Section 27, Small Township, and Has Improved the Property Until It Is

now a valuable and productive tract, annually yielding golden harvests in return for the care and labor which he bestows upon it. He also owns a well improved farm of one hundred and sixty-five acres on the Snake river and has won a place among the substantial and progressive agriculturists of the community.

In 1881 Mr. Fisher was united in marriage to Miss Martha L. Twidwell, born near Peoria, Illinois, and a daughter of A. K. and Mary Ann (Myers) Twidwell, who were also natives of Illinois. Both passed away in Kansas, in which state they had established their home in the early '70s. To Mr. and Mrs. Fisher have been born seven children, as follows: Charles L., who is a farmer of Washington; George L., living at Mabton, this state; Myrtle V., the wife of L. B. Heffron, of Walla Walla; R. B., who is a resident of Grandview, Washington; Nina B., who is the wife of H. P. Mears, of Touchet, Washington; D. O., who is engaged in farming; and W. F., who operates his father's farm. Mr. Fisher gives his political allegiance to the republican party and has ably served as a member of the school board. Both he and his wife are devoted members of the Christian church, taking an active and helpful part in its work. They have an extensive circle of friends throughout the locality and are widely recognized as people of genuine personal worth.

JAMES L. DUMAS.

Among the horticulturists of southeastern Washington who have won prominence in their chosen calling is James L. Dumas, one of the pioneer orchardists of the northwest. He is proprietor of the famous Pomona Fruit Ranch, five miles west of Dayton, Washington, which contains an orchard of one hundred and twenty acres of commercial apples. His home is one of the most beautiful country residences in Columbia county and the place is provided with all city conveniences.

Mr. Dumas was born in Clark county, Missouri, on the 1st of December, 1862, and is a son of Louis P. and Nancy W. (Waggener) Dumas, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Virginia. Both parents died in Missouri, where they made their home for some years, and of the five sons born to them only two are now living.

James L. Dumas grew to manhood in his native state and on leaving there in 1882 came to Washington, where he attended Whitman College for three years. Several years were then devoted to teaching and he subsequently pursued a course in a normal school in New York state, from which he was graduated in 1891. The following year he was sent to the Hawaiian islands to conduct a teachers training school and he remained in that beautiful country for five years.

It was while en route to the Hawaiian islands that Mr. Dumas made a trip through the fruit districts of California and this undoubtedly influenced him to take up horticulture on coming to Washington. Thus originated the Commercial apple industry in the Touchet valley. On his return to this state in 1897 Mr. Dumas purchased his present farm of two hundred and forty acres in Columbia county and he now has about half of that amount in apples, from which he has raised on an average of thirty-four thousand one hundred boxes of apples in the last ten years. In the fall of 1917 he harvested over forty thousand boxes of apples.

In 1888 Mr. Dumas married Miss Fannie J. Storie, a native of New York, in which state her parents, Kennedy and Isabel Storie, both died. Mr. and Mrs. Dumas have four children, namely: Loren F., who is a graduate of the Washington State College; Mabel, a student at the Bellingham Normal School; Alura, who is attending high school; and Edwin, now seven years of age.

Mr. and Mrs. Dumas are members of the Congregational church of Dayton and he is one of its trustees. In politics he is an ardent republican and has served as a delegate to the state conventions of that party. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows but his chief interest is in the apple industry and he has taken a very active and prominent part in the work of those organizations designed to promote horticulture. He has served as president of the Washington State Horticultural Society and as such did much to improve the orchards of the northwest. The society never had a more active head or one who took the same impartial interest in all fruit growing districts of this section. He has made two trips to the nation's capital in the interest of the northwestern growers. A lover of the great outdoors, it was but natural that he should be among the first to join the "back-to-the-farm" movement in this country and as a representative of the Washington State Country Life Commission he has addressed thousands of interested people in the northwest. Mr. Dumas is vice president of the Broughton National Bank. He has served on the state board of education and is a member of the American Pomological Society; the Society for the Promotion of Horticultural Science; the National Educational Association; and the American Genetic Society. He has been superintendent of the Dayton schools and the public schools of Pullman and was the honored president of the Washington State Educational Association. In 1915 he was elected one of the five members of the executive board of the American Pomological Society. It will thus be seen that he has been prominently identified with a number of organizations whose object has been to promote the welfare of this region along many lines and he well deserves mention among its most public-spirited and progressive citizens.

R. W. LOUNDAGIN, D. V. M.

Dr. R. W. Loundagin, who is engaged in the practice of veterinary surgery in Waitsburg, was born in Benton, Arkansas, December 28, 1859, a son of George W. and Rhoda J. (Stewart) Loundagin. The father was a native of Tennessee and the mother's birth occurred in Indiana. They removed to Arkansas with their respective parents and were married later in that state. In April, 1861, they left Little Rock, Arkansas, for the Pacific coast country, crossing the plains with ox teams. They were en route for six months and at length arrived in Walla Walla, Washington, about the 1st of October. They camped in the shadow of the fort for three or four weeks, after which Mr. Loundagin rented a small place of forty acres from an old man of the name of Massey. Upon that tract Mr. Loundagin spent the winter and followed farming. In the following summer he purchased a quit claim deed from W. P. Bruce on a quarter section about a mile and a half south of Waitsburg. This was in the Coppei valley. He paid Mr. Bruce two thousand dollars to move off the claim and Mr. Loundagin filed on the property as a homestead. In the years following he purchased land adjoining and continued to add to his possessions until his holdings comprised one thousand acres, constituting one of the most valuable wheat farms in Walla Walla county. He also owned other lands throughout the county, his holdings amounting together between four and five thousand acres. He was one of the first men to demonstrate that wheat could be successfully grown on the hills and uplands, and in proving this fact he contributed much to the development and prosperity of the county, as many followed his example and now the Walla Walla wheat belt is famous throughout the country. Mr. Loundagin continued to reside upon the old home farm up to within seven years of his death, when he removed to Waitsburg, turning over the operations of his farm to a son. He passed away about 1910, having for five years survived his wife. In their deaths the county lost two of its representative and valued pioneer people.

