Chapter 29

JAMES P. WATSONIn 1877 Mr. Watson took up his abode in what is now Garfield county and the following spring filed on a homestead, which he continued to own throughout his remaining days and on which his widow still lives. He was a man of energy and was ambitious to succeed. Indolence and idleness were utterly foreign to his nature. Every hour was utilized to the best advantage and as the years passed he prospered, so that from time to time he was able to add to his homestead by additional purchase until prior to his death he had become the owner of about a thousand acres of valuable pasture and wheat land in Garfield county. Mr. Watson had come to this country as a youth without money and without friends, but he employed every moment of his time to good advantage, realizing the eternal principle that industry wins. He also carefully saved his earnings and invested the money thus gained wisely and well, so that in the course of years he acquired a snug little fortune. Moreover, he was a broad reader and deep thinker and became well informed on public affairs. When he crossed the Atlantic it was to become an American citizen, not to remain a subject of Great Britain, although he never lost his love for his native land. He ever felt that his allegiance should be given to the land of his adoption, under whose laws he lived and found protection, and he ever stood for those plans and measures which sought to upbuild the community in which he resided, to advance the welfare of the commonwealth and of the country.In 1880 Mr. Watson was united in marriage to Miss Emma I. Perkins, a native of Oregon and a daughter of John N. Perkins, who was a physician and philanthropist. Her father was a native of Ohio and crossed the plains in 1851, settling in Oregon. In 1878 he came to what is now Garfield county, establishing his home on the present site of Pomeroy. His grandfather, Thomas Perkins, was a soldier of the Revolutionary war. The mother of Mrs. Watson bore the maiden name of Derisa A. Matsler and was a native of Ohio, where her marriage to Mr. Perkins occurred. She afterward made the journey across the plains with her husband to the northwest. She had three brothers—George, David and John, who served throughout the Civil war in defense of the Union. To Mr. and Mrs. Watson were born thirteen children, of whom two died in infancy, and Inez D., who married J. C. Kimble died leaving two sons, Vergel L. and Cecyl L. Those still living are as follows: Charles E., Alva N., Elsie I., James A., William C., Edna E., John P., Joseph F., Iva N. and Alma M. Most of the children are married and with their families they are all residing in Garfield county, with the exception of James A., who is now a resident of Whitman county. Mrs. Watson now has seventeen grandchildren. She is a woman of pronounced ability who has capably managed her property interests since the death of her husband, which occurred on the 5th of September, 1915.Mr. Watson was a man of sterling character, was a devoted husband and kind and loving father. He was also an obliging and charitable neighbor and his many sterling traits of character gained for him the esteem and confidenceof all with whom he came in contact. In politics he was a democrat until the free silver plank was inserted in the party platform, after which he became a supporter of republican principles. He never failed to earnestly espouse any cause in which he believed and his position was never an equivocal one. He expressed his opinions honestly and fearlessly and men came to know that his word was thoroughly reliable. He never had occasion to regret his determination to come to the new world, for on this side of the Atlantic he found the opportunities which he sought and in their utilization won a substantial measure of success. Moreover, America gained a valued citizen and southeastern Washington profited much by his efforts.JOHN M. ROBINSON.Among the representative business men of Garfield county is John M. Robinson, a well known farmer and grain dealer of Pomeroy. He comes from the middle west, being born in Missouri, September 6, 1859, and is a son of Thomas W. and Pauline (Forshey) Robinson, the former also a native of Missouri and the latter of Ohio. It was in 1874 that the family came to the Pacific coast and after spending three years and a half in California became residents of Walla Walla county, Washington, in 1877. About a year later the father took up a homestead in what was then Columbia county but is now Garfield county, locating on a farm fifteen miles southeast of Pomeroy. There the mother passed away in 1878 and he died in Pomeroy in February, 1892. Of their nine children four have also departed this life.John M. Robinson was fifteen years of age when the family located in California and in the schools of that state he began his education, continuing his studies in Walla Walla county after their removal to this state. He remained under the parental roof until twenty-two years of age and then in 1881 took up a preemption claim, which is now within the city limits of Pomeroy and he still owns eighty acres of that. He engaged in farming until 1885, at which time he took twenty head of work horses to California and spent one year in that state. He then returned to Washington and purchased another farm, living thereon until 1892. Since then he has made his home in Pomeroy, where he bought a warehouse and has engaged in buying grain. He is now the owner of four thousand and ninety-five acres of land, all improved and under cultivation.Mr. Robinson was married in 1881 to Miss Melinda F. McKey, a native of Kansas and a daughter of Rev. W. P. and Jane (Wilkinson) McKey, and to this union have been born seven children, namely: Walter J.; Josie May, now the wife of D. A. Taylor; Clare Marie, the wife of P. C. Clark of Walla Walla; Dora Bell, the wife of G. Z. Ickes, Jr.; Ruth, the wife of J. D. Lyon, Jr.; Vernon H. and Florestine, at home.JOHN M. ROBINSON AND FAMILYMr. and Mrs. Robinson are active and consistent members of the Christian church of Pomeroy and he is serving as one of its elders. He is also prominently identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, having filled all of the chairs in Pomeroy Lodge, No. 16. In business affairs he has steadily prospered until he is now the possessor of a handsome fortune and the success that has come to him is but the just reward of his own industry, fair dealing and good management, for he is a man of good business and executive ability and sound judgment.RICHARD D. ROBERTS.More than a century ago Washington said that agriculture is the most useful as well as the most honorable occupation of man, while Thomas Jefferson said, "The hope of the nation lies in the tillers of the soil." It is a well known fact that agriculture is the basis of all advancement and prosperity and no country reaches the highest point of its attainment if its farm lands are not properly and carefully cultivated. Among those progressive men who are now concentrating their efforts and attention upon the further development of the soil in Walla Walla county is Richard D. Roberts, who has extensive farming interests on section 13, township 9 north, range 37 east. He was born upon this farm January 6, 1875, and is a son of David and Jane (Anderson) Roberts. The father was a native of Wales and came to the United States in young manhood. He made his way westward to Illinois, where he took up his abode and there he formed the acquaintance of Jane Anderson, who was a native of that state. They were married and about 1870 they left Illinois for Oregon. After spending one year in Forest Grove of the latter state they came north to Washington and for a year were residents of Waitsburg. At the end of that time David Roberts purchased one hundred and sixty acres of the home farm upon which his son Richard now resides. Not long afterward he preempted an eighty-acre tract adjoining the original purchase and then bought another eighty acres, continuing to give his time, attention and energy to his farming interests until his death, which occurred in December, 1898. For several years he had survived his wife, who passed away in 1892.At the usual age Richard D. Roberts became a pupil in the district schools and there mastered the elementary branches of learning. He afterward attended the public schools of Waitsburg and also spent one term as a student in the Waitsburg Academy. In the spring of 1898, prior to his father's death, he took over the management and development of the home farm, which he has since operated. He owns a five-sevenths interest in the home place, together with a half interest in another farm of five hundred and twenty acres in Columbia county. He also has two hundred and forty acres in the Imperial valley of California. He cultivates the home place of three hundred and thirty-five acres, the Columbia county farm of five hundred and twenty acres, of which he owns a half interest, and he leases five hundred and eighty acres, thus farming in all fourteen hundred and thirty-five acres of land in the Inland Empire. His extensive operations are most carefully and wisely conducted. Scientific methods underlie his work. He early realized the fact that farm interests should be as carefully systematized as a commercial undertaking and in all of his work he is methodical and progressive. His farm machinery is of the latest improved kind and there is no accessory of a model farm property of the twentieth century that is not to be found upon his place.In 1900 Mr. Roberts was united in marriage to Miss Myrtle Bateman, a daughter of Henry Bateman, who was one of the earliest of Walla Walla county's pioneers, first coming here in 1849 and the following year settling on a claim on Coppei creek. He was an Indian war veteran and one of the conspicuous figures in the early pioneer life of Walla Walla county. His demise occurred in Waitsburg in December, 1915. Mr. and Mrs. Roberts now have two sons, Harold and Henry.In politics Mr. Roberts maintains an independent course, not caring to bind himself by party ties. He belongs to Waitsburg Lodge, F. & A. M.; to Touchet Lodge, No. 5, I. O. O. F.; and to the Ancient Order of United Workmen; and his wife holds membership in the Methodist church. Their lives are guided by high and honorable principles and in all business affairs Mr. Roberts is regarded as thoroughly reliable as well as energetic. His life record is as an open book. He has always lived in this section of the state, has always carried on general agricultural pursuits, and although there are no spectacular phases in his career, he has ever been regarded as a substantial and valued citizen because of his loyalty to the best interests of the community and his cooperation in plans and measures which are calculated to advance and uphold civic standards.JAMES H. BOWLES.The consensus of public opinion names James H. Bowles among the leading citizens of Walla Walla county. He is the owner of a valuable farming property and also of a fine residence in Prescott, where he makes his home. He was born in Warren county, Missouri, November 11, 1854, and is a son of Thomas H. and Lucinda (Gibson) Bowles, the former a native of Virginia, while the latter was born in Missouri. They became the parents of eight children, six of whom survive, but both the father and mother died in Missouri.James H. Bowles was reared and educated in the state of his nativity and had reached the age of thirty-five years when in the spring of 1889 he came to Walla Walla county, Washington. He established his home in Prescott and later he bought a farm of one hundred and eighty acres, which he has carefully and persistently cultivated, bringing the entire place under a high state of development. Upon the farm are excellent improvements and everything about the place indicates the careful supervision of a practical and progressive owner. He makes his home, however, in Prescott, where he owns an attractive residence. His business affairs have been carefully managed and his thorough reliability has gained for him the respect and confidence of all, while unfaltering energy has furthered his prosperity.On the 14th of November, 1880, Mr. Bowles was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Reavis, a native of Missouri and a daughter of Woodson Reavis. They have become the parents of the following children: Thomas Woodson, who died at the age of seven months; Mary Almeda, the wife of J. T. Janes, who is living near Prescott; James William, residing near Prescott, who married Lillian N. Coble and has one child, James Eugene; Sarah Ann, who is the wife of F. E. Grubb, also living near Prescott, and they have two children, Ora Vale and James Roy; Virginia Frances, who is the wife of Vergil N. Harris, of Prescott, and has two children, Genevra Elizabeth and Virginia Ann; one child who died at the age of nine months; Pearl Margaret, who is the wife of C. L. Jones, living near Prescott, and they have five children, William Lawrence, Dale Walter, Ernest Monroe, Alma Elizabeth and James Dewey; Archie Eugene, who married Elizabeth Helms and resides in Prescott; Walter Jennings, who married Fay Hazel Nail; and Elizabeth.JAMES H. BOWLESMRS. JAMES H. BOWLESBoth Mr. and Mrs. Bowles are faithful members of the Christian church and take an active interest in its work, while contributing generously to its support. In politics Mr. Bowles is a democrat and has been called upon to fill public office. He has served as a member of the city council of Prescott; has also been a member of the school board; and was deputy assessor for two years. Fraternally he is connected with the Woodmen of the World. He has never had occasion to regret his determination to establish his home in the northwest, for here he found the opportunities which he sought and in the business conditions of this section of the country he has so directed his efforts that a most substantial competence has been acquired.BERT LOGAN JONES, B. S., M. D., C. M.The alumni of McGill University are found in all sections of the American continent. The thorough training of that school well qualifies its students for the various lines of work which they may undertake and in the main the graduates of that institution have been most successful. Dr. Bert Logan Jones is among the number who are actively engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery in Walla Walla. Pennsylvania numbers him among her native sons, his birth having occurred in Allegheny on the 11th of May, 1882, his parents being Reuben Reynolds and Maggie Elizabeth Jones. With the removal of the family to the west he became a pupil in the public schools and was graduated from the Baker school in 1898. He then continued his education in the Washington State College and won the Bachelor