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Section 14, Township 8 North, Range 33 East. He Continued to Reside

Lyman's History of Old Walla Walla County, Vol. 2 · William Denison Lyman — chapter 2 of 10 · ~4,137 words · public domain

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upon that property until his death, being the owner of ten hundred and eighty acres of rich and valuable land which he greatly improved, adding thereto many commodious and substantial modern buildings and all the accessories and conveniences of the highly improved farm of the present day. Few men of his years remain in such active connection with business affairs as did Mr. Plucker. He was, however, a well preserved man physically and mentally and seemed much younger than the record indicated.

On the 7th of October, 1868, Mr. Plucker was united in marriage to Miss Katherine A. Hauer, also a native of Germany, who came to the United States in 1868. She is a daughter of Christian and Augusta (Lüder) Hauer, who were born, reared and married in Schleswig-Holstein, The father, who was a hatter by trade, died there August 6, 1866. In 1880 the mother came to America with a nephew and her daughter, Mrs. Frederika Roehl Behl, who located in San Francisco. After spending a few months in that city Mrs. Hauer came to Washington to make her home with another daughter, Mrs. Charles Plucker, and here she passed away April 29, 1881, at the age of eighty years. She was the mother of six children, all of whom are now deceased with the exception of Mrs. Plucker. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Plucker, namely: Frederick and Charles, now deceased; W. H., who died at the age of forty-five years; Magdalena, the wife of Peter Conrad; and F. C., at home with his mother.

After a useful and well spent life Mr. Plucker passed away on the 30th of October, 1917. In his political views he was a democrat, supporting the party from the time he became a naturalized American citizen. He served on the school board but did not seek office, preferring to concentrate his efforts and attention upon his business affairs. He especially deserves mention among the self-made men of the state, for he started out in life empty-handed and all that he possessed was acquired through his persistent, earnest and honorable effort. The family is one of prominence here and has been widely and favorably known in the valley since early days.

A. F. ANDERSON.

A. F. Anderson is a retired farmer living in Prescott. He has been closely identified with agricultural interests and is still the owner of valuable farming property, from which he derives a gratifying income, but at the present time he is largely leaving the management and operation of his land to others, for he is enjoying a rest which he has truly earned and richly deserves. He was born in Sweden, September 23, 1844, and was there reared and educated, spending the period of his boyhood and youth in that country. He was also married in his native land and in 1869, when a young man of twenty-five years, he crossed the Atlantic to the new world, making his way first to Kansas, where he resided for about twelve years, or until 1881. He then came to the northwest with Washington as his destination and was section foreman in this state for fifteen years. He also took up a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres and later he purchased one hundred and sixty acres more. His half section is all wheat land and has been brought under a high state of cultivation, large crops being annually gathered. Excellent improvements have been placed upon his farm and there is no accessory or convenience of the model farm property that is not found there. He owns a fine residence in Prescott and his surroundings are indicative of his life of well directed energy and thrift.

In 1869 Mr. Anderson was united in marriage to Miss Mary Carlson, a native of Sweden, and they have become parents of eight children: Hilma; Augusta; Charles, who is now deputy sheriff at Wallula; Wilhelmina; Ada; Edith; Harry; and Genevieve.

Mr. and Mrs. Anderson are well known residents of Prescott. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he has served as justice of the peace and as school director, while at the present time he is one of the aldermen of the city. His political activity has always been characterized by the utmost devotion to the general good and he has been most true and faithful in his official positions, discharging his duties with marked capability and promptness. Moreover, he is a self-made man and one who deserves great credit for what he has accomplished in a business way. He came to the new world empty-handed when a young man of twenty-five, but he possessed the substantial qualities of courage, determination and industry and has utilized these qualities as the basis of his growing success. Undeterred by the obstacles and difficulties in his path, he has steadily worked his way upward and is now one of the prosperous residents of Prescott.

JOHN A. ROSS.

In the death of John A. Ross, Walla Walla county lost a representative agriculturist, a loyal citizen and a man whose worth in every relation was widely acknowledged. He was born in Pennsylvania, July 16, 1860, and was reared and educated in that state. He there remained until 1879, when, at the age of nineteen years, he bade adieu to friends in the east and started for the Pacific coast. On reaching Walla Walla county he here took up his abode and remained a resident of this section until life's labors were ended in death.

It was in the year 1882 that Mr. Ross secured a faithful companion and helpmate for life's journey in his marriage to Miss Florence Cauvel who was also born in Pennsylvania and was a daughter of John and Matilda (Ketner) Cauvel, who always remained residents of the Keystone state. In their family were fifteen children, of whom eleven are yet living.

