CHAPTER XXXVI
SETTLEMENT OF COLUMBIA COUNTY
The
county of Columbia lies south of Snake river, in Washington Territory, between
Walla Walla and Garfield counties, and it possesses the general physical
features and characteristics of soil and climate, described elsewhere as
belonging to the region treated of in this work. Within it the Touchet with its
several branches rises, and flowing first northerly, and then westward to mingle
with the ocean, passes through Dayton the county seat, Huntsville a new town,
Waitsburg and Prescott, before losing itself in the channel of the Walla Walla
river. The Tukannon upon whose banks stands the little town of Marengo, is a
tributary of Snake river, and flows north from the Blue mountains near the line
between Garfield and Columbia counties. Another stream, the Patit, joins the
Touchet at Dayton, and these form the water courses of the county. Touchet is
the name bestowed upon that stream by French trappers of the Hudson's Bay
Company. Patit, or properly Pat-tit-ta, is a Nez Perce word signifying "Bark
creek." Tu-kan-non is also a Nez Perce word meaning " abundance of bread-root,"
or " Bread-root creek." The root is called by them " Kowsh." The towns of the
county are Dayton, Huntsville, Marengo, and the almost deserted village of
Grange City at the mouth of the Tukannon river.
The history of Columbia as a county
covers a period of but seven years, though its annals as an important fraction
of Walla Walla county embrace more than a quarter of a century. The residence of
Louis Eaboin (by Governor Stevens recorded Moragne and generally spoken of as
Marengo) on the Tukannon, and of H. M. Chase and P. M. Lafontain on the Touchet,
and the Indian difficulties that drove them away in 1855, have been described at
length in the general history, to which the reader is referred for an account
of the early settlement of this whole region.
The regular and permanent occupation of the county began in 1859,
when a number of land claims were taken along the Touchet, Patit and Tukannon,
and a few log cabins were built. Where the town of Dayton now stands, Frederick
D. Schneble had a homestead claim in the fall of 1859, and near him was Richard
Learn. Further down the stream were John C. Wells, Thomas T. Davis and Jesse N.
Day. Lambert Hearn had a claim above the Milton, or Long's Mills, and below him
were S. L, Gilbreath, Dill, Joseph Starr, George Pollard, David Whiteaker, and
John Fudge. Still further down were many settlers who were within the present
limits of Walla Walla county. Above Dayton, on the Touchet, was Nash, on the
place formerly occupied by H. M. Chase, now the property of John Mustard. Above
him was Joseph Ruark, called " Kentuck." On the Patit, where the Nez Perce trail
crossed the stream, was Rexford who was engaged in trading with the Indians.
Israel Davis had a claim on Whisky creek, not far from the site of Huntsville
and near John Fudge. On the Tukannon was Louis Raboin, previously mentioned, and
ten miles further down the stream was O. P. Platter, at the point known as
Platter's crossing. About five miles below him was Joseph Boise's claim. In 1860
Elisha Ping settled on the Patit just above Schneble, part of his land being now
in the town site of Dayton. G. W. Miller had a claim adjoining Ping on the east.
Among the few settlers who had families with them at that time were Ping, Hearn,
Gilbreath, Miller, Dill, Raboin and " Kentuck," and it was several years before
there were enough of this kind to support even a small public school.
GROWTH OF THE COUNTY
During the next four or five years all low ground along the
streams was occupied by settlers, and to a large degree cultivated and improved,
but, as lands on the upper bench were considered of little value except for
grazing purposes, population did not increase rapidly. In 1864 it had been
discovered that the hill soil was fully as fertile and valuable for raising
grain as that along the streams. In consequence the next few years, commencing
in 1866, saw a great influx of settlers that soon covered those hills with
houses and fields of grain, and converted what had simply been a skeleton
settlement into a large and populous region. Gradually the farms were improved,
good houses and barns were built, shade trees were planted, and the look of
newness gave place to one of settled prosperity. Dayton sprung up in 1872, and
rapidly became a busy and prosperous town. Schools were established all over
this region as its population became more numerous, and property increased in
value. With no outlet such as could secure them a price for their grain, that
would encourage the production of it, and with no home market that would consume
the half of what their land was capable of producing, farmers progressed slowly,
and development of the country was greatly retarded. Nevertheless, land
increased in value, farmers raised grain, kept cattle and sheep in vast numbers,
and became wealthy and prosperous, in spite of the fact that they were so remote
from a market.
