Spokane, Washington - History, 1912 (part 9 of 22)

In the schools of Saginaw, Michigan, B. M. Francis pursued his education and for a short period was a student in the Chicago College. He entered business circles in connection with the jewelry trade when but a boy, and when he had mastered the trade in Michigan he went to Chicago where he was employed for two years. He afterward removed to Elmira, New York, and later to Philadelphia where he taught engraving in the Horological Institute for four years. On the expiration of that period he made his way westward to Butte, Montana, in 1892, and spent four years in that place as an employe in a jewelry store. In 1896, at Missoula, Montana, he became proprietor of a jewelry store, continuing at that point for five years. At that time he engaged in the real-estate business and his activities along that line increased more and more while during the last eight or nine years he gave a great deal of his attention to mining. In Missoula he formed a partnership with W. J. Rhodes under the firm name of Francis & Rhodes for the conduct of a real-estate business and in 1907 opened an office in Spokane which he maintained for 'some time. While in Butte he became associated with three others and leased the Homestake mine which iie successfully operated for a year and a half. His real-estate interests are now in Bozeman, Missoula and Spokane, in all of which places he has platted additions. In Spokane Mr. Francis has platted Spokane Terrace and Spokane Park, doing this work under partnership connections. In Missoula he platted a subdivision of Homevale, Glenwood Park and East Missoula, and in Bozeman he purchased the old Butte addition to the town. Since the dissolution of the partnership he has independently platted Empire Heights, which he sold to Mr. Van Velsor, and Castle Hill, which he now owns. Mr. Francis has obtained some substantial returns from his mining as well as his real-estate interests and has contributed as well to the general progress and development of communities in which he has operated.

On the 4th of May, 1891, in Philadelphia, Mr. Francis was married to Miss Maggie R. Bishops a daughter of George Bishop^ a shoe manufacturer, and they have one son, Delbert M.^ who is now attending high school. Mr. Francis is numbered among that class of energetic men whose advancement is attributable entirely to earnest and persistent labor. He started out with no special advantages but proved his worth in the business world and gradually progressed until he became a merchant of Missoula. As he prospered he extended his investments in real estate and mining property and his work has been a valuable force in the general growth and development of the northwest.

Robert H. Cosgrove

Various projects have contributed toward the promotion of a knowledge of the Spokane country, its resources, its advantages and its possibilities, but none have been more effective in this connection than the Interstate Fair, of which Robert H. Cosgrove is secretary. It has been a stimulating influence in fruitraising and stock-raising, giving impetus to the efforts of those who are thus en-

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Mr. Cosgrove is a native of Minnesota^ born July 11, 1876. His parents were. C. N. and Elizabeth (Bradley) Cosgrove, the former born in the state of New York and the latter in Wisconsin. The father has at different times held public office in the various communities where he has resided. He served as mayor of Le Sueur, Minnesota, and for twenty-five years was connected with the Minnesota State Fair, occupying all positions f^om manager to president. He is of Irish descent and his wife is of English lineage, although her ancestors came to America during the early period of colonization and were represented in the Revolutionary war. Robert H. Cosgrove is a brother of Edward B. Cosgrove, who is now in business in Kansas City, Missouri. His sisters are: Cora, who is the wife of George W. Strand, a nurseryman of Taylors Falls, Minnesota; and Ethel C, who is living in Porto Rico and is engaged in teaching school.

Robert H. Cosgrove attended the high school of Le Sueur, Minnesota, and the University of Minnesota, in the class of 1898. He then turned his attention to the hardware business in Le Sueur and afterward became connected with ranch interests at Mandan, North Dakota. During the same period he was connected with the Minnesota State Fair and in 1904 came to Spokane to take charge as secretary-manager of the Spokane Interstate Fair, with which he has since been connected. His labors here have been more than gratifying, producing results beyond the expectations of those who sought his cooperation. One of the first exhibits of this kind in Spokane was held on East Sprague street in 1890 but the building burned and nothing more was done until 1894, when Herbert Bolster, now deceased, and John L. Smith, the president of the Spokane Interstate Fair, organized what was known as The Spokane Fruit Fair. This was held at Riverside and Washington streets, on the present site of the Fogelquist clothing store, from the S^th to the 27th of October, 1894, with Judge J. W. Binckley as president. The succeeding year Mr. Bolster had charge of the fair, which convened September SOth and ended on the 5th of October. The dates chosen in 1896 were from October 6th to 17th, with F. W. Smith as secretary and manager, and again in 1897 it continued for two weeks, beginning October 5th, in the old Auditorium groimds, with Mr. Bolster as secretary and John A. Finch as president. Again the fair was held at the Auditorium grounds in 1898, from the 4th to the 15th of October, with the same o£Bcers, and in 1899 Dr. E. D. Olmsted served as president, with Mr. Bolster as secretary, and the dates were from October 3d to 17th. From October 2d to October 16th, 1900, with W. E. Hawley as manager, the fair was again held at the Auditorium grounds, but the equipment there was so expensive that those interested incorporated the Interstate Fair for twenty-five thousand dollars and, borrowing ten thousand dollars more, purchased fifty-one acres of land east of the town and thereon held the eighth annual exhibit in September, 1901, with H. W. Peel a^ president and Herbert Bolster as secretary-manager. From the 6th to the 14th of October, 1902, the fair was again a feature of Spokane's activities, with Mr. Peel as president and George H. Martin as secretarymanager. The former continued as president with H. G. Stimmel, now deceased, as secretary and manager in 1 903, and the fair was held from the 5th to the 1 3th of October. In 1 904 it was opened on the 3d and continued to the 9th of October, with Mr. Peel as president and R. H. Cosgrove as secretary-manager. The same officers continued through 1905 and 1906, the fair being h*Ad in the former year from the 9th to the 15th of October and in the latter from the 24th of September, to the 6th of October. George T. Crane had succeeded to the presidency, with Mr. Cosgrove still as manager, when the fair was held from the 28d of September, to the 5th of October, 1907. It was opened on the 5th of October, 1908, and lasted for five days, with the same officers as in the previous year, and they continued also through 1909, the fair being held from the 20th to the 25th of September. Mr. Crane was succeeded by John L. Smith, with Mr. Cosgrove as secretary, and the fair extended from the 8d to the 9th of October, 1910. It lasted for six days in 1911, beginning on the 2d of October, with the same officers. The fair was established with the idea of encouraging agricultural and horticultural pursuits and has grown to remarkable proportions, the average attendance during the first year of Mr. Cosgrove's residence here being forty-six hundred per day, while in 1910 the average attendance was eighteen thousand six hundred. The total number of entries for priases in 1904 was one thousand five hundred and eighty-one and in 1910 six thousand eight hundred and nineteen. This is now the largest fair of the kind west of St. Paul and has been a stimulus to fruit-raising and stock-raising interests in the northwest.

Mr. Cosgrove is well known in fraternal, social and club connections. He has taken the degrees of the York and Scottish Rites in Masonry, belonging to the conmiandery and the consistory, and is a member of the Mystic Shrine. He was also senior warden of the blue lodge while in the east. His college fraternity is the Phi Gamma Delta and he is a member of the Spokane Club, the Spd^ane Country Club, the Spokane Athletic Club, the Inland Club and the Rotary Club. Mr. Cosgrove was married November 27, 1911, to Miss Leora K. Gentry, of SpdLane.

Marcus D. Wright

Occupying a place in the foremost ranks of those who have made a fortune in the development and exploitation of the timber lands of the west is Marcus D. Wright, who resides at Hayden Lake, Kootenai county, Idaho. A native of the Mississippi valley, he came west in 1871, at the age of twenty years, his birth having occurred in Bowling Green, Kentucky, April 16, 1851. His parents were John W. and Mary (Gibson) Wright, the former a prominent Baptist minister of Kentucky.

Marcus D. Wright obtained his education in the common schools of Kentucky and at the age of sixteen years entered business life as a salesman 'for a pump ccmcern in St. Joseph, Missouri. He was employed in this capacity for four years when he gave up his position and went west, locating in Montana. There he conducted a freighting business in summer and drove a stag^ during the winter for the following six years. In 1877 he accompanied General Sherman on his tour of inspection of all the frontier posts, covering the territory extending from Montana over the old Mullen road to Walla Walla, Washington. Subsequently he resided in Colfax, Whitman county, Washington, where he drove a stage until 1878. In that year he came to Spokane and engaged in the livery business, buying out the stable owned by James N. Glover. In 1881 he gave up this enterprise and went to Idaho to look over the prospects for an investment in real estate. Finding a suitable tract of land, he purchased a half-interest in forty acres from C. W. Wood and on that site laid out the town of Westwood, now known as Rathdrum. In conjunction with George fi. Wannacott he called a meeting of the residents of this locality and organized Kootenai county. He was appointed the first assessor and tax collector^ as well as deputy sheriff^ serving in these positions until the first general elections of the county. In October^ 1882^ during the great mining excitement in this section of the country^ Mr. Wright took the first pack train into Pritchard Creek, Eagle City, Idaho. Two jears later he engaged in business at Rathdrum, Idaho, conducting a general mercantile establishment and also contracting to railroads for the sale of timber and ties. The latter branch of his business increased so rapidly that he discontinued his general mercantile establishment and has since that time concentrated his entire attention upon the lumber business, furnishing lumber supplies mainly to the Northern Pacific Railroad. Within the last twenty-three years he has supplied approximately twenty million ties which, at a rough estimate, would be sufficient, if laid end to end, to circle the globe. He was also financially interested in the First National Bank of Coeur d'Alene, of which he was president for several years, resigning in 1910 in order to devote his undivided attention to his lumber interests.