of Science degree in 1907. He afterward entered McGill University as a medical student and was graduated from the Montreal institution with the degree of M. D., C. M. He has since practiced his profession in Walla Walla and in 1914 he was appointed surgeon in the state penitentiary. In general practice he has made for himself a creditable position. He is thoroughly conversant with the latest discoveries and scientific researches that have to bear upon medical and surgical practice, is most careful in the diagnosis of his cases and seldom if ever at fault in matters of judgment regarding the outcome of disease. Moreover, he holds to the highest professional standards and his course has been an expression of the most advanced ethics of the profession.On the 25th of December, 1916, in Pullman, Washington, Dr. Jones was united in marriage to Miss Jessie Elliott Hays, a daughter of the Rev. W. G. M. Hays, D. D. Dr. Hays was the founder of the United Presbyterian church and the academy at Waitsburg, Washington, in 1886 and was the organizer of the United Presbyterian church at Olympia in 1895. He also founded the United Presbyterian church at Pullman, Washington, in 1898 and remained as pastorthere for eighteen years. He has thus had much to do with the moral progress and development of this section and in his labors has not been denied the full harvest nor the aftermath of his efforts. Mrs. Jones was graduated from the Washington State College in 1906, from the State Normal School at Cheney, Washington, in 1912, and from 1906 until 1916 taught in the graded and high schools of this state.Dr. and Mrs. Jones hold membership in the First Presbyterian church of Walla Walla and he belongs to the Walla Walla Commercial Club and to the Masonic fraternity, associations which indicate much of the nature of his interests and the rules which govern his conduct. He is a man of genuine personal worth, esteemed by all who know him and most of all where he is best known. While he holds to high professional standards and gives the greater part of his attention to his profession, he also recognizes and meets the duties and obligations of citizenship and in many ways has cooperated in bringing about public welfare and improvement.JOHN P. KENT.While for many years Mr. Kent was one of the best known and most prominent business men of Walla Walla, he always found time to cooperate in public interests and the waterworks and the park systems of the city were largely due to his initiative and to his untiring effort. His determined purpose and indefatigable energy enabled him to accomplish whatever he undertook and his worth in matters of citizenship as well as in business circles was widely acknowledged.Mr. Kent was born in Boston, Massachusetts, June 29, 1858, and when about fifteen years of age removed to the Sunset state, arriving in Walla Walla, where for forty-four years he occupied a prominent position in connection with the commercial activity of the community. In 1880 he became engaged in the meat business and later was associated with William Kirkman, Chris Ennis and A. Beard in organizing the Walla Walla Meat Company. He retained the active management of the business until November, 1898, when he retired from that field in order to turn his attention to insurance. From that time forward until his demise he maintained an insurance office in the Dooly building and gained a very prominent position in insurance circles. Mr. Kent was one of the organizers of the firm of Gardner & Company and served as its second vice president until his death. He did with thoroughness everything that he undertook and therefore he mastered every phase of the insurance business.On the 12th of November, 1890, Mr. Kent was united in marriage to Miss Delia A. Lyons, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. P. Lyons, and to them were born four children: Ruth, the wife of Harry Paxton, Jr.; John Paul, Mildred Agnes and Omer James, all of whom are living in Walla Walla.Besides his activity in business circles Mr. Kent took a prominent part in politics and in lodge, social and church affairs. He was a member of the city council for two terms, beginning in 1896, and he was a most aggressive advocate of the rights of the people. It was through his instrumentality that Walla Walla secured its waterworks. He was also particularly interested in public park development and did much toward securing Walla Walla's present chain of city parks. He served as a member of the first park board and lost no opportunity to further the interests which he espoused, making the park system one which is most attractive and creditable. He was one of the most trusted leaders of the democratic party in the state of Washington and served as a delegate to nearly every state and county convention of his party.JOHN P. KENTIn religious faith Mr. Kent was an earnest and loyal Catholic and was twice representative of the state of Washington in the supreme council of the Catholic Knights of America. He was also an earnest and effective worker in behalf of the United Relief Society and was filling the office of vice president at the time of his demise. For many years he was a director of the Walla Walla County Fair Association and in that connection did much to further public progress. He was also a trustee of the local lodge of Elks and was a past grand knight of the Knights of Columbus in Walla Walla. Death called him on the 8th of May, 1917, when he passed away at his home on Poplar street. He had been in failing health for about a year but was confined to his home for only the last week. One who knew him well paid to him the following justly merited tribute:"In the death of John P. Kent, Walla Walla has lost one of her best citizens. He was always active in every progressive enterprise and a factor in everything that had for its object the benefit of his home city. He was eloquent of speech, which, combined with his recognized probity and force of character, gave him great influence in the council of his fellows. He was no trimmer but expressed his opinions on all questions openly and frankly and even those who disagreed with him acknowledged and admitted his sincerity of purpose. He was one of the kindest of husbands, the most loving of fathers and a true and loyal friend."GEORGE F. MOTTET.George F. Mottet is a retired stock man of Walla Walla who at the age of twenty-seven years came to the new world and established his home in this section of the state. Throughout the intervening period he has been connected with the sheep industry but has now largely put aside the active cares of business life to enjoy in well earned rest the fruits of his former toil. He was born in France, February 17, 1859, and is a son of Francis and Virginia Mottet, who were also natives of France, where they spent their entire lives. They had a family of seven children, but George F. is the only one now living. He was reared and educated in France, enjoying liberal opportunities. He completed a high school course and afterward served for four years in the French army. He then determined to try his fortune in the new world and in 1886 he came to America, making his way at once to Walla Walla. He has since been identified with the interests of the northwest. He was engaged in the sheep industry for twenty-four years and his affairs were wisely and successfully managed, so that he derived therefrom a handsome competence. After almost a quarter of a century he sold out and retired from active business life, making his home at the present time at No. 440 Chase avenue in Walla Walla, where he occupies a fine residence.In 1895 Mr. Mottet was united in marriage to Miss Leonie Vincent, a native of France, and they have become parents of three children: George, who died at the age of eleven years; Anna, who is a high school graduate of Walla Walla; and one who died in infancy.In his political views Mr. Mottet has always been a stanch republican since becoming a naturalized American citizen but has never been an aspirant for office. He and his wife belong to the Catholic church. He is a self-made man—one who deserves much credit for what he has accomplished. He has never had occasion to regret his determination to come to the new world, for here he found the opportunities which he sought and in their improvement has acquired a handsome fortune. In addition to the home which he occupies in Walla Walla he has seven other residence properties there, from which he derives a gratifying annual income. His business interests have been carefully managed, his methods have been characterized by the utmost integrity and the results which have accrued are most satisfactory and creditable.JOSEPH UTTER.Joseph Utter, residing in Prescott, is identified with several important business enterprises of the town and is also actively and successfully engaged in farming in Walla Walla county. He was born in the state of New York, February 22, 1855, a son of Alex M. and Alida (Putman) Utter, both of whom were natives of the Empire state. They removed to Wisconsin in 1859 and there resided until 1861, when they became residents of Minnesota, establishing their home upon a farm. In 1862 the father enlisted for service in the Civil war, his patriotic spirit prompting his ready response to the country's call for aid. He joined Company G of the Third Minnesota Infantry and served until the close of the hostilities, after which he returned to Minnesota, where both he and his wife passed away. In their family were nine children, eight of whom are yet living.Joseph Utter was reared and educated in Minnesota and in 1882 arrived in Walla Walla county, Washington, taking up his abode on a farm near Prescott which he still owns. His place comprises eight hundred and five acres of rich and productive land, all of which is improved. It is largely devoted to the cultivation of wheat, for his farm is situated in the midst of the rich wheat belt of Washington, famous throughout the entire country. The methods which he employs in his farm work are productive of excellent results. In addition to the growing of wheat he is also engaged in stock raising and both branches of his business are proving profitable. He is likewise a stockholder and manager of the Prescott Warehouse Company and is the president of the Prescott Telephone Company. In all business affairs he displays keen discernment and unfaltering industry and his carefully directed labors are bringing to him substantial returns.JOSEPH UTTERIn 1878 Mr. Utter was united in marriage to Miss Carrie Pettijohn, a daughter of Thomas and Charity (Wisby) Pettijohn, both of whom were natives of Ohio but spent their last years in Minnesota. Mr. and Mrs. Utter became the parents of eleven children: Arabelle, who is the wife of W. H. James, now of California; Thomas H., who is living on the home farm; Carrie May, the wife of A. W. Reser; Richard, who is married and follows farming; Mildred, the wife of Henry Goe; Juliette, the wife of John Reid; Ralph, who is married and resides in Prescott; Lilian and Walter Wayne, who are living at home and two have passed away. The wife and mother died in July, 1916, and was laid to rest in the Odd Fellows cemetery. She was a consistent member of the Congregational church and was most devoted to the welfare of her family. Her loss was also deeply regretted by her many friends.Mr. Utter holds membership in Prescott Lodge, No. 46, I. O. O. F., in which he has filled all of the chairs, and he also belongs to the Woodmen of the World. In politics he is a republican but not an office seeker. He has through individual effort and determination become one of the prosperous farmers of Walla Walla county and one of its representative business men. His worth is widely acknowledged by all with whom he has come in contact and his business career is characterized by a forcefulness and resourcefulness that is most resultant.DAVID W. MILLER.David W. Miller, one of the representative and prosperous agriculturists of Walla Walla county, within the borders of which he has spent almost his entire life, makes his home in the city of Walla Walla. He owns six hundred and twenty acres of productive land in Spring Valley and operates altogether about fifteen hundred acres. His birth occurred in Wyoming on the 22d of August, 1874, his parents being David and Isabelle (King) Miller, who were born, reared and married in Scotland. About 1870 they crossed the Atlantic to the new world and in subsequent years resided in Pennsylvania, Utah and other states but eventually came to Washington and about 1877 took up their abode in Walla Walla county. Here David Miller gave his attention to general agricultural pursuits, locating in Spring Valley, where he acquired a section of land and in his undertakings won gratifying prosperity. He was chosen to represent his district in the state senate for eight years, being first elected in 1893 and making a splendid record that gained the approval and continued support of his constituents. He was one of the dominant factors in the organization of the Farmers Alliance and was always foremost in any movement instituted to promote the interests and welfare of the community. Fraternally he was identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His demise, which occurred on the 6th of October, 1902, was the occasion of deep and widespread regret, for in his passing the community lost one of its most valued and esteemed citizens. His widow, surviving him for a number of years, was called to her final rest in November, 1911.David W. Miller, whose name introduces this review, was reared under the parental roof and in the acquirement of an education attended the district schools and also spent one year in study in Whitman College. He then devoted about six years to farming and on the expiration of that period embarked in the furniture and undertaking business at Waitsburg, conducting an enterprise of that character for two years. At the end of that time he engaged in the coal and wood business at Walla Walla, being thus occupied until 1910, when he againturned his attention to agricultural pursuits, which have since claimed his time and energies. He owns six hundred and twenty acres of valuable land in Spring Valley and operates altogether about fifteen hundred acres, his interests being thus extensive and important. Success has attended his efforts in this connection by reason of the fact that he utilizes the most modern and progressive methods of agriculture and has ever manifested industry, enterprise and unremitting energy.On the 12th of August, 1903, Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss Ida Breeze, a daughter of R. M. Breeze, of Waitsburg. They now have three children, namely: James T., Earl W. and Ella Isabelle. In his political views