Pierce County, Washington - The whole text, 1927 (part 25 of 27)

sister of Attorney O'Brien, of that city, and daughter of Lawrence and Ormycinda (Pake) O'Brien, who came to Washington in 1890. Mr. and Mrs. Elvins have six children, namely: Cletus, the wife of J. B. Stevens, of Tacoma; Margarite, cashier of the Hays & Hays Bank at Aberdeen, Washington; Dr. R. E., who is married and is now stationed at Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indiana; Alice, the wife of Ray C. Gallagher, of Oakland, California, and the mother of Ray C., Jr., the subject's only grandchild; Lawrence O. B., who is in his father's store; and W. H., Jr., who is in school.

Politically Mr. Elvins is a stanch democrat and has long been active in local public affairs. He served as mayor of Puyallup in 1899, being the only man ever elected to the office in this city on the democratic ticket. He served as president of the Commercial Club in 1898, is a member of the Chamber of Commerce and of the Kiwanis Club. He belongs to the Woodmen of the World, of which he was consul commander several terms; is one of the thirteen men who organized the Puyallup lodge, B. P. O. E., and belongs to the Knights of Columbus at Tacoma. He has been superintendent of the manufacturers department of the Puyallup fair for twentythree years and is a director of that association. He has been successful in business, is respected in social life and has been a loyal and progressive citizen of his community, enjoying to the highest degree the confidence of his fellow citizens, regard-. less of politics or creed.

Frank Mounts

Frank Mounts is a scion of some of the oldest pioneer stock of Pierce county, his maternal grandfather, John McLeod, who was born at Stornoway, on the island of Lewis, Scotland, in 1816, having come to Fort Nisqually in 1837 with the Hudson Bay Fur Company. He remained with that concern until 1849, when he joined the gold rush to California, where he engaged in mining about one year, and, in 1850, came back to what is now Pierce county. He located a donation claim of three hundred and twenty acres on Douglas creek, now called Muck creek, eighteen miles southeast of Tacoma. There he developed a good farm, on which he lived for fiftysix years or until his death, which occurred April 30, 1906, at the age of ninety years. His widow still owns and lives on the old homestead. John McLeod was one of the original white settlers of the Puget Sound district and was a man of strong character, well liked by his fellowmen. He grazed large flocks of sheep on the prairies and ran large herds of stock cattle in the early days. He was a charter member of Steilacoom Lodge, A. F. & A. M.

Frank Mounts was born on his grandfather's old homestead in Pierce county, on the 6th of March, 1870, and is a son of Daniel M. and Catherine (McLeod) Mounts, the latter born at Clover Creek, Pierce county. Daniel M. Mounts was born in Peoria county, Illinois, and came to Washington territory, then a part of Oregon, in 1850, when seventeen years old, being thus also one of the pioneers of this section of the country. He crossed the plains with ox team and covered wagon and soon after his arrival in Oregon went to the California gold fields, where he remained through one winter. In the following spring he went to South Bay, Thurston county, and took up a donation claim of three hundred and twenty acres in 1855. In the following year he was appointed agricultural instructor on the Nisqually Indian reservation, where he remained ten years. He then bought a ranch at Chehalis, Washington, and engaged in buying and selling cattle. About 1861 he was married and went to live on the Joel Myers donation claim, which he bought later, and there he spent his remaining years, dying in July, 1904. His widow is still living there. To him and his wife were born ten children, namely: Christine; John M., deceased; Frank; Mary Ann; James T., deceased; Belle Z.; Tristen B., deceased; Hilda, Florence E. and Catherine. a

Frank Mounts received the advantage of a good education in the public schools of Pierce county and has followed the occupation of farming here during practically his entire life. He owns eighty acres of land on the Quinault Indian reservation, in Gray's Harbor county, Washington, but is at present living on his mother's farm in this county. : ; } ' ,

On December 18, 1907, Mr. Mounts was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Jensen, who was born and reared in Tacoma, a daughter of N. P. and Custine Jensen, both of whom were natives of Germany. They came to the United States in 1873, locating first in Ohio, where they lived several years, and in 1883 came to Tacoma, where the father worked at the cabinetmaking trade. In 1885 he bought a farm at Longbranch, which he operated until 1899, when he returned to Tacoma, where he lived until his death, August 28, 1917. His wife died in March, 1896. They were the parents of six children: N. U., who lives in California; Mrs. Catherine Mounts; Emma, who died at the age of ten years; and three who died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Mounts have three children, as follows: F. Clyde, born at Nisqually, July 28, 1910, and now in high school; Norman W., born November 10, 1912; and Annabelle C., born December 31, 1922. Mr. Mounts is a man of sterling character and of cordial and friendly manner, who through his consistent life and industrious habits has won the sincere regard and good will of all who know him.

James D. Davies

After many years of activity and persistent effort, James D. Davies, has retired from business and is-now enjoying that leisure which he has so richly earned. He was born in south Wales in 1866 and is a son of David and Mary Davies, both of whom are deceased. He was educated in the schools of his native land and then turned his attention to mining, in which he became an expert. In 1886, at the age of twenty years, he came to the United States, locating first in Pennsylvania, where he was employed until 1888, when he came to Pierce county, here also becoming identified with the mining industry. Eventually he became superintendent of the 'Ozark Mining Company, in King county, Washington, and was connected with the mining business continuously until 1921, when, having been wisely economical of his financial resources, he was able to retire and came to Tacoma to make his permanent home, now living at 818 North Proctor street. He owns several business properties, having also built a brick block and has bought a comfortable and attractive home.

Mr. Davies was married, in May, 1897, to Mary Thomas, of Tacoma, a daughter of John Thomas, who came here in 1884. To Mr. and Mrs. Davies have been born three children: Violet, who is a teacher in the public schools; Alvin, who is engaged in the sheet metal business in Tacoma; and John, also of this city. Mr. Davies is a republican in his political affiliation, and is a Mason. He has attained the thirtysecond degree in Tacoma Consistory A. A. S. R. and belongs to Afifi Temple of the Mystic Shrine, and also to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of which he is a past noble grand. Mr. Davies is a man of kindly manner and fine personal qualities and since coming to Tacoma has gained many warm friends.

Among the successful and enterprising merchants of Tacoma stands A. A. Rankin, -who for over a quarter century has conducted a grocery store at 1202 Puyallup avenue, where he has, by his close attention to business and his sound methods, built up a large trade. He was born in Ontario, Canada, in 1866, and is a son of Robert and Martha Rankin, both of whom are deceased. He secured his educational training in the public schools of his home neighborhood and in 1888, when twenty-two years old, came to 'Tacoma. For a number of years he was variously employed, during a part of which time he worked in the Paulson sawmill. He was then employed in the sash and door factory of the C. M. Johnson Company and afterward engaged in the furniture business for a short time. During the following seven years he was a member of the Tacoma fire department and during the two years from 1897 to 1899 he was in the Klondike gold field. In 1899 he established the Rainier market where the Provident building now stands, but eight months later he disposed of it and again went north, prospecting in the Nome district for about eight months. f

On his return to Tacoma, in 1900, Mr. Rankin embarked in the grocery business where he is now located and during the subsequent years he has commanded his full share of the local trade in his line. He carries a large and complete stock of staple and fancy groceries, as well as fruits and vegetables, and his courteous and accommodating manner makes for him friends of all who deal with him. For a time Mr.

Rankin was also interested in the Coast Trading Company but has sold his stock in that concern. He owns a fruit ranch at Prosser, east of the mountains, and also has valuable property in the Puyallup valley. He has given close attention to his business and is well deserving of the success which is his.

Mr. Rankin was married November 11, 1893, in Tacoma, to Miss Ida Wookey, whose family came to Tacoma in 1884. To Mr. and Mrs. Rankin have been born three children, namely: Myrtle M., who is the wife of G. H. Howard, of Tacoma; Adelbert W.; and Jessie M., who is a student in the State Agricultural College at Pullman.

Mr. Rankin has maintained a deep interest in the welfare of his city and served as a member of the city council in 1908-9. In 1927 he was elected a member of the board of education of district 10, Tacoma. He is a member of Tacoma Lodge, No. 22, A. F. & A. M., of which he is a past master; Tacoma Chapter, R. A. M.; Ivanhoe Commandery, No. 4, K. T., of which he is past commander; Tacoma Consistory, A. A. S. R.; and Afifi Temple of the Mystic Shrine. A man of sterling qualities of character, genial and friendly in his social relations, and, standing for all that is best in community life, he has earned and has long retained the sincere respect of all who know him.

Romnous Nix

One of the oldest homesteads in the Puyallup valley is that now occupied by Romnous Nix and which came into the possession of the Nix family in 1852. The conditions which existed in this locality three-quarters of a century ago are in marked contrast to the present scenes that greet the eye - well improved farms, comfortable homes and thriving towns, with all the wonderful conveniences that characterize the present day. Little did the early pioneers realize the wonderful superstructure that was to be builded on the foundations which they laid so well. Born on the farm where he now lives, in 1884, Romnous Nix is a son of R. and Minnie (Teitzel) Nix, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Germany. The father came to the Puyallup valley in 1852, making the long overland trip with ox teams and covered wagons, and took up a donation claim of one hundred and sixty acres of land, a part of which now lies within the city limits of Puyallup. At that time it was in the midst of the forest, part of it being swampy, while the remainder was densely covered with timber and brush. He built a small log house and then, with the aid of his sturdy oxen, proceeded to clear the land, drain the swamps and cultivate the tract. In the course of time he developed a splendid homestead and there he spent the remaining years of his life, his death occurring in 1902. His widow survived a number of years, passing away in 1916. They were the parents of eight children, namely: Romnous and William, twins; Ila, deceased; John, who now lives in Sumner; Henry; Minnie; Lillie; and Herman.