On March 18, 1881, Mr. Wright was united in marriage to Miss Bertie Piper, a daughter of Dr. John J. Piper, of Peone Prairie, Washington, who was for twelve years one of the county commissioners of Spokane county, Washington. Mrs. Wright passed away in 1901, being survived by her husband and seven children, two sons and five daughters. In 1903 Mr. Wright was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Marie Bennett, a stepdaughter of A. M. Cannon, of Spokane, Washington. Fraternally Mr. Wright is connected with the £l|fs^ ^o^e, No. 228, of Spokane; the Knights of Pythias of Coeur d'Alene, and. the Odd'Fellwr;8 of Coeur d'Alene. The Wright home is known as one of the handsonie residences of this locality, being situated at Hayden Lake, on one of the fi/i^st f^rpas in the state of Idaho, a tract of land comprising about six hundred_ae«efiK^f*'Ji' e(^ a fish preserve covering an area equivalent to one hundred and sixty acres, which is filled with black bass and trout, and affords some of the finest opportunities for fishing in the state. Never losing sight of the goal which lay before him, Mr. Wright has been steadfast in the pursuit of his ideals and by dint of close application and unceasing effort has won his reward in the generous measure of success which has been his.

John M. Dunn

John M. Dunn is one of the foremost representatives of the real-estate interests in Spokane. He was bom on the 9th of June, 1865, at Columbia, New Hampshire, a son of Thomas and Jemima (Temple) Dunn. The father was a prominent agriculturist of New Hampshire and also took an active part in the political activities of his native state. He always gave his support to the republican party and served as a representative in the New Hampshire state legislature from Coos county for two years. The mother's death occurred when her son John was but eleven years of age. To their union two daughters and ^ve sons were bom, all of whom remained in the east with the exception of the subject of this review.

John M. Dunn pursued his education in the public schools of his native town and subsequently was engaged in agricultural pursuits before taking up railroad- ing. Having heard of the opportunities the west offered to the energetic and determined^ he decided to leave his native state and locate permanently in the northwest. By hard work he had accmnnlated forty-three dollars. With this money as his capital he set out for St. Paul^ Minnesota^ from which city he worked his wa^ to Havre^ Montana^ arriving there about the time that the Great Northern Railroad had been extended to that city, which consisted of two tents. As there did not seem to be much prospect for work there he continued his journey to Great Falls, Montana, where he arrived on the Idth of November, 1888. He remained in that city for eight years, being employed throughout the greater part of his residence there in the wholesale grocery business. Subsequently he removed to Butte and engaged in mining, later becoming foreman and superintending the erection of the three largest sheet iron smoke stacks that have ever been put up in the west. Thrift and energy were among the salient characteristics of his nature and were fast winning him financial success. By saving his money he was able to return to Helena and engage in the retail meat-market business. Shortly afterward he opened another store in Great Falls. Both of these enterprises netted him considerable money before he disposed of them and came to Spokane in 1901. Immediately upon his arrival in this city he engaged in the real-estate business under the firm name of Dickson & Dunn, Mr. Dunn serving as president. They were very successful in their various ventures and opened the Didcson & Dunn orchard tracts, four miles north of Hillyard. This property consisted of two hundred and forty acres. They also dealt extensively in local real estate. In 1910 Mr. Dunn sold his interest to Mr. Dickson and has since devoted his entire time and attention to the management of his private real-estate holdings, which consist mostly of homes and similar income properties. What he has accomplished shows his business ability and power and, arguing from the past, his friends predict for him a still more successful future.

Mr. Dunn was married, at Great Falls, Montana, on the 14th of February, 1897, to Miss Lena B. Elliott, a daughter of George and Barbara Elliott, of Fargo, North Dakota. They reside at No. ddd Euclid avenue. Mr. Dunn holds membership in the Methodist church and fraternally is a member of Spokane Lodge, No. 228, B. P. O. E.; Red Cross Lodge, K. P., in which order he has passed through all the chairs and has twice been representative to the grand lodge; the Dramatic Order of the Knights of Khorassan; Tyrian Lodge, No. 96, F. & A. M.; the Modern Woodmen of American; and Spokane Aerie, No. 2, F. O. E.

William A. Halteman

William A. Halteman, of Spokane, who is now filling the office of United States marshal for the eastern district of Washington, was born in Da3rton, Ohio, June 27, 1860, and came to this state in 1890. He first located at Port Townsend, where he became interested in real estate and also owned a third interest in the Townsend Leader, which at that time was an eight page daily. While at Port Townsend he was elected to the state legislature in 1895 and two years later removed to Spokane and became interested in mining. In 1904 he went to Ferry county and had direct supervision of the Meteor mine for four years. While there he was again called to public office, being elected to the legislature from Ferry county in 1907, and the following year was selected as executive commissioner of the state of Washington at the Alaska- Yukon-Pacific Exposition.

Mr. Halteman was married on the 29th of February, 1892, to Miss Elizabeth Frazicr, of Peoria, Illinois, and both hold membership in the Baptist church. ,

John Huston Clarke

John Huston Clarke, senior partner of the firm of Clarke & Eaton, well known hardware dealers in Whitman county, has been prominently identified with the commercial activities of Lacrosse for the past six years. His birth occurred in Knox county, Illinois, on the 5th of February, 1868, his parents being William Y. and Mary (McCormick) Clarke, both natives of Ireland.

The son of a farmer, John Huston Clarke was reared in the country, acquiring his early education in the district schools. After leaving school he assisted his father in the operation of the farm until he had attained his majority, but as agricultural pursuits were not altogether to his liking he entered the State Normal School at Peru, Nebraska. He was graduated from this institution with the class of 1894, and for three years thereafter engaged in teaching in that state. In 1897 he came to Elberton, this county; where he taught until 1900, when he decided to withdraw from this profession and identify himself with commercial activities. He became associated with Hugh Eaton and they established a hardware store in Elberton, which they conducted under the firm name of Clarke & Eaton. This enterprise flourished in a most gratifying manner from its inception, and five years later they extended the scope of their activities by founding a store in Lacrosse. As it proved to be as lucrative as their first establishment, in 1908 they opened another branch at Endicott. Since then they have sold the store in Elberton and now concentrate their efforts upon the operation of the two last established. They are both enterprising and industrious men, of practical ideas and progressive methods and are nombered among the prosperous and representative business men of the county. Owing to their capable and intelligent direction of their interests they have succeeded in building up an excellent patronage, that is constantly increasing, their business showing a marked growth from year to year. They carry a full and well selected stock of shelf and heavy hardware as well as farming implements in their stores, that they offer at reasonable prices, the quality of their goods being fully commensurate with what is asked. Gracious and courteous in their treatment of patrons they strive to accommodate and please all, believing that a well satisfied customer is the best medium of advertising.

At Spokane, Washington, in 1906, Mr. Clarke was united in marriage to Miss Blanche B. Howell, a native of the state of Illinois, and a daughter of Charles H. and Mary (Holland) Howell, who were born and reared in West Virginia. Two children have been bom to Mr. and Mrs. Clarke, Mary Caroline and John Howell.

Mr. Clarke is affiliated with Lacrosse Lodge, No. 155, A. F. & A. M., in which he has held all of the chairs ; and Colfax Chapter, No. 84, R. A. M. He is also a member of the Modem Woodmen of America and has held all of the offices in the local camp. He votes the republican ticket, but has never aspired to public honors or the emoluments of office^ having preferred to give his undivided attention to his business. Mr. Clarke's commercial career in Whitman county has been characterized by the foresight and sagacity that invariably lead to the goal of success, when concentrated upon a definite purpose. In his transactions he has always been found absolutely honorable, his integrity being above question, and he is held in high esteem by all who have had dealings with him.

Harry Grey De Pledge

Harry Grey De Pledge, who has been cashier of the First Trust & Savings Bank ever since its organization six years ago, was born in England on the 16th of February, 1860, and is a son of Jonathan and Emily (Grey) De Pledge.

