Part 12

In 1905 Mr. Hawley was united in marriage to Miss Lillie Hunziker, of Walla Walla, and to them has been born a daughter, Alida F. He belongs to Trinity Lodge, No. 121, I. O. O. F., of which he became a charter member, and he also has connection with the Modern Woodmen of America. He and his wife are members of the Community church of Touchet and their aid and influence are always given on the side of progress and improvement. He is a well known and representative citizen of Walla Walla county and there are various chapters in his life history well worthy of emulation. He is genial in manner, social in disposition and is cordial but never to the point of familiarity. These qualities have won him personal popularity, while his enterprise and diligence have gained him prominence in business circles.

WILLIAM KIRKMAN.

William Kirkman, deceased, one of the honored pioneers of Walla Walla county, was prominently identified with stock raising interests for a considerable period and previous to that time was engaged in prospecting for a time. His activities were of a character that contributed to the progress and prosperity of the district in which he resided and Walla Walla numbered him among her most honored and valued residents. He was born near Manchester, in Lancashire, England, December 7, 1832, and received his education and grew to manhood in his native country. When about twenty years of age he came to the United States. He had been identified with the firm of Grant Brothers, proprietors of woolen mills in Lancashire, England. It is supposed that these brothers were the originals of Dickens' characters of the Cherable brothers. They had designed a fancy Marseilles vesting and Mr. Kirkman came to America to introduce the goods. For two years he resided in Boston, Massachusetts, after which he made his way westward by the Isthmus of Panama route. He spent some time in the gold mines of California and then proceeded by sailing vessel to Australia and to the Sandwich Islands, but returned to the American continent when the news was received of the discovery of gold in paying quantities on the Fraser river in British Columbia. He proceeded to the gold fields there and for a number of years divided his time between the mines in that region and in California. After making and losing what in those days amounted to several small fortunes he determined to engage in a more stable business and, accordingly, in 1862, he returned to San Francisco and the next year purchased cattle in Oregon, which he drove to the market at Boise, Idaho. He there established himself in the stock business. In 1866 he took an eighty-mule team pack from Walla Walla to Montana, where he disposed of all of his goods. He then became interested in a milk ranch and dairy business, but in 1870 he disposed of his ranch and stock and returned to San Francisco with the intention of making that city his permanent home. However, he afterward came to Walla Walla and entered into partnership with John Dooley for the conduct of a cattle business. Their cattle range extended from Pasco to Spokane and from Sprague to the Snake river and was known as the Figure 3 Ranch. This firm was the first to ship cattle out of the territory to Montana and elsewhere. At a subsequent period Mr. Kirkman became heavily interested in the sheep industry and for many years he was an extensive raiser of both cattle and sheep. During all this time he maintained his partnership relation with Mr. Dooley, their connection continuing for about twenty years. He also invested in farm lands, becoming in time the owner of twelve hundred acres. In 1891 he retired from active life and the year 1892 was spent by him in travel in Europe. He had hoped that freedom from business cares and the pleasure of travel would enable him to regain his health, which had become quite seriously impaired, but this expectation proved futile, as he died at Stevens Point, Wisconsin, April 25, 1893, when on his way home. Mr. Kirkman was a man alive to all public interests and opportunities. He was one of the early contributors to Whitman College and paid the tuition of various students there in order to help them and the institution. When the receipts of the college were too small Mr. Kirkman joined with John F. Boyer to make up the deficit. He was a man of many substantial qualities and thereby gained many friends. He contributed much to the development of the northwest along material, social, intellectual and moral lines, his influence always being on the side of progress and improvement for the individual and for the community.

On the 4th of February, 1867, in San Francisco, Mr. Kirkman was united in marriage to Miss Isabella Potts, a native of Ireland and a daughter of Robert and Agnes (Evans) Potts, who passed their entire lives on the Emerald isle. Mrs. Kirkman came to the United States in her girlhood, going to San Francisco to join her two sisters who were already residing there. The four surviving children of Mr. and Mrs. Kirkman are William H., Fannie A., Myrtle B. and Leslie G. The eldest son was horn in Idaho in May, 1868, and pursued his education in Whitman College and in the Boston University, from which he was graduated on the completion of a law course in the class of 1893 and then located for practice in Walla Walla, where he followed his profession for two years. He wedded Maud Ashley, who passed away in 1905, leaving one son, William Leslie, who was born in 1901. William H. Kirkman resided in Walla Walla and filled the office of clerk of the federal court for a year. He was also a member of the city council and a member of the school board. Fraternally he was connected with the Masons as a member of the York Rite and of the Mystic Shrine, and he also held membership with the Elks, in which he filled all of the chairs of the local lodge. Fannie A. is the wife of A. H. Reynolds, a prominent attorney and president of the Farmers Savings Bank of Walla Walla. The youngest son, Leslie G., was born in Walla Walla in June, 1881, and pursued his education in the schools of his native city. He married Mabelle E. Hawman and they have one child, Leslie Gilmore, who was born in 1916. Leslie G. Kirkman is an Elk and a Mason. He resides in Walla Walla and he and his brother are engaged in farming, the latter having retired from law practice, and they are now devoting their attention to the cultivation, development and further improvement of the old homestead property which was left by their father. Myrtle B. Kirkman resides with her mother in Walla Walla.