R. W. Loundagin was only about two years of age when brought by his family to the northwest. He acquired a district school education and through the period of his boyhood and youth worked with his father, to whom he continued to render active assistance until 1883. He then embarked in business on his own account, purchasing a livery stable in Waitsburg. The following year, however, he sold that property and again resumed active connection with agricultural interests, purchasing four hundred and eighty acres of railroad land two and a half miles north of Bolles Junction, for which he paid five dollars per acre. He lived upon that farm and kept bachelor's hall for eighteen years, after which he sold the property at ten dollars per acre, which was all that he could get at that time. Recently, however, the farm sold for seventy dollars per acre. While residing upon that tract of land Mr. Loundagin purchased one hundred and sixty acres in Columbia county, in the Hog Eye valley, four and a half miles east of Waitsburg. Most of that land is devoted to alfalfa and is very valuable. Mr. Loundagin still owns that farm property and from it derives a gratifying annual income.

From his youth Dr. Loundagin was deeply interested in horses, and by reason of the successful manner in which he treated his own horses when they needed medical attention, he was called upon to treat his neighbors' horses. As these calls became more frequent he began to read and study recognized works on veterinary surgery, including such authorities as Professor Fleming, A. H. Baker, Professor James A. Lawe, A. C. Copeland and others. His practice in time became a very large one and today he is classed among the ablest veterinary surgeons in southeastern Washington. In 1909 he built a modern veterinary hospital, which was the first private institution of this kind built in the state. It proved a financial success and his practice has continuously and successfully increased to the present time.

In 1902 Dr. Loundagin was married to Miss Albertina Smith, of Hanford, California. He votes with the democratic party and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day. He has never been an office seeker. Both he and his wife hold membership in the Christian church and are loyal to its teachings and its principles. His life has been an active and useful one and he has made steady progress in the field of his chosen profession and his other fields of endeavor, and his ability, industry and thoroughness have brought him a substantial measure of success.

OSCAR E. KING.

Farming interests in Columbia county find a worthy representative in Oscar E. King, a well known agriculturist who owns and cultivates a valuable property on section 9, township 11 north, range 40 east. He was born on the farm where he now resides, February 15, 1871, his parents being William B. and Elizabeth (Cantonwine) King, the former a native of Indiana, while the latter was born in Iowa. The father crossed the plains to the Pacific coast as a young man, making his way to California in 1852. There he was employed for a time in survey work and subsequently he conducted the Woodville House, a well known hostelry situated on the Rabbit Creek road, about forty miles from Marysville, California. In 1855 he returned to the east by way of the Isthmus route, but the lure of the west was upon him and again by way of the Isthmus route he made his way to the Pacific coast. In those days hay was worth eighty dollars per ton and Mr. King brought with him six hundred pounds of Hungarian grass seed, expecting to make a small fortune in the growing of hay. The following season, however was one of drought and, failing to raise a crop, his funds were exhausted in the venture and his season's work amounted to naught. In 1862 he came to Walla Walla county, arriving in the city of Walla Walla on the 4th of July. He then went up into the Idaho mines, but not meeting with success, he retracted his steps and spent the winter in Oregon. In the spring of 1863 he again came to Walla Walla and the following spring took a sub-contract under Captain Mullen to carry the mail from Walla Walla to Colville. He took the mail on horseback and remained as mail carrier for two years and nine months. His employer, Captain Mullen, becoming involved in financial difficulties, Mr. King was unable to collect a cent for his services for the entire period. Later he secured the mail contract direct from the government and operated a stage line from Walla Walla to Lewiston for four years. In 1867 he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, purchasing his farm on the Tucanon river in Columbia county, and in 1868 he settled upon his land, while at the same time he continued to operate his stage line with hired help. He was thus closely and prominently associated with the work of early development and improvement in this section of the northwest. His wife had crossed the plains with her parents in 1863, the family having as their outfit both ox and mule teams. Mrs. King was then a young girl in her teens and drove the mule team throughout the entire journey across the plains. The Cantonwine family spent the winter of 1863-4 in the Willamette valley of Oregon and in the spring of the latter year came to Washington, where they took up a homestead near the present site of Dixie, and later Mr. Cantonwine built the first hotel in Waitsburg, his daughter, Mrs. King, acting as cook for the few boarders who patronized the house in that early period. After locating on his farm William B. King took up a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres adjoining his original place and in subsequent years he and his sons in partnership bought other farm lands until their holdings approximated two thousand acres. Mr. King was thus actively, prominently and successfully identified with the agricultural development of the county until his death, which occurred April 12, 1911. His widow survived him for but a brief period, passing away on the 11th of March, 1912. In their family were four sons and three daughters who are yet living, as follows: Harry and Edwin S., well known farmers of Columbia county, Washington; Oscar E., of this review; Silas L., a resident of Pomeroy, Washington; Zorah I., who is the widow of R. A. Jackson and resides in Dayton; Alice, who gave her hand in marriage to Henry Delaney, a farmer of Columbia county; and Frankie G., the wife of A. P. Cahill, who is a banker of Dayton, Washington.

Oscar E. King pursued his early education in the country schools and supplemented it by a business course in the Portland Business College. After reaching adult age he joined his brothers and his father in their extensive farming operations, and following the father's death the sons continued to cooperate in their farming enterprises until 1915, when the partnership was dissolved and a division of their holdings was made. Oscar E. King now owns five hundred and fifty-six acres of valuable land and is one of the substantial farmers of the Tucanon valley. His business affairs have been carefully managed and directed and his unfaltering enterprise and unremitting diligence have brought to him a substantial measure of success. In his political views he is an earnest republican but has never been an office seeker, and he is widely known as one of the influential citizens of Columbia county.