Romnous Nix was educated in the public schools of Puyallup and then devoted his attention to the home farm. In 1915, on the death of their mother, he and his brother William bought the interests of the other heirs in the estate and later divided the land between them. Mr. Nix now owns sixty-seven acres of well improved land, of which he has fourteen acres in evergreen blackberries, the remainder being in orchard and pasture. He keeps ten good milk cows and raises splendid crops, maintaining his farm at the highest state of efficiency.

In December, 1915, Mr. Nix was united in marriage to Miss Augusta Kuelper, who was born and reared in Puyallup, a daughter of Julius and Anna (Stelling) Kuelper, both of whom are natives of Germany. The father came to the United States in 1883, settled first in Minnesota, later lived in Kansas, and in 1887 returned to his native land. A year later he again went to Kansas, and in August, 1888, came to Puyallup, where he was employed as a gardener until 1893, when he bought land and has since been engaged in gardening in which he has been very successful. His wife came to the Puyallup valley in 1889 and they were married in February, 1892. To them were born five children, Augusta, Johanna, UES Julius and August. Mr. and Mrs. Nix are the parents of.four children, as follows: Helen, nine years old; Lucile, seven years; Paul, four; and Lawrence, two years old. Mr. Nix is a strong believer in good roads and schools and all that contributes to the welfare and comfort of a community but has never aspired to public office of any nature. In 1921 he built a fine, modern house and has made other ate ae provements on the ranch, which is regarded as one of the best in this part o e county. Mr. Nix is a man of strong character, sterling integrity and friendly disposition and has always held a high place in the esteem and confidence of his fellowmen.

Joseph Kruger

The "Golden Rule Dairy," one of the best known dairy farms in northwestern Pierce county is owned and operated by Joseph Kruger, whose success has been won by hard and persistent effort along well directed lines, so that he is eminently deserving of his present prosperity. He was born in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, May 24, 1888, and is a son of Fred and Katherine (Dick) Kruger, the latter born in Wisconsin and now living in Tacoma. The father was born in Holland, whence, in 1860, when but a few days old, he was brought to the United States. Here he was reared and educated, and on attaining mature years took up farming. Later he became a carpenter contractor, which business he followed to the time of his death, which oceurred November 13, 1925. To him and his wife were born seven children, Charles, Joseph, Bertha, Henry, Mabel, Ora and Freddie.

Joseph Kruger attended the public schools, graduating from the Eau Claire high school, and then learned the trade of a butcher, at which he was employed in Wisconsin until 1908, when he came to Tacoma. Here he at once went to work for the Carstens Packing Company, being employed in the sheep department, and remained with that concern ten years. In 1916 he turned his attention to the dairy business, buying one cow and locating on eleven acres of land at Gardenville. By careful management and rigid economy, he gradually forged ahead and is now the owner of ninety head of high-grade Holstein and Jersey cows, in addition to which he keeps one hundred and ten hogs. He supplies the Hotel Winthrop and two of the leading hospitals in Tacoma and the high quality of his milk has gained a 'high reputation for the "Golden Rule Dairy." Mr. Kruger also leases ninety acres of land for pasturage and raises good crops of clover and vetch for silage purposes.

On August 3, 1909, Mr. Kruger was united in marriage to Miss Clara Olson, who was born in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, a daughter of Ben and Karan (Torgerson) Olson, the former of whom was born in Norway and the latter in Wisconsin. The father came to the United States in 1878 and located in Eau Claire, where he is manager of the Refrigerator Company. To him and his wife were born ten children, Clara, Olga, Selma, Benhart, Louise, Ruth, Oscar, deceased, Arthur, Mildred and Kenneth. Mr. and Mrs. Kruger are the parents of three children: Bernice, born December 30, 1912, and who is talented in both vocal and instrumental music; and Donald and Dorothy, twins, born February 1, 1918. To Mrs. Kruger is her hisband's success largely due, for it was her suggestion and encouragement that induced him to engage in his present line of business, at a time when he had but little financial capital, and all through the subsequent years she has been an able and valuable counselor and assistant to him. Mr. Kruger has taken a_public-spirited interest in matters pertaining to the welfare of the community, being a strong advocate of good roads and schools and progressive in his ideas. He has served as a member of the Fife school board for the past eight years and was largely instrumental in securing the gymnasium that has been built for that school. He is a member of the Holy Rosary Roman Catholic church in Tacoma and Mrs. Kruger and their children are members of the Central Lutheran church of that city. Because of his splendid business record, as well as for his high personal qualities, Mr Kruger holds an enviable place in public confidence and esteem. 3

W. W. Leach

Ww. W. Leach is a worthy representative of one of the sterling old pioneer families of Pierce county. The various members of the family have done their full part in the development of this section and in the advancement of its civilization. W. W. Leach was born at Sumner, this county, on the 15th of November, 1861, and is a sot of Jacob P. and Nancy (Whitesell) Leach, the latter a native of Wisconsin. Jacob Leach was born in Indiana, where he was reared and educated. In 1852 he came across the plains, with ox teams, arriving in Portland, Oregon, where he remained about a year. In 1853 he came to Steilacoom, Pierce county, and went to work in the woods, being employed for four or five years in hewing out timber for the San Francisco market. He then took up a donation claim of one hundred and sixty acres near Puyallup, which he later sold. He then went to Lakeview, this county, and took up a preemption claim, and also built there the second sawmill in Pierce county, which he operated until 1885, when he moved to the Whitesell donation claim, near Orting, where he lived until his death, September 29, 1924, at the advanced age of ninety-four years. The mother died November 15, 1900. They were the parents of four children: W. W.; Ivy, who lives in Orting; Izy, who lives in Oregon; and George, deceased.

W. W. Leach was educated in the public schools of Tacoma and then devoted his efforts to his father's sawmill. Later he followed logging for a number of years and then engaged in farming on the old Whitesell donation claim, near Orting, of which he owns forty acres of good land. He keeps ten cows and a few hogs and raises excellent crops of hay and potatoes. He has devoted his time closely to the operation of this farm, with the exception of about fifteen years, when he leased it and was employed by the county on road construction work. He is a member of Orting Lodge, No. 63, I. O. O. F. He has always shown a commendable interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of his community and by his consistent life and successful career has gained and retains the respect and good will of his fellowmen.

George Leach was born at Lakeview, Washington, December 18, 1875, and died October 28, 1925, in the fiftieth year of his age. He attended the public schools and the Tacoma high school, and then took a course in a business college there. He was a man of fine attainments and sterling character and to a marked degree commanded the esteem of all with whom he came in contact. On October 31, 1903, he was united in marriage to Miss Dollie Thompson, who was born at Dorchester, Nebraska, a daughter of John and Nancy Adelia (Rariden) Thompson, the latter a native of Indiana. The father followed the vocation of farming and both are now deceased. They were the parents of five children, Mrs. Gertrude Layton, William Louis, Mrs. Isa Ellen Myles, John B., deceased, and Dollie. To Mr. and Mrs. Leach were born three children: Bernice, who was born at Goldbar, Snohomish county, graduated from high school, then took a business course and is now employed in a bank at Orting; Nellie, who was born on the old homestead at Orting, graduated from high school and is now the wife of Howard Flannagan; George Jacob, born at Orting, is now in the Orting high school.

Oscar T. Peterson

Among the sons of far-away Sweden who have come to this country and have contributed to the development and upbuilding of their respective communities, at the same time realizing for themselves a very substantial measure of success, specific mention should be made of Oscar T. Peterson, who, after a long, active and useful career, is now living retired on his attractive little ranch in the vicinity of Puyallup. Mr. Peterson was born in Norkoping, Sweden, October 18, 1858, and is a son of August and Charlotte Peterson. The former was a carpenter by trade and both died in their native land. They were the parents of three children: August, who lives near Tacoma, Washington; Oscar; and Carl, who died in Sweden.

Osear T. Peterson was educated in his native land and when fifteen years old was confirmed in the Methodist church. When twelve years of age he went to work in a woolen mill, in which he was later promoted to the position of foreman. In 1879 he came to the United States, locating temporarily at Muskegon, Michigan, whence he went to Chicago, Illinois, where he was employed in a furniture factory about six months. Going then to Detroit, Michigan, he drove a delivery truck awhile and next went to Grand Rapids,- Michigan, where he worked in furniture factories about two years. He remained in that city three years and then went to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he worked at the carpenter trade about a year and then engaged in contracting. There, on April 2, 1886, he took out his citizenship papers. On May 12, 1887, he came to Tacoma, Washington, and, buying four lots on O street, built himself a small house, after which he went to work at the carpenter trade. Later he began contracting, which he followed for a number of years, building a large number of houses and other structures. When the Puyallup Indian reservation land was opened, he bought fifteen acres in section 17, township 20 north, range 4 east, being one of the first white settlers to buy land on the reservation. His land was part timber and part swamp and a vast amount of work was required to get it in shape for cultivation. After building a good house, he set to work and in the course of time had the land all cleared and the wet land ditched for drainage. He planted the greater part of the land to apples and berries, in the raising of which he met with success, and continued to operate the ranch until 1921, when he sold the place and bought one acre and three-quarters of James Goudy, an Indian, the tract being nicely located on the highway. Here he built a fine, modern home and planted the land to fruit, and here he is now living, enjoying in quiet retirement the returns of his former years of labor. He has made a number of nice improvements on the place, which is now very attractive.