Mr. Miller is a democrat and fraternally he is identified with Trinity Lodge, I. O. O. F., and with Columbia Lodge No. 70, K. P. His life has been upright and honorable in every relation and he well merits the warm regard and high esteem in which he is uniformly held.SILAS W. SMITH.For almost sixty years Silas W. Smith made his home upon the Pacific coast and was long identified with its mercantile interests, conducting a store in Walla Walla during the last years of his business career. He was born in Monmouth, Illinois, August 16, 1844, a son of Isaac and Margaret (Butler) Smith, who were also natives of that state. In 1853 the family crossed the plains and located on a farm near Dallas, Oregon. They traveled in covered wagons drawn by horses and experienced the usual hardships of such a journey. Upon a claim of three hundred and twenty acres the father built the first log cabin in that locality and he became one of the prominent and influential men of the valley where he and his wife continued to make their home until called to their final rest. He always took a very active part in politics and for two terms was an honored member of the legislature. In his family were nine children, only four of whom are now living.Silas W. Smith was about nine years of age when he came with the family to the far west and he was reared and educated at Dallas, Oregon, graduating from the academy at that place. After leaving school he was engaged in mercantile business at Independence, Oregon, for several years, but in 1888 removed to Waitsburg, Washington, where he conducted a store for some time, and later engaged in the same business in Walla Walla in partnership with John Fitzgerald. He finally sold out and lived retired until his death in 1912.On the 5th of November, 1867, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Esther M. Barney, a native of Keokuk, Iowa, and a daughter of Harlow and Mary A. (Curtis) Barney. Her father was born in Pennsylvania and her mother in Vermont. They were among the pioneers who crossed the plains with ox teams in 1853 and settled near Dallas, Oregon, where Mr. Barney took up six hundred and forty acres of land, making his home thereon until his death. His wife also died there. Two of their three children are still living. To Mr. and Mrs. Smith were born five children, namely: Mary Ellen, the deceased wife of W. W. Maxwell; E. H., also deceased; O. B., a resident of Waitsburg, Washington; Lenna, the wife of Laverne Bartlett of Walla Walla; and Milan W., a merchant of Waitsburg.SILAS W. SMITHMRS. SILAS W. SMITHMrs. Smith owns a valuable ranch of five hundred and forty acres, all in a high state of cultivation. She is a faithful member of the Christian church, to which her husband also belonged, and he took quite an active part in all church work. He also held membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and was a stanch republican in politics, exerting considerable influence in local affairs and serving for two terms as mayor of the city with credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction of his constituents. In his death the community realized that it had lost a valued and useful citizen—one devoted to the best interests of the community. Mrs. Smith is a member of the Rebekah Lodge at Waitsburg and has filled all the chairs in the same. Like her husband, she makes friends wherever she goes and is held in the highest esteem by all who know her.F. J. ALDRICH.F. J. Aldrich is a representative farmer of Columbia county who utilizes the most progressive methods in tilling the soil and caring for his crops. Western enterprise finds expression in his life. He is a western man by birth, by training and by preference. He was born in Walla Walla county, Washington, July 1, 1872, and is a son of Milton and Sarah (Stanfield) Aldrich, the former a native of Michigan, while the latter was born in Iowa. In 1850 the father crossed the plains to California, where he engaged in prospecting and mining, continuing his operations from California clear into Canada. In 1860 he made his way to Walla Walla county, Washington, where he took up a homestead on Dry creek, seven miles east of the city of Walla Walla. Later he acquired other lands until he became owner of eight hundred and fifteen acres in the home place and nine hundred and twenty acres on Coppei creek, five miles from Waitsburg. He devoted many years to the development and improvement of his farm land and about five years prior to his death removed to Walla Walla, where he passed away about 1912. His widow is still living and yet occupies the home ranch. Mr. Aldrich was a republican in his political views and was twice elected county commissioner of Walla Walla county. He took an active and helpful interest in community affairs and was actuated by a public-spirited devotion to duty. His wife is a member of the Methodist church and a lady of many admirable qualities which have gained for her the high esteem and goodwill of all with whom she has been brought in contact.F. J. Aldrich was reared upon the home farm and acquired his education in the common schools and in Whitman College, where he won his academic degree, although he lacked three months of graduation. On attaining his twenty-first year he began farming for himself and has since been prominently identified with agricultural interests in Walla Walla and Columbia counties. In 1902 he removed to his present farm in Columbia county, where he owns one thousand acres of land and in addition to that tract he also operates another thousand acres under lease. He is thus one of the extensive farmers of his section of the state, his great, broad fields annually producing excellent harvests, while the methodsthat he employs are of the most progressive character. In fact his farm work is an indication of the last word in modern scientific agriculture.In 1895 Mr. Aldrich was united in marriage to Miss Angeline Lloyd, a daughter of Albert G. Lloyd, now deceased, of whom extended mention is made elsewhere in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Aldrich have become parents of two children, Elmo and Erick.In his political views Mr. Aldrich is a stalwart republican, always supporting the party at the polls yet never seeking office as a reward for party fealty. He belongs to Waitsburg Lodge, No. 16, F. & A. M., and also to Walla Walla Lodge, No. 287, B. P. O. E. He ranks with the foremost citizens of Columbia county and is honored and respected by all, not alone by reason of the success which he has achieved but also owing to the straightforward business methods which he has ever followed. He has never been known to take advantage of the necessities of another in any business transaction and through legitimate channels has won his prosperity.WALLACE R. COPELAND.Wallace R. Copeland, residing in Walla Walla, is actively identified with the agricultural development of this section of the state. He is a western man by birth, training and preference and in his life exemplifies the spirit of enterprise which has ever been the dominant factor in the upbuilding of this section of the country. He was born in Yamhill county, Oregon, March 26, 1860, a son of Henry S. and Mary Ann (Morton) Copeland, who are mentioned elsewhere in this work. He was but two years of age when his parents removed from Yamhill county to Walla Walla county, Washington, and here he was reared to manhood upon the old homestead farm, early becoming familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. In 1882 his parents left the farm and removed to Walla Walla, where both died.Wallace R. Copeland pursued his education in the district schools and began his studies in one of the old-time log schoolhouses with a puncheon floor, slab benches and sod roof. The methods of instruction were also somewhat primitive, but he has lived to see marked development in the educational system of the state until Washington stands foremost in many respects in regard to its public school work. He remained at home through the period of his youth and continued to assist his father in the farm work until he reached the age of twenty-two years. He then started out independently as a farmer and as time has passed on has made for himself a most creditable and enviable position among the leading agriculturists of the state. He at first rented land from his father, cultivating four hundred and fifteen acres on the Cottonwood creek. This was in 1882. For ten years he farmed that place successfully as a renter and during the financial panic of 1892-3 he bought the farm of his father and has since extended his farming interests by the purchase of one hundred and seventy acres, so that he has in all five hundred and eighty-five acres. This is very valuable wheat land and upon it are produced some of the finest wheat crops that are grown in this section of the state. About 1911 he purchased five hundred and eighty-four acres of wheat land on Mill creek, for which he paid one hundred dollars per acre. He also owns a section of grazing land in the foothills. In the year 1916 he planted five hundred and sixty acres to wheat and there was an excellent yield. He is most progressive in his methods and has closely studied every phase of wheat cultivation, so that sound judgment directs his efforts and produces splendid results.WALLACE R. COPELANDOn the 9th of March, 1884, Mr. Copeland was united in marriage to Miss Augusta Kaseberg, of Walla Walla, a daughter of John and Henrietta Kaseberg, natives of Germany, who came to this country when children and were married here. For a time they made their home in Illinois, but in 1882 came west and settled in Walla Walla county, Washington. By trade the father was a wagon maker but his last years were devoted to farming. He died in 1905 and the mother passed away about three years later. In their family were eight children, of whom six are still living. To Mr. and Mrs. Copeland have been born five children: Henry, who is engaged in farming in Walla Walla county; Laura, the wife of Chester Offner, of Walla Walla; Elizabeth, the wife of Mathew Ennis, a farmer of this county; Ella, at home; and Edwin, who attended school at Pullman and later engaged in farming in Walla Walla county, but in December, 1917, he enlisted as machinist mate in the aviation service of the United States navy and went to San Diego, California.Mrs. Copeland is an active member of the Presbyterian church and its auxiliary societies and is also an earnest worker in the Red Cross service. In his political views Mr. Copeland is a republican and gives stalwart support to the party, but is not an office seeker. He belongs to the Farmers Union of Walla Walla and there is no resident of this section of the state who is more able to speak with authority upon agricultural questions, especially those relating to the cultivation of wheat. His career has been notably successful. He had no assistance at the outset but has steadily worked his way upward and his persistent energy has brought him to a most enviable position. He has extensive holdings and his labors have been the foundation of his present prosperity.J. R. AULT.J. R. Ault, residing on section 26, township 11 north, range 37 east, is well known as one of the leading farmers and representative citizens of Columbia county. His birth occurred in Cornwall, Ontario, Canada, on the 7th of May, 1884, his parents being John N. and Rebecca (Kinnear) Ault, who were born, reared and married in that province. The father was for a number of years engaged in wool buying at Cornwall, where he is now living retired. The mother, however, is deceased, having been called to her final rest in 1898.J. R. Ault was reared under the parental roof and acquired his education in the city schools of Cornwall. In 1904, when a young man of twenty years, he came to the state of Washington and took up his abode in the vicinity of his present home, here beginning farming as a renter. In 1909 he came into possession of his first property, purchasing one hundred and sixty acres of land in association with his brother, S. C. Ault, in partnership with whom he operatedthe place until the fall of 1916, since which time he has carried on his agricultural interests independently. He now owns three hundred and sixty acres of land and leases one hundred and sixty more, and in the conduct of his farming operations he has won a well deserved and gratifying measure of success by reason of his enterprise, close application and progressiveness.In the exercise of his right of franchise Mr. Ault supports the men and measures of the democratic party and fraternally he is a prominent Mason, belonging to Tucanon Lodge, No. 106, F. & A. M., of Starbuck; Dayton Chapter, No. 5, R. A. M.; Washington Commandery, No. 5, K. T., of Walla Walla; and El Katif Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Spokane. He has already won a most creditable position as an agriculturist of Columbia county, and all with whom he comes in contact recognize him as a young man of sterling personal worth and many commendable qualities.JAMES P. SEITZ.James P. Seitz, who from the age of sixteen years has been a resident of Walla Walla county, is now actively engaged in farming, his land being situated on section 9, township 6 north, range 36 east. He is a progressive man, alert and energetic, and his well defined plans have been carried forward to successful completion. He was born in Missouri, April 13, 1870, and is a son of John P. and Lydia J. (Chambers) Seitz, whose family numbered eight children, five of whom are yet living. The father was a native of Germany and when a young boy came to America, the family home being established in Illinois, and for a time they also lived in Indiana. Subsequently a removal was made to Missouri and there John P. Seitz met and married Miss Chambers, who was a native of Ohio and was of English descent. For twenty-five years he continued his residence in Missouri and in 1886 came to the northwest with Walla Walla county as his destination. After reaching this section of the country he invested in farm land, which his son James now owns. Here he continued to devote his time and energies to general agricultural pursuits until his life's labors were ended in death in 1911. His wife had passed away in 1910. In early life Mr. Seitz had learned the trades of millwright and blacksmith, possessing much natural mechanical skill and ability. He was a soldier of the Civil war, responding to the call of his adopted country for aid to crush out the rebellion in the south, and upon the field of battle he proved his loyalty to his adopted land. He was also greatly interested in the cause of education and insisted that English should be more thoroughly taught in our schools even if it was necessary to exclude foreign languages.