B. F. BREWER.

B. F. Brewer is one of the most prominent farmers of Walla Walla county, living on township 6, range 36 east. He is the president of the Farmers Union and occupies a foremost position as a representative of that progressiveness which has largely revolutionized farming methods in the past quarter of a century. Moreover, his labors have demonstrated the possibilities of this section for agricultural development and have contributed much to the wealth of the district.

Mr. Brewer was born November 2, 1879, on the farm where he now lives, a son of John F. Brewer, who is mentioned elsewhere in this work. He was reared on the old homestead and pursued a public school education, attending the high schools of Walla Walla and Seattle, while later he became a student in the State Agricultural College at Pullman. Following the completion of his course he entered the First National Bank of Walla Walla as bookkeeper and for four years was identified with that institution. Upon his father's death he took charge of the home farm and has since operated it. He is now cultivating this place of five hundred and twenty acres and he and his mother own conjointly a farm of seventeen hundred and eighty acres, which they purchased in 1908. His farming interests are thus extensive and are conducted according to the most progressive methods. He has the latest improved machinery to facilitate the work of the fields and he understands the scientific principles that underlie all of his activities. In his work, however, it is definitely seen that he is a man of action rather than of theory and sound judgment directing his labors, has brought splendid results.

On May 25, 1904, Mr. Brewer was united in marriage to Miss Harriet Chew, a daughter of H. C. Chew, one of the pioneer nurserymen of Walla Walla county, now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Brewer have been born two children but only one is living, Mary Charlotte.

Mr. and Mrs. Brewer are worthy Christian people whose belief actuates them in all life's relations. Mr. Brewer belongs to the Presbyterian church, while his wife is a member of the First Methodist church. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party and he is thoroughly informed concerning the issues and questions of the day but has never taken an active part in party work. He has served as secretary of the Farmers Union and during the past two years has been president of the organization. When the Farmers Agency was established he was made its first manager and served in that important capacity for three years, but his private interests demanded his entire attention and he therefore resigned his position. He does everything in his power to promote the welfare and interests of the agriculturist and in all that he does is actuated by a spirit of enterprise that produces splendid results. He is a man of sound business judgment, sagacious and farsighted, and his well defined plans are carried forward to successful completion.

WILLIAM GOODYEAR.

William Goodyear, a prosperous business man of Starbuck, dealing in wood and coal, was born on the 11th of March, 1853, in Canada, and is a son of Thomas and Mary (Hynes) Goodyear, the former a native of England and the latter of Ireland. On crossing the Atlantic to the new world in 1833 they settled on a farm in Canada and continued to make it their home until their deaths. They had a family of ten children of whom seven survive.

Reared in the Dominion, William Goodyear is indebted to its schools for the education he enjoyed during his boyhood and youth. On leaving home in 1870 he went to Fort Scott, Kansas, where he spent a short time, but later in the same year crossed the plains, driving four cows to a covered wagon. On reaching Salt Lake City he hired out to a Mormon bishop, and subsequently he went to Idaho, where he was interested in a sawmill for twelve years. In 1883 Mr. Goodyear came to Old Walla Walla county, Washington, and for two years drove cattle from here to Cheyenne, Wyoming. Later he bought and sold horses and also engaged in farming until 1903, when he sold out and removed to Starbuck, which has since been his home. He owns considerable property in the village, being extensively engaged in the real estate business, and also deals in wood and coal.

Mr. Goodyear was married in 1902 to Miss Emma Woods, a native of Missouri, and having no children of their own they are now rearing a boy, Richard H. Wellman by name who is a grand nephew of Mrs. Goodyear.

Mrs. Goodyear is serving as postmistress of Starbuck and is a lady of more than ordinary business ability. She is a member of the Eastern Star and Mr. Goodyear holds membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He has filled all the chairs in his lodge and is a stanch democrat in politics. Since coming to the United States he has steadily prospered in his business undertakings until he has become one of the well-to-do citizens of his community and the success that has come to him is due entirely to his own well directed efforts.

W. E. McKINNEY.

W. E. McKinney, the well known proprietor of the McKinney Auto Company of Waitsburg, was born in Walla Walla county, about a mile from Waitsburg, on the 6th of April, 1868. His father, William McKinney, is a retired farmer living in Waitsburg. He was one of the early pioneer settlers of the northwest country and through many years was closely and prominently associated with the agricultural development and the upbuilding of this section. He was born in Warren county, Indiana, May 5, 1836, and is a son of William and Ann (Walter) McKinney, who crossed the plains with ox teams to Oregon in 1845. On their arrival in that state they settled in Washington county, near Hillsboro, and their later years were spent in Oregon. Their son, William McKinney, was a lad of but nine years at the time they crossed the plains and thus he was reared on the western frontier and early became familiar with all of the experiences, hardships and privations which fall to the lot of the pioneer settler. In 1855-6 he served as a member of Company A under Colonel Kelly and later under Colonel Cornelius in the Indian war. He spent the winter of those two years in Walla Walla, which was then a far western frontier fort. In 1856 he returned to Oregon and was employed on his father's farm until 1858, when he made his way up to The Dalles with the intention of going on to Walla Walla in order to homestead in that locality. He was told, however, that the country was not yet open for settlement and he therefore returned to the vicinity of Portland, Oregon, where he spent the winter. The following spring he made his way northward as a member of the state boundary survey as government packer and in the fall of 1859 he came to Walla Walla county to locate and has since resided in this section of the state. In 1864 he filed on a homestead on the Touchet river, one mile below Waitsburg, and there continued to live for more than a quarter of a century. He also took up a timber claim and he purchased adjoining land, so that his ranch became one of five hundred and fifty-two and one-half acres. This property he still owns. In 1890, however, he removed to Waitsburg, where he has a beautiful city residence and is most attractively and comfortably situated.

William McKinney was married on the 14th of December, 1865, to Miss Sarah J. Paulson, who crossed the plains in 1864. They became the parents of four children, as follows: Frank P., who is a banker residing in Olympia, Washington; William E., of this review; Thomas V., who operates his father's farm; and Emma, at home. William McKinney is a democrat in his political views. Late in the '70s or early '80s he was a candidate, through the insistence of his friends, for the office of county commissioner, and while the county was almost two to one republican, he was defeated by only twenty-five votes, a fact which indicated his personal popularity and the confidence reposed in him. He is held in the highest esteem wherever known and ranks with the honored old pioneer settlers of Walla Walla county. In 1914 he was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who passed away on the 20th of August of that year.

