Chapter 4

JUDGE BENJAMIN SHARPSTEINMRS. BENJAMIN SHARPSTEINJudge Sharpstein was married in 1854 to Miss Sarah J. Park, who was indeed a faithful companion and helpmate to him on life's journey. She has long figured prominently in the social circles of Walla Walla and her life has been fraught with many good deeds and characterized by the highest principles. Following their marriage Judge and Mrs. Sharpstein continued to reside in the middle west until 1865, when they determined to try their fortune on the Pacific coast and with their three eldest children, John L., Ada A. and Arthur P., they left the Mississippi valley and with a large train of immigrants started across the plains for Oregon. The city of Salem, Oregon, was their objective point but on reaching Walla Walla, Judge Sharpstein was so favorably impressed with the opportunities of this section that he determined to make his home here. Thereafter he was identified with the city and was a most important and influential factor in advancing the best interests of the community, in promoting its progress and upbuilding and in upholding its standards of citizenship. He not only held high rank as a lawyer but was also prominent in shaping the political history of his state. At the bar he was forceful and resourceful. He had comprehensive knowledge of the principles of jurisprudence and was most accurate in applying those principles to the points in litigation. His arguments were most logical, his reasoning sound and clear and his deductions accurate.In political faith Judge Sharpstein was a democrat and held loyally to the principles of his party, although he knew that such a course would deprive him of many political honors, for the district and state in which he lived were overwhelmingly republican. However, his fellow townsmen recognized his genuine worth and patriotic spirit to such an extent that in 1866, again in 1879 and once more in 1886 he was elected to represent his district in the state legislature by overwhelming majorities. In 1889 he was chosen as a member of the state constitutional convention and aided in framing the organic law of Washington. He left the permanent stamp of his wisdom and farsightedness upon that valuable document. His marked ability as a lawyer, combined with his patriotic citizenship and his keen insight into the present needs and the future possibilities of the state, made his service of the greatest worth to the commonwealth and he bore a most important part in shaping the constitution. He was again called to public office in 1890, when he was appointed a member of the tide land commission.Judge Sharpstein was also a leader in local affairs and for twenty-seven years in all, with some periods of intermission, he served as a member of the school board and during much of that time was its president. He did most effective work in advancing the standards of the schools and improving the methods of instruction, and one of the fine school buildings of Walla Walla fittingly bears his name.While many public interests thus claimed his time and attention, Judge Sharpstein regarded the practice of law as his real life work and, admitting histhree sons to a partnership, thus organized one of the strongest legal firms of Washington. One of his sons, Arthur P., died in 1896. Two sons, John L. and Frank B., are still engaged in the practice of law in Walla Walla, while the youngest son, Charles M., has made for himself a national reputation as farmer, art critic and writer. He, too, is a resident of Walla Walla. The only daughter, Ada A., is now the widow of C. B. Upton and lives in Tacoma. Mrs. Sharpstein is still living and although now almost eighty years of age is wonderfully well preserved, being able to do her own marketing and attend to her business affairs. The family of Judge Sharpstein has worthily maintained the high position established by the father, who departed this life May 2, 1907, honored and respected by all who knew him. His memory is enshrined in the hearts of those with whom he came in contact and his name is written large on the pages of Washington's history.GEORGE J. RUARK.George J. Ruark, one of the prominent citizens of Garfield county, is actively identified with farming interests and now makes his home in Pomeroy. He was born in Jefferson county, Kansas, August 17, 1858, a son of Thomas and Mary A. (Messenger) Ruark, who were natives of Illinois and of Ohio respectively. In early life they removed with their respective parents to Wayne county, Iowa, and were there married. They began their domestic life in that county, where they continued to reside until 1857 or 1858, when they became residents of Kansas but after two years returned to Wayne county, Iowa, whence in 1862 they started across the plains with ox teams and wagons for the Pacific coast. The journey was a long and arduous one, but day after day they pushed forward and eventually reached Clarke county, Washington, where they located, establishing their home ten miles north of Vancouver, where they lived until the spring of 1871. In that year they became residents of Walla Walla county and Mr. Ruark engaged in the live stock business until the spring of 1879. In the fall of 1878 he and his family removed to what is now Garfield county, establishing their home near Deadman's Hollow, eighteen miles east of Pomeroy. There the father engaged in farming until 1890 and, adding to his possessions from time to time, he acquired ten hundred and forty acres of valuable wheat land. In the spring of 1890 he removed to Whitman county, his son, George J. Ruark, taking charge of the old home farm in Garfield county. The father then continued in active connection with farming and live stock interests in Whitman county until 1900, when he retired from business life and removed to Asotin, Washington. He owned four hundred and twenty acres of land in Whitman county, which he leased on his removal to Asotin, where he still maintained his residence at date of death, January 8, 1908. His widow still survives and is now a resident of Pomeroy. In politics the father was a democrat and took active interest in the work and success of the party. For a number of years he served as postmaster of Deadman but otherwise refused public office. He belonged to the United Brethren church and was one of the sterling citizens of Garfield county.George J. Ruark was educated in the district schools and was reared to farm life, early becoming familiar with all of the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. In the fall of 1883 he began farming on his own account, renting land in conjunction with his brother Charles and with his father. The Bowman ranch of one thousand acres, which they operated in partnership for three years, returned to them a gratifying annual income and on the expiration of that period George J. Ruark began farming independently, renting two hundred and seventeen acres of the same ranch. This he cultivated for a year and in 1888, having carefully saved his earnings, he bought a small place on which he located. He also continued to cultivate rented land in connection with his home farm and in the fall of 1889 he rented his father's farm of ten hundred and forty acres, which he continued to cultivate for five years. He then returned to his own place, which he farmed in connection with other land until the fall of 1902, when he sold that property and bought his present farm of fourteen hundred and twenty acres, situated at the head of Deadman's Hollow. This is now being cultivated by a tenant, and Mr. Ruark established his home in Pomeroy in the fall of 1903. From this point he directs and supervises his business interests and at the same time he has the enjoyment of city life.In 1889 Mr. Ruark was united in marriage to Miss Olive Vannausdle, of Garfield county, a daughter of Harris Vannausdle, who came from Nebraska in 1884. He is still living and makes his home among his children. Mr. and Mrs. Ruark have an adopted daughter, Elma Maurene.Politically Mr. Ruark is a democrat and on the party ticket was elected a member of the board of county commissioners in 1894, filling the position for four years in a most acceptable and creditable manner. Fraternally he is connected with the Woodmen of the World. He ranks with the leading and representative men of Garfield county, for by his enterprising efforts he has contributed much to the upbuilding and development of this section. He stands for progress and improvement along all lines and his cooperation can ever be counted upon to further any well devised plan for the general good.DAVID B. FERREL.David B. Ferrel, a well known farmer of Russell Creek township, Walla Walla county, was born August 8, 1870, a son of Brewster and Caroline (Bott) Ferrel, both natives of Ohio, an extended sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. David B. Ferrell was reared at home and after attending the district schools for a number of years became a student in the Walla Walla schools. In the meantime he had received thorough training in farm work under his father and when twenty-one years of age he became his father's partner in the operation of the home farm of two thousand acres. The greater part of the active supervision of the work devolves upon Mr. Ferrel of this review and he is one of the largest grain growers of his township, having under cultivation in 1917 more than a thousand acres. He has reduced the operation of his farm to a scientific basis, uses the most modern machinery andis highly efficient in the management of the business aspect of his work. He believes that the farmer should give to his work the same careful study that the business man does to the conduct of his affairs and he is always among the first to adopt improved methods and equipment.On the 2nd of November, 1904, Mr. Ferrel was united in marriage to Miss Laura Wolfe, of Oakland, Maryland, and they have two children, Carlton D. and Dorothy B. Mr. Ferrel has never allied himself with any political party, preferring to cast an independent ballot. He is a member of the school board and takes a lively interest in educational matters. Both he and his wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal church and can be depended upon to support all movements for the upbuilding of the community along moral as well as along material lines. They have a wide acquaintance and are uniformly held in high regard.HARVEY McDONALD.Harvey McDonald, who has lived retired in Walla Walla for the past fifteen years, was long actively identified with agricultural interests as one of the extensive operators of the wheat belt and is still the owner of five hundred and twenty-five acres in Walla Walla county, eight hundred and thirty-one acres in Whitman county, this state, and four hundred and forty acres in Umatilla county, Oregon. His birth occurred in Ontario, Canada, on the 10th of March, 1857, his parents being John and Margaret (Kinnear) McDonald, who were also natives of that province. There the father spent his entire life, passing away in 1863, when his son Harvey was but six years of age. The mother afterward reared her family and in later years made her home among her children, her death occurring in Weston, Oregon.Harvey McDonald acquired his education in the common schools of Ontario, Canada, and there spent the first twenty-three years of his life. In 1880 he crossed the border into the United States, locating in Umatilla county, Oregon, where he engaged in farming. Success attended his efforts as a wheat grower and he became one of the extensive operators of the wheat belt, acquiring large holdings which he still retains. About 1897 he took up his abode in the city of Walla Walla in order that his children might have the advantages of its schools. For five years thereafter he devoted his attention to the real estate business but since 1902 has lived retired in the enjoyment of well earned rest, leaving the cultivation of his farms to tenants. He was one of the organizers of the People's State Bank and has served as a director of the institution continuously to the present time.In 1885 Mr. McDonald was united in marriage to Miss Nora Richardson, a daughter of John Richardson, one of the prominent ranchmen and pioneer settlers of Umatilla county, Oregon. The children of Mr. and Mrs. McDonald are three in number, as follows: Clara, who is the wife of C. B. Weathermon, an agriculturist residing in Umatilla county, Oregon; Areta, who gave her hand in marriage to S. Henderson Boyles, of Spokane, Washington; and Esther, the wife of Lindon Barnett, of Walla Walla.HARVEY McDONALDPolitically Mr. McDonald is a republican, loyally supporting the men and measures of that party at the polls. Prior to the inauguration of the commission form of government he served for fourteen months as a member of the city council and in that connection made a most excellent record. Fraternally he is identified with the Woodmen of the World, while his religious faith is indicated in his membership in the Methodist church, to which his wife also belongs. His course has at all times commended him to the confidence and respect of his fellowmen and he is widely recognized as one of the representative, substantial and esteemed citizens of Walla Walla.ANTHONY FEIDER.Anthony Feider, an energetic and up-to-date farmer residing on section 1, township 11 north, range 42 east, Garfield county, was born in Germany, January 12, 1884, and is a son of S. A. and Rosa (Pohl) Feider, who in 1890 removed with their family to the United States. For some time they resided in Walla Walla county, Washington, and then came to Garfield county, purchasing the farm on which they still live. All of their six children also survive.Anthony Feider received the greater part of his education in Garfield county and remained at home until he attained his majority, during which time he became thoroughly familiar with the various phases of farm work. On beginning his independent career he decided to devote his life to the occupation to which he had been reared and is now successfully operating five hundred acres belonging to his father. He harvests a large amount of grain annually and also raises high grade stock, from the sale of which he derives a good profit.In 1907 Mr. Feider was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Pierre, who was born in Minnesota. Their children as follows: Paul A., Vincent A., John F., Joseph S., Edward P. and Albert W. Mr. and Mrs. Feider are communicants of the Catholic church and are always willing to further its work in every way possible. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus, and his personality is such that he has made many friends within and without that organization. In politics he is a stanch republican but he has never had time to give to public affairs, his farming operations requiring his undivided attention.FRANK KIBLER.Frank Kibler, who resides on section 5, Spring Creek township, Walla Walla county, is devoting his time exclusively to the operation of the large farm properties owned by the Kibler estate, and his well directed efforts are rewarded by gratifying profits. He was born May 18, 1882, in the township in which he still lives, and is a son of Jacob and Louisa (Buroker) Kibler. The father was a native of Shenandoah county, Virginia, and in 1853 came to the Pacific coast, locating in California, where he spent five years in the gold fields. In 1858 he removed to Walla Walla county, Washington, and for several years,or until the coming of the railroad, he was engaged in freighting. After rail transportation was established he turned his attention to farming, becoming the owner of land on Mill creek, about six miles east of Walla Walla. He prospered in his farming operations and became the owner of fifteen hundred acres of as fine farm land as can be found in the state. He continued to give his attention to the management of his affairs until his death, which occurred in September, 1908. His wife, who was born in the middle west, accompanied her parents on the long overland journey to Walla Walla county in 1864. She survives and still resides on the homestead.Frank Kibler was reared under the parental roof and his experiences were those common to boys raised in a western pioneer community. He attended the district schools and also aided in such of the farm work as was within his strength, and by the time he had reached maturity he was an experienced agriculturist. He and his three brothers have always farmed in partnership and since the death of the father they have added extensively to their land holdings, which are all in the name of the Kibler estate. They are progressive and up-to-date, and no invention that will facilitate the work of the farm is lacking upon their properties. Moreover, their residence rivals in attractiveness and in modern equipment the best city homes, and the barns and other buildings are likewise of the latest type. Their farms are modern in equipment and illustrate the possibilities of farm life when the agriculturist brings to his work the same careful study and the same willingness to adopt new methods that characterize the successful business man along other lines.Frank Kibler married Miss Leora McLeran, of Moscow, Idaho. She is a member of the Christian church and takes a praiseworthy interest in its work. Mr. Kibler supports the democratic party at the polls but has never been an active party worker, for his entire time has been taken up with the management of his farming interests. He has a wide acquaintance in the county in which his entire life has been spent, and his sterling worth is indicated in the fact that his stanchest friends are those who have known him intimately since boyhood.F. M. SANDERS.F. M. Sanders, a successful farmer residing in Walla Walla township, was born in Walla Walla county, December 31, 1873, a son of John and Rebecca (Meredith) Sanders, the former a native of Indiana and the latter of Ohio. In 1865 they crossed the continent with ox teams and located upon a farm east of Dixie, in Walla Walla county, where both resided until called by death. To them were born seven children, of whom six survive.F. M. Sanders was reared and received his education in this county and gained valuable training in farm work under his father's direction. When he attained his majority he began farming on his own account and for thirty years he has made his home upon his present place, which comprises one hundred and sixty acres of excellent land in Walla Walla township. The improvements thereon are substantial and up-to-date, and his labors are rewarded bygood crops. He is also a director of the Self-Oiling Wheel & Bearing Company of Walla Walla.Mr. Sanders was married in May, 1907, to Miss Minnie Bliven, a native of Minnesota, and they became the parents of three children, Lester F., Irene L. and Ralph H. On the 12th of May, 1917, the wife and mother passed away and she was laid to rest in the College Place cemetery. She was a consistent member of the Seventh Day Adventist church and her upright Christian life gained her the respect of all with whom she came in contact.Mr. Sanders is a democrat in politics and has served acceptably as a member of the school board. He belongs to the Farmers Union and is interested in every movement that tends to advance the interests of agriculturists.JAMES J. EDWARDS.James J. Edwards, the highly efficient president of the Edwards-Hindle Company, conducting one of the leading department stores in southeastern Washington, is recognized as a foremost factor in the commercial development of Dayton. His rapid advancement to his present position is indicative of what can be accomplished in the inland empire when a man is energetic, sound of judgment and determined to succeed, for he began his business career as cash boy and has at all times depended solely upon his own resources.His birth occurred in Tennessee, October 22, 1873, and his educational opportunities were in no way better than those afforded the average boy. In fact many a man who consoles himself with the thought that if he had had a chance he might have accomplished something had, in his youth, more favorable opportunities than did James J. Edwards. He was early compelled to make his own living and his first position was that of cash boy, with a salary of two dollars per week. He was faithful in the discharge of his duties in that connection, and being keen of observation even in that position, gained much information concerning the conduct of a store. His ability and fidelity were rewarded by advancement, and as the years passed he became increasingly familiar with merchandising. In 1899 he came to Dayton and took charge of the clothing department of the store owned by T. M. Hanger & Company. Subsequently he was promoted to the head of the dry goods department of that business and he retained that position until the company retired from business in Dayton and removed to Walla Walla. Mr. Edwards then organized the Edwards-Hindle Company, with a capital of fifty thousand dollars and took over the store formerly conducted by T. M. Hanger & Company, the new management taking charge of the place October 29, 1906. In the intervening eleven years the trade has shown a steady and rapid growth, the floor space has been increased, the store now occupying all the original Weinhard block at the corner of Main and Second streets. The location is one of the best in the city and in itself is an indication of the success that has attended the activities of Mr. Edwards and his associates. The store is well organized and carries a full line of dry goods, clothing and all kinds of groceries. Its policy has always been to carry, as far as possible, trade marked goods ofnational reputation, and its large patronage is further increased by the fact that the stock is so complete as to offer a large range for selection in every department. It is known as "The House of Quality," which slogan expresses the policy rigorously carried out in the management of the business.Mr. Edwards was married in Oakesdale, Washington, to Miss Laura Graham in 1893 and they have one child living, Lloyd G. Edwards. Mrs. Edwards died in 1899. Mr. Edwards was married to Miss Celeste Price in 1908. He is devoted to the interests of his family and takes a great deal of pleasure in his beautiful home on South First street, which is one of the finest residences in Dayton. A great deal of thought and care has been given to its interior decoration, and all of the modern conveniences have been installed. Although at no time indifferent to political questions Mr. Edwards has not taken a very active part in civic affairs, preferring to give his entire attention to the management of his extensive business interests. He has found in the development of the Edwards-Hindle department store full scope for his executive ability and energy, and has derived great satisfaction from his effective work in building up its trade. His ability as a merchant is universally recognized, and during the years of his residence in Dayton he has also gained a place in the warm regard of many because of his admirable qualities as a man.LEWIS McMORRIS.Among the honored early settlers of Washington was Lewis McMorris, who in 1852 came to the Pacific coast and throughout the remainder of his life was identified with the interests of this section of the country. He was here before the city of Walla Walla was founded and he saw its development and assisted in its making. With his brother Joseph and his sisters, Mrs. Sarah Funk and Mrs. Emma Craig, he lived for years in the evening of his days on First street in Walla Walla. He was born in Coshocton, Ohio, August 12, 1831, and came of Scotch ancestry, the family having been founded in America in 1774 by a representative of the name who served in the Revolutionary war and who settled near Winchester, Virginia. After the establishment of American independence the family was founded in Ohio and in later generations representatives of the name went to Shelby county, Illinois, and there engaged in farming.LEWIS McMORRISLewis McMorris was one of the family who went to Illinois and on attaining his majority he was fitted out by his father to accompany a bachelor neighbor and a party to California. It was in the month of March, 1852, that they started west with ox teams, crossing the plains and meeting with many of the hardships and privations which fell to the lot of the pioneers. It was in that year that the cholera proved so terrible a scourge and all the way from the Missouri river graves dotted the trail. With only a sheet for a shroud and without a casket the bodies were lowered into their graves and the traveler, starting out full of hope, was laid to his last sleep. Often five newly made graves were to be seen in a day. The party with which Mr. McMorris traveled consisted of a train of three wagons at the start but they were afterward joined by six wagons en route at St. Joseph, Missouri, and on the 15th of September, 1852, they reached Fosters, near Oregon City. There the oxen and wagons were sold and horses were purchased by those who desired to go on to the mines. They made pack saddles, loaded the horses and pressed on to southern Oregon, where a year and a half was spent at Sutter Creek, at Crescent City and at other mines. They were not successful there, however, and pressed on to Yreka, California, where Mr. McMorris again engaged in mining. The Rogue River Indian war, however, broke out in southern Oregon, causing him to change his location and he made his way to the northern part of the state. He became a packer, rushing goods from Portland to the mines at Colville. After one of these trips he hired the team of mules to the quartermaster of the Oregon Volunteers to haul supplies to their headquarters at The Dalles. On the second trip the Indians stole both mules and supplies. On the 7th of December, 1855, the battle of the Walla Walla with the Indians was begun on Walla Walla river west of the present site of the city, a battle that lasted for four days and in which several thousand Indians were lined up against a few hundred white volunteers. The white men, however, were victorious and it was a memorable battle because it was a victory of a few over many and also because it marked the beginning of a lasting peace between the Indians and the white settlers in that vicinity. Mr. McMorris was one of the active participants in that battle. In 1856, when the troops camped at what became old Fort Walla Walla they moved about four miles up Mill creek but decided that the first stopping place was best and returned. It was this that decided the location of Walla Walla. Mr. McMorris assisted in building the canton, as the old fort was called, which was made from the various trees which grew along the banks of Mill creek. Years later when this land was sold for building purposes in order to extend the present city, it was desired to save intact some of the old fort buildings, to place them in the city park as historic relics, but it was found that the timber had rotted so that they crumbled away. In 1857 Mr. McMorris made the trip to the Willamette valley to buy teams for the government. On his return he began freighting for McClinchey & Freedman, who were proprietors of the first mercantile house in this city, located at the corner of Third and Main streets. In 1859 he began buying cattle and to secure a watering place for his herd he purchased land which included the present site of Wallula. The winter of 1861-2 was an exceedingly hard one and by spring his herd of two hundred and seventy head had decreased to forty. He next turned his attention to the mercantile business, in which he engaged with his brother, but this enterprise did not prove profitable and he sold his interest in the business. When land was thrown open to settlement he secured a preemption claim at a dollar and a quarter per acre, his place being located two miles south of the town now known as the Hammond Farm. It was there that he conducted his stock-raising venture for several years and at the same time operated a pack train to Boise, Idaho. After closing out his mercantile interests with his brother he was for four years the owner of a stage line operating between Dayton, Washington, and Lewiston, Idaho. He laid out the town of Wallula and donated to the railroad company the land which they used for depot purposes there.His long and useful life was ended in 1915. He passed away at his home in Walla Walla at the ripe old age of eighty-four years. He had never married but he left a brother and two sisters. The brother, however, died in the spring of 1917. There are also four nephews and one niece: the Funk brothers, whoare engaged in merchandising in Walla Walla; the Craig brothers, of Illinois; and Agnes Lillian Purdy, of Portland, Oregon. Mr. McMorris was a member of the Oregon Pioneer Society, the Inland Empire Pioneers Association and the Indian War Veterans. Throughout the long years of his residence in this locality he became very widely and favorably known and he left many friends as well as relatives to mourn his loss. He performed an important part in promoting the early development and upbuilding of this section of the country and with many events which have left their impress upon the history of the northwest his name is inseparably associated.JOSEPH F. TACHI.Joseph F. Tachi, who passed away August 8, 1912, was a well known citizen of Walla Walla county. He was a native of Italy and came to America thirty-seven years ago. He did not tarry on the Atlantic seaboard but crossed the country and settled in Walla Walla county, Washington, where he took up the occupation of gardening, which he followed with success, developing a good business in that connection. He continued active in gardening up to the time of his demise, which occurred in 1912.Almost a quarter of a century before, on June 9, 1889, at Walla Walla Mr. Tachi was united in marriage to Miss Antonia Coboch, who was likewise born in the sunny land of Italy and came to the new world when twenty-seven years of age. She owns ten acres of valuable land on section 36, township 7 north, range 35 east, at College Place and she is also the owner of the Star Laundry and a brick building which contains five storerooms and which returns to her a most gratifying annual income from its rental. In addition to these investments she owns thirty-one acres of land which is splendidly improved. She belongs to St. Francis Catholic church, of which Mr. Tachi was also a member, and he was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Catholic Knights of America, and the Red Men. During their residence in Walla Walla county Mr. and Mrs. Tachi gained many warm friends, he being well known as a representative business man. Mrs. Tachi has also proved most capable in the management and control of her interests, and her property is now bringing to her a substantial annual income.MICHAEL MARTIN.Michael Martin, a well known farmer residing on section 2, township 6 north, range 35 east, Walla Walla county, is entitled to the honor that is accorded the self-made man, for he has gained the competence that is now his solely through his own labors. He was born in County Galway, Ireland, September 5, 1835, and is a son of John and Ann (Larkin) Martin, both of whom spent their entire lives in County Galway. Michael Martin was reared and educated in his native land and remained there until 1863, when he decided to try his fortunein the United States and crossed the Atlantic to New York city, where he remained for a time. He then went to South Glastonbury, Connecticut, but three years after his emigration to this country he came to the Pacific coast by way of the Panama route, and spent two years in California. Subsequently he was a prospector in the placer gold mines at Emmitsburg and Helena, Montana, where he and his brother Patrick spent three years. It was in 1870 that they came to Walla Walla county, Washington, and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land and also took up a section of railroad land later on, their home being on Dry creek. Our subject finally sold his share of the property to his brother John, who still owns the place, and then purchased his present farm on section 2, township 6 north, range 35 east, where he has resided continuously since. He gave his personal attention to the operation of his place until advancing years led him to retire from active labor, since which time the farm has been operated by his son Emmet. He has been a hard worker and has manifested good judgment in the direction of his affairs, and as the years have passed his financial resources have steadily increased.In 1890 Mr. Martin was married in Ireland, to Miss Julia Kellher, and they have become the parents of five children, of whom three have passed away. Those living are: Emmet M., who is now in charge of the home farm; and Estella, a nurse at St. Mary's Hospital in Walla Walla. The wife and mother passed away in 1900 and was laid to rest in the Catholic cemetery. The family are communicants of the Catholic church of Walla Walla, and Mr. Martin supports the republican party at the polls but has never been ambitious to hold office. For more than half a century he has made his home in Walla Walla county, and in that period has seen a marvelous change in conditions as the country has been transformed from a pioneer district into a highly developed agricultural section.J. W. SWEAZY.J. W. Sweazy, a farmer of Columbia county, living on section 34, township 10 north, range 37 east, was born in Wallula, Washington, on the 8th of May, 1884, a