Following his marriage Mr. Ross purchased a farm near Pendleton, Oregon, and the family resided upon that place for some time. Eventually, however, he sold that property and removed to Camas prairie, where he again purchased land and followed farming for two years. On the expiration of that period he sold the property and invested in a farm at Sunnyside, where he made his home for five years. Once more he disposed of his property and this time bought a farm near Walla Walla comprising fifty acres, to the further development of which he at once bent his energies, his labors being attended with excellent results. He added many improvements to the place, erected fine buildings thereon and his labors wrought a marked transformation in the property. He was progressive in all that he did, was an energetic farmer and his labors were at all times intelligently directed and characterized by sound business judgment.

The family of Mr. and Mrs. Ross numbered five children: Winifred, who is the wife of George Calhoun; Mabel, the wife of Dale Babcock; Carl, who is now in Idaho; Royal, who is with his mother; and Pauline, the youngest of the family.

The family circle was broken by the hand of death when in July, 1912, Mr. Ross passed away, his remains being interred in the cemetery in Walla Walla. His death was the occasion of sincere and widespread regret of the many who knew him and of deep sorrow to his immediate family, for he possessed attractive social qualities, a genial disposition and a kindly manner that endeared him to those with whom he was brought in contact. He belonged to the Modern Woodmen of America and he gave his political allegiance to the democratic party. He was also a consistent member of the Congregational church, with which his wife is connected, and in the work of the church they ever took a most active and helpful part. Mr. Ross was a man whom to know was to esteem and honor for his life was ever upright and straightforward in its purposes and in its dealings and he was a worthy representative of high standards of manhood and citizenship.

P. B. HAWLEY.

P. B. Hawley is engaged in farming on section 27, township 7 north, range 33 east, and is regarded as one of the representative agriculturists of Walla Walla county. He has been in former years a leading factor in political circles and has been called upon to fill various offices, the duties of which he has discharged with promptness and fidelity. Throughout his entire life he has been a resident of the northwest.

Mr. Hawley was born in Umatilla county, Oregon, on the 30th of June, 1862, a son of Philip L. and Sarah J. (Roberts) Hawley, both of whom were natives of Illinois. They were married, however, in Ohio and in 1861 they crossed the plains to Walla Walla, Washington, attracted by the opportunities of the growing northwest. Subsequently the father removed with his family to Umatilla county, Oregon, where he took up a homestead near Pilot Rock, and thereon resided for two or three years. He then turned his attention to the lumber business, in which he engaged in connection with George H. Reed, forming the Reed & Hawley Lumber Company. They operated mills in Umatilla county and had lumberyards in Walla Walla. The father was identified with this business throughout the remainder of his active life but his labors were terminated in death in 1878. His widow survived him for only a brief period, passing away in 1879.

P. B. Hawley after attending the public schools continued his education in the Whitman College and thus became well qualified for life's practical and responsible duties. In partnership with his brothers, L. R. and W. B. Hawley, he purchased extensive farm lands in Walla Walla county, built irrigation ditches and for seven years the three brothers were most closely associated in the conduct of their farming enterprises. In recent years, however, their holdings have been divided and P. B. Hawley now owns in his home place two hundred and fifty acres of rich and valuable land which he has carefully and persistently cultivated, bringing his fields under a very high state of development, so that he annually gathers good crops. He displays keen sagacity and business discernment in the management of his interests and success in large measure has attended his labors.

In 1905 Mr. Hawley was united in marriage to Miss Lillie Hunziker, of Walla Walla, and to them has been born a daughter, Alida F. He belongs to Trinity Lodge, No. 121, I. O. O. F., of which he became a charter member, and he also has connection with the Modern Woodmen of America. He and his wife are members of the Community church of Touchet and their aid and influence are always given on the side of progress and improvement. He is a well known and representative citizen of Walla Walla county and there are various chapters in his life history well worthy of emulation. He is genial in manner, social in disposition and is cordial but never to the point of familiarity. These qualities have won him personal popularity, while his enterprise and diligence have gained him prominence in business circles.

WILLIAM KIRKMAN.