FORMATION OF COLUMBIA COUNTY.
The springing up of Dayton and great
increase in wealth and population of the country surrounding it, led the minds
of people to the idea that a new county should be created. They were a portion
of Walla Walla county, but were so far from the county seat that it was a matter
of great inconvenience and expense to transact official business. Especially
were the citizens of Dayton in favor of a new county, and the location of the
seat of justice in their midst, as such a step would help the town. Dayton was
the only town in the proposed new county, yet, as it was near the western verge,
those who could see into the future recognized the fact, that settlement of the
Pataha, Alpowa, and Assotin country, would result in taking the county seat away
from Dayton in time, or in creating another county to accommodate the people of
that region. This served only to spur them on in their effort to secure the
prize for Dayton, hoping to retain it when the conflict came in the future, by
creating a new county, thus leaving Dayton in permanent possession of what it
had gained.
The Democrats had elected Elisha Ping to the Territorial Council in 1874, and as
this gentlemen was a resident and property holder of Dayton, his services were
assured in securing the desired legislation. A petition was circulated and
largely signed, in 1875, asking the Legislature to divide Walla Walla county by
a line running directly south from the Palouse ferry, on Snake river, to the
Oregon line, thus leaving Waitsburg just within the limits of the new county.
The people of Waitsburg objected. If they had to be the tail to any kite, they
preferred Walla Walla to Dayton. They delegated Mr. Preston to visit Walla Walla
and consult with the people there on this subject. He addressed a large meeting
in that city in September, and a remonstrance was prepared, which received many
signatures, and was forwarded to the Legislature. Representatives Hodges, Lloyd,
Lynch and Scott, of Walla Walla county, opposed a division with earnestness. The
cause of Dayton was in the hands of A. J. Cain, who managed it at Olympia with
the assistance of Mr. Ping. The remonstrance sent in by the people of Walla
Walla and Waitsburg called the attention of the Legislature to the fact that the
proposed line of division cut off two-thirds of the county, including the bulk
of the agricultural land and all the timber, and suggested that if it was
necessary to create a new county at all, that a line running from Snake river to
the Touchet on the line between ranges 38 and 39, thence up the south fork of
the Touchet to the Oregon line, be selected. This was twelve miles east of the
other proposed line, and would leave Waitsburg in Walla Walla, as well as a
large belt of agricultural and timber land that otherwise would be set off to
the new county. Walla Walla found itself helpless in the matter in the
Legislature. The members from the western side of the mountains were in the
majority, and they were in favor of a division as desired by the people of
Dayton. A bill to create Ping county was introduced and passed both branches,
only to meet with a veto at the hands of Governor Ferry, who objected to certain
features of it. Another bill was prepared, in accordance with his objections, to
create the county of Columbia, and was hurried through the Legislature in the
last days of the session, receiving the Governor's signature on the eleventh of
November, 1875. The line adopted was a compromise between the two proposed, and
struck the Touchet two miles above Waitsburg, then went south six miles, east
six miles, and then south to the Oregon line.
FIRST COUNTY ELECTION.
By the Act Dayton was selected as the
county seat until the next general election, when it was to be permanently
located by a vote of the people. Eliel Oliver, Frank G. Frary, and George T.
Pollard were named commissioners, to organize the county, and those gentlemen
met in Dayton, November 25,1875, and qualified before William Hendershott,
justice of the peace. Mr. Frary was chosen chairman and D. C. Guernsey was
appointed clerk. They then created precincts and designated polling places as
follows :
INDEPENDENT—Polls at Dayton.
PATIT—Log school-house near A. Walker's.
TUKANNON—Platter school-house.
