Nicaragua route in 1854 and ten years later removed to Oregon, whence
in 1876 he came to Walla Walla county. For eight years he engaged in
mining in California and Idaho and after removing to Oregon taught
school for two or three terms at Roseburg, that state. In 1868 he
purchased sheep and turned his attention to sheep ranching, in which
he continued to engage for a number of years after taking up his
home in Washington. He was one of the earliest and most successful
sheep ranchers, owning large numbers of sheep on the range in Oregon
and Idaho, as well as in Washington. In 1882 he bought about three
sections of land, one-half of which was railroad land and sold at two
dollars and sixty cents an acre, and he also took up a homestead claim,
a timber claim and a preemption right, acquiring in all about five
hundred acres from the government. Later as this region became more
thickly settled he to a great extent gave up sheep raising and turned
his attention to farming, in which he likewise met with a signal degree
of success. He owns about three thousand acres of land, from which he
derives a handsome income, but leaves the management of his affairs to
others and is enjoying well deserved leisure. He resides in Walla Walla
and is surrounded with all of the comforts of life.
[Illustration: MRS. NATHANIEL WEBB]
[Illustration: NATHANIEL WEBB]
Mr. Webb was married November 17, 1875, to Mrs. Eliza J. Smith, who
was born in Hannibal, Missouri, December 28, 1843, a daughter of James
and Almeda (Barney) Boggs, who in 1853 went to Oregon by ox team. The
father took up a donation claim of three hundred and sixty acres near
Dallas, in Polk county, and engaged in operating that place until
1860, when he removed to Roseburg. He, too, was chiefly engaged in the
raising of sheep, which business many of the early settlers followed.
Mrs. Webb was the eldest of a family of ten children, of whom only
four now survive. In 1857 she was married to F. W. Smith, by whom she
had four children, namely: J. Cy, who died, leaving a wife and six
children, Orville, Jessie, Nate, Melvin, Helen and Mollie; George W.,
at home; Mary E., who became the wife of J. Valaer and died, leaving
one son; and one who died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Webb have become the
parents of three children: Nat, who is a graduate of Whitman College
and is now farming; Paul, who is married and resides at Heppner,
Oregon; and Kate, who died in infancy.
Mr. Webb is a stanch republican in politics and has supported the
candidates of that party ever since it came into existence. His wife
holds membership in the Methodist church and both can be counted upon
to use their influence on the side of right and justice. For more than
six decades Mr. Webb has been connected with the Pacific coast and
for more than forty years has been a resident of Washington and has
seen the open ranges where thousands of sheep fed give way to finely
improved and highly cultivated wheat fields and has witnessed many
other changes as the development of eastern Washington has progressed.
He has thoroughly identified his interests with those of his county
and state and has always placed the public welfare above his private
interests.
HON. JAMES M. DEWAR.
One of the prominent figures in the early history of Walla Walla
county was the Hon. James M. Dewar, stockman, farmer and member of
the territorial legislature. He was born in Scotland, in the county
of Perth, near the ancient castle of Doune, February 12, 1824. His
father was a farmer and he grew up on the northern slope of the
Grampian hills, becoming familiar with the scenes of Scottish legend.
He received his education in his native country and remained at home
until 1853, when he decided to try his fortune in America. For five
years after his arrival in this country he traveled over the northern
states and in 1858 he came to the Pacific coast country. While making
his home at Champoeg, on the Willamette river, he met a relative,
Archibald Mackinley, who was known to practically all the pioneers
of the northwest as one of the most daring trappers in the employ of
the Hudson's Bay Company. Mr. Mackinley advised Mr. Dewar to settle
in the Walla Walla valley, describing in detail its many advantages,
but also pointing out the fact that there existed considerable danger
from Indians. Taking everything into consideration, Mr. Dewar decided
to act on the advice of the trapper and on the 4th of January, 1859,
arrived within the limits of the present Walla Walla county. His first
home was a log cabin on Cottonwood creek and, liking the surroundings,
he bought it and the claim on which it was built, paying the owner
fifty dollars for the whole. At first it was not his intention to make
this his permanent home but rather to make it a base for his stock
raising activities, as he saw in the fine grazing land of the Walla
Walla valley a fine opportunity to raise stock for the Pacific market.