On July 3, 1885, Mr. Peterson was married to Miss Caroline Olson, who was born in Norway, the daughter of Andrew Olson. Her parents came to the United States in 1872, settling in Wisconsin, where the father homesteaded eighty acres of land, on which he lived until his death. They were the parents of nine children, of which number five are living. To Mr. and Mrs. Peterson have been born six children, as follows: Mrs. Adele Maddox, of Tacoma, who has four children, Margaret, Theodore, Leroy and Randolph; Lillian, deceased; Mrs. Dora Baumgardner, who has two children, Gary and Jack; Alice, deceased; Mrs. Clara Hanson, of Midland, Washington, who has two children, Conrad and a baby; and Mrs. Evelyn Coblentz, who lives on the old ranch, and has a daughter.

Mr. and Mrs. Peterson are members of Trinity Methodist Episcopal church, in Tacoma. He has served nine years as a member of the Fir school board and has maintained a commendable interest in all matters relating to the welfare of the community. A man of most substantial qualities, he well deserves the respect which is accorded him by his fellow citizens throughout his locality.

Carl F. Muehler

One of the foremost pioneers of Pierce county was Carl F. Muehler, whose death occurred at Tacoma November 28, 1912. He was a native of Saxony, born December 30, 1884, and was a son of Frederick and Wilhelmine (Herrold) Muehler. He received a good education in Germany and in 1871 he emigrated to the United States, locating at Steilacoom, Washington. Shortly afterward he took a squatter's claim, three miles south of Puyallup, the land being all woods and swamp. Mr. Muehler cleared twenty acres and engaged in the raising of vegetables. He built a hewed log house and here he lived for three years, at which time he moved to what is now known as the "Swamp Muehler place," taking up a homestead of eighty acres of which he drained and cleared fifty acres and planted thirty acres to hops. Upon this place he lived most of his remaining years.

On July 6, 1862, Carl F. Muehler was married to Miss Laura L. Hunger, also a native of Saxony and a daughter of Carl Frederick and Caroline L. (Rhode) Hunger. Mrs. Muehler passed away in 1904. To this union were born six children, namely: Max, deceased; Anna A., who is the widow of Anton Huth; Otto F.; Sidonia, who is the wife of Ernest Otto; Frances, who is the wife of John Althen; and Alvin Frederick.

Frank M. Beecher

Frank M. Beecher, who is widely and favorably known throughout Tacoma, where he has lived from the age of eleven years, is now actively engaged in business asa florist at 2609 North Proctor street and is meeting with a very satisfactory success. Born in Humboldt, Kansas, on the 6th day of January, 1879, he is a son of Anthony M. and Cordelia D. Beecher. The father came to Tacoma in 1888, sending for his preety pe bea later, and here he established a boot and shoe business, to which he public schools, also attending night school. He was then employed as a clerk for seven years, after which he See 'the United States internal revenue service, being detailed on marine work. Later he entered the employ of the city light department, where he remained three and a half years, and then for about four years was engaged in electrical contracting. He was then appointed an inspector in the city light department, in which position he continued for eighteen years, rendering efficient and satisfactory service. On July 1, 1924, Mr. Beecher bought out the Tacoma Floral Company, which had been established in 1921 by Frank Beal, and this business, under his wise management, has grown steadily until he is now enjoying a splendid trade. In addition to the business house at 2609 North Proctor street, Mr. Beecher has a large greenhouse at 4514 North LaSault street.

In 1910 Mr. Beecher was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Vandenheuvel, of Tacoma. He is a member of the United Artisans and gives his political support to the republican party. He was for a number of years a member of the Washington National Guard, in which he held a commission as captain. He has been true and faithful in all of life's relations and has commanded to the fullest measure the sincere regard of his fellowmen.

George W. Taylor

George W. Taylor, who has today the finest and largest herd of pure-bred Jersey cattle in the state of Washington, and has done much to raise the livestock standards of the state, was born in Massachusetts in 1873 and is a son of William and Rachel (Price) Taylor, both of whom were natives of Canada. The father, who was of Scotch-Irish descent, was a farmer by occupation, and his death occurred in New Brunswick, Canada, while the mother, who was of Welsh ancestry, died in Tacoma, Washington. To them were born thirteen children, namely: Ford C. and Allan Price, both deceased; William Freeman, who lives in California; George W.; M. J., in Massachusetts; Willis, Wilford, Frank and Beverley, now deceased; Clara, who lives in Boston, Massachusetts; and Lavina, Adelia and Alma, deceased. The paternal greatgrandfather, Samuel Taylor, came from the north of Ireland and settled in Virginia about 1700, while the maternal great-grandfather, Nelson Allan Price, was a governor of Massachusetts in early days and a very prominent member of the Masonic order.

George W. Taylor attended the public schools of Walla Walla and Spokane and then took charge of the George Munsey stock ranch, at Dayton, Washington, where he remained two years. He next entered Philomath College, in Oregon, where he was graduated in the scientific course. In 1905 he engaged in farming on his own account at Kennewick, in the Yakima valley, and in 1901 he bought forty acres of land in Spokane, known as the Taylor & Lewis addition to Spokane, which he subdivided and sold. He was identified with the real estate business in Spokane until] 1905, when he went to Eugene, Oregon, and engaged in the same line for several years, going from there to Albany, Oregon, where he had a real estate office for about seven years. In 1917 he came to Sumner, Pierce county, and bought fifteen acres of land, on which he began the breeding of pure-bred Jersey cattle. His first heifer was purchased from Mr. Bartells, and from this modest beginning he has gradually increased his herd until he now has sixty head of as fine Jersey cattle as can be found anywhere. He owns a splendid imported Jersey bull, direct from the Jersey island, named "Perres Golden Gamboge," 262283. Mr. Taylor is now engaged in retailing milk in Tacoma, his milk selling at a premium of five cents a quart because of its superior quality, showing the highest test of any milk in the county. His stock sells itself, as it is widely recognized as the best that can be procured, the herd having the highest average test of any herd in the state. One heifer tested ten and ninetenths per cent of butter-fat, while a number of the other heifers are choice animals, with record production. In 1924 Mr. Taylor bought four hundred and forty acres of good land, five miles southeast of Roy, about one hundred and twenty acres of which are in cultivation, the remainder being logged-off land and good pasture. Here he raises splendid crops of hay and roots. He is now preparing to erect a new, modern milking barn, and is clearing off more of his land, in order to take care of

"Ss On June 26, 1896, Mr. Taylor was united in marriage to Miss Della Reel, who was born at Milton, Oregon, a daughter of Harry H. and Eliza E. (Sutton) Reel, both of whom were natives of Ohio. The father crossed the plains to California in 1849, and soon afterwards came to Oregon and took up a homestead at Milton,

Umatilla county. He developed a good farm and lived there until 1894, when he sold and moved to the Walla Walla valley, Washington, where he bought a fruit ranch, on which he lived about four years. He then disposed of his interests there and moved to Joseph, Wallowa county, Oregon, where his death occurred in 1901. His wife died in December, 1919. They were the parents of seven children, namely, Frank; Janie; Della; Olie and Elzie, who are deceased; Effie and Myrtle. To Mr. and Mrs. Taylor have been born three children, as follows: Edna, who was born at Philomath, Oregon, is the wife of Clifford Fairfax, manager of the Jersey Milk Products Company of Tacoma, and they have a son, George Taylor, born December 18, 1926; Beverley, born at Joseph, Oregon, in 1902, died at Sumner, Washington, December 26, 1917; George R., who was born at Spokane, Washington, in 1905, is a graduate of the Yelm high school and is at home. Mrs. Taylor has been an able and competent assistant to her husband, taking care of the registration and accounting and ih other ways contributing to the success of their work. Mr. Taylor is a member and director of the Pierce County Jersey Breeders' Association, of which Mrs. Taylor is vice president. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias at Albany, Oregon. An ardent advocate of local public improvements, particularly improved roads and good schools, he is always ready to cooperate with his fellow citizens in efforts to advance the public welfare.

E. E. Cramblitt has led an active and useful life and has proved a worthy citizen of every community in which he has lived. He is widely known around Puyallup and is regarded as a splendid citizen in every respect. He was born in Cumberland, Guernsey county, Ohio, on the 1st of March, 1868, and is a son of Thomas D. and Eliza J. (Dawson) Cramblitt, both natives of Ohio, the mother being born in Jefferson county. The father, who came of a pioneer family of that state, was a farmer by occupation and in early days bought livestock, which he drove to Baltimore, Maryland. Eventually, the family moved to Iowa, locating first in Ames, Story county, but later settling in Boone county, where the father's death occurred.