Reared in his native land, when old enough to choose a vocation Harry G. De Pledge decided to follow the sea, so upon leaving school he went on a naval cadet training ship to qualify for the merchant marine. He went to sea in 1875, serving as midshipman for four years. At the expiration of that period, in 1879, he passed his examination for second mate, but the following year he joined a colony that was coming to the United States. They located in Iowa, but Mr. De Pledge only re mained with them for about a year, removing to San Francisco in 1881. Upon his arrival in the latter city he entered the service of one of the steamship companies and sailed on the Pacific until 1882, when he returned to Iowa and worked for Close Brothers, land agents. In 1883 he again came west, locating in Portland, where for a time he was employed in railroad surveying. Later he was appointed depatv county surveyor of Multnomah county, Oregon, and was the first to claim the right to the waters of the Bull Run which now supply Portland. Two years thereafter, in 1885, he joined a party of engineers who were surveying for the railroad through Colfax, and upon his arrival here Mr. De Pledge decided to locate. He obtained a position with Elnapp, Burrell Sc Company as manager of the first grain house here. He retained this position until 1887, and then removed to Pullman and engaged in the grain business. The venture prpved to be successful, but at the end of a year he undertook to construct and manage two warehouses at that point for the Northern Pacific Railroad Company. In 1889, Mr. De Pledge returned to Colfax and entered the bank of Perkins & Mills. The following year he became cashier of the Bank of Pullman, continuing in this capacity after the reorganization of this institution in 1891 into the First National Bank of Pullman. He remained there until 1894, when he resigned and became associated with O. E. Young in the gprain business at Pullman, under the firm name of De Pledge & Young. In 1898, Mr. De Pledge was appointed deputy treasurer of Whitman county, and returned to Colfax, where a year later he became assistant cashier of the First National Bank. Upon the organization of the First Trust & Savings Bank in 1905, he was made cashier and has ever since been retained in this capacity. He is also a stockholder and a member of the board of directors of this institution and is a stockholder of the Western Union Life Insurance Company, and is likewise financially interested in a fire insurance company.

Portland, Oregon, was the scene of Mr. De Pledge's marriage in 1890 to Miss Jane S. Crockett. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. De Pledge, Ruth Grey, Cedric Grey, Cuthbert Crockett and Desmond Gerald.

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The parents are members of the Episcopal churchy and fraternally Mr. De Pledge is affiliated with the Masonic order^ being treasurer of the blue lodge and past high priest of the chapter^ and he also belongs to the Knights of Pythias. In his political views he is a stanch republican and is now and has been for several terms city treasurer^ and he is also clerk of the school boards and for many years was a school director. He takes much interest in the development of Colfax.

Laurence Rankin Hamblen

Laurence Rankin Hamblen is a member of the firm of Hamblen & Gilbert^ attorneys at law^ engaged in general practice although specializing to some extent in corporation law^ in which connection they have a large and representative clientele. Mr. Hamblen was bom at Rondout^ New York^ May 15, 1874^ his parents being Charles E. and Charlotte (Pinkham) Hamblen. The mother's people were among the earliest settlers of Nantucket, Massachusetts, and it was there her birth occurred. The father, also a native of the Old Bay state, was descended from English ancestors who settled in America about 1650. The family was represented in the Revolutionary war and Charles E. Hamblen was numbered among the defenders of the Union cause in the Civil war as a member of Company H, Thirty-eighth Massachusetts Infantry. He participated in a number of important engagements including the battle of Cedar Creek. During the latter part of his Ufe he was engaged in the real-estate business in Spokane, where his death occurred in 1889. His wife survived until 1904 and the living sons and daughters of the family are: Laurence R. ; Robert N., who is engaged in the practice of medicine in Spokane; Elizabeth, who is the wife of William Shaw and resides in SpcJcane; and Mabel R., also living in this city.

In the public schools of Minneapolis Laurence R. Hamblen pursued his early education and afterward entered the Methodist College of Spokane; which he attended until 1892. He had come to this city with his parents in 1887. After leaving the Methodist College he was employed here for two years and then entered the University of Michigan, from which he was graduated in 1896 with the LL. B. degree, having pursued the full law course whereby he was qualified for active work at the bar. He entered upon the practice of law in Spokane in the fall of 1896 as a member of the firm of Hamblen & Lund. Later changes in the partnership have led to the adoption of the firm name of Hamblen, Lund & Gilbert and afterward to Hamblen & Gilbert. They have a large and satisfactory general practice and have also been attorneys for the North Coast Railroad for the past two years and are now division attorneys for the Oregon- Washington Railroad & Navigation Company.

On the 10th of September, 1904, was celebrated the marriage of Laurence R. Hamblen and Miss Frances Gilbert, a daughter of F. W. Gilbert, now deceased, who was the general superintendent of the Northern Pacific Railway Company at St. Paul. The three children of this marriage are Charlotte, Herbert M. and Mary G. Mr. Hamblen has spent the major part of his life in Spokane and is widely and favorably known to the majority of its citizens. He has watched with interest the progress of events which have marked the development and growth of the city and in various ways has contributed to the work of general improvement and upbuilding. While in college he became a member of the Delta Chi and is now a member of the Spokane Club. He is in thorough sympathy with the work of the Chamber of Commerce^ in which he holds membership^ and through political channels he has done much active and valuable public service. He votes with the republican party and has attended city^ county and state conventicms^ being known as a delegate to the conventions at Spokane and Tacoma. He has also acted as a member of the city^ county and central committees and believes that party organization should be made the means of procuring good government and a righteous administration of the laws. In 1907 he was appointed to the position of corporation counsel for a term of two years. These were stirring times in the history of the city when excitement was often intense, for at that time Spokane entered upon its great work of reform, cleaning out the cribs, closing the saloons on Sunday and turning a watchful eye on all gambling. Mr. Hamblen as corporation counsel was closely associated with this work and then, as at all times, his influence was strongly on the side of law and order, reform and progress.

Charles William Hess

Charles William Hess, who has been identified with the business interests of Colfax for the past eight years, was born in Fulton, Illinois, on the 17th of October, 1863, and is a son of John G. and Catherine (Murphy) Hess, the father a native of Germany and the mother of Ireland.

During the childhood of Charles William Hess his parents removed to Janesville, Wisconsin, in the public schools of which city he began his education. Later they returned to Illinois, settling in Joliet, where he continued his studies, until their next removal to Grand Island, Nebraska. When he was sixteen years of age, he left school and went to work as a member of a railroad construction gang at Emporia, Kansas, and from there on was self-supporting. As he was energetic and performed such tasks as were assigned him with more than average intelligence and efficiency, his worth was readily recognized and he was promoted at various times, continuing in the service in the west and south until 1898. In the latter year he was offered a position as division roadmaster on the Oregon Railway & Navigation Company, at Colfax, which he readily accepted. He remained in the employment of this company until 1904, when he came to the conclusion to give up his position as a dependent and to go into business on his own account and to that end purchased the cigar and tobacco store of C. A. Cary, of this city. In the conduct and development of his own business he has manifested the same qualities that have characterized him as an employe and he is meeting with success in his business. 'He is progressive and enterprising in his methods, courteous and accommodating to his patrons and keeps a class of goods that is fully commensurate with the prices,, all of which facts have assisted him to build up a profitable trade.

Plattsburg, Missouri, was the scene of the marriage of Mr. Hess on the 20th of January, 1892, to Miss Hallie N. Smith, a daughter of E. T. and Emma (Tillery) Smith, both natives of Kentucky, and they have become the parents of one son, Edwin A., who is a resident of Spokane.

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Fraternally^ Mr. Hess is identified with the Masonic order^ being a past senior deacon of Hiram Lodge^ No. 21^ A. F. & A. M.; past high priest of Colfax Chapter^ No. 8, R. A. M.; and past patron of Washington Chapter, No. 16, O. E. S. He is also a member of Colfax Lodge, No. 4, K. of P. The political views of Mr. Hess conform to the principles of the democratic party for which candidates he casts his ballot save at municipal elections, when he gives his support to such men as he deems best qualified to subserve the interests of the community irrespective of party lines. He is a man who is entitled to the full credit for his achievements, as he has been entirely dependent upon his own resources since he was a youth of sixteen years, and his advancement must be attributed to his personal efforts.

Robert Crampton McCroskey, a well known retired agriculturist of Whitman countj', who for many years has been actively identified with banking circles in both Pallman and Palouse, was bom in Monroe county, Tennessee, on the 10th of March, 1815. He is a son of John and Priscilla (McCray) McCroskey, both natives of Tennessee. The family originally settled in Virginia and there they were prominent in early colonial times.

In the acquirement of his education, Robert Crampton McCroskey attended the common and private schools of his native state until he had attained the age of seventeen years. In 1862, he laid aside his text-books and enlisting in the Thirty-first Arkansas went to the front in defense of the Confederacy. He enlisted as a private, but although he was very young he early gave evidence of possessing the force and energy as well as executive ability entitling him to a more responsible position, and he was promoted until he became captain of his company. Owing to his seniority he was subsequently placed in command of the Fourth and Thirty-first regiments and the Fourth Battalion of Arkansas Volunteers, which he lead in the battles of Franklin, Nashville and Bentonville and other minor engagements. Soon after his return home in 1865, he entered Croton College in Tennessee, from which he was graduated in 1868. The following autumn he engaged in teaching, continuing to follow this profession in his native state until 1 870, when he removed to California, locating in Monterey county. There he resumed teaching, being actively identified with this vocation until 1874, when he was elected superintendent of schools in Monterey county. He served in this capacity for six years, at the expiration of which time he purchased one hundred and ten acres of land and turned his attention to ranching. His efforts in this direction prospered and he was later able to extend his holdings by the addition of another two hundred and fifty acres. In 1887, he disposed of his interests and came to Whitman county, buying one hundred and sixty acres of land at twenty dollars per acre in the vicinity of Garfield, where he makes his present home. He is a man of progressive ideas and intelligence, who has most capably directed his undertakings and has been rewarded with corresponding success. Having unlimited confidence in the future of this state with the development of its rich natural resources, he invested heavily in real estate and is now the owner of over two thousand acres of valuable land, that is under high cultivation. In 1909, Mr. McCroskey withdrew from the active work of the fields and turned the operation of his ranch over to his sons and has ever since been living retired. Although his principal interests have been along the lines of farming and real estate^ he has been identified with various other local enterprises, and in 1890 was associated with others in the organization of the Garfield Hardware & Mercantile Company of which he was president for several years. The following year, in 1891, he assisted in the organization of the Bank of Garfield and was one of the directors of this institution until they were forced out of business by the panic. At the present time he is the president and a director of the Pullman State Bank and also the Palouse National Bank of Palouse.