However, the more he learned about this section the more confident
he became that it offered opportunities which could not be surpassed
elsewhere and accordingly when the country became settled and his range
began to narrow he sold off his surplus stock and turned his attention
to farming. His first purchase of land consisted of three hundred and
twenty acres, to which he later added one hundred and seventy-four
acres, and his well directed labors resulted in transforming the entire
tract into a highly improved farm in a high state of cultivation. He
fenced his holdings, erected good buildings, including a beautiful
modern home which took the place of the pioneer log cabin, and he also
planted an orchard, the oldest in the county with one exception.
On the 27th of January, 1864, Mr. Dewar was married in Walla Walla to
Miss Margaret McRae, who survives. To them were born seven children,
of whom three are living, Alexander, Alida and Gordon M. The others,
John, James M., Elizabeth and David are deceased, the last two dying of
diphtheria on the same day.
Mr. Dewar was a stanch advocate of republican principles and was
recognized as a leader in party circles. In 1878 he was chosen as a
member of the territorial legislature and while serving in that body
was the author of the celebrated railway freight bill which bore his
name. In 1882 he was again elected to the legislature and a third
time was chosen to represent his district in 1888, but before that
legislature convened the territory had become a state. He was also a
delegate to the convention which nominated candidates for membership in
the body to which the drafting of the state constitution was entrusted.
To him a public office was a sacred trust and his course was dictated
solely by considerations of the general welfare. Through the honest
and capable discharge of his duties he won the right to rank among
the builders of the state. The guiding principle of his life was his
religious belief and the Presbyterian church found in him a loyal and
active member. His widow is still identified with that denomination and
likewise takes a hearty interest in its activities. The death of Mr.
Dewar occurred March 27, 1892.
ELI BOLICK.
Eli Bolick is now practically living retired in Asotin but still
has extensive investments in farm lands and mercantile interests.
He was born in North Carolina in 1854 and there spent the period of
his boyhood and youth, during which time he acquired a common school
education. The period of his minority was passed in the home of his
parents, Abner and Nancy Bolick, who were farming people of the Old
North state. On his way westward Mr. Bolick stopped for one year in
Missouri in order to earn money with which to continue the trip. He
then came on to Washington, where he arrived in 1878, and settled on a
homestead on the flat above Asotin. From time to time he added to his
property until he now has eighteen hundred acres of rich and valuable
land, which his sons are now cultivating. For many years, however, he
personally gave his time and attention to his farm work and his life
has ever been one of untiring energy and thrift. However, about two
or three years ago he retired from the farm. While busily engaged in
tilling the soil he made wheat his principal crop. It was in the latter
'90s when the people began to realize that their land was valuable and
it has since steadily advanced in price until it is now selling on an
average of from fifty to sixty dollars per acre. In addition to his
farming interests Mr. Bolick has a large hardware and implement store
in Asotin which is supervised by Robert Anderson, who is half owner of
the business. This is the only store of the kind in the town and the
trade has steadily grown.
[Illustration: ELI BOLICK]
In 1886 Mr. Bolick was united in marriage to Miss Elvinia Forgey, who
was born in the Willamette valley, Oregon, and was a daughter of Elias
and Calistine Forgey, pioneers of that section. In 1882, however, her
parents removed to Asotin county, Washington, and took up a homestead,
where Mr. Forgey engaged in the raising of grain and stock. Mrs. Bolick
passed away July 7, 1916. By her marriage she had become the mother of
nine children: Maude, who died at the age of seventeen years; Wallace
and Alice, twins, the former a large rancher of Alberta, Canada, while
the latter is the wife of Ray Adams, of Cheney, Washington; Mollie, the
wife of B. Hughes of the Willamette valley; Grace and Nettie, who are
engaged in teaching; Dell, who married Ruby Sargent and is upon his
father's farm; and Russell and Fern, both at home.
In politics Mr. Bolick has always been a republican but not an active
party worker. He served for six years as county commissioner although
he was never ambitious to hold office. He has ever been a friend of
education and the public schools have found in him a stalwart champion.
He stands for progress and advancement along many lines and in his own
business career has illustrated the force of unfaltering industry and
close application guided by sound judgment.
