Produced by Giovanni Fini, Charlene Taylor, Bryan Ness and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.) LYMAN'S HISTORY _of_ Old Walla Walla County _Embracing_ Walla Walla, Columbia, Garfield and Asotin Counties ILLUSTRATED VOLUME II CHICAGO THE S. J. CLARKE PUBLISHING COMPANY 1918 [Illustration: NELSON G. BLALOCK] BIOGRAPHICAL N. G. BLALOCK, M. D. No history of Walla Walla and of this section of the northwest would be complete without extended reference to Dr. N. G. Blalock, who not only figured as a most successful and progressive physician but, also recognizing the possibilities for the material development of the northwest through its natural resources, contributed in marked measure to the upbuilding of this section of the country and the promotion of its business activities. His labors were of a character that contributed to public progress as well as to individual success and in fact they were of the most farreaching extent and importance. Dr. Blalock was a native of North Carolina, his birth having occurred in Mitchell county, that state, in 1836. He spent his youth amid rural surroundings in his native state, his time largely being devoted to agricultural pursuits, while later he took up the profession of teaching but regarded this merely as an initial step to other professional labor. It became his earnest desire to enter the medical profession and with that end in view he matriculated in the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia, from which he was graduated in 1861. He first located for practice in Mount Zion, Illinois, and when the Civil war was in progress he put aside all business, professional and personal considerations and joined the army as surgeon of an Illinois regiment, doing active duty at the front in this connection. When hostilities had ceased he resumed the practice of medicine in Illinois, where he remained until 1872. He then heard and heeded the call of the west. He first came in 1872 to spy out the land. Crossing the continent part of the way with a team, actuated by the purpose of selecting a new home in the Pacific northwest, he decided upon Walla Walla and then returned to Illinois for his family. In May, 1873, they left their home in Macon county, that state, and on the 11th of October reached Walla Walla, having spent about six months upon the road, as they traveled by team. There were twenty-seven members in the little immigrant party and their total financial resources on reaching their destination did not exceed twenty dollars. Dr. Blalock at once sought employment in order to replenish his depleted exchequer. He began hauling wheat from Walla Walla to Wallula and upon the return trip brought groceries and other merchandise, which had to be laid in before navigation on the Columbia river closed for the winter. He was thus engaged for a little over a month, after which he opened his office and began practicing medicine. His career in that professional field was a most notable one. His ability was pronounced. He most carefully diagnosed his cases and his judgment was seldom, if ever, at fault. He did most important work in the frontier community, his professional career covering a period of fifty-three years, during which he kept a complete record of his obstetrical cases, including the names, ages and birthplaces of parents and the names and sexes of children. He officiated at almost six thousand obstetrical cases. He was the loved family physician in many a household. He was most sympathetic by nature, kindly in spirit and these qualities, added to his professional skill and ability, made him most efficient in medical practice. Dr. Blalock also deserves special mention for his contribution to the development of Walla Walla and the northwest. He organized the firm of Blalock, Son & Company for the purpose of building a mill and flume to engage in the manufacture and shipment of lumber, wood, etc., from what is known as the Blalock Mountain. This undertaking did not prove profitable, however, and the company failed for two hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars, with assets of only fifty thousand dollars. The nature of Dr. Blalock at once was manifest, for he immediately assumed the liabilities of the company and in less than eight years paid off every cent, with interest at from fifteen to twenty-four per cent per annum, acting in this matter contrary to the advice of his attorneys. No other course was possible to a man of his straightforward and honorable nature, however. He felt that every cent of his indebtedness should be met and he resolutely set to work to achieve this end, which in an incredibly short space of time he accomplished. It was Dr. Blalock who installed the first telephone used in the state. He rented six instruments at twelve dollars per month each and built and kept up his own line from the mill to the end of the flume. He was the promoter of what is known as the Blalock Orchards, two miles west of Walla Walla. In 1876 he purchased for two dollars and a half per acre four hundred acres of desert land, which he leveled, irrigated and then planted with fruit trees, including apples, pears and cherries, and also set out many small fruits. He shipped the first two car loads of pears from the state of Washington east of the Rocky Mountains and made large exhibit of his fruit at the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893. Since that time the Blalock Orchards have been enlarged to sixteen hundred acres and have constituted a most important feature of the horticultural development of the northwest. Upon the land are now eight artesian wells, all strong and affording a supply of water ample to irrigate the entire area with a system of pipe lines over twenty miles in length, touching every acre of this vast tract. The lands are being sold in five-acre tracts at from one thousand to fifteen hundred dollars per acre. Dr. Blalock also made arrangements for the purchase