William Kirkman was very prominent in civic affairs and exerted great influence on many interests that had to do with the upbuilding and progress of Walla Walla. His political allegiance was given to the republican party and he was a delegate to the national republican convention which was held in Minneapolis in 1892 and nominated Benjamin Harrison. He was appointed on the committee with William McKinley to notify Mr. Harrison of his nomination. Mr. Kirkman served on the first board of directors of the penitentiary upon its establishment and was a member of the board of education in Walla Walla, contributing much to the development of its school system. As previously stated, he was closely associated with the welfare and progress of Whitman College and was still a member of its board of directors at the time of his demise. He was a man of sterling qualities, possessing a kindly, genial disposition that endeared him to those who came in contact with him, and was charitable to a fault. Although not a member of any church, he was a liberal contributor to the support of various religious bodies of the city and no worthy cause appealed to him in vain. His interests were broad and embraced all that was worth while in life, yet his greatest care and his fullest devotion were always given to his home and family.

CLEMENT O. BERGEVIN.

Clement O. Bergevin, who is actively engaged in farming on section 35, township 7 north, range 34 east, was born on the old Bergevin homestead in this part of Walla Walla county, his natal day being March 16, 1891. He is a son of Damase and Mary P. (Allard) Bergevin, the former a native of Canada and of French extraction. He is mentioned elsewhere in this work.

Clement O. Bergevin spent his youthful days in his father's home and acquired his education in the old French town school. In 1912 he began farming on his own account. He had been reared to that occupation and early became familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and cultivating the crops. He thus brought broad experience to his work when he started out independently. He is now cultivating three hundred and twenty acres of land, upon which he now resides and which is a part of his father's estate. He also owns a third equity in a farm of three hundred and twenty acres elsewhere in the same township and a third equity in a five hundred acre tract. His farming interests are thus extensive and important and in all of his business affairs he displays marked energy and determination. His industry has enabled him to overcome obstacles and difficulties in his path and capable management has brought him substantial reward.

On the 12th of May, 1915, Mr. Bergevin was united in marriage to Miss Hazel Johnson, of Walla Walla, a daughter of Edward Johnson, one of the prominent coal dealers of that city. Mr. Bergevin is a member of the Catholic church and is identified with the Knights of Columbus. He has comparatively few outside interests, however, preferring to concentrate his efforts and attention upon his business affairs. He is yet a young man who has only passed the twenty-sixth milestone on life's journey, but already he has made for himself a place in business circles that many a man of twice his years might well envy. He displays good judgment in all that he does and his careful management of his property and his progressive methods of farming are bringing to him merited success.

NELSON McSHERRY.

Nelson McSherry made for himself a creditable position in the business and political circles of Prescott, so that his death was the occasion of deep and widespread regret when on the 27th of July, 1916, he passed away. He was then but sixty-one years of age, his birth having occurred on the 31st of July, 1855. He was a native of Pennsylvania and a son of J. J. and Margaret (Mitchner) McSherry, both of whom were natives of the Keystone state. At an early day they removed with their family to Missouri, settling near Warrensburg, where they spent their remaining days, and there Nelson McSherry was reared and educated. He was a young man of twenty-five years when in 1880 he was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Harvey, of Warrensburg, and to them were born five children: Lulu, who is the wife of J. D. Walter; Robert, who is living in Nevada; Joseph C., whose home is in Prescott; Urie D.; and Hester.

Mr. and Mrs. McSherry began their domestic life in Missouri and there resided until 1888, when they came with their family to the northwest, establishing their home in Prescott, where Mr. McSherry embarked in business as proprietor of a small mercantile establishment. He adapted himself and his affairs to this part of the country and the conditions here existing and in the course of years he built up a growing and gratifying business. He closely studied the needs of the people in relation to the line of goods which he carried and by reason of his carefully selected stock, his reasonable prices and his straightforward dealing he won a very liberal and well deserved patronage, so that his business became one of the profitable enterprises of the town.