son of Frank and Allie J. (Barnes) Sweazy. The father was a native of Portugal, while the mother was born in Missouri. When a youth of fourteen the father came to the United States, having relatives living in Petaluma, California. To that point he made his way. His wife crossed the plains with her mother in 1880, her father having previously been killed while serving as a soldier in the Civil war. She and her mother located on a ranch near Waitsburg, Washington. About the same time Frank Sweazy made his way to Walla Walla county and soon afterward they were married. He then purchased the farm which is now the home of his son, the subject of this review, and thereon he resided for a number of years. Ultimately, however, he removed to Waitsburg, where he continued his residence for twenty years, or until the time of his death in 1914. His widow survives and yet makes her home in Waitsburg.J. W. Sweazy was educated in the public schools and also attended theWaitsburg Academy. In 1902, at the age of eighteen years, he became a wage earner, entering the employ of Corbett Brothers in the capacity of bookkeeper at their mill at Huntsville. A year later he resigned to accept a position with John Smith, a hardware merchant of Waitsburg, where he filled the position of bookkeeper for four years. On the expiration of that period he went to Walla Walla, where he held the office of deputy county auditor under J. N. McCaw, in which capacity he served for four years. In November, 1910, he was elected county auditor and so continued for two terms of two years each, making a most creditable record in that position by the promptness and systematic manner and general capability with which he discharged his duties. On the expiration of his second term he returned to the home farm, which he has since occupied and operated. It is a tract of three hundred and twenty acres of rich and productive land, much of which he has brought to a high state of cultivation, and the fields are now bringing forth rich crops. They are divided into tracts of convenient size by well kept fences and there are valuable improvements upon the place, and the spirit of neatness and thrift which there prevails indicates the progressive methods of the owner.In 1909 Mr. Sweazy was united in marriage to Miss Mattie Ramseur, of Waitsburg, and they have many friends in the community where they live. Mrs. Sweazy is a member of the Methodist church. Mr. Sweazy holds membership with Waitsburg Lodge, No. 16, F. & A. M., and is a loyal exemplar of the teachings of the craft. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day but does not seek nor desire office as reward for party fealty, preferring to concentrate his thought, attention and purpose upon his farming interests, which are bringing to him substantial success.JUDGE MACK F. GOSE.Judge Mack F. Gose is one of the distinguished representatives of the bench and bar in Washington. Few lawyers have made a more lasting impression upon the judicial history of the state, both for legal ability of a high order and for the individuality of a personal character which impresses itself upon a community, and he proved himself the peer of the ablest members of the court of last resort while serving as one of the supreme judges of the state. He was born in Missouri, July 8, 1859, and is a son of John M. and Hannah Gose, natives of Virginia. In 1864 the family came west and after spending a year at Boise, Idaho, proceeded to Walla Walla county, Washington, where the father turned his attention to horticulture, becoming a prominent fruit grower of this region.JUDGE MACK F. GOSEJudge Gose was only five years of age when the family arrived in Walla Walla county and he is indebted to the public schools of Walla Walla for the early educational advantages he enjoyed. After leaving school he entered the office of ex-Senator John B. Allen, one of the distinguished attorneys of the northwest at that time. After reading law for some time, Judge Gose was admitted to the bar in 1883 and at once began the practice of his chosen profession in Pomeroy, where he has since remained, becoming in the meantime one of the leading lawyers of this section of the state. He won for himself very favorable criticism for the careful and systematic methods which he followed. He has ever displayed remarkable powers of concentration and application and his retentive mind has often excited the surprise of his professional colleagues. As an orator he stands high, especially in the discussion of legal matters before the court, where his comprehensive knowledge of the law is manifest and his application of legal principles demonstrates the wide range of his professional acquirements. The utmost care and precision characterize his preparation of a case and have made him one of the most successful attorneys of the state. It was the qualities which he had displayed in private practice that commended him for judicial service and he was elected a judge of the supreme court, serving on the bench of the court of final appeals in Washington for six years. His opinions are fine specimens of judicial thought, always clear, logical and as brief as the character of the case will permit. He never enlarged beyond the necessities of the legal thought in order to indulge in the drapery of literature. His mind during the entire period of his course at the bar and on the bench has been directed in the line of his profession and his duty.In 1886 Judge Gose was united in marriage to Miss Lelah Seeley, a daughter of Charles H. Seeley, and to them was born a daughter, L. Vyvien, who is now the wife of Charles A. McCleary, of Olympia. Judge Gose makes his home in Pomeroy, where he occupies an attractive residence, and in addition he owns and supervises a large ranch, taking considerable interest and pride in his agricultural labors. His political endorsement has, since 1896, been given to the republican party and upon that ticket he was elected to the office of mayor of Pomeroy, the reins of city government being in most capable hands during his administration of civic affairs. He is today one of the honored and representative men of the state.CHARLES F. FLATHERS.Charles F. Flathers is a representative agriculturist of Walla Walla county, owning and cultivating six hundred and fifty-two acres of valuable land situated on section 32, township 10 north, range 36 east. It was upon this farm that he was born March 17, 1875, a son of Benjamin F. and Melinda (McQuown) Flathers, who are mentioned elsewhere in this work. He was reared upon the old homestead and became a pupil in the Prescott schools, dividing his time between the duties of the schoolroom, the pleasures of the playground and the work of the fields. He continued to assist his father until 1905, when he joined his brothers, John and Emery Flathers, and for five years the three brothers conducted farming interests in a partnership relation. Emery then withdrew but Charles F. and John continued their interests together until 1914. Since that time Charles F. Flathers has carried on farming interests independently and is now the owner of six hundred and fifty-two acres of valuable wheat land, which he carefully and successfully cultivates. He has become one of the most substantial agriculturists of Walla Walla county. He studies closely everything bearing upon wheat culture and the production of other crops suited to soil and climatic conditionshere and his progressive methods produce splendid results. His farm with its broad fields, its substantial buildings and its modern improvements presents a most pleasing appearance and is a very attractive feature of the landscape.On the 20th of October, 1911, Mr. Flathers was married to Miss Elizabeth Fowler, of Walla Walla, a daughter of Colonel Alexander Fowler, of Fort Scott, Kansas, who won his title by service in the Civil war and has now passed away. In politics Mr. Flathers is a democrat but not desirous to hold office. He is a member of Prescott Lodge, No. 46, I. O. O. F. At the time of her marriage Mrs. Flathers was engaged in nursing in Walla Walla. She is a lady of liberal education and culture and both Mr. and Mrs. Flathers are widely and favorably known in their section of the county, enjoying the high regard of an extensive circle of friends.S. F. ATWOOD.S. F. Atwood, who is doing excellent work as principal of the Dayton high school, was born in Johnson county, Missouri, January 29, 1885, a son of Wiley C. and Indiana (Freeman) Atwood, natives respectively of Virginia and Iowa. Both, however, were taken as children to Johnson county, Missouri, and there they were reared and married. The father engaged in farming there until 1893, when he went to Bates county, that state, whence in 1896 he removed to Ellensburg, Washington. In his new home he resumed the work of tilling the fields and he is now engaged in agricultural pursuits in Benton county, where he has lived since 1913. In that year he was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife.S. F. Atwood attended the district schools of Missouri in early boyhood and continued his education in the Ellensburg schools, graduating from the high school in 1902. He prepared for teaching in the Ellensburg State Normal School, from which he was graduated in 1905, and the thorough professional training which he there received well fitted him for the performance of his duties as principal of the North Street school of Ballard, Washington, which position he held for three years. At the end of that time he matriculated in the University of Washington at Seattle, but withdrew from that school in his senior year on account of his mother's illness. In December, 1909, he was called to Dayton as principal of the high school and has ever since served in that capacity, his continuance in the position indicating his efficiency. He regards teaching as being as truly a profession as the law or medicine and believes that one intending to devote his life to educational work should prepare as thoroughly as the physician or lawyer. He has remained a constant student of educational methods and is always willing to adapt to the needs of his school any new plan which has proved of value.Mr. Atwood was married in 1910 to Miss Anna Laura McMillan, of Seattle, and they have four children, Dorothy Jean, Violet Claire, Florence May and Stanley Freeman, Jr.Mr. Atwood endorses the principles of the democratic party and supports its measures at the polls and in 1916 was its candidate for county superintendent. He belongs to Occidental Lodge, No. 72, F. & A. M., of Seattle, and is also a member of the Inquiry Club of Dayton. Both he and his wife attend the Congregationalchurch and can be counted upon to further movements having as their object the moral advancement of the community. He has not at any time kept himself aloof from the everyday interests of life but has been a factor in the development of Dayton along various lines.WILLIAM MARTIN.Among Walla Walla county's venerable and highly respected citizens is numbered William Martin, a retired farmer who is now living in Hill township. Moreover, he has lived on the Pacific coast for sixty-five years and is familiar with every phase of its growth and development from Indian fighting to the latest methods of crop production. He was born in Indiana, September 30, 1833, and is a son of Jesse and Catherine (Harris) Martin, the former a native of Ohio, while the latter was born in Kentucky. At an early date they became residents of Indiana and afterward established their home in McLean county, Illinois. In 1844 they removed to Missouri, where they resided until 1857, when they started across the plains for California, whither their son William had preceded them. They located in Thurston county, Washington, and there continued to reside until called to their final rest. They had a family of ten children but only three are now living.William Martin was reared and educated in Missouri, where he resided until 1852, when at the age of nineteen years he came to the Pacific coast country. He outfitted with an ox team and wagon and started upon the long journey to California, attracted by the discovery of gold on the Pacific coast and the business opportunities which it opened up. He was six months in crossing the plains and then concluded to locate in Oregon, but after spending three months in Oregon City went to Thurston county, Washington, where he was employed in a sawmill for three years and a half. On the expiration of that time he took up a claim. Upon that land, which was entirely wild and undeveloped, he built a little log cabin with a clapboard roof and began life there in true pioneer style, experiencing the hardships and privations incident to the settlement of the frontier. Upon that place he lived for several years and his labors wrought a marked change in its appearance, for he broke the sod, tilled the fields and in course of time gathered good harvests. He afterward purchased more land in that locality. The years were fraught not only with much hard labor but with other experiences of pioneer life. In 1855 and 1856 Mr. Martin was engaged in fighting the Indians and became familiar with all of the treacherous methods of Indian warfare. Later he concentrated his efforts upon farming and as the years passed his labors were crowned with a substantial measure of success.On December 14, 1856, Mr. Martin was united in marriage to Miss Ann E. Yantis, who was born in Missouri in 1840 and by whom he had five children, as follows: John F.; J. A.; Catherine, who is the wife of L. H. Koontz, of Pasco, Washington; William E.; and one who died in infancy.It was in 1872 that Mr. Martin brought his family to the Walla Walla valley, where he has since lived, covering a period of forty-five years. Here he wasengaged in the stock business until 1880 and then removed to Walla Walla and turned his attention to mercantile pursuits. In 1886 he entered a railroad office at Wallula, where he remained for nine years, and at the end of that time located on a ranch on Snake river, living there for three years. The following year was spent in Walla Walla and he next owned and occupied a ranch on Hudson Bay in Oregon for three years. On selling that place he returned to Washington and has lived in Touchet since 1901. He purchased a store in Touchet which he carried on for some time but at length sold that property and retired from active business life, so that he is now enjoying a rest which he has truly earned and richly deserves. He owns seven acres of land in the village of Touchet, upon which he has a comfortable and attractive residence and is now pleasantly situated there.His has been an active and useful life and one which, by its integrity and honor, has gained for him the respect and confidence of all with whom he has been brought in contact. His political allegiance has always been given to the democratic party and upon that ticket he was elected to represent his district in the general assembly of Washington in 1877. He has served on the school board, has filled the office of justice of the peace and at all times has been most loyal to the trust reposed in him. He and his wife are consistent members of the Christian church and have guided their lives by its teachings, being always careful to conform their actions to high standards. In a word they have ever endeavored to follow the golden rule doing unto others as they would have others do unto them.RAYMOND RINGOLD REES.A man who has contributed to the upbuilding of a city in one line of development is considered worthy of honor, but that man who has a part in the promotion of his city's interests in many fields of activity has a still greater claim upon the gratitude of his fellow citizens, and such was the record of Raymond Ringold Rees, pioneer newspaper man, prominent merchant and man of affairs.He was born in Reily, Ohio, June 17, 1833, and was taken by his parents to Delaware, that state, where he remained until he was twenty-one years old. During his youth he served an apprenticeship to the printer's trade and in 1854 he came west with a brother by way of the Isthmus of Panama, their destination being Portland, Oregon, in the vicinity of which a third brother lived. After a short time Mr. Rees of this review secured work as a typesetter on the Christian Advocate and as he had the distinction of being the only man in Portland who could set book type, he did that work on McCormac's Almanac, the first book published on the Pacific coast. He was also employed as a typesetter on the first issue of the Daily Oregonian, Portland's famous newspaper. With the exception of eighteen months spent with a brother in the Colville mines, he was identified with newspaper publication in Portland until 1861, when he came to Walla Walla, reaching here on the 21st of November.

