Part 42

The latter acquired a district school education at Piney and Sweetwater, Tennessee, and was a youth of eighteen years when in April, 1883, he came to Washington, making his way to Dayton, where he entered into business with his brother, Joseph D. Maxwell, who was a photographer and had made photographs in Walla Walla in 1878. He had reached Washington territory in 1877 and continued in the photographic business until his death, which occurred in 1915. Thomas Maxwell and his brother Joseph were the first photographers in Spokane, opening a permanent studio there in 1884. They were later joined by two other brothers, Grayson Y. and W. W. Maxwell, and they conducted three studios for many years--one in Spokane, one in Dayton and one in Walla Walla. Thomas Maxwell took charge of the Walla Walla establishment and is still conducting business in this city. He has at all times kept in close touch the most advanced and progressive methods and employs the latest scientific processes in photographic production.

On the 3d of July, 1911, in Walla Walla, Washington, Mr. Maxwell was united in marriage to Miss May Bradlee, who was born at San Francisco, California, December 12, 1882. The birth of her father, Frank Kimball Bradlee, occurred in California in 1849. Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell have one son, Charles Thomas (called Thomas), who was born on the 16th of July, 1913.

In politics Mr. Maxwell sometimes votes the democratic ticket, sometimes the republican. In fact he is non-partisan, supporting the candidates whom he thinks best qualified for office. For many years he has been identified with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and is also a member of the Loyal Order of Moose. His religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church. His has been an active, useful and honorable life, winning him the high esteem of all with whom he has come in contact, and Walla Walla has long numbered him among its valued, respected and representative citizens.

ALEXANDER MILNE.

Alexander Milne, who owns valuable farm holdings in Umatilla county, Oregon, now resides in Walla Walla and is well and favorably known in the city. He was born in Scotland, August 1, 1856, a son of William and Janet (Reid) Milne, also natives of that country, where they passed their entire lives. Our subject, who is one of three living children in a family of eight, received his education in his native country and remained with his parents until he was seventeen years old. He then started out on his own account and came to America, believing that this country offered better opportunities to an ambitious young man than the older countries of Europe. He went at once to Umatilla county, Oregon, and for some time was employed as a common laborer, although later he was engaged in railroad work and in freighting. In 1882 he purchased a farm in Umatilla county, Oregon, and for almost three decades his time and attention were given to the operation of that place. He worked hard and, moreover, so planned his labors as to receive the maximum result and the business phase of farming also received his careful study and he accumulated a competence which in 1910 enabled him to retire from active life. He then rented his farm of three hundred and twenty acres and removed to Walla Walla. The value of his place is enhanced by the excellence of the improvements thereon and he derives a good income from its rental.

In 1887 Mr. Milne was united in marriage to Miss Mary Armour, a native of Canada, and they have one son, Edmund, who after graduating from Whitman College went to Harvard University, where he completed his course in 1915. He is now a member of the faculty of Bowdoin College of Brunswick, Maine.

Mr. Milne is a stanch republican but his interests in public affairs is that of a public-spirited citizen and not that of a would-be office holder. His wife belongs to the Presbyterian church and his support can always be counted upon for movements seeking higher moral standards. Although he came to the northwest a boy in his teens without money or any usual advantages of any kind he has through his own efforts gained financial independence and justly ranks as one of the substantial residents of Walla Walla.

J. C. MELGER.

J. C. Melger, who since 1914 has owned and operated the farm that he now occupies on section 14, township 8 north, range 37 east in Walla Walla county, has in the course of an active and well spent life won substantial reward from his labors. While he acquired the ownership of his present farm only three years ago he has long been a resident of Walla Walla county, where he arrived in 1888, while Washington was still a territory. He was born in Russia, January 31, 1868, a son of Christ and Mary (Layman) Melger, both of whom spent their entire lives in Russia.

J. C. Melger was reared to his eighteenth year in his native country and acquired his education in its public schools. The favorable reports which had reached him concerning America and its opportunities led him to the determination to try his fortune in the new world and in 1886 he bade adieu to friends and native country and sailed for the United States. He was penniless when he arrived in New York city, but a fellow traveler advanced him money with which to reach Chicago and from there he wired to some friends in Kansas to send him the funds to continue his journey westward. Accordingly he made his way to the Sunflower state, where he spent two years. But still the lure of the west was upon him, beckoning him farther on, and in 1888 he made his way to the Pacific coast country. It was in that year that he arrived in Walla Walla county, Washington, where he secured employment on a ranch. He thus worked for eleven years in order to gain a start, after which he began farming on his own account as a renter. He was thus engaged until 1914, when his industry and economy had brought him sufficient capital to enable him to purchase his present place, comprising two hundred and eighteen acres, on which he now resides. He has since operated this farm and in connection with his home place he cultivates one hundred and sixty acres of rented land. He is industrious and energetic and is meeting with good success in his undertakings.