At Madisonville, Tennessee, in September, 1882, Mr. McCroskey was united in marriage to Miss Blanche Houston, a native of Tennessee and a daughter of Joseph E. and Eliza (Hair) Houston, likewise natives of that state, while in the paternal line she is descended from the same branch of the family as Sam Houston. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. McCroskey, as follows: Robert Crampton, Jr., who married Miss Helen R. Wesco, of Portland; Joseph Houston, who married Miss Marion Flood, of Spokane; Gladys, who is a student at the Washington State College; and Blanche M. and Earl McCray, who are still attending school.

Fraternally Mr. McCroskey is affiliated with the Masonic order and the Knights of Pythias, being past grand chancellor of the latter, and he also belongs to the Artisans. He has always been an enthusiastic champion of the different agricultural organizations, and is president of the local branch of the Farmers' Union and is also officially connected with the county society. He is an active member of the Garfield Commercial Club, while his political support he gives to the democratic party, and has always taken much interest in governmental affairs. In 1890 he was elected to the state senate, serving with efficiency in this capacity for three years, while he has been a member of the local school board and since 1897 one of the regents of the Washington State College. Mr. McCroskey is versatile and has the faculty of adapting himself to the needs and requirements of almost any position he could be called to, as has been manifested by his efficient service in official connections in both business and public life.

Success always depends upon an intelligent understanding of one's own capacities and limitations and the fact that the latter may be eliminated to the same great extent that the former can be cultivated. Realizing this Dr. Nathan M. Baker in his life work has attained distinction, applying himself closely to the mastery of the great scientific principles which underlie the practice of medicine and surgery. Moreover, his ability enables him to see the logical relation between cause and effect and thus in his practice his labors have been attended with excellent results, bringing him into important relation with the medical fraternity. He has practiced continuously in Spokane since 1895, having as the basis of his success broad knowledge of medical principles, acquired in the University of Pennsylvania.

Dr. Baker was bom September 26, 1859, in St. Peter, Minnesota, a son of Nathan M. and Elmina (Perry) Baker. The father was one of the pioneer settlers of Minnesota, taking up his abode in that state in 1857. At the time of the Civil war he responded to the country's call for aid, enlisting in the Ninth Minnesota Infantry with which he did valiant service on the battlefields of the south.

At the usual age Dr. Baker became a pupil in the public schools of his native city and afterward enjoyed the benefit of instruction in the University of Minnesota, from which he was graduated with the Bachelor of Science degree in 1884. His professional training was received in the University of Pennsylvania and upon his gradaation with the class of 1889 his professional degree was conferred upon bim. He spent three years in the State Hospital of Minnesota, during which varied hospital practice gradually broadened his knowledge and promoted his efficiency. For two years he was assistant superintendent of the State Hospital at St. Peter and his work in those connections well qualified him for the onerous and responsible duties that have devolved upon him since he entered upon the general practice of medicine in Spokane in 1895. His ability has carried him into important professional relations. His knowledge of medicine in every line is comprehensive and at all times he keeps abreast with the best thinking men of the profession, his investigation and research bringing him success beyond that of the average practitioner. With a nature that could never be content with mediocrity he has advanced step by step in his profession and his labors have been of great benefit to his fellowmen. He holds membership in the Spokane County Medical Society, the Washington State Medical Society and the American State Medical Association.

On the 1st of July, 1895, was celebrated the marriage .of Dr. Baker and Miss Minnie J. Bluhm, of Minnesota, and they have two children, Violet E. and Morton C. The family reside at £. 945 Mission avenue. Dr. Baker belongs to Oriental Lodge, No. 74, F. & A. M., to the Independent Order of Foresters and to the University Club. His political allegiance is'tfiten to the republican party and the offices he has held have been in the padi of his profession. He served as coroner from 1898 until 1902 and for six years was a member of the city board of health. He is a gentleman of broad general culture as well as high professional attainment and finds his friends among the best residents of Spokane.

George Clarence Jewett

George Clarence Jewett, cashier of the National Bank of Palouse and also at this writing in 1912 the mayor of the town, was bom in Wright county,. Minnesota, on the 27th of November, 1876. He is a son of Aaron H. and Jane (Emerson) Jewett, both natives of Vermont and descendants of well known New England families of early colonial days.

The early years in the life of George Clarence Jewett were passed in his native state, to whose public schools he is indebted for the greater part of his education. Having decided to pursue a business career he subsequently took a course in a commercial college at Mankato, Minnesota, thus more fully qualifying himself for the practical duties of life. In 1897 he went to Bordulac, North Dakota, where for two years he was engaged in the grain business. In 1 899 he became a bookkeeper in the Maple Lake State Bank, continuing to serve in this capacity until the spring of 1900 when he removed to Pasadena, California, and took a position in the First

National Bank of that city. In July of the following year he once more took up his residence in Minnesota^ as a member of the staff of the Second National Bank of St. Paul. He resigned this position in July^ 1902^ to enter the employ of Ross & Davidson^ well known financiers of North Dakota, where they are operating twenty-four banks, entering their service in the capacity of an assistant cashier. He proved to be a very efficient and reliable employe and was later promoted to the office of cashier, the duties of which he discharged until 1906. In the latter year he became associated with R. P. Ward of Waseca, Minnesota, and removed to Columbus, North Dakota, where he established the First International Bank. He remained there until June, 1909, when he came to Palouse and opened the National Bank of which he has ever since been cashier and one of the stockholders. Mr. Jewett is in every way well qualified for the position he holds, not only striving to protect the interests of the stockholders but those of the patrons of the bank as well, to whom he accords the greatest consideration and this has unquestionably been one of the factors in the upbuilding of the institution.

In North Dakota on the 21st of June, 1904, Mr. Jewett was united in marriage to Miss Minnie C. Sander, of Wisconsin, and a daughter of Henry Sander, and they have become the parents of four children: Milton A., Viola J., Alta Margaret and George Donald.

Fraternally Mr. Jewett is affiliated with Palouse Lodge, No. 46, A. F. & A. M., of which he is treasurer, and he also belongs to the Chapter, R. A. M., of Carrington, North Dakota. He has passed through all of the chairs of the Ancient Order of United Workmen and of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to Oriental Lodge, No. 26, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His political support he gives to the republican party, and although he has been a resident of this city but for two years he has made such a favorable impression in the community that he has been honored with the highest office of the municipality. He has high standards regarding the responsibilities and duties of citizenship and ever since granted the right of franchise has taken an active interest in all political affairs, and in 1909 was a member of the legislature of North Dakota. During the period of his residence here, Mr. Jewett has at all times evidenced the qualities that have won him the respect and esteem of all with whom he has had dealings both as a public official and business man, his methods of conducting transactions being in strict accordance with the highest business principles.

Charles Edward Max

Being attracted to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, as an excellent place of promising opportunities for a business man to locate in, Charles Edward Max, in 1906, gave up the railroad work to which he had been trained and engaged in the hardware and implement business, meeting with such unwonted success during the brief period of the past six years that his establishment is now accounted one of the largest hardware and implement houses in northern Idaho, and his importance as a dealer in this department of the mercantile life of the state is attested by the numerous offices to which he has been elected in various hardware organizations. He was bom on March 6, 1861, at Tippecanoe, Miami county, Ohio. His father,

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Samuel Max^ was a descendant of tbe Pennsylvania Dutch and was a most enthusiastic adherent to the Union cause serving throughout the Civil war with Company G, Eleventh Regiment Ohio Infantry. His mother, Nancy Elizabeth (Hyatt) Max, was of English descent and a daughter of one of the first business men in Tippecanoe, Ohio.

Charles Edward Max was educated in the grammar and high schools at Tippecanoe, Ohio, and for his first work labored on a farm until 1882. Interested in railroad work he took up the study of telegraphy and routine office work and secured employment with the Big Four Railroad at Troy, Ohio, six miles from Tippecanoe, this being up to that time the farthest distance that he had ever ventured from home. In 1883 he entered the employment of the Missouri Pacific Railroad Company with headquarters at St. Louis, serving as telegraph operator and agent at different points for a year and a half. In 1885 he was sent by the same company as division agent on the Cairo branch of their road and in 1886 was appointed agent on the main line at Piedmont, Missouri, where he remained fifteen years. For the sake of his wife's and his own health he then removed to Rialto, Cahfornia, severing his connection with the Missouri Pacific Railroad Company, with whom he had been employed for eighteen years, and accepted a position as agent for the Santa Fe Railroad in which capacity he acted for £.ve years when he entered the hardware business. During all the twenty-four years of his railroad service his record was perfect, and for his devotion to duty and his conscientious regard for carrying out his instructions and maintaining the company's high standard of efficiency he was constantly advanced from position to position without any sohcitation on his part.