JAMES P. WATSONIn 1877 Mr. Watson took up his abode in what is now Garfield county and the following spring filed on a homestead, which he continued to own throughout his remaining days and on which his widow still lives. He was a man of energy and was ambitious to succeed. Indolence and idleness were utterly foreign to his nature. Every hour was utilized to the best advantage and as the years passed he prospered, so that from time to time he was able to add to his homestead by additional purchase until prior to his death he had become the owner of about a thousand acres of valuable pasture and wheat land in Garfield county. Mr. Watson had come to this country as a youth without money and without friends, but he employed every moment of his time to good advantage, realizing the eternal principle that industry wins. He also carefully saved his earnings and invested the money thus gained wisely and well, so that in the course of years he acquired a snug little fortune. Moreover, he was a broad reader and deep thinker and became well informed on public affairs. When he crossed the Atlantic it was to become an American citizen, not to remain a subject of Great Britain, although he never lost his love for his native land. He ever felt that his allegiance should be given to the land of his adoption, under whose laws he lived and found protection, and he ever stood for those plans and measures which sought to upbuild the community in which he resided, to advance the welfare of the commonwealth and of the country.In 1880 Mr. Watson was united in marriage to Miss Emma I. Perkins, a native of Oregon and a daughter of John N. Perkins, who was a physician and philanthropist. Her father was a native of Ohio and crossed the plains in 1851, settling in Oregon. In 1878 he came to what is now Garfield county, establishing his home on the present site of Pomeroy. His grandfather, Thomas Perkins, was a soldier of the Revolutionary war. The mother of Mrs. Watson bore the maiden name of Derisa A. Matsler and was a native of Ohio, where her marriage to Mr. Perkins occurred. She afterward made the journey across the plains with her husband to the northwest. She had three brothers—George, David and John, who served throughout the Civil war in defense of the Union. To Mr. and Mrs. Watson were born thirteen children, of whom two died in infancy, and Inez D., who married J. C. Kimble died leaving two sons, Vergel L. and Cecyl L. Those still living are as follows: Charles E., Alva N., Elsie I., James A., William C., Edna E., John P., Joseph F., Iva N. and Alma M. Most of the children are married and with their families they are all residing in Garfield county, with the exception of James A., who is now a resident of Whitman county. Mrs. Watson now has seventeen grandchildren. She is a woman of pronounced ability who has capably managed her property interests since the death of her husband, which occurred on the 5th of September, 1915.Mr. Watson was a man of sterling character, was a devoted husband and kind and loving father. He was also an obliging and charitable neighbor and his many sterling traits of character gained for him the esteem and confidenceof all with whom he came in contact. In politics he was a democrat until the free silver plank was inserted in the party platform, after which he became a supporter of republican principles. He never failed to earnestly espouse any cause in which he believed and his position was never an equivocal one. He expressed his opinions honestly and fearlessly and men came to know that his word was thoroughly reliable. He never had occasion to regret his determination to come to the new world, for on this side of the Atlantic he found the opportunities which he sought and in their utilization won a substantial measure of success. Moreover, America gained a valued citizen and southeastern Washington profited much by his efforts.JOHN M. ROBINSON.Among the representative business men of Garfield county is John M. Robinson, a well known farmer and grain dealer of Pomeroy. He comes from the middle west, being born in Missouri, September 6, 1859, and is a son of Thomas W. and Pauline (Forshey) Robinson, the former also a native of Missouri and the latter of Ohio. It was in 1874 that the family came to the Pacific coast and after spending three years and a half in California became residents of Walla Walla county, Washington, in 1877. About a year later the father took up a homestead in what was then Columbia county but is now Garfield county, locating on a farm fifteen miles southeast of Pomeroy. There the mother passed away in 1878 and he died in Pomeroy in February, 1892. Of their nine children four have also departed this life.John M. Robinson was fifteen years of age when the family located in California and in the schools of that state he began his education, continuing his studies in Walla Walla county after their removal to this state. He remained under the parental roof until twenty-two years of age and then in 1881 took up a preemption claim, which is now within the city limits of Pomeroy and he still owns eighty acres of that. He engaged in farming until 1885, at which time he took twenty head of work horses to California and spent one year in that state. He then returned to Washington and purchased another farm, living thereon until 1892. Since then he has made his home in Pomeroy, where he bought a warehouse and has engaged in buying grain. He is now the owner of four thousand and ninety-five acres of land, all improved and under cultivation.Mr. Robinson was married in 1881 to Miss Melinda F. McKey, a native of Kansas and a daughter of Rev. W. P. and Jane (Wilkinson) McKey, and to this union have been born seven children, namely: Walter J.; Josie May, now the wife of D. A. Taylor; Clare Marie, the wife of P. C. Clark of Walla Walla; Dora Bell, the wife of G. Z. Ickes, Jr.; Ruth, the wife of J. D. Lyon, Jr.; Vernon H. and Florestine, at home.JOHN M. ROBINSON AND FAMILYMr. and Mrs. Robinson are active and consistent members of the Christian church of Pomeroy and he is serving as one of its elders. He is also prominently identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, having filled all of the chairs in Pomeroy Lodge, No. 16. In business affairs he has steadily prospered until he is now the possessor of a handsome fortune and the success that has come to him is but the just reward of his own industry, fair dealing and good management, for he is a man of good business and executive ability and sound judgment.RICHARD D. ROBERTS.More than a century ago Washington said that agriculture is the most useful as well as the most honorable occupation of man, while Thomas Jefferson said, "The hope of the nation lies in the tillers of the soil." It is a well known fact that agriculture is the basis of all advancement and prosperity and no country reaches the highest point of its attainment if its farm lands are not properly and carefully cultivated. Among those progressive men who are now concentrating their efforts and attention upon the further development of the soil in Walla Walla county is Richard D. Roberts, who has extensive farming interests on section 13, township 9 north, range 37 east. He was born upon this farm January 6, 1875, and is a son of David and Jane (Anderson) Roberts. The father was a native of Wales and came to the United States in young manhood. He made his way westward to Illinois, where he took up his abode and there he formed the acquaintance of Jane Anderson, who was a native of that state. They were married and about 1870 they left Illinois for Oregon. After spending one year in Forest Grove of the latter state they came north to Washington and for a year were residents of Waitsburg. At the end of that time David Roberts purchased one hundred and sixty acres of the home farm upon which his son Richard now resides. Not long afterward he preempted an eighty-acre tract adjoining the original purchase and then bought another eighty acres, continuing to give his time, attention and energy to his farming interests until his death, which occurred in December, 1898. For several years he had survived his wife, who passed away in 1892.At the usual age Richard D. Roberts became a pupil in the district schools and there mastered the elementary branches of learning. He afterward attended the public schools of Waitsburg and also spent one term as a student in the Waitsburg Academy. In the spring of 1898, prior to his father's death, he took over the management and development of the home farm, which he has since operated. He owns a five-sevenths interest in the home place, together with a half interest in another farm of five hundred and twenty acres in Columbia county. He also has two hundred and forty acres in the Imperial valley of California. He cultivates the home place of three hundred and thirty-five acres, the Columbia county farm of five hundred and twenty acres, of which he owns a half interest, and he leases five hundred and eighty acres, thus farming in all fourteen hundred and thirty-five acres of land in the Inland Empire. His extensive operations are most carefully and wisely conducted. Scientific methods underlie his work. He early realized the fact that farm interests should be as carefully systematized as a commercial undertaking and in all of his work he is methodical and progressive. His farm machinery is of the latest improved kind and there is no accessory of a model farm property of the twentieth century that is not to be found upon his place.In 1900 Mr. Roberts was united in marriage to Miss Myrtle Bateman, a daughter of Henry Bateman, who was one of the earliest of Walla Walla county's pioneers, first coming here in 1849 and the following year settling on a claim on Coppei creek. He was an Indian war veteran and one of the conspicuous figures in the early pioneer life of Walla Walla county. His demise occurred in Waitsburg in December, 1915. Mr. and Mrs. Roberts now have two sons, Harold and Henry.In politics Mr. Roberts maintains an independent course, not caring to bind himself by party ties. He belongs to Waitsburg Lodge, F. & A. M.; to Touchet Lodge, No. 5, I. O. O. F.; and to the Ancient Order of United Workmen; and his wife holds membership in the Methodist church. Their lives are guided by high and honorable principles and in all business affairs Mr. Roberts is regarded as thoroughly reliable as well as energetic. His life record is as an open book. He has always lived in this section of the state, has always carried on general agricultural pursuits, and although there are no spectacular phases in his career, he has ever been regarded as a substantial and valued citizen because of his loyalty to the best interests of the community and his cooperation in plans and measures which are calculated to advance and uphold civic standards.JAMES H. BOWLES.The consensus of public opinion names James H. Bowles among the leading citizens of Walla Walla county. He is the owner of a valuable farming property and also of a fine residence in Prescott, where he makes his home. He was born in Warren county, Missouri, November 11, 1854, and is a son of Thomas H. and Lucinda (Gibson) Bowles, the former a native of Virginia, while the latter was born in Missouri. They became the parents of eight children, six of whom survive, but both the father and mother died in Missouri.James H. Bowles was reared and educated in the state of his nativity and had reached the age of thirty-five years when in the spring of 1889 he came to Walla Walla county, Washington. He established his home in Prescott and later he bought a farm of one hundred and eighty acres, which he has carefully and persistently cultivated, bringing the entire place under a high state of development. Upon the farm are excellent improvements and everything about the place indicates the careful supervision of a practical and progressive owner. He makes his home, however, in Prescott, where he owns an attractive residence. His business affairs have been carefully managed and his thorough reliability has gained for him the respect and confidence of all, while unfaltering energy has furthered his prosperity.On the 14th of November, 1880, Mr. Bowles was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Reavis, a native of Missouri and a daughter of Woodson Reavis. They have become the parents of the following children: Thomas Woodson, who died at the age of seven months; Mary Almeda, the wife of J. T. Janes, who is living near Prescott; James William, residing near Prescott, who married Lillian N. Coble and has one child, James Eugene; Sarah Ann, who is the wife of F. E. Grubb, also living near Prescott, and they have two children, Ora Vale and James Roy; Virginia Frances, who is the wife of Vergil N. Harris, of Prescott, and has two children, Genevra Elizabeth and Virginia Ann; one child who died at the age of nine months; Pearl Margaret, who is the wife of C. L. Jones, living near Prescott, and they have five children, William Lawrence, Dale Walter, Ernest Monroe, Alma Elizabeth and James Dewey; Archie Eugene, who married Elizabeth Helms and resides in Prescott; Walter Jennings, who married Fay Hazel Nail; and Elizabeth.JAMES H. BOWLESMRS. JAMES H. BOWLESBoth Mr. and Mrs. Bowles are faithful members of the Christian church and take an active interest in its work, while contributing generously to its support. In politics Mr. Bowles is a democrat and has been called upon to fill public office. He has served as a member of the city council of Prescott; has also been a member of the school board; and was deputy assessor for two years. Fraternally he is connected with the Woodmen of the World. He has never had occasion to regret his determination to establish his home in the northwest, for here he found the opportunities which he sought and in the business conditions of this section of the country he has so directed his efforts that a most substantial competence has been acquired.BERT LOGAN JONES, B. S., M. D., C. M.The alumni of McGill University are found in all sections of the American continent. The thorough training of that school well qualifies its students for the various lines of work which they may undertake and in the main the graduates of that institution have been most successful. Dr. Bert Logan Jones is among the number who are actively engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery in Walla Walla. Pennsylvania numbers him among her native sons, his birth having occurred in Allegheny on the 11th of May, 1882, his parents being Reuben Reynolds and Maggie Elizabeth Jones. With the removal of the family to the west he became a pupil in the public schools and was graduated from the Baker school in 1898. He then continued his education in the Washington State College and won the Bachelor of Science degree in 1907. He afterward entered McGill University as a medical student and was graduated from the Montreal institution with the degree of M. D., C. M. He has since practiced his profession in Walla Walla and in 1914 he was appointed surgeon in the state penitentiary. In general practice he has made for himself a creditable position. He is thoroughly conversant with the latest discoveries and scientific researches that have to bear upon medical and surgical practice, is most careful in the diagnosis of his cases and seldom if ever at fault in matters of judgment regarding the outcome of disease. Moreover, he holds to the highest professional standards and his course has been an expression of the most advanced ethics of the profession.On the 25th of December, 1916, in Pullman, Washington, Dr. Jones was united in marriage to Miss Jessie Elliott Hays, a daughter of the Rev. W. G. M. Hays, D. D. Dr. Hays was the founder of the United Presbyterian church and the academy at Waitsburg, Washington, in 1886 and was the organizer of the United Presbyterian church at Olympia in 1895. He also founded the United Presbyterian church at Pullman, Washington, in 1898 and remained as pastorthere for eighteen years. He has thus had much to do with the moral progress and development of this section and in his labors has not been denied the full harvest nor the aftermath of his efforts. Mrs. Jones was graduated from the Washington State College in 1906, from the State Normal School at Cheney, Washington, in 1912, and from 1906 until 1916 taught in the graded and high schools of this state.Dr. and Mrs. Jones hold membership in the First Presbyterian church of Walla Walla and he belongs to the Walla Walla Commercial Club and to the Masonic fraternity, associations which indicate much of the nature of his interests and the rules which govern his conduct. He is a man of genuine personal worth, esteemed by all who know him and most of all where he is best known. While he holds to high professional standards and gives the greater part of his attention to his profession, he also recognizes and meets the duties and obligations of citizenship and in many ways has cooperated in bringing about public welfare and improvement.JOHN P. KENT.While for many years Mr. Kent was one of the best known and most prominent business men of Walla Walla, he always found time to cooperate in public interests and the waterworks and the park systems of the city were largely due to his initiative and to his untiring effort. His determined purpose and indefatigable energy enabled him to accomplish whatever he undertook and his worth in matters of citizenship as well as in business circles was widely acknowledged.Mr. Kent was born in Boston, Massachusetts, June 29, 1858, and when about fifteen years of age removed to the Sunset state, arriving in Walla Walla, where for forty-four years he occupied a prominent position in connection with the commercial activity of the community. In 1880 he became engaged in the meat business and later was associated with William Kirkman, Chris Ennis and A. Beard in organizing the Walla Walla Meat Company. He retained the active management of the business until November, 1898, when he retired from that field in order to turn his attention to insurance. From that time forward until his demise he maintained an insurance office in the Dooly building and gained a very prominent position in insurance circles. Mr. Kent was one of the organizers of the firm of Gardner & Company and served as its second vice president until his death. He did with thoroughness everything that he undertook and therefore he mastered every phase of the insurance business.On the 12th of November, 1890, Mr. Kent was united in marriage to Miss Delia A. Lyons, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. P. Lyons, and to them were born four children: Ruth, the wife of Harry Paxton, Jr.; John Paul, Mildred Agnes and Omer James, all of whom are living in Walla Walla.Besides his activity in business circles Mr. Kent took a prominent part in politics and in lodge, social and church affairs. He was a member of the city council for two terms, beginning in 1896, and he was a most aggressive advocate of the rights of the people. It was through his instrumentality that Walla Walla secured its waterworks. He was also particularly interested in public park development and did much toward securing Walla Walla's present chain of city parks. He served as a member of the first park board and lost no opportunity to further the interests which he espoused, making the park system one which is most attractive and creditable. He was one of the most trusted leaders of the democratic party in the state of Washington and served as a delegate to nearly every state and county convention of his party.JOHN P. KENTIn religious faith Mr. Kent was an earnest and loyal Catholic and was twice representative of the state of Washington in the supreme council of the Catholic Knights of America. He was also an earnest and effective worker in behalf of the United Relief Society and was filling the office of vice president at the time of his demise. For many years he was a director of the Walla Walla County Fair Association and in that connection did much to further public progress. He was also a trustee of the local lodge of Elks and was a past grand knight of the Knights of Columbus in Walla Walla. Death called him on the 8th of May, 1917, when he passed away at his home on Poplar street. He had been in failing health for about a year but was confined to his home for only the last week. One who knew him well paid to him the following justly merited tribute:"In the death of John P. Kent, Walla Walla has lost one of her best citizens. He was always active in every progressive enterprise and a factor in everything that had for its object the benefit of his home city. He was eloquent of speech, which, combined with his recognized probity and force of character, gave him great influence in the council of his fellows. He was no trimmer but expressed his opinions on all questions openly and frankly and even those who disagreed with him acknowledged and admitted his sincerity of purpose. He was one of the kindest of husbands, the most loving of fathers and a true and loyal friend."GEORGE F. MOTTET.George F. Mottet is a retired stock man of Walla Walla who at the age of twenty-seven years came to the new world and established his home in this section of the state. Throughout the intervening period he has been connected with the sheep industry but has now largely put aside the active cares of business life to enjoy in well earned rest the fruits of his former toil. He was born in France, February 17, 1859, and is a son of Francis and Virginia Mottet, who were also natives of France, where they spent their entire lives. They had a family of seven children, but George F. is the only one now living. He was reared and educated in France, enjoying liberal opportunities. He completed a high school course and afterward served for four years in the French army. He then determined to try his fortune in the new world and in 1886 he came to America, making his way at once to Walla Walla. He has since been identified with the interests of the northwest. He was engaged in the sheep industry for twenty-four years and his affairs were wisely and successfully managed, so that he derived therefrom a