E. E. Cramblitt's educational privileges were somewhat limited, being confined to about two months' schooling each year for several years. In young manhood he worked in a dry goods store, following that occupation for about six years, at the end of which time failing health forced him to take up outdoor work. For several years he was engaged in the selling of nursery stock, and during this period carried on his studies, making up for his lack of education in earlier years. In 1894 he came to Tacoma, Washington, looking over the country here and around Portland, Oregon. He then returned east but the winter weather was too severe for him and he again came to the coast, this time with the idea of remaining here. Locating at Tacoma, he went to work in the McDonald shoe store, where he was employed about three and a half years. About 1898 he came to Puyallup to manage the shoe department for Rogers & Raymond, with whom he remained about six months as an employe, at the end of that time buying an interest in the business, with which he was identified about fifteen years. In 1915 he took up a homestead in Skagit county, near Sauk, and devoted himself to its operation and improvement for a number of years. The land was practically all covered with timber, but he now has about twenty acres cleared. It was during the World war when he located on the place and, owing to the scarcity of horses, he was compelled to pack in all his stuff. He remained there until 1920 when he returned to Puyallup, where he is now living, though still owning the ranch,

Mr. Cramblitt was married, in Boone, Iowa, to Miss Vista De Fore, who was born and reared in that state, a daughter of Willis Logan and Rachael De Fore, the former a native of Iowa and the latter of Indiana, from which state her parents moved to Iowa in an early day. To Mr. and Mrs. Cramblitt have been born the following children: De Fore is married and living in North Dakota, where he is teaching and preparing for higher education; Elmer Leroy, of Klamath Falls Oregon, is married and has one child; Herschel died at the age of twenty-two years aml is buried at Puyallup; Bina is the wife of A. D. Norris, of Puyallup, and the mother of one child; Caryl is the wife of Professor Augst, of the Idaho Technical Institute at Pocatello, Idaho; j i ine i : . eu Fe hema 0; Eco is engaged in teaching in Olympia, Washington; and three died in

Politically Mr. Cramblitt has been a member of the election board and has also served as a member of the republican county committee. While actively engaged in business here he was a member of the Puyallup Commercial Club. He belongs to the Knights of the Maccabees and the Brotherhood of American Yeomen, and Mrs. Cramblitt is a member of the ladies' auxiliaries to these orders, in which she is active, as she also is in the Baptist church, to which she and her husband belong. Mr. Cramblitt has been a hard-working man and in business affairs he was always an energetic and progressive man, doing well whatever he undertook, and he leaves a favorable impression on all who come in contact with him.

George E. Martin

In the section of Pierce county surrounding Eatonville is found an unusually high type of farmers, whose progressive and enterprising methods have made the district well known for its prosperity, as well as for the splendid condition in which the farms are maintained. George E. Martin, who has not only been successful in his business affairs but has also in the sphere of private citizen so ordered his life as to earn a high place in the esteem of his fellowmen, was born in Minnesota, on the 24th of April, 1880, and is a son of E. J. and Carrie (Gager) Martin, both of whom were natives of New York state. The father, who had followed the occupation of farming in the east, came to Washington in 1888 and settled near Demoine, King county, where he bought land. He lived there many years, meeting with success, and then sold the.farm and retired, making his home in Tacoma to the time of his death in 1916. His widow is now living in California. They were the parents of five children, George E., Earl, Grace, Bessie and Vera.

George E. Martin attended the public schools of King and Pierce counties and then worked in logging camps until 1895, when, at the age of fifteen years, he joined the gold rush to Alaska, where he remained two years. On his return to the States he located in Seattle and engaged in the contract logging business, which he followed until 1918, when he bought a thirteen-acre chicken ranch near Eatonville. Later he sold that place and bought thirty acres of land a mile and a quarter west of Eatonville, on section 16, township 16, range 4, twelve acres of the tract being cleared. He applied himself untiringly to the development of this place, bringing it to a high state of improvement, and has been eminently successful in its operation. In 1922 he built a good barn, which was destroyed by fire in 1924, but was rebuilt in the following spring. In 1924 he also built one large and one small greenhouse, and in other ways has made valuable improvements on the place. He is up-to-date in his methods and produces fine plants, flowers, raspberries, potatoes and tomatoes, for which he finds a ready market. Mr. Martin also keeps twelve good grade Holstein cows and a registered sire, and his fields produce an abundance of hay.

On July 19, 1910. Mr. Martin was united in marriage to Miss Carrie Kipper who was born in Cherryville, Kansas, a daughter of J. H. and Mattie A. (Dobson) Kipper, both of whom are living. Mr. Kivper was born at Niantic, Macon county, Illinois, October 31, 1858, and is a son of Thomson P. and Rebecca (Elliott) Kipper, both of whom were natives of Kentucky. His paternal grandfather was a physician and was a pioneer settler in Christian county, Illinois. J. H. Kipper was educated in the public schools of Illinois and remained at home, assisting his father with the farm work, until eighteen years of age. He then bought forty acres of land in Christian county, Illinois, and there carried on farming operations a few years. He next went to Arizona, where he was employed at day wages for two years, after which he-went to Kansas, where he engaged in farming until August, 1888, when he came to Tacoma, where for a few years he worked as a bricklayer and plasterer. In 1893 he bought a few cows and ran a dairy for five years, during which he was able to save enough money to pay for two hundred acres of land on section 8, township 16, range 4, a few acres of which were cleared and on which stood a fair set of farm buildings. He now has about forty acres of the land cleared and cultivated. At one time he kept from forty to fifty head of cows but is now largely engaged in buying and selling cattle, in which he is successful. In 1912 Mr. Kipper bought a ten-acre fruit ranch in Benton county, Michigan, but sold it four years later. On February 21, 1884, in Kansas, he was married to Miss Martha Dobson, who was born in Champaign, Illinois, a daughter of William and Charity (Dolph) Dobson, both of whom were natives of Indiana. The father was formerly a merchant but later engaged in farming in Illinois. To him and his wife were born five children, namely: Mrs. Carrie Martin; Fred, who now lives in Tacoma, is married and has three children, Lawrence, Opal and Norma; Ethel is the wife of Bert Martin, of Bremerton, Washington, and they have a daughter, Elsie; Leslie, who lives in Tacoma, is married and has four children, Marjory, Lesla and Ileta, twins, and Louise; and Edna is the wife of Albert Buehlmann and has a daughter, Naomi. Mr. Kipper became a charter member of two lodges of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Alder Lodge, No. 256, and Eatonville Lodge, No. 268. He is a man of sterling character and commands the respect of the community in which he has lived so long. Mr. Martin has always maintained an interest in local public affairs and was at one time a member of the Eatonville city council. He is a member of Nisqually Lodge, No. 81, I. O. R. M., at Eatonville; Eatonville Camp, No. 9470, M. W. A., and he and his wife are members of the Daughters of Pocahontas. A man of sound business judgment and indomitable industry, he has attained success since coming to his present location and by his fellowmen is regarded as well worthy of the high place which he has always held in public confidence and esteem.

Among the worthy citizens of Pierce county who, after years of active and successful effort, have passed to higher scenes of activity, was numbered the late Henry De Whitesell, whose death was deeply regretted by all who knew him. He was essentially a man of affairs, of sound judgment and keen discernment, and his success in life was the legitimate result of his earnest and well directed efforts, while at a cai time he possessed those attributes which commend a man to the good opinion of all.

Henry De Whitesell was born in Pennsylvania and came to Washington in 1854. He soon afterwards took up a donation claim at Orting, practically all of the land being covered with timber and brush. With the help of his sons, Mr. Whitesell cleared nearly all of this land and raised oats and wheat. About 1882 he planted it to hops and continued the operation of the farm until his death, which occurred in 1886. His wife, who was a native of Ireland, died in 1891. To them were born twelve children, namely: Mrs. Nancy Ellen Leach, deceased; William Henry, Anthony Alexander and Mrs. Elizabeth Agnes Lane, all of whom are deceased; Margaret D.., who is the wife of J. C. Taylor, of Orting; Elias, who died in infancy? Calvin E. and Mary C., deceased; Mrs. Josie George; and Wesley and Dora M., deseaned. Mrs. George, who is the widow of Martin George, received her education in the public schools of Orting and Tacoma and is a lady of gracious qualities, kindly and hospitable, having a host of warm and devoted friends throughout the community. To Mr. and Mrs. George were born two children, namely: V. W., who was bern in Tacoma and now lives in Orting, is the father of a daughter, Mona Lorine: and Effie, who is the wife of C. O. Anderson, of Orting, has a daughter Florine, born ee 5, 1922. V. W. George is a member of Orting Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons.