Through careful management and with an eye to the future Mr. Max had by this time saved of his earnings a sufficient sum to enable him to invest in some enterprise that would make him independent and insure him a good income and consequently in 1906 he came to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and founded the mercantile establishment known as the Branson-Max Hardware Company of which he became president, continuing in this relation with the firm to the present time. Well trained in the systematic execution of business details and keeping an ever watchful eye on the fluctuating conditions of the market and the constantly varying demands in the industrial and agricultural world he has not only built up his business to its present flourishing proportions but has become known as one of the very keen and up-to-date business men, whose spirit of enterprise contributes in no small degree to the growth of the community.

His popularity and the leading position which he occupies may be gauged by the honors which have been accorded him at the hands of his fellow tradesmen. He is the president of the Pacific Northwest Hardware & Implement Dealers' Association, and also president of the Pacific Federation of Hardware and Implement Dealers, an organization which embraces the states of Idaho, Washington, Oregon and California, having been elected to the latter position at the last convention at Sacramento, California, March 15, 1911. He was appointed a delegate to the meeting of the National Hardware Association held at Little Rock, Arkansas, at which he was greatly instrumental in adjusting some important matters connected with the hardware business.

Tbe marriage of Mr. Max and Miss Helen Dunn of Iron county, Missouri, was solemnized at Jonesboro, Arkansas, in 1884. Two children were bom of this union: Aureola, born in 1888, who is the wife of Earl Tibbott, of Rialto, California, and who now resides in Oregon; and Samuel, bom in 1890, who attends the University of Puget Sound, where he is studying medicine. Mrs. Max passed away in 1900 at Rialto, California, after suffering under a cloud of ill health for some time. In 1901 Mr. Max was again married, his second union being with Miss Lucy E. Conrey, of Piqua, Ohio, a daughter of Joseph R. Conrey, one of the most successful farmers in Ohio, engaged in scientific farming. By this marriage there is a son, Dwyer Edward, bom August 15, 1909.

' Mr. and Mrs. Max are members of the Methodist Episcopal church of Coeur d'Alene and he has been the president of the board of trustees ever since his connection with this church during his residence in the town. He is prominent in Masonic circles, being a member of Kootenai Lodge, No. 34, F. & A. M., and of Chapter No. 12, R. A. M., of Coeur d'Alene, in which he has held all the offices, and Temple Commandery No. 8, of Coeur d'Alene. He was elected grand prelate of the Knight Templars of the state of Idaho and, furthermore holds membership in El Katif Temple of the Mystic Shrine, of Spokane. Mr. Max is well known throughout Idaho and the adjoining section of the country and takes an active part in every movement designed to further the welfare of society at large. At the time of the great railroad wreck at Gibbs Siding, Idaho^ which occurred on the occasion of the opening of the Coeur d'Alene reservation, when thirteen people were killed, he was appointed one of the commissioners to decide the cause of the accident. In September, 1911, a distinctive honor was conferred upon him by his selection to serve as a member of the advisory board of the University of Puget Sound, of Tacoma, Washington. Mr. Max has come into the enjoyment of a substantial income by means of incessant and carefully directed activity and owns property in Lafayette, Indiana, besides the handsome residence in which he lives at No. 822, Garden street, Coeur d'Alene. In matters of business as well as in his private relations he maintains a standard of honor from which he never departs, believing that honesty is the best policy, and that a clear conscience is the most desirable joy in life.

Edward Henry Letterman

Among the pioneer citizens of Pullman who have substantially contributed toward the upbuilding and development of the community must be numbered. Ed ward Henry Letterman, who has been a resident of this town for thirty-two years. Until recently he has been actively identified with various local enterprises, but he is now living retired, his various properties providing him with a handsome income. He was bom in Germany on the ISth of March, 1840, and is a son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Benton) Letterman, also natives of the fatherland, where the mother passed away.

When old enough to begin his education, Edward Henry Letterman entered the government schools of his native country, continuing his student days until he had attained the age of fourteen years. His text-books were then laid aside and he was apprenticed to the blacksmith's trade, to the mastery of which he diligently applied himself until 1857. The entire family desired to found a new home in the United States, but circumstances prevented such plans at that time. Edward, how- ever, although only a youth of seventeen years had evinced the judgment and foresight of one many years his senior^ and it was decided that he should go to the new world as the family's emissary and become established. The year 1857 saw him on his way to America and he arrived here with ten dollars in his pocket, unfamiliar with the language and customs of the country, but with a stout heart, that knew no fear for the future. He first located in Little Falls, Herkimer county, New York, where he obtained work in a dairy at twenty-five cents per day. Hours were long and his tasks were heavy, but as twenty-five cents was considered good pay for a youth of his age at that time he remained faithful to the work. Anxious to bring his people of this country, he denied himself every comfort and sometimes even the necessities of life, hoarding every cent until he had accumulated seventyfive dollars. This sum he immediately forwarded to his father and soon thereafter was joined by him, two sisters and two brothers. By means of thrift, the rigid economy and unceasing diligence, he acquired a sufficient sum to purchase eighty acres of land in Michigan in 1879. His family immediately thereafter took up their residence in the western state, but Mr. Letterman remained in Herkimer county until the following year when he joined his family in Michigan.

He energetically applied himself to the cultivation of the farm until December, 1861, when he enlisted in Company I of Colonel Berdan's Sharpshooters. His baptism of fire was received at Yorkton, following which he engaged in many notable conflicts until the battle of Fair Oaks, in which he was wounded. Soon thereafter he also fell a victim to typhoid fever and, as soon as he was able to leave the hospital^ was sent to Washington, D. C, where he was discharged in 1868. Returning home, he gave such assistance as his health and strength permitted in the work of the farm until the 24th of August, 1864, when he reenlisted in the First Michigan Cavalry, as a member of Company F, under General Custer and again went to the front. He remained in the service until the close of hostilities, being mustered out at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, on June 16, 1865.

Again resuming the duties of civil life, during the succeeding two years he devoted his entire time and attention to agricultural pursuits on the home farm in Michigan. In 1867, he turned his attention to commercial activities and established a lumberman's supply store that he conducted with substantial returns for ten years. At the expiration of that period, in 1877, he came to Washington, locating at Goldendale, where he engaged in the sheep business. This undertaking proved to be a most unfortunate venture, as his herd was caught on the prairies by a terrible blizzard and he lost forty-two hundred head of sheep. This calamity decided him to withdraw from the business and in 1879 he homesteaded some land, upon which he resided until 1882, when he came to Pullman and established a hardware and implement store. In the autumn of the following year he disposed of the store and began buying land, acquiring in all about two thousand acres that he laid out in six additions to Pullman. He was always a public-spirited man, taking much interest in the community's development and he presented two hundred and thirty acres of this land to the state for the Agricultural College, and gave seventy-five acres to his frietids. In the meantime, this section of the state had become a great grain country and in 1885, Mr. Letterman engaged in the wheat business; first, as buyer for the Portland Flour Mills Company; and later for the Balfour-Guthrie Company. This departure proved to be a lucrative under- ^ng, and in one year he sold one hundred and fifty thousand bushels of wheat in the east at an increase of twelve cents over the local market. When the panic came in 1898^ it caught Mr. Letterman in its clutches, leaving him practically penniless, but he is not of the type of men that are easily vanquished, and resolutely he began to reestablish himself in the business world. He again engaged in the grain business, buying and selling wheat until 1901, when he invested in lands adjacent to Pullman, acquiring gradually very valuable holdings that he has improved. Having passed the age of three score and ten, Mr. Letterman has now withdrawn from the exactions of an active business life, although he looks after his property, all of which he is renting.

At Goldendale, Washington, on Christmas day, 1881, Mr. Letterman and Miss Mary E. Tatham were united in marriage. She is a native of the state of New York and a daughter of Thomas and Ellen (Woods) Tatham, both of whom were bom in England. Ever since granted the right of franchise by naturalization, Mr. Letterman has given his allegiance to the republican party. He has always taken a personal interest in political activities and in 1892 was state representative from this district. In every sense of the word he is a self-made man, such success as he has achieved in the long course of his business career being entirely attributable to his own well concentrated and intelligently directly efforts, as he came to this country practically empty handed. His life is but one of the many that have conclusively demonstrated that the essential assets for a successful career in America are unceasing energy and determination of purpose.

Dr. J. Floyd Tifft, the present mayor of Colfax, is one of the leading practitioners of dentistry in Whitman county, where he has been following his profession for the past eight years. He was born in Sycamore, Illinois, on the 23d of June, 1878, and is a son of Elan D. and Josephine (Saum) Tifft, both natives of Illinois. The paternal grandfather was John Tifft, who was born and reared in Vermont and traced his ancestry back to the early colonial days of New England, his forefathers having come to America on the Mayflower. The maternal ancestors came from Pennsylvania, which was the native state of the grandfather, Nicholas Saum.