of three thousand six hundred acres of dry land six miles south of Walla Walla, for which he was to pay ten bushels of wheat per acre, an amount equal to five dollars per acre. The first crop paid for the land and all expenses of raising and harvesting and left him about three thousand dollars. This was followed by the purchase of seven thousand acres of wheat land in Gilliam county, Oregon, and he planted and promoted an orchard at the town of Blalock. He was the promoter of the Blalock Islands enterprise, covering four thousand acres in the Columbia river in Benton county, Washington. He was associated with others in the development of three thousand acres of desert land under the Carey act in Morrow county, Oregon. No one labored more untiringly for the opening of the Columbia river for navigation than Dr. Blalock, who for years devoted many hours to the work. In appreciation of his efforts in that behalf the Columbia and Snake River Waterways Association, meeting in Lewiston in its third annual convention, passed the following resolution: "In these days of the passing of the pioneer the people of the great northwest are called upon from time to time to recognize the lifelong service of noble men and women and to honor their names. Occasionally we take unto ourselves the rare privilege of brightening the closing years of one of these servants of mankind by a slight expression of our affection and appreciation of their efforts in things worth while. Such an occasion greets us today as we meet to honor one of God's emblems. In recognition of the large part Dr. N. G. Blalock has had in effecting an organized movement to secure an open river; in grateful acknowledgment that through his indefatigable and successful labor, associated with Joseph N. Teal, W. J. Mariner and J. F. Smith, almost insuperable obstacles were overcome and the Oregon Portage Railroad was built at The Dalles; and with hearty thanks to him for the lavish expenditure of time and money in representing his state at meetings of the Natural Rivers and Harbor Congress and attending innumerable other gatherings in the interest of our rivers, where he has materially helped in securing definite results. Therefore, be it resolved, that we, the delegates to the Columbia and Snake River Waterways Association here assembled, express to Dr. N. G. Blalock our deep affection and our grateful appreciation for his long life of loving service." A splendid characterization of Dr. Blalock is found in the memorial address which was delivered by the Hon. Ben F. Hill before a joint session of the state senate and the house of representatives, on which occasion Mr. Hill said: "Mr. President, Gentlemen of the senate and house: "It is with a sense of profound sorrow that we pay a tribute to the memory of Dr. Nelson G. Blalock, the distinguished member from Walla Walla, of the constitutional convention. Dr. Blalock was born in Mitchell county, North Carolina, in 1836. He was a graduate of Jefferson Medical College, served as a surgeon in the One Hundred and Fifteenth Illinois Regiment in the Civil war and came in 1873 to Walla Walla, the then metropolis of the northwest. The brilliant young surgeon was in demand throughout the whole of the Inland Empire. He became acquainted in his travels with the religious and geographical work of the great Marcus Whitman and his chief ambition appeared to be to develop the economic resources of that part of Washington territory. For this reason the names of Marcus Whitman and Nelson G. Blalock will be indelibly linked together in the building and construction of our great state. One of Nelson G. Blalock's earliest exploits was, when roads were impossible, the building of a large flume from the Blue mountains to Walla Walla, for the purpose of transporting logs, fuel and lumber to that growing community. He made a success of and was the pioneer of arid land wheat farming. As early as 1881 he produced the unprecedented yield of fifty thousand bushels of wheat on one thousand acres of arid land. After proving that wheat could be successfully produced he turned to irrigation projects, some of which now are honored in retaining the Blalock name. He drilled for and found artesian water, utilized the water of the various streams, and every one of the districts he founded is now a prosperous and conservative community. I could go on and tell you of his work to complete the Celilo locks and canal and of his intense desire to see an open Columbia river, but those and local problems are developing as he anticipated they would. In fact before Dr. Blalock passed away he had the final pleasure of knowing that all these great economic benefits to the Inland Empire would be finished. In the 1913 session we were honored by having Dr. Nelson G. Blalock, during one of our sessions, invited to take his place with our speaker and then a few days later during the session we were shocked to hear of his death. You do not wonder then that Dr. Blalock was elected to represent the Walla Walla district at the constitutional convention and we revere and honor that man, soldier, physician, statesman who in the economic development of the Inland Empire was the greatest man the northwest has yet produced, Dr. Nelson G. Blalock." On the 13th of March, 1914, Dr. Blalock was stricken with apoplexy while at work in his office and was taken to a hospital, where he died the following day. DORSEY S. BAKER, M. D. No history of Walla Walla and the Inland Empire would be complete without extended reference to Dr. Dorsey S. Baker, now deceased, who for many years figured most prominently in the professional, commercial and financial circles of the northwest. He stood in the front rank of the columns that have advanced the civilization of Washington, leading to its substantial development, progress and upbuilding. He was particularly active in the growth of Walla Walla, where he continued to make his home for many years. He recognized