In public affairs Mr. McSherry also took a deep and helpful interest. His fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, elected him the first mayor of Prescott. He was always ready to advance the interests of the town in every possible way and stood at all times for progress and improvement. Fraternally he was connected with the Woodmen of the World and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He was reared a Methodist, but Mrs. McSherry is a member of the Presbyterian church. In 1913, because of failing health, he retired from active business and turned the management of his store over to his sons. Death called him in 1916 and at his passing deep regret was felt for he was a progressive business man, a loyal and patriotic citizen, a faithful friend and a devoted husband and father. He counted it his greatest happiness to provide for the welfare and comfort of his wife and children and in every relation of life he manifested those sterling qualities which command respect, confidence and honor in every land and clime.

GEORGE E. LAMBDIN.

George E. Lambdin has been actively and prominently identified with farming and stock raising interests in the northwest and is now carrying on general agricultural pursuits on section 22, township 7 north, range 32 east, in Walla Walla county. He was born on the 27th of September, 1870, in Montana, his parents being Samuel and Mary E. (Spade) Lambdin. The father was a native of Delaware, while the mother's birth occurred in Ohio. They were married in Iowa and at the time of the opening up of the gold fields in Montana, in 1865, they crossed the plains with ox teams to that state. The father worked in the mines in Deer Lodge valley and also in the Butte mines for six years and the family went through the usual experiences of the mining camp in the west. In 1872 they removed to Walla Walla county, Washington, where Mr. Lambdin preempted a quarter section of land just across the line in Oregon, on the present site of Freewater. Ten years later he crossed the border into Washington and took up a homestead on section 30, township 7 north, range 32 east, in Walla Walla county. He then lived in this immediate vicinity until the time of his death and during the later years of his life made his home with his son, George E., whose name introduces this review. He passed away April 20, 1908.

George E. Lambdin spent his youthful days upon the home farm and acquired a district school education. As early as his seventeenth year he began his career as a sheepman, starting with twenty-five head. While working for H. C. Adams as a sheep herder he accumulated a small number of sheep and his herd multiplied rapidly, so that about 1900 he was in a position to operate for himself on a larger scale and began independent activities. In the intervening years he has acquired from three to four thousand acres of grazing land and while he has recently sold off his own flock, he is associated with C. W. Stevelan in operating sheep interests under lease. In this connection he is among the most prominent sheepmen of the county. His business affairs are wisely and carefully directed. His long experience in connection with the sheep industry has taught him exactly how to care for his flock so that the best results will be achieved. There is no feature of sheep raising with which he is not familiar and his intelligently directed interests have brought very substantial results.

In 1903 Mr. Lambdin was married to Miss Catherine A. Bradley, of Walla Walla county, and they have become the parents of three children: Samuel Allen, Mary Isabelle and Margaret Elizabeth. In politics Mr. Lambdin maintains an independent course, although he is inclined to give his support to the republican party. He belongs to Attalia Lodge, No. 294, I. O. O. F., of Attalia, Washington, and he also has membership with the Modern Woodmen of America and with the Royal Neighbors. He is true and loyal to the teachings of these organizations and exemplifies in his life the beneficent spirit which underlies the different societies. As a business man his position is one of prominence and his capability is widely recognized. He deserves much credit for what he has accomplished, for from an early age he has been dependent upon his own resources. As the years have gone by his labors have brought substantial results and he is today accounted one of the foremost sheepmen of the northwest.

HON. ELGIN V. KUYKENDALL.

Hon. Elgin V. Kuykendall is a member of the state senate of Washington and is one of Pomeroy's foremost attorneys. His record reflects credit and honor upon the district which has honored him. He has done splendid work both as lawyer and lawmaker and has become prominently connected with a profession which has ever been regarded as having much to do with the stability, prosperity and upbuilding of every district, standing as the stern conservator of the rights, privileges and liberties of the individual. His entire life has been spent in the west with its boundless opportunities and limitless resources, and with him opportunity has ever been the clarion call to action. He was born in Oakland, Oregon, October 8, 1870, a son of Dr. G. B. Kuykendall, a foremost citizen and leading pioneer physician of Pomeroy, who is mentioned at length on another page of this work.