Dr. Tifft was reared in his native state to the age of eighteen years, and there began his education, which was completed in the high school of Hutchinson, Minnesota, where he removed with his parents in 1896. Having decided upon a professional career in the choice of a vocation, he matriculated in the department of dentistry in the University of Minnesota, where he pursued his professional studies. While in college he took a prominent part in athletics and for three years was a member of the football team. He was graduated with the degree of D. M. D. with the class of 1902, and almost immediately thereafter came to the northwest, locating in Seattle there following his profession until he came to Colfax. Here he has since been located and, owing to the high standard of his work, has succeeded in building up a good following. In the course of his residence here he has established a reputation which is most commendable and his patronage is remarkable for its size and class. He is in every way a worthy representative of his profession, his excellent training in connection with his

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At Spokane^ this state, on the 5th of June, 1907, Dr. Tifft was united in marriage to Mrs. Laura E. Ross of Iowa, a daughter of August and Johanna (Gustoff) Supper, both of Germany. Dr. Tifft is a member of Hiram Lodge, No. 21, A. F. & A. M. and is treasurer of the chapter and likewise a member of Moscow Lodge, No. 249, B. P. O. E., and of Colfax Lodge, No. 8, K. of P., in which he has passed through all of the chairs, and has twice been a delegate to the Grand Lodge. During his university days he joined the Delta Sigma Delta fraternity, and he is now identified with the Washington University of Minnesota Alumni Association, while he maintains relations with his fellow practitioners through the medium of his connection with the Washington State Dental Society. His political indorsement is given to the republican party and for three years he was a member of the town council and he is now filling the mayor's chair. He has always taken an active interest in local politics and is now and has been for some time past the 'chairman of the county central committee. Dr. Tifft is a man of high ideals and standards that he strives to maintain in his public and professional as well as private life and has won the esteem and respect of many of the best citizens of the town, who in turn have evidenced their confidence in his worth by calling him to the highest office in the municipality.

Charles A. Libby

Charles A. Libby is proprietor of one of the finest photograph studios in Spokane and has a business which is most creditable for a young man of his years. He has not yet traveled life's journey for a third of a century, his birth having occurred in Oljrmpia, Washington, September 19, 1879. His father, George A. Libby, a native of Maine, left New England to become a resident of California, where he established his home in 1853. The mother, Elizabeth (Maurer) Libby, a native of Germany, came to America in 1867, arriving in Idaho the same year, where she resided until her marriage in 1869. The father became very prominently and widely known in mining circles throughout the western country because of his extensive and important operations in connection with the development of mining resources on the Pacific coast. His death occurred in 1898.

In the public schools of the capital city Charles A. Libby began his education at the usual age and passed through consecutive grades until his graduation from high school, after which he devoted one year to a commercial course. At the age of nineteen years he was employed as a clerk in a clothing store in Olympia and after a short time went upon a business trip to Alaska, thus spending the summer of 1898. Following the death of his father he came to Spokane with his mother and family, consisting of his brother, George H. Libby, who is now associated with the Phelps Lumber Company, and two sisters: Addie C, who conducts the Libby Art Studio; and Ruth H., at home.

Following his removal to this city Charles A. Libby secured a clerkship with Armour & Company in their branch oflice but after a brief period withdrew from that connection and spent one year in the employ of the B. L. Gordon Wholesale Grocery

Company. He then turned his attention to photography^ establishing his studio in 1898. By continuous study ^ work and experience he has developed one of the finest studios in Spokane^ his work being of the most artistic nature^ manifesting also the latest improved processes of the photographic art. His patronage is now extensive and its continued growth is assured^ owing to his knowledge of the business and the fact that he keeps in touch with improvements that are continuously being made in photographic work.

On the 12th of July^ 1905^ Mr. Libby was united in marriage to Miss Gretchen Schlessler^ of St. Paul, Minnesota, and they have one son, Charles, Jr. Mr. Libby votes with the republican party. Outside of business hours he gives his time and attention to his home, caring nothing for club and society affairs. He holds to high ideals in his chosen profession and, working continuously for improvement, has made a most creditable busines record.

Edward S. Ross

Edward S. Ross, of the Ross Investment Company, has contributed to the development and improvement of the city through well conducted business interests that add not only to individual success but also to the public prosperity. His birth occurred at Penfield, New York, October 26, 1853, and of that state his parents, Oliver C. and Betsey (Sherman) Ross, were early settlers. The father devoted his attention to farming while in the east and in the year 1884 he came to Spokane with his family, which then consisted of himself, wife and two sons, Edward S. and George L., both now of this city, and a daughter. The parents have traveled life's journey happily together for sixty-two years and now at the advanced ages of eightyeight and eighty-seven years, respectively, are living with their daughter, Mrs. Frances Linfield, the widow of George Linfield.

After acquiring his early education in the public schools of Rochester, New York, and pursuing a more advanced course in Rochester Collegiate Institute, Edward S. Ross became his father's assistant in farming operations in the Empire state and was thus engaged until the family came to Spokane in 1884. For three years thereafter he did general work in and around the city and then secured a quarter section of land in the valley, upon which he began market gardening and fruit growing. He was the first in this section to cultivate asparagus and tomatoes for the market and such was the excellence of his products that he was soon accorded a good market for all that he raised. He later acquired other property adjoining his original tract and while at first this was a long way from the city, the boundaries of Spokane have since been extended until his property has been included within the corporation limits and is now known as the Rossvale addition. For a considerable period Mr. Ross continued the raising of vegetables and fruit, and the success of the business enabled him to make investments along other lines. Thus from time to time he extended his interests and is now president of the Ross Coal Company, which he organized for the conduct of a wholesale coal business in Spokane. He was likewise the organizer of the Ross Investment Company and remained as its general manager until 1908 since which time he has been its president. He is still interested in the project and the com- pany today has a large clientage. He is also a heavy property owner not only in this city but throughout the Spokane country and also has large landed possessions in the Kootenai valley.

On the 4th of September, 1879, Mr. Ross was married to Miss Mary Clark, a daughter of Orrin and Jeannette (MiUard) Clark, of Penfield, New York. They have become parents of five children: Linfield S., who is acting as secretary and treasurer of the Ross Investment Company; Elwyn G., vice president of the same company; Orrin Clark, who is an artist, employed by the McDermid Engraving Company, of Spokane; Edward Wayland, who is an apprentice in the latter company; and Edna, the wife of Laurence M. Parker, of Bonners Ferry, Idaho.

Mr. Ross is a charter member of Grace Baptist church, which his family attend. He has never sought to figure prominently in club circles or in public connections outside of his business interests. He has closely applied himself to the tasks that have been his, and since he has successfully accomplished the work in hand he has turned his attention to other projects. He has never regarded any position as final but rather as the starting point for successful accomplishment in other directions and through his individual merit, ability, close application and unremitting industry, he has gained a creditable position as one of the leading business men of Spokane.

John Enos McFarland, a resident bf ' ftepulSlSc, is" prominently connected with mining operations, having made extensive and judicious investment in mining properties in his district. He is now a large stockholder and a director in the Republic Mines Corporation, and general superintendent of the North Washington Power & Reduction Company. He is also interested in the Imperator-Quilp Compahy, The Hope Company, the Knob Hill Company and others, all of which indicates his prominence in this field and his thorough understanding of the business which constitutes a basic element in the growing prosperity of the northwest.

Mr. McFarland was born in Elma, Washington, December 5, 1877. His father, Wilbam O. McFarland, died in 1881, after a residence of thirty years in the northwest. He crossed the plains to Oregon in 1851 and soon thereafter moved to Chehalis county, of which he was the first or second sheriff. In this section of the country he married Susanna Slover, who is a native of Oregon and now makes her home in Republic.

John E. McFarland was educated in the public schools of this state and in the Blair Business College at Spokane, finishing his course there when twenty-three years of age. Previous to attending business college, however, he was engaged in the dray and transfer business at Farmington, Washington, and subsequent to his college course he entered the employ of the Kettle Valley Railroad Company, of which he practically acted as secretary until appointed to the office of county clerk of Ferry county, this state. He filled that position for eighteen months, during which time he entered into busines relations with J. L. Harper, with whom he has since been associated in mining interests. His holdings are now quite extensive and judicious investment and keen sagacity have characterised all of his undertakings. He is today connected with some of the most valuable mining properties of his district and their operation is returning to him a good income.

At Colfax, Washington, June 14, IdOS, Mr. McFarland was united in marriage to Miss Allie Montgomery and they have three children, Mildred Alice, Jack S. and Robert E. In his political views Mr. McFarland is a democrat, active in the local party ranks. He has served as secretary of the party campaign committee and of the democratic county central committee. He also headed a local option movement at Republic but it was defeated. He is a member of the Republic Booster Club, in which connection he is doing everything in his power to promote the welfare and progress of the town. His religious faith. is tliat of the Christian church and the different elements in his life are well balanced factors, leading to the development of ft strong and honorable manhood which constitutes him one of the prominent and progressive citizens of the Inland Empire.