CALLOWAY—Central school-house.
PATAHA—J. M. Pomeroy's.
HASSOTIN (Assotin)—Usual voting place.
TOUCHET—Washington school-house.
The election was held December 21, 1875, and two days later the vote was
can¬vassed by the board and shown to be as follows:
SHERIFF—S. L. Gilbreath 277, S. G. Ellis 205, W. S. Newland 82, J. & Milam 1.
AUDITOR—A. J. Cain 369, S. C. Day 150, W. O. Matzger 1.
TREASURER—D. C. Guernsey 297, William Hendershott 258.
ASSESSOR—E. F. Walker 298, J. S. Milam 267.
PROBATE JUDGE—William Ayers 283, E. F. Sturdevant 283.
SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT—T. S. Leonard 357, E. H.Wills 206.
SURVEYOR—William Ewing 305. J. S. Denison 257.
CORONER—W. W. Day 344, J. H. Kennedy 209.
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS—E. McDonnell 316, Joseph Harris 349, H. B. Bateman 285,
Eliel Oliver 205, John Fudge 272, T. J. Hollowell 269, E. F. Walker 1.
The board again met on the first of January, 1876, and declared results of the
election to be as follows: County Commissioners, Joseph Harris, E. McDonnell,
and H. B. Bateman; Probate Judge, a tie vote and office declared vacant;
Sheriff, S. L. Gilbreath; Auditor, A. J, Cain ; Treasurer, D. C. Guernsey ;
Assessor, E. F. Walker; School Superintendent, T. S. Leonard; Surveyor, William
Ewing; Coroner, W. W. Day. The oath of office was then administered to the new
board of County Commissioners, who elected Mr. Harris to preside at their
meetings. The officers then qualified before the board in due form, and Columbia
county began its voyage on the official sea. The vacancy in the office of
Probate Judge was filled February 9, 1876, by the appointment by the board of E.
F. Sturdevant, one of the contestants. May 8, 1876, Charles Truax was appointed
surveyor, to fill vacancy. The cost of this first election was $342.10.
LOCATION
OF THE COUNTY SEAT
The county seat question was one full of interest to the people. Dayton was far
from occupying a central position, and the people of the extreme eastern half,
knowing that their population would increase rapidly in the next few years, were
eager to have the seat of justice located where it would be easier of access to
them. They accordingly called a meeting, selected a town site on the Tukannon,
which they named Marengo, [See history of that town], and combined for the
purpose of having the new town selected as the county seat. The advantage was
all with Dayton in the contest. It had a large population and thriving business,
interested in securing the prize, while Marengo existed chiefly on paper. Around
Dayton was a large and populous settlement, while Marengo was, as yet, on the
borders of the wilderness, and though adherents of the new candidate for
official dignity represented a far greater extent of fine agricultural land than
the partisans of Dayton, yet they were spread out so thinly that when collected
for voting purposes fell far short in numbers of sufficient strength to carry
the election. Dayton had a newspaper, while Marengo had nothing but a store, a
mill in prospect and abundance of hope. When the election was held in the fall,
the vote stood 418 for Dayton and 300 for Marengo, those cast for the latter
place representing all the settlers near or east of the Tukannon, as well as a
number nearer Dayton who were displeased by the formation of the county and
desired to prevent that place from securing the prize for which it had been
struggling. The question was settled for a time, but Dayton narrowly escaped the
loss of the coveted honor a few years later, the impending calamity being
averted by the creation of Garfield county.
SECOND COUNTY ELECTION, AND INDIAN SCARE.
At the election November 7, 1876, a set of county officers
was elected to serve a full term of two years. The successful candidates were:
County Commissioners, John Sanders, N. C. Williams, and W. E. Ayers; Probate
Judge, C. M. McLeran; Sheriff, K. P. Steen (D.) ; Auditor, Oliver C. White (R.);
Treasurer, D. C. Guernsey (E.); Assessor, Alonzo L. Sanford; Surveyor, Charles
E. Truax; Coroner, J. H. Kennedy (D.); School Superintendent, J. E. Edmiston
(R.) Of these gentlemen, Surveyor Truax resigned August 8, 1877, and Alfred T.