Karl Koehler

Karl Koehler has demonstrated in a very convincin i advantage of concentrating one's efforts Soma definite ina afoot ee a stands in the front rank of the successful hop raisers of the Puget sound Eee. . This result has not been attained by any accidental combination of circumstances Bat by intelligent and thoughtful effort, and his record has gained for him the ad ni tion and respect of all who know him. Mr. Koehler was born in Saxony Geaacyt on ic 18th of May, 1874, and is a son of Hugo Wilhelm and Wilhelmina (Enge) E se: erabeinoheshom EOE: Cots the mother dying in 1886 and the father dying i e the parents of the following children: <A Richard, Reinhart, Max, Karl, Helene, Martha, Paul, deceased ie pe ereeaneahes » Helene, Ma i R se » and one who died in mea i pe ne eae in their native country, while all of the sons are then learned the business of gardening. In 1892 he came to the United States, making his way at once to Orting, Pierce county, where he went to work for his brother, being employed for five years in planting hops. He then worked for Henry Benthien, the market gardener at Puyallup, for whom he became a foreman. In 1902 he and his brother Paul bought fifty-three acres of the old Thomas Headley donation claim, near Orting. About fifteen acres of the tract was cleared but the buildings on the place were old. On March 11, 1905, Paul Koehler died and since that time Karl Koehler has carried on the place alone. He built a good barn in 1905, later erected two good hop houses, and all of the land is now cleared and cultivated. He has fifteen acres in hops, six acres in hay and pasture, six acres in small fruit and five acres in orchard. This is a part of one of the earliest hop ranches in Pierce county, the hops having been planted here fifty-six years ago, and is now producing the best crops in the county. When Mr. Koehler bought the place the fifteen acres of hops were producing an average of four tons a year, but, by careful cultivation and judicious fertilization, he produced thirty-two tons on the fifteen acres in 1920, which is the record yield for hops on the Pacific coast. From 1908 to 1918 Mr. Koehler ran a dairy, keeping forty-five head of pure-bred Jersey and Holstein cattle, but he now has the dairy leased and is giving his attention to hops. He has on his place the oldest hop house in Pierce county, it having been built in 1870 by Jacob Woolery.

On June 22, 1919, Mr. Koehler was united in marriage to Miss Elsie Stilke, who was born on her father's homestead near Midland, this county, a daughter of William and Minna Stilke, both of whom were born near Strasburg, Germany. They came to the United States in 1881 and located in Chicago, Illinois, where they lived two years. They then came to Pierce county, Washington, and soon afterwards moved onto the tract of one hundred and sixty acres near Midland which Mr. Stilke had taken up as a preemption claim. He at once entered upon the task of clearing away the heavy timber and dense brush which covered the land, built a road from Pacific avenue to the farm, constructed a ditch one and a half miles long for drainage purposes, and -in 1884 erected a good house, which is still standing. He cleared about forty acres, raised garden truck and sold butter and eggs. At one time he kept thirty cows but now has only a few. He keeps about two thousand laying hens, which afford a nice income, and has three large henhouses, twenty by one hundred feet and sixteen by one hundred and twenty feet in size. He is a member of the Poultry Association and has also taken an active part in local public affairs, having served as a member of the school board fifteen years and also as ditch commissioner. To him and his wife were born four children, namely: Fred, deceased; Charlotta; Mrs. Koehler; and Anna, who lives in California.

Mr. and Mrs. Koehler have two children, Louise Marie, born October 3, 1921, and Helene, born March 10, 1925. A man of strict integrity, persistent industry and fine personal qualities, he holds an enviable place in the esteem of all who know him.

Dr. Millard T. Nelsen, one of the leading physicians and surgeons of Tacoma, has charge of .the surgery department of St. Helen's Clinic. He has gained a high reputation for his skill and ability and commands the respect of his professional colleagues, as well as the confidence of the public. Dr. Nelsen was born in Pendleton, Oregon, in 1893, and is a son of Thomas T. and Nina D. (Sloan). Nelsen, the former born in Skein, Norway, and the latter in Eugene, Oregon. The father came 'to the United States in young manhood, locating first in Wisconsin. Later he went to Pendleton, Oregon, where he engaged in blacksmithing, and is now conducting a successful furniture business at Vale, Oregon. Nina D. (Sloan) Nelson is the daughter of Horatio M. and Jane (Taylor) Sloan, and bears the distinction of being the first white girl born in Olympia, which at that time was called Trimwite. Her father crossed the plains in 1849 and located on government land in Oregon, being one of the pioneers of that locality. Jane Taylor was the daughter of William Taylor, who operated the first pony express from Eureka, California, to Eugene, Oregon.

Millard T. Nelsen secured his elementary education in the public schools and then entered the University of Oregon, which he attended three years. He next matriculated in the medical school of Washington University, at St. Louis, Missouri, he was graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1918. He served Se cnionne iets Medical Corps of the United States army during the World war. He acted as interne at Barnes' Hospital, St. Louis, the University Hospital, Oklahoma City, and Augustana, Hospital, Chicago, and then went abroad, taking two years post-graduate work in the University Clinic at Budapest, where he specialized in surgery. In September, 1924, Doctor Nelsen came to Tacoma and has since been connected with St. Helen's Clinic, where he has done most effective and successful work. ' ; : : On August 21, 1925, Doctor Nelsen was united in marriage to Miss Grace F, Bonner, who was born and reared in Tacoma, a daughter of A. G. and Elizabeth Bonner, the former now engaged in the laundry business. To Doctor and Mrs. Nelsen has been born a son, Thomas Sloan. The Doctor is a member of the Pierce County Medical Society, the Washington State Medical Society and the American Medical Association, the Tacoma Chamber of Commerce and the American Legion. Politically he gives his support to the republican party. Though his professional duties make heavy demand on his time, he does not neglect his obligations to the community and gives earnest support to every measure advanced far the public good. He is deservedly popular in the circles in which he moves and commands the respect of all

Ole A. Holm

The career of the well remembered gentleman whose name forms the caption of this memoir was a strenuous and varied one. Though his life record has been brought to a close his influence still remains in the community, for in every relation he performed his part in an honest and conscientious manner. He lived to worthy ends, attaining a good measure of material success and performing his full part in redeeming a fine and productive farm from the wilderness, thus contributing to the general development of his community.

Ole A. Holm was born in Thronhjem, Norway, and was a son of Andrew Holm, who died in that country. Mr. Holm attended the public schools of Norway and received:a military education. He then entered a law office in his native town, where he studied for three years, and in the spring of 1881 came to the United States. After a few months in Missoula, Montana, he bought two ponies and started overland for Seattle, Washington. During this trip he had a number of thrilling adventures, having to defend himself from Indians. In the fall of that year he arrived at Seattle, which at that time was but a small village, and there sold his ponies and bought a small lodging house, which he ran for several years, while at the same time he also operated an express and transfer business. After living in Seattle several years, Mr. Holm went to Prince Rupert, British Columbia, where he and a Danish gentleman built a twenty-foot boat, in which they made the trip to Alaska. He there engaged in prospecting for gold and remained in that territory thirteen years, working in the mines in summer and clerking in a store in Juneau, Alaska, during the winter months. He then came back to the States for a few months but returned to Alaska for two years more. During his residence there he had several unpleasant experiences, one of which was when he was treed by a large bear, at some distance from where he had left his rifle. Fortunately he had not laid aside his axe and with this he finally managed to kill the animal. He and his partner then enjoyed some juicy bear steaks. He met with success in his mining operations and on his return to Washington in 1901 came to Puyallup and bought one hundred and eight acres of land in the Stuck valley. It was all swamp land and is located on sections 13 and 14, township 20 north, range 4 east. The morning after he bought the land he was somewhat astounded to find it all under water, the Stuck river having overflowed during the night. Nothing daunted, however, Mr. Holm set to work draining and clearing the land, and eventually succeeded in developing one of the finest farms in the valley, the land being rich and productive. He applied himself closely to the operation of this place, making many substantial improvements, and farmed successfully up to the time of his death, which occurred May 5, 1918. ;

On March 22, 1905, Mr. Holm was married to Miss Inga Gunhildrad, a native of Norway and a daughter of Peter and Julia (Berger) Gunhildrad, both of whom eet ain ne tee ane ney were the parents of the following children, namely,

Inga, of whom Ane, Oluf, Gusta, Halvor and Inga are living. Mrs. Holm received a good education in the public schools of Norway, and came to Washington in 1898, living in Tacoma until her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Holm had two children, Abraham, who was born in 1905, and died in 1915; and Arthur P., who was born January. 28, 1907, graduated from the Sumner high school in 1925 and is now assisting his mother in the operation of the home ranch. They keep about seventy-five head of Holstein cattle, some of which are pure bred, and registered sires. They also own a fine team of Percheron horses which won the blue ribbon at the state fair at Yakima in 1924. The ranch is largely devoted to hay and pasture, while about fifteen acres are used for the growing of vegetables and garden truck for market, in which they have met with success.

Mr. Holm was a man of many fine qualities of character, consistent in everything he did, and supported all measures which were calculated to advance the best. interests of the community. He was generous to all worthy. benevolent causes and was kindly and genial in his relations with his fellowmen, among whom he was held in the highest regard.

Hiram J. Davis

Among those who by their enterprise and up-to-date methods have directly contributed to the prosperity and well being of Wilkeson, mention should be made of Hiram J. Davis, for many years at the head of the Wilkeson Light & Power Company, through which he has gained a notable degree of success. Mr. Davis was born in Sierra, California, in 1864, and is a son of William D. and Anna (Williams) Davis, both of whom were natives of Wales, where they were reared and married. They went soon afterward to California, where the father engaged in gold mining; and in the late '70s or early '80s came to Washington. He first located in Carbonado, where he engaged in mining, but later removed to Wilkeson, where he and his wife spent their remaining years.