HON. GEORGE C. GINN.
Hon. George C. Ginn, of Walla Walla, is prominent both in agricultural
circles of this section and in public affairs, having served as a
member of the state legislature. He was born in Umatilla county,
Oregon, November 27, 1875, a son of Richard and Catherine (Kinnear)
Ginn, the former a native of Scotland, whence he emigrated to Canada
in 1840. He was married there and in 1860 removed with his family to
Minnesota, where he resided for a decade. He then came to the Pacific
northwest and settled on a farm in Umatilla county, to the operation of
which he gave his entire time and attention until 1898, when he retired
and removed to Walla Walla. Here he passed away in 1899 and his wife
died five years later.
Hon. George C. Ginn, who is one of six living children of a family of
ten, received his education in the common schools and in the State
Normal School in Oregon. During his boyhood and youth he also received
thorough training in agricultural work which proved very valuable when
he began farming on his own account. On beginning his independent
career he purchased land in Umatilla county and still owns five hundred
acres there, the operation of which he supervises, although he makes
his home in Walla Walla. In the management of his farming interests
he has displayed sound judgment, a progressive spirit and excellent
business ability and is one of the substantial residents of Walla
Walla. He is also a stockholder and a director in the Third National
Bank of this city.
In 1903 occurred the marriage of Mr. Ginn and Miss Rowena Evans.
Following her death in 1910 he was married in 1912 to Miss Linnie
P. Riggs, a native of Oregon. Mr. Ginn is prominent in the councils
of the republican party, which he has supported since becoming of
age, and in 1914 he was elected a member of the state legislature.
His thorough grasp of public questions, his ability to differentiate
between the essential and the non-essential and his consistent regard
for the public welfare soon attracted favorable notice in that body and
his work as a legislator reflected credit upon himself and upon the
district which he represented. Fraternally he belongs to Lodge No. 121,
I. O. O. F., to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, in which he
has held a number of offices, and to the Woodmen of the World. He is in
hearty sympathy with the work of the Commercial Club, of which he is an
active member, and every project calculated to promote the interests
of Walla Walla depends upon and receives his moral and material
support. He possesses the physical and mental vigor that enables him
to accomplish much with seeming ease and although his has been a busy
life he has always been characterized by a hearty good nature that has
endeared him to his many friends. Both he and his wife belong to the
Presbyterian church and his generous spirit has found expression in a
liberal support of its various activities.
FRED L. MILLER.
Among the native sons of Washington who have elected to continue
residents of the state is Fred L. Miller, a prominent farmer and stock
raiser of Garfield county. He was born on the site of Dayton, Columbia
county, February 12, 1866, and is a son of George W. and Sarah E.
(Ping) Miller, an account of whose lives appears in the sketch of Judge
Chester F. Miller, elsewhere in this work.
Fred L. Miller grew to manhood in his native county and as a boy
attended the Dayton public schools and continued his studies in the
high school, from which he was graduated in 1888. On beginning his
independent career he took up his residence upon the farm where he
still resides, which is located on the Snake river. He divides his
time between grain farming and breeding cattle for the market. He owns
forty-two hundred acres and in addition to this operates six hundred
acres of state land under lease. He is recognized as an authority upon
the different problems relative to the production of grain and on
the various phases of cattle raising and each branch of his business
returns to him a good profit. He specializes in registered white faced
Hereford cattle and feeds from three hundred to four hundred each
winter.
On the 16th of October, 1888, Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss
Laura A. McMorris, a daughter of J. E. McMorris, who in 1879 removed to
Columbia county, Washington, from California. Ten children have been
born to Mr. and Mrs. Miller, namely: George E., at home; F. Albert, who
is in the United States Army; Harry B. and Nell B., at home; Jessie R.,
the wife of Jack Phillips, of Garfield county; and Otis D., Sarah E.,
Merritt and Merrell, twins, and John, all at home.