and utilized the resources of the country and by establishing many business enterprises contributed in marked measure to its development and progress. Widely known, his life history cannot fail to prove of interest to the many friends that he left behind and who still honor and cherish his memory. Dr. Baker was born in Wabash county, Illinois, October 18, 1823, and while still a boy in his teens became the active assistant of his father, who was engaged in milling and merchandising. Thus he received a thorough training that constituted the broad foundation upon which much of the success of his later years was built. After a time, however, he determined to enter upon a professional career and with that end in view matriculated in the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia, from which he was graduated in 1845 on the completion of the full course. He located for the practice of medicine in Des Moines, Iowa, but after remaining there for a brief period determined to follow the advice of Horace Greeley, who said: "Go west, young man, go west." Accordingly in 1848 he started for Oregon, where he arrived in the fall of the same year, having no money and no acquaintances in this section of the country. He immediately opened an office and began the practice of his chosen profession in Portland, which was then a small town containing but one or two streets along the river front. Gold was discovered in California the following year and Dr. Baker joined the rush for the famous Eldorado. He remained in that state until the spring of 1850 and then returned to Portland, where he entered into partnership with L. B. Hastings in the conduct of a mercantile enterprise. The following spring he again went to the mines, this time his objective point being Yreka, which was then a newly developed mining camp. In May of the same year, however, he once more returned to Oregon and established his home in the Umpqua valley, where for several years he devoted his attention to stock raising, to milling and to general merchandising. He erected the first flour mill in southern Oregon at the old town of Oakland in Douglas county, and in 1858 he was conducting business in Portland as a hardware merchant. [Illustration: D. S. BAKER] Dr. Baker's connection with Walla Walla dated from October, 1859, when he established a store in this city, placing William Stephens in charge. The following year, however, he personally assumed the management of the business and in 1862 he entered into partnership with his brother-in-law, John F. Boyer, in establishing the firm of Baker & Boyer, which was so long widely and favorably known in eastern Washington. It was in that year that he also became associated with Captain Ankeny, H. W. Corbett and Captain Baughman in the organization of a steamboat company to operate a line of boats on the Columbia and Snake rivers. This company built the steamer Spray for the upper river and the E. D. Baker for the lower Columbia trade, thus instituting what constituted a most important element in the development and upbuilding of the northwest. These steamship lines were sold the following year to the Oregon Steam Navigation Company. Dr. Baker's recognition of the possibilities and opportunities of the northwest constituted a most important factor in the development of the Inland Empire. After nine years he took up the construction of a railroad from Walla Walla to the Columbia River, building the line entirely from his own resources. This not only enhanced the fortune of the promoter but brought prosperity and wealth to the entire Walla Walla valley and adjacent country. It was a matter of pride to Dr. Baker that during his ownership and management of the railroad it was never encumbered with a mortgage and never had a floating debt. He finally sold the road in 1878 to the Henry Villard syndicate and it became a part of the Oregon Railway and Navigation System. Throughout the remainder of his life Dr. Baker devoted his energies to banking and to the inauguration of various business enterprises in and about Walla Walla that continued as factors in the progress and improvement of the city and of the state. The Baker-Boyer Bank, which was organized in 1869, is the oldest institution of the kind in Washington and remains one of the strongest moneyed concerns of the state. Later it was reorganized as the Baker-Boyer National Bank. Dr. Baker was married in Portland, Oregon, in June, 1850, to Miss Caroline Tibbetts, a native of Indiana, by whom he had seven children, three of whom died in infancy. The others were Edwin Franklin, now living in California; Mary E., the deceased wife of Ex-Governor Miles C. Moore, now president of the Baker-Boyer National Bank; Henry C.; and W. W., who is the vice president of the Baker-Boyer National Bank. For his second wife Dr. Baker chose Miss Mary Legier, of Tuscola, Illinois, who passed away soon afterward, and in August, 1867, he wedded Elizabeth H. McCullough, by whom he had eight daughters, four of whom died while young. Mrs. Baker passed away May 7, 1917, having for many years survived her husband, whose death occurred in Walla Walla, July 5, 1888. Dr. Baker not only lived to witness a remarkable transformation in this section of the country but was an active participant in all the changes that brought about modern-day civilization. His greatest effort in pioneer days was the building of the Walla Walla & Columbia River Railroad, which was the foundation of the early settlement and building up of the great Inland Empire, of which Walla Walla became the distributing point for eastern Washington, Montana and Idaho. He gave the original site for Whitman Seminary, donating land which became the nucleus of the present property of what is now Whitman College. Almost seventy years have passed since Dr. Baker came to the northwest to cast in his lot with its pioneers. People of the present period can scarcely realize the struggles and dangers