Their son, William E. McKinney, was educated in the Waitsburg public schools and also attended the Waitsburg Academy. On reaching manhood he became the active assistant of his father in important farming enterprises, and upon his father's removal to Waitsburg a year or two later, W. E. McKinney took charge of the home place, which he cultivated for twelve or thirteen years. He then assumed the management of the old Lewis Neace farm of twelve hundred or thirteen hundred acres and he also leased twelve hundred acres more, so that he operated in all twenty-four hundred acres of land. This he continued to do until September, 1916, when he retired from farming and engaged in the automobile business, purchasing the Dickinson & Denney garage, which is the largest garage of Waitsburg. He has the agency for the Velie and Buick cars and is one of the leading automobile dealers of the county, having built up a business of large and important proportions.

In 1891 Mr. McKinney was united in marriage to Miss Lelia Brown, a daughter of Mrs. Jennie Brown, of Lincoln county, Washington. To them have been born three children, one son and two daughters, as follows: William E., who is a member of the United States navy; Mrs. John Rhinehart, of Waitsburg; and Imogen, who gave her hand in marriage to Guy McLaughlin, of Waitsburg.

Mr. McKinney has always voted with the democratic party but has never been a candidate for office. Fraternally he is connected with Delta Lodge, No. 70, K. P., and also with the Ancient Order of United Workmen. His position as a business man ranks him with the leading representatives of automobile interests in his section of the state and he is classed with the foremost citizens of Walla Walla county. He is alert and energetic and is watchful of every opportunity that points to a possible development of his business. His sale of motor cars has reached a substantial figure, while in the repair department he also does a business of gratifying extent.

JOHN C. NEACE.

No student of the history of Columbia county can carry his investigations far without learning of the important part which the Neace family has taken in the agricultural development of this section of the country. John C. Neace is now extensively and successfully engaged in general agricultural pursuits, having fifteen hundred and thirty-two acres of land in Columbia county. He was born on the Tucanon, in what is now Columbia county, July 14, 1865, a son of Louis Neace, of whom extended mention is made elsewhere in this work. After acquiring a public school education he continued his studies in the schools of Forest Grove, Oregon, where he had as an instructor Professor W. D. Lyman. On reaching manhood he became associated with J. H. Marrow, of Waitsburg, in the mercantile business, under the firm name of J. H. Marrow & Company, and remained in that connection until 1895, when Mr. Neace and T. M. Hanger bought out the interest of Mr. Marrow in the business and thus formed the firm of Neace, Hanger & Company. Mr. Neace was thereafter identified with commercial interests until 1897, when he sold out and in 1898 went to Montana, where he and his brothers, together with their father, formed the Neace Cattle Company and engaged extensively in raising cattle in that state. John C. Neace remained in Montana until May, 1916, when he returned to Columbia county. The Neace Cattle Company owns twenty thousand acres of land in Montana and John C. Neace individually owns fifteen hundred and thirty-two acres in a body in Columbia county, where he now resides. This land is being operated by his son, Donald D.

On the 8th of April, 1888, Mr. Neace was united in marriage to Miss India A. Denney, of Waitsburg, a daughter of Nathaniel B. and Priscilla (Hawk) Denney. The father first crossed the plains to Washington in 1861 and subsequently returned to Iowa, but in 1870 he again came to this state, making the journey across the plains from Iowa in company with his family. Mr. and Mrs. Neace are the parents of a daughter and son: Mildred L., who is the wife of Dr. A. T. Gilhus, of White Sulphur Springs, Montana; and Donald D., who is operating the home farm.

In politics Mr. Neace maintains an independent course, voting for men and measures rather than party. He belongs to Waitsburg Lodge, No. 16, F. & A. M., and is a loyal Mason. He has always been closely connected with Columbia county even during the period of his residence in Montana and is widely known as one of its progressive agriculturists. His business methods constitute the last word in modern farming, and undeterred by any obstacles or difficulties which he may meet, he pushes his way steadily forward to success.

J. G. BRUNTON.

J. G. Brunton, a well known and successful farmer residing an section 20, township 8 north, range 38 east, Walla Walla county, was born in that township on the 23d of January, 1881. His parents, W. H. H. and Sarah A. (Lewis) Brunton, are mentioned at length elsewhere in this work. He received his education in the Fix district schools and at Whitman Academy, which he attended for three or four terms. He was a young man of twenty years at the time of his father's death and a year later he left school and turned his attention to farming. In 1903 he filed upon a homestead in Franklin county, but in 1904 he commuted his claim and returned to the home farm. He has since operated about three hundred acres of the land owned by the estate and one hundred and ten acres adjoining, and the large crops which he annually raises are proof of his industry and his practical knowledge of agriculture. He still owns valuable property in Walla Walla which he obtained in trade for his homestead, and he has already gained a competence although still a young man. He gives the most careful attention to whatever task he has in hand and this habit of concentration has been an important factor in his success.

In June, 1913, Mr. Brunton was united in marriage to Miss Geneva Eldridge, a daughter of Hon. H. D. Eldridge, a prominent farmer and influential citizen of Walla Walla county, a biography of whom appears on another page in these volumes. One son, William Eldridge, has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Brunton.

Mr. Brunton is a republican in politics and is loyal in his support of its candidates and measures. His fraternal connections are with Walla Walla Lodge, No. 287, B. P. O. E., and with Mountain Gem Lodge, No. 136, K. P. Both he and his wife are members of the Christian church and the highest moral standards have ever guided their lives. They have a wide acquaintance and are universally held in high esteem.

HIRAM M. HOOVER.