Mr. Miller is a republican and his advice is often sought in local
party councils. In November, 1908, he was elected to the board of
county commissioners for the short term and in 1910 was elected to the
office for the long term, serving in all for six years as a member of
the board, and in that connection he did valuable work for the county,
giving the same careful attention to the management of its affairs that
he gives to the direction of his private interests. He is identified
with the Woodmen of the World and has many friends within and
without that organization. Among his salient characteristics are the
ability to discriminate between the essential and the non-essential,
resourcefulness in adapting himself to new conditions and sound
judgment and these qualities have proved as valuable in his work as a
farmer as in any other field of activity.
JOHN R. LYONS.
That John R. Lyons possesses good business ability is evident from the
fact that he is successfully operating a fine ranch of nine hundred
acres devoted to the raising of wheat and of stock. He was born in
Ireland, April 28, 1867, and is a son of Patrick and Frances Lyons, a
sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. Our subject was brought
to Walla Walla county, Washington, in childhood and here received a
good common school education. He remained under the parental roof until
he attained his majority, during which time he aided his father in
farming, and then began cultivating land on his own account. He took
up his residence upon the ranch which he now owns and which comprises
nine hundred acres of fertile land in Walla Walla township. The place
is well improved and his work is facilitated by the most modern and
up-to-date equipment. He raises stock extensively and also grows a
large quantity of wheat annually. He is energetic and progressive
and the success which he has gained is the direct result of his good
management and industry.
Mr. Lyons was married in 1903 to Miss Frances O'Brien, who was born in
Nebraska and is a daughter of George and Katherine O'Brien, both now
deceased. Mrs. Lyons has also passed away, her death occurring March 8,
1906. She was buried in the Catholic cemetery in Walla Walla. Her two
daughters, Mary L. and Anna M., are both now students in St. Vincent's
Academy.
Mr. Lyons gives his political support to the democratic party but
has never had time to take an active part in public affairs. His
fraternal relations are with the Knights of Columbus and the Benevolent
Protective Order of Elks, in both of which organizations he is
popular. He has not only gained financial independence but he has also
contributed in considerable measure to the development of Walla Walla
county along the lines of scientific agriculture and stock raising and
is recognized as a prominent citizen.
FRANK McCOWN.
Frank McCown, who is living retired after many years devoted to
agricultural pursuits, was born in Clakamas county, Oregon, November
15, 1855, a son of William and Sarah (Best) McCown, both natives of
West Virginia. In 1846 they removed to Kansas and six years later
crossed the great plains by ox team to Oregon. The father took up a
donation claim of four hundred and eighty acres in Clakamas county and
erected a large cabin, which remained the family home for a number of
years. In 1878 removal was made to Walla Walla county, Washington, and
later the father purchased land which he operated until his death. To
him and his wife were born seven children, but only two are living, the
brother of our subject being J. L., now a resident of Portland, Oregon.
Frank McCown was reared and educated in Oregon, and during his boyhood
and youth received valuable training in farm work. When he was
twenty-three years old he came to Washington, and has since resided
in Walla Walla county. He devoted his active life to farming and from
time to time added to his holdings until he now owns fifteen hundred
acres of land which he leases, having retired in 1902. He maintains his
home in Waitsburg but spends his winters in California. The success
which he has gained has proved that he is quick to recognize and take
advantage of business opportunities, and in the development of his farm
he was always willing to profit by the work of investigators along
agricultural lines.
Mr. McCown was married in 1881 to Miss Laura Walker, and they have
become the parents of five children, namely: Emory D.; Malcolm W.;
Annie N., the wife of Walter Minnick; Hazel B.; and Frank Jr.
Mr. McCown supports the democratic party at the polls but has not taken
an active part in public affairs although he has taken the interest of
a good citizen in matters of government. He belongs to Lodge No. 5, I.
O. O. F., in which he has filled all of the chairs. The standards by
which he has governed his life are further indicated in his membership
in the Christian church, to which his wife also belongs. His friends
are numerous and his qualities are such that all who come in contact
with him hold him in high esteem.
JOE MARTIN.
Among the men who have aided in the development of Walla Walla county
as a leading wheat producing section is Joe Martin, who is engaged in
wheat raising on an extensive scale on section 36, township 8 north,
range 35 east. He was born in County Roscommon, Ireland, April 26,
1869, a son of John and Bridget (Feely) Martin, who passed their entire
lives in that country.