Beall was appointed to succeed him, and Judge McLeran resigned August 12, 1878,
being succeeded by Thomas H. Crawford, by appointment.
During the troubles in Idaho, in 1877, with Chief Joseph's band of Nez Perce
Indians, the settlers in Columbia county, especially those east of the Tukannon,
were in a great state of excitement. Many of them left home and congregated in
Lewiston. Dayton and Walla Walla, as they were completely at the mercy of these
or any other Indians who might become encouraged by Joseph's success to take the
war path. A company from Dayton and another from the Pataha country volunteered
and served for several weeks both with the troops in Idaho and in scouting
through the exposed section of Washington. As no other bands entered upon the
war path, the danger soon passed and settlers returned to their homes.
THIRD AND FOURTH COUNTY ELECTIONS
According to the Assessor's report in 1878, the county
contained 711 dwellings, 679 families, and a total population of 3,618, of whom
917 were voters. In 1878 there were 5,771 people and 1,705 voters. The county
election November 5, 1878, resulted in a choice of the following officers:
Councilman (joint with Whitman and Stevens counties), L. M. Einger (D.);
Eepresentatives, T. C. Frary (R.), and D. C. Guernsey (R.) ; County
Commissioners, E. Oliver (D.)', W. W. Sherry (R.), and D. B. Pettyjohn (R.);
Sheriff, R. P. Steen (D.); Auditor, Oliver C. White (R.) ; Probate Judge, J. A.
Starner (K.); Treaurer, H. H. Wolfe (E.); Assessor, T. J. Mewhinney (R.);
Surveyor, E. D. Miner (E.); Coroner, W. W. Day (E.) ; School Superinten¬dent, F.
M. McCully (E.) On adoption of the Constitution (See history of Walla Walla
county), the vote stood 426 for and 513 against. In 1877 Columbia Center, and in
1878 Pomeroy, Pataha and Assotin City were added to the towns of the county, In
1879 Huntsville appeared, and these, with Dayton, Marengo, and Grange City, a
little shipping point at the mouth of the Tukannon, formed the commercial
centers around which were growing up prosperous and populous communities.
The Legislature of 1879 took from Columbia and added to Walla
Walla county township 8 north, range 38 east of the Willamette Meridian.
The election of November 2, 1880, gave the following result: Joint Councilman,
A. H. Butler (E.); Councilman, George Hunter (D.); Representatives, William
Clark (E.); E. P. Steen (D.), W. L. Freeman (D.); County Commissioners, W. W.
Sherry (E.); Casper Plummer (E.); Allen Embree (D.); Probate Judge, tie on 714
votes between J. A. Starner (R.) and Walter F. Jones (D.); decided by lot in
favor of Starner; Sheriff, John Mustard (E.) ; Auditor, J. W. Jesse (D.);
Prosecuting Attorney, J. K. Rutherford (D.); Treasurer, F. C. Miller (E.);
Assessor, T. J. Mewhinney (R); Surveyor, E. D. Miner (E.); School
Superintendent, F. M. McCully (E.); Coroner, J. Clark (D.); Sheep Commissioner,
Charles McCabe (D.). For fence law 948, against 260. The office of sheep
commissioner was one created by the preceding Legislature, and in February
George W. Miller had been appointed to serve until this election.
DIVISION OF THE COUNTY – TAXATION - ETC.
In 1880 the question of division was discussed. For the past
three years settlers had been pouring into the eastern end of the county at a
rapid rate, and now demanded a removal of the county seat to some locality more
convenient for them, or a segregation that would give a seat of government in
their midst. The agitation ended in a division of the county and the creation of
a new one called Garfield by the Act of November 29, 1881, Thus Columbia lost
about thirty-six townships, or 1,300 square miles in the eastern end of its
territory, containing several large sections of its finest agricultural lands,
and about one-third of its population and assessable property. But twenty-four
townships, or 870 square miles, remain in the county. The school superintendent,
assessor, sheep commissioner and one county commissioner (Mr. Plummer) were
residents of Garfield, and the offices were accordingly declared vacant, S. G.
