Biographies
A
| William
D. Adams-A veteran of the Civil war, a respected pioneer of
Baker county, and an energetic, forceful and highly respected
citizen, the man whose name gives caption to this review is
certainly deserving of mention in this part of our volume, and it
affords us pleasure to grant him representation here. Our subject was born in Natchez, Mississippi, on June 6, 1823. His father died when he was an infant and his mother with her children later removed to Kentucky, where he received his education in the public schools. When the time came for him to initiate independent action he engaged in the business his parents had previously followed, namely, farming. When the war broke out he enlisted in the Missouri home guards (he had moved to that state in 1855), and he continued to contribute his part toward the cause of the Union until the last disloyal gun had been silenced. He then took up farming again, following that branch of human activity there until 1881, when he and his family came out to Baker county, Oregon. They purchased a place near Wingville, five miles west of Baker City, and upon this our subject resided, engaged in farming and stock raising, until death claimed him for its victim, on February 14, 1901. He was one of the most thrifty and successful farmers of the county and had accumulated quite a large amount of valuable real estate. He was also quite active in the political affairs of the county and state, though he appears to have had little ambition for personal preferment. Fraternally Mr. Adams was affiliated with the Masonic fraternity, an order in which he had taken great interest for a period of forty years. His marriage was solemnized in Trenton, Missouri, on April 16, 1857, when Miss Barbara A., daughter of Amos and Hulda Bailsey, natives of Pennsylvania, became his wife, and they had twelve children, seven of whom are still living, namely: Elizabeth, wife of James Worley, of Sumpter Valley, this county; Clarissa, wife of Frank Gardner, of Baker county; Amos O.L. and S.L. Dow, twins; George W.; Sydney L. and Thomas B. The family are member of the Christian church. Mrs. Adams resides in a fine home at 2130 First street, and is the owner of three farms, containing about nine hundred acres in all. |
| John H.
Aitkin-No compilation of the character of these chronicles
of Baker county would be complete without a prominent place granted
tot he subject of this sketch, who stands to-day as one of the
leading business men, not only of Baker county, but of this portion
of the northwest. Fine natural capabilities, reinforced with a
careful and valuable training in the commercial world, guided and
controlled by a will that brooks no defeat nor pines at any
obstacle, dominated by a sagacity that is keen and far-seeing, while
his executive ability is in no whit behind his other excellent
qualifications and with ability for handling the financial problems
of the day in a safe, yet progressive manner, we have reason to
expect from John H. Aitkin achievements of substantial and mammoth
character, and the results of his life's labors up to this present
moment have in no way disappointed these expectations. On August 15, 1858, in Michigan, the subject of this sketch was born to William and Elizabeth (Harley) Aitkin, both natives of Scotland, and this last fact gives us much clue to the stability and integrity that are manifest in their son. In Michigan John H. grew to manhood and received a good education from the schools, and commenced at the age of fifteen years the training that has made him so successful in his work. He first worked in a store as a clerk at fifteen dollars per month and this was constantly continued until he was twenty-one years of age. At that time he went on the road as salesman and for seven years he continued in that excellent training and then started for himself in the mercantile world in Michigan. For one year he was occupied in that line and then perceiving the possibilities of the west, in 1888 he came to Baker county and located at the "Gate City," Huntington. He first took stock in the Oregon Construction Company, which operated a store at Huntington, and became manager of the store, and in that capacity he has continued since, and since 1896 he has also been president. In 1888 the old company was succeeded by the Oregon Commercial Company. His skill and ability soon became manifest and it was evident that, coupled to this, his uprightness and deferential treatment of all patrons would bring the patronage which makes success and the facts of the years have borne this out in every respect. The Oregon Commercial Company is one of the largest mercantile establishments in the northwest and entirely exceeds any other concern in Baker county. In 1900(?) they sold two hundred and eleven cars of general merchandise and they were the first concern that ever shipped a train load of goods at one time to the northwest. They have ample room, having four large warehouses in addition to their salesrooms, and they do both a retail and wholesale business. In 1897 Mr. Aitkin organized the Bank of Huntington and has been its