handsome competence. After almost a quarter of a century he sold out and retired from active business life, making his home at the present time at No. 440 Chase avenue in Walla Walla, where he occupies a fine residence.In 1895 Mr. Mottet was united in marriage to Miss Leonie Vincent, a native of France, and they have become parents of three children: George, who died at the age of eleven years; Anna, who is a high school graduate of Walla Walla; and one who died in infancy.In his political views Mr. Mottet has always been a stanch republican since becoming a naturalized American citizen but has never been an aspirant for office. He and his wife belong to the Catholic church. He is a self-made man—one who deserves much credit for what he has accomplished. He has never had occasion to regret his determination to come to the new world, for here he found the opportunities which he sought and in their improvement has acquired a handsome fortune. In addition to the home which he occupies in Walla Walla he has seven other residence properties there, from which he derives a gratifying annual income. His business interests have been carefully managed, his methods have been characterized by the utmost integrity and the results which have accrued are most satisfactory and creditable.JOSEPH UTTER.Joseph Utter, residing in Prescott, is identified with several important business enterprises of the town and is also actively and successfully engaged in farming in Walla Walla county. He was born in the state of New York, February 22, 1855, a son of Alex M. and Alida (Putman) Utter, both of whom were natives of the Empire state. They removed to Wisconsin in 1859 and there resided until 1861, when they became residents of Minnesota, establishing their home upon a farm. In 1862 the father enlisted for service in the Civil war, his patriotic spirit prompting his ready response to the country's call for aid. He joined Company G of the Third Minnesota Infantry and served until the close of the hostilities, after which he returned to Minnesota, where both he and his wife passed away. In their family were nine children, eight of whom are yet living.Joseph Utter was reared and educated in Minnesota and in 1882 arrived in Walla Walla county, Washington, taking up his abode on a farm near Prescott which he still owns. His place comprises eight hundred and five acres of rich and productive land, all of which is improved. It is largely devoted to the cultivation of wheat, for his farm is situated in the midst of the rich wheat belt of Washington, famous throughout the entire country. The methods which he employs in his farm work are productive of excellent results. In addition to the growing of wheat he is also engaged in stock raising and both branches of his business are proving profitable. He is likewise a stockholder and manager of the Prescott Warehouse Company and is the president of the Prescott Telephone Company. In all business affairs he displays keen discernment and unfaltering industry and his carefully directed labors are bringing to him substantial returns.JOSEPH UTTERIn 1878 Mr. Utter was united in marriage to Miss Carrie Pettijohn, a daughter of Thomas and Charity (Wisby) Pettijohn, both of whom were natives of Ohio but spent their last years in Minnesota. Mr. and Mrs. Utter became the parents of eleven children: Arabelle, who is the wife of W. H. James, now of California; Thomas H., who is living on the home farm; Carrie May, the wife of A. W. Reser; Richard, who is married and follows farming; Mildred, the wife of Henry Goe; Juliette, the wife of John Reid; Ralph, who is married and resides in Prescott; Lilian and Walter Wayne, who are living at home and two have passed away. The wife and mother died in July, 1916, and was laid to rest in the Odd Fellows cemetery. She was a consistent member of the Congregational church and was most devoted to the welfare of her family. Her loss was also deeply regretted by her many friends.Mr. Utter holds membership in Prescott Lodge, No. 46, I. O. O. F., in which he has filled all of the chairs, and he also belongs to the Woodmen of the World. In politics he is a republican but not an office seeker. He has through individual effort and determination become one of the prosperous farmers of Walla Walla county and one of its representative business men. His worth is widely acknowledged by all with whom he has come in contact and his business career is characterized by a forcefulness and resourcefulness that is most resultant.DAVID W. MILLER.David W. Miller, one of the representative and prosperous agriculturists of Walla Walla county, within the borders of which he has spent almost his entire life, makes his home in the city of Walla Walla. He owns six hundred and twenty acres of productive land in Spring Valley and operates altogether about fifteen hundred acres. His birth occurred in Wyoming on the 22d of August, 1874, his parents being David and Isabelle (King) Miller, who were born, reared and married in Scotland. About 1870 they crossed the Atlantic to the new world and in subsequent years resided in Pennsylvania, Utah and other states but eventually came to Washington and about 1877 took up their abode in Walla Walla county. Here David Miller gave his attention to general agricultural pursuits, locating in Spring Valley, where he acquired a section of land and in his undertakings won gratifying prosperity. He was chosen to represent his district in the state senate for eight years, being first elected in 1893 and making a splendid record that gained the approval and continued support of his constituents. He was one of the dominant factors in the organization of the Farmers Alliance and was always foremost in any movement instituted to promote the interests and welfare of the community. Fraternally he was identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His demise, which occurred on the 6th of October, 1902, was the occasion of deep and widespread regret, for in his passing the community lost one of its most valued and esteemed citizens. His widow, surviving him for a number of years, was called to her final rest in November, 1911.David W. Miller, whose name introduces this review, was reared under the parental roof and in the acquirement of an education attended the district schools and also spent one year in study in Whitman College. He then devoted about six years to farming and on the expiration of that period embarked in the furniture and undertaking business at Waitsburg, conducting an enterprise of that character for two years. At the end of that time he engaged in the coal and wood business at Walla Walla, being thus occupied until 1910, when he againturned his attention to agricultural pursuits, which have since claimed his time and energies. He owns six hundred and twenty acres of valuable land in Spring Valley and operates altogether about fifteen hundred acres, his interests being thus extensive and important. Success has attended his efforts in this connection by reason of the fact that he utilizes the most modern and progressive methods of agriculture and has ever manifested industry, enterprise and unremitting energy.On the 12th of August, 1903, Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss Ida Breeze, a daughter of R. M. Breeze, of Waitsburg. They now have three children, namely: James T., Earl W. and Ella Isabelle. In his political views Mr. Miller is a democrat and fraternally he is identified with Trinity Lodge, I. O. O. F., and with Columbia Lodge No. 70, K. P. His life has been upright and honorable in every relation and he well merits the warm regard and high esteem in which he is uniformly held.SILAS W. SMITH.For almost sixty years Silas W. Smith made his home upon the Pacific coast and was long identified with its mercantile interests, conducting a store in Walla Walla during the last years of his business career. He was born in Monmouth, Illinois, August 16, 1844, a son of Isaac and Margaret (Butler) Smith, who were also natives of that state. In 1853 the family crossed the plains and located on a farm near Dallas, Oregon. They traveled in covered wagons drawn by horses and experienced the usual hardships of such a journey. Upon a claim of three hundred and twenty acres the father built the first log cabin in that locality and he became one of the prominent and influential men of the valley where he and his wife continued to make their home until called to their final rest. He always took a very active part in politics and for two terms was an honored member of the legislature. In his family were nine children, only four of whom are now living.Silas W. Smith was about nine years of age when he came with the family to the far west and he was reared and educated at Dallas, Oregon, graduating from the academy at that place. After leaving school he was engaged in mercantile business at Independence, Oregon, for several years, but in 1888 removed to Waitsburg, Washington, where he conducted a store for some time, and later engaged in the same business in Walla Walla in partnership with John Fitzgerald. He finally sold out and lived retired until his death in 1912.On the 5th of November, 1867, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Esther M. Barney, a native of Keokuk, Iowa, and a daughter of Harlow and Mary A. (Curtis) Barney. Her father was born in Pennsylvania and her mother in Vermont. They were among the pioneers who crossed the plains with ox teams in 1853 and settled near Dallas, Oregon, where Mr. Barney took up six hundred and forty acres of land, making his home thereon until his death. His wife also died there. Two of their three children are still living. To Mr. and Mrs. Smith were born five children, namely: Mary Ellen, the deceased wife of W. W. Maxwell; E. H., also deceased; O. B., a resident of Waitsburg, Washington; Lenna, the wife of Laverne Bartlett of Walla Walla; and Milan W., a merchant of Waitsburg.SILAS W. SMITHMRS. SILAS W. SMITHMrs. Smith owns a valuable ranch of five hundred and forty acres, all in a high state of cultivation. She is a faithful member of the Christian church, to which her husband also belonged, and he took quite an active part in all church work. He also held membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and was a stanch republican in politics, exerting considerable influence in local affairs and serving for two terms as mayor of the city with credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction of his constituents. In his death the community realized that it had lost a valued and useful citizen—one devoted to the best interests of the community. Mrs. Smith is a member of the Rebekah Lodge at Waitsburg and has filled all the chairs in the same. Like her husband, she makes friends wherever she goes and is held in the highest esteem by all who know her.F. J. ALDRICH.F. J. Aldrich is a representative farmer of Columbia county who utilizes the most progressive methods in tilling the soil and caring for his crops. Western enterprise finds expression in his life. He is a western man by birth, by training and by preference. He was born in Walla Walla county, Washington, July 1, 1872, and is a son of Milton and Sarah (Stanfield) Aldrich, the former a native of Michigan, while the latter was born in Iowa. In 1850 the father crossed the plains to California, where he engaged in prospecting and mining, continuing his operations from California clear into Canada. In 1860 he made his way to Walla Walla county, Washington, where he took up a homestead on Dry creek, seven miles east of the city of Walla Walla. Later he acquired other lands until he became owner of eight hundred and fifteen acres in the home place and nine hundred and twenty acres on Coppei creek, five miles from Waitsburg. He devoted many years to the development and improvement of his farm land and about five years prior to his death removed to Walla Walla, where he passed away about 1912. His widow is still living and yet occupies the home ranch. Mr. Aldrich was a republican in his political views and was twice elected county commissioner of Walla Walla county. He took an active and helpful interest in community affairs and was actuated by a public-spirited devotion to duty. His wife is a member of the Methodist church and a lady of many admirable qualities which have gained for her the high esteem and goodwill of all with whom she has been brought in contact.F. J. Aldrich was reared upon the home farm and acquired his education in the common schools and in Whitman College, where he won his academic degree, although he lacked three months of graduation. On attaining his twenty-first year he began farming for himself and has since been prominently identified with agricultural interests in Walla Walla and Columbia counties. In 1902 he removed to his present farm in Columbia county, where he owns one thousand acres of land and in addition to that tract he also operates another thousand acres under lease. He is thus one of the extensive farmers of his section of the state, his great, broad fields annually producing excellent harvests, while the methodsthat he employs are of the most progressive character. In fact his farm work is an indication of the last word in modern scientific agriculture.In 1895 Mr. Aldrich was united in marriage to Miss Angeline Lloyd, a daughter of Albert G. Lloyd, now deceased, of whom extended mention is made elsewhere in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Aldrich have become parents of two children, Elmo and Erick.In his political views Mr. Aldrich is a stalwart republican, always supporting the party at the polls yet never seeking office as a reward for party fealty. He belongs to Waitsburg Lodge, No. 16, F. & A. M., and also to Walla Walla Lodge, No. 287, B. P. O. E. He ranks with the foremost citizens of Columbia county and is honored and respected by all, not alone by reason of the success which he has achieved but also owing to the straightforward business methods which he has ever followed. He has never been known to take advantage of the necessities of another in any business transaction and through legitimate channels has won his prosperity.WALLACE R. COPELAND.Wallace R. Copeland, residing in Walla Walla, is actively identified with the agricultural development of this section of the state. He is a western man by birth, training and preference and in his life exemplifies the spirit of enterprise which has ever been the dominant factor in the upbuilding of this section of the country. He was born in Yamhill county, Oregon, March 26, 1860, a son of Henry S. and Mary Ann (Morton) Copeland, who are mentioned elsewhere in this work. He was but two years of age when his parents removed from Yamhill county to Walla Walla county, Washington, and here he was reared to manhood upon the old homestead farm, early becoming familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. In 1882 his parents left the farm and removed to Walla Walla, where both died.Wallace R. Copeland pursued his education in the district schools and began his studies in one of the old-time log schoolhouses with a puncheon floor, slab benches and sod roof. The methods of instruction were also somewhat primitive, but he has lived to see marked development in the educational system of the state until Washington stands foremost in many respects in regard to its public school work. He remained at home through the period of his youth and continued to assist his father in the farm work until he reached the age of twenty-two years. He then started out independently as a farmer and as time has passed on has made for himself a most creditable and enviable position among the leading agriculturists of the state. He at first rented land from his father, cultivating four hundred and fifteen acres on the Cottonwood creek. This was in 1882. For ten years he farmed that place successfully as a renter and during the financial panic of 1892-3 he bought the farm of his father and has since extended his farming interests by the purchase of one hundred and seventy acres, so that he has in all five hundred and eighty-five acres. This is very valuable wheat land and upon it are produced some of the finest wheat crops that are grown in this section of the state. About 1911 he purchased five hundred and eighty-four acres of wheat land on Mill creek, for which he paid one hundred dollars per acre. He also owns a section of grazing land in the foothills. In the year 1916 he planted five hundred and sixty acres to wheat and there was an excellent yield. He is most progressive in his methods and has closely studied every phase of wheat cultivation, so that sound judgment directs his efforts and produces splendid results.WALLACE R. COPELANDOn the 9th of March, 1884, Mr. Copeland was united in marriage to Miss Augusta Kaseberg, of Walla Walla, a daughter of John and Henrietta Kaseberg, natives of Germany, who came to this country when children and were married here. For a time they made their home in Illinois, but in 1882 came west and settled in Walla Walla county, Washington. By trade the father was a wagon maker but his last years were devoted to farming. He died in 1905 and the mother passed away about three years later. In their family were eight children, of whom six are still living. To Mr. and Mrs. Copeland have been born five children: Henry, who is engaged in farming in Walla Walla county; Laura, the wife of Chester Offner, of Walla Walla; Elizabeth, the wife of Mathew Ennis, a farmer of this county; Ella, at home; and Edwin, who attended school at Pullman and later engaged in farming in Walla Walla county, but in December, 1917, he enlisted as machinist mate in the aviation service of the United States navy and went to San Diego, California.Mrs. Copeland is an active member of the Presbyterian church and its auxiliary societies and is also an earnest worker in the Red Cross service. In his political views Mr. Copeland is a republican and gives stalwart support to the party, but is not an office seeker. He belongs to the Farmers Union of Walla Walla and there is no resident of this section of the state who is more able to speak with authority upon agricultural questions, especially those relating to the cultivation of wheat. His career has been notably successful. He had no assistance at the outset but has steadily worked his way upward and his persistent energy has brought him to a most enviable position. He has extensive holdings and his labors have been the foundation of his present prosperity.J. R. AULT.J. R. Ault, residing on section 26, township 11 north, range 37 east, is well known as one of the leading farmers and representative citizens of Columbia county. His birth occurred in Cornwall, Ontario, Canada, on the 7th of May, 1884, his parents being John N. and Rebecca (Kinnear) Ault, who were born, reared and married in that province. The father was for a number of years engaged in wool buying at Cornwall, where he is now living retired. The mother, however, is deceased, having been called to her final rest in 1898.J. R. Ault was reared under the parental roof and acquired his education in the city schools of Cornwall. In 1904, when a young man of twenty years, he came to the state of Washington and took up his abode in the vicinity of his present home, here beginning farming as a renter. In 1909 he came into possession of his first property, purchasing one hundred and sixty acres of land in association with his brother, S. C. Ault, in partnership with whom he operatedthe place until the fall of 1916, since which time he has carried on his agricultural interests independently. He now owns three hundred and sixty acres of land and leases one hundred and sixty more, and in the conduct of his farming operations he has won a well deserved and gratifying measure of success by reason of his enterprise, close application and progressiveness.In the exercise of his right of franchise Mr. Ault supports the men and measures of the democratic party and fraternally he is a prominent Mason, belonging to Tucanon Lodge, No. 106, F. & A. M., of Starbuck; Dayton Chapter, No. 5, R. A. M.; Washington Commandery, No. 5, K. T., of Walla Walla; and El Katif Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Spokane. He has already won a most creditable position as an agriculturist of Columbia county, and all with whom he comes in contact recognize him as a young man of sterling personal worth and many commendable qualities.JAMES P. SEITZ.James P. Seitz, who from the age of sixteen years has been a resident of Walla Walla county, is now actively engaged in farming, his land being situated on section 9, township 6 north, range 36 east. He is a progressive man, alert and energetic, and his well defined plans have been carried forward to successful completion. He was born in Missouri, April 13, 1870, and is a son of John P. and Lydia J. (Chambers) Seitz, whose family numbered eight children, five of whom are yet living. The father was a native of Germany and when a young boy came to America, the family home being established in Illinois, and for a time they also lived in Indiana. Subsequently a removal was made to Missouri and there John P. Seitz met and married Miss Chambers, who was a native of Ohio and was of English descent. For twenty-five years he continued his residence in Missouri and in 1886 came to the northwest with Walla Walla county as his destination. After reaching this section of the country he invested in farm land, which his son James now owns. Here he continued to devote his time and energies to general agricultural pursuits until his life's labors were ended in death in 1911. His wife had passed away in 1910. In early life Mr. Seitz had learned the trades of millwright and blacksmith, possessing much natural mechanical skill and ability. He was a soldier of the Civil war, responding to the call of his adopted country for aid to crush out the rebellion in the south, and upon the field of battle he proved his loyalty to his adopted land. He was also greatly interested in the cause of education and insisted that English should be more thoroughly taught in our schools even if it was necessary to exclude foreign languages.