JUDGE BENJAMIN SHARPSTEINMRS. BENJAMIN SHARPSTEINJudge Sharpstein was married in 1854 to Miss Sarah J. Park, who was indeed a faithful companion and helpmate to him on life's journey. She has long figured prominently in the social circles of Walla Walla and her life has been fraught with many good deeds and characterized by the highest principles. Following their marriage Judge and Mrs. Sharpstein continued to reside in the middle west until 1865, when they determined to try their fortune on the Pacific coast and with their three eldest children, John L., Ada A. and Arthur P., they left the Mississippi valley and with a large train of immigrants started across the plains for Oregon. The city of Salem, Oregon, was their objective point but on reaching Walla Walla, Judge Sharpstein was so favorably impressed with the opportunities of this section that he determined to make his home here. Thereafter he was identified with the city and was a most important and influential factor in advancing the best interests of the community, in promoting its progress and upbuilding and in upholding its standards of citizenship. He not only held high rank as a lawyer but was also prominent in shaping the political history of his state. At the bar he was forceful and resourceful. He had comprehensive knowledge of the principles of jurisprudence and was most accurate in applying those principles to the points in litigation. His arguments were most logical, his reasoning sound and clear and his deductions accurate.In political faith Judge Sharpstein was a democrat and held loyally to the principles of his party, although he knew that such a course would deprive him of many political honors, for the district and state in which he lived were overwhelmingly republican. However, his fellow townsmen recognized his genuine worth and patriotic spirit to such an extent that in 1866, again in 1879 and once more in 1886 he was elected to represent his district in the state legislature by overwhelming majorities. In 1889 he was chosen as a member of the state constitutional convention and aided in framing the organic law of Washington. He left the permanent stamp of his wisdom and farsightedness upon that valuable document. His marked ability as a lawyer, combined with his patriotic citizenship and his keen insight into the present needs and the future possibilities of the state, made his service of the greatest worth to the commonwealth and he bore a most important part in shaping the constitution. He was again called to public office in 1890, when he was appointed a member of the tide land commission.Judge Sharpstein was also a leader in local affairs and for twenty-seven years in all, with some periods of intermission, he served as a member of the school board and during much of that time was its president. He did most effective work in advancing the standards of the schools and improving the methods of instruction, and one of the fine school buildings of Walla Walla fittingly bears his name.While many public interests thus claimed his time and attention, Judge Sharpstein regarded the practice of law as his real life work and, admitting histhree sons to a partnership, thus organized one of the strongest legal firms of Washington. One of his sons, Arthur P., died in 1896. Two sons, John L. and Frank B., are still engaged in the practice of law in Walla Walla, while the youngest son, Charles M., has made for himself a national reputation as farmer, art critic and writer. He, too, is a resident of Walla Walla. The only daughter, Ada A., is now the widow of C. B. Upton and lives in Tacoma. Mrs. Sharpstein is still living and although now almost eighty years of age is wonderfully well preserved, being able to do her own marketing and attend to her business affairs. The family of Judge Sharpstein has worthily maintained the high position established by the father, who departed this life May 2, 1907, honored and respected by all who knew him. His memory is enshrined in the hearts of those with whom he came in contact and his name is written large on the pages of Washington's history.GEORGE J. RUARK.George J. Ruark, one of the prominent citizens of Garfield county, is actively identified with farming interests and now makes his home in Pomeroy. He was born in Jefferson county, Kansas, August 17, 1858, a son of Thomas and Mary A. (Messenger) Ruark, who were natives of Illinois and of Ohio respectively. In early life they removed with their respective parents to Wayne county, Iowa, and were there married. They began their domestic life in that county, where they continued to reside until 1857 or 1858, when they became residents of Kansas but after two years returned to Wayne county, Iowa, whence in 1862 they started across the plains with ox teams and wagons for the Pacific coast. The journey was a long and arduous one, but day after day they pushed forward and eventually reached Clarke county, Washington, where they located, establishing their home ten miles north of Vancouver, where they lived until the spring of 1871. In that year they became residents of Walla Walla county and Mr. Ruark engaged in the live stock business until the spring of 1879. In the fall of 1878 he and his family removed to what is now Garfield county, establishing their home near Deadman's Hollow, eighteen miles east of Pomeroy. There the father engaged in farming until 1890 and, adding to his possessions from time to time, he acquired ten hundred and forty acres of valuable wheat land. In the spring of 1890 he removed to Whitman county, his son, George J. Ruark, taking charge of the old home farm in Garfield county. The father then continued in active connection with farming and live stock interests in Whitman county until 1900, when he retired from business life and removed to Asotin, Washington. He owned four hundred and twenty acres of land in Whitman county, which he leased on his removal to Asotin, where he still maintained his residence at date of death, January 8, 1908. His widow still survives and is now a resident of Pomeroy. In politics the father was a democrat and took active interest in the work and success of the party. For a number of years he served as postmaster of Deadman but otherwise refused public office. He belonged to the United Brethren church and was one of the sterling citizens of Garfield county.George J. Ruark was educated in the district schools and was reared to farm life, early becoming familiar with all of the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. In the fall of 1883 he began farming on his own account, renting land in conjunction with his brother Charles and with his father. The Bowman ranch of one thousand acres, which they operated in partnership for three years, returned to them a gratifying annual income and on the expiration of that period George J. Ruark began farming independently, renting two hundred and seventeen acres of the same ranch. This he cultivated for a year and in 1888, having carefully saved his earnings, he bought a small place on which he located. He also continued to cultivate rented land in connection with his home farm and in the fall of 1889 he rented his father's farm of ten hundred and forty acres, which he continued to cultivate for five years. He then returned to his own place, which he farmed in connection with other land until the fall of 1902, when he sold that property and bought his present farm of fourteen hundred and twenty acres, situated at the head of Deadman's Hollow. This is now being cultivated by a tenant, and Mr. Ruark established his home in Pomeroy in the fall of 1903. From this point he directs and supervises his business interests and at the same time he has the enjoyment of city life.In 1889 Mr. Ruark was united in marriage to Miss Olive Vannausdle, of Garfield county, a daughter of Harris Vannausdle, who came from Nebraska in 1884. He is still living and makes his home among his children. Mr. and Mrs. Ruark have an adopted daughter, Elma Maurene.Politically Mr. Ruark is a democrat and on the party ticket was elected a member of the board of county commissioners in 1894, filling the position for four years in a most acceptable and creditable manner. Fraternally he is connected with the Woodmen of the World. He ranks with the leading and representative men of Garfield county, for by his enterprising efforts he has contributed much to the upbuilding and development of this section. He stands for progress and improvement along all lines and his cooperation can ever be counted upon to further any well devised plan for the general good.DAVID B. FERREL.David B. Ferrel, a well known farmer of Russell Creek township, Walla Walla county, was born August 8, 1870, a son of Brewster and Caroline (Bott) Ferrel, both natives of Ohio, an extended sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. David B. Ferrell was reared at home and after attending the district schools for a number of years became a student in the Walla Walla schools. In the meantime he had received thorough training in farm work under his father and when twenty-one years of age he became his father's partner in the operation of the home farm of two thousand acres. The greater part of the active supervision of the work devolves upon Mr. Ferrel of this review and he is one of the largest grain growers of his township, having under cultivation in 1917 more than a thousand acres. He has reduced the operation of his farm to a scientific basis, uses the most modern machinery andis highly efficient in the management of the business aspect of his work. He believes that the farmer should give to his work the same careful study that the business man does to the conduct of his affairs and he is always among the first to adopt improved methods and equipment.On the 2nd of November, 1904, Mr. Ferrel was united in marriage to Miss Laura Wolfe, of Oakland, Maryland, and they have two children, Carlton D. and Dorothy B. Mr. Ferrel has never allied himself with any political party, preferring to cast an independent ballot. He is a member of the school board and takes a lively interest in educational matters. Both he and his wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal church and can be depended upon to support all movements for the upbuilding of the community along moral as well as along material lines. They have a wide acquaintance and are uniformly held in high regard.HARVEY McDONALD.Harvey McDonald, who has lived retired in Walla Walla for the past fifteen years, was long actively identified with agricultural interests as one of the extensive operators of the wheat belt and is still the owner of five hundred and twenty-five acres in Walla Walla county, eight hundred and thirty-one acres in Whitman county, this state, and four hundred and forty acres in Umatilla county, Oregon. His birth occurred in Ontario, Canada, on the 10th of March, 1857, his parents being John and Margaret (Kinnear) McDonald, who were also natives of that province. There the father spent his entire life, passing away in 1863, when his son Harvey was but six years of age. The mother afterward reared her family and in later years made her home among her children, her death occurring in Weston, Oregon.Harvey McDonald acquired his education in the common schools of Ontario, Canada, and there spent the first twenty-three years of his life. In 1880 he crossed the border into the United States, locating in Umatilla county, Oregon, where he engaged in farming. Success attended his efforts as a wheat grower and he became one of the extensive operators of the wheat belt, acquiring large holdings which he still retains. About 1897 he took up his abode in the city of Walla Walla in order that his children might have the advantages of its schools. For five years thereafter he devoted his attention to the real estate business but since 1902 has lived retired in the enjoyment of well earned rest, leaving the cultivation of his farms to tenants. He was one of the organizers of the People's State Bank and has served as a director of the institution continuously to the present time.In 1885 Mr. McDonald was united in marriage to Miss Nora Richardson, a daughter of John Richardson, one of the prominent ranchmen and pioneer settlers of Umatilla county, Oregon. The children of Mr. and Mrs. McDonald are three in number, as follows: Clara, who is the wife of C. B. Weathermon, an agriculturist residing in Umatilla county, Oregon; Areta, who gave her hand in marriage to S. Henderson Boyles, of Spokane, Washington; and Esther, the wife of Lindon Barnett, of Walla Walla.HARVEY McDONALDPolitically Mr. McDonald is a republican, loyally supporting the men and measures of that party at the polls. Prior to the inauguration of the commission form of government he served for fourteen months as a member of the city council and in that connection made a most excellent record. Fraternally he is identified with the Woodmen of the World, while his religious faith is indicated in his membership in the Methodist church, to which his wife also belongs. His course has at all times commended him to the confidence and respect of his fellowmen and he is widely recognized as one of the representative, substantial and esteemed citizens of Walla Walla.ANTHONY FEIDER.Anthony Feider, an energetic and up-to-date farmer residing on section 1, township 11 north, range 42 east, Garfield county, was born in Germany, January 12, 1884, and is a son of S. A. and Rosa (Pohl) Feider, who in 1890 removed with their family to the United States. For some time they resided in Walla Walla county, Washington, and then came to Garfield county, purchasing the farm on which they still live. All of their six children also survive.Anthony Feider received the greater part of his education in Garfield county and remained at home until he attained his majority, during which time he became thoroughly familiar with the various phases of farm work. On beginning his independent career he decided to devote his life to the occupation to which he had been reared and is now successfully operating five hundred acres belonging to his father. He harvests a large amount of grain annually and also raises high grade stock, from the sale of which he derives a good profit.In 1907 Mr. Feider was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Pierre, who was born in Minnesota. Their children as follows: Paul A., Vincent A., John F., Joseph S., Edward P. and Albert W. Mr. and Mrs. Feider are communicants of the Catholic church and are always willing to further its work in every way possible. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus, and his personality is such that he has made many friends within and without that organization. In politics he is a stanch republican but he has never had time to give to public affairs, his farming operations requiring his undivided attention.FRANK KIBLER.Frank Kibler, who resides on section 5, Spring Creek township, Walla Walla county, is devoting his time exclusively to the operation of the large farm properties owned by the Kibler estate, and his well directed efforts are rewarded by gratifying profits. He was born May 18, 1882, in the township in which he still lives, and is a son of Jacob and Louisa (Buroker) Kibler. The father was a native of Shenandoah county, Virginia, and in 1853 came to the Pacific coast, locating in California, where he spent five years in the gold fields. In 1858 he removed to Walla Walla county, Washington, and for several years,or until the coming of the railroad, he was engaged in freighting. After rail transportation was established he turned his attention to farming, becoming the owner of land on Mill creek, about six miles east of Walla Walla. He prospered in his farming operations and became the owner of fifteen hundred acres of as fine farm land as can be found in the state. He continued to give his attention to the management of his affairs until his death, which occurred in September, 1908. His wife, who was born in the middle west, accompanied her parents on the long overland journey to Walla Walla county in 1864. She survives and still resides on the homestead.Frank Kibler was reared under the parental roof and his experiences were those common to boys raised in a western pioneer community. He attended the district schools and also aided in such of the farm work as was within his strength, and by the time he had reached maturity he was an experienced agriculturist. He and his three brothers have always farmed in partnership and since the death of the father they have added extensively to their land holdings, which are all in the name of the Kibler estate. They are progressive and up-to-date, and no invention that will facilitate the work of the farm is lacking upon their properties. Moreover, their residence rivals in attractiveness and in modern equipment the best city homes, and the barns and other buildings are likewise of the latest type. Their farms are modern in equipment and illustrate the possibilities of farm life when the agriculturist brings to his work the same careful study and the same willingness to adopt new methods that characterize the successful business man along other lines.Frank Kibler married Miss Leora McLeran, of Moscow, Idaho. She is a member of the Christian church and takes a praiseworthy interest in its work. Mr. Kibler supports the democratic party at the polls but has never been an active party worker, for his entire time has been taken up with the management of his farming interests. He has a wide acquaintance in the county in which his entire life has been spent, and his sterling worth is indicated in the fact that his stanchest friends are those who have known him intimately since boyhood.F. M. SANDERS.F. M. Sanders, a successful farmer residing in Walla Walla township, was born in Walla Walla county, December 31, 1873, a son of John and Rebecca (Meredith) Sanders, the former a native of Indiana and the latter of Ohio. In 1865 they crossed the continent with ox teams and located upon a farm east of Dixie, in Walla Walla county, where both resided until called by death. To them were born seven children, of whom six survive.F. M. Sanders was reared and received his education in this county and gained valuable training in farm work under his father's direction. When he attained his majority he began farming on his own account and for thirty years he has made his home upon his present place, which comprises one hundred and sixty acres of excellent land in Walla Walla township. The improvements thereon are substantial and up-to-date, and his labors are rewarded bygood crops. He is also a director of the Self-Oiling Wheel & Bearing Company of Walla Walla.Mr. Sanders was married in May, 1907, to Miss Minnie Bliven, a native of Minnesota, and they became the parents of three children, Lester F., Irene L. and Ralph H. On the 12th of May, 1917, the wife and mother passed away and she was laid to rest in the College Place cemetery. She was a consistent member of the Seventh Day Adventist church and her upright Christian life gained her the respect of all with whom she came in contact.Mr. Sanders is a democrat in politics and has served acceptably as a member of the school board. He belongs to the Farmers Union and is interested in every movement that tends to advance the interests of agriculturists.JAMES J. EDWARDS.James J. Edwards, the highly efficient president of the Edwards-Hindle Company, conducting one of the leading department stores in southeastern Washington, is recognized as a foremost factor in the commercial development of Dayton. His rapid advancement to his present position is indicative of what can be accomplished in the inland empire when a man is energetic, sound of judgment and determined to succeed, for he began his business career as cash boy and has at all times depended solely upon his own resources.His birth occurred in Tennessee, October 22, 1873, and his educational opportunities were in no way better than those afforded the average boy. In fact many a man who consoles himself with the thought that if he had had a chance he might have accomplished something had, in his youth, more favorable opportunities than did James J. Edwards. He was early compelled to make his own living and his first position was that of cash boy, with a salary of two dollars per week. He was faithful in the discharge of his duties in that connection, and being keen of observation even in that position, gained much information concerning the conduct of a store. His ability and fidelity were rewarded by advancement, and as the years passed he became increasingly familiar with merchandising. In 1899 he came to Dayton and took charge of the clothing department of the store owned by T. M. Hanger & Company. Subsequently he was promoted to the head of the dry goods department of that business and he retained that position until the company retired from business in Dayton and removed to Walla Walla. Mr. Edwards then organized the Edwards-Hindle Company, with a capital of fifty thousand dollars and took over the store formerly conducted by T. M. Hanger & Company, the new management taking charge of the place October 29, 1906. In the intervening eleven years the trade has shown a steady and rapid growth, the floor space has been increased, the store now occupying all the original Weinhard block at the corner of Main and Second streets. The location is one of the best in the city and in itself is an indication of the success that has attended the activities of Mr. Edwards and his associates. The store is well organized and carries a full line of dry goods, clothing and all kinds of groceries. Its policy has always been to carry, as far as possible, trade marked goods ofnational reputation, and its large patronage is further increased by the fact that the stock is so complete as to offer a large range for selection in every department. It is known as "The House of Quality," which slogan expresses the policy rigorously carried out in the management of the business.Mr. Edwards was married in Oakesdale, Washington, to Miss Laura Graham in 1893 and they have one child living, Lloyd G. Edwards. Mrs. Edwards died in 1899. Mr. Edwards was married to Miss Celeste Price in 1908. He is devoted to the interests of his family and takes a great deal of pleasure in his beautiful home on South First street, which is one of the finest residences in Dayton. A great deal of thought and care has been given to its interior decoration, and all of the modern conveniences have been installed. Although at no time indifferent to political questions Mr. Edwards has not taken a very active part in civic affairs, preferring to give his entire attention to the management of his extensive business interests. He has found in the development of the Edwards-Hindle department store full scope for his executive ability and energy, and has derived great satisfaction from his effective work in building up its trade. His ability as a merchant is universally recognized, and during the years of his residence in Dayton he has also gained a place in the warm regard of many because of his admirable qualities as a man.LEWIS McMORRIS.Among the honored early settlers of Washington was Lewis McMorris, who in 1852 came to the Pacific coast and throughout the remainder of his life was identified with the interests of this section of the country. He was here before the city of Walla Walla was founded and he saw its development and assisted in its making. With his brother Joseph and his sisters, Mrs. Sarah Funk and Mrs. Emma Craig, he lived for years in the evening of his days on First street in Walla Walla. He was born in Coshocton, Ohio, August 12, 1831, and came of Scotch ancestry, the family having been founded in America in 1774 by a representative of the name who served in the Revolutionary war and who settled near Winchester, Virginia. After the establishment of American independence the family was founded in Ohio and in later generations representatives of the name went to Shelby county, Illinois, and there engaged in farming.LEWIS McMORRISLewis McMorris was one of the family who went to Illinois and on attaining his majority he was fitted out by his father to accompany a bachelor neighbor and a party to California. It was in the month of March, 1852, that they started west with ox teams, crossing the plains and meeting with many of the hardships and privations which fell to the lot of the pioneers. It was in that year that the cholera proved so terrible a scourge and all the way from the Missouri river graves dotted the trail. With only a sheet for a shroud and without a casket the bodies were lowered into their graves and the traveler, starting out full of hope, was laid to his last sleep. Often five newly made graves were to be seen in a day. The party with which Mr. McMorris traveled consisted of a train of three wagons at the start but they were afterward joined by six wagons en route at St. Joseph, Missouri, and on the 15th of September, 1852, they reached Fosters, near Oregon City. There the oxen and wagons were sold and horses were purchased by those who desired to go on to the mines. They made pack saddles, loaded the horses and pressed on to southern Oregon, where a year