president since that time. He also organized the Huntington Lumber Company and is president of that corporation and was the first treasurer of the North West Railway Company. In addition to the houses in Huntington, the company also has a branch establishment at Durkee, and the patronage of these houses is extended far and near. The breadth of grasp, firm execution and unwearied care of detail put forth by the president and manager of these concerns, have made them the unbounded success that they are to-day. In addition to these cares and heavy responsibilities Mr. Aitkin finds time for the graternal associations, and is prominent in the Kinghts of Pythias, being grand changellor for the state of Oregon; he is also aide on the staff of Major General Carnahan, U.R.K. of P. In the Masonic fraternity Mr. Aitkin is a Knight Templar and is also a member of the A.O.U.W. and the W.W. He served as city mayor for two years, being the oldest living mayor of the city; for three years he was treasurer of the city, holding these positions for five consecutive years, and is now chairman of the school board. In church matters Mr. Aitkin is active and besides all of his other weighty and pressing duties he gives attention to superintending the Sunday-school of the Congregational Church, the institution where are his church relations. In politics Mr. Aitkin is a Republican and is frequently called on for counsel in the political matters of the county. Mr. Aitkin and Miss Harriet M. Pike, a native of LaClaire, Iowa, were joined in the hold bonds of wedlock on September 26, 1892, and the fruit of this union has been two children. J. Harold and F. Harley. It is pleasant ------ that in supplementing the unbounded success that has attended the wise operations of Mr. Aitkin, there should be mentioned that he is held in high esteem by his fellows and in the lousiness world and is respected and admired by all, having been faithful, kind and upright in all of his dealings and varied relations. |
| Charley
J. Akins-Among those to whom specific mention is granted in
this volume, there is none of whom it gives us more pleasure to
speak than the gentleman, whose name initiates this paragraph; and
an epitome of his interesting career is matter that will be pleasant
reading to many in this county, since his name is familiar to a
large circle and his integrity and ability, coupled with genuine
affableness and broad public spirit have made him generally beloved
and esteemed by all. Charles J. Akins is the son of Dennis and Triphena (Sanders) Akins and was born on October 1, 1854, in Trumbell county, Ohio, whence he was removed by his parents, at the age of eight years to Iona county, Michigan. In 1865, they removed to Polk county, Iowa, and three years later they crossed the plains to Idaho Springs, Idaho. While the advantages in early life were few for Mr. Akins to gain educational training, still he so improved what were available and also carefully occupied his spare moments with profitable reading so that he became a well informed citizen and in some lines he chose later in life, a leader, thus demonstrating what perseverance and pluck can accomplish. In 1871, he left the parental roof and went to Wyoming, engaging with the Union Pacific Company as fireman on a locomotive, where he remained until he had mastered the intricacies of locomotive engineering. Following this, we find him in California and Oregon operating in the mines and making himself master of placer mining and other parts of the art as well. Then he went to Las Vegas, New Mexico, engaging as engineer on the Santa Fe road from 1879 to 1882, then returned to Montpelier, Idaho, and took an engine on the Oregon Short Line. After the road was completed to Huntington, he took a passenger engine run from there, serving from 1885 until 1897. At the above date, Mr. Akins determined to leave the service of the company and accordingly took charge of the works of the Huntington Placer Mining Company, which incorporation was instituted under the laws of Nebraska. He is a practical placer mine, having operated in many places since he came west. He is a heavy share owner in the company. Their property is located at the mouth of Connor creek, about eighteen miles below Huntington, and is considered one of the finest placer propositions in the state of Oregon. The marriage of Mr. Akins and Miss Kate O'Hara, a native of Nebraska, was solemnized on August 29, 1879, and to them have been born seven children, four of whom are still living: John L., a graduate of the Huntington high school, and at the age of nineteen a graduate also of the law department of Drake University, of Des Moines, Iowa; Charley E., who finished the high school course at the age of fifteen years; Jessie E. and Myrtle, attending school in Huntington. Mr. Akins affiliates with the Masonic fraternity. His father was a veteran of the Civil War, enlisting in 1861 in Company C, of Light Artillery, Ohio Volunteers, and participated in a number of battles, but was discharged in 1863, on account of disability, which in 1879 caused his death while in the state of Colorado. |
| Henry H.