JAMES P. WATSON

JAMES P. WATSON

JAMES P. WATSON

In 1877 Mr. Watson took up his abode in what is now Garfield county and the following spring filed on a homestead, which he continued to own throughout his remaining days and on which his widow still lives. He was a man of energy and was ambitious to succeed. Indolence and idleness were utterly foreign to his nature. Every hour was utilized to the best advantage and as the years passed he prospered, so that from time to time he was able to add to his homestead by additional purchase until prior to his death he had become the owner of about a thousand acres of valuable pasture and wheat land in Garfield county. Mr. Watson had come to this country as a youth without money and without friends, but he employed every moment of his time to good advantage, realizing the eternal principle that industry wins. He also carefully saved his earnings and invested the money thus gained wisely and well, so that in the course of years he acquired a snug little fortune. Moreover, he was a broad reader and deep thinker and became well informed on public affairs. When he crossed the Atlantic it was to become an American citizen, not to remain a subject of Great Britain, although he never lost his love for his native land. He ever felt that his allegiance should be given to the land of his adoption, under whose laws he lived and found protection, and he ever stood for those plans and measures which sought to upbuild the community in which he resided, to advance the welfare of the commonwealth and of the country.

In 1880 Mr. Watson was united in marriage to Miss Emma I. Perkins, a native of Oregon and a daughter of John N. Perkins, who was a physician and philanthropist. Her father was a native of Ohio and crossed the plains in 1851, settling in Oregon. In 1878 he came to what is now Garfield county, establishing his home on the present site of Pomeroy. His grandfather, Thomas Perkins, was a soldier of the Revolutionary war. The mother of Mrs. Watson bore the maiden name of Derisa A. Matsler and was a native of Ohio, where her marriage to Mr. Perkins occurred. She afterward made the journey across the plains with her husband to the northwest. She had three brothers—George, David and John, who served throughout the Civil war in defense of the Union. To Mr. and Mrs. Watson were born thirteen children, of whom two died in infancy, and Inez D., who married J. C. Kimble died leaving two sons, Vergel L. and Cecyl L. Those still living are as follows: Charles E., Alva N., Elsie I., James A., William C., Edna E., John P., Joseph F., Iva N. and Alma M. Most of the children are married and with their families they are all residing in Garfield county, with the exception of James A., who is now a resident of Whitman county. Mrs. Watson now has seventeen grandchildren. She is a woman of pronounced ability who has capably managed her property interests since the death of her husband, which occurred on the 5th of September, 1915.

Mr. Watson was a man of sterling character, was a devoted husband and kind and loving father. He was also an obliging and charitable neighbor and his many sterling traits of character gained for him the esteem and confidenceof all with whom he came in contact. In politics he was a democrat until the free silver plank was inserted in the party platform, after which he became a supporter of republican principles. He never failed to earnestly espouse any cause in which he believed and his position was never an equivocal one. He expressed his opinions honestly and fearlessly and men came to know that his word was thoroughly reliable. He never had occasion to regret his determination to come to the new world, for on this side of the Atlantic he found the opportunities which he sought and in their utilization won a substantial measure of success. Moreover, America gained a valued citizen and southeastern Washington profited much by his efforts.

JOHN M. ROBINSON.

Among the representative business men of Garfield county is John M. Robinson, a well known farmer and grain dealer of Pomeroy. He comes from the middle west, being born in Missouri, September 6, 1859, and is a son of Thomas W. and Pauline (Forshey) Robinson, the former also a native of Missouri and the latter of Ohio. It was in 1874 that the family came to the Pacific coast and after spending three years and a half in California became residents of Walla Walla county, Washington, in 1877. About a year later the father took up a homestead in what was then Columbia county but is now Garfield county, locating on a farm fifteen miles southeast of Pomeroy. There the mother passed away in 1878 and he died in Pomeroy in February, 1892. Of their nine children four have also departed this life.

John M. Robinson was fifteen years of age when the family located in California and in the schools of that state he began his education, continuing his studies in Walla Walla county after their removal to this state. He remained under the parental roof until twenty-two years of age and then in 1881 took up a preemption claim, which is now within the city limits of Pomeroy and he still owns eighty acres of that. He engaged in farming until 1885, at which time he took twenty head of work horses to California and spent one year in that state. He then returned to Washington and purchased another farm, living thereon until 1892. Since then he has made his home in Pomeroy, where he bought a warehouse and has engaged in buying grain. He is now the owner of four thousand and ninety-five acres of land, all improved and under cultivation.

Mr. Robinson was married in 1881 to Miss Melinda F. McKey, a native of Kansas and a daughter of Rev. W. P. and Jane (Wilkinson) McKey, and to this union have been born seven children, namely: Walter J.; Josie May, now the wife of D. A. Taylor; Clare Marie, the wife of P. C. Clark of Walla Walla; Dora Bell, the wife of G. Z. Ickes, Jr.; Ruth, the wife of J. D. Lyon, Jr.; Vernon H. and Florestine, at home.

JOHN M. ROBINSON AND FAMILY

JOHN M. ROBINSON AND FAMILY

JOHN M. ROBINSON AND FAMILY

Mr. and Mrs. Robinson are active and consistent members of the Christian church of Pomeroy and he is serving as one of its elders. He is also prominently identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, having filled all of the chairs in Pomeroy Lodge, No. 16. In business affairs he has steadily prospered until he is now the possessor of a handsome fortune and the success that has come to him is but the just reward of his own industry, fair dealing and good management, for he is a man of good business and executive ability and sound judgment.

RICHARD D. ROBERTS.

More than a century ago Washington said that agriculture is the most useful as well as the most honorable occupation of man, while Thomas Jefferson said, "The hope of the nation lies in the tillers of the soil." It is a well known fact that agriculture is the basis of all advancement and prosperity and no country reaches the highest point of its attainment if its farm lands are not properly and carefully cultivated. Among those progressive men who are now concentrating their efforts and attention upon the further development of the soil in Walla Walla county is Richard D. Roberts, who has extensive farming interests on section 13, township 9 north, range 37 east. He was born upon this farm January 6, 1875, and is a son of David and Jane (Anderson) Roberts. The father was a native of Wales and came to the United States in young manhood. He made his way westward to Illinois, where he took up his abode and there he formed the acquaintance of Jane Anderson, who was a native of that state. They were married and about 1870 they left Illinois for Oregon. After spending one year in Forest Grove of the latter state they came north to Washington and for a year were residents of Waitsburg. At the end of that time David Roberts purchased one hundred and sixty acres of the home farm upon which his son Richard now resides. Not long afterward he preempted an eighty-acre tract adjoining the original purchase and then bought another eighty acres, continuing to give his time, attention and energy to his farming interests until his death, which occurred in December, 1898. For several years he had survived his wife, who passed away in 1892.

At the usual age Richard D. Roberts became a pupil in the district schools and there mastered the elementary branches of learning. He afterward attended the public schools of Waitsburg and also spent one term as a student in the Waitsburg Academy. In the spring of 1898, prior to his father's death, he took over the management and development of the home farm, which he has since operated. He owns a five-sevenths interest in the home place, together with a half interest in another farm of five hundred and twenty acres in Columbia county. He also has two hundred and forty acres in the Imperial valley of California. He cultivates the home place of three hundred and thirty-five acres, the Columbia county farm of five hundred and twenty acres, of which he owns a half interest, and he leases five hundred and eighty acres, thus farming in all fourteen hundred and thirty-five acres of land in the Inland Empire. His extensive operations are most carefully and wisely conducted. Scientific methods underlie his work. He early realized the fact that farm interests should be as carefully systematized as a commercial undertaking and in all of his work he is methodical and progressive. His farm machinery is of the latest improved kind and there is no accessory of a model farm property of the twentieth century that is not to be found upon his place.

In 1900 Mr. Roberts was united in marriage to Miss Myrtle Bateman, a daughter of Henry Bateman, who was one of the earliest of Walla Walla county's pioneers, first coming here in 1849 and the following year settling on a claim on Coppei creek. He was an Indian war veteran and one of the conspicuous figures in the early pioneer life of Walla Walla county. His demise occurred in Waitsburg in December, 1915. Mr. and Mrs. Roberts now have two sons, Harold and Henry.

In politics Mr. Roberts maintains an independent course, not caring to bind himself by party ties. He belongs to Waitsburg Lodge, F. & A. M.; to Touchet Lodge, No. 5, I. O. O. F.; and to the Ancient Order of United Workmen; and his wife holds membership in the Methodist church. Their lives are guided by high and honorable principles and in all business affairs Mr. Roberts is regarded as thoroughly reliable as well as energetic. His life record is as an open book. He has always lived in this section of the state, has always carried on general agricultural pursuits, and although there are no spectacular phases in his career, he has ever been regarded as a substantial and valued citizen because of his loyalty to the best interests of the community and his cooperation in plans and measures which are calculated to advance and uphold civic standards.

JAMES H. BOWLES.

The consensus of public opinion names James H. Bowles among the leading citizens of Walla Walla county. He is the owner of a valuable farming property and also of a fine residence in Prescott, where he makes his home. He was born in Warren county, Missouri, November 11, 1854, and is a son of Thomas H. and Lucinda (Gibson) Bowles, the former a native of Virginia, while the latter was born in Missouri. They became the parents of eight children, six of whom survive, but both the father and mother died in Missouri.