which attended the early settlers, the heroism and self-sacrifice of lives passed upon the borders of civilization, the hardships endured, the difficulties overcome. These tales of the early days read almost like a romance to those who have known only the modern prosperity and conveniences. To the pioneer of the early days, far removed from the privileges and conveniences of city and town, the struggle for existence was a stern and hard one, and these men and women must have possessed indomitable energy and sterling worth of character as well as marked physical courage when they thus voluntarily selected such a life and successfully fought its battles under such circumstances as prevailed in the northwest. The efforts of Dr. Baker were indeed an important feature in the development of this section of the country. He saw and utilized opportunities which have brought about modern-day progress and improvement and not only kept pace with the trend of the times but was a leader in the onward march of progress in Walla Walla and this section of the state. C. R. ROGG. C. R. Rogg, who is engaged in the furniture and undertaking business in Dayton, has in his business career ever followed the admonition of the old Greek philosopher, Epicharmus, who said: "Earn thy reward; the gods give nought to sloth." In other words he has ever been diligent and determined and his close application and his energy have brought him the measure of success which he now enjoys. He was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, May 17, 1876, and is a son of Raymond and Katie (Toy) Rogg. The father was a native of Germany but came to America when a young lad and settled in Connecticut, where he was reared and married. In 1877 he removed with his family to Kansas, where he established his home upon a farm and in that state both he and his wife passed away. In their family were seven children, six of whom are now living. Although born in New England, C. R. Rogg was only about a year old when the family home was established in the Sunflower state and there he was reared and educated, pursuing his studies in the public schools. He was a young man of about twenty-seven years when he determined to leave the middle west and try his fortune upon the Pacific coast. He arrived in Walla Walla county, Washington, in 1903 and there remained for a year, after which he removed to Dayton, where he established a furniture and undertaking business, in which he has now been engaged for thirteen years, building up a trade of large and gratifying proportions. He has a well appointed furniture store, carrying a large and carefully selected stock, and his reasonable prices, progressive business methods and earnest desire to please his customers have brought to him a very gratifying patronage. In May, 1906, Mr. Rogg was united in marriage to Miss Ollie Landon, who was born in Kansas, a daughter of R. E. Landon, who is still living in that state. To Mr. and Mrs. Rogg have been born three children: John Vern, whose birth occurred October 23, 1907; Erma B., who was born January 29, 1910; and Caroline Bernice. Mrs. Rogg is a member of the Christian church. Mr. Rogg has membership with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and has filled all of the chairs in the local lodge. He is also connected with Dayton Lodge, No. 3, K. P. His political support is given to the democratic party and he has been elected a member of the city council by the vote of his fellow townsmen, who recognized his worth and ability and felt that public interests would be safe in his hands. The years of his residence in Dayton have brought him a wide acquaintance and his sterling worth has gained for him the high regard of those with whom he has been associated. FRANK C. ROBINSON, M. D., F. A. C. S. Prepared by comprehensive study at home and abroad, Dr. Frank C. Robinson has won for himself a distinguished position in the ranks of the medical profession in Walla Walla and the northwest. He has wisely utilized his native talents and as the years have gone on his reading and research have kept him in touch with the trend of scientific attainment. He was born in Blandinsville, Illinois, May 24, 1874, a son of Campbell and Elizabeth (Hungate) Robinson, both of whom were natives of McDonough county, Illinois, where they were reared and married. There they resided until 1875, when they removed to Taylor county, Iowa, and in 1892 they became residents of Walla Walla county, Washington. The father purchased land at Bolles Junction, where he engaged in farming for ten years, and in 1902 he retired from active life, taking up his abode in the city of Walla Walla, where his remaining days were passed, his death occurring in 1913, while his widow survived until 1916. He was for a long period one of the most extensive and successful agriculturists of his locality, owning and cultivating two thousand acres of land at Bolles Junction. In his family were six children, namely: Frank C., of this review; Charles D., connected with the Lincoln Trust Company, of Spokane, Washington; Samuel E., a farmer of Imperial, California; Lillian M., who is teaching in the high school of Hilliard, near Spokane, Washington; Harry H., a physician now on duty as a captain in the Medical Reserve Corps at Waco, Texas; and Myrtle V., the wife of William R. Howard, a teacher in the high school of Spokane. Dr. Frank C. Robinson was very young when the family went to Iowa and was a youth of about eighteen years when the removal was made to the northwest. He has since taken a most active interest in the development of the Inland Empire and has contributed in substantial measure to the work of progress and improvement along various lines. He was educated in the public schools and in the Waitsburg Academy, being graduated from the latter institution with the class of 1897. The following year he began preparation for the practice of medicine and surgery, entering Rush Medical College