Burdick, Henry Hunter, George H. Barteges, and John Fudge, respectively, being
appointed to fill them.
In 1876 the rate of taxation was $1.60; in 1877 property was assessed at
$1,122,-123, tax rate $1 50; in 1878 property was assessed at $1,521,434, tax
rate $1.60; in 1879 property was assessed at $1,948,016, tax rate $1.70; in 1880
property was assessed at $2,630,056, tax rate $1.60; in 1881 property was
assessed at $2,747,081, tax rate $1.60; in 1882 property was assessed at
$2,726,340, tax rate $1.55. It will be seen that assessed values of property
increased gradually from year to year. The rate of taxation included a
territorial levy, ranging through the different years at from 28 to 40 cents.
When the town of Dayton was laid out, a square was reserved for public purposes,
which has been conveyed to the county. The county officers have always been
domiciled in little rooms rented by the commissioners. The auditor's office is
so small as to be a positive annoyance to the officers and all who attempt to
transact business with them. It is generally agreed that a court-house ought to
be built, but the people are divided on the subject of the kind of structure
required. Some are in favor of building a good one, while others think the
county cannot afford to do so, and advise the erection of a cheaper one now, and
in a few years, when stronger financially, the building of one that will be an
ornament and credit to the county. A frame jail stands on the court-house
square, built several years ago, that has thus far been equal to all demands
made upon it.
CRIMINAL INCIDENTS AND A RAILROAD ACCIDENT.
Without any desire to record all the criminal incidents
happening in the county, though the list is by no means a long one, there are a
few whose mysterious and thrilling nature gives to them such a peculiar interest
as to make them historical. One of these is the mysterious murder of George B.
Hager, in McKay hollow, fourteen miles from Dayton. On Sunday morning, June
6,1880, his body was found in the smoldering ruins of his cabin, burned beyond
recognition of the features. A bullet wound in the head testified to the manner
of his death, while his cut and despoiled valise and money-belt bore silent
witness to the object of the murderers. The mystery surrounding this affair has
never been penetrated, though many people have firm opinions on the subject.
The murder of E. H. Cummins at New York Bar, on Snake river, is another horrible
and mysterious affair. This gentleman was agent for the O. B. & N. Co., and had
charge of their warehouse at that point, living alone. On the twenty-sixth of
July, 1882, his dead body was found on the bed in which he slept, dressed only
in shirt and drawers, with a heavy quilt thrown over it and a doubled quilt
across the feet. There was one bullet wound in the hand, one in the right hip,
one in the left shoulder, one in the back, and two in the back of the head; also
an axe wound on top of the head, one across the mouth and one over the eye ; the
throat had been cut with a knife severing the junglar and windpipe. Seven
bullets and bullet holes were found in the cabin, making a probable total of
thirteen shots fired at the man before the axe and knife were used. About $1,000
of the money of the O. B. & N. Co. in possession of the deceased, were secured
by the murderers. Several arrests have been made, but with no direct and
satisfactory testimony to rely upon. The short time that has elapsed since the
bloody deed was committed, gives the citizens hope that the perpetrators may be
discovered and punished. The only accident of consequence that has occurred on
the railroad, was on Thursday evening, July 14, 1881, a week before regular
trains began to run from Dayton. A train of flat cars loaded with excursionists
was backing from Waitsburg to Dayton, and at the mouth of Whiteaker lane, just
below Huntsville, ran into a number of cattle, which the flying clouds of dust
prevented the engineer from seeing. Nine cars were thrown from the track, and
Dr. G. W. Southerland and Ben Hardman were killed, while several others were
severely wounded. Women and girls were thrown from the cars by the shock, but
none of them seriously injured.
PRESENT CONDITION.
The census of 1880 gave Columbia county 7,103 population, and it is probable,
notwithstanding loss of territory, that the present population is over 5,000.