James H. Bowles was reared and educated in the state of his nativity and had reached the age of thirty-five years when in the spring of 1889 he came to Walla Walla county, Washington. He established his home in Prescott and later he bought a farm of one hundred and eighty acres, which he has carefully and persistently cultivated, bringing the entire place under a high state of development. Upon the farm are excellent improvements and everything about the place indicates the careful supervision of a practical and progressive owner. He makes his home, however, in Prescott, where he owns an attractive residence. His business affairs have been carefully managed and his thorough reliability has gained for him the respect and confidence of all, while unfaltering energy has furthered his prosperity.

On the 14th of November, 1880, Mr. Bowles was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Reavis, a native of Missouri and a daughter of Woodson Reavis. They have become the parents of the following children: Thomas Woodson, who died at the age of seven months; Mary Almeda, the wife of J. T. Janes, who is living near Prescott; James William, residing near Prescott, who married Lillian N. Coble and has one child, James Eugene; Sarah Ann, who is the wife of F. E. Grubb, also living near Prescott, and they have two children, Ora Vale and James Roy; Virginia Frances, who is the wife of Vergil N. Harris, of Prescott, and has two children, Genevra Elizabeth and Virginia Ann; one child who died at the age of nine months; Pearl Margaret, who is the wife of C. L. Jones, living near Prescott, and they have five children, William Lawrence, Dale Walter, Ernest Monroe, Alma Elizabeth and James Dewey; Archie Eugene, who married Elizabeth Helms and resides in Prescott; Walter Jennings, who married Fay Hazel Nail; and Elizabeth.

JAMES H. BOWLES

JAMES H. BOWLES

JAMES H. BOWLES

MRS. JAMES H. BOWLES

MRS. JAMES H. BOWLES

MRS. JAMES H. BOWLES

Both Mr. and Mrs. Bowles are faithful members of the Christian church and take an active interest in its work, while contributing generously to its support. In politics Mr. Bowles is a democrat and has been called upon to fill public office. He has served as a member of the city council of Prescott; has also been a member of the school board; and was deputy assessor for two years. Fraternally he is connected with the Woodmen of the World. He has never had occasion to regret his determination to establish his home in the northwest, for here he found the opportunities which he sought and in the business conditions of this section of the country he has so directed his efforts that a most substantial competence has been acquired.

BERT LOGAN JONES, B. S., M. D., C. M.

The alumni of McGill University are found in all sections of the American continent. The thorough training of that school well qualifies its students for the various lines of work which they may undertake and in the main the graduates of that institution have been most successful. Dr. Bert Logan Jones is among the number who are actively engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery in Walla Walla. Pennsylvania numbers him among her native sons, his birth having occurred in Allegheny on the 11th of May, 1882, his parents being Reuben Reynolds and Maggie Elizabeth Jones. With the removal of the family to the west he became a pupil in the public schools and was graduated from the Baker school in 1898. He then continued his education in the Washington State College and won the Bachelor of Science degree in 1907. He afterward entered McGill University as a medical student and was graduated from the Montreal institution with the degree of M. D., C. M. He has since practiced his profession in Walla Walla and in 1914 he was appointed surgeon in the state penitentiary. In general practice he has made for himself a creditable position. He is thoroughly conversant with the latest discoveries and scientific researches that have to bear upon medical and surgical practice, is most careful in the diagnosis of his cases and seldom if ever at fault in matters of judgment regarding the outcome of disease. Moreover, he holds to the highest professional standards and his course has been an expression of the most advanced ethics of the profession.

On the 25th of December, 1916, in Pullman, Washington, Dr. Jones was united in marriage to Miss Jessie Elliott Hays, a daughter of the Rev. W. G. M. Hays, D. D. Dr. Hays was the founder of the United Presbyterian church and the academy at Waitsburg, Washington, in 1886 and was the organizer of the United Presbyterian church at Olympia in 1895. He also founded the United Presbyterian church at Pullman, Washington, in 1898 and remained as pastorthere for eighteen years. He has thus had much to do with the moral progress and development of this section and in his labors has not been denied the full harvest nor the aftermath of his efforts. Mrs. Jones was graduated from the Washington State College in 1906, from the State Normal School at Cheney, Washington, in 1912, and from 1906 until 1916 taught in the graded and high schools of this state.

Dr. and Mrs. Jones hold membership in the First Presbyterian church of Walla Walla and he belongs to the Walla Walla Commercial Club and to the Masonic fraternity, associations which indicate much of the nature of his interests and the rules which govern his conduct. He is a man of genuine personal worth, esteemed by all who know him and most of all where he is best known. While he holds to high professional standards and gives the greater part of his attention to his profession, he also recognizes and meets the duties and obligations of citizenship and in many ways has cooperated in bringing about public welfare and improvement.

JOHN P. KENT.

While for many years Mr. Kent was one of the best known and most prominent business men of Walla Walla, he always found time to cooperate in public interests and the waterworks and the park systems of the city were largely due to his initiative and to his untiring effort. His determined purpose and indefatigable energy enabled him to accomplish whatever he undertook and his worth in matters of citizenship as well as in business circles was widely acknowledged.

Mr. Kent was born in Boston, Massachusetts, June 29, 1858, and when about fifteen years of age removed to the Sunset state, arriving in Walla Walla, where for forty-four years he occupied a prominent position in connection with the commercial activity of the community. In 1880 he became engaged in the meat business and later was associated with William Kirkman, Chris Ennis and A. Beard in organizing the Walla Walla Meat Company. He retained the active management of the business until November, 1898, when he retired from that field in order to turn his attention to insurance. From that time forward until his demise he maintained an insurance office in the Dooly building and gained a very prominent position in insurance circles. Mr. Kent was one of the organizers of the firm of Gardner & Company and served as its second vice president until his death. He did with thoroughness everything that he undertook and therefore he mastered every phase of the insurance business.

On the 12th of November, 1890, Mr. Kent was united in marriage to Miss Delia A. Lyons, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. P. Lyons, and to them were born four children: Ruth, the wife of Harry Paxton, Jr.; John Paul, Mildred Agnes and Omer James, all of whom are living in Walla Walla.

Besides his activity in business circles Mr. Kent took a prominent part in politics and in lodge, social and church affairs. He was a member of the city council for two terms, beginning in 1896, and he was a most aggressive advocate of the rights of the people. It was through his instrumentality that Walla Walla secured its waterworks. He was also particularly interested in public park development and did much toward securing Walla Walla's present chain of city parks. He served as a member of the first park board and lost no opportunity to further the interests which he espoused, making the park system one which is most attractive and creditable. He was one of the most trusted leaders of the democratic party in the state of Washington and served as a delegate to nearly every state and county convention of his party.

JOHN P. KENT

JOHN P. KENT

JOHN P. KENT

In religious faith Mr. Kent was an earnest and loyal Catholic and was twice representative of the state of Washington in the supreme council of the Catholic Knights of America. He was also an earnest and effective worker in behalf of the United Relief Society and was filling the office of vice president at the time of his demise. For many years he was a director of the Walla Walla County Fair Association and in that connection did much to further public progress. He was also a trustee of the local lodge of Elks and was a past grand knight of the Knights of Columbus in Walla Walla. Death called him on the 8th of May, 1917, when he passed away at his home on Poplar street. He had been in failing health for about a year but was confined to his home for only the last week. One who knew him well paid to him the following justly merited tribute:

"In the death of John P. Kent, Walla Walla has lost one of her best citizens. He was always active in every progressive enterprise and a factor in everything that had for its object the benefit of his home city. He was eloquent of speech, which, combined with his recognized probity and force of character, gave him great influence in the council of his fellows. He was no trimmer but expressed his opinions on all questions openly and frankly and even those who disagreed with him acknowledged and admitted his sincerity of purpose. He was one of the kindest of husbands, the most loving of fathers and a true and loyal friend."

GEORGE F. MOTTET.

George F. Mottet is a retired stock man of Walla Walla who at the age of twenty-seven years came to the new world and established his home in this section of the state. Throughout the intervening period he has been connected with the sheep industry but has now largely put aside the active cares of business life to enjoy in well earned rest the fruits of his former toil. He was born in France, February 17, 1859, and is a son of Francis and Virginia Mottet, who were also natives of France, where they spent their entire lives. They had a family of seven children, but George F. is the only one now living. He was reared and educated in France, enjoying liberal opportunities. He completed a high school course and afterward served for four years in the French army. He then determined to try his fortune in the new world and in 1886 he came to America, making his way at once to Walla Walla. He has since been identified with the interests of the northwest. He was engaged in the sheep industry for twenty-four years and his affairs were wisely and successfully managed, so that he derived therefrom a handsome competence. After almost a quarter of a century he sold out and retired from active business life, making his home at the present time at No. 440 Chase avenue in Walla Walla, where he occupies a fine residence.

In 1895 Mr. Mottet was united in marriage to Miss Leonie Vincent, a native of France, and they have become parents of three children: George, who died at the age of eleven years; Anna, who is a high school graduate of Walla Walla; and one who died in infancy.

In his political views Mr. Mottet has always been a stanch republican since becoming a naturalized American citizen but has never been an aspirant for office. He and his wife belong to the Catholic church. He is a self-made man—one who deserves much credit for what he has accomplished. He has never had occasion to regret his determination to come to the new world, for here he found the opportunities which he sought and in their improvement has acquired a handsome fortune. In addition to the home which he occupies in Walla Walla he has seven other residence properties there, from which he derives a gratifying annual income. His business interests have been carefully managed, his methods have been characterized by the utmost integrity and the results which have accrued are most satisfactory and creditable.

JOSEPH UTTER.

Joseph Utter, residing in Prescott, is identified with several important business enterprises of the town and is also actively and successfully engaged in farming in Walla Walla county. He was born in the state of New York, February 22, 1855, a son of Alex M. and Alida (Putman) Utter, both of whom were natives of the Empire state. They removed to Wisconsin in 1859 and there resided until 1861, when they became residents of Minnesota, establishing their home upon a farm. In 1862 the father enlisted for service in the Civil war, his patriotic spirit prompting his ready response to the country's call for aid. He joined Company G of the Third Minnesota Infantry and served until the close of the hostilities, after which he returned to Minnesota, where both he and his wife passed away. In their family were nine children, eight of whom are yet living.

Joseph Utter was reared and educated in Minnesota and in 1882 arrived in Walla Walla county, Washington, taking up his abode on a farm near Prescott which he still owns. His place comprises eight hundred and five acres of rich and productive land, all of which is improved. It is largely devoted to the cultivation of wheat, for his farm is situated in the midst of the rich wheat belt of Washington, famous throughout the entire country. The methods which he employs in his farm work are productive of excellent results. In addition to the growing of wheat he is also engaged in stock raising and both branches of his business are proving profitable. He is likewise a stockholder and manager of the Prescott Warehouse Company and is the president of the Prescott Telephone Company. In all business affairs he displays keen discernment and unfaltering industry and his carefully directed labors are bringing to him substantial returns.

JOSEPH UTTER

JOSEPH UTTER

JOSEPH UTTER

In 1878 Mr. Utter was united in marriage to Miss Carrie Pettijohn, a daughter of Thomas and Charity (Wisby) Pettijohn, both of whom were natives of Ohio but spent their last years in Minnesota. Mr. and Mrs. Utter became the parents of eleven children: Arabelle, who is the wife of W. H. James, now of California; Thomas H., who is living on the home farm; Carrie May, the wife of A. W. Reser; Richard, who is married and follows farming; Mildred, the wife of Henry Goe; Juliette, the wife of John Reid; Ralph, who is married and resides in Prescott; Lilian and Walter Wayne, who are living at home and two have passed away. The wife and mother died in July, 1916, and was laid to rest in the Odd Fellows cemetery. She was a consistent member of the Congregational church and was most devoted to the welfare of her family. Her loss was also deeply regretted by her many friends.

Mr. Utter holds membership in Prescott Lodge, No. 46, I. O. O. F., in which he has filled all of the chairs, and he also belongs to the Woodmen of the World. In politics he is a republican but not an office seeker. He has through individual effort and determination become one of the prosperous farmers of Walla Walla county and one of its representative business men. His worth is widely acknowledged by all with whom he has come in contact and his business career is characterized by a forcefulness and resourcefulness that is most resultant.

DAVID W. MILLER.

David W. Miller, one of the representative and prosperous agriculturists of Walla Walla county, within the borders of which he has spent almost his entire life, makes his home in the city of Walla Walla. He owns six hundred and twenty acres of productive land in Spring Valley and operates altogether about fifteen hundred acres. His birth occurred in Wyoming on the 22d of August, 1874, his parents being David and Isabelle (King) Miller, who were born, reared and married in Scotland. About 1870 they crossed the Atlantic to the new world and in subsequent years resided in Pennsylvania, Utah and other states but eventually came to Washington and about 1877 took up their abode in Walla Walla county. Here David Miller gave his attention to general agricultural pursuits, locating in Spring Valley, where he acquired a section of land and in his undertakings won gratifying prosperity. He was chosen to represent his district in the state senate for eight years, being first elected in 1893 and making a splendid record that gained the approval and continued support of his constituents. He was one of the dominant factors in the organization of the Farmers Alliance and was always foremost in any movement instituted to promote the interests and welfare of the community. Fraternally he was identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His demise, which occurred on the 6th of October, 1902, was the occasion of deep and widespread regret, for in his passing the community lost one of its most valued and esteemed citizens. His widow, surviving him for a number of years, was called to her final rest in November, 1911.