and a half was spent at Sutter Creek, at Crescent City and at other mines. They were not successful there, however, and pressed on to Yreka, California, where Mr. McMorris again engaged in mining. The Rogue River Indian war, however, broke out in southern Oregon, causing him to change his location and he made his way to the northern part of the state. He became a packer, rushing goods from Portland to the mines at Colville. After one of these trips he hired the team of mules to the quartermaster of the Oregon Volunteers to haul supplies to their headquarters at The Dalles. On the second trip the Indians stole both mules and supplies. On the 7th of December, 1855, the battle of the Walla Walla with the Indians was begun on Walla Walla river west of the present site of the city, a battle that lasted for four days and in which several thousand Indians were lined up against a few hundred white volunteers. The white men, however, were victorious and it was a memorable battle because it was a victory of a few over many and also because it marked the beginning of a lasting peace between the Indians and the white settlers in that vicinity. Mr. McMorris was one of the active participants in that battle. In 1856, when the troops camped at what became old Fort Walla Walla they moved about four miles up Mill creek but decided that the first stopping place was best and returned. It was this that decided the location of Walla Walla. Mr. McMorris assisted in building the canton, as the old fort was called, which was made from the various trees which grew along the banks of Mill creek. Years later when this land was sold for building purposes in order to extend the present city, it was desired to save intact some of the old fort buildings, to place them in the city park as historic relics, but it was found that the timber had rotted so that they crumbled away. In 1857 Mr. McMorris made the trip to the Willamette valley to buy teams for the government. On his return he began freighting for McClinchey & Freedman, who were proprietors of the first mercantile house in this city, located at the corner of Third and Main streets. In 1859 he began buying cattle and to secure a watering place for his herd he purchased land which included the present site of Wallula. The winter of 1861-2 was an exceedingly hard one and by spring his herd of two hundred and seventy head had decreased to forty. He next turned his attention to the mercantile business, in which he engaged with his brother, but this enterprise did not prove profitable and he sold his interest in the business. When land was thrown open to settlement he secured a preemption claim at a dollar and a quarter per acre, his place being located two miles south of the town now known as the Hammond Farm. It was there that he conducted his stock-raising venture for several years and at the same time operated a pack train to Boise, Idaho. After closing out his mercantile interests with his brother he was for four years the owner of a stage line operating between Dayton, Washington, and Lewiston, Idaho. He laid out the town of Wallula and donated to the railroad company the land which they used for depot purposes there.His long and useful life was ended in 1915. He passed away at his home in Walla Walla at the ripe old age of eighty-four years. He had never married but he left a brother and two sisters. The brother, however, died in the spring of 1917. There are also four nephews and one niece: the Funk brothers, whoare engaged in merchandising in Walla Walla; the Craig brothers, of Illinois; and Agnes Lillian Purdy, of Portland, Oregon. Mr. McMorris was a member of the Oregon Pioneer Society, the Inland Empire Pioneers Association and the Indian War Veterans. Throughout the long years of his residence in this locality he became very widely and favorably known and he left many friends as well as relatives to mourn his loss. He performed an important part in promoting the early development and upbuilding of this section of the country and with many events which have left their impress upon the history of the northwest his name is inseparably associated.JOSEPH F. TACHI.Joseph F. Tachi, who passed away August 8, 1912, was a well known citizen of Walla Walla county. He was a native of Italy and came to America thirty-seven years ago. He did not tarry on the Atlantic seaboard but crossed the country and settled in Walla Walla county, Washington, where he took up the occupation of gardening, which he followed with success, developing a good business in that connection. He continued active in gardening up to the time of his demise, which occurred in 1912.Almost a quarter of a century before, on June 9, 1889, at Walla Walla Mr. Tachi was united in marriage to Miss Antonia Coboch, who was likewise born in the sunny land of Italy and came to the new world when twenty-seven years of age. She owns ten acres of valuable land on section 36, township 7 north, range 35 east, at College Place and she is also the owner of the Star Laundry and a brick building which contains five storerooms and which returns to her a most gratifying annual income from its rental. In addition to these investments she owns thirty-one acres of land which is splendidly improved. She belongs to St. Francis Catholic church, of which Mr. Tachi was also a member, and he was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Catholic Knights of America, and the Red Men. During their residence in Walla Walla county Mr. and Mrs. Tachi gained many warm friends, he being well known as a representative business man. Mrs. Tachi has also proved most capable in the management and control of her interests, and her property is now bringing to her a substantial annual income.MICHAEL MARTIN.Michael Martin, a well known farmer residing on section 2, township 6 north, range 35 east, Walla Walla county, is entitled to the honor that is accorded the self-made man, for he has gained the competence that is now his solely through his own labors. He was born in County Galway, Ireland, September 5, 1835, and is a son of John and Ann (Larkin) Martin, both of whom spent their entire lives in County Galway. Michael Martin was reared and educated in his native land and remained there until 1863, when he decided to try his fortunein the United States and crossed the Atlantic to New York city, where he remained for a time. He then went to South Glastonbury, Connecticut, but three years after his emigration to this country he came to the Pacific coast by way of the Panama route, and spent two years in California. Subsequently he was a prospector in the placer gold mines at Emmitsburg and Helena, Montana, where he and his brother Patrick spent three years. It was in 1870 that they came to Walla Walla county, Washington, and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land and also took up a section of railroad land later on, their home being on Dry creek. Our subject finally sold his share of the property to his brother John, who still owns the place, and then purchased his present farm on section 2, township 6 north, range 35 east, where he has resided continuously since. He gave his personal attention to the operation of his place until advancing years led him to retire from active labor, since which time the farm has been operated by his son Emmet. He has been a hard worker and has manifested good judgment in the direction of his affairs, and as the years have passed his financial resources have steadily increased.In 1890 Mr. Martin was married in Ireland, to Miss Julia Kellher, and they have become the parents of five children, of whom three have passed away. Those living are: Emmet M., who is now in charge of the home farm; and Estella, a nurse at St. Mary's Hospital in Walla Walla. The wife and mother passed away in 1900 and was laid to rest in the Catholic cemetery. The family are communicants of the Catholic church of Walla Walla, and Mr. Martin supports the republican party at the polls but has never been ambitious to hold office. For more than half a century he has made his home in Walla Walla county, and in that period has seen a marvelous change in conditions as the country has been transformed from a pioneer district into a highly developed agricultural section.J. W. SWEAZY.J. W. Sweazy, a farmer of Columbia county, living on section 34, township 10 north, range 37 east, was born in Wallula, Washington, on the 8th of May, 1884, a son of Frank and Allie J. (Barnes) Sweazy. The father was a native of Portugal, while the mother was born in Missouri. When a youth of fourteen the father came to the United States, having relatives living in Petaluma, California. To that point he made his way. His wife crossed the plains with her mother in 1880, her father having previously been killed while serving as a soldier in the Civil war. She and her mother located on a ranch near Waitsburg, Washington. About the same time Frank Sweazy made his way to Walla Walla county and soon afterward they were married. He then purchased the farm which is now the home of his son, the subject of this review, and thereon he resided for a number of years. Ultimately, however, he removed to Waitsburg, where he continued his residence for twenty years, or until the time of his death in 1914. His widow survives and yet makes her home in Waitsburg.J. W. Sweazy was educated in the public schools and also attended theWaitsburg Academy. In 1902, at the age of eighteen years, he became a wage earner, entering the employ of Corbett Brothers in the capacity of bookkeeper at their mill at Huntsville. A year later he resigned to accept a position with John Smith, a hardware merchant of Waitsburg, where he filled the position of bookkeeper for four years. On the expiration of that period he went to Walla Walla, where he held the office of deputy county auditor under J. N. McCaw, in which capacity he served for four years. In November, 1910, he was elected county auditor and so continued for two terms of two years each, making a most creditable record in that position by the promptness and systematic manner and general capability with which he discharged his duties. On the expiration of his second term he returned to the home farm, which he has since occupied and operated. It is a tract of three hundred and twenty acres of rich and productive land, much of which he has brought to a high state of cultivation, and the fields are now bringing forth rich crops. They are divided into tracts of convenient size by well kept fences and there are valuable improvements upon the place, and the spirit of neatness and thrift which there prevails indicates the progressive methods of the owner.In 1909 Mr. Sweazy was united in marriage to Miss Mattie Ramseur, of Waitsburg, and they have many friends in the community where they live. Mrs. Sweazy is a member of the Methodist church. Mr. Sweazy holds membership with Waitsburg Lodge, No. 16, F. & A. M., and is a loyal exemplar of the teachings of the craft. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day but does not seek nor desire office as reward for party fealty, preferring to concentrate his thought, attention and purpose upon his farming interests, which are bringing to him substantial success.JUDGE MACK F. GOSE.Judge Mack F. Gose is one of the distinguished representatives of the bench and bar in Washington. Few lawyers have made a more lasting impression upon the judicial history of the state, both for legal ability of a high order and for the individuality of a personal character which impresses itself upon a community, and he proved himself the peer of the ablest members of the court of last resort while serving as one of the supreme judges of the state. He was born in Missouri, July 8, 1859, and is a son of John M. and Hannah Gose, natives of Virginia. In 1864 the family came west and after spending a year at Boise, Idaho, proceeded to Walla Walla county, Washington, where the father turned his attention to horticulture, becoming a prominent fruit grower of this region.JUDGE MACK F. GOSEJudge Gose was only five years of age when the family arrived in Walla Walla county and he is indebted to the public schools of Walla Walla for the early educational advantages he enjoyed. After leaving school he entered the office of ex-Senator John B. Allen, one of the distinguished attorneys of the northwest at that time. After reading law for some time, Judge Gose was admitted to the bar in 1883 and at once began the practice of his chosen profession in Pomeroy, where he has since remained, becoming in the meantime one of the leading lawyers of this section of the state. He won for himself very favorable criticism for the careful and systematic methods which he followed. He has ever displayed remarkable powers of concentration and application and his retentive mind has often excited the surprise of his professional colleagues. As an orator he stands high, especially in the discussion of legal matters before the court, where his comprehensive knowledge of the law is manifest and his application of legal principles demonstrates the wide range of his professional acquirements. The utmost care and precision characterize his preparation of a case and have made him one of the most successful attorneys of the state. It was the qualities which he had displayed in private practice that commended him for judicial service and he was elected a judge of the supreme court, serving on the bench of the court of final appeals in Washington for six years. His opinions are fine specimens of judicial thought, always clear, logical and as brief as the character of the case will permit. He never enlarged beyond the necessities of the legal thought in order to indulge in the drapery of literature. His mind during the entire period of his course at the bar and on the bench has been directed in the line of his profession and his duty.In 1886 Judge Gose was united in marriage to Miss Lelah Seeley, a daughter of Charles H. Seeley, and to them was born a daughter, L. Vyvien, who is now the wife of Charles A. McCleary, of Olympia. Judge Gose makes his home in Pomeroy, where he occupies an attractive residence, and in addition he owns and supervises a large ranch, taking considerable interest and pride in his agricultural labors. His political endorsement has, since 1896, been given to the republican party and upon that ticket he was elected to the office of mayor of Pomeroy, the reins of city government being in most capable hands during his administration of civic affairs. He is today one of the honored and representative men of the state.CHARLES F. FLATHERS.Charles F. Flathers is a representative agriculturist of Walla Walla county, owning and cultivating six hundred and fifty-two acres of valuable land situated on section 32, township 10 north, range 36 east. It was upon this farm that he was born March 17, 1875, a son of Benjamin F. and Melinda (McQuown) Flathers, who are mentioned elsewhere in this work. He was reared upon the old homestead and became a pupil in the Prescott schools, dividing his time between the duties of the schoolroom, the pleasures of the playground and the work of the fields. He continued to assist his father until 1905, when he joined his brothers, John and Emery Flathers, and for five years the three brothers conducted farming interests in a partnership relation. Emery then withdrew but Charles F. and John continued their interests together until 1914. Since that time Charles F. Flathers has carried on farming interests independently and is now the owner of six hundred and fifty-two acres of valuable wheat land, which he carefully and successfully cultivates. He has become one of the most substantial agriculturists of Walla Walla county. He studies closely everything bearing upon wheat culture and the production of other crops suited to soil and climatic conditionshere and his progressive methods produce splendid results. His farm with its broad fields, its substantial buildings and its modern improvements presents a most pleasing appearance and is a very attractive feature of the landscape.On the 20th of October, 1911, Mr. Flathers was married to Miss Elizabeth Fowler, of Walla Walla, a daughter of Colonel Alexander Fowler, of Fort Scott, Kansas, who won his title by service in the Civil war and has now passed away. In politics Mr. Flathers is a democrat but not desirous to hold office. He is a member of Prescott Lodge, No. 46, I. O. O. F. At the time of her marriage Mrs. Flathers was engaged in nursing in Walla Walla. She is a lady of liberal education and culture and both Mr. and Mrs. Flathers are widely and favorably known in their section of the county, enjoying the high regard of an extensive circle of friends.S. F. ATWOOD.S. F. Atwood, who is doing excellent work as principal of the Dayton high school, was born in Johnson county, Missouri, January 29, 1885, a son of Wiley C. and Indiana (Freeman) Atwood, natives respectively of Virginia and Iowa. Both, however, were taken as children to Johnson county, Missouri, and there they were reared and married. The father engaged in farming there until 1893, when he went to Bates county, that state, whence in 1896 he removed to Ellensburg, Washington. In his new home he resumed the work of tilling the fields and he is now engaged in agricultural pursuits in Benton county, where he has lived since 1913. In that year he was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife.S. F. Atwood attended the district schools of Missouri in early boyhood and continued his education in the Ellensburg schools, graduating from the high school in 1902. He prepared for teaching in the Ellensburg State Normal School, from which he was graduated in 1905, and the thorough professional training which he there received well fitted him for the performance of his duties as principal of the North Street school of Ballard, Washington, which position he held for three years. At the end of that time he matriculated in the University of Washington at Seattle, but withdrew from that school in his senior year on account of his mother's illness. In December, 1909, he was called to Dayton as principal of the high school and has ever since served in that capacity, his continuance in the position indicating his efficiency. He regards teaching as being as truly a profession as the law or medicine and believes that one intending to devote his life to educational work should prepare as thoroughly as the physician or lawyer. He has remained a constant student of educational methods and is always willing to adapt to the needs of his school any new plan which has proved of value.Mr. Atwood was married in 1910 to Miss Anna Laura McMillan, of Seattle, and they have four children, Dorothy Jean, Violet Claire, Florence May and Stanley Freeman, Jr.Mr. Atwood endorses the principles of the democratic party and supports its measures at the polls and in 1916 was its candidate for county superintendent. He belongs to Occidental Lodge, No. 72, F. & A. M., of Seattle, and is also a member of the Inquiry Club of Dayton. Both he and his wife attend the Congregationalchurch and can be counted upon to further movements having as their object the moral advancement of the community. He has not at any time kept himself aloof from the everyday interests of life but has been a factor in the development of Dayton along various lines.WILLIAM MARTIN.Among Walla Walla county's venerable and highly respected citizens is numbered William Martin, a retired farmer who is now living in Hill township. Moreover, he has lived on the Pacific coast for sixty-five years and is familiar with every phase of its growth and development from Indian fighting to the latest methods of crop production. He was born in Indiana, September 30, 1833, and is a son of Jesse and Catherine (Harris) Martin, the former a native of Ohio, while the latter was born in Kentucky. At an early date they became residents of Indiana and afterward established their home in McLean county, Illinois. In 1844 they removed to Missouri, where they resided until 1857, when they started across the plains for California, whither their son William had preceded them. They located in Thurston county, Washington, and there continued to reside until called to their final rest. They had a family of ten children but only three are now living.William Martin was reared and educated in Missouri, where he resided until 1852, when at the age of nineteen years he came to the Pacific coast country. He outfitted with an ox team and wagon and started upon the long journey to California, attracted by the discovery of gold on the Pacific coast and the business opportunities which it opened up. He was six months in crossing the plains and then concluded to locate in Oregon, but after spending three months in Oregon City went to Thurston county, Washington, where he was employed in a sawmill for three years and a half. On the expiration of that time he took up a claim. Upon that land, which was entirely wild and undeveloped, he built a little log cabin with a clapboard roof and began life there in true pioneer style, experiencing the hardships and privations incident to the settlement of the frontier. Upon that place he lived for several years and his labors wrought a marked change in its appearance, for he broke the sod, tilled the fields and in course of time gathered good harvests. He afterward purchased more land in that locality. The years were fraught not only with much hard labor but with other experiences of pioneer life. In 1855 and 1856 Mr. Martin was engaged in fighting the Indians and became familiar with all of the treacherous methods of Indian warfare. Later he concentrated his efforts upon farming and as the years passed his labors were crowned with a substantial measure of success.On December 14, 1856, Mr. Martin was united in marriage to Miss Ann E. Yantis, who was born in Missouri in 1840 and by whom he had five children, as follows: John F.; J. A.; Catherine, who is the wife of L. H. Koontz, of Pasco, Washington; William E.; and one who died in infancy.It was in 1872 that Mr. Martin brought his family to the Walla Walla valley, where he has since lived, covering a period of forty-five years. Here he wasengaged in the stock business until 1880 and then removed to Walla Walla and turned his attention to mercantile pursuits. In 1886 he entered a railroad office at Wallula, where he remained for nine years, and at the end of that time located on a ranch on Snake river, living there for three years. The following year was spent in Walla Walla and he next owned and occupied a ranch on Hudson Bay in Oregon for three years. On selling that place he returned to Washington and has lived in Touchet since 1901. He purchased a store in Touchet which he carried on for some time but at length sold that property and retired from active business life, so that he is now enjoying a rest which he has truly earned and richly deserves. He owns seven acres of land in the village of Touchet, upon which he has a comfortable and attractive residence and is now pleasantly situated there.His has been an active and useful life and one which, by its integrity and honor, has gained for him the respect and confidence of all with whom he has been brought in contact. His political allegiance has always been given to the democratic party and upon that ticket he was elected to represent his district in the general assembly of Washington in 1877. He has served on the school board, has filled the office of justice of the peace and at all times has been most loyal to the trust reposed in him. He and his wife are consistent members of the Christian church and have guided their lives by its teachings, being always careful to conform their actions to high standards. In a word they have ever endeavored to follow the golden rule doing unto others as they would have others do unto them.RAYMOND RINGOLD REES.A man who has contributed to the upbuilding of a city in one line of development is considered worthy of honor, but that man who has a part in the promotion of his city's interests in many fields of activity has a still greater claim upon the gratitude of his fellow citizens, and such was the record of Raymond Ringold Rees, pioneer newspaper man, prominent merchant and man of affairs.He was born in Reily, Ohio, June 17, 1833, and was taken by his parents to Delaware, that state, where he remained until he was twenty-one years old. During his youth he served an apprenticeship to the printer's trade and in 1854 he came west with a brother by way of the Isthmus of Panama, their destination being Portland, Oregon, in the vicinity of which a third brother lived. After a short time Mr. Rees of this review secured work as a typesetter on the Christian Advocate and as he had the distinction of being the only man in Portland who could set book type, he did that work on McCormac's Almanac, the first book published on the Pacific coast. He was also employed as a typesetter on the first issue of the Daily Oregonian, Portland's famous newspaper. With the exception of eighteen months spent with a brother in the Colville mines, he was identified with newspaper publication in Portland until 1861, when he came to Walla Walla, reaching here on the 21st of November.