The appearance of the railroad (See Dayton) in 1881, was a great era in the
county history. Being now furnished with railroad communication, its resources
are being rapidly developed, and products of the soil are increasing in a marked
and satisfactory degree. There is yet a quantity of government and railroad land
in the county unoccupied by settlers, which is valuable and will soon be on the
market. The advantages Columbia has to offer to the settler and business man are
such as will draw to it an increasing population for years to come. Many large
farms will be divided, and where one man now lives, in a few years two will
prosper. The agricultural products of the county will steadily increase in
quantity and enhance in value.
THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
We are under obligations to F. M. McCully for the following in regard to
schools: The first school in Columbia county, I believe, was taught in Columbia
district, about three miles south of Dayton. This was in the days when the
future of this county was little suspected. At the time of its organization in
1875, there were only a few school houses within its boundaries, but in January,
1879, the number of districts had increased to 38, and many substantial
buildings had been erected. The three succeeding years witnessed, with the rapid
settlement and development of this region, a corresponding improvement in regard
to educational facilities. A lively interest in school matters was developed
among the people, new school houses were erected, and there were 62 bonafide
school districts in Columbia county the first of November, 1881. The
organization of Garfield county left but 34, including " Union districts," in
what is now Columbia county. From the annual statement of the County
Superintendent of schools for the year ending August 31, 1882, we glean the
following :
New districts organized 4
No. teachers in county—males 22
No. new buildings erected 9
Females 28
No. dis'ts having no public school house. 4
Amount expended for teachers' wages.... $7,800
Average length of schools 4 mos.
Amount expended for building, exclusive of voluntary contributions $2,500
Longest term 9 mos.
Shortest , 3 mos.
Value of school property $19,488
No. teachers holding 1st grade cert'fcs.. 7
No children of school age in county 2,000
Highest wages paid—males $80.00
No. children under school age in county.. 525
Females $60.00
Enrollment in public schools 1,223
Lowest wages paid—males $33.00
Enrollment in private schools 38
Females $25.00
Average daily attendance 824
Taking into consideration the demoralizing effects of the small pox epidemic
that visited the county during the year, the above is a very good showing. The
enrollment and average attendance are not so large as might be expected, on
account of the contour of the country, which renders it impossible for school
houses to be placed conveniently for all persons. Each year a county institute
is held by the teachers, and much has been accomplished thereby toward
systematic and effective teaching. At the last session, held in Dayton, May,
1882, the increase in attendance and interest was very encouraging. Resolutions
were adopted, asking the Legislature to make provision for County Normal
Institutes, and also for public school libraries.
I think it may be said, without fear of successful contradiction, that the
schools of Columbia county will compare favorably with those of any Territory in
the Union, and also with those of numerous States, notwithstanding the fact that
the country is yet in its infancy regarding the more substantial improvements.
The
Dayton Public Schools.—Until
the fall of 1880, Dayton had not the school facilities that her importance
deserved, but during the summer previous, under the efficient management of the
directors, F. G. Frary, J. L. Smith and J. K. Rainwater, a commodious two-story
building was erected and furnished with the most improved furniture. The school
was immediately graded, and the first term commenced October 4, with the
following teachers in charge: F. M. McCully, Principal; J. S. Windell, Sina
Coleson and Stella Bowen assistants. By the close of the year, the school had
gained an enviable reputation, not only at home but abroad. During the summer of
1881 two additional buildings were erected, and a High School instituted in
connection with the public schools, under charge of S. G. Burdick and Miss
Lizzie Geary and Emma Kinnear added to the list of teachers, Mr. Windell having
previously resigned. At the close of the school year 1882, the resignations of
all the original teachers except Misses Coleson and Bowen were tendered the
directors, and for the coming year the principalship has been given Mr. J. H.
Morgan. During the year 1881-82 the enrollment in the public schools of Dayton
reached 350, and the average daily attendance was 245. The district has expended
nearly $10,000 for the property it now possesses, and no place of equal
population on the coast affords better school facilities. The census of 1882
shows 481 children between the ages of 4 and 21 years in the district.
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