Hiram J. Davis attended the public schools of California, and then followed various occupations, first mining, then plumbing and gas fitting, after which he ran a hotel for awhile, and finally engaged in the wagon business. In the early '80s he came to Wilkeson to visit his parents, and again came here in the 790s. He remained for awhile, being engaged in farming, besides which he did some prospecting and also was interested in the real estate business. He made several trips to Alaska, where he mined, and after his last trip there he engaged in mining coal here, which he sold. He then established the Wilkeson Light & Power Company, through which he sold power, light, coal and water. He no longer mines coal, though he still does some prospecting, and devotes the major portion of his attention to the light company. He is a man of marked business ability and has so conducted his affairs as to earn the confidence of the community to a marked degree. Through the public service which he is rendering he has directly benefited the town and is numbered among its leading men of affairs.

M. R. Martin

The leading office supply and stationery firm in Tacoma is that of M. R. Martin & Company, which has been in existence for many years, during which time he has always commanded the public confidence and patronage to a marked degree. He has devoted his attention closely to the business and has had 'the pleasure of seeing it develop into one of the largest establishments of the kind in southwestern Washington. Born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1886, he is the son of Mr. and Mrs. R. R. Martin, both of whom were natives of Germany, whence they came to this country, loeating in Chicago, where they lived until 1889, when they brought their family to Tacoma. Here the father engaged in the hotel business, opening the Arbor Hotel, in South Tacoma, which he conducted to the time of his death in 1892. He was survived many years by his widow, who passed away in 1922.

M. R. Martin was about three years old when the family came to Tacoma and was educated in the public schools, also attending the old Tacoma high school for a short time. His help was necessary in the support of the family, so he left school and went to work for Mr. Theodore, of the Central News Company, with whom he remained several years. He then went to work in the Vaughan & Morrill stationery store, where he remained until 1912, when he opened a small stationery store of his own on Twelfth street. Success attended the enterprise, which soon outgrew its quarters, so that the business was moved to 923 Pacific avenue. His first stock consisted mainly of office supplies and he had the agency for the multigraph. The trade continued to grow and at length Mr. Martin admitted Frank P. Cole and Mr. Berg to a parnership and the business was incorporated under the name of Cole, Martin, Berg & Company in 1914. About the same time they bought out Vaughan & Morrill, who had been in business here for thirty years. The business has been continued at 926 Pacific avenue from that time and is now one of the landmarks of the business section of the city. A few months after the above change, Mr. Berg retired from the firm and in 1918 Mr. Cole sold his interest to Mr. Martin and retired, after which the firm name was changed to its present style, M. R. Martin & Company, Inc. A large stock of office supplies, stationery, school supplies and equipment and engineering supplies is carried, and during late years the company has specialized in selling school supplies throughout this section of the state. Prompt and efficient service and square dealing have been the watchwords of the firm's policy and its best friends are those who have had dealings with it, Mr. Martin's sound business judgment and farsightedness being large contributing elements to the success of the business.

In 1908 Mr. Martin was united in marriage to Miss Goldie G. Rush, who was born in Indiana, a daughter of Lewis and Sarah (Lamb) Rush. They are the parents of a daughter, Marjorie May, who is now in school. Mr. Martin is a Mason and an Elk, has belonged to the Tacoma Rotary Club for twelve years and has served as a director of the Chamber of Commerce, while at this time he is a director of the Young Men's Business Club. A man of alert mentality, progressive ideas and sound principles, he has by his successful and upright life honored his community and is accorded the highest marks of appreciation and confidence.

Nick Doering

For many years Nick Doering has been one of the best known citizens of Steilacoom, where he has successfully conducted a hauling and transfer business, and also has been numbered among the active men in local public affairs. Born in Germany, in 1868, he is a son of Conrad and Marie (Rudolph) Doering, also natives of the fatherland. Nick Doering came to the United States in 1879, at the age of eleven years, and went direct to Wisconsin, where for about a year he was employed as a farm hand, at a wage of four dollars a month. During his second summer, he looked over the country for a permanent location, and finally his father also came to America and, on the advice of the son, located in South Dakota, where he took up a homestead. The son remained with him, assisting in developing the farm for about five years. He then engaged in a mercantile business at Mitchell, South Dakota which he conducted until 1888, when he came to Steilacoom and here engaged in hauling for the Crystal Bay Lumber Company, with which he was thus connected for. a number of years, also doing a good deal of general hauling. He established the Steilacoom 'Transfer Company, which for twenty years has maintained regular freight service between Steilacoom and Tacoma, and in the operation of which he has met with 'success. Mr. Doering has done a large amount of contracting of various kinds during the years since he came here, including bridge work, road construction se out erase were work of a like character. He has gained a high repuation as a competent and reliablé man, doin Poiatired ie Lni eee g well whatever he undertakes, and has

On November 11, 1889, Mr. Doering was united in marriage to Mi itzel, who was born in Wisconsin and moved to Mitchell, Sotho eiaae ae and became engaged to Mr. Doering. To their union have been born nine children: Ernest, who. was accidentally killed when eight years old; Howard, of Portland, Oregon, who is married and has two children; Inez, the wife of Fred Meirers of mon Lake, and the mother of two children; Mrs. Daisy Sedgwick, of Seattle;

Politically, Mr. Doering gives his support to the republican party, has served as a member of the city council and for seventeen years was a member of the school board. Fraternally he is a member of Steilacoom Lodge, No. 2, A. F. and A. M.; Tacoma Consistory, A. A. S. R; Afifi Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., at Tacoma, and Steilacoom Chapter, O. E. S., to which Mrs. Doering also belongs. They are both members of the Congregational church, in the activities of which they take an interested part. Mr. Doering is a man of great energy and enterprise, has been true and loyal in his citizenship, and his relations with his fellowmen have ever been

Anton Spani

In the vicinity of Puyallup are to be found a number of wide-awake, enterprising dairy farmers, whose well kept and productive places are the pride of the community. Among these, none takes precedence over the splendid farm owned and operated by Anton Spani, who has achieved success in this line and who is regarded as one of the leading citizens of his locality. Mr. Spani was born in Canton Schwyz, Switzerland, on the 22d of October, 1885, and is a son of Joseph and Mary A. (Moser) Spani, lifelong residents of Switzerland, where the father owns and operates a farm. The mother died there in 1892. To them were born eight children: Martin, Mary, Katrina, Anton, Joseph, Carl and Regina, both deceased, and Anna. After the death of the mother the father married again and to that union were born three children, Dominick, Atalrich and Carl.

Anton Spani secured a good education in the schools of his native country and was employed as a farm hand until 1906, when he emigrated to the United States, coming direct to Tacoma. He found work on a dairy farm in South Tacoma, where he remained over two years and then went to Mount Vernon for a few months. but returned to Tacoma and went to work on the reservation, where he remained a year. He then leased the Louis Heidinger ranch of eighty-five acres at Dieringer, which he operated for five years, milking forty cows. He next leased the Helmhold ranch of one hundred acres, near Sumner, which he is still operating. He keeps sixty highgrade Holstein cows, and raises abundant crops of hay and corn, a part of the land being reserved for pasture. He has devoted himself closely to this enterprise and has met with substantial success.

On June 5, 1911, Mr. Spani was united in marriage to Miss Teresa Heinzer, a native of Switzerland and a daughter of Dominick and Teresa (Stiner) Heinzer, both of whom died in that country, where the father had followed the vocation of farming. They.were the parents of seven children: Dominick, Mary, Anna, Lena, Joseph, Philamena, deceased, and Teresa. Mrs. Spani came to the United States in December, 1910, and has been a true helpmate to her husband, assisting and encouraging him in his efforts. To them have been born six children: Walter A., Martin J., Franz Carrol, Joseph, Teresa Rosa and Victor, all of whom were born here. Mr. Spani is a member of Seattle Lodge No. 1, Fraternal Order of Eagles, and the Swiss Society of Tacoma. His life has been a busy one, his success having been won solely by persistent and well directed industry, and by reason of his splendid record as a man and citizen he has won a high place in the respect of his neighbors and friends.

One of the ablest and most successful lawyers and public-spirited citizens | of Puyallup is B. F. Jacobs, whose professional career and earnest and untiring efforts in behalf of the public welfare have gained for him the highest confidence and esteem on the part of his fellow citizens. Mr. Jacobs was born in Jefferson county, Kansas, on October 9, 1867, and is a son of Henry and Maria Elizabeth (Kearns) Jacobs, both of whom were natives of Missouri and became pioneer settlers of Kansas. The Kearns family were among the early settlers of Missouri, to which state they went from Kentucky. Henry Jacobs was a wagonmaker and farmer.

B. F. Jacobs gained his elementary education in the public schools of Kansas, and then entered Campbell University, at Holton, Kansas, where he was graduated with degree of Bachelor of Science in 1886. Having determined to devote his life to the practice of law, he entered the office of Joseph K. Gowdy, in Pawnee City, Nebraska, just across the Kansas line, under whose direction he studied for two years, being admitted to the bar in 1888. He started to practice in the office of his preceptor remaining there until September, 1888, when he came to Puyallup, being the first lawyer to locate here, and his first office was along the railroad track. From the beginning he has been recognized as ah able and trustworthy lawyer, a sound and safe adviser, and a man in every way worthy of public confidence. During 1888-89 he served as city clerk and as city attorney, and from that time on has always been closely identified with every important movement or enterprise for the improvement or advancement of the community. He was secretary of the Intercounty Improvement Association, which devoted seven years to the gathering of data and information looking to the prevention of floods in the Duwamish and Puyallup valleys of King and Pierce counties. Finally Major Chittenden, a United States army engineer, submitted a plan for the regulation of the flood waters of these valleys, after which it became necessary to secure legislative sanction for the work proposed to be done. To assist in this work, Mr. Jacobs was elected to the legislature, serving two terms, during which time he was largely instrumental in securing the enactment of the desired laws.