Joe Martin was reared at home and received his education in the common
schools of Ireland. About the time he became of age he emigrated to
America and took up his residence in Fremont, Iowa, where he spent six
or seven years. At the end of that time he decided to identify his
interests with those of the Pacific northwest and came to Walla Walla
county, Washington. After working as a farm hand for several years
he was able to rent his present farm, which he has since purchased.
He owns nine hundred acres and specializes in wheat raising. His
practical knowledge of the methods best adapted to conditions in this
locality, combined with his energy and good judgment, has enabled him
to gain financial independence. His farm is excellently improved and is
equipped with the most up-to-date machinery.
[Illustration: JOE MARTIN]
[Illustration: MRS. JOE MARTIN]
At Walla Walla, January 27, 1903, Mr. Martin was united in marriage to
Miss Mary Martin, who although of the same name is not a relative. An
account of the life of her father, John Martin, appears elsewhere in
this work. Eight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Martin: Alicia
S., Michael, James F., Mary T., Catherine B., Esther R., Helen M., and
Rose Anna.
The parents hold membership in the Catholic church of Walla Walla and
give their influence and support to movements whose object is the
promotion of the moral welfare of the community. Mr. Martin supports
the democratic party at the polls and is now serving efficiently as
clerk of the school board. He has not been otherwise active in public
affairs, the management of his farming interests leaving him little
time for other activities. The success which he has gained is due
to his own efforts and he is fully entitled to the credit given a
self-made man.
JAMES C. ROBERTS.
James C. Roberts, a well known and prosperous farmer residing on
section 4, township 7 north, range 35 east, was born in Lee county,
Virginia, July 17, 1866, a son of Robert and Mary Roberts, also natives
of that state, where the mother is still living.
There James C. Roberts was reared and received his education, but when
twenty-one years of age he crossed the continent, locating in Walla
Walla county, Washington. For some time he was employed as a farm hand
but in 1888 he took up a homestead on Dry creek and remained there
until 1905, when he purchased his present farm, which comprises one
hundred and sixty acres and is improved with excellent buildings. The
place is all fine alfalfa land, valued at three hundred dollars per
acre, and it produces such excellent crops that it yields a good profit
on the capital invested.
Mr. Roberts was married in 1889 to Mrs. Martha Kelley, also a native
of Virginia. In 1886 she came west and has since resided in this part
of the country. By her first union she had five children, all of whom
survive, and by her marriage to Mr. Roberts she has become the mother
of twins: Elnora, deceased; and James Austin.
Mr. Roberts is a republican and for three terms served on the school
board, during which time he did effective work for the local schools.
His wife is a member of the Congregational church. Both are well known
in the county and the prosperity which they have gained is the result
of their own industry and good management.
W. L. TAYLOR.
W. L. Taylor, a successful farmer of Garfield county, Washington,
residing on section 19, township 13 north, range 43 east, was born in
Adams county, Illinois, in 1840, a son of Adam and Barbara (Grimes)
Taylor, both natives of Kentucky, who removed to Illinois at an early
day and there passed away upon the homestead. Five of their seven
children are still living.
W. L. Taylor was reared in his native state and is indebted to its
public schools for his education. He remained there for a number of
years after attaining his majority but in 1878 removed to Walla Walla
county and settled on land on section 19, township 13 north, range 43
east, where he has ever since resided. He has added to his original
homestead and now owns three hundred and twenty-five acres of as fine
wheat land as can be found in Washington. He has never regretted his
choice of farming as an occupation, for he has found the work congenial
and has gained a competence. He supervises the operation of the place
but leaves the greater part of the actual work of its cultivation to
others.
In 1866 Mr. Taylor was married to Miss Lucretia Vannest, who was born
in Illinois, and to them were born three children: Willard; Edward, who
is farming the home place; and James, now a resident of Idaho. The wife
and mother passed away in 1915 and was buried in the May View cemetery.
Mr. Taylor supports the democratic party at the polls but he has never
held office, with the exception of serving on the school board. He
belongs to the Grange and to the Farmers' Union and believes that
much can be accomplished for the advancement of country life through
cooperation on the part of the farmers. He is an honored pioneer of the
county and his accounts of early day conditions are of great interest
to the younger generation.
GODFRED HANSON.