and Isabelle (King) Miller, who were born, reared and married in
Scotland. About 1870 they crossed the Atlantic to the new world and in
subsequent years resided in Pennsylvania, Utah and other states but
eventually came to Washington and about 1877 took up their abode in
Walla Walla county. Here David Miller gave his attention to general
agricultural pursuits, locating in Spring Valley, where he acquired
a section of land and in his undertakings won gratifying prosperity.
He was chosen to represent his district in the state senate for eight
years, being first elected in 1893 and making a splendid record that
gained the approval and continued support of his constituents. He was
one of the dominant factors in the organization of the Farmers Alliance
and was always foremost in any movement instituted to promote the
interests and welfare of the community. Fraternally he was identified
with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His demise, which occurred
on the 6th of October, 1902, was the occasion of deep and widespread
regret, for in his passing the community lost one of its most valued
and esteemed citizens. His widow, surviving him for a number of years,
was called to her final rest in November, 1911.
David W. Miller, whose name introduces this review, was reared under
the parental roof and in the acquirement of an education attended the
district schools and also spent one year in study in Whitman College.
He then devoted about six years to farming and on the expiration of
that period embarked in the furniture and undertaking business at
Waitsburg, conducting an enterprise of that character for two years.
At the end of that time he engaged in the coal and wood business at
Walla Walla, being thus occupied until 1910, when he again turned his
attention to agricultural pursuits, which have since claimed his time
and energies. He owns six hundred and twenty acres of valuable land
in Spring Valley and operates altogether about fifteen hundred acres,
his interests being thus extensive and important. Success has attended
his efforts in this connection by reason of the fact that he utilizes
the most modern and progressive methods of agriculture and has ever
manifested industry, enterprise and unremitting energy.
On the 12th of August, 1903, Mr. Miller was united in marriage to
Miss Ida Breeze, a daughter of R. M. Breeze, of Waitsburg. They now
have three children, namely: James T., Earl W. and Ella Isabelle. In
his political views Mr. Miller is a democrat and fraternally he is
identified with Trinity Lodge, I. O. O. F., and with Columbia Lodge No.
70, K. P. His life has been upright and honorable in every relation and
he well merits the warm regard and high esteem in which he is uniformly
held.
SILAS W. SMITH.
For almost sixty years Silas W. Smith made his home upon the Pacific
coast and was long identified with its mercantile interests, conducting
a store in Walla Walla during the last years of his business career.
He was born in Monmouth, Illinois, August 16, 1844, a son of Isaac
and Margaret (Butler) Smith, who were also natives of that state. In
1853 the family crossed the plains and located on a farm near Dallas,
Oregon. They traveled in covered wagons drawn by horses and experienced
the usual hardships of such a journey. Upon a claim of three hundred
and twenty acres the father built the first log cabin in that locality
and he became one of the prominent and influential men of the valley
where he and his wife continued to make their home until called to
their final rest. He always took a very active part in politics and for
two terms was an honored member of the legislature. In his family were
nine children, only four of whom are now living.
Silas W. Smith was about nine years of age when he came with the family
to the far west and he was reared and educated at Dallas, Oregon,
graduating from the academy at that place. After leaving school he was
engaged in mercantile business at Independence, Oregon, for several
years, but in 1888 removed to Waitsburg, Washington, where he conducted
a store for some time, and later engaged in the same business in Walla
Walla in partnership with John Fitzgerald. He finally sold out and
lived retired until his death in 1912.
On the 5th of November, 1867, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss
Esther M. Barney, a native of Keokuk, Iowa, and a daughter of Harlow
and Mary A. (Curtis) Barney. Her father was born in Pennsylvania and
her mother in Vermont. They were among the pioneers who crossed the
plains with ox teams in 1853 and settled near Dallas, Oregon, where
Mr. Barney took up six hundred and forty acres of land, making his
home thereon until his death. His wife also died there. Two of their
three children are still living. To Mr. and Mrs. Smith were born five
children, namely: Mary Ellen, the deceased wife of W. W. Maxwell; E.
H., also deceased; O. B., a resident of Waitsburg, Washington; Lenna,
the wife of Laverne Bartlett of Walla Walla; and Milan W., a merchant
of Waitsburg.
[Illustration: SILAS W. SMITH]
[Illustration: MRS. SILAS W. SMITH]
Mrs. Smith owns a valuable ranch of five hundred and forty acres,
all in a high state of cultivation. She is a faithful member of the
Christian church, to which her husband also belonged, and he took
quite an active part in all church work. He also held membership in
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and was a stanch republican in
politics, exerting considerable influence in local affairs and serving
for two terms as mayor of the city with credit to himself and to the
entire satisfaction of his constituents. In his death the community
realized that it had lost a valued and useful citizen--one devoted to
the best interests of the community. Mrs. Smith is a member of the
Rebekah Lodge at Waitsburg and has filled all the chairs in the same.
Like her husband, she makes friends wherever she goes and is held in
the highest esteem by all who know her.
F. J. ALDRICH.