William Ross Anderson

William Boss Anderson, who has been identified with the banking interests of Colfax for the past eight years, was born in eastern Tennessee on the 28th of November, 1875, his parents being William H. and Louise ( Blankenship) Anderson, natives of the same state.

When he was fourteen years of age William Boss Anderson left the public schools and began qualifying for a business career as a clerk in a general mercantile store. Becognising the need of further education, at the end of two years he returned to the public school for a time and subsequently pursued a commercial course. In 1S93 he again engaged in clerking, continuing to follow this occupation for three years. At the expiration of that time he became a bookkeeper in the Citizens Bank of London, Tennessee, but he resigned this position at the end of two years and became associated with John H. Kimbrough in the general mercantile business at Morganton, Tennessee. He had always been most desirous of coming to the northwest and so disposing of his various interests in Tennessee in 1903 he removed to Colfax. Immediately upon his arrival he entered the employ of the First National Bank, continuing in their service for two years. In 1905 the First National Bank and Colfa% National Bank consolidated under the name of the Colfax National Bank and he was taken over by the new institution. Two years later he became assistant cashier of the First Savings & Trust Bank of Whitman county, leaving their employ in December, 1909, to become cashier of the Farmers State Bank of Colfai, the duties of which position he has ever since discharged. Mr. Anderson owns stock in the bank with which he is now identified and he is also interested in the se business.

klorganton, Tennessee, on the 19th of April, 1899, Mr. Anderson was united iage to Miss May Kimbrough, a native of that state and a daughter of John Ida (Magill) Kimbrough', who were also born in Tennessee. Three daogfae been bom to Mr. and Mrs. Anderson, Ida Louise, Bessie Boe and Esther ber of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Woodmen of the World and the Knights of Pjrthias, being past chancellor and a member of the Grand Lodge of Washington. He belongs to the Commercial Club of Colfax and votes with the republican party. He has never in the sense of the politician been an office seeker nor tried to gain political preferment for any ulterior motive or financial gain, but has served as postmaster while residing at Morganton, receiving his appointment under President McKinley, and is at present city treasurer of Colfax, being elected in 1911. During the period of his residence in Colfax, Mr. Anderson has always manifested high business principles and strict integrity in all of his transactions, and has thus won and retained the respect of all with whom he has had dealings.

Harry J. Neely

Harry J. Neely, prominently known in connection with irrigation projects and real-estate dealing in the Spokane country, is a splendid type of that class of men who have the ability to plan and to perform and who are prompt, energetic and notably reliable in all business transactions and who recognize and utilize opportunities that lead to general progress as well as to individual success. He was bom in Jacksonville, Illinois, March 1, 1867, and is a representative of an old American family of Scotch-Irish descent that has been prominent in Pennsylvania through many generations. Early records show a deed from William Penn for land purchased by a member of the Neely family. Samuel W. Neely, the father of Harry J. Neely, was born in the Keystone state and for a time resided in Illinois, serving as treasurer of Henry county, that state, for four years. He is now a retired merchant of Lincoln, Nebraska. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Katherine M. Gamble, was also bom in Pennsylvania and represents one of the old families, also of Scotch-Irish origin. She, too, is living in Lincoln and has reached the advanced age of eighty years. A son, W. W. Neely, is living in Spokane, where he is engaged in horticultural work, and a daughter. Sue G. Neely, makes her home with her parents.

Harry J. Neely was educated in the public schools of Woodhull, Illinois, and as a boy began learning the printer's trade at Cambridge, Illinois. Subsequently he removed to Wyoming, where the winter of 1886-7 was passed and in the spring of the latter year he began the publication of the Sheridan Post, a weekly republican paper at Sheridan, Wyoming, owned by prominent residents of that place. He was thus connected with newspaper interests until November, 1889, when he came to Spokane. Here he was first employed in a job printing establishment located near the north end of and facing the Monroe street bridge, which was then a wooden structure. Before the close of the year, however, Mr. N'eely went to Wilbur, Washington, and took a position on the Wilbur Register. A year later he purchased the paper and continued its publication for eight years. The country was new at the time and he used his publication to further the interests of the district, bringing it into public notice and thus exploiting its resources and advantages. To do this he thoroughly acquainted himself with the district and its property values and came to be largely regarded as an authority upon realty and was consulted concerning the purchase of property. Thus he was forced into the real-estate business and after disposing of his paper continued to handle property in that locality for four years, returning to Spokane in 1901. Here he opened a real-estate office, becoming associated with Governor M. E. Hay and his brother, E. T. Hay. While at Wilbur he sold several townships to actual settlers, also promoted the road up the San Poil river to Republic and built the first ferry in that country across the Columbia river. At the opening of the south half of the Colville reservation he was the first to receive the news and the first to go there and give the word that started the dynamite which warned the prospectors to put up their notices. While connected with the Hay brothers they developed the Hay's Park addition to Spokane and continued to handle farm lands in the Big Bend country. The second year after his return to Spokane, Mr. Neely engaged in irrigation work on his own account, becoming interested in general irrigation projects. He also took up the sales agency for a large property on the Columbia river and afterward accepted the agency for the Spokane Valley Land & Water Company, representing J. C. Cunningham and others. In this connection he disposed of eighteen hundred acres, selling off East Greenacres and Old Greenacres, after which the property was taken over by D. C. Corbin, the present owner. About that time Mr. Neely formed a partnership with C. F. Young and C. M. Speck and organized the present firm of Neely & Young, Inc., taking over some lower land on the Columbia river below Wenatchee. There he installed a pumping plant and planted all the tract to a commercial orchard, which is just now coining into bearing. The district comprised four hundred and fifty-five acres but he has since sold a part of it. In the spring of 1905 he took the management of the sales agency for the Opportunity property, comprising three thousand acres, sold off the land and brought in many of the families now located there. When he undertook the work, there were only four families and three school children in the embryo village. Over five hundred families are now located there and nowhere could be found a more contented and prosperous people, for the conditions which there exist are ideal. Before the sale of Opportunity was completed the firm accepted the sales agency of Hazelwood, west of Spokane, and practically sold all of that tract of twenty-six hundred acres. In 1909 they purchased four hundred and thirty-six acres a mile and a half east of Spokane and installed an irrigation plant, which is the most complete and substantial to be found in any little irrigated district in the United States. They called this district Orchard Avenue and have practically sold the entire property as suburban home sites. In the fall of 1910 Mr. Neely and associates purchased the famous Burrell orchard at Med ford, Oregon, comprising six hundred and five acres, nearly all of which is in bearing. He went to Chicago and sold the greater part of this to a wealthy class, at prices ranging from one thousand to twenty-three hundred dollars an acre. In Spokane the firm since its organization has sold property worth approximately seven million dollars, this being principally irrigated farm, fruit and hay lands. They own twenty-six hundred and forty acres of wheat land in the Big Bend country under cultivation, have a tract of timber land in Stevens county and own two hundred and ten acres of irrigated lands in the Spokane valley, part of which is already in bearing orchards, while the remainder is being developed. Mr. Neely is also interested in the Spokane Title Abstract Company. He has been one of the most active in development projects in the northwest, owing to an understanding of the opportunities and resources of the country and faith in its future. Through his influence many hundreds have obtained homes in this district and the growth of the Inland Empire^ especially in that region adjacent to Spokane, is attributable in large measure to his work, his methods at all times being practical and resultant.

At all times Mr. Neely's aid can be gained for any project that he believes of practical value and worth in the upbuilding and development of the northwest. In 1908 he was manager of the Spokane National Apple Show, was one of its organisers and took a very active part in making the project a success. He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, is one of the active members of the publicity committee and has labored to advance the interests and purposes of the organization throughout the entire period of his residence in the city. His activity has also extended to political circles and he is known as a stalwart advocate of republican principles and an active worker in party ranks. He has been a delegate to city, county and state conventions from Lincoln county and was one of the thirteen in his precinct who stood immovable in support of republican principles while the silver movement swept over this part of the country. He has been a member of the county central committee and to political work brings the same practical methods and sound judgment which have been characteristic of his business career.

In social and fraternal relations, too, Mr. Neely is well known. He has attained high rank in Masonry as a member of the consistory and of the Mystic Shrine. He also holds membership with the Knights of Pythias, the Dramatic Order of the Knights of Khorassan, the Woodmen of the World and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He was a member of the famous 150,000 Club and acted as its president in the year 1909. Pleasantly situated in his home, relations, he was married at Mondovi, Washington, on Thanksgiving Day of 1890, to Miss Florence G. Smith, a daughter of T. N. Smith, a farmer and one of the old-time residents of that section, living there since 1883. The three children of this marriage are: Amy Jane, now a student in Whitman College; and Marguerite and Suella, who are attending Brunot Hall.

In a review of the life history of Harry J. Neely it is evident that personal ability and not fortunate circumstances has constituted the basis of his advancement and success. Dependent upon his own resources from his boyhood days, his has been a strenuous career in which he has based his advancement upon the substantial qualities of industry and determination. He has ever regarded the duty nearest at hand as the most essential one and in its faithful performance has found courage and strength for the succeeding duty. Thus step by step he has advanced until he stands today among those who are leaders in the real-estate field in Spokane.