Hiram M. Hoover, who has lived retired in Waitsburg since 1911, was long and actively identified with agricultural pursuits in Walla Walla county and is still the owner of four hundred and eighty acres of valuable land. His birth occurred in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, on the 4th of July, 1853, his parents being Myers and Ann (Royer) Hoover, who spent their entire lives in that county, where the father followed farming throughout his active business career.

Hiram M. Hoover was reared under the parental roof and acquired his education in the public schools. When a young man of twenty years he left home to provide for his own support and, making his way to Ohio, worked as a farm hand in Wayne county, that state, for four years. On the expiration of that period he removed to Iowa, in which state he spent three years, and in 1880 he journeyed westward to San Francisco, California, where he hired out to a surveying party, with which he worked in southern Nevada for six months. He then returned to California and worked in the harvest fields of the Sacramento valley, while later he engaged in salmon fishing. In the fall of 1881 he returned to his native state, taking ship from San Francisco to the Isthmus of Panama, which voyage consumed twenty-one days, and crossing the Isthmus by railroad along the route of the present canal and then boarding a steamer which reached New York city at the end of seven days. After a few months spent at his home he returned to San Francisco, California, in the spring of 1882 and there remained throughout the following summer. He then sailed for Puget Sound, locating in Whatcom county, Washington, where he took up a homestead and continued to reside until the summer of 1885. That year witnessed his arrival in Walla Walla county and his settlement in Waitsburg, where he has made his home almost continuously since. He cultivated rented land during the first four years of his residence here and then purchased a tract of one hundred and sixty acres about two miles northeast of Waitsburg, over the county line, in Columbia county. Since that date, as his financial resources have increased owing to his well directed activity and able management, he has added to his holdings by additional purchase from time to time until at present he owns four hundred and eighty acres. The cultivation of this property claimed his attention and energies until 1911, when he put aside the active work of the fields and has since rented the place to a tenant. He is a stockholder in the Exchange Bank of Waitsburg and has long been numbered among the leading and substantial citizens of that place.

In 1886 Mr. Hoover was united in marriage to Miss Eva I. Loundagin, a sister of Dr. R. W. Loundagin, of Waitsburg, and the daughter of G. W. Loundagin, who came to Walla Walla county as a pioneer in 1861. Mr. and Mrs. Hoover became the parents of six children, three of whom survive, namely: Anna L., who is her father's housekeeper; Elam H., a ranchman, residing in Carter, Montana; and Emory M., who is a second lieutenant in the United States army and is now stationed at Douglas, Arizona. The wife and mother was called to her final rest in August, 1912, and her demise was deeply mourned by her immediate family as well as by an extensive circle of friends. Mr. Hoover gives his political allegiance to the republican party, while his religious faith is that of the Christian church, in which he holds membership. The period of his residence in Walla Walla county covers more than three decades and he has won a place among its esteemed and representative citizens.

W. H. WOOD.

More than a century ago George Washington said, "Agriculture is the most useful as well as the most honorable occupation of man." Its worth as the basis of all other business prosperity has been continuously demonstrated since the world began, and at no time has its usefulness been greater than at this era in the world's history, when all civilization is facing a crisis. The work of the farmer is indeed of the utmost worth and to this occupation W. H. Wood is devoting his time and energies with good results. He was born in Alvorado, Texas, on the 29th of April, 1880, and is a son of Daniel J. and Alice E. (Scott) Wood, both of whom are natives of Illinois, where they were reared and married. Soon afterward they went to Texas, where the father engaged in cotton growing, remaining in the Lone Star state for a year and a half. He was urged by his neighbors to remain for another year, being told that if he would stay for that length of time he would never desire to leave. His answer was that he was well aware of the fact that if he remained for another year he would not have money enough to get out, so turning his back upon Texas, he went again to Illinois, where he continued through the winter. In the spring of 1881 he started for the west, hoping to find more favorable conditions in this section of the country. He made Washington his destination and after crossing plains and mountains he took up his abode in Columbia county, where he secured a homestead in Smith Hollow. There he still resides, having long been numbered among the substantial farmers of that section of the state.

W. H. Wood was reared under the parental roof, being only about a year old when brought by his parents to the northwest. He became familiar with every phase of pioneer life in this section of Washington and has lived to witness the remarkable growth and development that has occurred in the intervening years. He acquired his education in the district schools and at the age of eighteen he started out independently in the business world by leasing one hundred and sixty acres of land, on which he began farming. He sold his wheat at thirty-eight cents per bushel and realized three hundred dollars profit from his crop. He continued to carry on farming on his own account and carefully saved his earnings until his industry and economy had brought him sufficient capital to enable him to purchase, in 1902, his first land. He invested in one hundred and sixty acres, the purchase price of which was one thousand dollars. He borrowed much of the money with which to pay for his farm and thus made his start toward success. He continued to practice the most rigid economy and the most unfaltering industry and within three years he had cleared his ranch of all indebtedness. From that time forward he made it his purpose to add to his holdings whenever favorable opportunity offered and today he owns and cultivates four hundred and fifty-seven acres and also leases another tract of four hundred and eighty acres, and is now extensively engaged in farming in Thorn Hollow. He has brought his land under high cultivation, has added many improvements to the place and thereon are found all the accessories, conveniences and modern equipment of a model farm. In addition to his agricultural interests Mr. Wood is a stockholder in the Dayton Mercantile Company. Opportunity is to him ever a call to action and a call to which he readily responds.

In 1902 Mr. Wood was united in marriage to Miss Maud McCall, a daughter of Charles T. McCall, one of the early settlers of Columbia county, who now makes his home in Oregon. Mr. and Mrs. Wood have two children, Daniel W. and Walter H.

In his political views Mr. Wood is a republican and always votes for the men and measures of the party but has never been an office seeker. He prefers to concentrate his thought and attention upon his business affairs. He is a man of strong purpose whose plans are well defined and he displays resourcefulness in accomplishing any object for which he starts out. Practically a lifelong resident of Washington, there is no phase of its development through three decades with which he is not familiar and as a farmer he has contributed much to the agricultural progress of this section of the state.