On July 20, 1915, Mr. Melger was united in marriage to Mrs. Clara Matthews and to them has been born a son, Clyde Joseph. By her former marriage Mrs. Melger had a daughter, Mary Thelma. Politically Mr. Melger is a republican, having supported the party since becoming a naturalized American citizen. His study of the political questions and issues of the day has led him to a belief in the efficacy of republican principles as a factor in good government. He belongs to Welcome Lodge, No. 117, I. O. O. F., of Dixie, and to Mountain Gem Lodge, No. 136, K. P. He came to this country a poor boy unable to speak the English language, but he soon mastered the tongue of his adopted land and he is today one of the progressive and influential men of his section, actuated in all that he does by the spirit of western enterprise and allowing no obstacles or difficulties to bar his path if they can be overcome by persistent, earnest and honorable effort.

HARRY W. MARTIN.

Harry W. Martin is one of the wide-awake and enterprising business men of Walla Walla county. He is now secretary and treasurer of the Blalock Fruit & Produce Company of Walla Walla, becoming half owner in this business in April, 1917. He was born in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, June 4, 1875, a son of Levi F. and Julia (Girard) Martin, both of whom were natives of the state of New York, whence they removed westward to Wisconsin after their marriage. The mother died in Wisconsin and at a later period, following his retirement from active business, the father came to Walla Walla and spent the last five years of his life in the home of his son, Harry W., passing away in 1910. He was for many years one of the leading business men of Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, where during the years of his active business life he devoted his attention to merchandising.

Well defined business plans and purposes have actuated Harry W. Martin at every point in his career since he made his initial step in the business world. He was educated in the public schools of Chippewa Falls and in the University of Wisconsin, thus being splendidly qualified for life's practical duties and responsibilities. On the completion of his university course he became associated with his father in merchandising and was identified with the business until 1898, when he responded to the call of the west and made his way to Walla Walla. His first business connection here was with the Pacific Coast Elevator Company, With which he was associated for four years. Subsequently he served as private secretary to the firm of Moore & Sons, the senior partner being Governor Miles C. Moore. That association was maintained for two years, at the end of which time Mr. Martin became teller of the Baker-Boyer National Bank, in which capacity he continued for six years. He then resigned on the organization of the Inland Transfer Company, which he formed as a partner of R. H. Johnson. That business was subsequently sold to good advantage and Mr. Martin continued with Mr. Johnson as office manager of the Electric Feed Mill. During his connection with Mr. Johnson he also conducted a fire insurance business on his own account and yet remains active in that line, writing a large amount of insurance each year. In 1917 he purchased a half interest in the Blalock Fruit & Produce Company, of which he became the secretary and treasurer, and he is now bending his efforts to the executive management and direction of this business, which, carefully conducted, is meeting with very substantial success.

In 1904 Mr. Martin was united in marriage to Miss Ada Goodhue, her father being James P. Goodhue, one of the pioneers of Walla Walla. Mr. and Mrs. Martin now have two daughters, Marion and George.

Mr. Martin gives his political allegiance to the democratic party, while fraternally he is identified with the following organizations: Blue Mountain Lodge, No. 13, A. F. & A. M., of which he is a past master; Walla Walla Chapter, No. 1, R. A. M.; Washington Commandery, No. 1, K. T.; Oriental Consistory, No. 2, A. & A. S. R.; El Katif Temple A. A. O. N. M. S., of Spokane; and Walla Walla Lodge, No. 287, B. P. O. E. Loyalty to any cause which he espouses has ever been one of the marked characteristics of Mr. Martin. Those who know him recognize his sterling worth, place dependence upon his substantial qualities and feel that his word is as good as his bond, for that fact has been demonstrated throughout his entire connection with the business interests of the west. The limitless opportunities of the Pacific coast country make constant call to the men of business ability and learning of the east and Mr. Martin has found here ample opportunity for the exercise of his industry and enterprise--his dominant qualities.

FRANK ZÜGER.