Albert-One of the substantial stockmen and agriculturists of
that thrifty and enterprising class in Baker county, the subject of
this sketch, is here accorded representation, since it is very
fitting that in a volume purporting to review the lives of the
prominent men of the county, he should have a leading place, having
spent his life in great activity, displaying an adaptability that
made him successful in many lines of enterprise and gave him
experience wide and enjoyable. Also it is to be recorded to his
credit that at a time when this nation called for her sons to rally
to the rescue of our beloved institutions he quickly responded and
freely gave his services to face the cannon of the enemy, and if
need so require, give his blood for his country. Henry H. was born in Newark, New Jersey, of January 1, 1848, being the son of Frederick and Johannah Albert. There he attended the schools of the city until he was twelve years of age, and then learned the tinsmith's trade, at which he contained until the spring of 1863, when the call came for one hundred day men, and he promptly responded, enlisting in Company F, Thirty-fifth New Jersey. At the end of his service he was honorably discharged and returned home and took up his trade until 1867, then he determined to satisfy his desire for travel and accordingly made the circuit of the east and south, working at his trade at intervals, and in 1870 we find him in Texas, later in New Mexico, and he also visited Arizona, where he turned to driving cattle in 1873. Two years after this he was in the mines in Arizona, and with what success we are not told, and the he came to California, and finally to Portland, whence he went to the Waterford cannery and took charge of the tinning department of the same. In 1878 he came to Baker City and took up mining until 1884, when he deemed it time to settle down in life, and accordingly took a homestead where he now resides, five miles west from Bridgeport. His property is valuable and well improved and he owns a large herd of fine cattle and some horses, his time being occupied in stock raising and agriculture. He has accumulated ten thousand dollars and more and is one of the most substantial stockmen of the county. Politically he formerly held with the Democratic party, but since the free silver issue he has taken his stand with the Republicans. As yet Mr. Albert has preferred the quieter joys of the single life with its freedom and repose, rather than the cares of conjugal relations and the responsibilities of domesticity. |
| William
P. Arble-Of all the pioneer occupations which sturdy mankind
have followed there is none that gives greater opportunity for
exploration and contact with nature in the rough, and genuine
thrilling experiences, than does mining. The subject of this sketch
is one of those hardy, intrepid and noble specimens of our race that
has ever been on the frontier clearing the path for less experienced
feet to follow, searching from the hidden depths of nature's
treasure house the precious metals and bravely and faithfully doing
his part in the development of the country. Mr. Arble was born on June 7, 1825, in Altoona, Pennsylvania, being the son of Frederick and Rebecca (Fairfax) Arble, who were natives respectively of Pennsylvania and Virginia. Their marriage occurred in Pennsylvania, where the father was engaged in the iron works, and also operated as a contractor. In 1834 the father died, and in 1860 the mother also departed this life. In his native place our subject was reared and received his education in the common schools. In 1850 he left the parental roof and began life's work for himself, coming, via the Isthmus, to California, where he at once engaged in mining, continuing therein in that locality until 1865, when he removed to Nevada. After some time spent in that territory he repaired to Utah, and thence he went to Montana, always engaged in his chosen work, mining. From Montana he went to the British possessions, and from there he came to Oregon, settling first in Canyon City, 1868, where he mined for three years and then came to Sparta. Thirty years ago he sought out a place in this locality and at the present time he is still living in Sparta. During his many years of travel and frontier life he has endured many hardships and passed through many thrilling experiences, which would be very interesting to detail had we the space. At one time he was snowed in on the mountains for three months in the dead of winter and only managed to subsist by getting elk meat, his only article of diet for all of these weary weeks. Mr. Arble has never chosen a partner to share his pleasures and stand with him during the shades of life, and to-day is passing the golden years of his life in the quietness of celibacy. He owns considerable property and among it may be mentioned the Blue Cloud mine, a property of great promise. |
| William
Ashwood-This prosperous and progressive farmer and stock
raiser is a native of the vicinity of Mineral Point, Iowa county,
Wisconsin, born June 17, 1854. He grew to manhood there, receiving a
public school education. In the year 1876 he crossed the plains with
horses to the west and the same year he settled in Harlan county,
Nebraska, near Orleans, where he farmed during the ensuing six
years. He then came to Baker county, purchased a farm three and a
half miles west of Haines, and again engaged in agricultural
pursuits and stock raising. He is now the owner of a fine farm of
four hundred acres, all well improved, and everywhere reflecting
credit upon the industry and progressiveness of the man whose labor
brought it to its present state. A very energetic and successful
farmer and stock raiser, Mr. Ashwood is also a deserving citizen,
possessed of a broadminded public spirit and taking a very vital
interest in everything which concerns the general welfare. His
interest in the cause of education is manifested by his having
consented to serve for six years as director of his school district.