In 1889, at Pawnee, Nebraska, Mr. Jacobs was united in marriage to Miss Elenora Edgerton, who was born and reared in that city, a daughter of John W. and Mary (Rogers) Edgerton. To Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs have been born five children, namely: Claude V., district agent for the Standard Oil Company, who is married and has one child; George E., of Puyallup, who is married and has two children; Frank H., of Puyallup; Mary E., the wife of F. D. Wortman, of San Francisco, California, and they have one child; and Anna, at home. Politically Mr. Jacobs is a stanch supporter of the republican party and takes a deep interest in public affairs. Fraternally he is a member of the Puyallup Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of which he is past master; Tacoma Consistory, A. A. S. R.; the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Woodmen of the World, while he also belongs to the Puyallup Commercial Club. A man of high intellectual and professional attainments, of gracious personality and strong individuality, he enjoys to a marked degree the respect of his fellowmen who long since have learned to appreciate his worth as a man and citizen.

Monty Percival

Monty Percival has long been one of the most conspicuous and successful figures in the automobile garage business in Tacoma and stands in the front rank of the efficient and able business men of this section of the state. He was born in South Dakota, on the 22d of April, 1894, and is a son of Leonard and Elva Percival. In 1898 the family came to Tacoma, where the father engaged in the contracting business, which he followed to the time of his death, which occurred in 1925. The mother is still living in this city. '

Monty Percival secured a public and high school education and at the age of fifteen years became connected with the automobile business as an employe of Little & Kennedy. Later he went to work for the Universal Motor Company, with which concern he remained for five years. In 1915 he established the first gas service station between Tacoma and Olympia and met with gratifying success. During the World war he had the exclusive gasoline concession for Camp Lewis and on the conclusion of this contract engaged in the garage business. For four years he occupied the old A street garage and then bought the building at the corner of Twelfth and A streets, which he remodeled and converted into an up-to-date and well arranged garage, having storage room for one hundred cars. He has been progressive in his methods, built the first wrecking car in this city and did the first wrecking business. In this special line he now does a larger volume of business than all the other garages of the city combined. In 1925 Mr. Percival was made manager of the Motoramp garage, one of the most modern garages of its type in the United States, having storage accommodation for three hundred cars and giving washing oiling and greasing service. Ten men are employed in this place and Mr. Percival has twelve employes at his own garage. He is a busy man but has so systematized his affairs as to handle both enterprises at a minimum of effort. Courtesy and accommodation are the keywords to his success and have gained for him many warm friends. He is also secretary of the Waters Printing Company and has shown himself a man of sound business judgment and sagacity.

In 1915 Mr. Percival was married to Miss Ada L. Bubbins, of Tacoma, and they are the parents of a son, Robert. Mr. Percival is a member of Joseph Warren Lodge, No. 235, A. F. & A. M.; Tacoma Consistory, A. A. S. R.; and Afifi Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. He is also a member of the Tacoma Advertising Club and the Fircrest Golf Club. He is independent in his political views. His record has been a worthy one and his success and his high personal character have won for him a high place in the estimation of his fellowmen.

Carl Gebbers

One of the most prominent electrical construction firms in Tacoma is the Ajax Electric Company, Inc., of which Carl Gebbers is president and manager. He has had long and extensive experience in all kinds of electrical work and in his present enterprise has met with success, his firm securing many of the large contracts in this section of the state. :

Mr. Gebbers was born in Nebraska in 1888 and received his education in the public schools of that state, in addition to which he devoted two years to the study of electrical engineering. He then went to Missouri and in 1905 to Pateros, Washington, where he did his first practical electrical work as an employe of the telephone company. Later he went to Spokane and worked for the Dorr-Mitchell Electric Company nearly a year and in 1909 came to Tacoma, where for almost eighteen months he was employed in electrical work on the Union depot. He then became associated with the Electric Construction Company, having charge. of its store for nearly three years, and was with that company about seven years altogether. In 1917, during the war, he was president of Local Union No. 76, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, and was engaged in local work until 1919, when he bought an interest in the S. F. Haines Electric Company, which had been established in 1918. On the reorganization the company was a partnership, but in 1921 was incorporated as the Ajax Electric Company, of which Mr. Gebbers became president and manager, Mrs. Gebbers secretary and treasurer, and E. N. Eisenhower vice president. They do a general electrical contracting business, mostly in industrial plants, and also carry a full line of accessories, being local agents for the General Electric and Westinghouse companies. The Ajax has done a large business and is now numbered among the strong and successful concerns of this city.

On November 14, 1914, Mr. Gebbers. was united in marriage to Miss Alice M. Eberhart, who was born at Allyn, Washington, being the first white child born at North Bay, of which locality her parents, Philip S. and Rebecca Eberhart, were pioneer settlers. Both parents are now deceased, the father dying in 1908 and the mother in 1925. Mrs. Gebbers has proved a true helpmate to her husband and has full charge of the office of the Ajax Electric Company. Mr. Gebbers is a member of the Masons, the Elks and the Royal Arcanum. A man of energy, progressive methods and sound business judgment, he has gained high standing in business circles and commands the respect of all with whom he has had dealings.

Frank T. Burgess

The life insurance business, which in former years came to be regarded by many people as a rather cold-blooded proposition, has in later days taken on a more beneficent aspect, very largely through the laudable efforts of insurance companies to improve health conditions and thus aid in prolonging life. The outstanding leader in this splendid work has been the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, of New York, which has spent millions of dollars in health propaganda and actual personal work among the sick. The Metropolitan district agent at Tacoma, Frank T. Burgess, is justifiably proud of the record of his company, the activities of which along these lines have been a distinct asset to the community.

Mr. Burgess was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, on the 2d of July, 1884, and is a son of Mark and Anna (Larson) Burgess, who were pioneer settlers in that state, where the father engaged in farming. Both are now deceased. The son attended the public schools to the age of eleven years, when he went to work as a delivery boy for a clothing house. Later for seven years he was employed in a butcher shop, and then, in 1907, he opened a meat market of his own, which he operated for three years. In 1910 he sold out and went to Los Angeles, California, soon afterwards taking up a tract of land in the Mojave desert. In this venture, however, he lost his money and then returned to Los Angeles and became a solicitor for the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. So successful was he in this line of work that in 1913 the company transferred him to Medford, Oregon, as manager of the Rogue River district. He remained there until February, 1914, when he was sent to Portland, Oregon, as assistant manager, and in November, 1916, was made manager of the Tacoma district. During the ten years that he has directed operations in this field he has achieved an enviable record, the company now having insurance in force here to the amount of eighteen million dollars, forty per cent of which is industrial insurance, and forty-six people are now employed in the office of the company in Tacoma. In its health and visitation work the company employs six full-time nurses, who, in the month of October, 1926, made over one thousand visits to policyholders in this city. The nurse service is in charge of Mrs. May Cameron King, who also does effective work in locating crippled children and getting them into orthopedic hospitals, in cooperation with the Kiwanis Club. The Metropolitan is a mutual company, having over thirty-five million policies in force. It pays over sixteen hundred death claims per day, of which an average of three a day are in the Tacoma district. So effective have been the efforts of the company im educating the public to the idea of health protection and disease prevention that the mortality rate of the policyholders has decreased thirty per cent in sixteen years, and thus this company has set a worthy and inspiring example to the whole country.

On September 10, 1907, Mr. Burgess was united in marriage to Miss Fannie Hayden, who is a native of Missouri, but was living in Salt Lake City at the time of her marriage. They are the parents of two children, Stella Mary and Helen Margarite. Mr. Burgess is a stanch supporter of the republican party and is a director of the Kiwanis Club. Exactness and thoroughness have characterized all his work and in all the relations of life he has so ordered his actions as to win the confidence and respect of all who have come in contact with him.

Edward B. King

One of the leading undertaking firms of Pierce county is that of the Buckley- King Company, of Tacoma, of which Edward B. King is a member. He has long been active in various affairs in this locality, is widely and favorably known, and is regarded as one of the city's representative men. He was born in Augusta, Hancock county, Illinois, on the 25th of May, 1873, and is a son of Charles Wesley and Sarah Catherine (Wells) King, the former of whom followed the business of contracting, and both are deceased.

In the early '80s the family moved to Nebraska and in the public schools of that state Edward B. King secured his elementary education. He then entered the Nebraska State Normal School, where he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Science in 1898. Later he traveled for a time as manager of a musical concert company out of Chicago, and then entered the ministry of the Methodist Episcopal church, to which work he devoted himself for several years. In 1904 he located at Cedar Rapids, Nebraska, and engaged in the furniture and undertaking business, which he conducted until 1907, when he came to Tacoma, where he has since lived. On coming here, Mr. King formed a partnership with William B. Buckley, under the name of the Buckley- King Company, and has since engaged in the undertaking business. Their first location was in the Judson building on D street, from which place, in 1910, they came to their present location at 732 St. Helen's avenue. Here they are well situated to care for their business, their equipment being of the best, and their quarters, which include the largest funeral chapel in Tacoma, being ample for their needs. However, they are progressive in their ideas and methods and are now erecting a fine new building on Tacoma avenue at South First street, into which they will move in 1927.