of Chicago in the fall of 1898. He was graduated from that institution on the completion of the four years' course as valedictorian of the class of 1902 and immediately afterward served an interneship of a year and a half in the Presbyterian Hospital of Chicago, thus gaining broad and valuable practical experience along professional lines. He was afterward appointed superintendent of the Monroe Street Hospital in Chicago, in which capacity he served for a year. Desirous of further advancing in his profession, he went abroad in August, 1905, for post-graduate work in Europe, pursuing his studies and his research work in Vienna, Austria, where he remained until May, 1906, coming under the instruction of some of the most eminent physicians and surgeons of the old world. He then returned to his native land and opened an office in Walla Walla, where in the intervening period of eleven years he has won a place in the front ranks of medical practitioners. His ability is pronounced and he has gained a most creditable name and place in a profession where advancement depends entirely upon individual merit. In 1905 Dr. Robinson was married to Miss Jessie Addle Morgan, a daughter of J. W. Morgan, a pioneer druggist and the foremost citizen of Waitsburg, Washington. Mrs. Robinson is a graduate of the Washington State Normal School at Ellensburg and later was graduated from the University of Washington with the class of 1903. She is a lady of culture and refinement. Dr. Robinson is well known in fraternal circles, belonging to Walla Walla Lodge, No. 7, F. & A. M.; also to Oriental Consistory, No. 2, A. & A. S. R., of Spokane. He has likewise crossed the sands of the desert with the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, having membership in El Katif Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Spokane. He belongs to Columbia Lodge, No. 8, K. P. Dr. Robinson belongs to the Walla Walla County Medical Society, the Washington State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. At the annual convocation of the American College of Surgeons in Chicago in October, 1917, fellowship was conferred upon Dr. Robinson. He makes his practice his chief interest, allowing nothing to interfere with the faithful and conscientious performance of his professional duties, and his comprehensive knowledge of the science of medicine, accurately applied, has gained him place with the eminent representatives of the profession in this state. In July, 1917, he entered the United States service and was commissioned captain in the Medical Officers Reserve Corps and is now awaiting summons to the front. CHARLES A. KAUSCHE. Charles A. Kausche, a well known farmer of Garfield county with residence on section 21, township 12 north, range 41 east, was born in this county, May 27, 1881, a son of Henry and Paulina (Lowenberg) Kausche, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Ohio. When only sixteen years of age the father came to the United States and in 1876 removed to Oregon. Four years later he came with his family to Garfield county, Washington, and took up a claim. As soon as possible he erected a rude home of the type known as a box house and in order to fence his land he hauled poles from the mountains twenty-five miles distant. In time he brought his place to a high state of development and erected excellent buildings thereon, being actively engaged in farming until 1902, when he retired and removed to Pomeroy. In 1903 he passed away there but his wife survives. Charles A. Kausche, who is one of the five living children of a family of eight, was reared at home and at the usual age became a pupil in the public schools, which he attended in the acquirement of an education. In 1904 he rented the old homestead and subsequently he bought the place, which comprises eight hundred and seventy acres. He has erected excellent modern buildings upon the place and has otherwise added to its value and it now ranks among the best developed farms of the locality. He uses up-to-date methods and implements in carrying on his work and also gives careful thought to the problem of marketing to advantage. Mr. Kausche was married in 1904 to Miss Odessa Trosper, who was born in Old Walla Walla county, a daughter of Joseph G. and Ena (Bonney) Trosper, the former a native of Missouri. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Kausche, Floyd B. and Merle K. Mr. Kausche belongs to the Knights of Pythias and in politics supports the republican party. For some time he was clerk of the school board and he is strongly in favor of the best possible public schools. His extensive farming interests do not leave him much time for outside activities but it is generally known that he supports all movements seeking the material, civic or moral advancement of his community. CHRISTIAN MILLER. Christian Miller, who is devoting his time and energies to the operation of a good farm on section 26, Russell Creek township, Walla Walla county, was born in Denmark, January 27, 1854, a son of Soren S. and Sarah M. Miller, who in 1862 came with their family to the United States. After residing for six years in Utah, where the father engaged in farming, they came to Walla Walla county, Washington, in 1868 with a colony composed of Mormons who had seceded from the church and also others who were never associated with that organization. The father belonged to the former class and he remained with the colony until it broke up in 1880 or 1881. He then acquired title to a small farm on Mill creek, where he continued to make his home until his death, which occurred March 26, 1897. Christian Miller had very little opportunity to attend school, as his boyhood was passed in a frontier community, but he has learned many valuable lessons in the school of experience. He accompanied his parents on their removal to Walla Walla county and remained with the colony until it was disbanded, after which he worked as a farm hand for a