No student of history can carry his investigations far into the records of Walla Walla county without learning of the close and prominent connection which the Züger family has had with the agricultural development of this section of the state. Their labors have been of the greatest benefit in converting the wild land into productive fields, making the Walla Walla valley one of the great wheat producing regions of the northwest. Frank Züger is now extensively engaged in farming on section 2, township 9 north, range 37 east. It was in this township of Walla Walla county that he was born August 4, 1888, his parents being Marcus and Martha (Jacober) Züger, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this work. He pursued a district school education, supplemented by study in the city schools of Walla Walla and by a course in the Empire Business College, thus becoming well qualified for life's practical and responsible duties. In 1908, at the age of twenty years, he began farming on his own account, operating a portion of his father's extensive land holdings, and at the present time he is cultivating between sixteen and seventeen hundred acres of wheat land, thus being one of the big operators in this section of the state. His great broad fields, a waving sea of grain, are a delight to the eye, indicating the ready response which nature makes when intelligent care and cultivation are applied to the fields.

On the 15th of September, 1908, Mr. Züger was united in marriage to Miss Lulu Edith Corkrum, a daughter of Jasper Corkrum, who was one of the early pioneers of Walla Walla county but is now residing in Alberta, Canada. To this union have been born four children, Martha Magdalene, Wanda Belle, Walter Elroy and Frances Elizabeth.

In his political views Mr. Züger is an earnest republican. Fraternally he is connected with Delta Lodge, No. 70, K. P., and with El Kinda Temple, D. O. K. K., of Walla Walla. He is also a member of Waitsburg Lodge, F. & A. M. His business attainments place him with the foremost representatives of agricultural life in this section of the state. He is alert, energetic and resourceful in business affairs, while at the same time his influence and aid are given on the side of progress and improvement. His entire life has been actuated by a spirit of advancement and he stands for a high type of American manhood and citizenship.

P. S. ALDRICH.

The time and attention of P. S. Aldrich, a resident of Walla Walla, are given to the supervision of his farming interests. He is a native of Walla Walla county, born January 6, 1877, and is a son of Milton and Sarah Ann (Stanfield) Aldrich. The father was born in New York state, and the mother in Iowa. In their youth they became convinced that there were better opportunities for advancement in the far west. They made the long journey across the plains with ox teams and located in Walla Walla county, Washington, where, after their marriage, they engaged in farming. The father passed away here in 1910, but the mother survives at the age of seventy-two years. They became the parents of three children: Dora, now the wife of F. M. Walker; Fred; and P. S., of this review.

The last named has passed his entire life in Walla Walla county and is indebted for his education to its public schools. Under his father's able direction he early became familiar with farm work and aided in the operation of the homestead until he became of age. He then began his independent career and since starting out for himself his resources have steadily increased. He now owns eight hundred acres of good land in Walla Walla county and is engaged in both wheat and stock raising, finding such a course more profitable than specializing in either industry. He owns an attractive and commodious residence in Walla Walla and is financially independent.

Mr. Aldrich was married in 1908 to Miss Mary Abbey, who was born in Clay county, Iowa, and they have become the parents of three children, Percy M., Robert W. and Hazel E. Mr. and Mrs. Aldrich hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and do everything in their power to further its work. Mr. Aldrich supports the republican party but has never held office with the exception of serving on the school board. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Dixie and is also identified with the Elks. The same qualities which have made him popular in those organizations have gained him the goodwill of all who have come in contact with him. Eastern Washington offers the best of opportunities to her citizens but in order to gain success a man must be ready to take advantage of these opportunities and must display the characteristics of industry, determination and good judgment, all of which are strongly marked characteristics of P. S. Aldrich.

A. G. WEARY.

A. G. Weary is well known in agricultural and financial circles in Walla Walla county. He is engaged in farming on section 12, township 6 north, range 33 east, and he is a member of the board of directors of the Touchet State Bank. England numbers him among her native sons, for he was born in that country in the county of Cornwall, August 2, 1861, his parents being Edwin and Eliza (Oliver) Weary. The mother died in England in 1877, the father having come to the United States about 1870. For several years he worked in the mines of Pennsylvania and of Nevada. About 1878 he arrived in Walla Walla county, Washington, where he turned his attention to farming and, adding to his possessions from time to time as his financial resources permitted, he acquired twelve hundred and forty acres of land in the vicinity of Touchet and a tract of one hundred and sixty acres about six miles west of the town. He was also heavily interested in both the cattle and sheep industries, owning five thousand head of sheep at the time of his death. In a word he was a most progressive, enterprising and prosperous business man, owing his success entirely to well directed energy and thrift. He died July 21, 1896, while his wife had passed away in 1877.

A. G. Weary came to the United States in 1878, when a youth of seventeen years. He had acquired his education in the public schools of England, supplemented by an academic course, and after reaching the new world he worked on his father's ranch and was associated with his father in the live stock business up to the time of the latter's death. He is now the owner of nine hundred and twenty acres of rich and valuable land and is still extensively engaged in raising cattle and sheep in connection with the operation of his fields. In fact he stands as one of the foremost farmers and stock raisers in eastern Washington, and in addition to tilling his own soil he also operates six hundred and forty acres belonging to his father's estate which was willed to the children of Mr. Weary. He has been one of the dominant factors in the organization of the Touchet State Bank and was made a member of its board of directors, in which position he still continues.