JOHN F. MARTIN.

John F. Martin, one of the leading stock raisers of Walla Walla county, is living on section 3, township 6 north, range 33 east, where he has a valuable tract of land of three hundred and thirty acres. His business affairs are wisely directed and his efforts have done much to raise the standard of stock raising in this section of the state.

From early pioneer times Mr. Martin has resided within the borders of Washington. In fact he is one of the native sons, having been born in Thurston county on the 1st of May, 1858. His parents are William and Ann E. (Yantis) Martin, the former a native of Indiana, while the latter was born in Missouri. They crossed the plains to the northwest in 1852 and settled first in Thurston county but after about two decades established their home in Walla Walla, where they resided until 1901 and where Mr. Martin was engaged in the mercantile business. In 1901 they removed to Touchet.

John F. Martin was reared and educated in this state, becoming a resident of Walla Walla county in 1872, when a youth of fourteen years. In 1883 he removed to Wallula, where he engaged in buying cattle, and in 1900 he purchased his present farm of three hundred and thirty acres, then a tract of pasture and alfalfa land. He has since concentrated his efforts and attention upon its development and improvement and the result of his labors is seen in highly cultivated fields, in well kept fences, in substantial buildings and in the latest improved machinery. He has made a specialty of stock raising and is now engaged extensively in handling Percheron horses, Durham cattle and Oxford sheep. He has closely studied the best methods of caring for stock and is familiar with all of the scientific principles that underlie his work as well as the practical phases of his activities. In addition to his live stock interests Mr. Martin is connected with the Touchet State Bank as one of its directors.

In 1886 Mr. Martin was united in marriage to Miss Belle Tyson, a native of Nebraska, by whom he has six children, namely: Charles W., who is coach at the Pennsylvania State College, which position he has held for four years; Frank J.; May, the wife of H. J. Hanson; Lucy,. who gave her hand in marriage to Wendel Barker, of Walla Walla; Blanche M., a high school graduate; and Pearl.

Fraternally Mr. Martin is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America and with the Eagles. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party. He has served for twelve years on the school board and the cause of education has found in him a faithful friend whose labors have done much to promote educational interests in this section. As a business man he is thoroughly alert and progressive, watchful of every opportunity pointing to success, and his long experience and close study enable him to speak with authority upon all matters relative to stock raising. He has, indeed, won a place of prominence in this connection in Walla Walla county.

WILLIAM G. PRESTON.

William G. Preston, deceased, was for many years a prominent citizen of Waitsburg, where he was engaged in the milling business and was also a large landowner, holding title to three thousand acres. He was born in Galway, Saratoga county, New York, November 23, 1832, a son of Dr. Calvin and Margaret (McAllister) Preston, both of whom spent their entire lives in the Empire state. In their family were four sons and two daughters, all of whom have passed away.

William G. Preston grew to manhood in New York and received his education in Galway Academy. At the age of eighteen he went to live with an uncle, Rev. A. W. Platt, in Tompkins county, New York, where he remained until going to sea in 1852. The following two years were spent upon the water, during which time he visited New Brunswick, New Orleans, Liverpool and many other ports in Great Britain and America, returning to Galway, New York, in 1854. In the fall of that year he made his way west to Nebraska by way of Chicago and Rock Island and down the Mississippi river to St. Louis and then up the Missouri. He located at Bellevue, Nebraska, and became captain of a large ferry boat in 1855, but when Omaha was made the territorial capital the boat was sold to the Council Bluffs & Nebraska Ferry Company and he went with it to Omaha. In 1857 he returned east to Steubenville, Ohio, where he built the Omaha City, a double engine side-wheeler used in carrying freight on the Missouri river. In 1858 he retired from the ferry business and accompanied his brother to Pike's Peak, Colorado, and built one of the finest houses in the present city of Denver. After engaging in mining in that state for two years he went to northern Idaho, which then formed a part of Washington territory. He traveled most of the way by water and crossed Snake river in a wagon box in the vicinity of an old fort situated near the mouth of the Salmon river.

It was in 1866 that Mr. Preston came to Waitsburg, Walla Walla county, and identified himself with the Washington flouring mills and machinery business, which he and his brother, Platt A. Preston, had bought. Under his management these mills became the foremost industry of Waitsburg and the high quality of their product became well known throughout the state. In addition to his milling and mercantile business Mr. Preston was prominent in other lines, being a director of the Merchants Bank of Waitsburg and a stockholder and director of the Schwabacher Company of Walla Walla. He was also prominently identified with the Puget Sound Dressed Meat Company during its existence and was much interested in farming and stock raising. At the time of his death he was the owner of more than three thousand acres of land.

In 1869 Mr. Preston was united in marriage to Miss Matilda Cox, who was perhaps the first white child born near Boise, Idaho, her birth occurring in 1845 while her parents were making the overland journey to the Pacific coast. Her father, Anderson Cox, was a native of Ohio and a farmer by occupation. On coming west he located near Albany, Oregon, on a donation claim, where he remained for a number of years, but in 1862 came to Walla Walla county, Washington, and acquired land. He also built a sawmill, the first in this county. Both Mr. and. Mrs. Cox passed away here and six of their ten children are also deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Preston were born four children: Herbert P., who is engaged in the feed business in Toppenish, Washington; William C., who died when six months old; Charles B., a resident of Portland, Oregon; and Dale H., deceased.

Mr. Preston was a stanch republican in his political belief and served for two terms as a member of the territorial legislature. In 1881, while a member of that body, he was made chairman of the ways and means committee. He was much interested in educational affairs, especially in his later years, and in 1913 erected the beautiful auditorium known as Preston Hall at Waitsburg, it being designed for vocational training and containing a swimming pool, gymnasium and large hall for public meetings, etc. In all the relations of life he was loyal to the teachings of the Presbyterian church, of which he was a member, and his integrity was never open to question. His death occurred on the 20th of February, 1916, and he was laid to rest in the Waitsburg cemetery. Like her husband, Mrs. Preston has also been a generous contributor to all worthy enterprises for the public good and she now makes her home in Walla Walla, where she is well known and highly esteemed.