time. In 1889 he purchased his first farm, comprising one hundred and sixty acres on section 26, Russell Creek township, and has since added to his holdings from time to time until he now owns about four hundred acres of excellent land. He is engaged in diversified farming and has been very successful in his work. On the 8th of November, 1882, Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss Grace E. Davies, who was born in Kansas, June 18, 1855. Her father, W. W. Davies, was a native of Wales, born August 8, 1833, and was at the head of the colony of settlers who came to this county. Before leaving Wales he was married August 24, 1854, to Miss Ann Jones, and they became the parents of twelve children. It was in 1855 that they came to America and for a time made their home in Utah and later in Montana, but in 1867 came to Walla Walla county, Washington. Mrs. Davies, who was born in Wales, March 29, 1836, died May 19, 1879, and Mr. Davies passed away November 25, 1906. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Miller, of whom two survive, namely: Sarah M., the wife of Elmer Meiner, a farmer of Russell Creek township; and Esther M., at home. Mr. Miller is a republican in politics and has served for a number of years on the school board, in which connection he has done valuable work for the schools. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America and has many friends within and without that organization. Through his own efforts he has gained financial independence, his success being based upon enterprise, hard work and good management. HON. LEVI ANKENY. With the history of development in the northwest Hon. Levi Ankeny, of Walla Walla, is largely familiar. He has been a witness of the various phases of life during the progress from pioneer times to the days of present prosperity and he has ever borne his part in the work of general upbuilding and improvement, while at the same time he has so conducted his private business interests that substantial results have accrued. He has been active in connection with mining and with the copper industry and for many years he has occupied a most prominent position in banking circles. His business interests alone would entitle him to representation in this volume and yet there are other phases of his life which also render him a most prominent and representative citizen of the northwest, for he has been United States senator and has done much to further the interests of this section of the country in the halls of national legislation. Mr. Ankeny was born near St. Joseph, Missouri, on the 1st of August, 1844, a son of John and Charity (Geer) Ankeny, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of the state of New York. Both were members of old families whose ancestry can be traced back to Revolutionary war times and who were represented by valiant soldiers in the struggle for independence. The father was a newspaper man in Milford, Pennsylvania, for a number of years and died while on a trip across the plains to Oregon in 1850. His widow continued the trip and spent her last years in Portland, Oregon. Levi Ankeny of this review was a little lad of but six summers when his parents started with the family on the long trip over the hot stretches of sand and through the mountain passes to the northwest, yet he remembers many incidents of that journey, which was made after the primitive manner of the times. He was reared on the Pacific coast and largely acquired his education in Kingsley Academy in Portland. After reaching adult age he was for several years engaged in merchandising in Orofino and in Florence, Idaho, selling goods from pack trains all through the mining regions and also through the Fraser river country of British Columbia. He was also for several years with the Wells Fargo Express Company. During these years he became identified with the cattle industry and his herds roamed the plains of both Idaho and Washington. He was in Walla Walla in his cattle operations, grazing his herds throughout this section of the country in the early days before settlement had laid claim to the land. [Illustration: HON. LEVI ANKENY] Mr. Ankeny's identification with financial interests in the northwest began on the 1st of January, 1878, when he organized the First National Bank of Walla Walla. He thus entered actively into a field of business in which he has made substantial progress and in which his efforts have contributed much to the upbuilding and development of this section as well. In 1882 he organized the First National Bank of Pendleton, Oregon, and a year later organized the First National Bank of Baker City, Oregon. The same year he founded the First National Bank of Waitsburg, Washington, and subsequently became the founder of the Columbia National Bank of Dayton, Washington. He settled the affairs of the Vancouver National Bank of Vancouver, British Columbia. He has since disposed of the bank at Baker City, Oregon, and also of the one in Vancouver hut is still president of the other four banking institutions, the combined deposits of which at the present time amount to over seven million dollars. There is no phase of the banking business with which he is not familiar and he is thoroughly acquainted with all of the grave problems of finance which confront the country. He has served as president of the State Bankers' Association. He is actuated in all that he does by a most progressive spirit and, readily discriminating between the essential and the non-essential in all business affairs, he has so directed his efforts that success in notable measure has attended his endeavors and reputation names him as the wealthiest resident of his county. Moreover, the policy that he has pursued is one which will bear the closest investigation and scrutiny and may well constitute an example that others may profitably follow. In 1867 Mr. Ankeny was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Nesmith, a daughter