Fraternally Mr. Ashwood is affiliated with Haines Lodge, No. 11, A.O.U.W., and in religious persuasion he is a Methodist, his membership at present being in the church of that denomination at Haines. On December 24, 1878, in Harlan county, Nebraska, our subject married Miss Kiturah, a daughter of Martin and Jane Marzolf, and a native of Mineral Point, Wisconsin. Their union has been blessed by the advent of four children: James, Mary, Millie and Minnie. Mr. Ashwood is interested in a company composed of twelve neighbors, which owns a threshing outfit for the use of each one on his farm. He is also stockholder in an irrigating company that has built a reservoir in the mountains for the purpose of furnishing water for irrigating the farms of the neighborhood. When Mr. Ashwood took the farm where he now lives it was covered with sage brush and every one prophesied that he would be obliged to abandon it. However, he has gone forward, attended with the success that his wisdom and skill deserve, and is to-day possessed of as fine a farm as lies in the precincts of Baker county. Thus do wisdom, foresight and pluck overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles, make the desert blossom as the rose and attach civilization's joys and comforts to the once barren land of the savage. |
| William G.
Ayre-The citizens of Baker county have reason to be proud of
the number of men who have risen from their ranks to places of
distinction in the commercial and business world. Prominent among
those who have found here the opportunity to achieve remarkable
success in material things is he whose name forms the caption of
this article. Mr. Ayre is a scion of a well known English family,
and that he possesses a goodly share of the commercial spirit which
has made his race a power in the world is proved by the fact that he
is now reputed to be one of the wealthiest men in a county noted for
its rich men. In epitomizing his life history, therefore, we enjoy
such pleasure as is always ours when contemplating the battles and
successes of one who has distinguished himself by the magnitude of
his achievement in any line of human endeavor. Mr. Ayre was born at Tiverton, Devonshire, England, on April 29, 1856, his parents being Thomas and Mary E. Apperley (Garnsey) Ayre, the former a native of Devonshire and the latter of Somerset. Tiverton is very notable on account of its having been for many years represented in the house of parliament by Viscount Palmerston, the eminent English statesman, and from its being the location of the celebrated Blundell's grammar school. On subject attended this institution seven or eight years, then went to a higher institution of learning and became a thorough Latin and Greek scholar. in 1884 he crossed the ocean to America, but instead of trying to utilize his education, he engaged in the very lucrative wool growing industry, with the result that he is now the most extensive sheep man in the county, and one of the largest in the state of Oregon. His residence and center of operations is located one mile west Express, where he has a very elegant home. He is president of the Express Telegraph and Telephone Company. In politics Mr. Ayre is a very strong Republican and a firm believer in protection, but he is too independent a man to be firmly tied to any party and always claims the right for himself to think independently on every proposition affecting the public weal. The father of our subject is dead, but his mother still lives near the old home in England, which has been established for some centuries. |
©Shauna Williams