JAMES L. ROBISON.

James L. Robison is a retired farmer residing in Walla Walla. He is familiar with all of the experiences of the stock raiser on the western frontier, having ridden the range as a cowboy, while in later years he became extensively engaged in stock raising on his own account. He was born in east Tennessee, July 28, 1842. His father died during the infancy of the son, and the mother later married John Grubb, by whom James L. Robison of this review was reared. He acquired a common school education and when he was but ten years of age crossed the plains with his parents. They spent the winter in Missouri and in the spring of 1853 started on the long westward journey to Oregon. They took up their abode in Linn county, twenty miles south of Albany, where Mr. and Mrs. Grubb spent the remainder of their lives. At the early age of fifteen Mr. Robison began to work for wages and in 1861 made his way northward into eastern Oregon and spent the hard winter on the T. K. McCoy ranch on the Tum-a-Lum in Umatilla county. He continued to work for others until 1868, when he bought some cattle and thus established himself in the cattle business. He had previously engaged in riding the range for seven years prior to engaging in the cattle business on his own account. He was therefore familiar with the business and from the beginning met with success. He spent fifteen years in the cattle business, having as high as a thousand head upon the range. At length, when the free range was cut off by the settlement of the country, he retired from that business, after which he had sheep on the range for a considerable period. Eventually, in 1913, however, he put aside all business cares and retired from active life. He still owns six hundred and forty acres of valuable wheat land ten miles north of Walla Walla and from the rental of his property secures a gratifying income.

In early manhood Mr. Robison was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary J. Cecil, a daughter of William Cecil, who crossed the plains to Oregon in 1862, locating in what is now Morrow county. Mr. and Mrs. Robison became the parents of three children but only one survives, Lena M., who is the wife of Otto Haar, of North Yakima, Washington. Mrs. Robison is a member of the Congregational church and a lady of many admirable qualities.

In politics Mr. Robison is independent in thought and at local elections does not consider party ties but has always voted the republican ticket in electing a president. His life has been a very busy, active and useful one. His business activities were connected with an era that is fast passing away--the era when Washington was still the country of the open range before its lands were divided and taken up for farms. He is therefore familiar with all the phases of the history of the state in its development from pioneer times and he rejoices in what has been accomplished as the work of improvement and advancement has been carried forward here, placing this great state on a par with the older commonwealths of the east. In fact, Washington has gained a position of leadership in various respects and has every reason to be proud of her splendid record in the line of business development and especially in the progress which she has made in the organization of her school system.

In his business career Mr. Robison has at all times displayed that spirit of enterprise so characteristic of the west and now, at the age of seventy-five years, he is able to enjoy well earned rest, his former labors having resulted in a competence which meets all of his needs and requirements and yet leaves a sufficiency for many of the luxuries of life.

JOSEPH GROTE.

The farming interests of Joseph Grote would be termed mammoth even in this great west where agricultural interests are on the whole conducted on a most extensive scale. He is now operating sixty-two hundred and eighty acres of land in Columbia and Walla Walla counties, making his home on section 22, township 11 north, range 38 east, of the former county. His long experience and his extensive operations enable him to speak with authority upon everything connected with farming in the west at the present day. He recognizes fully the possibilities and the opportunities of the country and what he has accomplished represents the fit utilization of the innate powers and talents which are his. Mr. Grote is a native of Ohio, his birth having occurred in Piqua on the 7th of April, 1885, his parents being John and Anna Grote, both of whom were natives of Germany, where they were reared and married. In 1881 they came to the United States and after a residence of nine years in Ohio made their way westward to Washington, the family home being established in the Palouse country, where Mr. Grote remained, however, for a period of only two years. He then came to Walla Walla county, where he purchased a ranch north of Prescott and there he successfully engaged in farming to the time of his death. For a number of years prior to his demise he resided in the city of Walla Walla and from that point superintended the operation of his ranch. He died October 14, 1915, and is survived by his widow, who is now making her home in southern California.

Joseph Grote, whose name introduces this review, was educated in the district schools near his father's farm and in the city schools of Walla Walla. After reaching young manhood he continued to assist his father in the development of the fields until 1909, when he started out to engage in farming independently, entering into partnership with his brother Theodore. They gradually increased their operations in extent and importance until their interests placed them at the head of the leading agriculturists of Columbia county. In 1914 the partnership between the two brothers was dissolved and Joseph Grote retained twenty-three hundred acres of their holdings. In addition to this he operates four hundred and eighty acres of school land in the township where he resides and he leases and operates the Sharpstein ranch in Walla Walla county, containing thirty-five hundred acres of land. He has thus become one of the foremost agriculturists of the northwest. He plants twenty-five hundred acres to grain each year and harvests mammoth crops.

In 1917 Mr. Grote was united in marriage to Miss Lillian Baumann, a daughter of F. A. Baumann, a retired farmer of Walla Walla. In politics he maintains an independent course, not caring to bind himself by party ties. He is not remiss in the duties of citizenship, however, but stands for progress and improvement in public affairs and reaches out along helpful lines in recognition of the needs and opportunities of county and state. He is an enthusiastic advocate of the great northwest, and well he may be, for in its opportunities he has found the path to success and is today numbered among the men of affluence in southeastern Washington.

JOHN ADKINS GROSS, M. D.

There is much that is inspiring in the life record of Dr. John Adkins Gross, who for many years was prominently associated with the agricultural development and activity of southeastern Washington, acquiring extensive landed possessions which he converted into rich and productive fields. His worth as a man and citizen was widely acknowledged and there are in his life record many chapters worthy of consideration.