of James Nesmith, who was United States senator from Oregon. By this marriage have been born five children, four of whom are living: Nesmith, who is assistant cashier of the First National Bank at Pendleton, Oregon; John who is vice president of the First National Bank at Walla Walla; Robert, who operated a farm in the Willamette valley of Oregon but has volunteered and is now serving as a machinist in the Navy; and Harriett, who is the wife of Colonel Francis Pope, of the United States army, formerly stationed at San Antonio, Texas, but now in France. Mr. Ankeny has not only done much to develop the material interests and resources of this section of the country but has also contributed in large measure to shaping its political history. He has always been a stalwart champion of the republican party and upon its ticket was elected in 1903 to represent Washington in the United States senate, serving in that august body for six years, during which period he most carefully considered the vital questions which came up for settlement and threw the weight of his aid and influence on the side of progress, reform and improvement. He is a thirty-second degree Mason, being identified with all the Masonic bodies of both the York and Scottish Rites. He has served as grand master. He belongs to Walla Walla Commandery, No. 2, K. T., and is a member of El Kader Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. He also has membership with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. His religious faith is evidenced in his membership in the Episcopal church and that he is appreciative of the social amenities of life is indicated in his identification with the Country Club. Mr. Ankeny is recognized as one of the strong men of the northwest, strong in his honor and his good name, strong in his ability to plan and perform. What he has undertaken he has accomplished and, moreover, he has not only promoted his individual interests but his activities have ever been of a character which have advanced the public prosperity as well. CARY MELVIN RADER. Cary Melvin Rader, a leading member of the bar of Walla Walla, engaged in general practice, was born in Carroll county, Indiana, July 27, 1868. His father, Solomon Rader, was also a native of the Hoosier state, born October 8, 1827. He devoted his life to farming in early manhood and afterward took up merchandising. He was a veteran of the Indian wars of the northwest and crossed the plains in 1852. He participated in the Modoc and Rogue River wars of 1853 and 1857. Later he returned to Indiana and became actively identified with its agricultural and commercial interests. But longing for the west he came to Walla Walla, Washington, in 1901, there remaining until his death, which occurred December 2, 1912. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Martha Ann Stewart, was born in Indiana, May 30, 1827, and is still living at the notable old age of ninety years, her home being in Walla Walla. Cary M. Rader was the only child of that marriage. He obtained a common school education in his native state and afterward attended the Central Normal College at Danville, Indiana, where he pursued a law course. He was there graduated on the 28th of July, 1891, and was admitted to the bar, but in May, 1892, came to Walla Walla and has since been an active representative of the legal profession of this city. He entered into partnership with Senator Poindexter, with whom he was associated for about four years, after which he practiced alone for a few years, and then became a partner of Frank B. Sharpstein. Their connection continued for four years and Mr. Rader was then alone in practice for a brief period. He afterward entered into partnership with W. R. King, who later became a supreme judge of Oregon, and upon the dissolution of that partnership he became connected with E. F. Barker, forming the present firm of Rader & Barker. This association has since been maintained and the firm occupies a very prominent position at the Walla Walla bar. Along with those qualities indispensable to the lawyer Mr. Rader brought to the starting point of his legal career certain rare gifts, including forcefulness of expression and a strong personality. He possesses a keen, rapid, logical mind, plus the business sense, and a ready capacity for hard work. He has, too, an excellent presence, an earnest, dignified manner and marked strength of character, which, combined with a thorough grasp of the law and the ability to accurately apply its principles, has made him a most effective advocate and a wise counselor. While continuing in general law practice, he has specialized in corporation law and is thoroughly well informed concerning that department of jurisprudence. He served for one term as city attorney in 1896. In addition to his professional interests he is a director of the Peoples State Bank, to which office he was elected on the organization of the bank, and he has considerable farming interests. On the 13th of September, 1893, Mr. Rader was united in marriage to Miss Hattie Miller, a native of Eaton, Ohio, and a daughter of Charles Miller, a resident of that city. Her mother has passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Rader have become the parents of three children, Ralph Waldo, Martha Bernice and Melvin Miller. In his political views Mr. Rader is an earnest democrat, believing firmly in the principles of the party, yet never seeking office. He attends the Congregational church and is a faithful follower of the Masonic fraternity, being now a past master of Walla Walla Lodge, No. 7, A. F. & A. M. There have been no spectacular phases in his career, but in a profession where advancement depends entirely upon individual merit and ability he has worked his way steadily upward. His practice is now extensive and of an important character. At no time has his reading ever been confined to the limitations of the question at issue and he is recognized