JUDGE BENJAMIN SHARPSTEIN

JUDGE BENJAMIN SHARPSTEIN

JUDGE BENJAMIN SHARPSTEIN

MRS. BENJAMIN SHARPSTEIN

MRS. BENJAMIN SHARPSTEIN

MRS. BENJAMIN SHARPSTEIN

Judge Sharpstein was married in 1854 to Miss Sarah J. Park, who was indeed a faithful companion and helpmate to him on life's journey. She has long figured prominently in the social circles of Walla Walla and her life has been fraught with many good deeds and characterized by the highest principles. Following their marriage Judge and Mrs. Sharpstein continued to reside in the middle west until 1865, when they determined to try their fortune on the Pacific coast and with their three eldest children, John L., Ada A. and Arthur P., they left the Mississippi valley and with a large train of immigrants started across the plains for Oregon. The city of Salem, Oregon, was their objective point but on reaching Walla Walla, Judge Sharpstein was so favorably impressed with the opportunities of this section that he determined to make his home here. Thereafter he was identified with the city and was a most important and influential factor in advancing the best interests of the community, in promoting its progress and upbuilding and in upholding its standards of citizenship. He not only held high rank as a lawyer but was also prominent in shaping the political history of his state. At the bar he was forceful and resourceful. He had comprehensive knowledge of the principles of jurisprudence and was most accurate in applying those principles to the points in litigation. His arguments were most logical, his reasoning sound and clear and his deductions accurate.

In political faith Judge Sharpstein was a democrat and held loyally to the principles of his party, although he knew that such a course would deprive him of many political honors, for the district and state in which he lived were overwhelmingly republican. However, his fellow townsmen recognized his genuine worth and patriotic spirit to such an extent that in 1866, again in 1879 and once more in 1886 he was elected to represent his district in the state legislature by overwhelming majorities. In 1889 he was chosen as a member of the state constitutional convention and aided in framing the organic law of Washington. He left the permanent stamp of his wisdom and farsightedness upon that valuable document. His marked ability as a lawyer, combined with his patriotic citizenship and his keen insight into the present needs and the future possibilities of the state, made his service of the greatest worth to the commonwealth and he bore a most important part in shaping the constitution. He was again called to public office in 1890, when he was appointed a member of the tide land commission.

Judge Sharpstein was also a leader in local affairs and for twenty-seven years in all, with some periods of intermission, he served as a member of the school board and during much of that time was its president. He did most effective work in advancing the standards of the schools and improving the methods of instruction, and one of the fine school buildings of Walla Walla fittingly bears his name.

While many public interests thus claimed his time and attention, Judge Sharpstein regarded the practice of law as his real life work and, admitting histhree sons to a partnership, thus organized one of the strongest legal firms of Washington. One of his sons, Arthur P., died in 1896. Two sons, John L. and Frank B., are still engaged in the practice of law in Walla Walla, while the youngest son, Charles M., has made for himself a national reputation as farmer, art critic and writer. He, too, is a resident of Walla Walla. The only daughter, Ada A., is now the widow of C. B. Upton and lives in Tacoma. Mrs. Sharpstein is still living and although now almost eighty years of age is wonderfully well preserved, being able to do her own marketing and attend to her business affairs. The family of Judge Sharpstein has worthily maintained the high position established by the father, who departed this life May 2, 1907, honored and respected by all who knew him. His memory is enshrined in the hearts of those with whom he came in contact and his name is written large on the pages of Washington's history.

GEORGE J. RUARK.

George J. Ruark, one of the prominent citizens of Garfield county, is actively identified with farming interests and now makes his home in Pomeroy. He was born in Jefferson county, Kansas, August 17, 1858, a son of Thomas and Mary A. (Messenger) Ruark, who were natives of Illinois and of Ohio respectively. In early life they removed with their respective parents to Wayne county, Iowa, and were there married. They began their domestic life in that county, where they continued to reside until 1857 or 1858, when they became residents of Kansas but after two years returned to Wayne county, Iowa, whence in 1862 they started across the plains with ox teams and wagons for the Pacific coast. The journey was a long and arduous one, but day after day they pushed forward and eventually reached Clarke county, Washington, where they located, establishing their home ten miles north of Vancouver, where they lived until the spring of 1871. In that year they became residents of Walla Walla county and Mr. Ruark engaged in the live stock business until the spring of 1879. In the fall of 1878 he and his family removed to what is now Garfield county, establishing their home near Deadman's Hollow, eighteen miles east of Pomeroy. There the father engaged in farming until 1890 and, adding to his possessions from time to time, he acquired ten hundred and forty acres of valuable wheat land. In the spring of 1890 he removed to Whitman county, his son, George J. Ruark, taking charge of the old home farm in Garfield county. The father then continued in active connection with farming and live stock interests in Whitman county until 1900, when he retired from business life and removed to Asotin, Washington. He owned four hundred and twenty acres of land in Whitman county, which he leased on his removal to Asotin, where he still maintained his residence at date of death, January 8, 1908. His widow still survives and is now a resident of Pomeroy. In politics the father was a democrat and took active interest in the work and success of the party. For a number of years he served as postmaster of Deadman but otherwise refused public office. He belonged to the United Brethren church and was one of the sterling citizens of Garfield county.

George J. Ruark was educated in the district schools and was reared to farm life, early becoming familiar with all of the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. In the fall of 1883 he began farming on his own account, renting land in conjunction with his brother Charles and with his father. The Bowman ranch of one thousand acres, which they operated in partnership for three years, returned to them a gratifying annual income and on the expiration of that period George J. Ruark began farming independently, renting two hundred and seventeen acres of the same ranch. This he cultivated for a year and in 1888, having carefully saved his earnings, he bought a small place on which he located. He also continued to cultivate rented land in connection with his home farm and in the fall of 1889 he rented his father's farm of ten hundred and forty acres, which he continued to cultivate for five years. He then returned to his own place, which he farmed in connection with other land until the fall of 1902, when he sold that property and bought his present farm of fourteen hundred and twenty acres, situated at the head of Deadman's Hollow. This is now being cultivated by a tenant, and Mr. Ruark established his home in Pomeroy in the fall of 1903. From this point he directs and supervises his business interests and at the same time he has the enjoyment of city life.

In 1889 Mr. Ruark was united in marriage to Miss Olive Vannausdle, of Garfield county, a daughter of Harris Vannausdle, who came from Nebraska in 1884. He is still living and makes his home among his children. Mr. and Mrs. Ruark have an adopted daughter, Elma Maurene.

Politically Mr. Ruark is a democrat and on the party ticket was elected a member of the board of county commissioners in 1894, filling the position for four years in a most acceptable and creditable manner. Fraternally he is connected with the Woodmen of the World. He ranks with the leading and representative men of Garfield county, for by his enterprising efforts he has contributed much to the upbuilding and development of this section. He stands for progress and improvement along all lines and his cooperation can ever be counted upon to further any well devised plan for the general good.

DAVID B. FERREL.

David B. Ferrel, a well known farmer of Russell Creek township, Walla Walla county, was born August 8, 1870, a son of Brewster and Caroline (Bott) Ferrel, both natives of Ohio, an extended sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. David B. Ferrell was reared at home and after attending the district schools for a number of years became a student in the Walla Walla schools. In the meantime he had received thorough training in farm work under his father and when twenty-one years of age he became his father's partner in the operation of the home farm of two thousand acres. The greater part of the active supervision of the work devolves upon Mr. Ferrel of this review and he is one of the largest grain growers of his township, having under cultivation in 1917 more than a thousand acres. He has reduced the operation of his farm to a scientific basis, uses the most modern machinery andis highly efficient in the management of the business aspect of his work. He believes that the farmer should give to his work the same careful study that the business man does to the conduct of his affairs and he is always among the first to adopt improved methods and equipment.

On the 2nd of November, 1904, Mr. Ferrel was united in marriage to Miss Laura Wolfe, of Oakland, Maryland, and they have two children, Carlton D. and Dorothy B. Mr. Ferrel has never allied himself with any political party, preferring to cast an independent ballot. He is a member of the school board and takes a lively interest in educational matters. Both he and his wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal church and can be depended upon to support all movements for the upbuilding of the community along moral as well as along material lines. They have a wide acquaintance and are uniformly held in high regard.

HARVEY McDONALD.

Harvey McDonald, who has lived retired in Walla Walla for the past fifteen years, was long actively identified with agricultural interests as one of the extensive operators of the wheat belt and is still the owner of five hundred and twenty-five acres in Walla Walla county, eight hundred and thirty-one acres in Whitman county, this state, and four hundred and forty acres in Umatilla county, Oregon. His birth occurred in Ontario, Canada, on the 10th of March, 1857, his parents being John and Margaret (Kinnear) McDonald, who were also natives of that province. There the father spent his entire life, passing away in 1863, when his son Harvey was but six years of age. The mother afterward reared her family and in later years made her home among her children, her death occurring in Weston, Oregon.

Harvey McDonald acquired his education in the common schools of Ontario, Canada, and there spent the first twenty-three years of his life. In 1880 he crossed the border into the United States, locating in Umatilla county, Oregon, where he engaged in farming. Success attended his efforts as a wheat grower and he became one of the extensive operators of the wheat belt, acquiring large holdings which he still retains. About 1897 he took up his abode in the city of Walla Walla in order that his children might have the advantages of its schools. For five years thereafter he devoted his attention to the real estate business but since 1902 has lived retired in the enjoyment of well earned rest, leaving the cultivation of his farms to tenants. He was one of the organizers of the People's State Bank and has served as a director of the institution continuously to the present time.

In 1885 Mr. McDonald was united in marriage to Miss Nora Richardson, a daughter of John Richardson, one of the prominent ranchmen and pioneer settlers of Umatilla county, Oregon. The children of Mr. and Mrs. McDonald are three in number, as follows: Clara, who is the wife of C. B. Weathermon, an agriculturist residing in Umatilla county, Oregon; Areta, who gave her hand in marriage to S. Henderson Boyles, of Spokane, Washington; and Esther, the wife of Lindon Barnett, of Walla Walla.