Dr. Gross was born in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, July 30, 1840, a son of Dr. Oren and Jane (Snow) Gross. He was reared and educated on Cape Cod. In his youth he studied navigation and also taught school for a time but at the age of twenty-three years enlisted in 1863 as a member of the Forty-third Massachusetts Infantry for service in the Civil war, remaining at the front until the close of hostilities. He became corporal of his company and while he did not engage in any of the battles between the north and the south his service was of a hazardous nature, such as scout duty and running boats loaded with provisions past blockades, etc. He ever manifested the utmost loyalty to the nation's starry banner and the cause for which it stood and with a most creditable military record returned to his home.

Soon after leaving the army Dr. Gross went to New York city, where he engaged in carpenter work until the panic of 1873 swept away all his investments. He then crossed the continent to San Francisco, California, where he lived for two years. He afterward went to Astoria, Oregon, and was in that city and in Portland until 1879, when he came to Walla Walla. Here he took up the profession of teaching, which he followed for several years. He taught at Frenchtown, riding back and forth from Walla Walla. When he had saved enough he secured a homestead in Umatilla county, Oregon, and kept adding to his landed possessions until he had over eleven hundred acres, which he brought under a high state of cultivation. He afterward purchased a ranch of twenty-five hundred acres near Starbuck, Washington, all of which has been planted to crops and has been improved with very substantial and commodious buildings. In a word his labors wrought a marked transformation in the appearance of the place and also in its value and he won recognition as one of the foremost agriculturists of this section of the state.

Dr. Gross was married twice and when he went to war left a bride of only a few weeks. He was married a second time at Pendleton, Oregon, on the 9th of February, 1891, when Miss Bessie S. Green, of Kansas, became his wife. He had four children by his first marriage, while four were born of his second union. Carrie B., the eldest, is now, the wife of R. C. Dunnington, of Walla Walla. Jennie I. is the wife of F. H. Richmond, of Walla Walla. Millie E. is the wife of Ralph E. Story, of Silver Lake, Oregon. O. E., of Seattle, Washington, was the youngest child of the first marriage. The others are: John E., who is now upon the ranch; Julia E., who was graduated from Wellesley College in the class of 1917; Marvin, now a high school pupil; and Mabel, who is also in high school.

The death of Dr. Gross occurred July 17, 1915, and he was laid to rest in Mountain View cemetery in Walla Walla. He was a man of marked ability and in his later years he studied medicine, being graduated from the Hahnemann College at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with the class of 1900. At that time he was over sixty years of age but he possessed an especial aptitude for the physician's work and a very retentive memory, which carried statistical knowledge. The greater part of his life, however, was devoted to farming and stock raising and he became one of the most extensive and prosperous farmers of Walla Walla county. His political endorsement was given to the republican party and he always took an active part in politics. Fraternally he was connected with the Knights of Pythias and also with the Grand Army post thus maintaining pleasant relations with his old military comrades, with whom he followed the stars and stripes on the battlefields of the south. He was a man of many sterling traits of character, genial and affable, and enjoyed the high esteem of those with whom he was associated. Since his death Mrs. Gross has erected a fine residence on Boyer avenue in Walla Walla but still has charge of her ranch property and is a woman of excellent business ability, fully capable of meeting the requirements put upon her in the management of her estate.

OSSIE MARTIN.

The stock raising interests of Columbia county have a worthy representative in Ossie Martin, who is the owner of a valuable farm of seven hundred and twenty acres on section 23, township 12 north, range 38 east. He is one of Washington's native sons, his birth occurring in Old Walla Walla county, February 8, 1867. His parents, James and Bridget E. Martin, were natives of Ireland but in early life emigrated to America and first located in Missouri. In 1861, however, they started for the Pacific coast in a covered wagon drawn by mules and at length reached Walla Walla. They located on a farm and later Mr. Martin took up a homestead near Waitsburg, where he lived until 1893, when he sold the place and removed to Walla Walla. Both he and his wife died in that city. To them were born seven children and all are living.

Ossie Martin was reared in much the usual manner of farmer boys and 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.

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.

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.

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.

James P. Neal was accorded liberal educational opportunities. After graduating from the high school at Angola, Indiana, as a member of the class of 1901 he entered De Pauw University at Greencastle, that state, and pursued a classical course, winning his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1906. After leaving De Pauw he went east for law study and matriculated as a law student in Harvard University, where he remained until 1908. Having been admitted to practice law in Madison county, Indiana, in 1907, he maintained an office for a time at Alexandria, that state. He was admitted to practice before the supreme court of Indiana in 1908, was admitted to practice in Oregon in the same year and in Washington in 1914. In 1908 he opened an office in Freewater, Oregon, and in 1913 he became connected with the firm of Brooks & Bartlett in Walla Walla, that association being maintained until 1915. Since February of the latter year he has been a partner in the firm of Stafford & Neal and in this connection enjoys a large and lucrative practice which is constantly growing in volume and importance. He has filled various positions of a professional character. In 1907 he was deputy prosecuting attorney of Madison county, Indiana, and from 1909 until 1913 was city attorney of Freewater, Oregon. In 1915 he was made city attorney of Walla Walla, which position he yet fills, and in 1917 he became deputy prosecuting attorney of Walla Walla county and is yet the incumbent in that office.

Mr. Neal was married in Walla Walla, November 6, 1912, to Miss Louise Root, a daughter of F. F. and Margaret Root. In politics Mr. Neal is a republican and an active worker in party ranks, his opinions carrying considerable weight among the leaders of the party. He was a member of the county central committee of Umatilla county, Oregon, from 1910 until 1912 and in 1916 was a member of the county central committee of Walla Walla county. His fraternal relations are with the Masons, the Elks, the Moose, the Woodmen of the World and the Knights and Ladies of Security. He is also identified with Beta Theta Pi, a college fraternity. Mr. and Mrs. Neal are people of genuine worth, occupying an enviable position in social circles, and their many substantial traits of character have won them the respect and high regard of all with whom they have been brought in contact.

JOHN D. TAGGARD.

John D. Taggard is prominently connected with the development of horticultural interests of the northwest. His efforts have demonstrated the possibilities for fruit culture in Walla Walla county and he is now conducting a successful business as an orchardist, having his place on