In 1899 Mr. King was united in marriage to Miss Anna Stoddard, of Lyons, Kansas, and they are the parents of two children. Jean Paul, who took the course in journalism at the University of Washington and was graduated with the A. B. degree, is active in semi-professional theatricals. Kathryn Elizabeth is attending the Annie Wright Seminary in Tacoma.

Mr. King is a stanch republican in his political views, while his religious affiliation is with the Methodist Episcopal church. He has long taken an active part in fraternal affairs and has received signal recognition in several well known orders. He is a member of Ancient Landmarks Lodge, No. 268, A. F. & A. M., of which he is past master; Tacoma Chapter, R. A. M.; Ivanhoe Commandery, No. 4, K. T., of which he is a past commander; is grand senior warden of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of the state of Washington; is a past commander of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite and is a knight commander of the Court of Honor; served five years as illustrious potentate of Afifi Temple of the Mystic Shrine and is a permanent representative in the imperial council of that order; is a past puissant sovereign of St. Albans Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine; a member of the Spokane Court, Royal Order of Jesters; and is a past great sachem cf the Improved Order of Red Men of the state of Washington. He is also a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias, the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Woodmen of the World. He is a past president of the Tacoma Chamber of Commerce and a past president of the State Chamber of Commerce, and is a past president of the Rotary Club of Tacoma. Earnest and straightforward in all of his relations, and maintaining the highest ideals and principles in his daily life, Mr. King has long commanded the unequivocal confidence and good will of all with whom he has been associated in any way.

George H. Deeds

George H. Deeds, who is widely known as a successful grower of berries and rhubarb, has attained his present prosperity by the exercise of the common attributes of well laid plans, persistent industry and sound judgment in the direction of his operations. A native of Kansas, he was born in Bourbon county, on the 4th of December, 1873, and is a son of James and Parthena (Morrison) Deeds, the former born in Ohio and the latter in Illinois. The father took his family to Seattle, Washington, in October, 1884, when his son George was eleven years old. In the following spring they went to Ferndale, Whatcom county, this state, near which place he bought sixty acres of land, which was covered with heavy timber, a large part of which he cleared off. He lived there and farmed the land continuously until 1912, when he sold the: place and removed to Bellingham, living there until the spring of 1926, when he came to live with his son George. The mother's death occurred in 1904. To them were born three children, namely: Charles F., of Bellingham, Washington; George H.; and Minnie, who died when three years of age.

George H. Deeds secured his education in the public schools of Kansas and Whatcom county, Washington. He remained at home, helping his father to clear and cultivate the land and in 1900 he started out for himself, buying forty acres of partly cleared land in Whatcom county. He built a house and barn there and operated the place six years, when he sold and went to California, where he spent a summer. He then went to Vancouver, Washington, and leased a dairy and fruit ranch, which he operated three years. In 1911 he went to Sumner, Pierce county, and bought eight acres of land, which he planted to berries and rhubarb. He was successful in this venture and lived there eight years, when he sold that ranch and bought thirteen acres of land on Stewart avenue, two miles west of Puyallup. He planted four acres of this land to rhubarb and the remainder to evergreen and red raspberries. In 1919 he sold five acres of his land, remodeled the house and erected other buildings on the place, and in the spring of 1920 he bought six acres adjoining the home, all of which he has now planted to rhubarb and fruit. He also keeps a nice flock of laying hens. He is one of the most successful berry growers in the Puyallup valley, as he is also one of the largest individual rhubarb growers, shipi largely to the Seattle market. Ww ; Lae On april 28, 1899, Mr. Deeds was married to Miss Lillian Cissna, who is a native of Missouri and a daughter of James and Mary Cissna, both of whom are deceased. They had nine children, as follows: Zack, of Missouri; Mrs. Minnie Beyers, and William, of Ferndale, Washington; Mrs. Mattie Tawes, of Aberdeen, Washington; James of Superior, Arizona; Mrs. Lillian Deeds; and Andrew, Charles and Mrs. Ella Heard, who are deceased. Mr. Deeds is a member and director of the Puyallup and Sumner Fruit Growers' Association, is a member of the Egg and Poultry Association, and stands for such measures as will benefit the _ farmers of the community. He belongs to Pyyallup Lodge, I. O. O. F. While living in Whatcom county, he served four years as a member of the school board. He is essentially a man of affairs and possesses to a marked degree the essential elements of good citizenship, so that throughout his community he exerts wide influence. He believes in the wisdom of spending money for better schools and improved highways, and supports every enterprise for the betterment of the community and the county.

Joseph T. Lee

Joseph T. Lee, who holds the responsible position of general superintendent of the Wilkeson Coal & Coke Company, has been rewarded with success because of his persistent and indomitable efforts along definite lines. He has proven well qualified for the management of the important concern which he represents and has also gained the respect of all who have come in contact with him. Joseph T. Lee was born in Tioga county, Pennsylvania, in 1872, and is a son of George C. and Hannah (Smith) Lee. The father was born near Hazelton, Pennsylvania, in 1840, was engaged in the coal business during practically his entire life, as was his father before him, and his death occurred July 4, 1924. The mother was a native of New York and is now living at Bluefield, West Virginia.

Joseph T. Lee attended the public schools of his native state and spent two years in Vanderbilt University, at Nashville, Tennessee. In 1889 he came west and entered the employ of the Northern Pacific Railroad as an operator on the Pacific division, being stationed at Chehalis, Portland, and other points, remaining with that company about four years. He then came to Wilkeson and entered the office of the Wilkeson Coal & Coke Company, with which he has remained continuously since. In 1901 he was appointed general superintendent of this company, which position he has acceptably filled to the present time.

In 1897 Mr. Lee was united in marriage to Miss Ottie Young, who was born in Minnesota, the daughter of William H. and Helen (Heath) Young. Her family came west in 1882, locating in Oregon, of which they were pioneers, and in 1885 they removed to Lewis county, Washington, the father taking up a homestead at Jackson Prairie. Both parents are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Lee have three children, namely: Marion, who is now the wife of John B. Cromwell, Jr., of Tacoma; Joseph T., Jr., who is with the Union Oil Company in Seattle; and G. W., who is connected with the Wilkeson Coal & Coke Company and is located at Fairfax, this county. Mr. Lee is a member of the Masonic lodge at Winlock, Lewis county; has taken the degrees of the York Rite, including those of Knight Templar, and belongs to Afifi Temple of the Mystic Shrine, at Tacoma. He possesses the mental poise and calm judgment so essential in the successful management of large business affairs, and at the same time has had a keen appreciation of the ethics of commercial life, so that he has not only commanded the respect of men for his integrity, but has also gained their admiration for his splendid ability.

Ben Horsfall

For forty years Ben Horsfall has been one of the active and successful farmers of the western part of Pierce county and, through his persistent and well directed industry, has won very gratifying success, at the same time gaining the confidence and respect of his fellow citizens. Mr. Horsfalt -was born in Yorkshire, England, November 16, 1855, and is a son of Thomas and Betty (Fletcher) Horsfall, both of whom died in England. They were the parents of eight children, Aaron, John, Thomas, ar TeMieaiey aid Ellen, who are deceased; Ben; Mrs. Annie Strafford; and one who x a Satria slo a limited school education, for at the age of eight years e work in woolen mills at Keighley, Yorkshire, where he was employed until fifteen years of age. He then learned the trade of machinist, at which he was employed until 1883, when he came to the United States, reaching Tacoma on the 10th of June. Here he worked in the shops of the Northern Pacific Railroad, until 1887, when he took up a homestead at Hart's lake, on section 6, township 16, range 3, the land being heavily timbered. After building a small log house he entered upon the work of clearing the land. His house burned down some years later and was replaced by another log house, which sheltered himself and family until 1916, when he erected a fine, modern eight-room residence, with half basement, which makes a very attractive and comfortable home. In 1922 he built a large new barn and has from time to time made other valuable improvements on the place, which makes it an up-to-date and desirable property. Mr. Horsfall keeps fifteen head of Holstein cows and a registered sire, and raises fine crops of hay. He has twenty-five acres under cultivation, the remainder of the land being in pasture and woods. Mr. Horsfall has a frontage on Hart's lake and keeps about twenty boats for hire, which are looked after by his son.

In June, 1876, in England, Mr. Horsfall was united in marriage to Miss Sophia Clark, who was born in London, England, a daughter of John and Mary Ann Clark, both of whom died in that country. They were the parents of four children: Sophia; Harry, deceased; Mrs. Sarah Bland, who lives in Massachusetts; and Thomas. Mr. and Mrs. Horsfall are the parents of five children, as follows: Emma, who was born in England, died in 1889; Aaron, also born in England, is married and has one child, Emory; Ernest, born in Washington, is married and has two children, Mrs. Gertrude Smith and Marguerite; William, who is married; and Minnie, who is the wife of Allen Porter. They also have an adopted son, Frank Marsh Horsfall. In 1908 Mrs. Horsfall went back to England on a visit, spending the summer there, and on her return brought with her their adopted son. Mr. Horsfall is a member of the Grange, has served as postmaster at Hart's Lake and also was a member of the school board, being strongly in favor of the best possible educational facilities. He is progressive in his ideas, energetic in his business affairs and is a man of strict integrity.