not only in professional circles but otherwise as a man of well rounded character, of finely balanced mind and splendid intellectual attainments. JUDGE JOHN W. HOLMAN. Judge John W. Holman, of Dayton, has an unusual record of public service, having for twenty-two years been police judge and justice of the peace, and for seven years he was court commissioner. He was born in Monroe county, Indiana, May 22, 1844, a son of Thomas and Laura (Parker) Holman, pioneers of the Hoosier state. He was reared under the parental roof and at the usual age entered the district schools. When eighteen years old he volunteered for service in the Union army and from the time of his enlistment, on the 6th of August, 1862, until after the close of the war he was with the armed forces of the government. His record includes service in the battles of Ball Bluff, Port Gibson, the siege of Vicksburg and the engagements at Jackson, Mansfield, Pleasant Hill, Grandicor, Fort Gaines, Fort Morgan, Big Black, Champion Hills and Raymond. On returning to civil life Judge Holman removed to Illinois, where he engaged in farming until 1868. In that year he became a resident of Nebraska and there made his home until 1876, when he cast in his lot with the Pacific northwest. During the intervening forty-one years he has lived at Dayton and has become one of the foremost citizens of that town and, in fact, of Columbia county. In 1888 he was appointed deputy sheriff under W. R. Marcus, and two years later was elected justice of the peace. Subsequently he became police judge and for twenty-two years he filled both offices. In the discharge of his duties he manifested a fine sense of justice and an unusual ability to read human nature. For seven years he was also court commissioner under Judge R. F. Sturdevant, and in that connection also he was thoroughly competent. Judge Holman was married in Nebraska in 1869, to Miss Louisa E. Linn, a native of Ohio. They became the parents of the following children: Laura A.; Ernest A.; Jessie P.; Olive F.; Lola C.; Nellie L.; John W., Jr., deceased; Dorothy C.; Charles D.; and Donald L. Judge Holman has been a republican almost since the organization of the party and his advice has often been sought by the local party leaders. At one time he was the republican councilman from Brooklyn. He has always been justly proud of the fact that at the time of the country's need he offered himself in defense of the Union, and he finds great pleasure in the association with other veterans of the Civil war in the local post of the Grand Army of the Republic. Fraternally he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His strength of character and his unswerving adherence to high standards of morality have gained him the respect of his community, and, moreover, he has won an unusually large number of personal friends, owing to his kindly nature and his evident goodwill toward all. One evidence of his popularity is the fact that while serving as justice of the peace he performed more marriages than any other official or clergyman in the county and in many instances married two generations of the same family. He has the satisfaction of knowing that he has discharged in full every duty devolving upon him, and that during a long life he has at all times proven a man of genuine worth, an official devoted to the public welfare. JUDGE BENJAMIN L. SHARPSTEIN. No history such as this work defines in its essential limitations will serve to offer fitting memorial to Judge Benjamin L. Sharpstein, who left the impress of his individuality for good upon the commonwealth in many ways and whose career ever reflected honor upon the state that honored him. A Mexican war veteran, a pioneer, lawyer, legislator and member of the state constitutional convention, he indeed played an important part in shaping the annals of Washington. For forty-two years he was a resident of Walla Walla and through that period was not only closely connected with its interests and development but was also associated with many of the movements which have shaped the policy and directed the upbuilding of the state. Judge Sharpstein was a native of the state of New York, his birth having occurred in Bath, Steuben county, October 22, 1827. He was a lad of seven years when his parents removed westward to Michigan, settling first in Macomb county, where they resided until their removal to Sheboygan county, Wisconsin. In the family were two sons, John and Benjamin L. The former became an attorney of Kenosha, Wisconsin, and later went to San Francisco, California, where he served as a judge of the supreme court. After the Civil war his brother Benjamin read law with him for some time. Reared upon the home farm, Judge Sharpstein divided his time between the work of the schoolroom, the pleasures of the playground and such tasks as were assigned him in connection with the development of the fields. He did not care, however, to make farming his life work and turned from agriculture to a professional career, it being his desire to prepare for the bar. He therefore entered upon his studies, which, however, were interrupted when he was nineteen years of age, for in 1846 his patriotic spirit was aroused and he joined the American army as a soldier in the Mexican war. Upon the close of hostilities with that country he returned to his home and resumed the study of law, being admitted to the bar in 1852. [Illustration: JUDGE BENJAMIN SHARPSTEIN] [Illustration: MRS. BENJAMIN SHARPSTEIN] Judge Sharpstein was married in 1854 to Miss Sarah J. Park, who was indeed a faithful companion and helpmate to him on life's journey. She has long figured prominently in the social circles of Walla Walla and her life has been fraught with many good deeds and characterized by the highest principles. Following their marriage Judge
{'title': "Lyman's History of old Walla Walla County,  Vol. 2 by William Denison Lyman", 'source': 'Project Gutenberg', 'lang': 'en'}