David W. Miller, whose name introduces this review, was reared under the parental roof and in the acquirement of an education attended the district schools and also spent one year in study in Whitman College. He then devoted about six years to farming and on the expiration of that period embarked in the furniture and undertaking business at Waitsburg, conducting an enterprise of that character for two years. At the end of that time he engaged in the coal and wood business at Walla Walla, being thus occupied until 1910, when he againturned his attention to agricultural pursuits, which have since claimed his time and energies. He owns six hundred and twenty acres of valuable land in Spring Valley and operates altogether about fifteen hundred acres, his interests being thus extensive and important. Success has attended his efforts in this connection by reason of the fact that he utilizes the most modern and progressive methods of agriculture and has ever manifested industry, enterprise and unremitting energy.

On the 12th of August, 1903, Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss Ida Breeze, a daughter of R. M. Breeze, of Waitsburg. They now have three children, namely: James T., Earl W. and Ella Isabelle. In his political views Mr. Miller is a democrat and fraternally he is identified with Trinity Lodge, I. O. O. F., and with Columbia Lodge No. 70, K. P. His life has been upright and honorable in every relation and he well merits the warm regard and high esteem in which he is uniformly held.

SILAS W. SMITH.

For almost sixty years Silas W. Smith made his home upon the Pacific coast and was long identified with its mercantile interests, conducting a store in Walla Walla during the last years of his business career. He was born in Monmouth, Illinois, August 16, 1844, a son of Isaac and Margaret (Butler) Smith, who were also natives of that state. In 1853 the family crossed the plains and located on a farm near Dallas, Oregon. They traveled in covered wagons drawn by horses and experienced the usual hardships of such a journey. Upon a claim of three hundred and twenty acres the father built the first log cabin in that locality and he became one of the prominent and influential men of the valley where he and his wife continued to make their home until called to their final rest. He always took a very active part in politics and for two terms was an honored member of the legislature. In his family were nine children, only four of whom are now living.

Silas W. Smith was about nine years of age when he came with the family to the far west and he was reared and educated at Dallas, Oregon, graduating from the academy at that place. After leaving school he was engaged in mercantile business at Independence, Oregon, for several years, but in 1888 removed to Waitsburg, Washington, where he conducted a store for some time, and later engaged in the same business in Walla Walla in partnership with John Fitzgerald. He finally sold out and lived retired until his death in 1912.

On the 5th of November, 1867, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Esther M. Barney, a native of Keokuk, Iowa, and a daughter of Harlow and Mary A. (Curtis) Barney. Her father was born in Pennsylvania and her mother in Vermont. They were among the pioneers who crossed the plains with ox teams in 1853 and settled near Dallas, Oregon, where Mr. Barney took up six hundred and forty acres of land, making his home thereon until his death. His wife also died there. Two of their three children are still living. To Mr. and Mrs. Smith were born five children, namely: Mary Ellen, the deceased wife of W. W. Maxwell; E. H., also deceased; O. B., a resident of Waitsburg, Washington; Lenna, the wife of Laverne Bartlett of Walla Walla; and Milan W., a merchant of Waitsburg.

SILAS W. SMITH

SILAS W. SMITH

SILAS W. SMITH

MRS. SILAS W. SMITH

MRS. SILAS W. SMITH

MRS. SILAS W. SMITH

Mrs. Smith owns a valuable ranch of five hundred and forty acres, all in a high state of cultivation. She is a faithful member of the Christian church, to which her husband also belonged, and he took quite an active part in all church work. He also held membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and was a stanch republican in politics, exerting considerable influence in local affairs and serving for two terms as mayor of the city with credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction of his constituents. In his death the community realized that it had lost a valued and useful citizen—one devoted to the best interests of the community. Mrs. Smith is a member of the Rebekah Lodge at Waitsburg and has filled all the chairs in the same. Like her husband, she makes friends wherever she goes and is held in the highest esteem by all who know her.

F. J. ALDRICH.

F. J. Aldrich is a representative farmer of Columbia county who utilizes the most progressive methods in tilling the soil and caring for his crops. Western enterprise finds expression in his life. He is a western man by birth, by training and by preference. He was born in Walla Walla county, Washington, July 1, 1872, and is a son of Milton and Sarah (Stanfield) Aldrich, the former a native of Michigan, while the latter was born in Iowa. In 1850 the father crossed the plains to California, where he engaged in prospecting and mining, continuing his operations from California clear into Canada. In 1860 he made his way to Walla Walla county, Washington, where he took up a homestead on Dry creek, seven miles east of the city of Walla Walla. Later he acquired other lands until he became owner of eight hundred and fifteen acres in the home place and nine hundred and twenty acres on Coppei creek, five miles from Waitsburg. He devoted many years to the development and improvement of his farm land and about five years prior to his death removed to Walla Walla, where he passed away about 1912. His widow is still living and yet occupies the home ranch. Mr. Aldrich was a republican in his political views and was twice elected county commissioner of Walla Walla county. He took an active and helpful interest in community affairs and was actuated by a public-spirited devotion to duty. His wife is a member of the Methodist church and a lady of many admirable qualities which have gained for her the high esteem and goodwill of all with whom she has been brought in contact.

F. J. Aldrich was reared upon the home farm and acquired his education in the common schools and in Whitman College, where he won his academic degree, although he lacked three months of graduation. On attaining his twenty-first year he began farming for himself and has since been prominently identified with agricultural interests in Walla Walla and Columbia counties. In 1902 he removed to his present farm in Columbia county, where he owns one thousand acres of land and in addition to that tract he also operates another thousand acres under lease. He is thus one of the extensive farmers of his section of the state, his great, broad fields annually producing excellent harvests, while the methodsthat he employs are of the most progressive character. In fact his farm work is an indication of the last word in modern scientific agriculture.

In 1895 Mr. Aldrich was united in marriage to Miss Angeline Lloyd, a daughter of Albert G. Lloyd, now deceased, of whom extended mention is made elsewhere in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Aldrich have become parents of two children, Elmo and Erick.

In his political views Mr. Aldrich is a stalwart republican, always supporting the party at the polls yet never seeking office as a reward for party fealty. He belongs to Waitsburg Lodge, No. 16, F. & A. M., and also to Walla Walla Lodge, No. 287, B. P. O. E. He ranks with the foremost citizens of Columbia county and is honored and respected by all, not alone by reason of the success which he has achieved but also owing to the straightforward business methods which he has ever followed. He has never been known to take advantage of the necessities of another in any business transaction and through legitimate channels has won his prosperity.

WALLACE R. COPELAND.

Wallace R. Copeland, residing in Walla Walla, is actively identified with the agricultural development of this section of the state. He is a western man by birth, training and preference and in his life exemplifies the spirit of enterprise which has ever been the dominant factor in the upbuilding of this section of the country. He was born in Yamhill county, Oregon, March 26, 1860, a son of Henry S. and Mary Ann (Morton) Copeland, who are mentioned elsewhere in this work. He was but two years of age when his parents removed from Yamhill county to Walla Walla county, Washington, and here he was reared to manhood upon the old homestead farm, early becoming familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. In 1882 his parents left the farm and removed to Walla Walla, where both died.

Wallace R. Copeland pursued his education in the district schools and began his studies in one of the old-time log schoolhouses with a puncheon floor, slab benches and sod roof. The methods of instruction were also somewhat primitive, but he has lived to see marked development in the educational system of the state until Washington stands foremost in many respects in regard to its public school work. He remained at home through the period of his youth and continued to assist his father in the farm work until he reached the age of twenty-two years. He then started out independently as a farmer and as time has passed on has made for himself a most creditable and enviable position among the leading agriculturists of the state. He at first rented land from his father, cultivating four hundred and fifteen acres on the Cottonwood creek. This was in 1882. For ten years he farmed that place successfully as a renter and during the financial panic of 1892-3 he bought the farm of his father and has since extended his farming interests by the purchase of one hundred and seventy acres, so that he has in all five hundred and eighty-five acres. This is very valuable wheat land and upon it are produced some of the finest wheat crops that are grown in this section of the state. About 1911 he purchased five hundred and eighty-four acres of wheat land on Mill creek, for which he paid one hundred dollars per acre. He also owns a section of grazing land in the foothills. In the year 1916 he planted five hundred and sixty acres to wheat and there was an excellent yield. He is most progressive in his methods and has closely studied every phase of wheat cultivation, so that sound judgment directs his efforts and produces splendid results.

WALLACE R. COPELAND

WALLACE R. COPELAND

WALLACE R. COPELAND

On the 9th of March, 1884, Mr. Copeland was united in marriage to Miss Augusta Kaseberg, of Walla Walla, a daughter of John and Henrietta Kaseberg, natives of Germany, who came to this country when children and were married here. For a time they made their home in Illinois, but in 1882 came west and settled in Walla Walla county, Washington. By trade the father was a wagon maker but his last years were devoted to farming. He died in 1905 and the mother passed away about three years later. In their family were eight children, of whom six are still living. To Mr. and Mrs. Copeland have been born five children: Henry, who is engaged in farming in Walla Walla county; Laura, the wife of Chester Offner, of Walla Walla; Elizabeth, the wife of Mathew Ennis, a farmer of this county; Ella, at home; and Edwin, who attended school at Pullman and later engaged in farming in Walla Walla county, but in December, 1917, he enlisted as machinist mate in the aviation service of the United States navy and went to San Diego, California.

Mrs. Copeland is an active member of the Presbyterian church and its auxiliary societies and is also an earnest worker in the Red Cross service. In his political views Mr. Copeland is a republican and gives stalwart support to the party, but is not an office seeker. He belongs to the Farmers Union of Walla Walla and there is no resident of this section of the state who is more able to speak with authority upon agricultural questions, especially those relating to the cultivation of wheat. His career has been notably successful. He had no assistance at the outset but has steadily worked his way upward and his persistent energy has brought him to a most enviable position. He has extensive holdings and his labors have been the foundation of his present prosperity.

J. R. AULT.

J. R. Ault, residing on section 26, township 11 north, range 37 east, is well known as one of the leading farmers and representative citizens of Columbia county. His birth occurred in Cornwall, Ontario, Canada, on the 7th of May, 1884, his parents being John N. and Rebecca (Kinnear) Ault, who were born, reared and married in that province. The father was for a number of years engaged in wool buying at Cornwall, where he is now living retired. The mother, however, is deceased, having been called to her final rest in 1898.

J. R. Ault was reared under the parental roof and acquired his education in the city schools of Cornwall. In 1904, when a young man of twenty years, he came to the state of Washington and took up his abode in the vicinity of his present home, here beginning farming as a renter. In 1909 he came into possession of his first property, purchasing one hundred and sixty acres of land in association with his brother, S. C. Ault, in partnership with whom he operatedthe place until the fall of 1916, since which time he has carried on his agricultural interests independently. He now owns three hundred and sixty acres of land and leases one hundred and sixty more, and in the conduct of his farming operations he has won a well deserved and gratifying measure of success by reason of his enterprise, close application and progressiveness.

In the exercise of his right of franchise Mr. Ault supports the men and measures of the democratic party and fraternally he is a prominent Mason, belonging to Tucanon Lodge, No. 106, F. & A. M., of Starbuck; Dayton Chapter, No. 5, R. A. M.; Washington Commandery, No. 5, K. T., of Walla Walla; and El Katif Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Spokane. He has already won a most creditable position as an agriculturist of Columbia county, and all with whom he comes in contact recognize him as a young man of sterling personal worth and many commendable qualities.

JAMES P. SEITZ.

James P. Seitz, who from the age of sixteen years has been a resident of Walla Walla county, is now actively engaged in farming, his land being situated on section 9, township 6 north, range 36 east. He is a progressive man, alert and energetic, and his well defined plans have been carried forward to successful completion. He was born in Missouri, April 13, 1870, and is a son of John P. and Lydia J. (Chambers) Seitz, whose family numbered eight children, five of whom are yet living. The father was a native of Germany and when a young boy came to America, the family home being established in Illinois, and for a time they also lived in Indiana. Subsequently a removal was made to Missouri and there John P. Seitz met and married Miss Chambers, who was a native of Ohio and was of English descent. For twenty-five years he continued his residence in Missouri and in 1886 came to the northwest with Walla Walla county as his destination. After reaching this section of the country he invested in farm land, which his son James now owns. Here he continued to devote his time and energies to general agricultural pursuits until his life's labors were ended in death in 1911. His wife had passed away in 1910. In early life Mr. Seitz had learned the trades of millwright and blacksmith, possessing much natural mechanical skill and ability. He was a soldier of the Civil war, responding to the call of his adopted country for aid to crush out the rebellion in the south, and upon the field of battle he proved his loyalty to his adopted land. He was also greatly interested in the cause of education and insisted that English should be more thoroughly taught in our schools even if it was necessary to exclude foreign languages.

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