William Kirkman, deceased, one of the honored pioneers of Walla Walla county, was prominently identified with stock raising interests for a considerable period and previous to that time was engaged in prospecting for a time. His activities were of a character that contributed to the progress and prosperity of the district in which he resided and Walla Walla numbered him among her most honored and valued residents. He was born near Manchester, in Lancashire, England, December 7, 1832, and received his education and grew to manhood in his native country. When about twenty years of age he came to the United States. He had been identified with the firm of Grant Brothers, proprietors of woolen mills in Lancashire, England. It is supposed that these brothers were the originals of Dickens' characters of the Cherable brothers. They had designed a fancy Marseilles vesting and Mr. Kirkman came to America to introduce the goods. For two years he resided in Boston, Massachusetts, after which he made his way westward by the Isthmus of Panama route. He spent some time in the gold mines of California and then proceeded by sailing vessel to Australia and to the Sandwich Islands, but returned to the American continent when the news was received of the discovery of gold in paying quantities on the Fraser river in British Columbia. He proceeded to the gold fields there and for a number of years divided his time between the mines in that region and in California. After making and losing what in those days amounted to several small fortunes he determined to engage in a more stable business and, accordingly, in 1862, he returned to San Francisco and the next year purchased cattle in Oregon, which he drove to the market at Boise, Idaho. He there established himself in the stock business. In 1866 he took an eighty-mule team pack from Walla Walla to Montana, where he disposed of all of his goods. He then became interested in a milk ranch and dairy business, but in 1870 he disposed of his ranch and stock and returned to San Francisco with the intention of making that city his permanent home. However, he afterward came to Walla Walla and entered into partnership with John Dooley for the conduct of a cattle business. Their cattle range extended from Pasco to Spokane and from Sprague to the Snake river and was known as the Figure 3 Ranch. This firm was the first to ship cattle out of the territory to Montana and elsewhere. At a subsequent period Mr. Kirkman became heavily interested in the sheep industry and for many years he was an extensive raiser of both cattle and sheep. During all this time he maintained his partnership relation with Mr. Dooley, their connection continuing for about twenty years. He also invested in farm lands, becoming in time the owner of twelve hundred acres. In 1891 he retired from active life and the year 1892 was spent by him in travel in Europe. He had hoped that freedom from business cares and the pleasure of travel would enable him to regain his health, which had become quite seriously impaired, but this expectation proved futile, as he died at Stevens Point, Wisconsin, April 25, 1893, when on his way home. Mr. Kirkman was a man alive to all public interests and opportunities. He was one of the early contributors to Whitman College and paid the tuition of various students there in order to help them and the institution. When the receipts of the college were too small Mr. Kirkman joined with John F. Boyer to make up the deficit. He was a man of many substantial qualities and thereby gained many friends. He contributed much to the development of the northwest along material, social, intellectual and moral lines, his influence always being on the side of progress and improvement for the individual and for the community.

On the 4th of February, 1867, in San Francisco, Mr. Kirkman was united in marriage to Miss Isabella Potts, a native of Ireland and a daughter of Robert and Agnes (Evans) Potts, who passed their entire lives on the Emerald isle. Mrs. Kirkman came to the United States in her girlhood, going to San Francisco to join her two sisters who were already residing there. The four surviving children of Mr. and Mrs. Kirkman are William H., Fannie A., Myrtle B. and Leslie G. The eldest son was horn in Idaho in May, 1868, and pursued his education in Whitman College and in the Boston University, from which he was graduated on the completion of a law course in the class of 1893 and then located for practice in Walla Walla, where he followed his profession for two years. He wedded Maud Ashley, who passed away in 1905, leaving one son, William Leslie, who was born in 1901. William H. Kirkman resided in Walla Walla and filled the office of clerk of the federal court for a year. He was also a member of the city council and a member of the school board. Fraternally he was connected with the Masons as a member of the York Rite and of the Mystic Shrine, and he also held membership with the Elks, in which he filled all of the chairs of the local lodge. Fannie A. is the wife of A. H. Reynolds, a prominent attorney and president of the Farmers Savings Bank of Walla Walla. The youngest son, Leslie G., was born in Walla Walla in June, 1881, and pursued his education in the schools of his native city. He married Mabelle E. Hawman and they have one child, Leslie Gilmore, who was born in 1916. Leslie G. Kirkman is an Elk and a Mason. He resides in Walla Walla and he and his brother are engaged in farming, the latter having retired from law practice, and they are now devoting their attention to the cultivation, development and further improvement of the old homestead property which was left by their father. Myrtle B. Kirkman resides with her mother in Walla Walla.

William Kirkman was very prominent in civic affairs and exerted great influence on many interests that had to do with the upbuilding and progress of Walla Walla. His political allegiance was given to the republican party and he was a delegate to the national republican convention which was held in Minneapolis in 1892 and nominated Benjamin Harrison. He was appointed on the committee with William McKinley to notify Mr. Harrison of his nomination. Mr. Kirkman served on the first board of directors of the penitentiary upon its establishment and was a member of the board of education in Walla Walla, contributing much to the development of its school system. As previously stated, he was closely associated with the welfare and progress of Whitman College and was still a member of its board of directors at the time of his demise. He was a man of sterling qualities, possessing a kindly, genial disposition that endeared him to those who came in contact with him, and was charitable to a fault. Although not a member of any church, he was a liberal contributor to the support of various religious bodies of the city and no worthy cause appealed to him in vain. His interests were broad and embraced all that was worth while in life, yet his greatest care and his fullest devotion were always given to his home and family.