HARVEY McDONALD

HARVEY McDONALD

HARVEY McDONALD

Politically Mr. McDonald is a republican, loyally supporting the men and measures of that party at the polls. Prior to the inauguration of the commission form of government he served for fourteen months as a member of the city council and in that connection made a most excellent record. Fraternally he is identified with the Woodmen of the World, while his religious faith is indicated in his membership in the Methodist church, to which his wife also belongs. His course has at all times commended him to the confidence and respect of his fellowmen and he is widely recognized as one of the representative, substantial and esteemed citizens of Walla Walla.

ANTHONY FEIDER.

Anthony Feider, an energetic and up-to-date farmer residing on section 1, township 11 north, range 42 east, Garfield county, was born in Germany, January 12, 1884, and is a son of S. A. and Rosa (Pohl) Feider, who in 1890 removed with their family to the United States. For some time they resided in Walla Walla county, Washington, and then came to Garfield county, purchasing the farm on which they still live. All of their six children also survive.

Anthony Feider received the greater part of his education in Garfield county and remained at home until he attained his majority, during which time he became thoroughly familiar with the various phases of farm work. On beginning his independent career he decided to devote his life to the occupation to which he had been reared and is now successfully operating five hundred acres belonging to his father. He harvests a large amount of grain annually and also raises high grade stock, from the sale of which he derives a good profit.

In 1907 Mr. Feider was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Pierre, who was born in Minnesota. Their children as follows: Paul A., Vincent A., John F., Joseph S., Edward P. and Albert W. Mr. and Mrs. Feider are communicants of the Catholic church and are always willing to further its work in every way possible. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus, and his personality is such that he has made many friends within and without that organization. In politics he is a stanch republican but he has never had time to give to public affairs, his farming operations requiring his undivided attention.

FRANK KIBLER.

Frank Kibler, who resides on section 5, Spring Creek township, Walla Walla county, is devoting his time exclusively to the operation of the large farm properties owned by the Kibler estate, and his well directed efforts are rewarded by gratifying profits. He was born May 18, 1882, in the township in which he still lives, and is a son of Jacob and Louisa (Buroker) Kibler. The father was a native of Shenandoah county, Virginia, and in 1853 came to the Pacific coast, locating in California, where he spent five years in the gold fields. In 1858 he removed to Walla Walla county, Washington, and for several years,or until the coming of the railroad, he was engaged in freighting. After rail transportation was established he turned his attention to farming, becoming the owner of land on Mill creek, about six miles east of Walla Walla. He prospered in his farming operations and became the owner of fifteen hundred acres of as fine farm land as can be found in the state. He continued to give his attention to the management of his affairs until his death, which occurred in September, 1908. His wife, who was born in the middle west, accompanied her parents on the long overland journey to Walla Walla county in 1864. She survives and still resides on the homestead.

Frank Kibler was reared under the parental roof and his experiences were those common to boys raised in a western pioneer community. He attended the district schools and also aided in such of the farm work as was within his strength, and by the time he had reached maturity he was an experienced agriculturist. He and his three brothers have always farmed in partnership and since the death of the father they have added extensively to their land holdings, which are all in the name of the Kibler estate. They are progressive and up-to-date, and no invention that will facilitate the work of the farm is lacking upon their properties. Moreover, their residence rivals in attractiveness and in modern equipment the best city homes, and the barns and other buildings are likewise of the latest type. Their farms are modern in equipment and illustrate the possibilities of farm life when the agriculturist brings to his work the same careful study and the same willingness to adopt new methods that characterize the successful business man along other lines.

Frank Kibler married Miss Leora McLeran, of Moscow, Idaho. She is a member of the Christian church and takes a praiseworthy interest in its work. Mr. Kibler supports the democratic party at the polls but has never been an active party worker, for his entire time has been taken up with the management of his farming interests. He has a wide acquaintance in the county in which his entire life has been spent, and his sterling worth is indicated in the fact that his stanchest friends are those who have known him intimately since boyhood.

F. M. SANDERS.

F. M. Sanders, a successful farmer residing in Walla Walla township, was born in Walla Walla county, December 31, 1873, a son of John and Rebecca (Meredith) Sanders, the former a native of Indiana and the latter of Ohio. In 1865 they crossed the continent with ox teams and located upon a farm east of Dixie, in Walla Walla county, where both resided until called by death. To them were born seven children, of whom six survive.

F. M. Sanders was reared and received his education in this county and gained valuable training in farm work under his father's direction. When he attained his majority he began farming on his own account and for thirty years he has made his home upon his present place, which comprises one hundred and sixty acres of excellent land in Walla Walla township. The improvements thereon are substantial and up-to-date, and his labors are rewarded bygood crops. He is also a director of the Self-Oiling Wheel & Bearing Company of Walla Walla.

Mr. Sanders was married in May, 1907, to Miss Minnie Bliven, a native of Minnesota, and they became the parents of three children, Lester F., Irene L. and Ralph H. On the 12th of May, 1917, the wife and mother passed away and she was laid to rest in the College Place cemetery. She was a consistent member of the Seventh Day Adventist church and her upright Christian life gained her the respect of all with whom she came in contact.

Mr. Sanders is a democrat in politics and has served acceptably as a member of the school board. He belongs to the Farmers Union and is interested in every movement that tends to advance the interests of agriculturists.

JAMES J. EDWARDS.

James J. Edwards, the highly efficient president of the Edwards-Hindle Company, conducting one of the leading department stores in southeastern Washington, is recognized as a foremost factor in the commercial development of Dayton. His rapid advancement to his present position is indicative of what can be accomplished in the inland empire when a man is energetic, sound of judgment and determined to succeed, for he began his business career as cash boy and has at all times depended solely upon his own resources.

His birth occurred in Tennessee, October 22, 1873, and his educational opportunities were in no way better than those afforded the average boy. In fact many a man who consoles himself with the thought that if he had had a chance he might have accomplished something had, in his youth, more favorable opportunities than did James J. Edwards. He was early compelled to make his own living and his first position was that of cash boy, with a salary of two dollars per week. He was faithful in the discharge of his duties in that connection, and being keen of observation even in that position, gained much information concerning the conduct of a store. His ability and fidelity were rewarded by advancement, and as the years passed he became increasingly familiar with merchandising. In 1899 he came to Dayton and took charge of the clothing department of the store owned by T. M. Hanger & Company. Subsequently he was promoted to the head of the dry goods department of that business and he retained that position until the company retired from business in Dayton and removed to Walla Walla. Mr. Edwards then organized the Edwards-Hindle Company, with a capital of fifty thousand dollars and took over the store formerly conducted by T. M. Hanger & Company, the new management taking charge of the place October 29, 1906. In the intervening eleven years the trade has shown a steady and rapid growth, the floor space has been increased, the store now occupying all the original Weinhard block at the corner of Main and Second streets. The location is one of the best in the city and in itself is an indication of the success that has attended the activities of Mr. Edwards and his associates. The store is well organized and carries a full line of dry goods, clothing and all kinds of groceries. Its policy has always been to carry, as far as possible, trade marked goods ofnational reputation, and its large patronage is further increased by the fact that the stock is so complete as to offer a large range for selection in every department. It is known as "The House of Quality," which slogan expresses the policy rigorously carried out in the management of the business.

Mr. Edwards was married in Oakesdale, Washington, to Miss Laura Graham in 1893 and they have one child living, Lloyd G. Edwards. Mrs. Edwards died in 1899. Mr. Edwards was married to Miss Celeste Price in 1908. He is devoted to the interests of his family and takes a great deal of pleasure in his beautiful home on South First street, which is one of the finest residences in Dayton. A great deal of thought and care has been given to its interior decoration, and all of the modern conveniences have been installed. Although at no time indifferent to political questions Mr. Edwards has not taken a very active part in civic affairs, preferring to give his entire attention to the management of his extensive business interests. He has found in the development of the Edwards-Hindle department store full scope for his executive ability and energy, and has derived great satisfaction from his effective work in building up its trade. His ability as a merchant is universally recognized, and during the years of his residence in Dayton he has also gained a place in the warm regard of many because of his admirable qualities as a man.

LEWIS McMORRIS.

Among the honored early settlers of Washington was Lewis McMorris, who in 1852 came to the Pacific coast and throughout the remainder of his life was identified with the interests of this section of the country. He was here before the city of Walla Walla was founded and he saw its development and assisted in its making. With his brother Joseph and his sisters, Mrs. Sarah Funk and Mrs. Emma Craig, he lived for years in the evening of his days on First street in Walla Walla. He was born in Coshocton, Ohio, August 12, 1831, and came of Scotch ancestry, the family having been founded in America in 1774 by a representative of the name who served in the Revolutionary war and who settled near Winchester, Virginia. After the establishment of American independence the family was founded in Ohio and in later generations representatives of the name went to Shelby county, Illinois, and there engaged in farming.

LEWIS McMORRIS

LEWIS McMORRIS

LEWIS McMORRIS

Lewis McMorris was one of the family who went to Illinois and on attaining his majority he was fitted out by his father to accompany a bachelor neighbor and a party to California. It was in the month of March, 1852, that they started west with ox teams, crossing the plains and meeting with many of the hardships and privations which fell to the lot of the pioneers. It was in that year that the cholera proved so terrible a scourge and all the way from the Missouri river graves dotted the trail. With only a sheet for a shroud and without a casket the bodies were lowered into their graves and the traveler, starting out full of hope, was laid to his last sleep. Often five newly made graves were to be seen in a day. The party with which Mr. McMorris traveled consisted of a train of three wagons at the start but they were afterward joined by six wagons en route at St. Joseph, Missouri, and on the 15th of September, 1852, they reached Fosters, near Oregon City. There the oxen and wagons were sold and horses were purchased by those who desired to go on to the mines. They made pack saddles, loaded the horses and pressed on to southern Oregon, where a year and a half was spent at Sutter Creek, at Crescent City and at other mines. They were not successful there, however, and pressed on to Yreka, California, where Mr. McMorris again engaged in mining. The Rogue River Indian war, however, broke out in southern Oregon, causing him to change his location and he made his way to the northern part of the state. He became a packer, rushing goods from Portland to the mines at Colville. After one of these trips he hired the team of mules to the quartermaster of the Oregon Volunteers to haul supplies to their headquarters at The Dalles. On the second trip the Indians stole both mules and supplies. On the 7th of December, 1855, the battle of the Walla Walla with the Indians was begun on Walla Walla river west of the present site of the city, a battle that lasted for four days and in which several thousand Indians were lined up against a few hundred white volunteers. The white men, however, were victorious and it was a memorable battle because it was a victory of a few over many and also because it marked the beginning of a lasting peace between the Indians and the white settlers in that vicinity. Mr. McMorris was one of the active participants in that battle. In 1856, when the troops camped at what became old Fort Walla Walla they moved about four miles up Mill creek but decided that the first stopping place was best and returned. It was this that decided the location of Walla Walla. Mr. McMorris assisted in building the canton, as the old fort was called, which was made from the various trees which grew along the banks of Mill creek. Years later when this land was sold for building purposes in order to extend the present city, it was desired to save intact some of the old fort buildings, to place them in the city park as historic relics, but it was found that the timber had rotted so that they crumbled away. In 1857 Mr. McMorris made the trip to the Willamette valley to buy teams for the government. On his return he began freighting for McClinchey & Freedman, who were proprietors of the first mercantile house in this city, located at the corner of Third and Main streets. In 1859 he began buying cattle and to secure a watering place for his herd he purchased land which included the present site of Wallula. The winter of 1861-2 was an exceedingly hard one and by spring his herd of two hundred and seventy head had decreased to forty. He next turned his attention to the mercantile business, in which he engaged with his brother, but this enterprise did not prove profitable and he sold his interest in the business. When land was thrown open to settlement he secured a preemption claim at a dollar and a quarter per acre, his place being located two miles south of the town now known as the Hammond Farm. It was there that he conducted his stock-raising venture for several years and at the same time operated a pack train to Boise, Idaho. After closing out his mercantile interests with his brother he was for four years the owner of a stage line operating between Dayton, Washington, and Lewiston, Idaho. He laid out the town of Wallula and donated to the railroad company the land which they used for depot purposes there.

His long and useful life was ended in 1915. He passed away at his home in Walla Walla at the ripe old age of eighty-four years. He had never married but he left a brother and two sisters. The brother, however, died in the spring of 1917. There are also four nephews and one niece: the Funk brothers, whoare engaged in merchandising in Walla Walla; the Craig brothers, of Illinois; and Agnes Lillian Purdy, of Portland, Oregon. Mr. McMorris was a member of the Oregon Pioneer Society, the Inland Empire Pioneers Association and the Indian War Veterans. Throughout the long years of his residence in this locality he became very widely and favorably known and he left many friends as well as relatives to mourn his loss. He performed an important part in promoting the early development and upbuilding of this section of the country and with many events which have left their impress upon the history of the northwest his name is inseparably associated.

JOSEPH F. TACHI.

Joseph F. Tachi, who passed away August 8, 1912, was a well known citizen of Walla Walla county. He was a native of Italy and came to America thirty-seven years ago. He did not tarry on the Atlantic seaboard but crossed the country and settled in Walla Walla county, Washington, where he took up the occupation of gardening, which he followed with success, developing a good business in that connection. He continued active in gardening up to the time of his demise, which occurred in 1912.

Almost a quarter of a century before, on June 9, 1889, at Walla Walla Mr. Tachi was united in marriage to Miss Antonia Coboch, who was likewise born in the sunny land of Italy and came to the new world when twenty-seven years of age. She owns ten acres of valuable land on section 36, township 7 north, range 35 east, at College Place and she is also the owner of the Star Laundry and a brick building which contains five storerooms and which returns to her a most gratifying annual income from its rental. In addition to these investments she owns thirty-one acres of land which is splendidly improved. She belongs to St. Francis Catholic church, of which Mr. Tachi was also a member, and he was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Catholic Knights of America, and the Red Men. During their residence in Walla Walla county Mr. and Mrs. Tachi gained many warm friends, he being well known as a representative business man. Mrs. Tachi has also proved most capable in the management and control of her interests, and her property is now bringing to her a substantial annual income.

MICHAEL MARTIN.