Charles Edward Hoover

Charles Edward Hoover, who is one of the prominent general mercantile dealers «>f Lacrosse, Whitman county, was born in Indiana, on the 8th of April, 1869, a son of Lambert J. and Cynthia M. (Davis) Hoover, natives of Ohio and Indiana respectively.

After completing a public-school course, Charles E. Hoover entered the Indiana American Normal School of Logansport, Indiana, and in 1888 began teaching school in that state. He remained a resident of the Hoosier state until 1890, when he removed to Palouse City, Whitman county, where he again engaged in school teaching, being for three years principal of the school at Albion. Later, desiring to enter apon an independent career, in 1900 he engaged in the grain business at Pullman, which enterprise he conducted until five years later, when he removed to Lacrosse and in partnership with C. Bowman engaged in the general mercantile business. Subsequently he was associated with F. M. Bowman but in 1908 he purchased the entire stock and has since been its sole proprietor. His concrete building is one of the most substantial in the county and has a floor space of forty by ninely-six feet. An extensive business is conducted, the trade increasing year by year, as the most modem and progressive business methods are employed. By careful supervision and constant attendance upon his work he is able to study the needs of his customers and the trend of trade to such an extent that his store is one of the most popular and practically arranged in Lacrosse.

In July, 1902, Mr. Hoover was married, at Pampa, to Miss Lelia Bowman, of Pampa, a daughter of D. S. and Rachel (Gilliam) Bowman, both of whom are natives of Missouri. In 1847 they came as pioneers to California, their arrival antedating by only two or three years the famous excitement over the discovery of gold in that state. To them have been bom two children, Lambert David and Alma Rachael. Mr. Hoover gives his political support to the republican party. His interest in local affairs is indicated by the fact that he has been a member of the school board for five years. He holds membership in Lacrosse Lodge, No. 155, A. F. & A. M., and in Pullman Camp, No. 118, W, O. W. He has always been interested in the social and educational welfare of Lacrosse and his aid can be counted upon to further its progressive interests.

Charles Lyman Chamberlin

Charles Lyman Chamberlin, for the past four years a member of the legal fraternity of Whitman county, was born in Henry county, Ohio, on the 15th of October, 1866, his parents being Orson N. and Ellen G. (Maxwell) Chamberlin. The father, a native of Vermont and the mother of Pennsylvania lived for some years in Ohio, whence they subsequently removed to Indiana. The Chamberlin family were associated with the early history of New England, the first representative bearing that name having located there in 1647. They were always loyal and patriotic, working for the welfare of their country, and several members of the family participated in the Revolutionary war while the Orson N. Chamberlin, the father of our subject, participated in the Civil war.

As he was only a child of two years when his parents removed to Remington, Indiana, in 1868, the earliest recollections of Charles Lyman Chamberlin are associated with the latter state. There he was reared and educated in the common schools, terminating his student days at the age of eighteen, having always applied himself diligently to his lessons. Study being a pleasure to him instead of a hardship, he seemed to be destined to assume the duties of a teacher and became identified with this profession in 1884. Two years later he removed to McLean county, Illinois, where he continued to teach but thereafter devoted his leisure hours to the study of law in the office of the Honorable John Sterling, of Bloomington. As he had fully resolved to adopt the latter profession for his life vocation, he went^ in 1889, to Chicago and matriculated in the legal department of the Northwestern University, from which institution he was graduated in 1890 with the degree of LL. B. He was admitted to the bar of Illinois in March of the same year, and soon thereafter established an office in Chicago, where he engaged in practice until May, 1 892. From there he went to Hoopeston, Illinois, becoming associated vnth the Honorable Charles A. Allen, with whom he was connected in practice until June, 1 899. His next removal was to Pontiac, Illinois, where in connection with his legal work, he conducted an abstract business until 1906. In the latter year he came to the northwest, first settling in Spokane, remaining there until January, 1908, when he came to Whitman county. Upon his arrival here he located in Garfield, but in the December following he became a resident of Colfax, and has since been engaged in practice here. Mr. Chamberlin is very much interested in the development of the northwest and has speculated more or less in real estate since locating here, having thus acquired several pieces of valuable property.

Chicago, Illinois, was the scene of Mr. Chamberlin's marriage on the 15th of March, 1893, to Miss Sadie W. Hodgkins, a native of the state of Maine, as were likewise her parents, Thomas J. and Lemira (Wooster) Hodgkins. One child has been bom to Mr. and Mrs. Chamberlin, Dorothy Louise.

Mr. Chamberlin has always been an active worker in the Methodist Episcopal church and is now a member of the official board and superintendent of the Sunday school, while his wife and daughter are also interested in the work of the various societies and organizations of this church. Fraternally he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, and was delegate to the head camp in 1911 ; the ICnights of Pjrthias, of which he is past vice chancellor ; the Pythian Sisters ; and the Grange. Political activities have always engaged his attention to a greater or less degree, his' allegiance being accorded the republican party, and his fellow townsmen have recognized his loyalty and worth on several occasions by calling him to public office. While residing in Hoopeston, Illinois, in 1895, he was elected city attorney, serving in this capacity for four years, and at one time he was also a member of the Illinois senatorial committee. Since coming to Whitman county he has- discharged the duties of prosecuting attorney, his term covering the years 1909 and 1910. Mr. Chamberlin is a man of recognized worth and capability, whose upright principles and high ideals commend him to the esteem and respect of his fellow citizens.

Edwin Choate

Edwin Choate, a conductor on the Colfax and Moscow division of the Oregon Railway & Navigation Company's road, was bom in Chickasaw county, Iowa, on the 10th of March, 1871, his parents being James and Mary (Miller) Choate, the father a native of Indiana and the mother of Ohio.

In 1876, Edwin Choate removed with his parents to Kansas and there passed his boyhood and early youth. When old enough to begin his education he entered the public schools, continuing his student days until he had attained the age of fifteen years, when he started out in the world on his own responsibility, obtaining em- ployment as a farm hand and following this occupation for two years in Kansas. At the expiration of that time he came to the Pacific coast^ settling in Pendleton, Oregon, in 1888, where he was employed as a day laborer. Later in the year he came to Whitman county, taking up his residence in Rosalia, and there for a time he worked in the harness shop of his brother. Grant S. Choate. He was next employed on the Rosalia Rustler, a local weekly, but in 1890 he returned to agricultural pursuits and during the succeeding year was engaged in the service of a ranchman of that vicinity. In 1891 he went to Tekoa and there obtained work in the shops of the Union Pacific Railroad Company, continuing in their service until 1894. From there he removed to Spokane and for six years thereafter was employed by the Spokane Falls & Northern Railroad. Returning to Tekoa in 1900, he entered the service of the Oregon Railway & Navigation Company, in the capacity of brakeman. Proving to be thoroughly reliable and discharging his duties with efficiency, the company recognized his worth and capability two years later by promoting him to the position of conductor. He has now been serving in this connection for practically ten years, and during that time has proven himself entirely deserving of the confidence and trust reposed in him by his employers, by the conscientious and capable fulfilment of his duties. In 1908 he removed to Moscow, Idaho, having been transferred to the Colfax and Moscow division of the road, and has ever since been making this run.

At Sprague, Washington, on the 22d of March, 1903, Mr. Choate was united in marriage to Miss Ivy Wicker, a native of Missouri and a daughter of John and Emma (Proctor) Wicker. Fraternally Mr. Choate is affiliated with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias and the Order of Railway Conductors. He is in every way a credit to the service he is following, being a man of integrity and honorable motives who discharges to -the best of his ability the duties with which he is entrusted, at all times striving to protect the interests of his employers.

Dr. Burchard H. Roark, county physician of Spokane county and also enjoying a large private practice, was born in Lebanon, Indiana, March 6, 1877. His is an old American family that was founded in Virginia during colonial days. Later the family was established in Kentucky in pioneer times and the grandfather of our subject was a soldier of the War of 1812. In this he followed the military example of his ancestors who had fought for American independence. He removed to Lebanon, Indiana, and there his son, James W. Roark, was born and still resides. He ran away from home when about sixteen years of age, joining the army, for his father was a southerner and therefore did not wish his son to take up arms against the south. However, the patriotic spirit of the boy was not to be checked in that way and he joined a regiment of Indiana Volunteers. Afterward he reenlisted and served throughout the entire war. The family was also represented in the Black Hawk war and thus the military history is one of which the present generation has every reason to be proud. The mother of Dr. Roark bore the maiden name of Amanda Hiestand, and she also was bom in Leb- anon, Indiana, which is still the place of her abode. Her people were closely and prominently associated with the United Brethren, her grandfather being a bishop in the church, while one of her relatives, Benjamin Hiestand, assisted in writing the discipline of the church. The family name indicates its German origin but back to colonial days in America the history is traced, one of Mrs. Roark's ancestors haying served as a colonel in the Revolutionary war. The three brothers and three sisters of Dr. Roark are: Jesse E., engaged in the mail service at Advance, Indiana; Manuel O., principal of a high school at Aurora, Illinois; Clarence E., a farmer residing near Lebanon, Indiana; Mollie L., the wife of William Gamer, of Lebanon; Sadie E., who married Rev. William Slater, of Bloomington, Indiana; and Ruth, who wedded Perry Crane, of Purdue University.