CLEMENT O. BERGEVIN.

Clement O. Bergevin, who is actively engaged in farming on section 35, township 7 north, range 34 east, was born on the old Bergevin homestead in this part of Walla Walla county, his natal day being March 16, 1891. He is a son of Damase and Mary P. (Allard) Bergevin, the former a native of Canada and of French extraction. He is mentioned elsewhere in this work.

Clement O. Bergevin spent his youthful days in his father's home and acquired his education in the old French town school. In 1912 he began farming on his own account. He had been reared to that occupation and early became familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and cultivating the crops. He thus brought broad experience to his work when he started out independently. He is now cultivating three hundred and twenty acres of land, upon which he now resides and which is a part of his father's estate. He also owns a third equity in a farm of three hundred and twenty acres elsewhere in the same township and a third equity in a five hundred acre tract. His farming interests are thus extensive and important and in all of his business affairs he displays marked energy and determination. His industry has enabled him to overcome obstacles and difficulties in his path and capable management has brought him substantial reward.

On the 12th of May, 1915, Mr. Bergevin was united in marriage to Miss Hazel Johnson, of Walla Walla, a daughter of Edward Johnson, one of the prominent coal dealers of that city. Mr. Bergevin is a member of the Catholic church and is identified with the Knights of Columbus. He has comparatively few outside interests, however, preferring to concentrate his efforts and attention upon his business affairs. He is yet a young man who has only passed the twenty-sixth milestone on life's journey, but already he has made for himself a place in business circles that many a man of twice his years might well envy. He displays good judgment in all that he does and his careful management of his property and his progressive methods of farming are bringing to him merited success.

NELSON McSHERRY.

Nelson McSherry made for himself a creditable position in the business and political circles of Prescott, so that his death was the occasion of deep and widespread regret when on the 27th of July, 1916, he passed away. He was then but sixty-one years of age, his birth having occurred on the 31st of July, 1855. He was a native of Pennsylvania and a son of J. J. and Margaret (Mitchner) McSherry, both of whom were natives of the Keystone state. At an early day they removed with their family to Missouri, settling near Warrensburg, where they spent their remaining days, and there Nelson McSherry was reared and educated. He was a young man of twenty-five years when in 1880 he was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Harvey, of Warrensburg, and to them were born five children: Lulu, who is the wife of J. D. Walter; Robert, who is living in Nevada; Joseph C., whose home is in Prescott; Urie D.; and Hester.

Mr. and Mrs. McSherry began their domestic life in Missouri and there resided until 1888, when they came with their family to the northwest, establishing their home in Prescott, where Mr. McSherry embarked in business as proprietor of a small mercantile establishment. He adapted himself and his affairs to this part of the country and the conditions here existing and in the course of years he built up a growing and gratifying business. He closely studied the needs of the people in relation to the line of goods which he carried and by reason of his carefully selected stock, his reasonable prices and his straightforward dealing he won a very liberal and well deserved patronage, so that his business became one of the profitable enterprises of the town.

In public affairs Mr. McSherry also took a deep and helpful interest. His fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, elected him the first mayor of Prescott. He was always ready to advance the interests of the town in every possible way and stood at all times for progress and improvement. Fraternally he was connected with the Woodmen of the World and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He was reared a Methodist, but Mrs. McSherry is a member of the Presbyterian church. In 1913, because of failing health, he retired from active business and turned the management of his store over to his sons. Death called him in 1916 and at his passing deep regret was felt for he was a progressive business man, a loyal and patriotic citizen, a faithful friend and a devoted husband and father. He counted it his greatest happiness to provide for the welfare and comfort of his wife and children and in every relation of life he manifested those sterling qualities which command respect, confidence and honor in every land and clime.

GEORGE E. LAMBDIN.

George E. Lambdin has been actively and prominently identified with farming and stock raising interests in the northwest and is now carrying on general agricultural pursuits on section 22, township 7 north, range 32 east, in Walla Walla county. He was born on the 27th of September, 1870, in Montana, his parents being Samuel and Mary E. (Spade) Lambdin. The father was a native of Delaware, while the mother's birth occurred in Ohio. They were married in Iowa and at the time of the opening up of the gold fields in Montana, in 1865, they crossed the plains with ox teams to that state. The father worked in the mines in Deer Lodge valley and also in the Butte mines for six years and the family went through the usual experiences of the mining camp in the west. In 1872 they removed to Walla Walla county, Washington, where Mr. Lambdin preempted a quarter section of land just across the line in Oregon, on the present site of Freewater. Ten years later he crossed the border into Washington and took up a homestead on

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