On November 2, 1901, Mr. Weary was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Hesser, a native of Germany, who emigrated to the United States in young womanhood. They have two children, Edwin F. and Hilda M., both at home.

In politics Mr. Weary is a republican and he belongs to the Community church of Touchet, while his wife is identified with the Lutheran church. Their aid and influence are always given on the side of progress and improvement, of righteousness, truth and reform. Mr. Weary is a man of marked force, ability and resourcefulness. His plans are well defined and promptly executed. He recognizes and utilizes opportunities that others pass heedlessly by, and fortunate in possessing character and ability that inspire confidence in others, the simple weight of these qualities has carried him into important relations. He is today one of the foremost business men of Walla Walla county and his course has won him honor and the respect of all with whom he has been associated.

A. B. ROTHROCK.

Among the highly esteemed residents of Walla Walla is A. B. Rothrock, who is now renting his large farm and is living retired after many years devoted to agricultural pursuits. He was born in Marion county, Oregon, June 5, 1870, a son of A. B. and Lucretia C. (Cox) Rothrock, natives respectively of North Carolina and Kentucky. The father's birth occurred in 1816 and in 1839 he removed to Illinois, which at that time was still largely unsettled. In 1863 he once more moved westward, going to Iowa, and two years later he was again numbered with the pioneers, crossing the plains in that year to Oregon. He engaged in farming for some time in Marion county, that state, but in 1868 removed to Umatilla county, where he developed a large herd of cattle, becoming one of the leading cattlemen of that section. When the country became so thickly settled that the free ranges disappeared he turned his attention to wheat growing and in that connection, too, won prominence and prosperity. He was a man of such energy and such unusual soundness of judgment that he gained a position of leadership in whatever he undertook. In his later years he removed to Weston in order to give his children better school advantages and there his death occurred in 1881. His widow survived for many years, dying in 1912.

A. B. Rothrock was reared at home and after attending the district schools continued his education in the Oregon State Normal School at Weston. He received practical training of great value under his father, as from boyhood he assisted the latter in his extensive farming operations. After reaching mature years he continued to work with his father until he was about twenty-five years old, when he began farming independently, renting the home farm of four hundred acres. In 1902 he purchased three hundred and sixty-nine acres of land in Umatilla county, which he farmed in connection with the home place, the successful management of the seven hundred and sixty-nine acres of land requiring his undivided time and attention. He continued to reside upon the home farm until 1909, when he removed with his family to Walla Walla in order to the better educate his children. He continued, however, to give personal supervision to the cultivation of his farm in Umatilla county, Oregon. In 1915 he purchased the homestead and now owns about eight hundred acres of land, which he is renting, as he feels that he has earned a period of leisure. The success which he gained as a farmer was due to the same qualities of foresight, energy and close application to his work that characterize the prosperous business man and he has always felt that agriculture should be recognized as having the same status as other industries.

On the 25th of August, 1897, Mr. Rothrock was married to Miss May Steen, a daughter of Milton Steen, one of the pioneer farmers of Umatilla county. To this union have been born four children: Velma S., who was graduated from the Walla Walla high school with the class of 1917; Forrest B. and Arthur, who are attending the Sharpstein school; and James S.

Mr. Rothrock gives his political allegiance to the democratic party but has never cared to take an active part in public affairs. However, his influence has been felt as a force making for civic advancement and he has always discharged to the full all obligations resting upon him as a citizen. He belongs to Weston Lodge, No. 58, I. O. O. F., of Weston, Oregon, and the teachings of the craft have guided him in the various relations of life. His salient qualities are such that to know him intimately is to respect him for his sterling worth, and his friends hold him in the warmest regard.

DELOS H. COFFIN.

An enterprising and active business man was Delos H. Coffin, who for many years was identified with farming interests in Walla Walla county and who passed away in 1909. His life record had spanned the intervening years from 1854, and his diligence and determination had won him a substantial measure of success, numbering him among the self-made men of this section of the country. He was born in Boston, Massachusetts, August 1, 1854, a son of George D. Coffin, who in 1855 crossed the plains with his family and cast in his lot with the pioneer settlers of Oregon. He took up his abode upon a farm and there Delos H. Coffin was reared, sharing with the others of the household in all of the hardships and privations which constitute features of pioneer life in the northwest. He also assisted in the arduous task of developing a new farm and early learned the value of industry and persistency of purpose as factors in the pursuits of life.