Elgin V. Kuykendall was educated in the public schools of Garfield county and has learned many valuable lessons in the school of experience, for he has ever been a close and attentive observer of men and of measures. Determining upon a professional career, he took up the study of law in 1892, pursuing his reading under the preceptorship of Samuel G. Cosgrove of Pomeroy, who was afterward governor of Washington. In 1894 Mr. Kuykendall was admitted to the bar but did not immediately take up the active practice of the profession but continued to give his attention to educational work, in which for some time he had been engaged. He had proven a capable teacher, imparting readily and clearly to others the knowledge that he had acquired, and in 1894 he was elected county superintendent of schools, in which office he served for one term. During the last year of his incumbency in that position he was appointed to fill out an unexpired term of six months as principal of the Pomeroy high school. In 1897, however, he concentrated his efforts and attention upon the practice of law and in 1898 was elected prosecuting attorney of Garfield county, in which position he served for one term. In 1900 he was elected mayor of Pomeroy and occupied that position for one term, giving to the city a businesslike and progressive administration characterized by needed reforms and measures of public improvement. At the same time he continued in the practice of law independently until February, 1898, when he entered into partnership with Judge Mack F. Gose under the firm name of Gose & Kuykendall, a relationship that existed until the appointment of the senior partner to the supreme bench in 1900. Mr. Kuykendall then practiced alone for two years and in 1911 the present law firm of Kuykendall & McCabe was formed, C. Alexander McCabe being admitted to a partnership that still maintains, the firm occupying now a very prominent position in the legal circles of the state. Their practice is extensive and of an important character and in the conduct thereof Mr. Kuykendall has displayed talent, learning, tact, patience and industry. His legal learning, his analytical mind, the readiness with which he grasps the points in an argument all combine to make him a strong advocate and a wise counselor. In connection with his brothers he has fourteen hundred acres of land held in equity.

In 1896 Mr. Kuykendall was joined in wedlock to Miss Marguerite Scully, a daughter of Matthew Scully, who was one of the pioneer farmers of Asotin county, Washington, and now resides near Twin Falls, Idaho. Mr. and Mrs. Kuykendall have become the parents of four children, as follows: Matthew Lorraine, a student in the Washington State College; Ruth Lenore, who attended the State Normal School at Cheney, Washington, and is now engaged in teaching in Garfield county; Berdina Claire, a high school student at Pomeroy; and Jerome Kenneth, who is attending the graded schools.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Kuykendall are members of the Methodist church and she is president of the Ladies' Aid Society of that church and also president of the Civic Improvement Club of Pomeroy. She is likewise a member of the Red Cross Society.

In his political connection Mr. Kuykendall has always been a stalwart republican and in November, 1916, he was chosen to represent his district in the state senate, where he was made a member of a sub-committee for framing a new probate code. He has been a conspicuous figure in the legislative halls and has served repeatedly as chairman of the state central committee of the republican party, thus taking active part in guiding the destinies of his party in the northwest. While serving as mayor of Pomeroy he was instrumental in establishing the present city park, which the city purchased from Governor Cosgrove. Fraternally he is connected with Garfield Lodge, No. 25, K. P., and has been quite active in the affairs of that organization. He has been a member of the grand judiciary committee of the state for sixteen years, a longer period than that of any other incumbent in the position. He is also identified with the Woodmen of the World. His interests are broad and varied and in relation to the great sociological, economic and political problems of the country he keeps abreast with the best thinking men of the age. He is forceful and his ability and initiative have made him a dynamic power in the public life of southeastern Washington.

J. U. STRAHM.

At a period when the government owned most of the land in Washington and the work of progress and development seemed scarcely begun, J. U. Strahm and his wife came to Walla Walla county and cast in their lot with its pioneer settlers. They here underwent many of the hardships and privations incident to establishing a home on the frontier, but with resolute spirit they met all these and in the course of years came to enjoy the comforts of modern day civilization. Mr. Strahm was born in Switzerland, July 30, 1827, and was but six years of age when brought to America by his parents, the family home being established in Ohio. They afterward removed to Iowa and in 1849 J. U. Strahm removed to California, attracted by the discovery of gold on the Pacific coast. There he remained for three years, after which he returned to Missouri, where in 1864 he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Jane Farley, a daughter of Harvey and Elizabeth (Bruett) Farley, the former a native of Ohio, while the latter was born in Indiana. The father was killed while serving as a soldier in the Civil war and the mother afterward passed away in Tennessee.

Following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Strahm resolved to try their fortune in the far west and made their way across the country to Walla Walla county, where he took up a homestead near Dixie. There was little to indicate the wonderful changes which were still to occur as the white settlers penetrated into this region and reclaimed its rich resources for the purposes of civilization. The greater part of the land was still unclaimed and uncultivated and the most farsighted could scarcely have dreamed of what the future held in store for this rich district. Mr. Strahm became actively identified with its farming interests and bent his energies to the development of his place, bringing his fields under a high state of cultivation and therefore annually gathering rich harvests.