Michael Martin, a well known farmer residing on section 2, township 6 north, range 35 east, Walla Walla county, is entitled to the honor that is accorded the self-made man, for he has gained the competence that is now his solely through his own labors. He was born in County Galway, Ireland, September 5, 1835, and is a son of John and Ann (Larkin) Martin, both of whom spent their entire lives in County Galway. Michael Martin was reared and educated in his native land and remained there until 1863, when he decided to try his fortunein the United States and crossed the Atlantic to New York city, where he remained for a time. He then went to South Glastonbury, Connecticut, but three years after his emigration to this country he came to the Pacific coast by way of the Panama route, and spent two years in California. Subsequently he was a prospector in the placer gold mines at Emmitsburg and Helena, Montana, where he and his brother Patrick spent three years. It was in 1870 that they came to Walla Walla county, Washington, and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land and also took up a section of railroad land later on, their home being on Dry creek. Our subject finally sold his share of the property to his brother John, who still owns the place, and then purchased his present farm on section 2, township 6 north, range 35 east, where he has resided continuously since. He gave his personal attention to the operation of his place until advancing years led him to retire from active labor, since which time the farm has been operated by his son Emmet. He has been a hard worker and has manifested good judgment in the direction of his affairs, and as the years have passed his financial resources have steadily increased.

In 1890 Mr. Martin was married in Ireland, to Miss Julia Kellher, and they have become the parents of five children, of whom three have passed away. Those living are: Emmet M., who is now in charge of the home farm; and Estella, a nurse at St. Mary's Hospital in Walla Walla. The wife and mother passed away in 1900 and was laid to rest in the Catholic cemetery. The family are communicants of the Catholic church of Walla Walla, and Mr. Martin supports the republican party at the polls but has never been ambitious to hold office. For more than half a century he has made his home in Walla Walla county, and in that period has seen a marvelous change in conditions as the country has been transformed from a pioneer district into a highly developed agricultural section.

J. W. SWEAZY.

J. W. Sweazy, a farmer of Columbia county, living on section 34, township 10 north, range 37 east, was born in Wallula, Washington, on the 8th of May, 1884, a son of Frank and Allie J. (Barnes) Sweazy. The father was a native of Portugal, while the mother was born in Missouri. When a youth of fourteen the father came to the United States, having relatives living in Petaluma, California. To that point he made his way. His wife crossed the plains with her mother in 1880, her father having previously been killed while serving as a soldier in the Civil war. She and her mother located on a ranch near Waitsburg, Washington. About the same time Frank Sweazy made his way to Walla Walla county and soon afterward they were married. He then purchased the farm which is now the home of his son, the subject of this review, and thereon he resided for a number of years. Ultimately, however, he removed to Waitsburg, where he continued his residence for twenty years, or until the time of his death in 1914. His widow survives and yet makes her home in Waitsburg.

J. W. Sweazy was educated in the public schools and also attended theWaitsburg Academy. In 1902, at the age of eighteen years, he became a wage earner, entering the employ of Corbett Brothers in the capacity of bookkeeper at their mill at Huntsville. A year later he resigned to accept a position with John Smith, a hardware merchant of Waitsburg, where he filled the position of bookkeeper for four years. On the expiration of that period he went to Walla Walla, where he held the office of deputy county auditor under J. N. McCaw, in which capacity he served for four years. In November, 1910, he was elected county auditor and so continued for two terms of two years each, making a most creditable record in that position by the promptness and systematic manner and general capability with which he discharged his duties. On the expiration of his second term he returned to the home farm, which he has since occupied and operated. It is a tract of three hundred and twenty acres of rich and productive land, much of which he has brought to a high state of cultivation, and the fields are now bringing forth rich crops. They are divided into tracts of convenient size by well kept fences and there are valuable improvements upon the place, and the spirit of neatness and thrift which there prevails indicates the progressive methods of the owner.

In 1909 Mr. Sweazy was united in marriage to Miss Mattie Ramseur, of Waitsburg, and they have many friends in the community where they live. Mrs. Sweazy is a member of the Methodist church. Mr. Sweazy holds membership with Waitsburg Lodge, No. 16, F. & A. M., and is a loyal exemplar of the teachings of the craft. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day but does not seek nor desire office as reward for party fealty, preferring to concentrate his thought, attention and purpose upon his farming interests, which are bringing to him substantial success.

JUDGE MACK F. GOSE.

Judge Mack F. Gose is one of the distinguished representatives of the bench and bar in Washington. Few lawyers have made a more lasting impression upon the judicial history of the state, both for legal ability of a high order and for the individuality of a personal character which impresses itself upon a community, and he proved himself the peer of the ablest members of the court of last resort while serving as one of the supreme judges of the state. He was born in Missouri, July 8, 1859, and is a son of John M. and Hannah Gose, natives of Virginia. In 1864 the family came west and after spending a year at Boise, Idaho, proceeded to Walla Walla county, Washington, where the father turned his attention to horticulture, becoming a prominent fruit grower of this region.

JUDGE MACK F. GOSE

JUDGE MACK F. GOSE

JUDGE MACK F. GOSE

Judge Gose was only five years of age when the family arrived in Walla Walla county and he is indebted to the public schools of Walla Walla for the early educational advantages he enjoyed. After leaving school he entered the office of ex-Senator John B. Allen, one of the distinguished attorneys of the northwest at that time. After reading law for some time, Judge Gose was admitted to the bar in 1883 and at once began the practice of his chosen profession in Pomeroy, where he has since remained, becoming in the meantime one of the leading lawyers of this section of the state. He won for himself very favorable criticism for the careful and systematic methods which he followed. He has ever displayed remarkable powers of concentration and application and his retentive mind has often excited the surprise of his professional colleagues. As an orator he stands high, especially in the discussion of legal matters before the court, where his comprehensive knowledge of the law is manifest and his application of legal principles demonstrates the wide range of his professional acquirements. The utmost care and precision characterize his preparation of a case and have made him one of the most successful attorneys of the state. It was the qualities which he had displayed in private practice that commended him for judicial service and he was elected a judge of the supreme court, serving on the bench of the court of final appeals in Washington for six years. His opinions are fine specimens of judicial thought, always clear, logical and as brief as the character of the case will permit. He never enlarged beyond the necessities of the legal thought in order to indulge in the drapery of literature. His mind during the entire period of his course at the bar and on the bench has been directed in the line of his profession and his duty.

In 1886 Judge Gose was united in marriage to Miss Lelah Seeley, a daughter of Charles H. Seeley, and to them was born a daughter, L. Vyvien, who is now the wife of Charles A. McCleary, of Olympia. Judge Gose makes his home in Pomeroy, where he occupies an attractive residence, and in addition he owns and supervises a large ranch, taking considerable interest and pride in his agricultural labors. His political endorsement has, since 1896, been given to the republican party and upon that ticket he was elected to the office of mayor of Pomeroy, the reins of city government being in most capable hands during his administration of civic affairs. He is today one of the honored and representative men of the state.

CHARLES F. FLATHERS.

Charles F. Flathers is a representative agriculturist of Walla Walla county, owning and cultivating six hundred and fifty-two acres of valuable land situated on section 32, township 10 north, range 36 east. It was upon this farm that he was born March 17, 1875, a son of Benjamin F. and Melinda (McQuown) Flathers, who are mentioned elsewhere in this work. He was reared upon the old homestead and became a pupil in the Prescott schools, dividing his time between the duties of the schoolroom, the pleasures of the playground and the work of the fields. He continued to assist his father until 1905, when he joined his brothers, John and Emery Flathers, and for five years the three brothers conducted farming interests in a partnership relation. Emery then withdrew but Charles F. and John continued their interests together until 1914. Since that time Charles F. Flathers has carried on farming interests independently and is now the owner of six hundred and fifty-two acres of valuable wheat land, which he carefully and successfully cultivates. He has become one of the most substantial agriculturists of Walla Walla county. He studies closely everything bearing upon wheat culture and the production of other crops suited to soil and climatic conditionshere and his progressive methods produce splendid results. His farm with its broad fields, its substantial buildings and its modern improvements presents a most pleasing appearance and is a very attractive feature of the landscape.

On the 20th of October, 1911, Mr. Flathers was married to Miss Elizabeth Fowler, of Walla Walla, a daughter of Colonel Alexander Fowler, of Fort Scott, Kansas, who won his title by service in the Civil war and has now passed away. In politics Mr. Flathers is a democrat but not desirous to hold office. He is a member of Prescott Lodge, No. 46, I. O. O. F. At the time of her marriage Mrs. Flathers was engaged in nursing in Walla Walla. She is a lady of liberal education and culture and both Mr. and Mrs. Flathers are widely and favorably known in their section of the county, enjoying the high regard of an extensive circle of friends.

S. F. ATWOOD.

S. F. Atwood, who is doing excellent work as principal of the Dayton high school, was born in Johnson county, Missouri, January 29, 1885, a son of Wiley C. and Indiana (Freeman) Atwood, natives respectively of Virginia and Iowa. Both, however, were taken as children to Johnson county, Missouri, and there they were reared and married. The father engaged in farming there until 1893, when he went to Bates county, that state, whence in 1896 he removed to Ellensburg, Washington. In his new home he resumed the work of tilling the fields and he is now engaged in agricultural pursuits in Benton county, where he has lived since 1913. In that year he was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife.

S. F. Atwood attended the district schools of Missouri in early boyhood and continued his education in the Ellensburg schools, graduating from the high school in 1902. He prepared for teaching in the Ellensburg State Normal School, from which he was graduated in 1905, and the thorough professional training which he there received well fitted him for the performance of his duties as principal of the North Street school of Ballard, Washington, which position he held for three years. At the end of that time he matriculated in the University of Washington at Seattle, but withdrew from that school in his senior year on account of his mother's illness. In December, 1909, he was called to Dayton as principal of the high school and has ever since served in that capacity, his continuance in the position indicating his efficiency. He regards teaching as being as truly a profession as the law or medicine and believes that one intending to devote his life to educational work should prepare as thoroughly as the physician or lawyer. He has remained a constant student of educational methods and is always willing to adapt to the needs of his school any new plan which has proved of value.

Mr. Atwood was married in 1910 to Miss Anna Laura McMillan, of Seattle, and they have four children, Dorothy Jean, Violet Claire, Florence May and Stanley Freeman, Jr.

Mr. Atwood endorses the principles of the democratic party and supports its measures at the polls and in 1916 was its candidate for county superintendent. He belongs to Occidental Lodge, No. 72, F. & A. M., of Seattle, and is also a member of the Inquiry Club of Dayton. Both he and his wife attend the Congregationalchurch and can be counted upon to further movements having as their object the moral advancement of the community. He has not at any time kept himself aloof from the everyday interests of life but has been a factor in the development of Dayton along various lines.

WILLIAM MARTIN.

Among Walla Walla county's venerable and highly respected citizens is numbered William Martin, a retired farmer who is now living in Hill township. Moreover, he has lived on the Pacific coast for sixty-five years and is familiar with every phase of its growth and development from Indian fighting to the latest methods of crop production. He was born in Indiana, September 30, 1833, and is a son of Jesse and Catherine (Harris) Martin, the former a native of Ohio, while the latter was born in Kentucky. At an early date they became residents of Indiana and afterward established their home in McLean county, Illinois. In 1844 they removed to Missouri, where they resided until 1857, when they started across the plains for California, whither their son William had preceded them. They located in Thurston county, Washington, and there continued to reside until called to their final rest. They had a family of ten children but only three are now living.

William Martin was reared and educated in Missouri, where he resided until 1852, when at the age of nineteen years he came to the Pacific coast country. He outfitted with an ox team and wagon and started upon the long journey to California, attracted by the discovery of gold on the Pacific coast and the business opportunities which it opened up. He was six months in crossing the plains and then concluded to locate in Oregon, but after spending three months in Oregon City went to Thurston county, Washington, where he was employed in a sawmill for three years and a half. On the expiration of that time he took up a claim. Upon that land, which was entirely wild and undeveloped, he built a little log cabin with a clapboard roof and began life there in true pioneer style, experiencing the hardships and privations incident to the settlement of the frontier. Upon that place he lived for several years and his labors wrought a marked change in its appearance, for he broke the sod, tilled the fields and in course of time gathered good harvests. He afterward purchased more land in that locality. The years were fraught not only with much hard labor but with other experiences of pioneer life. In 1855 and 1856 Mr. Martin was engaged in fighting the Indians and became familiar with all of the treacherous methods of Indian warfare. Later he concentrated his efforts upon farming and as the years passed his labors were crowned with a substantial measure of success.

On December 14, 1856, Mr. Martin was united in marriage to Miss Ann E. Yantis, who was born in Missouri in 1840 and by whom he had five children, as follows: John F.; J. A.; Catherine, who is the wife of L. H. Koontz, of Pasco, Washington; William E.; and one who died in infancy.

It was in 1872 that Mr. Martin brought his family to the Walla Walla valley, where he has since lived, covering a period of forty-five years. Here he wasengaged in the stock business until 1880 and then removed to Walla Walla and turned his attention to mercantile pursuits. In 1886 he entered a railroad office at Wallula, where he remained for nine years, and at the end of that time located on a ranch on Snake river, living there for three years. The following year was spent in Walla Walla and he next owned and occupied a ranch on Hudson Bay in Oregon for three years. On selling that place he returned to Washington and has lived in Touchet since 1901. He purchased a store in Touchet which he carried on for some time but at length sold that property and retired from active business life, so that he is now enjoying a rest which he has truly earned and richly deserves. He owns seven acres of land in the village of Touchet, upon which he has a comfortable and attractive residence and is now pleasantly situated there.

His has been an active and useful life and one which, by its integrity and honor, has gained for him the respect and confidence of all with whom he has been brought in contact. His political allegiance has always been given to the democratic party and upon that ticket he was elected to represent his district in the general assembly of Washington in 1877. He has served on the school board, has filled the office of justice of the peace and at all times has been most loyal to the trust reposed in him. He and his wife are consistent members of the Christian church and have guided their lives by its teachings, being always careful to conform their actions to high standards. In a word they have ever endeavored to follow the golden rule doing unto others as they would have others do unto them.

RAYMOND RINGOLD REES.

A man who has contributed to the upbuilding of a city in one line of development is considered worthy of honor, but that man who has a part in the promotion of his city's interests in many fields of activity has a still greater claim upon the gratitude of his fellow citizens, and such was the record of Raymond Ringold Rees, pioneer newspaper man, prominent merchant and man of affairs.

He was born in Reily, Ohio, June 17, 1833, and was taken by his parents to Delaware, that state, where he remained until he was twenty-one years old. During his youth he served an apprenticeship to the printer's trade and in 1854 he came west with a brother by way of the Isthmus of Panama, their destination being Portland, Oregon, in the vicinity of which a third brother lived. After a short time Mr. Rees of this review secured work as a typesetter on the Christian Advocate and as he had the distinction of being the only man in Portland who could set book type, he did that work on McCormac's Almanac, the first book published on the Pacific coast. He was also employed as a typesetter on the first issue of the Daily Oregonian, Portland's famous newspaper. With the exception of eighteen months spent with a brother in the Colville mines, he was identified with newspaper publication in Portland until 1861, when he came to Walla Walla, reaching here on the 21st of November.

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